We are often asked these questions: What is the Assembly of Yahweh? Where is your headquarters? Who is your leader? These questions can be readily answered from the Scriptures.

In most of our English translations of the New Testament we find the word "church" being used (Matt. 16:18, 18:17, Acts 2:47, etc., etc.) This word is translated from the Greek word "ekklesia," which means "a calling out," "a congregation" or "an assembly" of people. In today’s common usage, when one refers to "a church," he is usually talking about "a building." The Scriptural meaning is "the people," specifically the "called out" believers. All those who have heeded the call of Revelation 18:4 "… Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Upon heeding this call, what must a person do? This question was asked on the day of Pentecost by the people after they had heard the message of salvation, as it was presented by the Apostle Peter. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, men and brethren, What shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Peter answered, "… Repent and be immersed every one of you in the name of Yahshua the Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as Yahweh our Elohim shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this perverse generation. Then they that gladly received his word were immersed: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:38-41). Reading down to verse 47 we find "… And Yahweh added to the assembly (ekklesia) daily such as were being saved."

In Ephesians 3:14-15 we read, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Master Yahshua the Messiah. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." Through the Scriptures it has been revealed that the name of the Father would be hidden, even from His people Israel. For we read the word of the prophets concerning the day, "… that thou shalt call Me Ishi (My Husband); and shall call Me no more Baali (My Lord). For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name." (Hosea 2:16-17). Again we read, "So will I make My Holy name known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let them pollute My Holy name any more; and the heathen shall know that I am Yahweh, the Holy One in Israel." (Ezekiel 39:7).

By many Scriptural proofs we know we are living in the last days of this age. The time just before the coming of the great and dreadful DAY OF YAHWEH: the time of the coming of Eliyah (Malachi 4:5), whose very name means "MY MIGHTY ONE IS YAHWEH." Just as it was foretold by the prophets of old, our Heavenly Father’s name has been revealed in these days; that name is YAHWEH (Psalms 68:4, 83:18, Isaiah 42:8, Exodus 3:15, 20:7).

In the Scriptures we find that our Saviour Yahshua is ascended on high (Ephesians 4:10), He is on the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:56, Ephesians 1:20), He is our only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), He is our High Priest (Hebrews 5:10), and our King (1 Timothy 6:14-15, Revelation 19:16). YAHSHUA THE MESSIAH IS OUR LEADER, HIS HEADQUARTERS AT THIS PRESENT TIME IS IN HEAVEN.

The Assembly of Yahweh has no other membership book than that mentioned in the Book of Life, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Rev. 3:5, compare 13:8, 20:12-15, 21:27).

Yes, Yahshua is the head of the body of the anointed. He is the Head of the ONE body of which there are many members (Acts 4:11, 1 Corinthians 11:3, 12:1-31, Ephesians 1:20-23, 4:4, 4:15, 5:23, 1 Peter 2:7). …

"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of the Messiah: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Yahweh, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Messiah: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:11-14).

There are thousands of religious groups, hundreds claiming to be followers of the Messiah – you can test them to see if they are really following the Master’s example: -

Are they named by any other than the one name by which the whole family in heaven and earth is named? Do they claim a central headquarters on earth? Do they have a man or a woman as their head? Do they beg for money continually? Do they offer all kinds of doctrines not found in the Scriptures? These groups will almost never fail to be identified by the names of Blasphemy, that they use (Rev. 17:3). The Pagan names of idols that they prefer in place of our Father’s name and the name of His Son. May all readers of THE FAITH be warned of these organizations of MEN.

"Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou knowest it?" Prov. 30:4.

"I am YAHWEH: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." Isa. 42:8.

"Sing unto Elohim, sing praises to His name: extol Him that rideth upon the heavens by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him." Ps. 68:4. Yah is the last part of Halleluyah. Halleluyah means Praise ye Yah.

"Thou shall not take away the Name of Yahweh thy Elohim to bring it to nought, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless that taketh away His Name to bring it to nought." Ex. 20:7. (3^rd Commandment).

"And ye shall not falsify My Name, neither shall thou profane the name of thy Elohim: I am Yahweh." Lev. 19:12.

