The closer we walk with our heavenly Father, the more distance our former friends and family want between us, and them. This should not come as a surprise. Yeshua spoke of this often. In Matthew 10: 21 & 22, Yeshua says these words:
"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against their parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end shall be saved."
Again, in Matthew 24:9 Yeshua has this to say,
"Then they will hand you over to persecution and will kill you. You will be hated of all nations because of My name"
We have to understand something. Many people today, are sitting in churches, that do not preach the truth of the Gospel. I sat in several denominational churches, for almost half of my life, and not once, had I ever heard our Father's plan of salvation even mentioned. I was confirmed as a young teen in the Lutheran church, and had never heard the answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?" The same was true for the Methodist church, and the Episcopal church. What I did hear was that we are saved by grace, so don't worry about keeping the commandments of God. Jesus did it all for you. It is a sad commentary, that so many people, are sitting in these dead churches for years, and they have never heard the message of salvation.
It is quite obvious from reading Matthew 7:21- 23, that many, who thought they were saved, will not make it into the kingdom of heaven. It is sad. They thought they were saved. They thought they were on the right track, but Yeshua's words are clear when He said,
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, and drive out demons in Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?' Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you workers of lawlessness!'"
Notice; those who do the will of the Father will enter in. What is the will of the Father? That's simple. That you "keep His commandments." Also notice; The workers of lawlessness will not enter in. John 14:21 says,
"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him"
Has He revealed Himself to you, or do you only know about Him as some being out there in the far off sky somewhere? Ask Him, and He will become real to you, and will reveal Yeshua (Jesus) to you as a real living person.
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Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
The Meaning of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
by Barry W. Gaugler
What was the purpose for our heavenly Father giving His appointed times to the children of Israel? The purpose of each and every one of Elohim's appointed times, was to be a prophet example pointing to His Messiah. They were much more than just a celebration. Elohim was showing His children important keys to knowing His plan for His children Israel, that they would know the times and the seasons. So, what is the significance of this appointed time called Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles?
We know from Scripture, that the Messiah could not have been born anywhere near late December, for meteorological reasons. The Bible clearly records in Luke 2:8, that the shepherds were out in the fields watching over their sheep by night, around the time of Messiah's birth. The meteorological patterns today for this area of Judea, are known to be, just as they were around the time of the birth of Messiah. The lambs would be at risk in the cold weather, and have always been in shelter during the cold Judean nights of late December. This fact, makes it certain, that Yeshua could not have been born in late December according to Scripture.
So, if Yeshua (Jesus) was not born in December, does Scripture give us a clear indication, as to when He actually was born? Since Elohim does not change, and always works within the parameters of His appointed times. We can know according to Elohim's appointed times, the time period in which Yeshua was born. We know from Scriptures in Luke, chapter one, that the father of John the Baptist was a priest named Z'kharyah (Zacharias). He served in the temple burning incense during the course of Aviyah (1st Chronicles 24:10). He was chosen by the drawing of lots (Luke 1:9), as was the custom of the priests (See 1st Chronicles 24:5). The names of the different courses of priests that served in the temple are mentioned in 1st Chronicles 24: 1-19. Aviyah was the 8th course. Each course served in the temple for one week, with the 1st course starting in the 1st week, in month of Nisan, in the Spring (See 1st Chronicles 27:1 & 2). All priests served during Elohim's appointed feasts of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). After six months, the cycle would repeat, so each course would serve two weeks during the year.
With the above information, we can look at Scripture, and have a pretty good idea, as to when Messiah Yeshua was born. We know from Luke 1:11-20 that the angel Gabriel visited Zacharias while he was serving in the temple. We know from Scripture, that Aviyah served in the 8th course. That would have put Zacharias serving in the temple from the month of Iyar 7 to Sivan 5. That brings us right up the start of Shavuot (Pentecost) on Sivan 6. Since this is one of the three feasts in which Jewish men are required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we know that Zacharias would have remained in Jerusalem for another week. Upon returning home, his wife Elizabeth soon conceived. If we add 40 weeks, or 280 days to this time (the normal gestation period for humans) it would put the birth of John The Baptist, right at Passover. (Remember, God always works within the parameters of His appointed times. Our heavenly Father never works according to manmade times and seasons. He works according to His schedule, not ours.)
