Know therefore that Yahweh thy Elohim, He is Elohim, the faithful El, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness with them that love Him and keep His those that keep His commadments unto a thousand generations, And now, Israel, what does Yahweh thy Elohim require of thee, but to fear Yahweh thy Elohim, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve Yahweh thy Elohim with all thy heart and with all thy soul, Deuteronomy 7:9;10:12.
The fourth day of Creation. "Elohim said, ‘There shall be lights ( ’ohr - luminaries) in the expanse of the heavens to divide (Qadash - separate and set apart) day from night. And let them exist as signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: signs in Hebrew oth - signals, distinguishing makers, and remembrances; non-verbal representations which have meaning; illustrations, examples, and metaphors which make something more clearly known; an accounting used in evaluating recompense and reward; communicative standards; an ensign at the end of an upright pole or tree (Deuteronomy 21:23) (Galatians 3:13) conveying a the message to His followers) for the appointed times and places (Mo'adim - the designated periods which are related to others for a specific purpose authorized by the authority; the set-apart times for the called out ones'), for days, and for years (L'Shana - as the measure of life)." to change, alter (Qal) to change (Piel) to change, alter (Pual) to be changed. Genesis 1:14. Miqra’, meaning "called-out assembly," represent the three titles Yahweh uses in Leviticus to describe the celebration of His seven scheduled appointed times with mankind. Leviticus 23:4.
This fresh perspective, coined the "Collective Futurist View," chronicles the various time periods of prophecy by taking you point by point through the Appointed Times & Seasons, explaining when end-time events could transpire and how Yahweh's inspired prophecies relate to one another. Over 2,000 years ago, Daniel's scroll was prophecy to be locked away until just before the end: "The words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end... none of the wicked will understand, but the ones given insight will understand. Daniel 12:9,10. No doubt, these ancient prophecies, held secret by Yahweh these many centuries, are being unsealed at this time in human history to guide those willing to look by His Son, listen and learn endurance till the end. Matthew 24:12,13
In Hebrew, the root was mainly used to denote entering into somewhere or something (kanas), bringing something or someone in, or gathering many individuals (kines). Only later, was this root conjugated in other "binyanim," and produced an abundance of nouns. In summary, it can make a world of difference what words we use. So what does hitkansut mean? Originally, in medieval Hebrew, hitkansut was an assembly, a gathering, a usage that is still valid today. When Israelis gather today for a rally or a meeting, the speaker will open by saying: "hitkanasnu po hayom…" (we have gathered here today…). But in modern Hebrew, hitkansut can also mean to withdraw into oneself. The New Testament was not originally in Greek, but in Aramaic and Hebrew. Extant Aramaic copies of the New Testament quote Aramaic Old Testament sources where Hebrew copies of the New Testament that exist tend to quote the Massoretic text (Tanakh) Aramaic Tanakh from the original Hebrew. If the New Testament is rooted in the Hebrew Language, then its teachings also derive from the Hebrew culture and are embedded in the Hebrew - and not pagan Greek - view of truth. Those who would object to this reality must be asked the question, does arguing for a Greek New Testament bring one closer to the truth, or take one further from it, knowing that the Old Testament is a thoroughly Hebrew work? Is the New Testament a complete replacement of Old Testament teachings, with entirely new truth flavored with Hellenistic thought, practice, and understanding? Not according to the Apostle Shaul. He wrote that the New Testament is built on the foundation of the Old Testament prophets as well as the apostles, Ephesians 2:18-22. Yahshua the Messiah gave the directive to "search the Scriptures," John 5:39-42, Yet and still he also said: and yet you will not come to me, that you may have life. I receive not glory from men. But I know you, that you have not the love of Elohim in yourselves. The only "scriptures" extant at that time were those of the Old Testament. The New Testament writings were not yet finished and compiled. In his parable of Lazarus, Yahshua again advised the unknowing to listen to "Moses and the prophets," meaning the Old Testament, Luke 16:29. It was these same Old Testament Scriptures that the "noble Bereans" used to establish truth in Acts 17:11, Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so. Based upon Colossians 1:8-10, there are two things required to cross the divide between faith and trust, between faith unseen and knowing. The first is "an abundance of correct and precise knowledge." The second is discernment: "an awareness which connects and relates things." And the very ones Shaul told Timothy, for instruction which is in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16,17. Scripturally, the assembly and temple of Yahweh does not mean a building, religious institution or organization.
The Revelation of Yahshua the Messiah, which YAHWEH gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Revelation 1:1
Isaiah 53:1-12 ~ John 1:36 ~ 1 Peter 1:18-21 ~ Revelation 5:5,12
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Yah'shua : for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21. The Messiah Yahshua's name means "Yah[weh] is Salvation" or "Yah[weh] delivers." Its meaning carries us forward from the mere word to the exalted official position, on account of which he can "save them to the uttermost that come unto YAHWEH by him" as the means of salvation provided by his Father, Yahweh. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto YAHWEH by him, seeing he lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25; John 3:16,17; Acts 5:31; 1 John 4:14. The Isle of Patmos lies about thirty-seven miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Mediterranean Sea. It is about ten miles long and six miles wide at the north end, and consists mainly of volcanic hills and rocky ground. It was an island used by the Romans to exile prisoners. It was in the year 95 A.D. during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian that the Apostle John was exciled there for his faith in our Heavenly Father Elohim Yahweh the Almighty, and in our brother Yahshua the Son of YAHWEH. It was a lonely, deserted, barren place, despite the fact John was alone and in desperate circumstances, he decided to Worship YAHWEH. Little did John realize that this worship experience would not only dramatically transform his own life, it would impact generations to come and affect the destiny of the entire world. As John was in the Spirit on this day, he received. For this reason Yahshua was perfected Through divine revelation, Elohim ie. Yahweh chose to show forth and communicate through His Son Yahshua..In all ages YAHWEH'S appointed have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth's sake, The Revelation of Yahshua the Messiah, which YAHWEH gave unto him, entrusted to the Messiah and he unto the Apostle John. The Revelation of Yahshua the Messiah, which YAHWEH gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of YAHWEH, and of the testimony of Yahshua the Messiah, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven assemblies which are in Asia: Favour be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the Seven Spirits which are before his throne; I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Yahshua the Messiah, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of YAHWEH, and for the testimony of Yahshua the Messiah. Revelation 1:1-4,9. I was in the Spirit on the day of YAHWEH, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Revelation 1:10. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spoke, and Elohim answered him by a voice. Exodus 19:19. This is the first reference to trumpets in the OT, and it is significant that the "voice" of the trumpet was coming not from man, but from Yahweh. The setting was the awe-inspiring scene at Mount Sinai, when YAHWEH gave Moses the Ten Commandments. We also today can speak with, and for our Father and only true Elohim through the authority Yahweh gave to his Son Yahshua, if we speak His Word plainly and clearly and in truth of our Father and His Son. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise you, except you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 1 Corinthians 14:8-10. We ourselves may soon hear the trumpet of Yahweh, for the return of Yahshua is drawing near. For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of YAHWEH: and the dead in the Messiah shall rise first.1 Thessalonians 4:16. Yahweh's voice saying: I am the ALEPH and TAU, the First and the Last; and,`What you see, write in a scroll, and send to the seven assemblies that are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.' Revelation 1:1-3, 9-11.
In the terrible persecution that followed, the apostle John did much to confirm and strengthen the faith of the believers. He bore a witness which his adversaries could not controvert and which helped his brethren to meet with courage and loyalty the trials that came upon them. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have viewed attentively and our hands felt, concerning the word of life, (yes, the life was made manifest, and we have seen and are bearing witness and reporting to YOU the everlasting life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us,) that which we have seen and heard we are reporting also to YOU, that YOU too may be having a sharing with us. Furthermore, this sharing of ours is with the Father and with his Son Yahshua the Messiah. And so we are writing these things that our joy may be in full measure. 1 John 1:1-4. John lived to be very old. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the ruin of the stately temple. The last survivor of the disciples who had been intimately connected with the saviour, his message had great influence in setting forth the fact that Yahshua is the Messiah that he was sent forth by Yahweh, as the Redeemer of the world. No one could doubt his sincerity, and many were led to turn from unbelief.
The apostles followed the Messiah through dire conflicts; they endured self-denial and experienced bitter disappointments; If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of YAHWEH, but joint heirs with the Messiah, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together. Consequently I reckon that the sufferings of the present season do not amount to anything in comparison with the glory that is going to be revealed in us. For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revealing of the children of Elohim. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will but through him that subjected it, on the basis of hope that the creation itself also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of YAHWEH. For we know that all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now. Not only that, but we ourselves also who have the firstfruits, of the Spirit, yes, we ourselves groan within ourselves, while we are earnestly waiting for adoption, the release from our bodies by ransom. For we were saved in this hope; but hope that is seen is not hope, for when a man sees a thing, does he hope for it? But if we hope for what we do not see, we keep on waiting for it with endurance. Romans 8:17-25.
I will move on to the purpose of this blog and share other truths, also of the seven assemblies of Revelation. The apostle Paul his third missionary journey was different from the first two. On the first two journeys, Paul reached into new areas where he preached the gospel. On the third journey, Paul visited no new areas, but went to strengthen believers in cities where he had already been. After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Acts 18:23. On the second missionary journey Yahweh's Holy Spirit directed Paul away from Asia..Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. Acts 16:6..because Elohim wanted him to spend most of his time in Europe (Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Athens, etc.). On the third missionary journey, most of Paul's time was spent in Asia, in the city of Ephesus. The people in the city of Ephesus were very superstitious. They believed in magic and witchcraft. They worshipped idols, pagan manmade Gods. Paul came into this city with the message of our True Living Elohim and of our Messiah Yahshua. Acts 15:41; 1 Thessalonians 3:2,13.
In the course of events, while A·pol´los was in Corinth, Paul went through the inland parts and came down to Eph´e·sus, and found some disciples; This became known to all, both the Hebrews and the Greeks that dwelt in Eph´e·sus; and a fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Messiah went on being magnified. Also, YOU behold and hear how not only in Eph´e·sus but in nearly all the district of Asia this Paul has persuaded a considerable crowd and turned them to another opinion, He says that man-made Gods are not of YAHWEH at all. When, finally, the city recorder had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Eph´e·sus, who really is there of mankind that does not know that the city of the E·phe´sians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Acts 19:1,17,26,35.
If, like men, I have fought with wild beasts at Eph´e·sus, of what good is it to me? If the dead are not to be raised up, "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die." But I am remaining in Eph´e·sus until the [festival of] Pentecost; for a large door that leads to activity has been opened to me, but there are many opposers. However, if Timothy arrives, see that he becomes free of fear among YOU, for he is performing the work of YAHWEH, even as I am. Let no one, therefore, look down upon him. Conduct him partway in peace, that he may get here to me, for I am waiting for him with the brothers. 1 Corinthians 15:32; 16:8-11.
Paul, an apostle of Yahshua by the will of YAHWEH, to the holy ones who are [in Eph´e·sus] and faithful ones in union with the Messiah: Ephesians 1:1. Just as I encouraged you to stay in Eph´e·sus when I was about to go my way into Mac·e·do´ni·a, so I do now, that you might command certain ones not to teach different teachings, other than of our Messiah, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than the work of YAHWEH—which is by faith. Really the objective of this mandate is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience and out of faith without hypocrisy. By deviating from these things certain ones have been turned aside into idle talk, wanting to be teachers of law, but not perceiving either the things they are saying or the things about which they are making strong assertions. 1 Timothy 1:3-7.
Besides this, in the 1st Century the apostle Paul named the names of those who were notorious in wrecking the faith of those who followed the Messiah's teachings. For instance, in his 2nd letter to Timothy 2:17,18. Paul mentioned Hymenaeus and Philetus by name, saying of them: "These very men have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred; and they are subverting the faith of some. "We are not told anything about the man Nicolaus. Neither are we told anything about the teaching of Nicolaus and why Yahshua hated the deeds of his followers. But, evidently the sect of Nicolaus was not a stand-alone sect as we might think of a sect today as being; but rather, the sect of Nicolaus evidently operated as a sub-sect, submerged within the assemblies back then, and sects then have become cults today in all those who follow Religion. Likely the sect of Nicolaus accepted much of the teachings of the apostles but differed only in a few key doctrines—or perhaps just one. At any rate, the sect posed a very real spiritual danger to the Messiah's assembly. It is obvious that the true Elohim, who is himself ‘the El of truth’ and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to religious organizations that teach falsehood. Psalm 31:15; Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8.
While I do believe as the Messiah said, In the parable of the marriage banquet in Matthew 22:14, Yahshua said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." The NIV replaced the word called with invited. Everyone that hears the gospel is called or invited. Only those who respond to the requirements and are faithful until death Revelation 2:10, are chosen for salvation. I do not believe that any of the anoited are in heaven yet, also taking into consideration the above verses in 2 Timothy 2:17,18 - about Hymenaeus and Philetus who deviated from the truth, saying the resurrection ocurred already. Based on the understanding of scriptures such as Revelation 14:1-4, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that 144,000 of mankind will go to heaven to rule with Yahshua in his Kingdom, as I also believe this is true, it doesn't mean that any religion is true in their interpertation of the Scriptures. Most of these are said to be already in heaven as taught by the Watchtower. So this is a deviation of the truth, an expressed belief which is not in accordance with the teachings of Yahshua nor the prophets in the NT. Magicians spend countless hours preparing and practicing for their big show of illusion, and they never expose their secrets. Like magicians, the Watchtower Society puts forth considerable effort in the clever and manipulative preparation of their writings to present ingenious statements and masterful arrangements of misleading propositions. The numerous deceitful writing tricks that are deliberately implemented within Watchtower publications. Many mind controlling religious institutions utilize these cheap hypnotic writing tricks to convince loyal followers that they have the "truth", but couldn't be further from the truth. I don't have to be in any religion including the JW's religion, to know Yahshua is not Elohim ie. Yahweh, and HE is NOT A GOD, nor is Yahshua, a god.
