By Jaime Noriega | 2015INTRODUCTION
...Then Moses spoke and the voice of G-D answered him. | Exodus 19:16-19 From the first use of the word "shofar", we find that the shofar is a signal of the presence of YHWH Elohim that causes the people to tremble. This is their emotional response. After the emotional response, we see that there is an action response. The action is the drawing near to YHWH Elohim. These two responses should always flow from the sound of the shofar. Watch the Message >>
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By Jaime Noriega | 2015INTRODUCTION
Shofar is a Hebrew word that comes from a root word meaning beauty. The word shofar, however, through tradition came to mean almost solely "ram's horn". The shofar was used in biblical times for various occasions ranging from calling the armies together to signaling death. Which brings up the curious point that shofar is also literally translated as a "sense of incising". Incising means to cut or burn into. Obviously the sound of the shofar was more than a mere horn blast to the ancient Hebrews, to earn a name that signified a cutting or burning into the heart and soul of the people. The most important modern use of the shofar in religious ceremonies takes place on Rosh HaShanah or Yom Teruah, when it is sounded in the synagogue to call the Jewish people to a spiritual reawakening as the religious New Year begins on Tishri. The Shofar can be made to produce sobbing, wailing and sustained sounds in sequences that are varied strictly according to Halacha. The shofar is also sounded on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, as a call for repentance and sacrifice and for love of the Torah. Watch the Message >> By Richard Sison | 2015INTRODUCTION
We often read things in the Bible that we sometimes ignore or take for granted because either we are not interested about them or we don't understand or we think that its not for us so we try skip them and move on to easier and more relevant passages. When we start to read about the priestly duties and levitical regulation, we either read them through for the sake of reading or we ignore them all together. Many of us would even shrug off and would think that they are not for us anyway so there is no point of learning them. However, when we read new testament passages that relates to the future priests in the coming kingdom, we are quick to claim these as part of our new identity and inheritance but we never really understand what it takes to become a priest or a Levite and we have no idea about their duties and responsibilities. Many of us just want the title, rewards and the accolades but has no idea about the scope of work and the prerequisites of becoming one. Throughout the Tanakh, the term priest (kōhēn) is commonly used to identify to a person who was set apart from the rest of the community in order to carry out certain duties associated with worship and sacrifice. As "ministers of the L-RD” (Joel 1:9; 2:17), priests functioned also as mediators of G-D’s presence and were responsible for the day-to-day operation of the holy place, whether the Tabernacle, local shrines, or the Temple in Jerusalem. Watch the Message >> By Richard Sison | 2015INTRODUCTION
Whenever we open the Bible and encounter passages that relates to G-D´s promises, we often claim them immediately without considering the qualifying mark to achieve them. We often think since we are already children of G-D, we deserve everything written in the Bible. Often times, since we have this misconception, we often miss our mark in achieving the blessings because we ignore and neglect the prerequisite to achieve them. The L-RD wanted the best for us and He gave us His Torah, the prophets, His messenger and most specially His Son to achieve the best in life and yet we keep on failing on the same mistake over and over again. The promises in Exodus 19:5-6 has qualifying mark and conditions before achieving them. For many, this is hard to understand for if we have the Messiah, don´t we have everything already? Are we not complete yet and deserving everything in this life and the one to come? If this is the case then why do we need to comply to these conditions? Did Yeshua not comply it for us already? The problem with this set of mind is that is immature and for one, it is not biblical. Now, let us examine this text and understand how we can qualify for the mark. Watch the Message >> By Richard Sison | 2015INTRODUCTION Water immersion is one of the ordinances that the L-RD gave to His “Ekklesia” (Matt 28:18-20). Several denominations among Christians have different practices but the Baptists (and others who practice the same method of baptism) come the closest to the Biblical way because they do full-body immersion. The question is, “How close are we really to the practices of the early believers?” Practices of the early believers with regards to baptism were more elaborate than what appears to be simpler method as stated in the New Testament. Let me state the practices of early believers in first and second centuries. The outline here was based on the full account of Hippolytus’ Apostolic Tradition with support from Tertullian and other ancient writings: A. PRELIMINARIES a. Catechumenate -3 years were spent as “hearers of the Word” before baptism but character and not length of time was given with more importance. b. Scrutiny – The candidate’s life was “examined” and believers who brought him have to testify to his manner of life. c. Preparations – 2-3 days before the baptism, the candidate bathed thoroughly and spent the next two days