WHEN THE DOOR CLOSED

I think I'm a little stuck on Noach this year.  I can't seem to get past this Parasha.  That, or perhaps I'm seeing so much within this Parasha that it is taking me a good part of Genesis to move on.

I've titled this week's message, "When the Door Closed," in reference to the Grace that the Earth experienced before The Flood, and the Grace that the inhabitants of the Ark experienced after The Flood.  This reference can also be attributed to the Door of the Wedding Feast, when the Foolish Virgins show up too late.


"The Door" in Hebrew Thought, represents a Period of Grace and we must understand what Grace is from God's point of view, and not simply what we perceive it to mean.  We must be careful that certain Theologies do not steer us away from the truth.  Although with good intention, in piety of Faith, certain doctrines may take God's Grace for Granted.


Today I want to shake things up a little.  I'm going to have a look at a doctrine that I have pondered my entire life.  When I say pondered, I mean, I have accepted the Theology behind it, but the more I apply common sense and logic, I continually question the premise.  The doctrine that I am referring to is "Eternal Security." 


I was raised being taught that Eternal Security is "Easy Salvation," it's not built upon Scripture, and it gives The Believer a false sense of security.  (This is what I was taught - NOT that I didn't question it.)

Now, although I was taught this, and accepted this idea as a child, I still wondered why some Believers embraced this teaching.  In fact, I remember having a midrash on the concept, without even knowing what a Midrash was at the time --  Many years ago.

My understanding of the concept of a "Covenant," meant that it, or at least certain aspects of the Covenant, was conditional.  Therefore "If This ... then That."  This is what a Covenant is, or at least how I understood it at the time.  I have since come to understand that this is the idea behind a "Contract," and that a "Covenant," is simply a "Promise," that may or may not hold conditions.

At the time I was not fully aware of the one sided nature of God's Covenant with Abraham.  Other than receiving the Blessing, there are no conditions regarding God's Covenant with Abraham.  It is merely an unconditional promise from God to Abraham.

In my Drash, I had explained that if the New Covenant is a Covenant, then it is "conditional."  If the word "If" is used, it is conditional.

This begs the Question, "If the New Covenant is based upon the Premise of Grace, then is Grace "Conditional?"

This is a complex idea, but before we determine whether Grace is conditional or not, we must first try to understand what Grace is.  We'll come back to this.

First, let's look at the most famous "Condition" of The New Covenant.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

I don't know.  What do you think?  Conditional or Unconditional?  I say Conditional.  "Whoever Believes."  What if we don't believe, do we get to have "everlasting life," regardless?

OK.  So there is some condition involved within the parameters of the New Covenant.  More specifically, you cannot enter into The New Covenant without Believing in Him.

Now, we can go down an even more complex road of what it means to "Believe in Him," but let's save that for another message.  I'd like to eat lunch at some point today, and dinner for that matter.

Therefore, there is a Condition to enter into the Covenant.  Now, according to the doctrine of "Eternal Security," this is where the "Conditions" end.  "Once Saved, always Saved."

We are saved "Once and for all," therefore our actions, once past the threshold of "Salvation," are irrelevant.  Well, as it is taught, "irrelevant," regarding the issue of our "Salvation." However, our "Rewards" will be affected by our behaviour.  This is the Theology taught on topic of Eternal Security.

To many of us, especially Messianic Believers, this is a difficult idea to embrace.  It is difficult to embrace, because in essence this ideology fits directly into the doctrine of "The Law doesn't matter, for we are Saved by Grace," or as it has been put to me, "What Sin is too Great for Yeshua?"

Well there is one, "The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 12:31) but that's not really the point is it?  The point is that Once within the Covenant of Messiah, we are Saved from our Sin.  End of Story.

To many of us Messianic Believers, it sounds like reckless and dangerous theology.  "Take Liberty in your salvation!"  This idea comes from Galatians 5:13

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

I do not accept this to mean, "Do what you want, because you are Free from The Oppressive Law of God."  Rather I understand this to mean, "Be free of the condemnation of The Law of God, for Salvation protects you."  Never the less Sin is defined by the Law, and if we are best advised "Not to Sin," then therefore we are advised to Live within the Word of God (Live within the Law).

So...  If you want me to understand Eternal Security, What you are telling me is that, once I say "The Sinner's Prayer," and I accept His Salvation, by Faith, then I am saved, and no matter what I do or don't do, after that fact, I am still saved from Hell Fire, all the while, I may loose "My Reward," should I misbehave?

It just sounds too easy, but then again, I'm one of those "Back under the Law types," so that's no surprise. 

This is the point.  Yeshua said, "My Burden is light."  The LORD has done it for us, and there is nothing that we can do to add to our Salvation.  I agree with the latter point, but what does this have to do with how we live our lives according to God's Word?

Oh - But that's were Faith comes in.  If you really believe that Jesus has saved you, then you are saved.  If you are unsure of that Salvation, because you are lacking in Faith, then were you truly saved to begin with? 

What???  

So...  What you are saying is that, if I question the fullness of Yeshua's Salvation due to lack of Faith, then due to my lack of Faith, I was never really saved in the first place?  Therefore, my Faith has to be perfect, before I can be saved? 

I thought that we grow in Faith, once within the relationship with the LORD?  Then, how do we ever know if we are truly saved or not, or better, whether our Faith is strong enough to save us in the first place?  --  Did you catch that paradox?

In an attempt to twist our responsibility away from Works, we have now switch-backed right into turning Faith itself into a Work of Merit.  If our Faith determines our Salvation, and we need enough Faith to be acceptable in order to receive Salvation, then our Salvation is dependent upon our applied Faith.  That places us (Our Efforts) back into the equation, of which this doctrine is attempting to omit us from.  This is a Paradox.  There is something just not fitting right here.  Therefore we need to "Midrash."

If you are saved, and yet you continue to live in sin, were you ever "Truly" saved to begin with? 
To better understand this idea, let's add some contrast.  If you accept Yeshua's Salvation, and then sin from time to time, due to the weakness of the Flesh, are you "Living in Sin," or are you "Living within the Law," and slipping up, from time to time? 

I believe it is this contrast that determines whether we are "Walking with The LORD," or if we are "Looking for the Formula to Please God."  If we are looking for the Formula to Please God, in the same manner that Ancient Israel did during the Days of Isaiah, and that so-called "Formula" replaces and inhibits our Walking Relationship with The LORD, then we may as well be "Living in Sin."

It is in our Walk with the LORD that we find Grace in God's presence.  Even when we Sin, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 - "IF" we confess our Sin.  This is a perpetual and "conditional" process within our Relationship with Him. 

Now, if we are "Living by the Rules" or "The Law," but in doing so, we are not "Walking" with Him, but rather the concept of Him, then we may as well be, "Living in Sin."


This is How The Law becomes Sin to us.  Romans 8:2   All the while, if we Live within the Law, but in doing so, Walk with Him, then we have found our Place.  In as much we find Grace within our Walk, in spite of our Sin.  Therefore, within this "Walk," we may stumble and fall, but since He is with us, we learn from our mistakes, and move forward, not worrying about the condemnation of the Law, due to our Failure.  "He is faithful and just and willing to forgive us."  In as much, we are not taking His Grace for Granted but applying it, as He intended for it to be applied.  

Once True Salvation sprouts, then the Fruit of the Spirit begins to grow, and become evident in that person's life, therefore the evidence of Salvation becomes a physical manifestation. 