The Messiah traveled from village to village, teaching in the synagogues and healing those who were suffering. Yahshua's teachings were extraordinary. He challenged the established religious zealots and their authorities to repent from their self-righteousness and hypocrisy and realize that the Kingdom of Elohim is rooted in faith and love. Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 23:9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have One Father-the One in heaven. 23:10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 23:12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. Yahshua's teachings stirred the hearts of people and created instability, something the Hebrew religious authorities feared. In 1 Corinthians 15:14, Paul exhorts his readers to grab hold of this central truth, that "And if we are found false witnesses of YAHWEH; because we have testified of YAHWEH that He raised up the Messiah: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 15:15.
and lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the tsava of heaven, thou be drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which YAHWEH thy Elohim has allotted unto all the peoples under the whole heaven. Deuteronomy 4:19. Which made the stars in the sky—the Dipper, Orion, the Pleiades, and the stars of the south. Can you tie the Pleiades together or loosen the bonds that hold Orion? Do you control the stars or set in place the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper? Job 9:9; 38:31,32. Isaiah 47:13-15 compares Astrology with sorcery. You are powerless in spite of the advice you get. Let your astrologers come forward and save you— those people who study the stars, who map out the zones of the heavens and tell you from month to month what is going to happen to you. "They will be like bits of straw, and a fire will burn them up! They will not even be able to save themselves— the flames will be too hot for them, not a cozy fire to warm themselves by. That is all the good they will do you—those astrologers you've consulted all your life. They all will leave you and go their own way, and none will be left to save you."
Astrologers, whom Isaiah defines as 'stargazers who make predictions, month by month', are condemned. Their predictions have their hearers running around trying to respond to what they have heard. They only succeed in wearing themselves out. Despite this warning, the Israelites pay little account of this for we are told in Jeremiah chapter 8 that Elohim believes that the bones of past kings of Israel should be dug up and put out in the open. The reason being that since they loved, served, followed, consulted & worshipped the Sun, Moon and stars so much, they should be exposed to their sight! A good example of this is king Manasseh, whom, we are told in 2 Chronicles 33:3 , built alters to the starry hosts. This acceptance of astrology and star worship by the Israelites is partly due to the mysticism. There is a thin dividing line between being in awe, and worshipping. It is also due in part to the importing of foreign cultures. Jeremiah 43:13 tells us that the Sun is worshipped by other nations,"Egyptian God's." Amos 5:26 tells us, But now, because you have worshiped images of Sakkuth, your king God, and of Kaiwan, your star God, you will have to carry those images. The Egyptian god, Rephan, or the Assyrian equivalent, Kaiwan, both identified as the planet Saturn. Archaeology reveals to us that celestial worship was common place. It is not surprising then, that the Israelites were tempted to follow this foreign enthusiasm for starry God's.
From all this it might appear that stars have a bad press in the Old Testament. This is far from true. By His Spirit the heavens are garnished; His hand has pierced the swift serpent. Job 26:13. O YAHWEH our Sovereign, how Majestic your name is in all the earth, You whose dignity is recounted above the heavens! Psalms 8:1; 19:1-6. "Raise YOUR eyes to the heavens themselves, and look at the earth beneath. For the very heavens must be dispersed in fragments just like smoke, and like a garment the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants themselves will die like a mere gnat. But as for My Salvation, it will prove to be even to time indefinite, and My Own Righteousness will not be shattered. Isaiah 51:6. [Seek Him] that maketh the Pleiades and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night; that calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the face of the earth (YAHWEH is His Name); - Amos 5:8.
What can we learn from this manner of arrangement? To begin with, the fact that there are seven assemblies is very significant. In the book of Revelation, numbers almost always carry a meaning. The number seven is a Most High number, because Genesis 1:1,2 tells us: In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Elohim moved upon the face of the waters. He created the world in six days and then rested in the fullness of His completed work on the seventh day. For this reason, the number 7 represents completion or fullness. This is clearly the case here (among other reasons, there were more than seven assemblies in Asia Minor – why else choose only 7? Revelation is addressed to seven assemblies because these assemblies are intended to be representative of the assemblies throughout history. Revelation was written to those assemblies, but it was also written to all assemblies because of their representative function concerning today of the people on earth. This is a solemn reminder: it tells us that the assemblies are no more faithful than the people of Israel were in the OT. All throughout the Scriptures, this is the principle: only a remnant is faithful. And those who are faithful can expect to suffer on account of their faithfulness.
We know, from Revelation 1:20, that these stars signify seven angels that represent each of the seven Assemblies. Why are these assemblies represented by angels? For this reason: to help them to look at life in this world from a heavenly perspective; to remind them that their true home is not in this world. They are in the present age, and they await the transformation of the world into a new creation for the display of Yahweh's Glory. The fact that Yahshua holds these seven stars (angels which represent the assemblies) in his hand assures the assemblies that he is in complete control over the spiritual battle in which they are engaged, that his Father gave him the authority to do. "Unto the angel of the assembly of Eph´e·sus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to question who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name’s sake and have not grown weary. Nevertheless, I hold [this] against you, that you have left the love you had at first. "‘Therefore remember from what you have fallen, and repent and do the former deeds. If you do not, I am coming to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Still, you do have this, that you hate the deeds of the sect of Nic·o·la´us, which I also hate. Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit says unto the assemblies: To those that conquer I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of Elohim.’ Revelation 2:1-7. What possibly could the Messiah have meant by first love? v.4 The two key words in the phrase. "Left" does not mean lost and "first" does indeed imply a second. Their first love was not lost, it was left, it was abandoned, it was discarded for a more urgent love, a second love, that of defending the faith. Remember also what Yahweh hates also Yahshua hates. haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, Proverbs 6:17. Yahshua said unto him, Thou shalt love YAHWEH thy Elohim with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40. To suggest that the phrase "left the love you had at first" Yahshua said: Most truly I say to YOU, they that exercise faith in me, that one also will do the works that I do; and will do works greater than these, because I am going my way to the Father. Also, whatever it is that YOU ask in my name, I will do this, in order that the Father may be Glorified in connection with His Son. If YOU ask anything in my name, I will do it. "If YOU love me, YOU will obey my commandments; and I will pray to my Father and He will give YOU another Comforter to be with YOU forever, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship my Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. Elohim is Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23,24;14:12-16.
But, the point is: How would it be possible for the Ephesians to "hate the deeds of the sect of Nicolaus" without also judging Nicolaus as an enemy of the truth? Paul similarly instructed to reject any man who promotes a sect, saying: "As for a man that promotes a sect, reject him after a first and a second admonition; knowing that such a man has been turned out of the way and is sinning, he being self-condemned." Titus 3:10,11. "...if you believe in it, it is a religion or perhaps 'the' religion; and if you do not care one way or another about it, it is a sect; but if you fear and hate it, it is a cult." Leo Pfeffer. "A cult is a church down the street from your church." Anon. The earliest use of this meaning of the word is believed to have been in a 1965 book by Walter Martin "The kingdom of the Cults"
2 Peter the 2nd chapter warns us, the same as Yahshua warned us, that there will be false teachers in our midst. However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among YOU. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. Also, with covetousness they will exploit YOU with counterfeit words. But as for them, the judgment from of old is not moving slowly, and the destruction of them is not slumbering. 2:1-3. Then we have similarities also in 2 Peter and in Jude 16, These men are murmurers, complainers about their lot in life, proceeding according to their own desires, and their mouths speak swelling things, while they are admiring personalities for the sake of [their own] beliefs and benefit. This is mankind in general, both genders: wandering after their desires; and the mouth of them speaks pride, worshipping persons, because of their traditions. Which still is evident today. Some of the Isrealites did have faith in the Messiah, with the next assembly of people with what is in John 8 others Israelites did not. And so Yahshua went on to say to them that had faith in him: "If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free." Some replied to him: "We are Abraham’s offspring and never have we been slaves to anybody. How is it you say, ‘YOU will become free’?" Yahshua answered them: "Most truly I say to YOU, Every doer of sin is a slave of sin. Moreover, the slave does not remain in the household forever; the son remains forever. Therefore if the Son sets YOU free, YOU will be actually free. I know that YOU are Abraham’s offspring; but YOU are seeking to kill me, because my word makes no progress among YOU. What things I have seen with my Father I speak; and YOU, therefore, do the things YOU have heard from [YOUR] father." In answer they said to him: "Our father is Abraham." Yahshua said to them: "If YOU are Abraham’s children, do the works of Abraham. But now YOU are seeking to kill me, a man that has told YOU the truth that I heard from YAHWEH. Abraham did not do this. YOU do the works of YOUR father." They said to him: "We were not born from fornication; we have One Father, Elohim." Yahshua said to them: "If Elohim were YOUR Father, YOU would love me, for from Elohim I came forth and He sent me. Neither have I come of my own initiative at all, but that One sent me forth. Why is it YOU do not know what I am speaking? Because YOU cannot listen to my word. YOU are from YOUR father the Devil, and YOU wish to do the desires of YOUR father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie].
Because I, on the other hand, tell the truth, YOU do not believe me. Who of YOU convicts me of sin? If I speak truth, why is it YOU do not believe me? He that is from YAHWEH listens to the sayings of YAHWEH. This is why YOU do not listen, because YOU are not from YAHWEH." In answer they said to him: "Do we not rightly say, You are a Sa·mar´i·tan and have a demon?" Yahshua answered: "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and YOU dishonor me. But I am not seeking glory for myself; there is One that is seeking and judging. Most truly I say to YOU, If anyone observes my word, he will never see death at all." They said to him: "Now we do know you have a demon. Abraham died, also the prophets; but you say, ‘If anyone observes my word, he will never taste death at all.’ You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died, are you? Also, the prophets died. Who do you claim to be?" Yahshua answered: "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father that glorifies me, He who YOU say is YOUR Elohim; and yet YOU have not known Him. But I know Him. And if I said I do not know Him I should be like YOU, a liar. But I do know Him and am observing His Word. Abraham YOUR father rejoiced greatly in the prospect of seeing my day, and he saw it and rejoiced." Therefore they picked up stones to hurl [them] at him; but Yahshua hid and went out of the synagogue. John 8:31-59. That is why, since we have this ministry according to the mercy that was shown us, we do not give up; but we as one have renounced the underhanded things of which to be ashamed, not walking with cunning, neither adulterating the Word of YAHWEH, but by making the truth manifest recommending the union to every human conscience in the sight of Elohim. If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the God (Satan) of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Messiah, who is the image of YAHWEH, might not shine through. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4. Elohim does not test nor try us, its Satan who does. Revelation 2:10. Yahweh is not a Elohim of religion nor did Yahweh's Son come to establish religion. When under trial, let no one say: "I am being tried by YAHWEH." For with evil things YAHWEH cannot be tried nor does He himself try anyone. But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by their own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death. If anyone seems to be a formal worshiper and yet does not bridle their tongue (lies), but goes on deceiving their own heart, this ones form of worship is futile. The form of worship that is clean and undefiled before our YAHWEH and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world. James 1:13-15,26,27.
Smyrna, a city located 35 miles north of Ephesus, was founded by one of Alexander the Great's generals, when the letter of Revelation was written, the city housed about 100,000 people, making it about 1.5 times the size of Valdosta. Currently, Smyrna is known as "Izmir" and is the third largest city in modern-day Turkey with the second most important port in the entire country. Smyrna was known as the Crown of Asia, it was an important city of travel and commerce, but on the other hand, it was also a city known for emperor and pagan worship and one of the corrupt religions -- in the 8th Century BC, the most important sacred place in the city of Smyrna was the Temple of Athens for the goddess Athena -- in the time this letter was written, emperor worship was the primary religion, and the assembly of people, in Smyrna found itself severely persecuted, by the Romans and Israelites. Smyrna had been a Greek colony as far back as 1000 B.C. Around 600 B.C. it was invaded and destroyed by the Lydeans and for 400 years there was no city there at all. Then around 200 B.C. Lysimachus had it rebuilt as a planned and unified whole. It was built with streets that were broad. "Enter in through the narrow gate! Because the gate is wide-and the way is broad-that leads to destruction, and there are MANY who enter in through it. Because the gate is narrow and the way is hard-pressed which leads to life, and there are FEW who find it." Mattithyahu 7:13,14. What Yahshua said of the religious zealot Israelites: Matthew 23:33-39 . . ...."Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are YOU to flee from the judgment of Gehinnom? For this reason, here I am sending forth to YOU prophets and wise men and public instructors. Some of them YOU will kill, and some of them YOU will scourge in YOUR synagogues and persecute from city to city; that there may come upon YOU all the righteous blood spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariyah son of Barachiyah, whom YOU murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I say to YOU, All these things will come upon this generation. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent forth to her,—how often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings! But YOU people did not want it. Look! YOUR house is abandoned to YOU. For I say to YOU, YOU will by no means see me from henceforth until YOU say, ‘Blessed is he that comes in the Name of YAHWEH!’"