When Elizabeth became pregnant, Luke 1:24 tells us that she remained in seclusion for five months. In verse 26 Gabriel appears to Miriam (Mary) in the sixth month and tells her she is going to conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son. He will be called the Son of God. The dialog continues through verse 37, and then in verse 38, Gabriel leaves her. Then in verse 39, it says, that Miriam hurried to the hill country to visit Elizabeth. John leaped in Elizabeth's womb upon hearing Miriam's voice. From these passages, we can determine that John would be born at least six months before Yeshua. That would put Yeshua's birth, right at the first day of Sukkot (probably late September, or early October according to our calendar). Now, remember this fact. Our heavenly Father always works within the parameter of His appointed times. (I know I am being redundant about this, but please bear with me. It is very important that this fact is embedded in your mind).
Let's examine the Feast of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is more commonly known among Gentiles. I will only highlight (for the sake of brevity) those verses, or portions of verses from Leviticus 23:33-43 which are most important to understanding, but I suggest you read it for yourself from your own Bible.
vs. 33-36: "ADONAI said to Moshe, 'Tell the people of Isra'el, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to ADONAI. On the first day, there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.-----on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation;----- it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of work.'"
vs. 39: "But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to observe the festival of ADONAI seven days; the first day is to be a complete rest and the eighth day is to be a complete rest."
vs. 41-42: "You are to observe it as a feast to ADONAI seven days in the year; it is a permanent regulation, generation after generation; keep it in the seventh month. You are to live in sukkot for seven days; every citizen of Isra'el is to live in a sukkah."
(All above verses from the Complete Jewish Bible)
Notice that Elohim says, it is a feast for seven days, but then He adds an eighth day. Why? If one has an understanding of Scripture, the answer becomes quite evident.
In Genesis 17:10-12a, Elohim says this to Avraham (Abraham);
"Here is my covenant which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised. You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised,-----."
From the above passages, it should be quite evident why our heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, added an eighth day at the end of the seven day feast of Sukkot. Since Messiah was to be born on the first day, of the feast of Sukkot (a holy day), does it not make perfect sense that the eighth day, or the day of Messiah's circumcision and dedication to Elohim, would also be on a holy day? The feast of Sukkot is an obvious prophetic feast, pointing to the birth of Messiah Yeshua. Many people today understand, that Yeshua was born in a manger. There was no room at the inn, because it was during Sukkot. Look at any picture of a manger, and you will soon notice exactly what it is. It's a sukkah, or a temporary dwelling in accordance with Elohim's commandment.
John:1:14 says;
"And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Visit Barry @ Facebook
What was the purpose for our heavenly Father giving His appointed times to the children of Israel? The purpose of each and every one of Elohim's appointed times, was to be a prophet example pointing to His Messiah. They were much more than just a celebration. Elohim was showing His children important keys to knowing His plan for His children Israel, that they would know the times and the seasons. So, what is the significance of this appointed time called Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles?
We know from Scripture, that the Messiah could not have been born anywhere near late December, for meteorological reasons. The Bible clearly records in Luke 2:8, that the shepherds were out in the fields watching over their sheep by night, around the time of Messiah's birth. The meteorological patterns today for this area of Judea, are known to be, just as they were around the time of the birth of Messiah. The lambs would be at risk in the cold weather, and have always been in shelter during the cold Judean nights of late December. This fact, makes it certain, that Yeshua could not have been born in late December according to Scripture.
So, if Yeshua (Jesus) was not born in December, does Scripture give us a clear indication, as to when He actually was born? Since Elohim does not change, and always works within the parameters of His appointed times. We can know according to Elohim's appointed times, the time period in which Yeshua was born. We know from Scriptures in Luke, chapter one, that the father of John the Baptist was a priest named Z'kharyah (Zacharias). He served in the temple burning incense during the course of Aviyah (1st Chronicles 24:10). He was chosen by the drawing of lots (Luke 1:9), as was the custom of the priests (See 1st Chronicles 24:5). The names of the different courses of priests that served in the temple are mentioned in 1st Chronicles 24: 1-19. Aviyah was the 8th course. Each course served in the temple for one week, with the 1st course starting in the 1st week, in month of Nisan, in the Spring (See 1st Chronicles 27:1 & 2). All priests served during Elohim's appointed feasts of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). After six months, the cycle would repeat, so each course would serve two weeks during the year.
With the above information, we can look at Scripture, and have a pretty good idea, as to when Messiah Yeshua was born. We know from Luke 1:11-20 that the angel Gabriel visited Zacharias while he was serving in the temple. We know from Scripture, that Aviyah served in the 8th course. That would have put Zacharias serving in the temple from the month of Iyar 7 to Sivan 5. That brings us right up the start of Shavuot (Pentecost) on Sivan 6. Since this is one of the three feasts in which Jewish men are required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we know that Zacharias would have remained in Jerusalem for another week. Upon returning home, his wife Elizabeth soon conceived. If we add 40 weeks, or 280 days to this time (the normal gestation period for humans) it would put the birth of John The Baptist, right at Passover. (Remember, God always works within the parameters of His appointed times. Our heavenly Father never works according to manmade times and seasons. He works according to His schedule, not ours.)