fasting, praying and confessing one`s sins and spent a night of vigil of Scripture reading and instructions. The candidate also went through ceremony by a bishop to drive out any demons (I would assume this is similar to the bondage breaker). The preferred times of baptism according to Baptism were Passover and Pentecost. Record also showed that even the one who administers the baptism and those with them fasted with the candidates as well. B. PRE-BAPTISMAL LITURGY a. Blessing the water. A prayer or liturgy was uttered to sanctify the water for baptism. They would also use running water, i.e., thus the phrase ``living water`` and were consistent with the practices of the Qumranic Jewish community during the first century. b. Renunciation of Satan. The candidate had to verbally renounce satan and his works. c. Anointing with Oil. The candidate was anointed with oil before baptism to make any evil spirit to depart from the person. C. BAPTISM PROPER a. Confession of Faith. The candidate was required to verbally acknowledge his/her belief to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. b. Immersion. The candidate shall be immersed and in many records (Tertullian, Hippolytus, etc) was immersed 3 times. Possible explanation refers to the influence of the Triune formula in Matt 28. The administrator’s hand rested on the candidate’s head and after each confession plunges it beneath the water. c. Anointing with Oil of Thanksgiving. This was done by a congregational leader as soon as the one baptized emerged from the water. He then dried himself, put on his clothes, and was led into the assembly. D. POST-BAPTISMAL LITURGY a. Laying on of hands and second anointing. The leader laid a hand on the newly-baptized person’s head, prayed, poured oil on his head and “signed him”. b. Kiss of Peace and communal meal. The kiss was a sign of fellowship and brotherly love. The newly baptized person was given bread and a cup of the fruit of the vine and a cup of water and milk mixed with honey. This symbolized entrance into Canaan, the promise land. The practices of baptism of the second and third century believers appeared to be lengthy, tedious and complicated and some would even accuse them of “legalism” but definitely it worked for them. History tells us that they produced believers that are well rooted to the faith and to the Word of G-D. They became martyrs of old. They were able to endure severe persecutions and stood their ground in times of extreme trials of faith. The intensity of those practices did not only make them strong in the faith but developed camaraderie among local members of the congregation thus they don’t normally move from one congregation to another unless they have to move to a far away land due to persecution. They stick together till death. If we compare our practices to the old days and how easy it is for one to be baptized today, we can’t help but compare as well the quality of Christians we have nowadays with that of the early days. I just wonder how many Christians will stand and stick to the faith when the times of great trial comes. No wonder the Bible prophesied about the falling away of “so-called” believers but those who are deeply rooted will stand. We may not be able to do the intensive ceremony they used to have but at least we have to learn the fact that the early believers did not take lightly G-D`s commandments, something that we need to emulate. By Jonah Doctura | 2015INTRODUCTION
Ancient Israel´s destiny was to become a Kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6) and to become "Light to the nations" to lamp people´s walk with YHWH (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). This is why Father YHWH in His sovereignty positioned the nation of Israel at the crossroads of the major trade routes of the ancient world - between three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. But Israel did not fulfill this prophetic destiny because of sin and rebellion. They desired instead, to conform their lives to the standards of the wicked nations around them rather than conform to Abba´s standards of righteousness as revealed in the Torah-law (Deuteronomy 6:25). However those who come to faith in Yeshua HaMashiach, become children of Abraham and are thus Israelites who have been grafted in to the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11). YHWH´s calling and purposes for Israel are without repentance (irrevocable, Romans 11:29). What ancient Israel failed to accomplish because of disobedience, rebellion and faithlessness will be left to grafted-in Israel, the one new man in Messiah Yeshua, to accomplish (refer Romans 11:24-32). Watch the Message >> By Richard Sison | 2015INTRODUCTION
One of the hottest and most controversial topics discussed in the biblical circle is the Law and unfortunately it is one of the most misinterpreted words in the Bible. Misunderstanding of the word “Law” has caused wrong interpretation of many biblical passages leading to bad theologies that eventually lead into practices. It became a stumbling block to many believers and caused divisions among the people of G-D. Many believers were persecuted because they follow G-D’s Law. Mainstream Christianity, as a whole, for the longest time, has embraced the idea that the Law has been done away with and thus, we should no longer observe the Sabbath, Feasts and other “Old” commandments as we are now “free” from them through Christ. History would tell us that this is not the case in the beginning. As a matter of fact, we have the account of Luke written in the book of Acts that the apostles and their