And I saw when the Lamb (Yah'shua) opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice as of thunder: "Come!" And I saw, and, look! a white horse; and the one seated upon it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest. Revelation 6:1,2. With the one keeping clean you will show yourself clean; And with the crooked one you will show yourself tortuous; Psalms 18:26. So to say the Jerusalem of today in the middle east is still in prophecy is false this nation relies not on Elohim ie.YAHWEH, but are puppets of the USA and are no better than any other nation of terrorists including the United States elite. Jerusalem had stood for Yahweh's rule on earth and the Jerusalem in the middle east where there are bombings and murder was rejected hundreds of years ago. So since the days of Yahshua the earthly city of Jerusalem is not what counts. His kingdom was not part of this world he told them so, it must be a heavenly Kingdom not anything over in the middle east in fact since Jerusalem on earth was rejected, Paul said: But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. Galatians 4:26. So its a heavenly kingdom , New Jerusalem, not over in the middle east nor on earth. Because the afflicted people you yourself will save; But the haughty eyes you will abase. For you yourself will light my lamp, O YAHWEH; My Elohim himself will make my darkness shine. Psalms 18:27,28.
"And to the angel of the assembly in Smyr´na write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: ‘I know your tribulation and poverty—but you are rich—and the blasphemy by those who say they themselves are Hebrews, and yet they are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of YOU into prison that YOU may be fully put to the test, and that YOU may have tribulation ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life. Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies: He that conquers will by no means be harmed by the second death.’ Malichi 4:1-6-Revelation 2:8-11. Verse 8 -How does Yahshua describe himself in this passage? - What does he mean when he says he was the "first?" - What about the "last?"- Verse 9 - What is this assembly commended for? - What are afflictions? - What is poverty? - Why does Yahshua say this assembly is rich if they have no money. (Hint: See Matthew 6:20) What is this blasphemy?. (Hint:---Once more time the Isrealites lifted up stones to stone him. Yahshua replied to them: "I displayed to YOU many fine works from the Father. For which of those works are YOU stoning me?" They answered him: "We are stoning you, not for a fine work, but for blasphemy, even because you, although being a man, make yourself YAHWEH." do YOU say to me whom the Father sanctified and dispatched into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, I am the Son of Elohim? If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I am doing them, even though YOU do not believe me, believe the works, in order that YOU may come to know and may continue knowing that the Father is in union with me and I am in union with the Father." John 10:31-33,36,38-42. Yahshua showed the unreasonableness of charging him with blasphemy in stating that he is not Elohim, but the Son of Elohim Yahweh!
Yahshua said to them: "Did YOU never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From YAHWEH' this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? This is why I say to YOU, The Kingdom of Elohim will be taken from YOU and be given to a nation producing its fruits. Also, the person falling upon this stone will be shattered. As for anyone upon whom it falls, it will pulverize him." Matthew 21:42-44. Moreover, Elohim spoke to this effect, that His seed would be alien residents in a foreign land and the people would enslave them and afflict [them] for four hundred years. ‘And that nation for which they will slave I shall judge, YAHWEH said, ‘and after these things they will come out and serve me in this place.’ "However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? said YAHWEH: or what is the place of my rest? Acts 7:6,7,48,49. "Hold your position. Don't back up. Hold your position. Don't give in to Satan's deceitful persuasions in a life of pride, envy, covetousness—those kinds of attitudes and feelings that will lead us to break Elohim's commands."
What do you think these Israelites might have been saying about these people in this little group? ------Is everyone in a congregation what they claim to be even in the kingdom halls of JW's decking the halls with balls of folly with the WT's teachings? ------Ask any loyal Jehovah's Witness about Charles Taze Russell's writings on pyramidology and their response will undeniably be: "The apostates made it up" or "the Society has already explained it to us, and we've received new light since then." Although Jehovah's Witnesses are entirely ignorant of logic and facts, it should be of utmost importance for all loyal Watchtower members to know the real history behind the religious organization they submit their lives to. No different than any other culture or religion. Today, we do not know exactly how the pronunciation was in the original Hebrew language of His name, but many feel that "Yahweh" is perhaps how it may have sounded in Hebrew. The English equivalent that is most widely accepted is "Jehovah," but this is of dubious origin. Rather, "Jehovah" is an unusual, and Western, mystico-combo-word with Catholic origins from the year 1270. Hebrew had no vowels. This was unsatisfactory to those who wanted to pronounce the unpronouncable name of Elohim. Their solution? By combining the vowel signs of 'Adho.nay and 'Elo.him' with the four consonants of the Tetragrammaton the pronunciations Yeho.wah' and Yehowih' were formed. The first of these provided the basis for the Latinized form "Jehova(h)." The first recorded use of this form dates from the thirteenth century C.E. Raymundus Martini, a Spanish monk of the Dominican Order, used it in his book Pugeo Fidei of the year 1270. As such, the form "Jehovah" is of late medieval origin; it is a combination of the consonants of the name and the vowels attached to it by the Masoretes, but belonging to an entirely different word which is an untruth of the Name of our Heavenly Father also the word GOD, and LORD which is another subject of lies and idolatry. Also the name of the Messiah is incorrect as Jesus or Christ, again another subject of lies and idolatry. Based on the passage in Romans 2:29, But he is a Hebrew who is one on the inside, and [his] circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code. The praise of that one comes, not from men, but from YAHWEH. What is a "real" Hebrew? - What was a synagogue and what was their role in Hebrew worship? The Hebrew term is beit k'nesset (literally, House of Assembly), although you will rarely hear this term used in conversation in English - it literally means "place of assembly" - people gathered together not necessarily in a building setting or in a synagogue (some did) as Yahshua also, many gathered in their homes or outside weather prevailing. Why do you think the Isrealites were attacking the assembly or the people at Smyrna? V. 10. What is this assembly judged for? What is the counsel to this assembly given by Yahshua? In other words, what does Yahshua tell this assembly to do? Several popular preachers, in all religions including the JW's, preach about prosperity, to all people all over the world, that teach people who possess true faith will receive health, wealth, and prosperity and will not be sick or suffer in any way. Would the people of Smyrna agree with their teachings? Why or why not? What type of specific sufferings did those people undergo that are mentioned in this verse? What others were implied in verse 9 ? In this verse, Yahshua tells them they will suffer for 10 days. Given the context of this passage, including its audience and the setting in which they were in, do you think this was a literal 10-day period? What attribute of the people at Smyrna was being tested by Satan?
What does it mean to be "faithful" Hint: Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. Hebrews 11:1. What was Yahshua saying in their faithfulness? V.10,11. What happens to people when they are persecuted? What do you think happened to this assembly as it was persecuted? What is the "second death" Hint: And death and Sheol were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14. What, then, was the fruit that YOU used to have at that time? Things of which YOU are now ashamed. For the end of those things is death. However, now, because YOU were set free from sin but became slaves to YAHWEH, YOU are having YOUR fruit in the way of holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift YAHWEH gives is everlasting life by Yahshua the Messiah. Romans 6:21-23.
What, then, is the "first" death? However, now the Messiah has been raised up from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep [in death]. For since death was through a man, resurrection of the dead is also through a man. For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Messiah all will be made alive. But each one in his own rank: the Messiah the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Messiah during his presence. Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his YAHWEH and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. For he must reign until YAHWEH has put all enemies under his feet. As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing. For YAHWEH "subjected all things under his feet." But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that it is with the exception of the One who subjected all things to him. But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that YAHWEH may be all things to everyone. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. Finally, Smyrna, unlike the city of Ephesus, stands today. Though many of those who had faith died and voluntarily suffered death as the penalty of witnessing, Satan could not stamp out their witness. Suffering has a way of keeping us pure in our devotion to Yahweh through Yahshua and it was evidently so with this assembly of people. Which is evident their is a whole body of the true children of Yahweh and follower's of Yahshua today, with no religious affiliation whatsoever.
The citizens of ancient Pergamum invented parchment for writing when the supply of papyrus was cut off. Asclepion was the most famous classical medical center. The Acropolis was built on an extremely steep hill, approached by a winding road ascending some 300m. In this uniquely designed city, religious, official, social and commercial buildings are all found side-by-side. On top of this hill, which has been inhabited since ancient times, are the palaces of the king of Pergamum. There are also five cisterns and an arsenal on the hill. The Temple of Athena, as well as the Library and the Temple of Trajan. The Altar of Zeus was carefully placed below these buildings on a terrace. The lowest section of the acropolis is the gymnasium and the Temple of Demeter. I've read that all known pictures, statues, and what not of Jesus are all based on Zeus. Think Jesus as a prophet and son of God or the God's was based off of the Greco-Roman views of Zeus as a main god? The son of Kronos (Cronos) and Rheia, Zeus (like his father before him) deposed his aged father from the Throne of Eternity. As Kronos was about to slay his father, Ouranos (the Heavens), he was warned that his own son would someday depose him. In fear and greed, Kronos swallowed his first children as they were born, but Rheia tricked Kronos and when the sixth child, Zeus, was born, she substituted a stone for the infant and Kronos swallowed it down, unknowing that his father’s prophecy was coming to fruition. Sound familar? Greek influences from the christian religion came from the eastern mystery cults, particularly that of dionysus. I've read and seen things also that suggest this Jesus was modeled after Mithras or Dionysus. The Birth of the Sun - The Messiah's - birthday was not celebrated on December 25th until the 4th century nor celebrated at all during his birth. Before then, December 25th was best known as the birthday of the Persian hero and sun-god, Mithra. The myth tells that he sprang up full-grown from a rock, armed with a knife and carrying a torch. Shepherds watched his miraculous appearance and hurried to greet him with the first fruits of their flocks and their harvests. The cult of Mithra spread all over the Roman empire. In 274 AD, the Roman emperor Valerian declared December 25th the Birthday of Sol Invictus, the Unconquerable Sun. The union of a virgin and a supernatural force, like the couplings between Zeus and various nymphs, was shorthand indicating the presence of a miraculous child, a child with the powers of both worlds. Dionysus is such a child, born of a union between Zeus and Semele. At Pergamum, upon the highest height of the Acropolis (the place where their greatest God was worshipped), are the ruins of a once great temple to Trajan Caesar (Emperor from 98-117 AD). With the atrocities conducted against early believers who refused to bow to Caesar, this is one possibility why this might be "Satan’s Throne". Most viewers see Prometheus, particularly as he appears in this first play of the Prometheia trilogy, as a benevolent rebel struggling against tyranny, suffering because of his love of humanity. In this respect, he resembles Jesus, who according to Christian theology suffered to save humanity who is really Zeus and the not Messiah Yahshua. In art and religion, a final element — forgiveness — also commonly occurs, as seen when Christ, another erronous name for the Messiah, forgives his murderers ("Father forgive them for they know not what they do") and, in what is known of the now lost Prometheus Unbound, when the rebellious Titan reconciles with Zeus. Consider the issue of gender in Greek mythology and the ways it presents images of men and women. For example, both Prometheus and Io suffer because of Zeus, but the Titan, active, suffers as a consequence of his action, while Io, passive, suffers because Zeus finds her sexually attractive. Compare Io to Earth, who seems knowing and sympathetic. Or research other versions of the Prometheus myth. Based on further research into classical culture, how do Greek myths represent Men or Women? I first began to doubt that the Writings in the New Testament were written in Greek after reading the preface to the ISR Scriptures. I began to wonder about some things. For example, why would a Hebrew write to the Hebrews in any other language than Hebrew? It just does not make any sense. A literal translation of the Tanakh/Old Testament based upon the Hebrew Masoretic Text, and the Messianic Writings/New Testament based on the Textus Receptus Greek Text, modifications to these being made as appropriate in the light of other sources, but does it come from the light of the world? - still it does not restore the use of the Hebrew form of the Name of the Father, and also that of His Son, as well as Hebraic name-forms of persons and places throughout. Translator: ISR, Publisher: ISR
Satan, one of the heavenly beings who had first hand knowledge of Elohim ie. Yahweh infinite Supremacy, appears to have concluded that he is a worthy competitor of the Almighty. Not only that, but a contingent of angels joined with Satan, becoming co-conspiritors in his rebellion against Elohim. Satan originally had access to both heaven and earth, but at some time YAHWEH has expelled Satan and his angels from heaven through His Son Yahshua, when Yahshua went back to his Father, as Michael, and cast Satan to earth, along with the angels that joined Satan who are demons of Satan in many entities. Earth is not their final domain. Until then Satan spends his time attempting to disrupt the truth of Father and Son on earth. 1 Chronicles 21:1; Job 1:6-12, 2:1-7, Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 4:7-10, 13:36-40, 25:41, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6, Revelation 12:7-9.
Where does Satan dwell now? Where is Satan's throne right now? Although it's all too plain that he influences all of the world (evil and corruption is everywhere, since it's still Satan's age. Satan can only be in one place at a time. All rulers have a throne, or seat of government, somewhere, and the evidence of where Satan's throne is located is the earth and also in its religions and politics. What Yahweh is trying to get across here through Yahshua, is that Satan and his angels have been cast down—cast down from heaven, down to the earth, as Revelation 12 very clearly shows. Satan may be the chief mischief-maker in the universe, but we have to understand that compared to Yahweh he is still very puny. Yahweh sets limits and Satan is able to do only what Yahweh permits him to do. Accordingly YAHWEH said to Satan: "There he is in your hand! but spare his life." So Satan went out away from the person of YAHWEH and struck Job with a malignant boil from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Job 2:6-10.