In "The Ministry" of May 1958 on page 36 is the following quotation from the S.D.A. Bible Commentary. "The divine title most common in the Old Testament (some 5,500 times) is the sacred word YHWH …" YHWH is vocalized as Yahweh. See Tetragrammaton in The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary.

"Another common error among most of the translators is their elimination of heaven’s revealed Name of the Most High, Yahweh, and the Name of His Son, Yahshua the Messiah, and substituting the names of the local deities of the nations among whom they dwelt (Psalms 96:5), expressly transgressing Yahweh’s commandments as given in Exodus 20:7 and 23:13 …

The substitution of the Names of Yahweh and Yahshua by the names of the pagan deities of the nations has brought immeasurable harm … By employing these names the people unknowingly turn the worship of Yahweh into that of idols and actually ascribe the benevolent characteristics of the Mighty One of Israel to the pagan deities. Hosea 2:8." The above quotation is from page five of the Preface of the Holy Name Bible, in which the divine Names and titles are restored.

In the introduction of the James Moffatt translation on pages 20 and 21, he makes it plain that he would have had no hesitation in using the Name Yahweh in his translation if he had intended it for students of the original.

We find the following in the preface of the Goodspeed translation. "The Hebrews called their deity by the Name Yahweh, and in a shorter form Yah." They admit using substitutes for the Name Yahweh.

Read the reference given for Ex. 3:15 in the Revised Standard Version. Also page six of the preface of the same version.

In the International Bible Encyclopedia of the King James Version, published by the Garden City Publishing Co., we find the following under the name "Jehovah." "It is believed that the correct pronunciation of this word is ‘Yahweh.’ "

In "The Oxford Cyclopedia Concordance" on page 121 we find the following, "Jehovah, the name revealed to Moses at Horeb … Its real pronunciation is approximately Yahweh … The Name itself was not pronounced Jehovah before the 16^th century."

A New Standard Bible Dictionary. "Jehovah" … "properly Yahweh" … "the form ‘Jehovah’ is impossible, according to the strict principles of Hebrew vocalization."

"And in all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other elohim, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth." Ex. 23:13.

"Our help is in the name of Yahweh, Who made heaven and earth." Ps. 124:8.

"Seek Him that maketh the seven stars and Orion … Yahweh is His name." Amos 5:8.

"It is He that buildeth His stories in the heaven, and hath founded His vaults in the earth … Yahweh is His name." Amos 9:6.

"His name shall endure forever: His name shall be continued as long as the sun: …" Ps. 72:17.

"Give unto Yahweh the glory due unto His name; worship Yahweh in the beauty of holiness." Ps. 29:2.

"Praise Yahweh, proclaim His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted." Isa. 12:4.

"I Yahweh am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." Isa. 49:26.

"And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name Yahshua: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21.

In John 5:43 Yahshua said, "I am come in My Father’s Name …"

In the preface of the Holy Name Bible, on page seven we read, "His Name is composed of two parts: Yah-Hoshua (Saviour). Thus, the contraction Yahshua signifies Yahweh-Saviour and strikingly bears out the logic of Matthew 1:21."

"Wherefore Yahweh also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name: That at the Name of Yahshua every knee should bow … And that every tongue should confess that Yahshua the Messiah is the Saviour, to the glory of Yahweh the Father." Phil. 2:9-11.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

"To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43.

"And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Yahshua the Messiah …" 1 John 3:23.

There is power, there is salvation, in the Name of the Son of the Most High, and it behooves us to learn just what name the Heavenly Father ordained He should bear, when He was born into this world as the Messiah and Saviour of men.

The Saviour promised unlimited power to His followers who used His right Name, when they prayed unto the Father, saying, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." "If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it." (John 14:13-14, 15:16). "In that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the father in My Name, He will give it you, Hitherto ye have asked nothing in My Name: ask, and ye shall receive." --- John 16:23-26.

For these many centuries believers have been praying heavenward in the name of Jesus, being taught that it is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Yahshua (often called Joshua in English). But what are the facts of the case? We should know for a certainty.

In Colliers magazine of Sept. 11, 1937, appeared a statement which scholars know to be a fact, but which the average layman does not understand; or, if it is known, it is thought inconsequential. Paul Parnell wrote, as follows: "The founder of Christianity probably never heard Himself called Jesus Christ during His life. He was known by His Hebrew name Joshua. After the crucifixion, He was referred to as Joshua the Messiah, until the time many years later, when His name was changed into Greek, and became Jesus the Christ."