companions were still observing the Law and the commandments. As a matter of fact in Luke’s account in the book of Acts, Paul observed the Sabbath 200 times (Acts 13:14, 44; 17:2, etc) He also observed the Passover (1 Cor 5:7-8), Unleavened Bread (Acts 20:6), Pentecost (Acts 20:16), Day of Atonement (Acts 27:9), circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3), performed purification rites and even sacrificed to the Temple! (Acts 21:26). If Paul indeed said that the Law has been done away with, why would he do them himself? He even said in Col 2:16-17 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” This is a KJV that translates the Scriptures literally but they translated the Greek word “de” and added “is” to force it as if Paul is saying that it those things should not be done anymore. But the Greek “de” could also mean “for” and with this conjunction, it became favorable towards the commandments and no need to add the word “is”, making it more agreeable to the rest of the Scriptures. Sabbath and the Feasts are shadows of what is to come. Watch the Message >> By Jonah Doctura | 2015.INTRODUCTION
Exodus from Egypt occurred in the middle of the month of Nisan, immediately following the first Passover, according to the Scripture. The mixed-multitude of Israelites journeyed for 44 days until the third new moon (or the 1st day of the month of Sivan, Ex 19:11), when they encamped opposite Mount Sinai, the place where Moses was initially commissioned. Moses then ascended the mountain and the L-RD commanded him to tell the leaders that if they would obey the L-RD and keep His covenant, then they would be the L-RD´s "kingdom of priests" and "holy nation"(Ex 19:5-6). After delivering the message, the people responded by proclaiming, kol asher diber Adonai ma´aseh ("all that the L-RD has spoken, we shall do"). Moses then returned to the mountain and was told to command the people to sanctify themselves before the L-RD descended upon the mountain in three days. The people were to abstain from worldly comforts and not so much as touch (under penalty of death) the boundaries of the mountain. "Be ready for the third day; for on the third day the L-RD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people." Watch the Message >> By Richard Sison | 2015INTRODUCTION
Understanding Paul´s Actions 1. Paul preaching in the synagogues in Damascus (Acts 9:20) 2. Paul and Barnabas preaching at Synagogue of Salamis on Sabbath Day (Acts 13:5, 44) 3. Paul and Barnabas preached at the Iconium Synagogue (Acts 14:1) 4. Circumcision of Timothy (Acts 16:3) 5. Paul’s custom to go to Synagogue on Sabbath day Acts 17:2 6. Went three time to synagogue on Sabbath day at Thessalonica Acts 17:1-3 7. Paul went to synagogue in Berea Acts 17:10-12 8. Paul taught in the Synagogue in Athens Acts 17:16-17 9. Paul was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath in Corinth He stayed there for 1 year and six months Acts 18:4 10. Paul kept Nazarite vow and completed it in Achaia Acts 18:18 11. Paul attended synagogue in Ephesus for 3 months Acts 19:8 12. Paul intending to be in Jerusalem at Feast of Pentecost Acts 20:16 13. Luke recorded that there was misconception about Paul teaching to forsake the Law and not circumcise but James testified and belied this allegations Acts 21:15-24 14. Paul performed Nazarite vow, purification rites and sacrificed in the Temple Acts 21:23-26 15. Paul was seen in the Temple for 7 days Acts 21:27 16. Paul spoke in Hebrew dialect Acts 21:40 17. Paul in his defense never mentioned that Law has been abolished or replaced as alleged by his accusers Acts 22:1-21 18. Paul’s defenses belied the accusation that he is against the Law or it has been done away with Acts 24:10-21 19. Paul belied the accusation against him regarding the Law and the Temple Acts 25:8 20.Paul did not admit to the accusation against him with regards to abolition of the Law Acts 26:4-23 21. Paul belied that he violated Jewish customs Acts 28:17 Could someone who followed the Torah speak against it? Watch the Message >> By Jonah Doctura | 2015INTRODUCTION
Today, billions of humanity are drifting into vital decisions that will affect their entire life, and one of those decisions is the question of truthfulness in "churches". Christianity is driven now more than ever by what is personality-centred best choir, or the best praise-worship teams, or the best uplifting sermons. One that deals mainly on psychological make-up of the current congregational audience, rather than teaching and preaching the true status of mankind, from their defiance of the "commandments" of the one true G-D of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. If the Father Almighty is working in the current History of Mankind, and is about to send His only begotten son, Yeshua of Nazareth, as King of kings and Lord of lords, who will know rule the earth with an iron hand, we all need to be careful on how we worship our Father in Heaven, and His Redeemer and to work out our only "salvation with fear and trembling". Yet for the last 2,000 years, religious wars with horrendous results and now splitting churches to almost 48,000 denominations and increacsing claims to have the "truth" as they understood it have become a "way" to make the church a social thing, a sort of Mediterranean club, exclusive to those who believe their philosophy of theological understanding based on the teachings of Christian fathers, whose perception is already way off by claiming that the Torah is done away at the cross. Watch the Message >> |
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