Then why all the talk about Hell?  Was this just used to warn us, a method of provoking us to think about the alternative?  Is this simply a method of prodding us into the direction of accepting God's Salvation?

Well, yes it is, but Hell is real, or is it only real for the Unbeliever?


The answer is that Yeshua spoke more about the dangers of Hell and Damnation, then He did about the rewards of Heaven.  In the same manner, we have two ears and one mouth.  We are told that this means that we should listen twice as much as we comment.  I'm sorry if that sounds hypocritical coming from me, but regardless of our short comings, the Truth is still the Truth.  Amein?


A side note: Remember, just because I am up here speaking about God's Word, doesn't mean that I am preaching to you.  I am the vessel for the LORD's Message.  This message is just as much for me, as it is for you.  The hope is that we all get something out of this. Amein?


OK, back to the point.  If Yeshua's teaching of Hell is only a warning to those who are outside the Covenant, then what do we do with all His Warnings for us, those of us within the Covenant?  Perhaps this Theology of "Eternal Security," isn't as "Cut and Dry" as originally implied.  There must be more to it. 


Perhaps the greater dilemma, within this doctrine, isn't the Security part, but rather the True Verification of Salvation.


"Well... The warnings are so that we do not lose our reward."  I'm NOT so sure about that.  For example, if you are going about doing "This in His Name," and doing "That in His Name," why is there a chance that He would declare on That Day, "Depart from me, you Lawless ones.  I never knew you."  This is not an indication of "No Prize for You," but rather, This is a very clear and direct, "Get Out!"  We must be diligent in our understanding and in our Relationship with Him.  This is not something that we should just take for granted, because someone has misinterpreted the meaning of Grace.


The question that I am posing is, if this "Once saved, always saved" theology stands on its own, then what's the point of diligence and concern?  This so-called, "Grace Theology," depicts an existence of a Sinless State, or at least a Life that Sin no longer has any affect, because we are saved from it.  If so, then why still the warnings in language directed at the Elect?  This is Paradox, if you fully embrace this Theology.  Are the Warnings only for those who "Think" they are saved, when they are not?  Again, then the paradox comes in the form of verification of True Salvation.


Now, if there are some among us that hold to this Theology, I'm not questioning Salvation through Grace, and not Works.  What I am challenging, is whether or not this nicely wrapped Theological Package, perhaps may have overlooked a few major points before concluding.


This challenge leads me down to the very definition of Grace.  Perhaps our understanding of the meaning of Grace, has been ever so slightly knocked off course so that the Scriptures appear to no longer be Echad or Unified regarding this understanding. 


Have you ever walked through the Grocery Store, and looked at certain products and they have all these nice ingredients, but then you come across something that you do not like, or cannot eat.  The whole package must be rejected.  You think to yourself, why can't they just make it perfect to my liking?  No - I'm not talking about picking and choosing Scripture.  In fact, I believe it is the Scripture that helps us overcome the anomalies of Theology.  What I am talking about is that some of these nicely packaged Theologies, may not exactly project the "Whole Truth." 


Well, in our Messianic Tradition, we are not bound to Theological packages.  In fact, we are allowed to challenge any Theology, and our Halacha is to better unify the Word of God.  Meaning that we are not in the business of picking and choosing theology that best suits us, but rather to look at the Scripture as a whole (Including the Torah) to guide our Theology.  Therefore I say that we must look at Grace as the Scripture depicts it, rather than superimposing our interpretation of the Word Grace into the theology.


What is Grace then?

I think I've taught on the Parasha of Noach pretty much, every message and drash that I have delivered this year, less the Bereshiet.  As I said earlier, I'm stuck on the story of Noah this year.


Once again, I will look to the Parasha of Noach to begin my study.  This time I found that the Hebrew word for "Grace" appears for the first time in the story of Noach. 


"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." Genesis 6:8


The Hebrew word for Grace is Chen.  It's pronounced like the bird, but with the guttural "Kh" sound.  Some versions translate the word as "Favour."  However, this translation can present a theological debate, as "Favour" can depict merit.  If we translate that "Noah found 'merit' in the eyes of the LORD," then it could be said that "Because of Noah's Righteousness," the LORD saved him. 


This is where Grace can take on a meaning that can cause Theological confusion.  Grace is described as "unwarranted merit."  It is a word, described within a "Spiritual Economy," as something that is "reward without effort," or at least without direct compensation for services rendered.  Is this what the word "Chen," describes?


I guess it depends on who you are asking.  Of course the Rabbinical Midrash is going to go with Noah's Righteousness, because Noah lived a perfect life (we were not there to see otherwise, and so since God favoured him, therefore we can conclude that he was a good and righteous man).  I would contest this carte blanche Righteousness theory based upon the fact that I know that "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 -  Therefore, if Noah had sinned, then where did his Righteousness come from? Was it because he sacrificed, and corrected his mistakes by the covering of his sin, and learning to walk upright?  I think we are getting warmer with this.  However, ultimately it was because, like Abraham his great grandson, Noah Believed God.


What does this mean?  He believed IN God?  There are people all over the World that believe in God or a god, and this is not counted to them as Righteousness.  Believing God is to believe what He declares to be Truth, and again in Hebrew Thought, what does Truth depict?  A-M-T - The Eternal Truth.  The same yesterday, today and forever.  For Truth to be Truth, it cannot change.  It is Eternal and Everlasting.  Therefore Noah believed in God's Promise. 

What was God's Promise to Noah? 

I'm talking about before the Ark.  I'm talking about those 480 years before the story of Noah begins.  Noah the infant.  Noah the boy.  Noah the teenager, and Noah the Man.  During that time, Noah was given a Promise.  Most likely passed down from his parents or Grandparents, from their parents, who from the Garden were given a promise.  The promise of Mashiach. 


What's sad about this story is that they all had this promise, the other people at the time of Noah, but only one man believed?  He believed so much that when the LORD called him to build the Ark, he did it.  He put his Faith into Action - Emunah.  This was counted to him as Righteousness.  I would take this a step further in thought.  In Genesis 6:9 it reads:


"Noah was in his generations a man righteous and whole-hearted; Noah walked with God."


Other translations use the word "Perfect."  Now, as mentioned earlier, I have trouble accepting certain translations.  I have trouble accepting the word perfect, because it generates an image of Noah that I do not think is perfectly accurate.  The word "Perfect," depicts Sinless.  It was not that Noah did not sin, as the Scripture also teaches us that "All have Sinned."  Therefore, what are they getting at?  It is the last part of the verse that drives the point home, "Noah walked with God."


This is Halacha.  This is Relationship.  Noach found Grace from God, because he Walked with God.  He was intimate with God.  Noach believed God, because he Knew God.  I can't stress enough the importance To Know God.  I'm not talking about only "Knowing of His Ways," but I'm talking about Knowing His Heart, intimately -- KNOWING HIM!!!

Perhaps it took Noah those 480 years of His life before the Ark, to develop that relationship with God, to get to know God on that level that when God commanded him to build the Ark, Noah didn't think himself crazy.  He trusted in the LORD, because he KNEW the LORD.  Those 480 years were Grace for Noah.


This is why Yeshua uses these words, "Depart from me you workers of Lawlessness.  I never knew you."  Matthew 7:23


Grace is conditional to our Walk with God.

Well, we might argue.  "Before we were saved, we found Grace, and because of that Grace, the Holy Spirit was able to lead us to our understanding and acceptance of Messiah."  Yes - We found Grace, as did the People of Noah's Day, until that Grace Period ran out, and the Flood waters came.  We take Grace for Granted, because we do not understand its meaning and purpose. 


