May-June 2016 Volume 38, No. 3

Yahshua said, “...believe Me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father ... But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him” (John 4:21, 23).

May-June 2016 MK Volume 38, No. 3

1 About the Feast of Weeks

2 Invitation to the Feast of Weeks in Rocheport, MO

3 A Strong Delusion By Elder Ed Burgett

7 Abraham Believed in Yahweh By Sean Killian

9 Impairment: Is It Punishment or a Reminder? By Eric Gentile

10 The New Testament’s Most Misunderstood Event By Thomas Stephen Guy, Jr.

11 PayPal Information

12 Yahweh, the Father, and His Son, Who Came in Yahweh’s Name By EliYah

14 YAIM Youth Messages

15

The Master Key is dedicated to opening the door to sound Bible understanding. The true names of the Heavenly Father, Yahweh, and His Son, Yahshua the Messiah, are restored in this publication. The “lying pen of the scribes” (Jeremiah 8:8) and the “experts in the law” (Luke 11:52), as well as Bible translators, took away the key of knowledge by substituting titles—God, Lord, Adonai—for the true names. They also neglected other Bible truths proclaimed in these pages. The Sacred Name is easily proved in most good encyclopedias and dictionaries under the heading “Yahweh,” “Jehovah,” “god” or “Tetragrammaton.” You may also request our free booklets, “The Heavenly Father’s Great Name,” and “The Missing J” for a wealth of well-known secular and religious sources that prove the Sacred Name in detail. The Master Key is published by Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah, 401 N. Roby Farm Rd., Rocheport, MO 65279, (573) 698-4335, FAX (573) 698-3305. Although we offer a free, one-year subscription, your freewill donation is welcomed and will help spread the news of the coming Kingdom of Yahweh to the entire world. We sincerely thank you for your support!

Weekly Sabbath Services Rocheport, Missouri: Pastor George Garner, Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah, (573) 698-4335, Services 1:00 pm Frystown, Pennsylvania: (717) 933-4796, Services 11:30 am Vicksburg, Mississippi: Pastor Robert L. Lewis, (318) 757-3714, Services 11:00 am Kenya: Bishop Peter Kihara, Messianic Assemblies of Yahweh, PO Box 79007 (Code 00400), Nairobi, Kenya Africa, Phone 726-592-890 Philippines: Stonefort Assembly, Elder Ray Saldia, 10 Datu Siang St., POB7, Cotabato City 9600 Philippines

Women’s Corner— Love & the Freedom of Yahshua

Editor in Chief

INSIDE BACK COVER

Managing Editor

Family—A Lesson & WHERE TO FIND US!

BACK COVER The Pre-Existence of Yahshua—Free Booklet Offer

Elder George Garner Renette Burgett

YAIM Website www.yaim.org

Children’s Website www.yahwehschildren.org

Proofreaders Alicia Barnard Renette Burgett Pat Fugate Sarah Hubble Roger Jackson Cover photo: Street in Jerusalem © Ollega | www.dreamstime.com

About the Feast of Weeks T

he Feast of Weeks is held the fiftieth day after offering a first sheaf of the barley harvest. This can be found in Leviticus 23:15-16 which says, And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meal offering unto Yahweh. Deuteronomy 16:9 states, Count seven weeks for yourself. Begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the grain. Throughout the Scriptures, the Feast of Weeks is known by several different names. In Exodus 23:16, it is called the Feast of Harvest. ...and the Festival of the Harvest, the first-fruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Festival of the Ingathering at the outgoing of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field. In Exodus 34:22 and Deuteronomy 16:10, it is called the Feast of Weeks: And perform the Festival of Weeks for yourself, of the first-fruits of wheat harvest, and the Festival of Ingathering at the turn of the year (Exodus 34:22). In Numbers 28:26, it is called the day of the firstfruits. And on the day of the first-fruits, when you bring a new grain offering to Yahweh at your Festival of Weeks, you have a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work. Finally, in Acts, it is poorly translated as “Pentecost.” Acts 2:1, And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. May-June 2016

The word “Pentecost” is from the Greek word “pentekoste” which is Strong's number 4005, merely meaning “fiftieth.” The Hebrew word “weeks” is “shabua,” Strong's number 7620, which means literally “sevened.” The Feast of Weeks is to be observed perpetually. This is found in Leviticus 23:21, And on this same day you shall proclaim a set-apart gathering for yourselves, you do no servile work on it - a law forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations [emphasis ours]. The Scriptures say, in Exodus 23:16-17 and Deuteronomy 16:16, that all males are to attend the festival: ...and the Festival of the Harvest, the first-fruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Festival of the Ingathering at the outgoing of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field. Three times in the year all your males are to appear before the Sovereign Yahweh (Exodus 23:16-17). Leviticus 23:21 and Numbers 28:26 tell us that the Feast of Weeks is to be a holy (set-apart) convocation, or gathering together of the people: And on the day of the first-fruits, when you bring a new grain offering to Yahweh at your Festival of Weeks, you have a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work (Numbers 28:26). We are also told that the feast is to be a time of rejoicing, and that the first-fruits of bread are presented at this time. And thou shalt keep the Feast of Weeks unto Yahweh thy Elohim with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give

The Master Key

Page 1

unto Yahweh thy Elohim, according as Yahweh thy Elohim hath blessed thee: and thou shalt rejoice before Yahweh thy Elohim, 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 Yahweh thy Elohim hath chosen to place His name there. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes (Deuteronomy 16:10-12).

Feast of Weeks Shavuote Pentecost Firstfruits

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto Yahweh (Leviticus 23:17). The Feast of Weeks commemorates, among other things, Yahweh's giving of His instructions (Torah) to His people on Mount Sinai at the Feast of Weeks (see Exodus 12:6, 12, 19:1, 11). This provided, both then and now, Yahweh's people with structure and instruction in His ways. They had been in bondage for over 400 years, and many of the teachings that went with them into Egypt were lost. The law became the schoolmaster, leading the way to Messiah. The Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles at the celebration of the Feast of Weeks. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4). Some teach this started a “new” assembly; however, it was merely a continuation of the assembly called by Yahweh many years before. In Acts 20:6 and 1 Corinthians 16:8, we can see that Yahshua and His disciples, including the Apostle Paul, continued to observe the Feast of Weeks as we do here at Yahweh's Assembly in Messiah, in obedience to the commands of Yahweh that were given in the Torah, and confirmed by Yahshua during His walk upon this earth. HalleluYah!

May-June 2016

oin us at Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah, in Rocheport, Missouri on Sunday, May 15, 2016 for the celebration of the Feast of Weeks. Services will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a delicious fellowship meal and an indepth Bible study. The word Pentecost means fiftieth day. Our count always begins on the Sabbath within the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This year the count started on March 26th. Many believe that the Ten Commandments were given on the fiftieth day—the Feast of Weeks. In the Book of Acts, we read that the Ruach ha Kodesh was placed on the Apostles and others who were gathered together in Jerusalem. For more information about campground facilities and other accommodations, please email us at: [email protected] or call us (573) 698-4335. We are looking forward to seeing you and sharing the blessings of our Father Yahweh and His dear Son, Yahshua Messiah!