The Hebrews were very careful of their names, and the name of the Supreme was often used as a part of the name of Israelites, such as EliYAH, JeremYAH, DaniEL, JoEL, etc., etc. The same idea prevailed among the heathen religions, and the worshippers of Baal, Zeus, and other deities, were careful to affix the name of their deity to their children, and so we find, Jezebel (JezeBaal), Nebuchadnezzar (Nebochadnezzar), Baaliada (Baal knows), etc., etc. Among the Greeks we find this same rule prevailing, and it was adhered to when the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into the Greek, as in the Septuagint.

In William Smith’s Bible Dictionary, relative to the Septuagint Version, we read: "Proper names are sometimes translated, sometimes not." "The divine names are frequently interchanged." "The version is therefore not minutely accurate in details." "We find a marked distinction between the original (Hebrew) and the Septuagint (Greek)."

The Septuagint Version was translated in Alexandria, Egypt, as some say, for Greek speaking Jews, but Josephus says it was made because the king of Egypt commanded it to be done, that he might have a copy of the Jews’ greatest literature. The fact is that whoever made the translation, and for whatever purpose, willingly covered up the sacred Name of Yahweh by substituting the name Kurios, and by other means: See the Septuagint Version itself for proof.)

Under the Greeks, in the following centuries, the names of places were Hellenized: Rabbath-Ammon to Philadelphia; Armoab to Areopolis; Akko to Ptolemais. The same occurred with personal names. Homi became Menelaus; Joshua became Jason, or Jesus. (See The Jewish Encyclopedia, article on Hellenism.)

Dr. W. F. Wilkinson, M.A., Vicar of St. Werburgh’s, Derby Joint Editor of Webster and Wilkinson’s Greek Testament, in his book, "Personal Names in the Bible," edition 1886, says, "The name Joshua (Yahshua) derives its greatest importance and highest sanctity from the fact that it was sacredly chosen as the name to be borne among men by the Messiah . . . When the name Yah was prefixed to the word Hoshua, the compound resulting was, as given in our version (Num. 13:16), the word Jehoshua (Yahshua). This word . . . was altered in the pronunciation of the Alexandrian Jews, into Jesus; just as Elisha was into Eliseus. And this word (Jesus) is always written in the Septuagint Version wherever Jahoshua or Jeshua (Yahshua) occurs in the Hebrew. Hence Jesus is read for Joshua (Yahshua) in the Greek of the New Testament and retained very inconveniently in our version, in Acts 7:45 and Heb. 4:8." --- pages 342-343.

Dr. Hislop, in his, "The Two Babylons" says, "It has been all along well enough known that the Greeks occasionally worshipped the supreme deity under the title of "Zeus the Saviour . . ."

The plan of the Greeks was simple, they merely dropped the Hebrew terminology of names which referred to the Hebrew deity, and substituted the name, or letters, referring to the name of the supreme deity, Zeus. Thus Eliakim became AlcimUS, Elisha became EliSEUS, while Yahshua became (JeSUS) Iesous.

Ernest Renan, in his work, "The Life of Jesus," says, "It is not probable that the Saviour knew Greek. This language was very little spread in Judea, beyond the classes who participated in the government, and the towns inhabited by the pagans, like Caesarea."

After the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, the Hebrews hated the Greeks and detested their language. In the first part of the Talmud, the Mishna, the Jews are emphatically taught it is worse for a Jew to learn Greek than to eat swine’s flesh.

Dr. F. C. Burkitt of Cambridge says, "But our Saviour and His first disciples spoke Aramaic; there is nothing to suggest that they were acquainted with the current Greek Version (the Septuagint). In the synagogues they would hear the Scriptures read in the original Hebrew, followed by a more or less stereotyped rendering into the Aramaic of Palestine the language of the country, itself a cousin of Hebrew. A faithfully reported saying therefore of (the Saviour) or of Peter ought to agree with the Hebrew against the Greek." --- Quoted in Gospel Light, p. 27.