Remember Job thought it was Yahweh doing these things to him, but Satan was putting Job to the test, there is nothing evil in Elohim or of Him, only in Satan he is evil and so are his followers. We see here a principle set that the rest of us can take great comfort in that as with Job, Yahweh also deals with us. Yahweh has set limits on what Satan or the demons are able to do with His true children who have faith, love, and trust as Job did in the Almighty. Yahweh deals with us according to the measure of our faith, our love, the measure of His Spirit within us. We have to deal with what He allows to occur by faith, understanding that we love Elohim (He is generous and good), but we love Him for what He is and not because He has given us good things. That's an additional blessing. We see then that we have the responsibility, and we are going to have to overcome the demons that Yahweh allows to put us into a test. – "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us… 2 Corinthians 2:11
"And as regards you, O Son of man, this is what the Sovereign YAHWEH has said, ‘Say to the birds of every sort of wing and to all the wild beasts of the field: "Collect yourselves together and come. Gather yourselves together all around to my sacrifice, which I am sacrificing for YOU, a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel. And YOU will certainly eat flesh and drink blood. Ezekiel 39:17. Yahweh doesn't want religion anywhere near His most greatest sacrifice. Isaiah 53:7-12 . I am what poor people have and what rich people need I'm what blind people see and what deaf people hear I am what brave people fear and what kind people hate though hateful people love me biggest? And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that YOU be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and YAHWEH has remembered her iniquities. Revelation 18:4,5.
We find that the earth is a place of restraint for Satan and his demons—that it is a prison. who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim or that is worshiped, so that he sits as Elohim in the temple......(earthly churches)......of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim. And so now YOU know the thing that acts as a restraint, with a view to his being revealed in his own due time. True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work; but only till he who is right now acting as a restraint gets to be out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-8. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom Yahshua shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Meaning of restraint: 1.The act of restraining or the condition of being restrained. 2. Loss or abridgment of freedom. 3. An influence that inhibits or restrains; a limitation. 4. An instrument or a means of restraining. ~ Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of the Spirit of YAHWEH; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of YAHWEH: Every spirit that confesses that Yahushua the Messiah has come in the flesh is of YAHWEH, and every spirit that does not confess that Yahushua the Messiah has come in the flesh is not of YAHWEH. And this is the spirit of the antimessiah, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of YAHWEH, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is Greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of YAHWEH. Those who know YAHWEH hear us; those who are not of YAHWEH do not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:1-6
Main Entry: unrestrained let loose Part of Speech: adjective Definition: uncontrolled. Satan has power to "pervert the right ways of YAHWEH", and left "unrestrained", he will influence YOU do evil. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 we find that during the Great Tribulation the work of Satan will be left "unrestrained" by the Holy Spirit of YAHWEH. No wonder the Son of Yahweh, Yahshua states in Matthew 24:21,22 –""For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall. And unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short." During that time the world will not have a mediator to Elohim ie.Yahweh which is Yahshua the Son of Yahweh, and prayers will not be heard. Yahshua will no longer need to serve as the mediator of the new covenant. It will be as though the altar upon which Yahshua's blood was presented to Yahweh for atonement will be "pulverized"—demolished—having served its purpose. "Yahweh" shows them no favor because he takes their spiritual guide from them. There will be no mediator to Yahweh during the Great Tribulation. The Son of the Almighty, and prayers will not be heard. Repent Now!
We are told directly in Scripture that YAHWEH intervenes on behalf of those who earnestly seek Him. James 5:16,17 states, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that YOU may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. The very next verse reminds the reader how Eliyah prayed fervently that it would not rain, and for three and a half years it did not rain. Scripture explains that the drought was a result of Eliyah’s prayers. Prayer is powerful! If we have our lives right with YAHWEH. Proverbs 15:29; 1 Peter 3:12, and pray earnestly according to His will, 1 John 5:14, He will answer our prayers. Of this you can be sure, it is the Almighty's will that as His children, and your children turn to Him for salvation and live to Glorify Him in all things. Finally, my brethren, be strong in YAHWEH, and in the power of His Might. Put on the whole armour of Elohim, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, that YOU may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after YOU have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:10-12. You cannot find the truth by searching within yourself! Without a knowledge of the Scriptures, much of the truth you know, you know is simply not so. John 14:6. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" Proverbs 14:12. Jude wrote: "These speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves" Jude 10.
Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom Yahshua will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence. But the lawless one’s presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. So that is why YAHWEH lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie, in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks always to YAHWEH for you, brethren beloved of the Master, because YAHWEH has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our master Yahshua the Messiah. Therefore, brethren, be stand fast, and hold the traditions which YOU have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our master Yahshua the Messiah himself, and YAHWEH, our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through favour, Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work as one. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-17.
Herod Antipas son of Herod the Great who is also known as Herod the Tetrarch was born 21 BC and died AD 39. Antipas was given the land of Galilee and Perea to rule over. He was a builder just like his father and built Tiberius along the Sea of Galilee as his capital. Antipas married first the daughter of Aretas, the Nabatean king and then later married Herodias granddaughter of Herod the Great daughter of Antipas’ brother Aristobulus. This marriage with Herodias enraged his first wife and in time caused his defeat. After hearing of the marriage, John the Baptist came against Antipas claiming it was wrong for him to marry his brothers daughter who had also been the wife of Philip his half-brother. Antipas threw John the Baptist in jail and then later by the wishes of Salome the daughter of Herodias by another marriage he had John beheaded. "Although in Pergamum some of the people held fast to the name of Yahweh and His Son Yahshua's name and did not renounce their faith in him under the pressure of threatened persecution, some allowed pagan morals to influence them. A party had arisen in Pergamum which held the teaching of Balaam. Balak, king of Moab, threatened by the Israelites, had invited the prophet Balaam to curse them. Balaam had been restrained by YAHWEH, and to Balak's disgust had blessed rather than cursed. Numbers 22:1-24. Subsequent to this, however, Israel had let herself become involved in harlotry and in the idolatrous worship of Baal or Peor..Numbers 25:1-3, and this sin was attributed to the advice of Balaam. And the Angel of YAHWEH said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against YAHWEH in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the assembly of YAHWEH. Numbers 22:35, 31:16.
The problem here was that Yahweh knew that Balaam's heart was perverse and that he spoke for gain. Thus, He would not have him curse Israel in His name, which Balaam must have intended to do. Thus, we are viewing an act of prescience. This activity was foreseen as the actions of the priesthood in the last days. The practice of the priests teaching for hire is attacked in Micah 3:11. But, more particularly, Balaam taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel that they might eat food sacrificed to idols. This idolatry was foreseen and prophesied as happening during the Pergammum, Pergammos assembly, or era. Balaam is a prototype of those who promote compromise with paganism in idolatry and immorality." Idolatry today: infatuation, fervor, adulation, hero worship. Gross, or overt, idolatry consists of explicit acts of reverence addressed to a person or an object—the sun Jesus, God the son, God the father, an animal, a statue, GOD, LORD plural, and leaders in earthy temples or in government.
The Moabites and Midianites were receiving messengers (angels) from Elohim, through one of their diviners, Balaam. He was a prophet of the One True Almighty YAHWEH. The intrusion of the Israelites alarmed Balak, king of Moab. He called upon the services of of Balaam, who had a reputation for powerful divining. Balak wanted Balaam to put a curse upon the Israelites so as to stop their progress. Although Balaam was right to speak only what Elohim told him to speak, Balaam gets very bad press repeatedly. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I will that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spoke unto him the words of Balak. Numbers 22:5-7,22, 31:14-16, Deuteronomy 23:3-6, Joshua 13:22, 24:8-10, Nehemiah 13:1-3, Micah 6:5. Peter recalls how Balaam "loved the wages of unrighteousness" 2 Peter 2:15,16. Similarly Jude recalls how "for pay... the error of Balaam" was committed. Jude 1:11. Thence we come to one of the Seven Assemblies of Revelation, Pergamum. Yahshua recalls how Balaam "Kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality" Revelation 2:14. The United States: A Country founded on Paganism. Apostate Christianity****** no religion goes by the teachings of Yahshua. The unholy "Trinity" is of The Dragon (Satan) The beast rising from the sea (Vatican).....The Mother of all Harlots...The beast rising from the earth (USA) Religion Led by Satan (The Harlot) world-wide. Most fear admitting they simply don't know because their vanity proclaims it makes them look bad. That vital key to understanding is missing, so they will naturally become ignorant of the truth without ever realizing it. Their "thirst" for truth is nonexistent, and therefore their gift of knowledge is held back. They honestly have no clue. 1 Corinthians 2:14, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of YAHWEH: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are not spiritually discerned.
"And to the angel of the assembly in Per´ga·mum write: These are the things that he says who has the sharp, long two-edged sword, ‘I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep on holding fast my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of An´ti·pas, my witness, the faithful one, who was killed by YOUR side, where Satan is dwelling. "‘Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, that you have there those holding fast the teaching of Ba´laam, who went teaching Ba´lak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication. So you, also, have those holding fast the teaching of the sect of Nic·o·la´us likewise. Therefore repent. If you do not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will war with them with the long sword of my mouth. "‘Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies: To him that conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white pebble, and upon the pebble a new name written which no one knows except the one receiving it.’ Revelation 2:12-17 we see, If we overcome by the strength of the spiritual manna, those will someday eat of the "hidden manna." As a perpetual reminder of how He took care of them in the wilderness for 40 years, YAHWEH commanded Moses and Aaron to save some manna in a golden pot placed inside the Ark of the Covenant. The lid of the Ark represents the mercy seat of Yahweh's throne. Since Yahshua fulfills the type of manna, this pictures the reward of those who eat and use YAHWEH'S bread every day. A time is coming when they will be one with Yahshua on his throne, working intimately with him in the innermost part of Yahweh's Kingdom. It pictures those receiving Yahshua, as those feed from the bread that came down from heaven and the empowering and encouraging words of our soon 2nd-coming Yahshua our Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6. "The Nicolaitans were reputed from early times to have been the followers of Nicolaos of Antioch. Acts 6:5. Yet the Israelites in their pig-headedness will tell you, “ The Messiah was an imposter.” Those among the Israelites will tell you, “ He was a great teacher but not the Messiah.” Or the worst amongst the them will tell you, “ He was a magician.” But when push comes to shove the Isrealites will finally say, “I was born a Jew and I will die a Jew.” I heard that a lot from many Jews growing up in N.Y. (What they mean is, “I will never become a Goy.”) Look out for the dogs, look out for the workers of injury, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. and their finish is destruction, and their God's are their belly, and their glory consists in their shame, and they have their minds upon things on the earth. Philippians 3:2,19
This Satan is working on creating a world, which will worship him. For this aim, he is manipulating society into accepting ways of life and thoughts, which will influence us to act in a way that will benefit him. Those ways are in any field of life including politics, Christianity, religion, entertainment, philosophy; and sports etc. One of the methods he uses in order to manipulate people is by confusing society regarding the difference between Justice and Fairness.
Alas, indeed. Alas, America's values, truths and moral acts of compassion have been replaced by the mindless greed of corporate profit-seeking and the brainless, vulgar antics of someone who is out of control and unaccountable, while paradoxically also "in control" trying to get a hold of us, mind control. "But, who could fault this?" ~ one might ask. "Certainly, no one would oppose embracing 'Elohim,' but do they know Him?... and invoking His Name before wars and football games and pop quizzes--and who could truly oppose establishing 'His' rules and commandments as the sovereign rule of the United States of America?" LIES!!!!!!
But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty Elohim of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Genesis 49:24. The word אבן Stone in Hebrew refers to "a potter’s stone-vessel". The meaning of the word קשת is translated as a "bow" yet, in Hebrew is an "Arch with crown." Crown: kroun: The word "crown" in the Old Testament is a translation of five different Hebrew words: 1. In Hebrew: The five Hebrew words are as follows: (1) qodhqodh, from qadhadh; (2) zer, from zarar; (3) nezer, or nezer, both from nazar; (4) aTarah, from ‘atar; (5) kether, from kathar. (1) Qodhqodh means "the crown of the head," and is also rendered in the KJV "top of the head," "scalp," "pate." It comes from qadhadh, meaning "to shrivel up," "contract," or bend the body or neck through courtesy. Both the Revised Version (British and American) and the American Standard Revised Version, in Deuteronomy 28:35 and 33:16, translation it "crown" instead of "top" as in the KJV. Jacob concerning his sons says: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. Genesis 49:26. But we see Yahshua, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the favour of YAHWEH, should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9. Revelation 6:1;12:7. This is also a perfect description of the constellation of the "Orion" identified as the Stone-Vessel of Manna. The Hebrew word "Israel" means healthy believers of The Almighty YAHWEH. "The Hebrew word קדקד for crown is related to the Hebrew word קדים meaning "The East" which also means "a contract covenant." The Hebrew word נזר "nazir" for "separate" has a dual meaning a "consecrated prince" meaning that this royal prince "abstains from impurities, fermented wine and strong drink." The Hebrew word גבע for "hills" means the "calyx of a flower in a shape of a pottery vessel." The Paleo-Hebrew letters identified on the bronze-age white stone-vessel pottery in upright sheaves spell the name Yoseph and the symbolic sheaves of the eleven brethren are bending towards Yoseph. But why did Yahshua say he would give those who overcome a white pebble? Well, back in those times, when a person was hauled to court, at the end the verdict would be delivered by presenting the accused with a pebble: a white pebble meant that the accused was acquitted, a black pebble indicated that the accused was found guilty.While the generic word for "stone" found elsewhere in the Scriptures is "lithos". The word "psephos" only occurs twice, the other is found in Acts 26:10. Paul was speaking on his experience while persecuting the people, prior to his conversion. which, in fact, I did in Jerusalem, and many of the holy ones I locked up in prisons, as I had received authority from the chief priests; and when they were to be executed, I cast my vote against them. Yahshua said to Paul: For to this end I have made myself visible to you, in order to choose you as an attendant and a witness both of things you have seen and things I shall make you see respecting me; while I deliver you from [this] people and from the nations, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to YAHWEH, in order for them to receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by [their] faith in me.’ Acts 26:16-18
Yahshua, the Son of the Almighty, says that in the assembly in Thyatira exist two groups of people. Both groups of people have positive attributes, as mentioned in Revelation 2:19. These include their works, their love, their faith, their servitude, their patient endurance and their latter works superseding their former works. In other words, not only are they doing what they are supposed to be doing, they are improving upon their performance in these matters. Nevertheless, there is a matter that separates these two groups of people with all these positive attributes. One group tolerates the woman called Jezebel, while the other group does not. What are Jezebel's traits, and why does Yahshua make clear that she is not to be tolerated, despite being as one of them? In verse 2:20 Yahshua states that Jezebel calls herself a prophetess. He does not state that he or his Father has made Jezebel a prophetess to the Thyatirans, but that she calls herself a prophetess. In other words, he implies that Jezebel has appropriated unto herself the office of prophetess and is therefore operating in that office devoid of Yahshua's authority. In other words, Jezebel is not Yahweh's servant, but serves another master! Yahshua said: No, mankind is not able to be a servant to two masters: for those will have hate for the one and love for the other, or they will keep to one and despise the other. You may not be servants of Elohim and mammon. Matthew 6:24.