The Master Key

Page 2

By Elder Ed Burgett Around 53 C.E., Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to the assembly in Thessalonica. In his letter, Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians, ...that you be not shaken in mind or be troubled neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us that the day of Yahweh is at hand. (“Day of Christ” is not found in the original text as it is in the King James translation.) Paul is referring to the day of wrath spoken of in both the Old and New Testaments. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed; the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called Elohim or that is worshipped; so that he, as a mighty one, sits in the temple of Elohim showing himself that he is El (2 Thessalonians 2:2-4). In this letter, Paul was referring to Daniel’s prophecy where the anti-messiah is prophesied to rise above all men and nations (Daniel 11:36-45). Many teach that this anti-messiah will be a man who comes onto the scene very quickly, just prior to the Messiah’s return. He then would be destroyed by the brightness of Yahshua’s coming. He would be consumed by the Messiah’s breath, i.e., ...the spirit of His mouth (2 Thessalonians 2:8). This anti-messiah would possess the workings of Satan, v.9. In verses 11-12 we read, For this cause, Elohim shall send them (the followers of Satan’s lawlessness) strong delusion that they believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. While studying the history of Christianity, one would certainly think that the “strong delusion” has been present for 1700 or 1800 years, and that the stage has been set for the coming of the “son of perdition.” After the “People of the Way” had settled in Europe, there was a great falling away. Three hundred years after Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians, the faith that was once rendered to the saints had become just another part of a state religion. To the Romans, Rome was eternal—the Eternal City. They believed that Rome had been given “divine powers” unlike anything in the world (The Late Roman Empire, Glanville Downey, pg. 1 and 2). But when this world power failed to capture the hearts and minds of its citiMay-June 2016

zens through the worship of “sol invictus” (worship of the sun), Rome turned its attention to “capturing” those in the Christian church, rapidly replacing the religions that worshipped the emperor and his god—the worship of the sun. Constantine was also a worshipper of the sun, but he became convinced that the worship of “Christ” would make him more powerful. Constantine’s conversion was not based on the principle of “self-sacrificing love” but on the “power of Christ.” To Constantine, who was a worshipper of Sol (the sun), Christ was the more powerful of the two (An Historian’s Approach to Religion, Arnold Toynbee, pgs. 110-111). Constantine supposedly had a religious experience with the “deity of the Christians.” He records that, prior to going into a battle, he had a vision in which he “saw a cross of light in the sky, above the sun, accompanied by an inscription, ‘By this, conquer.’” “Christ” then appeared to him in a dream giving him an explanation to the vision. He was instructed to place “on the shields of his soldiers the monogram, ‘Chi Rho’ (xr), the initial letters of the name of Christ in Greek.” Once Constantine became emperor in 312 C.E., complete freedom was given to the Christian church. It was a very bold move on the part of Constantine and was a decisive turning point in the history of the church and of Europe (The Late Roman Empire, Glanville Downey, pgs. 21 and 22). It was over 500 years before Constantine’s conversion that the Hellenization of the world began. In the 3rd century B.C.E., Alexander the Great, after seizing all of Asia Minor (334-323 B.C.E), died at the age of 33. “Alexander was something more than just another military conqueror. He was a pupil of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, and to this influence, no doubt, may be attributed his ambition to spread the Greek civilization eastward until all peoples of the eastern Mediterranean world should speak one language, the Greek. With the conquest of Alexander, we reach the watershed which constitutes the great divide between the Old and New Testaments. Henceforth, and throughout the New Testament epoch, the biblical culture is to be understood against the background of, and in relation to, Hellenism” (Essentials of Bible History, W. K. Mould, pg 392).

The Master Key

Page 3

By the time of Yahshua’s birth, the Romans had gained power in Palestine. As was stated, they were destined to be the world leader. “The conquest of the Greek world was one of its primary goals. Once conquered, it offered the Greeks physical protection and a government that enabled the Greek culture to survive on its own soil and on its own terms, living in the traditions of its own history. The Greeks, in turn, gave a new intellectual and artistic aspect of life to Rome. The Greeks had “Hellenized” the Romans also. This was the beginning of the Greco-Roman civilization dominated by Roman law and government, and Hellenic philosophy and religion” (The Late Roman Empire, Glanville Downey, pg. 3). The “good news” was to be preached throughout the world. According to Christendom, it meant salvation in “Christ.” In order to accomplish the proliferation of this religion, the church embraced both aspects of the GrecoRoman empire. It embraced the Roman government and became a part of it. It also embraced the Greek philosophies in order to be accepted by the intellectual aspect of the empire. “The Greek philosopher’s ideas were selfsufficiency, intellectual, and moral. If the Christians were to have any prospect of converting the professors at the universities of Athens and Alexandria, or the magnates of the senatorial aristocracy at Rome, the church must be prepared to come to the philosopher’s intellectual ground by translating her gospel into their terms” (An Historian’s Approach to Religion, Arnold Toynbee, pg. 121). There were four schools of thought in Hellenic philosophies—the cynics, skeptics, epicureans and the stoics. The cynics thought that the simple life was best. The skeptics thought that no one type of conduct was better than another, that “all action could be governed by expediency.” The stoics condemned all “worldly desires and passions because they make it more difficult to achieve virtue.” The most influential of Greek thought was espoused by the Epicurean. The central theme of his beliefs was hedonism, the belief that bodily pleasure is the primary good, acknowledging their weakness before the terrifying powers of nature, and their dependence upon divine beings who controlled them. The Greeks believed that there were two parts to a human—the body and the soul. The soul survived after the body perished and could inflict injury beyond the grave. The Messiah of Scripture never came to this earth to begin a new religion. He came for the “lost sheep of Israel” to proclaim the coming of a great Kingdom. He appointed Paul to preach this “good news” to the nations, who took the glad tidings of a coming Kingdom into the Greco-Roman civilization (Acts 28:23, 31; 1 Corin-

May-June 2016

thians 15:22-28). Paul taught about the true “good news” (incorrectly rendered “gospel” which is directly derived from the word godspell). He taught that if any other message was preached, then let those doing it be “cursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). It was in the Mediterranean basin that the assemblies founded by Paul took root and began assimilating what was vital into that civilization. It was here that the early assemblies began taking on the cultural aspects of the Roman empire. This is when and where the assemblies took on the name—“Christian.” This is where Scripture became slanted and/or colored. No longer were saints to be resurrected into the Kingdom with Yahshua. But now, after merging with Greek philosophy and religion, a man would not die, but live in heaven with “Christ” to “be with the Lord forever.” The Greek religion holds that the soul is separate from the body, and after death, it either “hovers about town or departs to a shadowy region where it leads a melancholy existence in need of the offerings brought by living relatives (The New Funk and Wagnall’s Encyclopedia, Vol. 12, under “Greek philosophy,” pg. 6071). Now, this new higher religion preached that it was heaven or hell for man. “Hell was for those not in Christ. What had developed over time in the Greco-Roman civilization was the creation of another Gentile religion” (Essentials of Bible History, W. K. Mould, pg. 526). The Scriptures were first translated in the 3rd century B.C.E. by the Greeks. Over a period of time, the Bible was translated into the Latin Vulgate, and then into the other languages of the countries that made up the Roman Empire. The first thing the Greeks changed in Scripture was the author. This was a result of the Jews’ teaching that the “Holy Name was considered too holy to be lightly pronounced” (Grammar of Septuagint Greek, F. C. Conybeare and St. George Stock, p. 162; also see Unger’s Bible Dictionary under “Yahweh,” Merrill F. Unger) The Jews replaced the sacred name with Adonai, meaning lord. The Greek used kuplos, meaning lord. The Greeks then replaced the title of Elohim (mighty ones) with the Greek, theos, and the Latin deos, both of which were intermingled in the Catholic religion. Eventually, the widely-accepted English common noun—god— became the universal name, or title, for our Creator! The name and title, Yahweh Elohim, simply “evolved” into Lord God, which is now the most common term used throughout the world for the Eternal King and Creator of the universe! The name and title, Lord God, draws its meaning from the Babylonian words, Baal (Lord) and Gad, pronounced “gawd” which was then transliterated into the English, God. “Gawd” has several meanings, two of which are troop and deity. The Babylonian term for Lord God is thus, “Baal troop.” See Isaiah 65:11 and Hosea 2:16-17 for the worship of Baal. The Greeks then replaced the name of the Hebrew Messiah, Yahshua, (meaning Yah is