We've been handed a Theology that only gives us a Half-Truth.  Keeping in mind, there is no such thing in Hebrew Thought.  It is either Eternal, or it is not. 


"Yes, but brother Daniel, the LORD accepts us just as we are."  Yes - He does.  Just like I accept a dirty carrot from the ground, but then I take it and I clean it, and then I prepare it for dinner.  Just because He accepts us, just as we are, doesn't mean that our goal is to remain in the way that we are found.  Our Goal is to grow in relationship with Him.  This requires effort and interaction.  Within the process of this interaction and relationship, we grow and in that growth, we mature, and become stronger vessels for His use, for the Kingdom.  Grace is the time allotted to grow, in order to become the vessels that He wants us to be for His Service.


Grace is for our limitations, not our apathy.


Yes, but we can never be perfect.  No, we cannot be perfect, in and of ourselves.  This is True.  However, we must BE all that we are for Him.  Where we fail, He makes up the difference, but we must do what He has empowered us to do.


Let me share Yeshua's understanding of this application of Grace.

A few weeks ago in Torah Club, I brought this doctrine of Grace Theology to the table for discussion, and as I am proud of our group, and because the group effort that we work with in growing closer to the Heart of the LORD, I like to share our thoughts with others, as well as, to give credit where credit is due.


When sharing my insights into this Grace paradox, Mary directed us to a portion of scripture that I will now share with you to help us understand how this idea of Grace works.


This is regarding one of Yeshua's explanations of The Kingdom of God:




14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.
15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more.
17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more.
18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?
27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags.
29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’




Matthew 25 is one of those Chapters that deals with Hell, and more specifically to those who claim to be "Saved," and in the service of the Master, and yet fail to Walk with Him.


Grace is not as simple as we make it out to be, nevertheless, it is not complex.  Grace is not a "One Size Fits All," type of idea.  Grace is given to those who need it for the time that the LORD permits Grace to be in operation. 


For the Unbeliever, or those outside The Covenant, it is up to the time of their demise, or their acceptance of The Covenant.  If they die in their Sin, then the Judgement.  If they come to Faith in the Messiah's Covenant, and accept it, then Grace is applied differently within The Covenant. 


According to this parable the servants are given responsibilities in relationship to their abilities.  This is Grace.


"To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey."  Matthew 25:15


This is to say, "One Size" does not fit all.  We are given responsibilities to achieve according to our abilities and short comings.  The Father takes this into account, when assigning our duties.  He does not give us more than we are able.  Therefore, we work with the little that we have, and if we are Faithful in these little tasks, as we grow in Faith, he will give us greater responsibilities. 

This is why we pray the Avinu, "Do not give us more than we are able to bare."  The application of Grace within The Covenant is to Serve the LORD with All Our heart, All Our Mind, and All our Strength.  This is the expectation, but then why did Yeshua say, "My Burden is Light."  He said that His Burden was Light.  He didn't say, "There is no Burden."  It is He that makes it light.  It's a mighty burden, if we attempt to do it in and of ourselves -- It is impossible.


We are to Go, in Faith, and give our all, as Noah did.  Noah was in his generations a man righteous and whole-hearted.  Genesis 6:9.


This is what we are acknowledging in the Shema.  "All our Heart - All our Mind - All our Strength."  He is not asking us to give all the Strength of Samson, or All the Wisdom of Solomon.  He is asking us to be the Best Daniels and Phyllis' and Jeremiahs that we can be.  He is not asking us to do the impossible, but rather to have the Faith in Him, that He is able to do the impossible.  Is anything impossible for The LORD?


He is not going to give us something that is beyond our ability, watch us fail, and then toss us into Hell because we failed.  This is not our God. 


Let's look at the last of the 3 servants.  Was he given more than he was able?  Obviously not. The Master knew His weakest servant, and therefore gave him the least responsibility.  He didn't expect anything more from him than He did the others.  All that the Master did expect was the little effort to do his best.  Is that what the 3rd Servant did?  Did he give his best?  No.  We know this because of what term the Master uses to describe him.


"His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?" Matthew 25:26.

In other words, let us not worry about the outcome of the investment.  This is not for us to worry ourselves about.  Wherever we invest for the LORD, there will be a return.  If we just say, "Following the Law is futile, because it doesn't save us. - It can't be done, so why try?"  This is not the type of Servant that the LORD is looking for.  The LORD wants Servants who will do their best in the little things, and HE will make them Masters over Greater things.  When I use the term "Follow the Law," this is a generic expression for applying our understanding of The Word of God. 


Is the Word of God and the Law of God the same thing?  Yes - these are all parts of His Promise to us. 
"Oh - But that's been done away with.  We now live under the New Covenant." 

This is Theology.  This is an interpretation of a part of The Scripture, rather than a full comprehensive look at the Unified Scripture. 


I'm not going to go on, and point out again, WHAT and WHERE the idea of "The New Covenant" comes from in the Tanakh (Jeremiah 31).  We've been down that road.  If you wish to further investigate this, or discuss this during the Midrash, you are welcome to ask questions and discuss the matter.  Right now, let me say that we have misused and misapplied the concept of Grace, just as we misused the concept of WHAT the New Covenant truly means. 


Chaverim, let me tell you that I spent my whole life looking for the formula, the "One Size Fits All" solution to Theology.  I grew up hearing, "You can't do this, it's of the World.  You can't that, it's of the World." This provoked me to try to find out, WHAT exactly I could do, in this World!  I was a frustrated young man, being told that I lived Under Grace, yet I felt more bound up (Torach) in the ambiguity of Theology, than I did in the freedom of understanding the Scripture.  Therefore my quest was to find the Truth.  What is it, Law or Grace?


Why does Theology teach us this dichotomy of thought?  If Hell is Hell, and God was instructing us on how to avoid it, would not The Law be Grace?  The Law teaches us the need for Messiah, and it helps us understand Righteous Conduct, and how we should Love the LORD, and our Neighbour.  Why must I choose?  I say, "The Law is Grace."

In my journey to find the Truth, I found that even the more Fundamental of Evangelical Churches simply exchanged the Torah for a "New Testament" Theology.  This teaching that "We are no longer under The Law, but rather bound to Church Theology,"  it is no different than being bound to Catholicism or Rabbinical Judaism -- The Traditions of Men.  One bondage was exchanged for another.  We should follow the example of our Master, and kick those tables over, declaring "My Father's House shall be called The House of Prayer!" 


In my quest for the Formula, I found that there is no Formula to Please God.  There is only Relationship.  There is only "The Walk" with Him.  We all must be like Noah, and all the people of God, who simply "Walked with the LORD."  Our Halacha is worked out in Grace, and in Fear and Trembling (Another way of saying 'Reverence') of The LORD. 


Grace is not One Size Fits All.  Grace is given to us all individually, as needed.  Only the LORD knows the dosage of us all, individually.  This is why it is not our Place to Shofet (Judge), lest we fall into that same place of Judgement.  In the same way that we administer Grace, we will receive Grace for our shortcomings. 

Therefore, as you would want to know if danger is ahead, listen to those who bring you the instruction of Dan (Instructive or Constructive Judgement), and when you are feeling Shofet (Judged), take it to the Judge of Judges and ask for His direction, because you Walk with Him.  When you are in this type of Relationship with the LORD, where you Walk with God, then you will have no fear or frustration of Man. 