Yahshua spoke these things, and, raising his eyes to heaven, he said: "Father, the hour has come; glorify YOUR son, that your son may Glorify YOU, according as YOU have given him authority over all flesh, that, as regards the whole [number] whom YOU have given him, he may give them everlasting life. This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of YOU, the only true Elohim, and of the one whom YOU sent forth, Yahshua the Messiah. I have Glorified YOU on the earth, having finished the work YOU have given me to do. So now YOU, Father, glorify me alongside YOURSELF with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was. "I have made YOUR name manifest to the men YOU gave me out of the world. They were YOURS, and YOU gave them to me, and they have observed YOUR word. John 17:1-6.
Yahshua also states the punishment that he will effect upon Jezebel and her cohorts in Thyatira if they do not repent. In other words, should they repent they need not incur this penalty. But if they persist in disobeying Yahshua, continuing in their rebellion of sexual immorality and idolatry, he will indeed throw them into great oppression! And not only that, he will proceed to kill with Death the progeny arising from their sexual immoralities and adulteries. In other words, not only will he punish the rebels in Thyatira, he will also destroy or exterminate their unholy seed arising out of their adulteries and sexual immoralities. For Yahshua is also one who searches minds and hearts, giving to each one according to one's deeds! It should also be noted from the verse in Revelation 2:24 that Jezebel's teaching and practices of sexual immorality and idolatry are also described as "the deep things of Satan".
In other words, Jezebel is a Satanic servant operating amongst Yahshua's servants, calling herself a prophetess of Yahshua, but lying in the process, for she teaches and practices rebellion against Yahweh and Yahshua, seducing others to join her in her rebellion. "But the Spirit speaks explicitly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies and hypocrisy having their conscience burned with a hot iron, forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from foods(The Roman Catholic Religion) - which YAHWEH has created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and know the truth, The reason for this is that every creation of YAHWEH is fine, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the Word of YAHWEH and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:1-4.
Obviously the man-child destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron is Yahshua, for Revelation 19:11-16 clearly says so. "And I saw heaven open, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness. His eyes are a fiery flame, and upon his head are many diadems. He has a name written that no one knows but he himself, and he is arrayed with an outer garment sprinkled with blood, and the name he is called is The Word of YAHWEH. Also, the armies that were in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen. And out of his mouth there protrudes a sharp long sword, that he may strike the nations with it, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron. He treads too the winepress of the anger of the wrath of El-Shaddai the Almighty. And upon his outer garment, even upon his thigh, he has a name written, King of Kings and Master of Masters.
We can trust that Yahshua will rid the Jezebel types on earth his Abba has given him the authority. Jezebel is Satan's prophetess, and through her skilful deception causing Yahweh's servants with several good attributes to stumble into great oppression and death. In other words, despite being a servant, and having good attributes such as good works, love, faith, patient endurance and latter works exceeding former works, one can still be judged with great oppression and death. For also will Yahshua judge with great severity such servants who are not of his Abba Elohim Yahweh, who also tolerate Jezebel, joining her in rebellion against Yahshua through sexual immorality and idolatry. In other words, Yahshua accepts only PURE and unadulterated worship of his Father Yahweh through him in pray. Those who serve and Worship Him must do so with purity and complete faithfulness, without any rebellion on their part. They must fully abide by His word. But those who purport to mix service to and worship of Him with rebellion against Him are NOT ACCEPTABLE to Him. Yahshua gives such syncretists - those who mix pure and impure worship - time to repent of their impurities. But if they refuse to repent of their unholiness he does away with them. And out of his mouth there protrudes a sharp long sword, that he may strike the nations with it. Revelation 19:15.
The message to Thyatira reflects the dilemma of believers surrounded by such conditions. The "great tribulation" of which Yahshua spoke is the same period that he foresaw in prophecies uttered the week of his impalement, Matthew 24:21, a time of suffering unparalleled in human history. Detailed descriptions of these hardships appear in Revelation 6-19, see Revelation 7:14 where the expression appears again. In other words, Yahshua excluded the Jezebel team from the number who will not experience that period, a deliverance he promised to faithful believers. Because you kept the word about my endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of trial, which is to come upon the whole inhabited earth, to put a trial upon those dwelling on the earth. Revelation 3:10. Thankfully, some Thyatirans had not bought into Jezebel’s "package." Satan would like us to believe he is in control, Satan is not in control, because their is nothing Satan can do to us, that YAHWWH does not provide a way out, there is no test, we will have choices also during the Great Tribulation, that can harm us or save us; from what Yahweh the Almighty intends to do through His Son Yahshua. Elohim always provides us with a good answer, we have the choice whether to follow Him, or follow Satan, though, that is left up to us, whether we want to do the right thing, or the wrong thing, but we will never be forced into doing the wrong thing, Elohim always provides a way out, Yahweh provided us a way to be with Him, by sending His Only Son, Yahshua the Messiah to the tree in our place, YAHWEH has done this much for us, do you think Yahweh would leave us behind after this, No,YAHWEH will always be with us, as long as we choose Him, and not Satan. And I saw in the right hand of the One seated upon the throne a scroll written within and on the reverse side, sealed tight with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice: "Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals?" But neither in heaven nor upon earth nor underneath the earth was there a single one able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I gave way to a great deal of weeping because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. But one of the elders says to me: "Stop weeping. Look! The Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered so as to open the scroll and its seven seals." And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven. So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no one in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders said unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the Seven Spirits of YAHWEH sent forth into all the earth. Have Faith & Repent of the old ways and don't go back to them. Revelation 5:1-6; 12:7.
"And to the angel of the congregation in Thy·a·ti´ra write: These are the things that the Son of YAHWEH says, he who has his eyes like a fiery flame, and his feet are like fine copper, ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those formerly. "‘Nevertheless, I do hold [this] against you, that you tolerate that woman Jez´e·bel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and misleads my slaves to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent, but she is not willing to repent of her fornication. Look! I am about to throw her into a sickbed, and those committing adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. And her children I will kill with deadly plague, so that all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the kidneys and hearts, and I will give to YOU individually according to YOUR deeds. "‘However, I say to the rest of YOU who are in Thy·a·ti´ra, all those who do not have this teaching, the very ones who did not get to know the "deep things of Satan," as they say: I am not putting upon YOU any other burden. Just the same, hold fast what YOU have until I come. And to those that conquer and observe my deeds down to the end I will give authority over the nations, and they shall shepherd the people with an iron rod so that they will be broken to pieces like clay vessels, the same as I have received from my Father, and I will give to them the morning star. Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.’ Revelation 2:18-29.
Out of all the assemblies mentioned in Revelation, Sardis is perhaps the saddest. Ephesus had left its first love, Laodicea was lukewarm, Thyatira and Pergamos struggled with false teachers, but Sardis is called dead. Perhaps we have all at one time or another, made reference to a particular organization or denomination (Religions) and made the remark "that's a dead congregation of people, dead in faith. "Remember the first things of a long time ago, that I am El the Almighty One and there is no other Elohim, nor anyone like me; the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done; the One saying, ‘MY own counsel will stand, and everything that is MY delight I shall do’; Isaiah 46:9,10. By saying that, we imply that there is no enthusiasm within the people, little fire for the work, and meager praise offering at best. We must realize that YAHWEH shall intervene in these matters through his Son at the end of this age. So he came beside where I was standing, but when he came I got terrified so that I fell upon my face. And he proceeded to say to me: "Understand, O Son of man, that the vision is for the time of [the] end." And while he was speaking with me, I had become fast asleep on my face on the earth. So he touched me and made me stand up where I had been standing. And he went on to say: "Here I am causing you to know what will occur in the final part of the denunciation, because it is for the appointed time of [the] end. "And the thing seen concerning the evening and the morning, which has been said, it is true. And you, for your part, keep secret the vision, because it is yet for many days." Daniel 8:17-19,26.
"And as for you, O Daniel, make secret the words and seal up the book, until the time of [the] end. Many will rove about, and the [true] knowledge will become abundant." And I saw, I Daniel, and, look! there were two others standing, one on the bank here of the stream and the other on the bank there of the stream. Then one said to the man clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream: "How long will it be to the end of the wonderful things?" And I began to hear the man clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream, as he proceeded to raise his right [hand] and his left [hand] to the heavens and to swear by the One who is alive for time indefinite: "It will be for an appointed time, appointed times and a half. And as soon as there will have been a finishing of the dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces, all these things will come to their finish." Now as for me, I heard, but I could not understand; so that I said: "O my master, what will be the final part of these things?" And he went on to say: "Go, Daniel, because the words are made secret and sealed up until the time of [the] end. Many will cleanse themselves and whiten themselves and will be refined. And the wicked ones will certainly act wickedly, and no wicked ones at all will understand; but the ones having insight will understand. "And from the time that the constant [feature] has been removed and there has been a placing of the disgusting thing that is causing desolation, there will be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. "Happy is the one who is keeping in expectation and who arrives at the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days! "And as for you yourself, go toward the end; and you will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days." Daniel 12:4-13.
Neither let us put YAHWEH to the test, as some of them put [him] to the test, only to perish by the serpents. Neither be murmurers, just as some of them murmured, only to perish by the destroyer. Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the end of the age has arrived. Consequently let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. No temptation has taken YOU except what is common to men. But YAHWEH is faithful, and he will not let YOU be tempted beyond what YOU can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for YOU to be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved ones, flee from idolatry. I speak as to men with discernment; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of the Messiah? The loaf which we break, is it not a sharing in the body of the Messiah? Because there is one loaf, we, although many, are one body, for we are all partaking of that one loaf. LOOK at that which is Israel in a fleshly way: Are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers with the altar? What, then, am I to say? That what is sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No; but I say that the things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to YAHWEH; and I do not want YOU to become sharers with the demons. YOU cannot be drinking the cup of Elohim and the cup of demons; YOU cannot be partaking of "the table of YAHWEH" and the table of demons. Or "are we inciting YAHWEH to jealousy"? We are not stronger than He is, are we? 1 Corinthians 10:9-22. It's one thing to have another human being deemed as a whole congregation as "dead", but it's completely another to hear the truth of the words from the "The Head of the Messiah is Yahweh through our..Messiah as the head of man! But I want YOU to know that the head of every man is the Messiah; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the Head of the Messiah is YAHWEH. 1 Corinthians 11:3. Located on Mount Tmolus in southern Turkey, the city of Sardis stood at the crossroads of Asia Minor, the most prosperous, powerful, fertile, and pagan province of the entire Roman Empire. First-century Sardis had a unique blend of residents: Hebrews and followers of the Messiah, blended in with influential pagans who worshiped the Roman emperor and God's such as Artemis and Cybele. Sardis is of particular interest because it apparently had a very visible assembly and because Yahshua issued a strong warning to them. I know your deeds, you have a reputation of being alive but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found thy works perfect in the sight of YAHWEH. Revelation 3:1,2.
Sardis was probably occupied first by the Hittites, and then by the Lydians. About 550 BC, the most famous Lydian king, Croesus (known as the richest man in the world) was besieged by Cyrus the Persian. Croesus, who had become apathetic and lazy, fortified himself in the acropolis of Sardis, and Cyrus could not capture him. One afternoon, a Persian soldier named Lagoras watched a Lydian soldier sneak down the back wall of Sardis in order to retrieve his helmet that had fallen. Deducing that a secret trail existed, Lagoras told Cyrus, whose army snuck up that little path at night, surprised the Lydian army, and conquered the city. Croesus hadn't been as careful about the city's defense as he should have been, and he and his people paid for that mistake with their lives. And he went on to say to me: "Do not be afraid, O Daniel, for from the first day that you gave your heart to understanding and humbling yourself before your Elohim your words have been heard, and I myself have come because of your words. But the prince of the royal realm of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days, and, look! Michael, our foremost prince, came to help me; and I, for my part, remained there beside the kings of Persia, to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come. "However, I shall tell you the things noted down in the writing of truth, and there is one Michael, the prince of YOU people. And I have come to cause you to discern what will befall your people in the final part of the days, because it is a vision yet for the days [to come]." Daniel 10:12-14; 20,21. The prince of Persia. This is evidently a demon of Satan......working under the direction of Satan who operates as the "God of this age" 2 Corinthians 4:4. James 4:6,10 tells us, But he gives more favour. Wherefore he said, YAHWEH resists the proud, but gives favour unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of YAHWEH, and He shall lift you up. Our worship of Yahweh is a very humble and reverent action.