The Master Key

Page 4

salvation) with the Latin and Greek hybrid, Ieous (he saves). Ieous then was translated into the English, Jesus. (The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop, pg. 52; also see Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Merrill F. Unger, pg. 415 under “Jupiter.”) The Greeks also replaced the title, Messiah, meaning anointed, with “Christ” or “Christos”. When we study this in the context of Babylonian history, we can trace the pagan names that were substituted for the heavenly Father’s name, and that of His Son Yahshua, directly to Babylon. Herodotus, the Greek historian, was correct in stating the Greeks got their religion from Egypt, but Egypt got its religion from Babylon. The “good news ” was not the only thing that was taken into the Greco-Roman empire. The Hebrew had forgotten the Holy Name for that of Baal (Jeremiah 23:27). A strong delusion appeared upon this religion and its followers. Paul saw this “mystery of iniquity” working during his travels throughout the Roman Empire and he offered letters of encouragement and true teachings to offset it. But still, the Hellenization of the assemblies and the church continued on. When the teachings of the Bible were replaced with the desires and traditions of man, then lawlessness took over. Yahshua said we must be separated from this—Come out of her My people, that you be not partakers of her sin, (sin being the transgression of the law, 1 John 3:4), and that you do not receive of her plagues (Revelation 18:4). The corruption of the church, through its Babylonian practices, began long before Constantine “captured” it for political reasons. Rome took over the apostate church and, in a number of decrees, instituted at a number of councils, modes of worship and doctrines to be adhered to by the followers of “Christ.” The Christians were subject to Roman civil law, but when they refused to worship the gods of Rome, they were persecuted, and some became martyrs for their convictions. No longer did people die and just perish, but those in “Christ” went off into the heavens to “be with the Lord.” The followers of “Christ” worshipped on Sunday in honor of Sol. They celebrated Christ-mass as the birth of their gods, Baal Troop, and Ieous. December 25th was also the birth date of the son of Nimrod, and Saturnalia). It is now celebrated as the “birth of our Lord, His father, before all ages, and of the blessed Virgin” (Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Merrill F. Unger, pg. 196 under “Christmas”). The Christians celebrated Easter to commemorate the resurrection of their lord (Unger’s Bible Dictionary, pg. 283 under “Easter,” and The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop, pgs. 103-113). None of the above observances are associated with the Hebrew Messiah. The Romanish church set up the worship of the mother and son, the Lord’s Supper (holy Eucharist), and the worship of the trinity, none of which are scriptural. The trinity was an “invention of the church” (Protestantism, Martin E. Marty, pg. 80). This doctrine of the early church, under

May-June 2016

Constantine, divided his empire and brought untold strife for the peoples of his state. As time went on, more and more false doctrines and teachings were incorporated into the apostate church. The pope eventually became “Pontifex Maximus” (supreme ruler) of the empire. Christ’s successor was the pope—the “vicar of Christ”. The pope was the common father and lord of all Christians (cummuries pater et cominus) (paraphrased from The Holy Roman Empire, Friedrich Heer, pg. 55). Several hundred years after Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, the papacy had become one of the most lawless organizations to be found in the world. Some of the popes of Roman Catholicism “were so base in their actions, even people who professed no religion at all were ashamed of them.” Pope Boniface VIII issued the wellknown “unum sanctum” stating that the Roman Catholic Church was the only true church, outside of which no one could be saved, all people being subject to the Pontiff of Rome. The “church” had become so corrupt that many rose up to protest its excesses. These were called heretics, being bitterly persecuted by the Romanish church. The Crusades were not only aimed at the “heretics” but the Jew, the Moslem, the protestant, and anyone else who was considered an enemy of “Christ”. The word crusade comes from the Latin word crux meaning cross. The “church” took up the sword to defend the cross. The Crusades literally meant to “take up the cross,” and Christian soldiers set out on military expeditions against the enemies of the church (taken in part from The Encyclopedia of Religion, under “Crusades” pg. 167). Social unrest was the by-product of the Crusades, which lasted for almost a thousand years. The abuse of their office by the popes caused much resentment amongst the people of the church. It finally climaxed with the open protest of Martin Luther, a German priest turned professor. Luther spoke out against indulgence and was denounced by Pope Leo the 10th (Babylon Mystery Religion, Ralph Woodrow, pg. 68). With the protest of Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation was started, including the development of the Protestant Church. But they kept most of the forms of worship instituted by the mother church, including doctrines concerning the trinity, the Lord’s supper, and life after death in heaven. The Protestants denounced the infallibility of the pope, the worship of Mary, and the saints. They considered this idol worship. But they DID keep the celebrations of Christmas, Easter and Sunday worship, instituting many new doctrines into their faith. (taken from Protestantism, Martin E. Marty). The Protestants fought the Catholic Church for its place in the Greco-Roman empire. They wanted to save man’s souls through their own religious interpretations of salvation. The religious wars lasted for several hundred years.

The Master Key

Page 5

In addition, the Protestants also fought the Jews, who had become a target of bigotry and hate. Martin Luther spoke openly against the Jew, setting the stage for further persecution. Luther’s “abhorrence of religious legalism and his disappointment at the Jewish failure to convert to the reformed faith drove him into an anti-Jewish fury so unrestrained that he has since been compared to Hitler.” He said, “Burn their synagogues, suppress their worship and teachings, for the Jewish blasphemy was an active menace in Christian society” (Encyclopedia of Religion, under “Crusades,” pg. 328). Where do these wars and fightings among you come from? Do they come forth of your lusts that war in your members? You lust and have not. You kill and desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war, yet you have not because you ask not. You ask and receive not because you ask amiss that you may consume it upon your lust (James 4:1-3). The violence raged to the point that many men began looking elsewhere for answers. In the 18th century, “the age of enlightenment” brought science into the forefront of man’s endeavors. Through reasoning, man would create theories as to his origin and formulate a moral code through the enhancement of “ethics.” Man was tired of organized religions that were continually battling for supremacy, so a new “religion” came to the forefront— “humanism”—a system of thought attaching prime importance to human, rather than divine or supernatural matters. These people were again under a strong delusion as a result of either a failure to be converted (Mark 4:4), or as Messiah said, You err not knowing Scripture, nor the power of the true Author of the Bible (Matthew 22:29). The kings of the earth have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her… (Revelation 18:9) and by your sorceries were all nations deceived (Revelation 18:23-24). The intent of this article has not been to condemn “church” history. It is a matter of evaluating the massive untruth with which we are now living. We should pray that the Eternal King should not judge any of us in His fierce wrath, but in His mercy and understanding. We should pray for the time of the “regeneration,” the coming Kingdom, for the coming of HIS truth. Isaiah 2:1-4 says, Come let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh. He will teach us of His way. He will judge among the nations and they shall beat their swords into plough shares and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. The Messiah says to watch, therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass (Matthew 24:42). I will keep you from the hour of trial (Revelation 3:613). We, therefore, should pray for these things—for wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 9:10). “Let not the wise

May-June 2016

man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might. Let not the rich man glory in his riches, but let him … glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I AM Yahweh which exercises loving kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Those of the “mystery of iniquity” hid this wisdom and knowledge from the world when they replaced the holy name of Yahweh with that of Baal in His holy Scriptures. But they could not hide the truths expounded in His Holy Book! As one Baptist minister stated, “The whole content of biblical history is a commentary on the meaning of this name” (The Criswell Study Bible, pg. 25). Yahweh Elohim brought man, and this earth, into existence. He then made a covenant with Israel, written in stone (Deuteronomy 4:13). Yahweh took one of the most war-mongering desert peoples ever to exist and wove them and His covenant into the fabric of man’s history. His purpose was to place His covenant and its higher spiritual values into their hearts and minds (Hebrews 8:10). When they broke the covenant, He drove them into the uttermost parts of the world. Then He sent His Son to tell them that the time of regeneration was near. In His Son, Yahshua, the spirit of the law was truly manifested. ...more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices … you are not far from the Kingdom of Elohim (Mark 12:33-34). His will be a Kingdom without end (Daniel 7:27). This is the content of Paul’s teachings, his letters of encouragement, and his warnings concerning the mystery of iniquity, knowing that a strong delusion would be placed on those who would reject these truths. For I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). We must seek and pray for the truths set forth in Scripture manifested in the Hebrew Messiah. Let us not contend for the false religions of the world, but for the faith rendered to the saints so that we may never come under a strong delusion, believing the lies that this world and its religions have perpetuated. Let us pray that the elders of the assembly continue to immerse themselves in the truth, and then teach these truths to all the members of the Body of Messiah. Let us reach out to one another in the Sacred Name of Yahweh, because He is love. He loves us; therefore, let us love Him, Yahshua and our neighbor, whether he be Christian, Jew, Moslem or heathen. May we never hear from Yahshua, Depart from me, you that work iniquity, [lawlessness] (Matthew 7:23). We must know in our hearts and minds that Yahweh is coming to live with us (Ezekiel 37:26-28; 1 Corinthians 15:23-28; Revelation 21:3). And only the pure in heart will see Yahweh (Matthew 5:8; Revelation 22:4). HalleluYah!