From the above evidence, and other that could be provided were space available, we must conclude that the pious Hebrews, disciples of the Saviour and otherwise, were not dependent upon the Septuagint Version, with its substitutions, but used the Hebrew Scriptures expounding them in the Hebrew-Aramaic. All the earliest evidence of the disciple writers of the first centuries is that the first Gospel Scriptures were written in Hebrew-Aramaic. Scholars of renown of our day are coming to the opinion from internal evidence and linguistics that all the New Testament was originally penned in Hebrew-Aramaic, and later translated into Greek and other languages. This would explain the substitution of the Grecian forms of Hebrew Names, for the Greek translators would largely follow the current Septuagint Version of the Greek; of which we learned that in this Version the names of the prophets were changed, as Elisha to Eliseus, and Yahshua (Joshua) to Iesous (Jesus).

Now as to the name Jesus; Hastings in his, "A Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels," Charles Scribners’ Sons, New York, says, "It is strange that even this name (Jesus) has not been explained with certainty."

When the name Jesus is broken down into its composite parts, as other sacred names can be, we find that it is made up of two words, "Ie" and "Sous," (Iesous, Greek). Now there was in the trinity of the gods of Babylon, one whose name was Ie (EA, the god of healing). Zeus, as we learned from Hislop, was the Greek Saviour, as well as Supreme deity, Ie (Ea) coupled with Sous, the Zeus terminal, gives us the Grecian form Iesous, "the healing Zeus," now called in English, Jesus. This is a peculiar way to pronounce the name of the Israelite leader, Joshua, or the Name of the Son of the Most High, Yahweh’s Saviour.

But the fact is well known among scholars that the Galilean never heard himself called by this hybrid pagan name. Consider this: "It is interesting that throughout his life (the one now known as) Jesus Christ never did hear himself called by that name. Jesus was the Greek word for the Hebrew (Yahshua) Joshua or Jeshua; and Christ or Christus was the Greek word for Messiah or Redeemer." --- "Man’s Great Adventure," by Edwin W. Pharlow, professor of history, Ohio State University.

The heavenly Messenger came to the unlearned but pious maid of Galilee, and said unto Mary, "Thou shalt bring forth a Son, and call His name YAHSHUA." (Luke 1:31). To the espoused husband of the mother-to-be of the Saviour, the Angel declared, "She shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his name YAHSHUA." --- Matt. 1:21.

Why do we place the name as YAHSHUA instead of Jesus, when the English Versions render the Greek text as Jesus? Because of the Scriptural evidence, as well as the internal evidence in the verse under consideration. The explanation of the Name by the Angel to Joseph was, "He shall be called Yahshua" (Yahweh-Saviour) "For He shall save His people from their sins." If Yahweh was to save His people from their sins through the person of the Son to be born to Mary, then His name would be Yahshua (Yah-Hoshua) to denote His office and mission, that it’s to be Yahweh’s Saviour to His people.

But, further proof of the substitution, and how we may know just what the Scriptural Name of our Saviour is, can be learned from a comparison of Acts 7:45 and Hebrews 4:8 with other instances where the name Iesous (Jesus) appears in the Greek text. In Acts 7:45 it is clearly evident that the writer is referring to the Israelites entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua (Yahshua); but the Greek text, following the Septuagint Version example used not the Hebrew name Yahshua (Joshua), but the Greek "Iesous." This is also the case in Hebrews 4:8.

Now the above is evidence that the Greek translators willingly substituted the Grecian name Jesus for the Hebrew name Yahshua, when referring to Moses’ successor. But this same Greek name Iesous is not only used of Joshua (Yahshua) the Israelite leader, but it is used also when referring to the Saviour. It is the same word when recording the message of the Angel unto Mary and Joseph. So, from this evidence, we know that the original not only of Acts 7:45 and Heb. 4:8 was Yahshua, but Matt. 1:21 and Luke 1:31 and all other texts bearing this name Jesus (Iesous) would also be rendered as Yahshua, meaning Yahweh-Saviour. We should therefore Anglicize the Hebrew Name instead of the Greek, and would have thus, Yahshua, instead of Jesus.

The Saviour said, "I am come in My Father’s Name" (John 5:43). This brings us to the question of the wise man, "Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, and what is His Son’s Name, if thou canst tell? --- Prov. 30:4.