Yahshua was warning the people of Sardis to be careful to stay watchful, alert, and alive to what was going on in their lives, otherwise they might become apathetic or make a mistake that would cause their witness to a watching world to collapse. But what archaeologists have found on that street in Sardis is astonishing. In a number of the shops, Isreal and Christian symbols? crosses, menorahs, rings with crosses in them, stars, and even the fish symbol?......have been discovered. A number of defaced pagan articles have been found. In one instance, a pagan goddess had been removed from the back of a lion-shaped lamp, which had been patched and reused. In another place, large crosses chiseled pagan symbols on tombstones that had been used to make a dye vat. Some of these ordinary shop owners taking a stand in their extremely pagan culture can provide a contemporary message to leave off the old. Elohim's children should remove themselves from idols, all religions are rooted in generation tribal brainwashing of their young and feeble minded. When people in a parent congregation are threatened by the new experiences of others, opposition often begins to arise. Those people in the parent congregation who have put faith in their religious traditions often persecute and oppose the reformers who have no religion nor go to churches including kingdom halls. I get labeled an apostate by the JW's for I don't go by their organization of Betheliezers. I was also told by a JW that we don't have idols in kingdom halls? Yeah what is a Watchtower publication written by men, at Bethel in New York? Are there boys from Bethel today who mock the "man mighty El, Isaiah 9:6, of the True Elohim" Yahweh, possibly endangering their own lives? Bethel ~ The prophets Amos and Hosea, in the late ninth and mid-eighth centuries B.M.E., proclaimed Yahweh's condemnation of religious corruption centered at Bethel. Although Hosea makes direct mention of Bethel (meaning "House of El") only when recalling Elohim's revelation of himself to faithful Jacob there, Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us; Hosea 12:4, he evidently employs the name "Beth-aven," meaning "House of Hurtfulness (Something Hurtful)," as applying to that city and the effect of its religious practices. Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, YAHWRH liveth. Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin. Hosea 4:15; 5:8. He warns that its calf idol served by foreign-god priests will come to be a cause for mourning to idolatrous Israel, its high places will be annihilated, and thorns and thistles will cover its altars; while the people, faced with exile in Assyria, cry out to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "Fall over us!" Hosea 10:5-8; compare Luke 23:30; & Revelation 6:16. The apostle Paul, speaking to the divisions in the Corinthian assembly, warned the people not to idolize or follow leaders, but to only follow Yahshua: "Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos' . is the Messiah divided? Was Paul impaled for you?" 1 Corinthians 1:12,13. When people choose to follow leaders because of a personal preference, rather than choosing to wait on Yahweh's anointing and rest upon Him and wait on Him, and rest on the Sabbath of the Son of Yahweh, they get caught up in a cycle that is hard to break. The law of his Elohim is in his heart; His steps will not wobble. As for YAHWEH, he will not leave him to the hand of that one, And he will not pronounce him wicked when he is being judged. My heart has become astir with a goodly matter. I am saying: "May my tongue be the stylus of a skilled copyist. You are indeed more handsome than the sons of men. Charm has been poured out upon your lips. That is why Elohim has blessed you to time indefinite. Gird your sword upon [your] thigh, O mighty one, [With] your dignity and your splendor. And in your splendor go on to success; Ride in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness, And your right hand will instruct you in fear-inspiring things. Your arrows are sharp—under you peoples keep falling—In the heart of the enemies. Thy throne O Elohim is till time indefinite, even forever; The scepter of your kingship is a scepter of uprightness. You have loved righteousness and you hate wickedness. That is why Elohim, your Elohim, has anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners. The utterance of YAHWEH to (David) unto my master, (Yahshua) is: "Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet." Psalms 37:31,33; 45:1-7; 110:1.
Psalm 37:31,33; 45:1-7 & 110:1, from which our Messiah quoted in order to demonstrate that his claim to be Israel’s Messiah was consistent with Old Testament prophecy. Yahshua’s commentary onset should be studied of those psalms, for he made three statements which we dare not overlook: (1) David is the writer of psalms. (2) What David wrote was divinely inspired by Yahweh's Holy Spirit. (3) David was not writing about just anyone, but about the Messiah, who was to be his son and his master. The book of the history of Yahshua the Messiah, son of David, son of Abraham: Matthew 1:1..Yahshua was not claiming to teach anything new when he taught the three things mentioned above. What he taught was a matter of record, in the psalms itself. The superscription named David as the writer. Unfortunately, what was readily evident to the Jews of Yahshua’s day is not so apparent to us due to the translation of the word "says" in Psalm 110:1, which obscures a much more emphatic claim. Yet some of the Jews didn't believe he is the Son of YHWH, till this very day. The Hebrew word ne’um, is a reference to a Divine One. "The word is used in almost every instance of the immediate utterance of Elohim Himself. This significant term: "The first line, after the title, runs literally, YAHWEH said unto my Master, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. It is an opening which stamps the next words as Yahweh’s direct message to His Son." What Yahshua said about this psalm would have come as no surprise to his followers. They, too, believed David was the psalm’s writer, that he wrote by inspiration, and that he spoke of the Messiah. What the religious leaders were unwilling to admit was that David’s master was both divine and human, having his Father's Divine qualities, and that the Messiah was both David’s master and his son. David of course knew that also his Elohim is the same Elohim the Messiah has. Our Messiah's frequent use of Psalm 110 should therefore serve as a signal to us of the significance of this psalm. It is unique in that it is quoted more often than another Old Testament passage. It is also distinct as a directly Messianic psalm. Basically, Messianic psalms are of two types: (1) those which are indirectly (or typically) Messianic, and (2) those which are directly Messianic. In a typically Messianic psalm, the psalmist writes of his own experiences, but in words that go beyond his own circumstances and describe the experience of the Messiah as well. Psalm 22 is an example of a typically Messianic psalm. A directly Messianic psalm does not refer to the psalmist’s experience at all, but speaks only of the Messiah to come, Michael the Archangel is the Messiah Yahshua, who was created by Yahweh and sent forth by Him. Please also read Proverbs 8:22-31, which David also wrote inspired of YAHWEH. Next and Yet at Sardis, in the corner of an immoral, self-glorifying gymnasium, archaeologists have uncovered the largest synagogue of that time period ever found! The presence of the synagogue in the gymnasium, as well as the presence of the defaced pagan symbols within the synagogue? a public fountain, a table with Roman eagles, and pairs of lions that typically represented the goddess Cybele? ask the question why??? Did the Jews of Sardis place their synagogue in the gymnasium in order to influence the pagan culture around them, or had they so adapted to the pagan way of life that they saw no discrepancy between worshiping YAHWEH and participating in the activities of the gymnasium? The most ancient ruins in the area of Sardis are along the southern banks of the Pactolus River. In the middle of these ruins stood the large, open-aired shrine initially consecrated to Cybele. When the Greeks arrived in about 330 B.M, they built a huge temple to Artemis, their goddess of fertility, and absorbed the grossly immoral worship of Cybele into their worship. The ruins of this temple, which was one of the seven largest Greek temples in the world, stands as a testimony to the popularity and power of the Artemis cult. Ancient pottery found at an altar used by ancient Greeks to worship Zeus was actually in use at least a millennium earlier, new archeological data suggest. And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut [it] and sealed [it] over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After these things he must be let loose for a little while. And I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them. Yes, I saw the souls of those beheaded for their Witness of Yahshua and for the Word of YAHWEH, and those who had worshiped neither the wild beast nor its image and who had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand. And they came to life and ruled as priests of YAHWEH and of the Messiah and shall reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:1-6.
Yet, in one corner of this temple stands a tiny assembly that was built during the fourth century! Were they seeking to reclaim the temple, which was probably nearly abandoned at that time, for The Almighty? Or had they become so comfortable in their pagan world that their worship of Him blended in with the pagan worship that surrounded them? The Greeks clearly shared many aspects of other forms of Paganism which followed Christianity. Both, worshipped many God's, made sacrifices to them and held a high respect for nature. Much of their religion was based on legends and myths, with each state having it's own divinities which brought together the people as a community. Typically Zeus was depicted as having a young man's body, but with a white flowing beard and the facial features of a middle aged man, (leous) is the Greek form, that became Jesus in English to Christianity. Although we don’t know all the answers to the questions that Sardis presents, they should cause us to consider our own faithfulness to our Elohim and, Yahshua His Son. "YOU are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its strength, how will its saltness be restored? It is no longer usable for anything but to be thrown outside to be trampled on by men. Decide now and repent of those former deeds its yes or no. "Again YOU heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must perform unto YAHWEH your oaths.’ However, I say to YOU: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, because it is Elohim's throne; nor by earth, because it is the footstool of His feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is Elohim's throne. Nor by your head must you swear, because you cannot turn one hair white or black. Just let YOUR word Yes mean Yes, YOUR No, No; for what is in excess of these is from the wicked one. Matthew 5:13,33-37. Yahshua uses the imagery of soiled garments, in verse 4 of Revelation 3. In saying that a few had not soiled their garments, the implication clearly is that everybody else had soiled theirs. They had been banqueting so long they had soiled their clothes. They needed to repent of their hypocrisy, of the sin of living on a dead reputation. We can always make the choice to be part of the remnant. Whether we can save the people is not up to us. But many have a lot to say, I am part of that remnant? Many in the world think that becoming involved with the needy, the outcast and the hurting is a distasteful, sullying thing. But here Yahshua declares that those who do not become so involved are the ones who have the soiled garments. It is those who fail to be concerned for what concerns him who end up dirty, spoiled and soiled. The remnant are those who will be dressed in white garments and will be approved by Yahshua, as Yahweh so deemed. We can walk with him and he will confess our name unto his Father. The question is, Have we been lulled to sleep by the things of the world so that we are people in name only, so that nothing remains, but the shell of our former commitment? 'Awake, therefore, and strengthen the things that remain.' 3:2. Humanity will eventually mature in understanding, and drop all religions, its happening deep down in the subconscious of millions..They see it, as the only way out, repeating the same mindset and patterns, that fuel the hate and lies......The danger with religion, is that with its last breaths, millions will be led to embrace violence as a way, because they fear losing their grip on power, which is slowly fading away..It happens in almost every power structure, as desperation sets in, they will resort to anything, to keep others from power...some go back to their old religions while other's have been so devastated in the treatment given, or to meetings and book studies, etc......the lack of love shown to them for not showing up in their churches that they forget Yahweh the Almighty EL and also become angry at him? and no longer call on His Name? Were they ever in the truth?...or are they putting Yahweh through a test? What did Yahshua tell Satan of his Elohim? And Yahshua answered and said to him, "It is said, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT YAHWEH THY ELOHIM TO THE TEST." So the Devil, having concluded all the temptation, retired from him until another convenient time. Luke 4:12,13. WAKE UP o-o...but, he can tempt a dirty defiled heart lined with religion and traditions of him.
My brothers, YOU are not holding the faith of our master Yahshua the Messiah, our glory, with acts of favoritism, are YOU? YOU have class distinctions among yourselves and YOU have become judges rendering wicked decisions, is that not so? Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if a certain one says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, yet a certain one of YOU says to them: "Go in peace, keep warm and well fed," but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it? Thus, too, faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself. James 2:1,4,14-17. Hence brace up YOUR minds for activity, keep YOUR senses completely; set YOUR hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to YOU at the revelation of Yahshua the Messiah. As obedient children, quit being fashioned according to the desires YOU formerly had in YOUR ignorance, but, in accord with the Holy One who called YOU, do YOU also become holy yourselves in all [YOUR] conduct, because it is written: "YOU must be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16. Consequently we have the prophetic word [made] more sure; and YOU are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in YOUR hearts. For YOU know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from YAHWEH as they were borne along by His Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21. Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them; because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of YAHWEH remains forever. 1 John 2:15-17. Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the AntiMessiah is coming, even now many AntiMessiah's have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Yahshua is the Messiah? He is AntiMessiah who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; those who acknowledge the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life. 1 John 18-25.
"And to the angel of the assembly in Sar´dis write: These are the things that he says who has the seven Spirits of YAHWEH and the seven stars, ‘I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead. Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before YAHWEH. Therefore, continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping [it], and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, I shall come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I shall come upon you. "‘Nevertheless, you do have a few names in Sar´dis that did not defile their outer garments, and they shall walk with me in white ones, because they are worthy. He that conquers will thus be arrayed in white outer garments; and I will by no means blot out there names from the book of life, but I will make acknowledgment of their names before my Father and before his angels. Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the assemblies.’ Revelation 3:1-6. The assembly of Sardis rather a likely target for praise from Yahshua. However, in Revelation 3:7-13 this is exactly what we find. The Messiah is praising this seemingly insignificant assembly for their faith and endurance. What is the background of this small town and how does it aid in our understanding of the text in Revelation chapter 3? Nestled at the northeast foot of Mount Tmolus and resting on a small broad hill, Philadelphia was the ideal place for a city. The ancient city, now called Alasehir, was located in what is modern day Turkey. Philadelphia was approximately twenty-eight miles southeast of Sardis located in a fertile region of Lydia.