The Master Key

Page 6

And Abraham believed in Yahweh and it was reckoned to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). This is one of the more popular Scriptures. It is especially emphasized among those propagating a form of “faith” which is contrary to the Law. I will not spend time addressing this error, aside from the fact that Abraham’s “faith” was demonstrated through his obedience to the Law (Genesis 26:5). What we will look into is what it was that Abraham actually “believed” and the significance it holds for us today. Now, although this fact is little known or largely overlooked, what Abraham “believed” is directly related to his relationship with Yahweh. That is, Yahweh made a promise and because Abraham “believed” in Yahweh that it would be fulfilled, it was accounted to him as righteousness. Do you know what that promise was?

And Yahweh brought him outside and said, “Look now toward the heavens, and count the stars if you are able to count them.” He said to him, “So shall your seed be.” And he believed in Yahweh and He reckoned it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:5-6) You may have never noticed it before, but it was the promise of a vast progeny which Abraham believed. Time and again it is written that this progeny—through the seed of promise—would be innumerable (Genesis 16:10, 22:17, 26:4, 28:14, 32:12; Exodus 32:13). So Yahweh promised Abraham that he would have an innumerable number of descendants. Abraham “believed,” and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. Over the past millennium or so, various groups have claimed to be the exclusive “chosen people”—not only religious entities like the Catholic Church and Jehovah's Witnesses, but ethnic groups as well. For instance, some have claimed that the collective “white man” or the collective “black man” constitutes the chosen people (i.e., Israel). The Jews have claimed this title for quite some May-June 2016

time, as well. I think it is interesting that neither the “red man” nor the “yellow man” have ever claimed this, to the best of my knowledge. This is a touchy subject, I know, but all of these ethnocentric or elitist claims can be swept into the trash bin due to the promise Yahweh made to Abraham. For every single one of the groups claiming to be the physical heirs of the promise, the biological “chosen people,” can be, and indeed has been, numbered. Yet clearly, Yahweh said the seed promised to Abraham would be innumerable, that is, not able to be numbered. Thus, these people are in error who claim that any numerable multitude is the exclusive “chosen people.” I am not saying that any of these people are wholly excluded from being a part of the “chosen people.” They cannot be the fullness of the seed of promise, but can be a part of it. Yahweh promised Abraham an innumerable seed. He believed it. Do you? When Yahweh made His promise to Abraham, he “believed” it. But that does not mean he fully understood it. In fact, the Scriptures reflect that Abraham did not (Genesis 16). He and his wife set out to fulfill Yahweh’s promise according to their own understanding, and so, the blessing passed over Abraham's firstborn (Ishmael) and went to his second son, Isaac—a parable of two ways to serve Yahweh (Galatians 4:23-31). The bypassing of the first born is a peculiar recurrence in the Scriptures (Genesis 21:12, 27:19-32, 48:14-19). Usually in these cases, there are circumstances reflecting that the firstborn was the product of carnal pursuits. The Spiritual birthright would obviously be unbecoming of one who would not be of a character able to fully realize it. The line of inheritance perpetuates the blessing promised to Abraham. This is clear as Ephraim, the final individual in the line of patriarchs whom unconventionally received the blessing, was promised to become a “multitude of nations” (Genesis 48:19). This echoes the promise Yahweh made to Abraham, his great grandfather. We will discuss this more later. When the tribes of Israel were given the land of promise, Yahweh stipulated that, if they did not live righteously, He would expel them into “all of the kingdoms of

The Master Key

Page 7

the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:25). For obedience, He promised to bless them, but for disobedience it was promised, Yahweh shall scatter you among all peoples and nations, from the one end of the earth to the other... (Deuteronomy 28:64). However, He also promised that there would be a time that it would end.

It shall come to pass, when all these things have come upon you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, you shall call them to mind, among all the nations, where Yahweh your Elohim has driven you, and you shall return to Yahweh your Elohim, and shall obey His voice… (Deuteronomy 30:1-2). Now, many are not aware of the fact that the spreading of the Good News—“evangelism”—is directly related to the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6-8). The restoration of the Kingdom of Israel involves all Israel, not just the House of Judah. After Solomon’s reign, Israel was divided into two distinct kingdoms. One ruled by Judah, and another ruled by Ephraim (1 Kings 11). The tribe of Judah was joined by Benjamin (2 Chronicles 11:1-12). These distinct kingdoms (or houses) are referred to as Ephraim and Judah in the Prophets (Isaiah 11:13; Hosea 5:13) or the House of Israel and the House of Judah (Jeremiah 5:11, 31:27-33). Although migrations occur, they will remain distinct entities until the full restoration occurs (Ezekiel 37:15-28). Beginning with their captivity in Babylon, the House of Judah is referred to, in most English versions, as “the Jews” (Nehemiah 1; Esther 3:6; Ezra 4:12). Ephraim— the house of Israel—not being present for this, having ceased to be “a [chosen] people” centuries earlier, is never, not once, ever called the Jews in the Scriptures. You see, whereas the Jews—of the House of Judah— was “dispersed,” the House of Israel was “outcast” (Isaiah 11:12). Yahweh did not divorce His people of the House of Judah, but did divorce the House of Israel (Jeremiah 3:8). This is especially significant because He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Nevertheless, while the House of Judah was permitted to return from the Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 25:11-12), those of the House of Israel were no longer Yahweh’s people, nor was He their Elohim (Hosea 1:9). They effectively became one with the nations—Gentiles. The tale is aptly described in Yahshua’s parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Those “far off” (Luke 15:13) is an idiom for the House of Israel in contrast to Judah—those “near” (Ezekiel 11:13-16; Daniel 9:7; Isaiah 33:13, 57:19). The writings of Paul (Sha’ul) also speak in this manner (Ephesians 2:11-22). It must be remembered what Yahweh had promised Abraham and his descendants. In point of fact, Sha’ul refers to Ephraim as Gentiles in May-June 2016

his “Olive Tree” discourse (Romans 11:25). Remember the blessing placed upon Ephraim—that he would become a “multitude of nations”? These words, literally translate as melo (fullness) and goyim (gentiles). Sha’ul speaks directly of the promise and restoration of Israel, comprised of Jews and Gentiles (Romans 11:26). The Olive Tree is Israel. During the same time that Sha’ul was writing this, Josephus (c37-100 CE) wrote that the House of Israel was “an immense multitude, not to be estimated by numbers” (Josephus, Antiquities 11:52). These are the socalled “lost tribes.” James evidently did not believe they were eternally lost (James 1:1). Nor did Sha’ul (Acts 26:5-6), or the Master (Matthew 10:6, 15:24). Therefore, although we have been led to believe that Yahshua came to “build an assembly” (Matthew 16:18), the terminology translated to say such actually means to “edify [the] Assembly.” The assembly did not begin there, or at the Feast of Weeks, but already existed at Mt. Sinai (Acts 7:38 KJV). The New Covenant was not made with a different people, but rather with the House of Israel, and the House of Judah (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:8-10). The prophecies concerning the outcast House of Israel (Hosea 1:9-10, 2:23), are applied by the Apostles to the “Gentiles” coming to Messiah (Romans 9:25-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16) and specifically those who believed in Messiah—a chosen generation (1 Peter 4:16, 2:9-10). Sha’ul is called a ringleader of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5). “Nazarene” is a Grecianized form of the word Notsrim, the “watchmen” (Jeremiah 31:6) and “preserved of Israel” (Isaiah 49:6). The word means “one kept, watched, reserved” (Young’s Analytical Concordance, p. 771). Yahweh has not forsaken His people. “Preservation did take place, not as a nation, or kingdom, but as individuals called the “preserved ones of Israel” in Isaiah 49:6. The early believers in Jerusalem, Judea (Judah), and Samaria (Ephraim’s former capital) were all called Notsrim, Notsraei, or Netsarim Israel. They were the “preserved ones” from both houses, from both the 721 BCE and 586 BCE exiles … The Hebrew term for branches is netsarim, the same word used here … In John 15, Yahshua calls all believers, regardless of race, Nazarenes, or branches netsarim...” (Restoration Scriptures True Name Edition Study Bible, p.347). Yahweh has used the disobedience of His people to fulfill the promise made to Abraham. Though they (we) may have taken on the features of all of the nations in which we have been cast, we are Yahweh’s people. If you are Messiah’s then you are Abraham’s seed (Galatians 3:29). Let’s not force abstract and non-literal meanings into the Scriptures. Our devotion proves who we are (Deuteronomy 30:1-2). May Yahweh bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you. And may these words be confirmed by many witnesses for all who seek!

