John 3:16 in Context

                                            by Barry W. Gaugler

I've been going through my documents files and have been finding teachings I had written, but don't know if I've ever posted before. I know I delivered a message similar to this a few weeks ago in Synagogue, but here is an older condensed version. Hope you enjoy.

John 3:14 - 17 (KJV);
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Within these few verses stands probably the most popular verse in all of Scripture. Yet, it is probably the most misquoted, and least examined verse in all of Scripture. It is common for us to read this verse, and just assume that, because we believe in Yeshua (Jesus), we automatically have everlasting life. Is that an accurate assumption? Take a close look at verse 15. It clearly says that whoever believes in Him "should not perish." It does not say that whoever believes in Him "shall not perish," nor does it say, "will not perish." The use of the word "should" leaves the act of perishing as indefinite. It is open ended, and implies that you most certainly could perish. That is probably not what you are taught in church, but the language is plain. All I am saying is supported by the grammar of the original Greek.

Now look at verse 16. The same language is used. It says, that whoever believes in Him (the Son) should not perish. When Yeshua says something twice, it is important to pay very close attention to what He is saying. He is trying to emphasize an important point, and He wants you to get it. It is vitally important that you grasp the full meaning of what Yeshua is trying to tell His people in the commonwealth of Israel.

Let's move on to verse 17. The heavenly Father did not send His only begotten (unique) Son into the world, to condemn the world. It is not the Father's will that any should perish, but that all would turn from their sins, and find everlasting life through Yeshua. The Father sent His unique Son into the world with the hope that through Him, the world might be saved. Pay attention to the words, "might be saved." Again, by using the word "might" be saved there is an indefiniteness about who is being saved. I know. You were probably not taught this in your church, but yet again, the language is clear. It is not guaranteeing that those believing will absolutely be saved. By saying you "might be saved," is not saying you absolutely will be saved.
From the Greek, there are two words translated into English as the word "in." They are εν, and εις. The former simply means "in." The latter is more correctly translates as "into." There is a great difference from the Hebraic understanding, between believing "in" something, and believing "into" something. I know in the English, this sounds strange, but I will explain.

When many people say, "I believe in Yeshua:" what they are really saying is that they believe He lived. They believe He was a great man, a great teacher, or they may even believe that he was God in the flesh. However they have never really trusted "into" Him to be their savior. They may know about Him, but they don't really know Him. I know about George Washington, but I have never met him and I have never had a relationship with him.

On the contrary. I knew my earthly father. We had a loving relationship. When he was teaching me to swim, I could put my total trust upon him. I knew he loved me, and I could place my total trust "into" his care. He was not going to allow anything evil to happen to me. He always had my best interest in his mind.

Yeshua is not telling us, that by simply believing in Him, we automatically have eternal life. Yeshua is telling us, that only by putting our lives totally into His care, and trusting that we are dead to our sinful nature, by being immersed into His death, burial and resurrection, will we find life eternal. I pray Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) open your eyes to this truth in Yeshua's name. Amen.

Keeping Torah

                                                  by Barry W. Gaugler

Is the keeping of Torah important to our Creator? Consider what is written in Jeremiah 31:31-33:

"Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God and they shall be my people." (KJV)

Notice in the above passage that the Spirit is speaking directly to the house of Israel, and to the house of Judah. He is declaring a new covenant with His people. Some try to say, that this is speaking allegorically about the church, and not Israel. That is twisting scripture, as the language is perfectly clear, to whom Elohim is addressing. The New Covenant spoken of here, is with Israel and Judah. Yes. I know, that it is also given for the Goyim who claim the promises, by being grafted into Israel. Notice also where Elohim is writing His instructions (Torah). It is to be written in their hearts. We need to ask ourselves this question. If we are not to observe Torah, why would the Spirit write Torah upon our hearts? I believe, it is because, our love for Yeshua, is to be so great, that the thought of breaking His commandments would be absolutely repulsive to those who love and trust in him.