"Philadelphia had "no great traditions to boast of, like Sardis, or Pergamum, and it was chiefly designed for purposes of commerce." However, the unique geographical position in the middle of a major trade route resulted in several major cultural shifts. First, Philadelphia transitioned from speaking Lydian to Greek as early as A.D. 19. Hellenistic culture that moved in with the language transition greatly influenced the development of Greek religious cults.
Although many of the religious festivals and superficial shows took on a distinctive Greek character, the heart of "the religion was thoroughly Anatolian." The language of the Hittites and the principal language of the Anatolian group of languages; deciphered from cuneiform inscriptions. The cultural influences caused by the immense amount of trade going through the city also brought a great deal of idol worship. Several coins recovered from the ancient city reveal temple worship and idols of various shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, Philadelphia didn’t really emerge in the eyes of the world until the catastrophic earthquake. Emperor Tiberius sent a generous relief package to the city to help with rebuilding efforts, which resulted in Philadelphia changing its name to Neocesarea, or Neokaisareia, for a short time before the resurgence of the old name around A.D. 42-50. At the time John wrote the letter to Philadelphia it was a very cosmopolitan city. That which was from [the] beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have viewed attentively and our hands felt, concerning the word of life, (yes, the life was made manifest, and we have seen and are bearing witness and reporting to YOU the everlasting life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us,) that which we have seen and heard we are reporting also to YOU, that YOU too may be having a sharing with us. Furthermore, this sharing of ours is with the Father and with Yahshua the Messiah His Son. And so we are writing these things that our joy may be in full measure. 1 John 1:1-4.
Now several years after the great earthquake, people still lived in constant suspense and state of anxiety of impending trials ahead. The assembly in Philadelphia had a tremendous opportunity to spread the gospel message throughout the country and beyond. The Messiah had opened the door that no one can shut, and it was up to them to make sure the message of Yahshua was carried throughout the land they did not deny his name nor his Father's. Thus, Philadelphia was unique among all the other assemblies in that it alone was singled out, as they kept the word of the Messiah's patience within the assembly of the people. Reading the passage of commendation to that assembly we get a picture of a body of believers who are already in hardships. There are those who are trying to shut doors on their ministry (v.8), opposition from a "synagogue of Satan" (v.9) and they are in a time where they are required to "endure steadfastly". I think we can, at the outset, see that this passage does seem to describe our present spiritual scene. This passage seems to describe a period of persecution much greater than what we have now though. I believe that Revelation 3:10 has a twofold reference. First, that it refers to the historical assembly in Philadelphia in Asia Minor and their struggles to be faithful to our Messiah amidst vicious antagonism from both Roman government and the local populace. It also has reference to endtimes. More specifically, I believe it refers to those who have already had occasion to prove the reality of their faith in the face of persecution. It is to people like these (and to us?) that the promise comes "I will keep you from the hour of trial". Provided that they removed themselves from Religion. And I heard another voice out of heaven say: "Get out of her, my people, if YOU do not want to share with her in her plagues, Revelation 18:4,5
This "hour of trial" cannot refer to the Day of the Messiah. Then the time for (trial) is gone. There is no more opportunity for refining or sifting. Rather the Day of the Messiah is the time of the undiluted wrath of Yahweh on an unrepentant mankind through His Son. This "hour of trial" is the same as the "great tribulation" that is mentioned in Matthew 24 and elsewhere. "Kept from" does not necessarily refer to being removed (caught away from) hardships. It may refer to divine protection in the midst of cataclysms. A case in point is John 17:15 where we have the same construction. Yahshua's prayer concerning the ones his Father gave him he prays: "I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from "the evil one." Did Yahshua ask his Father to separate his chosen of all ages from the evil one? Those, will be protected in the presence of Satan (so to speak) by putting on spiritual armor and keeping of faith as one, for the liar is in the world in many forms of men. This very same phrase ("kept from") speaks, likewise, of being kept in, not from, tribulation.
"I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth. Also, I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one. I in union with them and you in union with me, in order that they may be perfected into one, that the world may have the knowledge that you sent me forth and that you loved them just as you love me. Father, as to what you have given me, I hope that, where I am, they also may be with me, in order to behold my glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the founding of the world. Righteous Father, the world has, indeed, not come to know you; but I have come to know you, and these have come to know that you sent me forth. And I have made your name known to them and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." Matthew 17:20-26.
"Write this to the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia: "This is what the one who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, says. When he opens a door, no one can close it. And when he closes it, no one can open it. I know what you do. I have put an open door before you, which no one can close. I know you have little strength, but you have obeyed my teaching and were not afraid to speak my name. Those in the synagogue that belongs to Satan say they Hebrews, but they are not true; they are liars. I will make them come before YOU O' heavenly Father, and worship at your feet, and they will know that I love YOU. You have obeyed my teaching not giving up your faith. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world. "I am coming soon. Continue strong in your faith so no one will take away your crown. I will make those victory pillars in the temple of my Elohim, and they will never have to leave it. I will write on them the name of my Elohim and the name of the city of my Elohim, the New Jerusalem, that comes down out of heaven from my Elohim. I will also write on them my new name. Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the assemblies. Revelation 3:7-13
The Final assembly of people and the most apostate and unloving: Laodicea is located in southern Turkey. This ancient city is named after Antiochus II Theos’ first wife (261-246 B.M.) who killed him and his second wife. The city was known as a center for banking and for its medical institute. As a result it was very wealthy. The city is located between the two cities of Hieropolis and Colossae in the Lycus Valley. It was known as the Gate of Phrygia since it sat in a corridor through which camel caravans traveled. Laodicea received its water from both Hieropolis and Colossae. The northern city of Hieropolis provided hot water from its hot springs through a clay aqueduct. Colossae was south of Laodicea and provided cold mountain water from the Phrygian mountain range through an aqueduct system too! Historians tell us that by the time the hot and cold water reached Laodicea, the water was lukewarm and dirty from traveling through the clay pipes. As a result the water tasted so bad that visitors would frequently spit it out. Laodicea must have been the dream city of the region due to its luxury and the promise of a healthy life. It boasted of indoor hot and cold running water, although the water was lukewarm. This city, just as the previous ones, had some citizens who were knew of the Messiah. We do not know if they were persecuted as those in Philadelphia or Smyrna. In fact, the only thing that we really know about them is that they disappointed our Messiah.
Pantheism and paganism: a symbiosis. Pagans are pantheists. Pantheism (Greek pan= Everything, theos=God) means regarding the universe and nature as divine, or equating the universe with God's. The son of Hermes and Penelope, or Zeus (Jesus) and Hybris, Pan was the Greek God of shepherds and flocks, who was especially popular in Arcadia. He was depicted as a satyr with a reed pipe, a shepherd's crook and a branch of pine or crown of pine needles. In Greek mythology the satyrs are deities of the woods and mountains. They are half human and half beast; they usually have a goat's tail, flanks and hooves. While the upper part of the body is that of a human, they also have the horns of a goat. They are the companions of Dionysus, the God of wine, and they spent their time drinking, dancing, and chasing nymphs. The Italian version of the satyr is the faun, while the Slavonic version is the Ljeschi. Pan had a wrinkled face with a very prominent chin. On his forehead were two horns and he had a hairy body. He was a swift runner and climbed rocks with ease. Pan belonged to the retinue of Dionysus. Pan was also a God of fertility, unbridled male sexuality and carnal desire. He chased nymphs through the forests and mountains in the shape of a goat. Pan was not particularly well-liked by the other Greek gods. There is a close link between pantheism and modern paganism. Many pagans proclaim themselves to be pantheists. "I embrace Pantheism, acknowledging that the Divine is everywhere and in everything" says Selena Fox in I am a Pagan. "My worship takes the form of Divine communion with Nature." "The world is holy," writes Margot Adler in Drawing down the Moon. "Nature is holy. The body is holy. Sexuality is holy. The mind is holy. The imagination is holy. You are holy.......Thou art Goddess. Thou art God. Divinity is immanent in all Nature. It is as much within you as without." And The Word Was God: Logos. Modern Gnosticism clearly worships Sophia-Zoe. Therefore, a motive for making LOGOS the Logos of Philo: "Philo of Alexandria) claimed that the Greek Logos was an inferior, secondary deity or as an emanation from their God in time." This, has found its way into Christianity. "One other point. Philo of Alexandra (AKA Philo Judaeus) was a Jewish philosopher of the early first century. He was also a Greek philosopher. Philo tried to explain the Theophanies as the Word of God to the Greeks. When he did so, he used the Aramaic word memra. Modern Jews will tell you that because Philo used the concept, the Divine Word of God was appropriated from the pagan religions of the Hellenistic world at the time. Christianity is a man made religion derived from paganism. See the connection between the Logos of the philosophers and the Star Worship to which YAHWEH turned the Israelites over to when they rose up in musical play which was idolatry. Many gave approval to speak of the S.O.N. God as the S.U.N. god and approved the worship in the wilderness for a Christian pattern. See how Hermes is the Logos of the Greeks and the father of instrumental music, liars and thiefs. Apollo is Abaddon or Apollyon and the Master builder of the Seeker System at Delphi. Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses, started is a ... god according to John 1:1 – in the NWT...... and particularly the phrase "kai theos en ho logos. Russell's grave headstone he wanted added to the pyramid "Laodician Messenger" and it reads as so......Close-up of the pyramid with cross and crown emblem, also reads "Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society" carved in stone. Will they take note of Yahshua' coming or will they be as it was in the days' of Noah or do they believe he has already arrived? The Messiah used something that was familiar to them to make a point. He told them that they were just like their own water - lukewarm. At the points of origin, their water was not hot nor cold, but it was lukewarm when it arrived at the city. The hot water was not hot and the cold water was not cold. The water started out clean and ended up dirty. So, Yahshua said that they were neither spiritually cold or hot. They were spiritually lukewarm. They "tasted terrible" and He will spit them out. Did they think that Yahweh had blessed them, a people for His name, when they are not calling on His True name? Did they think that their wealth, hotels, rich style of dress, temples, and great medical institute were blessings from Yahweh? The trade caravans were like grocery and department stores with riches from the Far East, Africa, and elsewhere. Did they think that Yahweh had blessed them with earthly things because they were spiritual? Did they think they were of the chosen? Their problem was more serious. Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Revelation 3:17. In like manner, notwithstanding, these men, too, also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Jude 1:8.
Barriers to unity come from those that seem to have it all and don't need the rest. SABBATH Self righteous in their own perceived spirituality, they think that they are something, but add nothing so they go off on their own, apart from the teachings of the Messiah. This assembly is alive and well today, you only need to look around you, but are they really alive in faith and truth? The lukewarm assembly will not exhibit the love necessary to bring about the unity that Yahshua has prayed for. Their compassion is conservative, their faith and love is conservative, their giving and charity is conservative. Wavering between two opinions, the lukewarm assembly will choose prosperity as if mammon is righteousness and pride is gain. Family issues will take precedence over social issues, the local assembly will override the Son of man and unity would be compromised with the "cold" side of the people. This apostate assembly of division is not part of the unity to come to in these last days, they will be spewed out of the mouth of Yahshua and no longer be part of the body. How do we break free of Religion? All religions and their spin-offs are man-made, and the concept of the 'GOD' in Christianity, Islam and Judaism all man-made. Yes its wretched. Mystery Babylon The Mother of Harlots Vatican, Religion-Christianity Uncategorizable-SOLE UNIVERSAL church Uncategorizable......the mother of the harlots: the roman catholic church ... vatican city and the catholic church is mystery babylon · mystery of the harlot......the catholic church is the mother of all harlots......Tied at the Hip to All Religions......That follow the Beast, Satan.....and not the Messiah's teachings.
The Hebrew word 'obed o-bade' used for "wretched" means "pathetic" or (abstract) "destruction"--"perish", and in Proverbs 6:16-19, In verse 19, the word "false" was translated from the Hebrew word sheqer, which literally means "lie, deception". The word "lies" was translated from the Hebrew word kazab, which literally means "lie, untruth". The word "discord" was translated from the word medan, which literally means "contention", and is derived from the word diyn meaning "to judge". Therefore, verse 19 should really say, "A witness of deception that breathes out untruth".] These "People" were wealthy in the world’s things and did not understand that they were spiritually pathetic. They did not understand that they were actually spiritually poor, blind, and naked or stripped bare. These are strong words, it coming from Yahweh's Holy Spirit through Yahshua. They are hard words to accept. THEY WERE CONTENT. What happened to them? How did this occur? The answer is found in the words, " ......and have need of nothing." These men and women were content with their "activities"...This is a hard spiritual disease to identify in an assembly of people. What was the problem? Did the assembly stop doing anything? Did their teaching and preaching the Bible, coincede with Yahshua's teachings? In what way were they content? Religions always consist of a mixture of man-made philosophies, myths, theories, taboos, legends, laws, rules, remnants of earlier religions, etc...Explanations from hundreds of years or even much longer ago will be pushed back or often changed or voided. In darkness they stand in the heart of the earth with the God of this age.
They built these earthly temples where Yahweh nor his Son is in, The key measures of spiritual success in most assemblies are how many people are attending on Sunday morning and whether the bank account is full. But these are not standards of success. Money is not a measure of Yahweh's blessing nor is attendance. If that were true, then Jeremiah the prophet would have been a great failure because he was poorly clothed. YOU men already have YOUR fill, do YOU? YOU are rich already, are YOU? YOU have begun ruling as kings, have YOU? And I that I wish indeed that YOU had begun ruling as kings, that we also might rule with YOU? For it seems to me that YAHWEH has put us the apostles last on exhibition as men appointed to death, because we have become a theatrical spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for the Messiah, but YOU are wise in the Messiah; we are weak, but YOU are strong; YOU are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the off scouring of all things unto this day. 1 Corinthians 4:8-13.