The Master Key

Page 8

Impairment: Is It Punishment or a Reminder? A Brief Word from THE WORD By Eric Gentile Possibly, you have heard the unconditional censure: “If they had more faith, they’d be healed,” or, “Impairment is due to sin.” Well, after instinctively rejecting such things, I looked into them, and found something very different. May the written Word of the Almighty Creator be our authority. First, I will be expounding upon the belief that “ more faith” is requisite for healing. Doesn’t this run directly contrary to the Truth revealed to and through the Apostle Paul (Shaul)? He is one who is certainly beyond any charge of weakness in faith. Consider the account of his repeated prayers for removal of the “thorn in his flesh,” 2 Cor. 12:7-10. Was there an answer to his prayers? Yes! But what was it? My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. In other words, so that Paul would not forget Yahweh’s work through him and his calling to preach the Good News, Yahweh gave him a constant reminder of his weakness. So, is it not reasonable that Paul would consider this “thorn” a handicap to a broader or more effective ministry (see Gal. 4:14-16) and that he would repeatedly pray to Yahweh for its removal (2 Cor. 12:8)? Yes, but he learned from this experience the clear lesson of supernal power, i.e., My power, verse 8; the Anointed One’s power, verse 9, i.e., that Yah alone is to be praised (10:17). Rather than removing the “thorn,” Yahweh gave Paul grace in it as a constant reminder that His power in him was more important than freedom from affliction. That power, and that power alone, enables one to overcome all adversity and afflictions in living, in growing in faith, and in preaching the Good News, including the whole Word of Yahweh (John 16:33; 1 John 2:14). So how might one think of oneself or others regarding a birth or acquired impairment? An inconvenience? Yes. A limitation to preaching the Good News, or witnessing the power of the Anointed One? Certainly not! Second, what about the claim: “Your impairment is due to sin? This claim also varies from revealed May-June 2016

Truth. What of the account of the lame son, Jonathan, Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9)? Did not King David, whom Yahweh referred to as “a man after Mine own heart” accord him the greatest hospitality and honor? And what of the man born blind (John 9)? Did not the disciples ask our Redeemer: Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? And our Redeemer’s reply? Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of Yahweh should be made manifest in him. Is this not the same principle we saw with Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”? Yes! For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith Yahweh. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Indeed, healing may be neither automatic, nor instant. The Anointed One is not a vending machine. Verily, verily, I say unto you, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do: for what things soever He does, these also does the Son … For as the Father raises up the dead, and revives them; even so the Son revives whom He will” (John 5:19-21). So, in the Faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3), we must conclude, as the Anointed urged: My grace is sufficient for thee, and get on with being a good and true witness for Him, even as the Apostle said: Piety with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). Yes, the Truth shall make you free (John 8:32). And, No! Birth or acquired impairments can, but need NOT be punishment for sin, and should be seen by all as reminders, that the works of Yahweh should be made manifest. And what are those works? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Yahweh require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Father (Micah 6:8).

The Master Key

Page 9

The New Testament’s Most Misunderstood Event By Thomas Stephen Guy, Jr. The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is probably the most misunderstood, misrepresented, and underappreciated event in the New Testament. It is recorded in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. A complete dissertation on the identify of this feast, including its significance to the Body of believers, is not within the scope of this thesis, but I would like to introduce a perspective that may be new to many, with the hope that it may stimulate a deeper understanding of how this appointed time is relevant today. I will begin by recognizing the sincere efforts of many in modern Protestantism to revive an “apostolic” faith based on a belief in practicing spiritual gifts bestowed upon the first-century assembly. I concur with their movement’s idea that this original congregation has left us a great example to follow in our pursuit to re-establish purity of worship. But are the modern Pentecostals truly participating in, or shaking off the false doctrine of the “church”? The Western-Gentile “church” would have you think that their institution was birthed on Pentecost Sunday, and that this special day should be celebrated alongside their other festive days, such as Lent, Easter, and Christmas. Before I refute these dangerous doctrines, let me quote a very applicable statement from our Messiah Yahshua: You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is not here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him (John 4:22, 23). The truth is that Pentecost is a Greek translation of the Hebrew count fifty. This is the third of seven annual observances which Yahweh commanded His worshippers to keep as a statute forever: You shall make proclamation on the same day: there shall be a holy convocation to you; you shall do no regular work. This is a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations (Leviticus 23:21). These annual appointments, with the addition of the weekly Sabbath, constitute times belonging to Yahweh for the combined purpose of worship to Him and rehearsal (Hebrew miqra) for His people to understand His plan of redemption, and to be prepared for the fulfillment of promises in accor-

May-June 2016

dance to that divine plan. Therefore, Pentecost cannot be properly understood separate from the other biblical feasts, nor from the Judaic context in which it was observed in Acts 2. And it will certainly lose its identity when co-mingled among pagan festivals dedicated to Tammuz, Astarte, and the like—which the Catholics chose to supplant the scriptural days they considered to be “too Jewish.” To prove that the “church” was not born on Pentecost, all one has to do is research the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words from which many dishonest English translations render “assembly,” “church,” “congregation,” or “synagogue” according to their agendas or misconceptions. You will find these words in both the Old and New Testaments, and will discover they are used interchangeably and not in antagonism—as the English frequently conveys. Therefore, one can conclude that no group of people were invented that day, but their gathering reflected a continuation of the faithful assembly which had been meeting for this occasion annually for 1,500 years! Within the seven annual feast days of Yahweh, the Feast of Weeks was the second of three pilgrimage feasts in which all Israel was commanded to bring to the Temple the firstfruits of each of their three harvest seasons. The first was of barley in the Spring during the week of Unleavened Bread, which started the countdown of weeks until the wheat harvest would be offered 50 days later. In the fall, a firstfruits from the trees and vines would be offered during the ingathering of Tabernacles. The New Testament never suspends the observance of these appointed times, but it does reveal some of the underlying spiritual intent for these days while we are without the physical Temple. Yahshua, or Passover Lamb, offered Himself to the Father as the firstfruit of the resurrected on the very day the first of the barley was waved (Lev. 23:9-14; John 20:1, 17; Luke 24:39). See also 1 Cor. 15:20-23, But now is the Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in the Messiah shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: the Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are the Messiah’s at His coming.