It is important to understand this important fact. It is by our Father's grace, that we are able to live Torah, through the working of Ruach haKodesh in our inner being. It is the Ruach, imparting to us the life of Yeshua haMashiach. It is not something we can work to achieve of our own volition, strength, or human nature. It is only achieved through surrendering your life completely to Yeshua.

Many are afraid, that by surrendering to Yeshua, their life will be over, and that they will never be able to enjoy life again. Nothing could be further from the truth. Life in Messiah is full and rich. Those who follow after their own ways, or the ways of this world live empty lives. They are always searching for some pleasure that will remain for more than a few hours, but they can never seem to find it. Their joy is shallow, and soon fades. I often hear their words, and have even said them myself in the past, "Is this all there is to life?" Their motto is "Life stinks, and then you die." Those who do not know Yeshua as their savior are constantly looking for something. Their lives are always miserable and empty. They may deny it to your face, but in their heart of hearts, they know it's true. When they place their heads on their pillow at night, and are alone with their thoughts, they know. There is no escape from the reality that you feel alone and empty.

It doesn't matter how many so called friends they have, or how much stuff they have gathered, or how much they travel around the world. They feel empty. They are searching for something, and they can never seem to find satisfaction. The reason, is because, they are searching in all the wrong places. Lives that are apart from Yeshua, are always filled with oppression. Have you ever noticed how angry their lives are without Yeshua? Always wanting to fight, or always cutting other people down? Even at their parties, fights break out. When it's all over, they end up praying to their porcelain god, asking him to just get them through another hangover. Swearing to him that they will never drink another drop (until next time). Lives that are surrendered to Messiah Yeshua however, are always full and rich, even during the hard times. Do we suffer hard times? Of course we do, but there is that blessed assurance, that in the end; We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

The Closer We Walk

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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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."

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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 

David DeFries wrote this. Well said.

As I wrote about this event over the week leading up to it I had many supporters but also many who questioned my involvement. Some asked " Why are you going, you aren't a biker?" and others rolled their eyes and said " why difference will it make." Yes, I wasn't a biker, so I would drive my car and I don't know what difference it will make, but not knowing an outcome has never stopped me from fighting before. I haven't gone on a vacation since I was 23 ( 20 years), haven't had a weeks off in ten and have only closed my office 4 times in the last 7 years so I figured I owed it to myself to join something that meant something to me. I watched as the numbers grew each day from several thousand to ten then to forty then eighty then over one hundred thousand....100,000 people who had had enough of being made to feel like outsiders in their own country. 100,000 people who had had enough of being asked to put aside their values and beliefs and to better understand and embrace a culture that hates theirs. Over 100,000 people, who are no longer resigned to sit back and be told what they should think, feel and say but are asked to fight the wars, build the roads and pay the taxes.

This morning myself and three friends pulled our to vehicles into a McDonalds in SE Pennsylvania and met up with a few riders. We hoped on 95 and linked up with more. As we travelled down south stopping at rest areas the pack grew larger and so did my understanding of bikers. While driving along side the pack everyone was conscious of each other and slowed or sped to keep the unit together. Even the support vehicles started to develop a system to keep everyone connected. At each spot I met new people and everyone was excited and friendly.
By the time we arrived at Ft Washington I was overwhelmed by everything. There were people and bikes as far as the eye could see. We settled in behind a bar and began walking trying to find friends and along the way made dozens of new ones. I was amazed at how calm it was among thousands of people and the palpable comradery that was in the air.

For an event that was organized so quickly and of such magnitude, it was fluid and purposeful , as if it were a ballet.
After all of the bikes pulled out and the vehicles were left to chase them down, we made our way to the demonstration area and found just a dozen or so antagonist and felt somewhat deflated as the enemy did not show. Riding home I realized that this wasn't about the Muslims, it was about us Americans and understanding what 911 means now. It means we took a knife to the gut and survived. We realized we are not invincible but we are tough as nails.
I just stood in the middle of thousands of people who didn't ask what difference it would make rather they showed what difference THEY could make.
As of this writing the 2 Million Biker March has over a quarter of a million followers. That is quite an army of my peers.
Maybe I am a biker after all.
I don't feel so different after today. Thanks to everyone

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.

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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

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