There you have it.  Grace is to be like Noah, Walk with the LORD.

Now, as we search for the Freedom in knowing the Scripture, rather than being like the blind leading the blind through the ambiguity of Theology, let this be Our Walk.  Let this be our Halacha.


Before I conclude on this topic, I just wanted to point out my personal frustration with this type of "Eternal Security" Theology.  Now, please forgive my tone of sarcasm, as this is how I feel about it but...


Am I the only one that finds it a little frustrating and ironic that by the definition of Grace Theology, there is nothing that we can do or not do that would remove us from our Salvation.  All the while, should we "Go back under the Law," aka "Adhere to the parameters established within God's Word," --  "For Some Reason," this is the only thing that we can do that brings us damnation?


In other words: In "reality" I can sin all I want, once "Saved," and there is no Eternal Problem, because I am going to Heaven, no matter what.  However if I should (Heaven Forbid), obey the Word of God, which is found within His Scriptures, "For Some Reason," THIS is the one thing that would take away my Salvation?

Now, I understand the premise (according to this understanding) that by "Following or Going back Under The Law" I am in essence defying the very foundation of my Faith through the Grace aspect of Salvation, but in "Reality" what is being said is that, should I follow the Scripture, this is worse than Sinning.  All the while, it is the Word of God that determines what Sin is, and what the Do's and Don'ts are.  If ever their was confusion of application of words and thoughts, I'm sorry, this just simply does not make sense to me.  This is a mighty paradox. 

"For God is not the author of confusion." 1 Corinthians 14:33

Therefore, as I had stated at the beginning of this Message, we must look at what it is that we think we understand.  Having a relationship with Theology, is not the same as having a relationship with the LORD. 

Let me leave you with this:

And the LORD said: 'My spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for that he also is flesh; therefore shall his days be a hundred and twenty years.' Genesis 6:3

Even Grace has its limits.  As there are Seasons, Grace has its time too.  Eventually the LORD will close the Door of the Ark, and the Door to the Wedding Chamber, and then the Judgement.  Let's just make sure that we are on the right side of that Door. 




May the LORD further Bless you with His Grace, and make you Masters over Greater Things.  

Are Jews Saved by "The Old Testament?"

I was sent this video link via Facebook by a Friend who was asking for my thoughts on the issues addressed.  The following is the link, as well as my response to the topic.

http://youtu.be/oIvbCoaRr7w

What are my thoughts on This?

Um...  You're asking me, what I think about "The Pope's" Theological position? 

Oy vey!  All I saw was a report on Religion, about Religion, by Religion.  Religion, Religion, Religion. 

One: and this may offend, but you asked my take on this.

1) "Christianity" is a Religion - I know we refer to it as "A Faith," but there is Catholic Theology twisted all throughout even "Evangelical Theology."  Most Bible Reading and Understanding "Christians" actually understand this, and ask "...And why do we do this again, when the Bible says NOT to do this?"  The answer?  "Theology"  aka "Man's Opinion on What God is Thinking."  Hence the fact that we call God's Word "The Old Testament." 

Funny - I read somewhere "My ways are above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

OK Theology IF you say so...

2) "Judaism" is a Religion - Rabbinical Jews tend not to refer to what they believe as "A Faith."  They out-rightly refer to it as "Our Religion."  Although Rabbinical Judaism is based upon "The Torah/Tanakh" aka "The Old Testament," Judaism is made up of so much more then just "The Bible."  Therefore to say, "Jews are saved by the Old Testament."  Pope Benedict didn't come up with that, Jesus did.

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17

The point being is that Jesus never referred to His Word aka "The Word of God" as "The Old Testament," man did.  In fact, the quote that this video makes reference to:

45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” John 5:45-47

Indicates that the so-called "Old Testament" is still fulfilling its purpose of directing mankind towards Messiah until this day.  If there were no "Scriptures" (The term used in the so-called New Testament to describe the so-called Old Testament) pointing towards who the Messiah is, then we would have no reason or purpose to believe in Our Messiah.  How would we know that "This Guy" isn't the Messiah?  Therefore, in essence to declare that "The Old Testament" has run its course is foolish Theology.  In fact, it is the so-called "Old Testament," that defines WHAT Sin is, and therefore, if there is no Sin, then there is no need for a Messiah to save us???  Paradox Theology.

3) The greatest problem that I have with this concept is that somehow, The Pope, The Vatican, The Catholic Church, and even the Evangelical Church (now so departed from its Hebrew Roots) has found itself ignorant that "Judaism," does not follow "The Old Testament."  The very Scripture quoted (John 5:45-47) attests to the fact that Judaism does not follow "The Scriptures."  This is what Jesus was talking about!  If they had listened to The Scriptures, they would KNOW HIM.

Therefore the question stands, Are Jews saved by The Old Testament? 


What a stupid question!!!

 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. John 1:1-5

Therefore The Word of God (The so-called "Old Testament") has become Flesh to dwell among us.  Therefore, if we believed The Scriptures, then we would KNOW HIM.  He is the Scriptures become Flesh.  He is not "Done away with."  He is alive and well!

It is Roman Politics that has taken the idea of Messiah, and turned it into a Religion.  Pope Constantine made this Roman Law in 325 at the Council of Nicea.  I would almost go as far as to say that "Jesus Christ" (at least the Roman version of Yeshua HaMashiach) is the Anti-Christ, as ironic as that sounds. 
Sounds ridiculous right?

This is what made me even consider this position:

24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  Matthew 24:24

Meditating on this verse one night, I began to think.  What false Messiah could be so "deceiving" that even THE VERY ELECT ("BELIEVERS") might be "deceived?"  Why, he would have to look exactly like... Whoa. 

Now tell me who looks and appears exactly like Yeshua HaMashiach, and by what name does he go by?  Scary thought.  What does the Yeshua of Scripture teach, and what does the Jesus Christ of Roman Catholicism teach?  Are they one in the same? 

We can cry "Translation!" and "Semantics!" but if the Theology of Christianity (The Religion) differs from the Teaching of Scripture, then I think it's a little more than just perspective.

The fundamental aspects of Salvation are the same as they were in the so-called "Old Testament," as they are in the so-called "New Testament."  The LORD God is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. "I Change Not." declares the LORD - Malachi 3:6

From the Days of the Beginning, we have always looked to Messiah for our Salvation.  The event of His Coming didn't change the Scripture, it only fulfilled what He said what He was going to do, from the Beginning.  Judaism (The Religion) left this idea behind, a long time ago.  They do not believe that Mashiach's purpose is to Save them, Jesus or otherwise.  To Modern Rabbinical Judaism, Mashiach is a Political Leader.  Therefore, the problem does not lie with Old vs New Testament Theology.  It lays with understanding and accepting "The Scriptures" and what they say.  

This is why He declares,

 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practises and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-20

Trust me, I know the so-called "Christian Theological" interpretation of what this verse means, but I say, "It means what it means, not what some twisted doctrine teaches in order to support its patriotism to Man's Tradition."

You know that term "I am the Alpha and Omega."  This is not a "New Testament" concept.  This is just "The Greek Version."  In Hebrew the word for "Truth" is "Emet."  In Hebrew it is spelt "Alaph-Mem-Tav."  These letters are the First, the Middle and the last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. 

When Yeshua states;

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
He is declaring within Hebrew Understanding that He is the Beginning-The Middle and The End - "The Author and Finisher of our Faith." Hebrews 12:2

Let me explain what exactly "The New Testament" is.  It is not exactly the back of the Bible.  This idea is again, "Theology." (Religion!)  If you want to understand what the LORD calls "The New Testament," we need to go back to "The Old Testament."