The Master Key

Page 10

Seven full weeks later (Lev. 23:15), the devout Jews of every nation came to dwell in Jerusalem for the feast: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place ... And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven (Acts 2:1, 5). As the Scriptures say, they were all in one accord at the Temple when the promised Spirit filled the Apostles: But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me ... to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). On this very day, which coincided with the giving of Torah at Sinai (Exod. 19:1), Yahweh poured out His Spirit for mankind (Acts 2:17), as a kind of firstfruits, or promise of the resurrection. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23), in order that those who walk according to the Spirit might fulfill the righteous requirement of the Law (Romans 8:4). Jeremiah spoke of the New Covenant, which was ratified on the day in question, as a time when Yahweh would write His Torah on the hearts of His people: “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel; after those days,” says Yahweh, “I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know Yahweh,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” says Yahweh: “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jer. 31:33-34). Ezekiel elaborated that this new heart would be accompanied by Yahweh placing His Spirit within the regathered House of Israel (Ezek. 36:22, 24), so they might walk in His statutes and be careful to obey His rules (Ezek. 36:26, 27). If you compare this to Acts 2:5, 11, 14, 22 and 36, you will clearly see that the assembled people were devout Jews, men of the House of Israel. The first Gentile convert to receive the Spirit came years later (Acts 10). When James wrote to the twelve dispersed tribes of Israel (James 1:1), he said, Every good and perfect gift comes down from above, from the Father of Heavenly Lights with whom is no changing … He saw fit, and gave new birth to us by the Word of Truth, that we might be firstfruits of His creatures (James 1:17, 18—Aramaic English New Testament). The perfect gifts from above are Torah (James 1:25; Ps. 19:7), its embodiment in Yahshua (Heb. 5:9), and the Spirit within the righteous (Heb. 12:23). These are the themes that should come to light from a scriptural fortitude of our assembly members! Leviticus 23:22 is a harvest-themed parenthetical separating the description of the Spring feasts (vv. 4-21) from the description of the fall feasts (vv. 23-44). I believe its May-June 2016

command to leave gleanings for the foreign sojourner was purposely intended to foreshadow Gentiles being included into the faithful remnant of Israel (Romans 9-11) during this time between Yahshua’s first coming when He perfectly fulfilled the spring feasts, and His return when He will fulfill the aspects of Yahweh’s redemptive history spelled out in the observances of the fall feasts of Trumpets, Atonement and Ingathering Tabernacles. Mankind has devised numerous holidays to replace Yahweh’s Holy days (Lev. 23; Deut. 16). It is time for the “church” to forsake its counterfeit origin story, and recognize its humble place as a shoot drawing nourishment from the root of Israel—Yahweh’s holy firstfruits (Romans 11:16-18). The significance of the Feast of Weeks should not be limited to a particular sign or miracle associated with that day, but should encompass a detailed understanding of the message confirmed by that sign. If you are overly concerned with the miracle, you will disregard the true message of the Scriptures for the false message of any modern “apostle” who flaunts around his false give of unintelligible speech (Matt. 7:15-20, 24:11, 24; 2 Cor. 11:4, 13-15; 2 Thes. 2:1-12; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; Rev. 2:2). In conclusion, the events in Acts, chapter 2 should be interpreted from an understanding of appointed times and harvest concepts commanded in Torah, predicted by the Prophets, and confirmed by the preaching of Yahshua and His sent-out emissaries, known as Apostles. May Yahweh bless all those who wish to know His truths, and live by every word that has come forth from Him!!

IMPORTANT NOTICE You can now donate to Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah via PayPal on our website. Although there is a small fee (2.5%) that we incur for each PayPal transaction, we have been asked to add this to our website as it is an easier and simpler method of donating for some folks. If you need help, or have any questions, or concerns, please let us know.

The Master Key

Page 11

Yahweh, the Father, and His Son, Who Came in Yahweh’s Name By EliYah Many congregations today teach that the Torah (the first 5 books of the Hebrew Scriptures) is old and out-dated, no longer of any effect. They teach their congregations that they are a New Testament people, failing to understand that, in so doing, they deny the Messiah. Yahshua the Messiah is the WORD and the WORDS He spoke in the Old Testament are Spirit. That’s right, I said the WORDS that Yahshua spoke in the Old Testament. Sadly, many are unaware of Yahshua’s pre-existence. They have been taught falsely that the Messiah first came into existence when He came in the flesh. For some reason, Yahweh and Yahshua have not determined to reveal to them that it was the Messiah who led Moses in the Exodus from Egypt. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, For I do not wish, brethren, to have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all did eat the same spiritual food, and did all drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of a spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was the Messiah (underlined emphasis added). John 5:46, For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote of Me. Yahshua the Messiah was the Rock that followed Moses as the cloud by day and fire by night. Yahshua the Messiah was the WORD that spoke to the Patriarchs. In dozens of Old Testament Scriptures where we read, “the WORD of Yahweh” or “the Word that came to Jeremiah”, Yahshua is the WORD! John 1:1-2, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Yahweh, and the Word was Elohim. The same was in the beginning with Yahweh (underlined emphasis added) Yahshua is the Word! Yahshua is the embodiment of Torah! He was in the beginning with His Father. Yahshua was the Spokesman to mankind from the beginning. To deny the Old Testament and Torah is to deny Yahshua. Yahweh is a family Name. Yahshua came in the Name of Yahweh when He interacted with the Patriarchs! John 5:43, I have come in My Father’s Name and you receive Me not... John 17:12, While I was with them, I kept them in Your Name which you have given Me... Yahshua came in the Name of Yahweh in the Old Testament. He did not utilize the Name Yahshua until He came in the flesh. Abraham knew Yahshua the Messiah as Yahweh! John 8:56, 58, Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it, and was glad. 58: Yahshua said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” May-June 2016

It is this author’s opinion that Yahshua came from Yahweh in much the same way Eve came out from Adam. John 16:28, I came out from the Father... John 8:42, ...I come forth and have come from Elohim. John 16:30, ...by this we believe that You came forth from Yahweh. John 17:8, ...and knew of a truth that I came forth from You... If Yahshua came forth from Yahweh in a similar way, as Eve did from Adam, then Yahshua is made from the same spiritual substance that makes up His Father. Yahshua and Yahweh would be “One Spirit” even though they are two separate entities, each possessing their own will. John 6:38, For I am come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me (underlined emphasis added). Two separate wills manifests two separate entities, yet “One Spirit”. The words Yahshua spoke in both the Old and New Testaments were not even His own words. He spoke the words of His Father. John 14:24, ...the words that you hear are not Mine, but the Father’s Who sent Me (underlined emphasis added). John 7:16, Yahshua answered them and said, “My teaching is not mine, but Him that sent Me.” Two separate wills, two separate entities, yet they consist of “One Spirit”. They are both the same spiritual substance. Listen to these words wherein Yahshua declares that there was no Elohim “formed” before Him and will never be after Him. Isaiah 43:10, “You are My witnesses,” says Yahweh, “and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He; before Me there was no El formed, neither shall there be after Me” (underlined emphasis added). Our Father Yahweh was not “formed”, He is eternal. The speaker in this verse is the pre-existent Yahshua Who came in the family name of Yahweh, and states emphatically that He is the only El “formed”, and there would not be another El “formed” after Him. It was His Father who “formed” Him. Once we have this clarity of thought, then problematic Scriptures that speak of two “Yahwehs” become crystal clear. Read Isaiah 44 with this knowledge. Isaiah 44:6 (parenthesis added), “In this manner,” says Yahweh (the Son), “the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, Yahweh of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and besides Me there is no Elohim.” If we didn’t have clarity on who Yahshua truly is, this Scripture would be nonsensical. If you presume this is the Father only, it would be saying, “Yahweh, the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, Yahweh...” Yahweh, and His Re-