When Elizabeth became pregnant, Luke 1:24 tells us that she remained in seclusion for five months. In verse 26 Gabriel appears to Miriam (Mary) in the sixth month and tells her she is going to conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son. He will be called the Son of God. The dialog continues through verse 37, and then in verse 38, Gabriel leaves her. Then in verse 39, it says, that Miriam hurried to the hill country to visit Elizabeth. John leaped in Elizabeth's womb upon hearing Miriam's voice. From these passages, we can determine that John would be born at least six months before Yeshua. That would put Yeshua's birth, right at the first day of Sukkot (probably late September, or early October according to our calendar). Now, remember this fact. Our heavenly Father always works within the parameter of His appointed times. (I know I am being redundant about this, but please bear with me. It is very important that this fact is embedded in your mind).
Let's examine the Feast of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is more commonly known among Gentiles. I will only highlight (for the sake of brevity) those verses, or portions of verses from Leviticus 23:33-43 which are most important to understanding, but I suggest you read it for yourself from your own Bible.
vs. 33-36: "ADONAI said to Moshe, 'Tell the people of Isra'el, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to ADONAI. On the first day, there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.-----on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation;----- it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of work.'"
vs. 39: "But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to observe the festival of ADONAI seven days; the first day is to be a complete rest and the eighth day is to be a complete rest."
vs. 41-42: "You are to observe it as a feast to ADONAI seven days in the year; it is a permanent regulation, generation after generation; keep it in the seventh month. You are to live in sukkot for seven days; every citizen of Isra'el is to live in a sukkah."
(All above verses from the Complete Jewish Bible)
Notice that Elohim says, it is a feast for seven days, but then He adds an eighth day. Why? If one has an understanding of Scripture, the answer becomes quite evident.
In Genesis 17:10-12a, Elohim says this to Avraham (Abraham);
"Here is my covenant which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised. You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised,-----."
From the above passages, it should be quite evident why our heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, added an eighth day at the end of the seven day feast of Sukkot. Since Messiah was to be born on the first day, of the feast of Sukkot (a holy day), does it not make perfect sense that the eighth day, or the day of Messiah's circumcision and dedication to Elohim, would also be on a holy day? The feast of Sukkot is an obvious prophetic feast, pointing to the birth of Messiah Yeshua. Many people today understand, that Yeshua was born in a manger. There was no room at the inn, because it was during Sukkot. Look at any picture of a manger, and you will soon notice exactly what it is. It's a sukkah, or a temporary dwelling in accordance with Elohim's commandment.
John:1:14 says;
"And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Visit Barry @ Facebook
Sunday, September 15, 2013
An Interesting Perspective of the Bikers 2 Washington
From the Editor: Last I heard, Barry was still answering e-mails, but he did post this by David DeFries and I am sharing it as well.
This is not my article, but it fits with my sentiments exactly, except that I do ride. He said it well. - Barry
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Two Million Bikers to DC
Barry has been busy, so I copied this from his Facebook Page.
We hope to receive a full report from Barry as he will be in Washington DC for 9/11. Please keep him and all the riders in your prayers and they look forward to a safe journey and we look forward to their safe arrival home.
Two Million Bikers to DC
by Barry W. Gaugler
Lehigh Valley Schedule for 9/11/2013 (Revised 8/29/2013) Concerning final destination before entering Washington DC.
3:30 AM. Meet at Starter's Pub, 3731 Route, PA 378, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
4:00 AM. KSU (Kick Stands Up) at precisely 4:00 AM. It will be like a German passenger train. Show up at 4:02, and you will be playing catch up.
4:25 AM. Meet with riders from NEPA, and others coming south on the Northeast extension of the turnpike, at the WaWa, just East of the Quakertown Turnpike interchange, on Route 663.
4:40 AM. KSU from Quakertown WaWa.
5:30 - 6:00 AM. Arrive at staging point in Philly, located @ 7821 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19153. I believe it is the last exit on 476 before you hit I-95. I do not have GPS, so I am not certain about this. We will be taking the Turnpike, so expect to pay the toll.
6:20 AM. KSU from Philly.
7:15 AM. Stop at Chesapeake House in Maryland to meet up with Delaware & New Jersey riders.
7:30 KSU from Chesapeake House.
8:45 AM. Stop at Maryland Welcome Center @ Mile Marker 36 to meet up with Western PA & Maryland riders.
9:15 AM. KSU from Maryland Welcome Center.