Jeremiah 31

31 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,
   “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
   and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
   I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
   to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
   though I was a husband to[d] them,[e]”
            declares the LORD.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
   after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
   and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
   and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
   or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’
because they will all know me,
   from the least of them to the greatest,”
            declares the LORD.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
   and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34

Therefore, according to "Scripture," The New Covenant is what?  "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts."  That's step one.  The New Covenant has not been completed yet - It will be completed upon His Return.  Part 2: "No longer will they teach their neighbour, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD' because they will all know me."

This is where we get the verse:

"Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Yeshua HaMashiach is LORD!"  Romans 14:11 and Philippians 2:10.

In conclusion, I don't preach Religion or Patriotism to a Theology.  I stand in the Office of Elijah declaring "Make ye Straight - The Way of The LORD!"  This is the declaration of T'shuva, the Hebrew word for "Repent."  T'shuva means "To Turn" or better "Return," to the Word of God. 

Although I do express my Faith in a Hebrew/Jewish Cultural setting, as this is "The Way," that Yeshua gave it to us, doesn't mean that I am teaching, "You must do it THIS way."  Nevertheless, I do find it at least a little ironic that the term "Christian" means "Follower of Christ," all the while, the modern Church (For the Most Part) is completely oblivious to its Roots in Jewish Expression. 

In fact, I have become more acutely aware that unless I am completely "Intimate" with the Feasts of the Torah, I would be completely oblivious to what in the world John is talking about in The Revelation, or anything the Prophets are talking about. 

I've read these "crazy" rantings over and over, and just shrugged my shoulders.  I've read Christian Commentaries on the Prophets as well, and still scratch my head, because some things do not line up.  The reason that they do not line up, is because THEOLOGY is standing in THE WAY!  I call this "Torach" ("A Hindrance" in Hebrew) according to Isaiah (Chapter 1).  However, once I began to apply my understanding of the Torah, from a Jewish Understanding, they began to finally make sense. 

This is a quote from a Sermon I delivered a few weeks back (paraphrased) "The Scriptural Feasts of the Torah were not given to us to do until Yeshua came, they were always about Yeshua."  Therefore, I ask the question, "Who are we to change God's Word, make up our own Holidays, and say like Cain, 'Here... Except This?'"  It's His Way or the Highway and you know the AC/DC song and where that "Highway" leads.

God gave us the Bible for a Reason.  In doing so, who are we to call His Word, "The Old Testament?"  It has become Flesh, and He is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.

You asked "My Take" on this.  Well...  There you go.  Since this is just a FB reply - I thought that I would keep is short. 

I say, don't take my word for it, be a "Berean" like in the Book of Acts and go check out whether what I am teaching is in the Scripture or not.  Then, when you do, and you ask, "but where do I fit into all this?" 

Fret not, Romans 11 will run you through connecting those dots. 
May these words shed some light on the apostasy that this video has just addressed.

As in the Days of Noah

Although this Week's Parasha is focused upon the plight of Abraham, I'm going to look back a little to last week's parasha, Noach, which will eventually lead into today's reading.

 Let me begin by reading a mystery that has laid on my heart since I was a child.  Matthew 24:36-51

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Referring to that Great and Terrible Day of the LORD.

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

Now I could stop reading at this point, and begin to speculate on what the days of Noah were like.  However, to stay within the principle of study, to understand the context in which we are reading, we must carry on.

38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;

Well there you have it.  In the days of Noah it was "Business as usual."  Destruction was coming, but people just kept on living.  Noah was working on some kind of a Mega Project, and they laughed at him.  What, do you think, Noah didn't have time to tell them about what he was building and why?  He did, and some knew, those who took the time to ask, but they did not believe it.  "Business as Usual."

Let's read on:

39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’
49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.
50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.
51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


No we do not know the Day or the Hour, but the point is to stay ready.  What's also interesting to note that in the Luke 17 version, the Talmudim ask,

"Where, Lord?"  As to ask, Where will they be taken?


Yeshua answers, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”


This discourse is used to describe the event of the Rapture by those who teach Rapture Doctrine.  It is also used by those who reject traditional Rapture Doctrine, as to say, "You don't want to be taken."  This is compared to the removing of the tares of Matthew 13:24-30.  In this explanation, the tares will be taken first to be burned.  This is not the Rapture that you are looking for.


Over the past month we have been conducting a Beth Midrash on The Rapture.  It has been difficult because it appears that we do not have anyone among us that is very strongly opinionated or versed in Rapture Theology.  Therefore, I shared my insight, and we shared ideas, but it appeared that we agreed that conceptually, the Rapture is a title given to an event that predates New Testament era.  It would appear that the concept of the Rapture is what we would have referred to as "The Resurrection."  

I had shared last week, that during the process of another study, I stumbled across something that shed some light onto the idea of where "Rapture Theology," (in it's modern version) evolved from.


I found that the word "Rape," doesn't mean what we refer to it today.  In it's original Latin connotation, it referred to as "To Take," more closely related to "Kidnapping."  This word evolved from a practise of ancient warfare.  If a soldier, when in battle captures a city, and sees a woman that he desires, he was allowed to "Rape," her.  This was meant to "Capture," her and "Take her."  Unfortunately, this term, was not within context of her consent.


It wasn't so long ago (back in September) that this issue was address within the Torah, in one of our previous readings of the last cycle.  In Ki Teitzei - Deuteronomy 21:10-14 we read:


10 When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God delivereth them into thy hands, and thou carriest them away captive,
11 and seest among the captives a woman of goodly form, and thou hast a desire unto her, and wouldest take her to thee to wife;
12 then thou shalt bring her home to thy house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;
13 and she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thy house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month; and after that thou mayest go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife.
14 And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not deal with her as a slave, because thou hast humbled her.


By definition, this was not Rape.  Although there is a "Capture" involved, there are stipulations within Torah, of how one may continue in this relationship.  In the end, when they are to marry, it is by consent.

This situation of "Rape," does not depict the type of relationship that Messiah has with His Bride to be.


We are aware of who we are, and He is coming for us.  Our obligation is to remain vigilant for His return, as describe in Matthew 24 and Luke 17.  The Days of Noah describe a time where people were not vigilant, and therefore continued in "Business as usual," until the destruction came.  Therefore, so shall the End Times be, before the Day of the Son of Man's Return.


In last week's Drash, I ended off by encouraging you to study a few Scripture references.  Genesis 3:22-24 compared to Genesis 11:6-9 and how these verses offer clues to why the World ends up at Jerusalem in Zechariah 14.


Genesis 3 speaks of the Angels being placed to block the way to the Tree of Life.  The Genesis 11 portion speaks of the confusion of the languages, because the LORD was declaring, whatever man puts his mind to, he will accomplish it.  Therefore, the LORD confused their language to end their endeavour to reach Heaven.  The Battle of Jerusalem isn't simply about real estate.  It is what Jerusalem represents.  God's Kingdom, and access to Heaven.


Since the time the Angels who rebelled again God were cast out of Heaven, they have longed to return.  Since his creation, man has been that vehicle that they have manipulated to achieve their ultimate goal.  For this reason, God blocked the way to return to the Garden, where the Tree of Life resides.


Therefore, the Evil heart of man attempted to find a new way into Heaven, by building the Tower.  This too was off set.  Man was divided.