The Master Key

Page 12

deemer Yahweh??? Look at the following Scripture, which also stumps theologians: Hebrews 1:9, You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity, therefore Elohim, your Elohim, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows [therefore Elohim, your Elohim?] (underlined emphasis added). This first Elohim mentioned is Yahshua, and the second Elohim mentioned is His Father. However, they are not two Spirits, they are “One Spirit”, i.e. “One spiritual substance”. With this understanding, you can read Acts 2:34, Psalm 110:1, and Genesis 19:24, and understand them perfectly. For those who think Yahshua is the Father and they are one Entity, allow me to present these facts. In John 1:18, the Son bears witness of the Father. In John 5:37 and 1 John 5:9, the Father bears witness of the Son. If the Son and the Father are the same entity, when the Son bears witness of the Father, He would be bearing witness of Himself, and that would make His witness to be untrue. Yahshua, therefore, cannot be Yahweh. John 5:31, If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is untrue. The Son cannot be the Father. Even though they are “One Spirit”, meaning they are both of the same spiritual substance which originates from the Father, they are two separate wills, two separate entities, and the Father is greater than the Son. John 14:28, ...for the Father is greater than I. Father Yahweh “formed” His Son, and loved His Son before the creation of the world. John 17:24, Father, I desire that they also whom You have given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which you have given Me, for you loved Me before the foundation of the world (underlined emphasis added). Revelation 3:14, ...these things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of El (underlined emphasis added). Yahshua was the “Beginning of the creation of El”. Spiritual beings are not procreated, they are created, and Yahshua was the very first thing that Father Yahweh created. From that point forward, Yahshua became the master craftsman and created all things. Colossians 1:15-17, Who is the image of the invisible Yahweh, the firstborn of all creation, for in Him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things have been created through Him, and to Him, and He is before all things, and in Him all things exist (underlined emphasis added). John 1:3, All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. Hebrews 1:2, Has at the end of these days spoken to us in His Son, who He appointed heir of all things, through Whom He made the worlds (underlined emphasis added). Father Yahweh is the Architect and He provided His Son with the blueprints of the foundations and principles of all things. Yahshua became the Creator and Master Craftsman May-June 2016

of the universe. What a wonderful glory for a Father to give to His Son. The Son created mankind, and it was the Son who interacted with mankind from the beginning. It was the Son who interacted with Abraham as Melchizedek, it was the Son who wrestled with Jacob, it was the Son who interacted with Moses and the 70 Elders. He accomplished all that by the name—Yahweh! John 1:18, No man has seen Yahweh at any time, the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 6:46, Not that any man has seen the Father, except He that is from Yahweh, He has seen the Father. If these Scriptures are true, which they are, we can plainly see that, when Yahweh appeared to Abram, it was not the Father, because no man has seen the Father. Genesis 17:1, And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Yahweh appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am El Shaddai, walk before Me, and be you perfect” (underlined emphasis added). This appearance was actually the Son who came in the Name of Yahweh. Remember, no man has seen the Father. This would also apply to Genesis 18:1, Genesis 48:3, Judges 13:22 and others. The fact that Yahshua has been called by the Father’s name is by the will of the Father. His true relationship with His Father was to be kept a mystery until the end of the ages. Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty El, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (underlined emphasis added). This Scripture came true as all Scriptures do. Yahshua was called by the Name of Yahweh, and many unknowingly referred to Him as the Everlasting Father. Why the mystery of the Son’s true relationship with the Father? It remained a mystery because if the true relationship had been revealed to the Jews, they would not have killed Him, and there would be no reconciliation for us to the Father. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, We speak wisdom, among them that are full grown, yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nothing, but we speak Yahweh’s wisdom that has been hidden, which Yahweh foreordained before the worlds to our glory, which none of the rulers of this world have known, for had they known it, they would not have impaled the Sovereign of glory... (underlined emphasis added). Yahshua the Messiah is Wisdom personified. He has become wisdom to us. When we understand He is Wisdom, then all we need to do to clearly understand the above-cited Scripture is to read it again, substituting the word “wisdom” for the words “the Son” in the first instance, and the word “Son” in the next two instances. The fact that Yahshua came in the Name of Yahweh was hidden from the beginning, and foreordained by our Father Yahweh. Now read the same Scriptures paraphrased: We speak [of the Son], among them that are [mature in the faith], yet

The Master Key

Page 13

[of a Son] not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nothing, but we speak of Yahweh’s [Son] that has been hidden, which Yahweh foreordained before the worlds to our glory, which none of the rulers of this world have known, for had they known it, they would not have impaled the Sovereign of glory… (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Proverbs chapter 8 is known as the “Wisdom chapter”. This chapter has a dual meaning. This is the case with much of the Bible. This is meat, not milk. The “Wisdom chapter” of Proverbs 8 is about Yahshua the Messiah. Look at what the pre-existent Yahshua said: Proverbs 8:22-36, Yahweh possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning … while as yet He had not made the earth … when He established the heavens, I was there … when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was by Him, as a master workman, and I was daily His delight … whoever finds Me finds life, and shall find favor of Yahweh. Yahweh loved Yahshua before the foundation of the world (John 17:24), and Yahshua was daily Yahweh’s delight. Yahweh was the Architect, and His Son was the master workman—a Father and a Son together in the beginning. John 1:1-2, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Yahweh, and the Word was Elohim. The same was in the beginning with Yahweh. Genesis 1:1, (parenthesis added), In the beginning Elohim (plural: Father and Son) created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:26, (parenthesis added), And Elohim (plural) said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness…” (underlined emphasis added). Genesis 11:7, Come, let Us go down, and there confound their language... (underlined emphasis added). The Father assigned the Son to be His Spokesman to mankind—in His name. Yahshua is the Word and His Words are spirit (John 6:63). Yahshua’s words were not His own (John 7:16). Yahshua came in the Name of Yahweh (John 5:43 and 17:11) to perform the will of His Father (John 6:38). To deny the Old Testament is to deny the Messiah. To deny the application of the Torah is to deny Yahshua. All the words Yahshua spoke were originally given to Him by the breath of Yahweh. Look at the following two Scriptures by Paul and Yahshua that were spoken before the New Testament ever existed. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Every Scripture Yahweh breathed is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness, that the man of Yahweh may be complete, furnished completely to every good work (referring to the Old Testament). Matthew 4:4, But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh” (referring to the Old Testament). 1 Corinthians 1:30, But in Him are you in the Messiah Yahshua, Who was made to us wisdom from Yahweh May-June 2016

[Yahshua is Wisdom, re-read 1 Cor. 2:6-8] (underlined emphasis added). Yahshua is the WORD and He was made to us Wisdom, not of this world. Yahshua is the Wisdom of Yahweh. 1 Corinthians 1:24, ...the Messiah is the power of Yahweh, and the wisdom of Yahweh (underlined emphasis added). When you clearly understand Yahshua is the Wisdom of Yahweh personified, you can clearly grasp this next Scripture. Luke 11:49, “Therefore also,” said the Wisdom of Yahweh, “I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall kill and persecute” (underlined emphasis added). It doesn’t matter how much a person studies, or how intelligent they are, none will know who the Father and the Son are unless the Son reveals Himself to them! Luke 10:22, All things have been delivered to Me of My Father, and no one knows who the Son is, save the Father, and who the Father is, save the Son, and he whomever the Son wills to reveal Him (underlined emphasis added). May Yahweh bless you with an open mind, and eyes to see these amazing and beautiful truths! [NOTE: All quotes from the Sacred Scriptures, 1901 ASV Bethel Edition]

YOUTH MESSAGES Do you have preteens who are experiencing difficult issues that we, as adults, know are “normal,” yet it is sometimes difficult for us to communicate that concept to them? Of course, to them, it is NOT normal. In an effort to show our young folks that there are others out there who are experiencing similar issues, we have put transcripts of messages online for them (and you, their parent/s) to read. Young men (and young ladies) have an uncanny ability to express their opinions in a way that young and old can understand. You will see this as you read through their messages. If you or someone you know finds these messages to be helpful for your family or youth group get-togethers, please let us know. Youth in Messiah should be encouraged to speak out in the way they have here. It is a tough world to grow up in these days and stay on the “right” path. To view these messages, go to website and click on Youth Messages on the left hand side. May Yahweh bless our youth and give them the courage to stay straight in a world gone awry. www.yahwehschildren.org

The Master Key

Page 14

“Love and the Freedom of Yahshua” Presented by Tiffani Robinson at the Women’s Retreat