The statement that the Messiah became poor puts into perspective Yahshua's command to the rich young ruler to sell what he had and give the proceeds to the poor, and his instruction to the disciples to sell what they had and give alms, providing themselves treasure in heaven. Luke 12:33. What Yahshua asked them to do, he had already done—to such a degree, in fact, that their obedience could never equal his obedience and love to his Father. To illustrate it, he used the ultimate model of tangible love—The Messiah Yahshua..did not want to suffer, but he was a submissive Son and submitted to suffering because of his great love.. He didn't dress as a rich man, but he would be buried in a rich man's tomb. Isaiah 53:9; John 19:38–42. Thankfully, the Scriptures define the love for us by describing the love Yahweh gave to the world in His only begotten Son. Spiritual blessing is not found in the in how many earthly temples are erected including kingdom halls or in the size of the temple meetings or what money they use in the congregation to build more idol temples. A people without a meekness for the lost, without mercy for those who doubt, who are just those looking towards the visions of their leaders in growth, and without being one in faith; each temple member or minister, for and to Yahshua is an assembly that is lukewarm. Some of the early assemblies had vision for the lost. With the Messiah's teachings. Paul the apostle said, YAHWEH that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is King Ruler of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek Him, if possibly they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of YAHWEH, we ought not to think that the Most High is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. Acts 17:24-29.
Paul also said, and they found me neither in the temple arguing with anyone nor causing a mob to rush together, either in the synagogues or throughout the city. Nor can they prove to you the things of which they are accusing me right now. But I do admit this to you, that, according to the way, in this manner so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, as I believe all the things set forth in the Law and written in the Prophets; and have hope toward Elohim, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Acts 24:12-15. "But then indeed, when you did not know YAHWEH, you served those things which by nature are God's" Galatians 4:8. "And what agreement has the temple of YAHWEH have with idols?" 2 Corinthians 6:16. "you turned to YAHWEH from idols to serve the living and true Elohim" 1 Thessalonians 1:9. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of YAHWEH to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but YAHWEH, which searched our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; YAHWEH is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of the Messiah. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim or he that is worshiped, so he sits as Elohim in the temple of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim" In every false prophet within and every false teaching. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, wicked men, turning the favour of our Elohim into lasciviousness, and denying the only Master Elohim, and our master Yahshua the Messiah. Keep yourselves in the love of Elohim, looking for the mercy of our master Yahshua the Messiah unto eternal life. Now to the One who is able to guard YOU from stumbling and to set YOU unblemished in the presence of his glory with great joy, And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. To [the] only One Elohim our Savior, be Glory, KING Majesty, Almighty Sovereignty for all past eternity and now and into all eternity. Omein. Jude 1:4,21-25.
I may be repeating certain scriptures, that have opened my eyes, have they your's? The warning is serious. This message to Laodicea is a message to an assembly of people who follow man. Stop being content. It is common for someone to write and say that most of the people in their assembly do not have a personal unity with Father and His Son. The message is dying in some places because the vision is lost, and with some the light keeps getting brighter? YAHWEH doesn't change and neither does His Word. "The Word of Yahweh" appears over 250 times in the Scriptures. Most will answer that the Word of YAHWEH is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, this is only partially true. It is quite easy to see there is much more to the Word of YAHWEH than words on a scroll or a piece of parchment. How can it be that the Word itself will speak? Imagine that I'm speaking with you and I say, "HELLO", but then, all of a sudden, the word "hello" actually would say something of its own? Now you are maybe thinking this is a crazy thing to say? It's not possible, is it? Our spoken words do not have the facility to vocalize. But, this is about the only frame of reference we have when we think of the "word". Obviously, the Word of YAHWEH, Psalm 33:6 is much more than the "word", as we know it. Obviously there is a reason why the Scripture says, "The Word of YAHWEH", instead of just saying "YAHWEH spoke", but it's not what most people think. But, if you are a man-made religion that is still writing its doctrines, then you need a Bible that keeps up with those changes? Many earthly temples are psychological centers to help you through the week, or their people go to the elders with other peoples business and not removing the plank out of their own eye in seeking repentance strictly from Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah. The unity to know Yahweh's Word so that we can know Him and to love one another including those outside our doors is missing in numerous earthly temples because they are content with Sunday morning "worship" and the old familiar Bible truths? faithfully repeated year after year? They are content to be lukewarm without love and without truth. Seeing earthly temple truths and organizational messages are not the teachings of Yahshua the Messiah.
What confirmation would the truth contained in these words derive from the personal experience of the Son of man the Son of Elohim who penned them? Reviewing past history, he would trace the guiding and overshadowing hand of his heavenly Father in all the circumstances of the checkered and diversified scene; and as memory thus recalled the strange and momentous events of his life, with what overpowering solemnity would the conviction force itself upon his mind and heart, that for the form and complexion of that life how little was it indebted to himself! Circumstances which chance could not originate, events which human sagacity could, not foresee, and results which finite experience could not determine, would at once lift his grateful and adoring thoughts to that Only One True Elohim of infinite foreknowledge and love his Abba, whose overruling providence had guarded with a sleepless eye each circumstance, and whose infinite goodness had guided with a skillful hand each step. With this retrospect before him, with intensity of feeling would Yahshua claim: "My Times Are In Your Hand." Psalm 31:15. Still can we see that unique love between Father and Son and get rid of the lukewarm?
Elohim's Holy Spirit calls out His children through the Messiah as the door. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into them, and will dine with them, and they with Me. Those who overcome, I will grant to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Those who have an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.’" Revelation 3:20-22. Yahshua standing outside the doors and he offered to come in. Satan wants us to be occupied with things in earthy temples, organizational issues, money, attendance levels, and socials. These are not Yahshua’s priorities. Yahshua warned them that he would spit them out and he did, and he will with the others, if they do not repent. Today the city is just a hill of dirt. There is nothing left but wild animals. The people did not listen. And YAHWEH said: "For the reason that this people have come near with their mouth, and they have glorified Me merely with their lips, and they have removed their heart itself far away from Me, and their fear toward me becomes men’s commandment that is being taught, Isaiah 29:13. Yahshua quoting from the Old Testament said, But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to YAHWEH, he is not to honor his father with it. Thus have YOU made the commandment of YAHWEH of none effect by your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: " These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. Matthew 15:5-9. Matthew 15:6, Some manuscripts say father or his mother. Yahshua of course was speaking of his Father and Elohim. Nonetheless, man's basic spiritual problem is the integrity of the Word..he acknowledged that his Father's Word is truth:. John 17:17.
Are some of Yahweh's children actually going to flee right before the tribulation? According to Yahshua the answer is yes. He said, "And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no nor ever shall be" Matthew 24:20,21. Yahshua himself warned, But pay attention to yourselves that YOUR hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon YOU as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that YOU may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man." Luke 21:34-36. Joel 2:30,31 has "pillars of smoke" and "terrible day."
There is a pattern with the seven assemblies in Revelation. Smyrna and Philadelphia were the only assemblies that were praised. They were also the assemblies that had love for the lost. The love for Yahshua had disappeared in the assembly of Ephesus. From there immoral living was tolerated, followed by false teachers and their teachings. Next came a great reputation which led to contentment followed by a belief that one is spiritually okay when one is actually spiritually dead. The root problem is that the love for Yahweh and Yahshua was missing and this was evidenced by an indifference for the souls of non-unity. The solution is not more earthly temple activities, but a sorrow over sin, and faith in Yahshua and obeying his commandments if we love him. John 3:16-18. Those that exercise faith in him are not to be judged. THOSE that do not exercise faith have been judged already, because they have not exercised faith in the name of the only-begotten Son of YAHWEH. v.18
Might the term Laodicean convey that the predominant characteristic of this assembly is that leaders rule, the people judge, or, in fact that the people are judgmental? I personally feel that the term Laodicea conveys a difference in governance and that most Laodiceans have rejected the truth and went with the governance of their leaders. The word "Laodicean" means lukewarm or half-hearted, especially in love and truth. Our deceitful human nature has in its arsenal countless ways, reasons, and excuses to avoid confronting the real issue of life—overcoming and allowing Yahweh to form and shape us into His image. Just bringing Elohim into the picture unleashes forces that will not only help us to overcome, but will also protect us from the pitfalls that litter our path. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Psalms 91:12. It is this striving to pray always that a Laodicean naturally avoids because they feel no need. Yahshua acknowledges this: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10. (Interestingly, neither Strong's nor Smith's know what regard the assembly of "Sardis" means, other than it is the name of a city, the meaning of the word "Sardis" is lost--does not that sound similar to Revelation 3:1, "...you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead"?...but.....The group that he took out of his pocket and threw into the fire (and are therefore consumed in the fires of tribulation) represents the Laodicean church. It surely seems to indicate that very few, if any, of them will survive through the Tribulation. Five separations are indicated here in Ezekiel 5:1-3, And thou, Son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair. Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them. Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. We have seen that Yahweh through Yahshua will not keep those in Laodicea from entering the tribulation. So what, specifically, will happen to those who are not in a place of protection? Some of the answers may lie in the book of Lamentations, which details that time: The tongue of the infant clings To the roof of its mouth for thirst; The young children ask for bread, But no one breaks it for them...Those slain by the sword are better off Than those who die by hunger; For these pine away, Stricken for lack of the fruit of the field. The hands of the compassionate women Have cooked their own children; They became food for them In the destruction of the daughter of my people...Our pursuers were swifter Than the eagles of the heavens. They pursued us on the mountains And lay in wait for us in the wilderness. Lamentations 4:4-19 & "‘Into the streets they will throw their very silver, and an abhorrent thing their own gold will become. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of YAHWEH’S fury. Their souls they will not satisfy, and their intestines they will not fill, for it has become a stumbling block causing their error. And I will bring in the worst ones of the nations, and they will certainly take possession of their houses, and I will cause the pride of the strong ones to cease, and their sanctuaries must be profaned. Ezekiel 7:19,24.
Thus, we can look at the most horrifying events that have happened in the past and yet realize that the coming Tribulation will be worse. Since a portion of YAHWEH'S people have fallen in the past. 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, many things were recorded "for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall" 1 Corinthians 10:11,12. Matthew 24:22 Yahshua states, "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved" yet, though the situation appears bleak--almost hopeless--notice the conclusion of the verse, "but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened". Similarly in Jeremiah 30:7 it says, "Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it".
The assembly at Laodicea......Revelation 3:14-22. The lukewarm assembly of people; the assembly of the Apostasy, falling away of believers period early 1900's-present. Each assembly is a unique combination of ALL of the traits of all seven assemblies, but in differing proportions, even if they don't like to admit it. Most earthly temples like to think of themselves as a Philadelphian-type of assembly, even if their works show they are not. For example, there are some which are well and truly dead and don't know it, and there are some that are doing well. However, there is also an increasing percentage which fit the Laodicean era-church category quite well as a people. The name Laodicea also means "rule of the people." It is a picture of a earthly temple controlled by the people instead of by Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah. This is shocking news to a people who have a very good feeling about themselves and the leaders of their religion. Yahshua counsels them to buy gold, symbolic of faith, in order that the tested quality of YOUR faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Yahshua the Messiah. 1 Peter 1:7, white garments, which are like the linen of imputed righteousness with which the Brides of the Messiah are dressed, Revelation 19:7,8, and eye salve, showing dependence on Yahweh's spiritual healing for their blinded eyes, through Yahshua the Messiah who is the door. John 10:1,2,7,9. Paul reminded the people in a letter to keep heed in faith of Yahshua's teachings. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of the Messiah, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything YAHWEH wills. For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. Luke, the loved physician, and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the assembly in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the master, so that you can accomplish it." Colossians 4:12-17 & We always give thanks to YAHWEH when we make mention concerning all of YOU in our prayers, for we bear incessantly in mind YOUR faithful work and [your] loving labor and [your] endurance due to [your] hope in our master Yahshua the Messiah, in the sight of YAHWEH our Father. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of Elohim. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4.
"And to the angel of the assembly in La·o·di·ce´a write: These are the things that the Omein says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by YAHWEH, ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would like it if you were cold or else hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say: "I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all," but you do not know you are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire that you may become rich, and white outer garments that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not become manifested, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes that you may see. "‘All those for whom I have affection I reprove and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent. Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his [house] and take the evening meal with him and he with me. To the one that conquers I will grant to sit down with me on my throne, even as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.’" Revelation 3:14-22.
In conclusion: Remember the half baked chatter of every earthly temple all over the world today, entering with dough?$$$$$$.....Oh I give only to my assembly and only help the people of my assembly......Half Baked? The prophet Hosea used the tribe of Ephraim as a poetic representation. In a colorful admonition, he wrote that Ephraim had become "a cake unturned" Hosea 7:8. Yahshua echoed the words of the prophet. Although he had gentle words for repentful sinners, he gave a scathing rebuke to the haughty and self-righteous who wanted to live as they pleased. He was furious at two-faced religious leaders who talked a good talk but turned around and exploited their followers. Matthew 23:13-30. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat but gulp down the camel! v.24 Remember that! Let's not be half-baked children of Elohim ie.YHWH Yahweh, claiming Elohim's forgiveness, but still we don't forgive other's?. The only fitting response to Yahweh's mercy, grace is to serve and worship Him in humility, love, and in truth. Open Your Ears, Eyes! And Listen To Elohim and His Son, See all Yahweh's purposes will be fulfilled."For YAHWEH has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of YAHWEH will be fulfilled. Revelation 17:17.
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