However, after Millennium of attempts to unite man, plurality is at its height.  Once again, and not since the days of Alexander the Great, have we seen such so-called "Unity of Humanity."


Some declare that this is the time of the return of the Nephilim in the form of the so-called "Rephaim."


"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

4 The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them; the same were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown. Genesis 6:4


Now, there is much speculation on who exactly were the Nephilim.  The word is translated to "Giants," even though the word itself depicts, "The Fallen Ones."  Now, due the root nature of the word, the idea that the Nephilim were Giants, was because they were hybrids of Human and Angel.  This has been debated by the Rabbis and the Church alike over the centuries.  The connection to Giants, is because of the connection of the Rephaim in the days of the writing of the Torah, during the Exodus to the Promised Land.  The Rephaim were Giants, associated with the Nephilim.  Therefore, if the Rephaim were Giants, then by Transitive relationship, so were the Nephilim.


Now this is where Theology and Speculation come into affect.  1st of all, if the Nephilim were simply Human Giants, they would have been wipe out during the flood, and they would have no decedents in the time of the Exodus.  2nd, if they were Angels, they would have simply reemerged in the same means that they emerged as Nephilim in the first place.  Relations between Human and Angel.


The 1st question I ask is, then why call them Rephaim?  Why not simply refer to them as Nephilim?  We'll come back to this.


Although the speculation that the Nephilim are hybrid Human Angels is plausible from Man's perspective, I have a few challenges to this Theory.


First of all, this idea follows too consistently with Ancient Mythology.  "Clash of the Titans!"  People, partly deity and partly human, who have "Fallen" from the heavens with a compelling mandate to "Find their way home."  Does this sound familiar?  It should, this was the objective of Nimrod's Tower in Babel.


It's funny.  Since I have began to study the Scripture from a Hebraic perspective, any time I notice something that appears "Familiar," as in "Greek" thought, I begin to question my own understanding.  So often we "The Believers," over the Millenia have been seduced by mingled Theology, that we just accept the Traditions of Men, because they appear to mimic the foundations of our Faith.  Now do we understand why the LORD taught us in Torah, to avoid this "Dominion Theology."  You cannot conquer that which is pagan, slap a "Christian" Theological perspective on top of it, and then call it Holy!  If there is poison in the soup, you cannot pick the poison out.  The LORD has called us to be Holy (Set Apart), not compromised for the sake of the Gospel.  If we compromise the Gospel, it is no longer the Gospel - Plain and Simple.


When Paul teaches that He is "All things to all men," it is meant within reason. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)  Paul himself would have told you that.  It doesn't mean that He went to the Temple of Asclepius and declared, "This is really Jesus, you know?"  In case you do not know the reference, Asclepius is the Son of Apollo, who holds the title of "Healer," and "Resurrecter of the Dead."


Therefore, let's not allow the Traditions of Men, and the Folklore of the Ancients, affect our method of perceiving Scripture.  Scripture backs up Scripture, as we will soon see.


In fact, I've tested the Theory that, the terms "Sons of God" and "Daughters of Men," are mere idioms describing the 2 Ancient perspectives about our Relationship with God.  Where "Sons of God," refer to those who "believe" they are "The Sons of God," a self-inflicted idiom.


In similar manner Yohannan the Immerser (John the Baptist) speaks of this arrogance when addressing the Parushim and Tzadakim.


7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:7-10


On the other hand, the "daughters of men," also referring to the "sons of men," where we get the term "Son of Man," simply implies those who believe in the Coming Messiah.  The term "daughters" is used within this context of Genesis 6 to illustrate the process of procreation, if you get my meaning.  This term is an idiom of "Faith."  Faith in the one who would one day come to take them home.  These were the Philosophies of the Ancient World.  The LORD will come to get us; Messianic Faith, where as "We must ascend into heaven and reclaim our place as His Children!"; Works based Salvation.


"Messianic Salvation" is based upon T'shuva (Repentance) and returning to God in humility, and preparing for His Coming, where as "Works based Salvation" is just that, "We will Achieve our place in Heaven!"


This is what separated the people of that day, and when these two beliefs in relation to God began to mingle, the LORD declared, Enough, and Noach received the call to begin to build.


The Nephilim did not die in the flood, because the seed of HaSatan was still within man, and carried over, and not soon after the flood, they began to build the Tower.  Therefore, when you hear terms like, "Together we can Achieve anything," we are living in the Days of Noah.  What has changed from the Days of Noach, to the time of Messiah, to this Day?


I'll remind you once again of the words of Abraham during the Akedah:


"8 And Abraham said: 'God will provide Himself the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son.' So they went both of them together." Genesis 22:8


This is the foundation of The Sons of Man.  There are those who Trust in the LORD, and there are those who trust in man.


Now my second problem with Nephilim literally meaning "Fallen Angels" is that Yeshua addressed this issue of Angels and Marriage, perhaps due to this very reason, because this belief existed in Temple era.  I believe that this theology evolved out of the mingling of Babylonian and Greek influence.


This is How Yeshua addressed this:


23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him.  (For those of you who recall "The Loose Shoe" reference?)
25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother.
26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh.
27 Finally, the woman died.
28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”
29 Yeshua replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you,
32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’[b]? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.


Now my third reason, and this is really the one that drives it home, because Ezekiel simply translates in no uncertain terms, WHO the Nephilim were:


27 And they that are inferior to the uncircumcised shall not lie with the mighty that are gone down to the nether-world with their weapons of war, whose swords are laid under their heads, and whose iniquities are upon their bones; because the terror of the mighty was in the land of the living.  (Ezekiel 32:27)


In the translation, Nephilim is not used, however it is there in the Hebrew as "The Fallen,"  He is not talking about Angels.


Within the context of this verse and this chapter, we learn that the Nephilim were simply the Heroes of Legend.  Great Warriors of Folklore, "Myths" whose stories, were worshipped as gods, and now lie dead in the grave.  They were once Mighty, and are no more.  They are "The Fallen."  Now, when you understand the term Nephilim from the Ezekiel portion, and then you apply his understanding to the Genesis 6 portion, you begin to understand that the Nephilim were only humans with delusions of grandeur, or at the very least, those who embellished their status over the millennium.  "Lest we forget the Fallen."  The Nephilim were nothing more than Hero Worship.


Please do not think that I am comparing our Remembrance Day observance to Remembering the Nephilim, as though it may imply.  We must understand that the Nephilim refers to Heroes of Mythical Proportion.  Hero Worship, apposed to Remembering, in Honor and Thanks Giving, for those who fulfilled that ultimate act of Love by laying down their life for their brother.  Honouring the humble self-sacrificing soldier is not the same as the Worship of Nephilim.  Just to put things into perspective.

Now to answer the question about the connection from the Nephilim and the Rephaim, Ezekiel connects the dots for us.  What is the connection between the Nephalim and the Rephaim?


OK I'm going to take you down another lesson on why it's so important to know your ancient Hebrew.  Why?


Because when we superimpose our modern ideas into ancient stories, we end up so far off course.  Let's allow the Hebrew to teach us a deeper story.


During our Midrash on "The Rapture" my word search lead me down a rabbit hole.  I found myself wanting to understand why we look to The Sky when referring to Heaven.  Stay with me here.  Remember, I'm working with the concept of Rapture, and I'm trying to understand the whole concept of being "Taken up into the Clouds."  Therefore my study techniques lead me to take into consideration, "What goes up, must come down?"