9:45 AM. (Approximately) THE FINAL RALLY POINT LOCATION IS: Harley Davidson of Washington, 9407 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD, everyone needs to be there by 10:00AM on 9/11/13
Ride Safe, and God Bless.
We need to make "Rolling Thunder" sound like a cap pistol with this ride.
Please note: D.O.T. Certified helmets are required in Delaware and Maryland. Also, your CCW Permit is not valid in Maryland and DC. Please leave your weapons at home. Thank you.
Visit Barry @ Facebook
We hope to receive a full report from Barry as he will be in Washington DC for 9/11. Please keep him and all the riders in your prayers and they look forward to a safe journey and we look forward to their safe arrival home.
Two Million Bikers to DC
by Barry W. Gaugler
Lehigh Valley Schedule for 9/11/2013 (Revised 8/29/2013) Concerning final destination before entering Washington DC.
3:30 AM. Meet at Starter's Pub, 3731 Route, PA 378, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
4:00 AM. KSU (Kick Stands Up) at precisely 4:00 AM. It will be like a German passenger train. Show up at 4:02, and you will be playing catch up.
4:25 AM. Meet with riders from NEPA, and others coming south on the Northeast extension of the turnpike, at the WaWa, just East of the Quakertown Turnpike interchange, on Route 663.
4:40 AM. KSU from Quakertown WaWa.
5:30 - 6:00 AM. Arrive at staging point in Philly, located @ 7821 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19153. I believe it is the last exit on 476 before you hit I-95. I do not have GPS, so I am not certain about this. We will be taking the Turnpike, so expect to pay the toll.
6:20 AM. KSU from Philly.
7:15 AM. Stop at Chesapeake House in Maryland to meet up with Delaware & New Jersey riders.
7:30 KSU from Chesapeake House.
8:45 AM. Stop at Maryland Welcome Center @ Mile Marker 36 to meet up with Western PA & Maryland riders.
9:15 AM. KSU from Maryland Welcome Center.
9:45 AM. (Approximately) THE FINAL RALLY POINT LOCATION IS: Harley Davidson of Washington, 9407 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD, everyone needs to be there by 10:00AM on 9/11/13
Ride Safe, and God Bless.
We need to make "Rolling Thunder" sound like a cap pistol with this ride.
Please note: D.O.T. Certified helmets are required in Delaware and Maryland. Also, your CCW Permit is not valid in Maryland and DC. Please leave your weapons at home. Thank you.
Visit Barry @ Facebook
Sunday, September 1, 2013
What Does Your Elohim Ask?
by Barry W. Gaugler
Deuteronomy 10:12 & 13 says,
And now, Israel what does YHVH your Elohim ask of you? Other than to fear YHVH your Elohim, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve YHVH your Elohim, with all your heart, and with all your soul, to observe the commandments of YHVH, and His decrees, which I command you today, to benefit you.
Chumash Torah (My own translation)
Some may say that since we are under Grace, the commandments no longer apply to us. They were meant for the Hebrew people, but Yeshua nailed them to the cross (stake), and they no longer apply to the New Testament believers. Can that be true? When has Elohim changed His mind? We need to understand, that our sin debt was nailed to the cross. To believe that Torah was nailed to the cross is a complete misunderstanding of the context of Scripture.
We, are most certainly saved by Grace, through trusting in Yeshua. However, how do we show the world that we love our heavenly Father? We show the world that we love our heavenly Father, by keeping the very commandments, that He says benefit us.
1st John 5:3 says,
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.
Shalom Ahlaychem,
Barry W Gaugler
Visit Barry @ Facebook
Deuteronomy 10:12 & 13 says,
And now, Israel what does YHVH your Elohim ask of you? Other than to fear YHVH your Elohim, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve YHVH your Elohim, with all your heart, and with all your soul, to observe the commandments of YHVH, and His decrees, which I command you today, to benefit you.
Chumash Torah (My own translation)
Some may say that since we are under Grace, the commandments no longer apply to us. They were meant for the Hebrew people, but Yeshua nailed them to the cross (stake), and they no longer apply to the New Testament believers. Can that be true? When has Elohim changed His mind? We need to understand, that our sin debt was nailed to the cross. To believe that Torah was nailed to the cross is a complete misunderstanding of the context of Scripture.
We, are most certainly saved by Grace, through trusting in Yeshua. However, how do we show the world that we love our heavenly Father? We show the world that we love our heavenly Father, by keeping the very commandments, that He says benefit us.
1st John 5:3 says,
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.
Shalom Ahlaychem,
Barry W Gaugler
Visit Barry @ Facebook
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