T

he first step to being free is realizing you're in bondage. There are things that happen to us as children, young adults, and women that leave permanent scars on our minds and hearts. We have been wounded by people we love, and have trusted! Those things are hard to forget. Those people may be our own parents. We probably found out the hard way that our parents are less than perfect. If our parents were divorced, domineering, cruel, or just plain missing in our lives, these things affected us as children in ways that parents might not understand. Our friends and family can hurt us without even knowing it, but sometimes, it is done intentionally. Mental, physical and emotional abuse can come from any source, but the pain it causes is devastating. Some adults are still hurt little children on the inside. When people sin, it leaves wounds in our lives that aren't necessarily our fault, but hurt us just the same. We find out that we can't trust the people we are supposed to trust and we remember that. Then there are times when we wound ourselves from bad decisions we make. The decisions affect us for a lifetime. They can be 30 years ago or last week. When we decide to live in the world in whatever way it might be: drinking, drugs, sexual activity, etc., the consequences are very painful. We look back and beat ourselves up each time we remember what we chose. Why did I do that? What was I thinking? We look at our husbands and those we love, and tell ourselves over and over that we are useless, unworthy, shamed. The resentment and bitterness that builds each time we tell ourselves this is poisonous. The guilt we bear for our mistakes is heavy, even heavier than the things that were done to us that weren't our fault. Because this time, we chose this, and look what it got us. What some may realize is that their/our hearts gradually close. Instead of being hurt and wounded, we be-

May-June 2016

come angry. Our emotions shut down and we turn into a stone wall, where our tender hearts used to live. We start denying access to the true, beautiful person we are, becoming bitter and snappy. We won't let our husbands, children, or Savior in because we're afraid they won't love us. We're afraid deep down inside that what we tell ourselves over and over is true—that we aren't worth it, and our faults are too big, too awful to forgive. It’s then that love changes from something beautiful to a weapon used against us. It is used for power over us because, when we love someone openly, we are vulnerable to them. We are weak and they can hurt us. The whole process is so gradual that we don't even notice. Slowly we build, brick by brick, this wall around our hearts that we can't break down. We struggle against the weight of our sins, pain, and guilt. The burden of resentment and anger burns in our hearts. We drag this around and fight it time and again, all the while trying to fight it off and hurting when we fail— building walls of guilt for failing, and walls for feeling guilty. This struggle becomes all consuming and violent within our hearts. We are silent and brooding and can’t open up to our loved ones. There is tension where there should be communication. We explode in anger instead of expressing our pain, and we wonder why. Why do we fight and struggle? Why do we even try? We labor and drag this burden where ever we go, only to fall under the weight again. We run through our failings again and again, hurting and wanting an escape. We cry out and punish ourselves, we fall and bleed on the inside. We carry on until the point where we are ready to give it up—to collapse and surrender to the consuming fire within us, threatening to destroy us. We may feel completely unfit to continue, but at that point, we see the vulnerability and realization that we can’t do it by ourselves. It’s this place that Yahshua's sacrifice is most intimate, and becomes clear to our

The Master Key

Page 15

wounded hearts. We realize nothing we can do will thing beautiful. We don’t have to be afraid of this kind save us, and there is no escape because we are guilty. of love. This love is about truth. Therefore, if the Son Then we find the ability to allow it to be taken from makes you free, you shall be free indeed (John our shoulders and placed on His. 8:36). We can be free indeed when we abide in During this time, we see why Yahshua would cry out Yahshua. We are freed from the past—the pain, and in anguish; why He would sweat blood and cry bitter wounds. We find fulfillment in Yahshua’s love. tears. We understand why He would say, “Not My will Picture your heart like an empty cup. Yahshua’s love be done, but Yours.” He knew what it would cost. He fills that cup to the top. He gives us exactly what we knows the pain we feel, and He knows the torment and need—abundantly. Any love or tenderness we get struggle life holds. from our friends or family is overflow. So we find our Matthew 11:28, 29 says, Come to Me all you who confirmation in Yahweh. We find the ability to be happy in our own skin. We don’t have to strive and labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. labor to fit into the world’s mold of a perfect person. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I We can be confident in knowing that our Maker am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest made us on purpose. We don’t have to drive a certain for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden car, dress a certain way, or weigh a certain amount. is light. Yahshua offers us a new beginWe find ourselves throwing open the ning—and freedom. John 10:10 door to our hearts. and accepting says, The thief does not come exYahweh’s gift to us—to learn to accept ourselves in His gentle love and cept to steal, and to kill, and to kindness. When we accept ourselves, destroy. I have come that they If we could only then we learn to accept others, warts may have life and have it more abundantly. He comes to give us and all! Matthew 10:8, Freely you grasp just a part of life outside of our pain and anhave received, freely give. the love that He guish—to give us life more abunWe need to look around at the dantly! He offers forgiveness for women in the faith—the ones who holds for us, just a our mistakes, and freedom from our are hurting in the same ways we are, hint of the depth and striving to be something they aren’t. guilt. Isaiah 1:18 says, Though your need to have mercy and compaswidth of the compas- We sion on them, and show them the sins are like scarlet, they shall be sion He has for us, way to Yahshua, because falling white as snow; though they are away doesn’t happen over night; it red like crimson, they shall be as we would be forever wool. We can be beautiful again! happens a little bit at a time. They changed! We can be innocent again! Freedom may be bleeding on the inside, just from our hurts, pains, and burdens the way we were, trying to find conlies in Yahshua’s gentle hands. firmation in the world that hates Yahweh’s mercy is new every them. Isn’t this what it’s all about— morning! loving Yahweh and our neighbors? If we could only grasp just a part of the love that He Ephesians 3:16-19, That He would grant you acholds for us, just a hint of the depth and width of the cording to the riches of His glory, to be strengthcompassion He has for us, we would be forever ened with might through His Spirit in the inner changed! man, that Messiah may dwell in your hearts In Revelation 3:20, Yahshua said, Behold, I stand through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice in love, may be able to comprehend with all the and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine saints what is the width and length and depth and with him, and he with Me. height; to know the love of Messiah which passes How wonderful it is to dine with our Savior—to feel knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullHis presence in our lives so strong it can’t be denied; ness of Yahweh. to go to Him daily and renew our strength; to feel surWhen we are rooted and grounded in His love, then rounded by compassion and mercy and to know that “it we can know the fullness of Yahweh. We can live is well.” The value of our souls is so high to Him. abundantly and freely in that fullness. Therefore with Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down JOY you will draw water from the wells of salvaone’s life for his friends (John 15:13). We are His tion. And may we water, not only the servant, but all friends and suddenly He has changed love to somehis camels, too!! HalleluYah!

May-June 2016

The Master Key

Page 16

Anonymous I ran into a stranger as he passed by. “Oh, excuse me please,” was my reply. He said, “Please excuse me, too; I wasn’t watching for you.”

By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed. “Wake up, little one, wake up,” I said.

We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye. But at home, a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

“Are these the flowers you picked for me?” He smiled, “I found ‘em, out by the tree. I picked ‘em because they’re pretty, like you. I knew you’d like ‘em, especially the blue.”

Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. “Move out of the way,” I said with a frown.

I said, “Son, I’m very sorry for the way I acted today. I shouldn’t have yelled at you that way.” He said, “Oh, Mom, that’s okay. I love you anyway.” I said, “Son, I love you, too, and I love the flowers, especially the blue.”

He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn’t realize how harshly I’d spoken. While I lay awake in bed, Yahweh’s still small voice came to me and said, “While dealing with strangers, common courtesy you use, But the family you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor. You’ll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise. You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes.”

May-June 2016

Are you aware that, if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days? But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we may be guilty of pouring ourselves more into work than into our family—an unwise investment indeed, don’t you think? Let us all be mindful of the priorities we place on our own families!

The Master Key

Page 17

CHANGE CHANGESERVICE SERVICEREQUESTED REQUESTED

Before the world began, there was Yahweh, Who had no beginning and Who will have no end. His first “creation” was very special to Him, illustrating the kind of Mighty One which we serve. As we attempt to open our finite minds, this study into His awesome creation will prove to be an inspiring journey into the very mind and will of our Creator. Learn of Yahweh’s eternal truths and His will for your life as you study this booklet on the preexistence of His only begotten Son, Yahshua. Prepare to be amazed, and greatly blessed! Write for this free booklet today!