If there is an UP (The Heavens) then what is down?  This lead me to the Hebrew word, Nephal - "To Fall."  It is first used when describing how the LORD made Adam "fall" into a deep sleep.  This was an interesting president set.  The concept of "Fall," was initially metaphoric, rather than literal.  Meaning that "Falling Asleep," was simply a metaphor for descending to a subconscious state.  It was during the Midrash that I made mention of the word "Nephal," which Dan declared, "Like the Nephilim." - "The Fallen Ones."  I had not connected those dots.


You see, this is Kehielah.  This is Community.  The Beth Midrash is a Community effort.  As we work together, the LORD is teaching us how Kehielah works.  "Church" is another word that we use.  As He gives each of us pieces to this puzzle and we share with one another, we all get to share in the outcome, as the picture becomes more clear.


OK, so if Nephilim means "Fallen Ones" in reference to Heroes of Legend, then who are the Rephaim?
Well, by the same principle, I looked up the root word for "Rapha."  This is the Hebrew word for "To Heal."  Therefore, it literally means the "Healed Ones." To be made Whole.


What?  I know...  I was wondering the same thing too.  The Rephaim are "The Healed," ones?


Well Talmudim, what do we do when we see these anomalies?  We....  Anyone?


Midrash - We Investigate.  Good.


Now Rapha means "Heal" in Hebrew, but to other Canaanite cultures they were referred to as “Repha'im,” or "dead ancestors," as opposed to Rophe’im, “doctors" or "Healers" or "Physicians." The Hebrew root רפא means "heal," and thus the masculine plural nominalized form of this root may indicate that these deceased ancestors could be invoked for ritual purposes that would benefit the living - Necromancy or Worship of the Dead.


Perhaps this would explain King Saul's actions when using the Witch of Endor to attempt to use necromancy to summon the spirit of The Prophet Samuel, but let's look at the connection between "The Dead" and "The Doctors."


I think this puzzle is starting to come together.  The wages of Sin is Death (Romans 6:23).  This is possibly a Hebraism at work.  The Rephaim are Ropheim.  The Dead are Healed.  During The Flood, the Nephilim would have been wiped out, and as we know only Noach's family lived.  There is no mention of them being Nephilim, but as we know, if somewhere in their family tree, they were mingled, then the genetic code would have been written on their DNA.  Therefore, after some time that recessive gene would have resurfaced and to "them" (Post Flood descendants), the Nephilim would have been "Resurrected," into the Rephaim.  The word Heal, also means to "Make Whole."  Therefore, in the Days of the Exodus, "The Rephaim were Resurrected Naphilim," from their (present day) perspective.  This is typical Mythical Theology as we touched on at the beginning of the Message.


What's also noteworthy is that "Rapa" is also the root word in The Greek "THERAPEUO" or as we say in English "The-rap-y."


Therefore, I believe THIS is the original nature of the term "Rapture."  The "Healing," or "The Resurrection."


The Latin term was superimposed over the idea of "Resurrection."  This is a classic "Telephone Game," scenario.  Much like we discovered when studying the translation discrepancies on the material used to cover the Tabernacle.  Latin Translations referred to it as "Badger Skins" when it was supposed to be the hide of an aquatic creature. The reason that we end up with Badger, is because of the similarity in the Hebrew word "Tachash" and the Latin "Taxus" - "Badger."


This is to say, that in a similar way, when the ancient idea of Rapa "To Heal," is associated with "Resurrection," the Romans had the idea of the Ruptured Bride, "Rapiemur."  Now we end up with a theology that though may translate in the "Taken up" aspect, it falls short of the Bride being "Captured," or as it would be, "Raped" by the Groom.


Although this custom was common to the Romans, and many other cultures, the Scriptures do not depict this kind of "Taking up."  Therefore we must be careful on how we translate Scripture.  Knowing the Scripture, and knowing the origins of this idea, although similar in theme, is very different in application.


All I can say is that the more I look at it, the more I am convinced that The Rapture is The Resurrection, and not a self-contained "New Testament" Theology.  I have also stated that we should refer to the concept of "Being Caught Up," as "Nasso," to avoid the connection to the Roman Concept of Rapiemur.


Nevertheless, since I am sure that no one accepts that the actual etymology of the term "Rapture" (Rape) is prophetically accurate, it becomes an issue of semantics, rather than doctrine.  All the same, to avoid the confusion of future generations, I would rather use the Hebraic idea of Nasso, "To be Lifted up to inspect," rather than the "Captured/Raptured" term.  That's just me.


With all this said, Yeshua is speaking to us today, when He declares, "As in the days of Noah."  In this discourse Yeshua also speaks of the "Marrying and Giving in Marriage."  Some have compared this statement to refer to Divorce and Remarriage, which of course is rampant today.  However, within context of the motivation to put an end to it, the scripture talks about the "Sons of God," mingling with the "Daughters of Men."  This was what needed to end.  The Holy was mixing with the unholy.  Therefore there was none left that were Holy, less Noah and his family.  Which is to say that Noah, and his family were the only ones that believed in the "Salvation of the LORD."  It was this fundamental and foundational motivation that was counted to them as Righteousness, and therefore they were saved.  The rest didn't believe in Haba Olam (The World to Come or The Resurrection), and or, they believed that their own Righteousness would save them.  Obviously, it did not.


This is why, when we read the story of Yeshua, we KNOW that this is (He is) God's provision.  He is the Messiah of Promise.  "God Himself, has provided the Sacrifice."  This is why Abraham declares "Adonai Yireh" on mount Moriah.  It's funny how we have all this Theology.  Idea layered upon idea, from not mixing milk and meat to post-trib, pre-trib, and it all boils down to two ideas.  "God will provide" verses "God helps those who help themselves." Which one is Scripture?


Although I should conclude here, I promised to tie this into today's reading.


Now this message took on a path of its own, as it usually does, because I'm not in charge.  He is.  Nevertheless, as promised I wanted to touch a little on this week's reading.


There is a connection between Abraham and the Rephaim, but it is not a direction connection.  It is indirect, but profound nonetheless.


Reading from Genesis 14:


1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim,
2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela--the same is Zoar.
3 All these came as allies unto the vale of Siddim--the same is the Salt Sea.
4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
6 and the Horites in their mount Seir, unto El-paran, which is by the wilderness.
7 And they turned back, and came to En-mishpat--the same is Kadesh--and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazazon-tamar.
8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela--the same is Zoar; and they set the battle in array against them in the vale of Siddim;
9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings against the five.


Notice how King Melchizedek is not mentioned in any of these alliances.  The other point,that I wanted you to take note of is that, the 5 Armies of the Rebelling Kingdoms could not defeat King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and his alliance.  Sodom and Gomorrah are sacked and they lose everything.  To their advantage Lot, Abraham's Nephew, is taken in the Captivity.  This provokes Abraham to take his alliances with 3 other Tribal Leaders, equalling 318 men, and by nightfall defeats a King whose armies were not only undefeated, but took down the Rephaim (Giants!)


In case you were curious about the 1000 Terrorist exchange for 1 Israeli soldier, portrayed most recently in the news, again.  I think the exchange rate is based upon this premise.


Those are some pretty good odds.  Well, at least some things haven't changed in thousands of years.  The same yesterday, today, and forever!  Amain? 


Now, I mentioned King Melchizedek earlier, because He is not introduced in the introduction to this story, as any of the Kings mentioned, but for some reason, there He is at Abraham's return.


18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine; and he was priest of God the Most High.
19 And he blessed him, and said: 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God the Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.' And he gave him a tenth of all.


Now, I've been taught that this is where the concept of "Tithing" originated.  As I read this portion this time, I didn't see it that way.  In fact, I saw this in reciprocate.


The truth is that Abraham had nothing to give to King Melchizedek.


Let's read on:


21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram: 'Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.'
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom: 'I have lifted up my hand unto the LORD, God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth,
23 that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say: I have made Abram rich;
24 save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, let them take their portion.' {S}


The King of Sodom was attempting to give tribute to Abraham for the ransom of his positions, but Abraham refused.  In fact, Abraham goes as far as to say, "No thanks.  I don't want anything of yours, so that you cannot claim to have made me rich."  This is to say that Abraham only wanted the Glory for God.  Therefore, if Abraham would take nothing from the King of Sodom, then what "Tithe" would he have to give to King Melchizedek?


Let's read that verse again within context of the Kings attempting to pay tribute to Abraham and his alliance.


19 And he blessed him, and said: 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth;
20 and blessed be God the Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.' And he gave him a tenth of all.


Reading it again, it would appear the King Melchizedek gave Abraham a tenth.  Now, from what we understand Paul was addressing in Hebrews, by accepting a reward from this King, it was giving God the Glory, because then it was from God's provision that made Abraham Rich.  A 10th of The Kingdom.


Chaverim, before I close today I want to touch on something that Michael had shared with you a couple weeks ago, regarding Community.


We are a Kehielah.  This means that we share and take care of one another.  I know that the topic of Tithing is sometimes a touchy subject.  There are many arguments for it, and many reasons we find to avoid it.  All in all, we must remember where it all comes from.  We must not become legalistic about tithing, because the LORD wants us to give with a joyful heart.  If we suffer because we tithe, then are we really giving unto the LORD, or has the Tithe become a burden to us?


Yeshua said that the poor will always be amongst us.  Does this mean that we should live on a Kibbutz as Communists?  Perhaps for some, this is a good idea, but for others this is invasive.  In all things we must leave our opinions to Grace.  All the while, we are a Community and we are also individuals, and we need our space and to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  This means that we are together, yet apart.  Therefore, we share as much as we can.  I don't want anyone here thinking that tithing is mandatory.  At the same time, we must remember that we are called to care for one another.  This means that we cannot just take and take.  We are obligated to give back in love.  If you give of your time, by helping out around the Congregation, and this is a 10th of your time, then so be it.


The Shema teaches us that we should love the LORD Our God with ALL our heart, all our Mind, and All of our Strength.


Yeshua also gave us an example of what this means:


41 Yeshua sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Yeshua said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44


Let's not get caught up in the economics of God's Kingdom, and become legalistic about it, but let's give unto God that which is God's.


There are some among us that feel a need for a building of our own, A place where we can celebrate the LORD's Days without conflict and in Peace.  I am one of those.  There are others who say that we do not need to tie ourselves down to a building, and all the trappings that come with it.  I also agree with this wisdom, at least the caution thereof.  Nevertheless, I am of the Vision that we will one day have a place of our own, and I pray that day is soon.


However, with this vision comes a commitment from all of us, all of us that refer to ourselves as Chaverim Mashiach.  Give as you can, as the LORD provides, but do not feel guilty when you cannot.  In His Time.  Let's share our Faith in Action, by Giving and Doing.  Together, we will have a place to call our own, LORD willing.  Let's just trust in Him, and remember to give joyfully, or do not give at all.


Chaverim, I thank you for giving me your time to listen to my ideas about Scripture, but I also encourage you to step up and give of your time as well, and share in this ministry in whatever way you can.


May the LORD Bless you, and bestow the Riches of Our Father Abraham upon you, so that you may bless others as well.

Noach

The Story of Noach is a story about Salvation. The Scriptures teach that Noah "Walked with the LORD." (Genesis 6:9) In Hebrew the word used is "het·hal·lech" which is derived from the root word "Halak." "To Walk." This is the Word from where we get "Halacha." - "The Way in Which to Walk." This idea is found within the Brit Hadasha when we read, "Work out your Salvation with Fear and Trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

This idea of "Walked," depicts a "Life-style," or as we call it in Hebrew "Halacha." It is also referred to in Messianic terms as "The Walk of Faith." In fact next week's parasha is called "Lech L'cha" from the same root word, which means to "Go." As in when God called Abraham to "Go" to the Land of Canaan.

To Walk with God is to be in Relationship with God. Listening to His calls and developing our Trust (Faith) in Him.

As we read the Bereshiet again, look at the vast amount of people noted to have "Walked" with the LORD. There's not a lot there, is there? This is sad, and alarming, but it also reminds us of Yeshua's words:

13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Once again this should shed some light on why the early Kehielah referred to themselves as "Halacha," "The Way to Go."

In my Drash today, I'm not going to go into a lot of detail, as I'm simply going to provoke some ideas of study and further Midrash. This is where I encourage you to go to the Scripture and Study. See what the LORD has for you to be revealed.

The first thing that jumped out at me this year is that God told Noah to build the Ark before He told Him what he was going to do. In fact, it is not until Genesis Chapter 7 verse 4 that He finally tells Noah about "The Flood."

"For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I blot out from off the face of the earth."

7 Days? Therefore, Noah had had to have built the Ark without even knowing what God was going to do, specifically. It appears to me that only when Noah finished the Ark that God gave him the 7 Day Warning to get ready.

1st Question of Study, "Why 7 Days?"

What is also noteworthy is the fact that Noah is 600 Years old at the time of the Flood.

Genesis 7:6

"6 And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth."

In verse 11 again, The LORD marks Noah's Age - 600.

"11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened."

Now what's more remarkable is the specific identifier of the date (Genesis 8:13)

"13 And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dried."

601st Year from What? Noah's Birthday? Well, if the 1st of Aviv is not Noah's Birthday, we can assume that it was before the 10th of the next month, because Noah turned 601 before one full year of being told about the flood. He was told about the flood, the year before on the 10th of the 2nd Month, where he was 600, and now on the 1st of the 1st month, almost a year later, he is 601. This would possibly indicate that Noah's Birthday was between the 1st of the first month, and the 10th of the second month.

Is it possible that this was a metaphor of a New Birth even for Noah? I find it at least interesting that Man was created on the 6th Day, as we just read in last week's parasha, and then the LORD making note of Noah's Age as significant to the narrative.

A New Beginning on the 1st Day of the 1st Month of his 601st Year. Happy New Birthday Noah, and Mankind.

Well, as we read on we see that the New Beginning didn't last long, as the Rise of Nimrod lead to the Beginnings of the Babylonian Civilization, and the Genesis of Pagan Worship.

One last thing I want to leave you with in provoking you to study:

I want you to read Genesis 11:6-9 (In this week's Parasha)

6 And the LORD said: 'Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is what they begin to do; and now nothing will be withholden from them, which they purpose to do.
7 Come, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth; and they left off to build the city
9 Therefore was the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth; and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Now compare this event and language to Genesis 3:22-24 (Last week's parasha)

22 And the LORD God said: 'Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.'
23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
24 So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim, and the flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way to the tree of life.

These two references are keys to understanding end time prophesy. Within them holds the motives of man. Therefore, as we read Zechariah 14 again, we will begin to see what arrogant motivation brings the Nations to the City of Jerusalem.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceeding wicked -- who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
Therefore, let us be like Noah, and "Walk with God," and not against Him.

May the LORD Bless You with the Depths of His Heart.