"What is His Name?" The Psalmist answers, "Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy Name, O YAHWEH. Let them be confounded and troubled forever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish; that men may know that thou whose Name alone is Yahweh art the most high over all the earth." --- Psa. 83:16-18.

Here the Psalmist has said that the Eternal’s Name alone is YAHWEH (Jehovah in the King James Version, Yahweh in others). Scholars of the Hebrew tell us that this name is made up of two parts, "Yah" and "Hawah," having the meaning of "the Eternal Yah." The shorter form of this Name is therefore YAH, and we find it so in hundreds of instances wherein the word HalleluYAH is found in the Hebrew Scriptures. This name is also brought out very prominently in Psalm 68:4, "Sing unto the El (the Mighty One), sing praises unto His Name; extol Him that rideth upon the heavens by His Name YAH, and rejoice before Him." Here the name YAH is said to be that of the Eternal One, and this is the form that we find used in the names of the prophets as EliYAH, HezekiYAH, JeremiYAH, IsaiYAH, ObadiYAH, ZephaniYAH and ZechariYAH. Therefore, from the Saviour’s own words, we would expect the name of YAH to be in that Name in which the Son of Yah came and did His wondrous work of redeeming mankind. Since the Name denoted the mission, and the Saviour came in His Father’s Name, which is YAH, then His Name would undoubtedly be as in the Hebrew YAH-HOSHUA, Yahweh-Saviour, or as transliterated into the English (by-passing the Greek), it would be YAHSHUA. Truly He came in His Father’s Name.

The Name of the Father and the Name of the Son is One, just as any son of any parent carries his father’s name legally. That One Name is referred to in Rev. 14:1,

Great and wonderful things are promised to the believers who are in the Name of Yahshua. Paul says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Master YAHSHUA, giving thanks to the Elohim (Mighty One) and the Father by Him." --- Col. 3:17.

Again, Peter says, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." --- Acts 4:12.

There is healing in the name of YAHSHUA (Acts 3:16). Signs and wonders were done in the name of YAHSHUA (4:30). They baptized in the name of YAHSHUA (8:16). Forgiveness of sins was received through this Name of YAHSHUA (10:43). Devils were cast out in the Name of YAHSHUA (16:18). There is power in the Name. HalleluYAH!

Yes, beloved, Jesus is not the Name, for the Saviour came in His Father’s Name. Read it (John 5:43), and do not doubt. There are great and wonderful things to be done in these closing days of this Age. The harvest is great and the laborers are few, but unlimited power is promised unto the few, the little flock. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things" (John 14:26). Hear Him, and take Him at His word. Do you need wisdom, power, salvation? Then ask: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it (to) you."

You question the name "Christ." Space will not allow for details, but we’ll cite John 1:41, wherein two Hebrew brothers were speaking. Andrew said to Simon, "We have found the Messiah." Being Hebrews they understand one another. But a Greek translator added, for his Greek readers, "Which is, by interpretation, the Christ." The real meaning of Messiah is Anointed. See the marginal reading at this text. If you don’t want to use Messiah, then use Anointed, which is its exact English Interpretation, but do not use Christ, a derivation of Chrisna, an ancient pagan god worshipped in India centuries before our Saviour was born. You should not use the name of a pagan city in your worship of the Saviour of Man (For a fuller study send for our tract, Messiah, Not Christ.)

At first thought, the reader may think it matters not what name we call the object of our worship; but the Heavenly Father is precise. He says He is jealous of His Name (Ezek. 39:25), and not to call Him Baal (Lord) any more (Hos. 2:16-17). The law condemns using names of pagan gods in the true worship, saying, "But the prophet (Preacher) which shall presume to . . . speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet (preacher) shall die" (Deut. 18:20). Plain enough, beloved? The Scriptures have spoken! What is your answer?

Before this you have seen nothing, compared with what you shall see in the days ahead in the lives of true saints who witness in the Name of YAHSHUA, as He promised, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My Name (You have been asking in the name of another); ASK, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

"These are written (beloved), that ye might believe that YAHSHUA is the Messiah, the son of YAHWEH, and that believing ye might have life through His Name." --- John 20:31.

"What think ye of the Messiah, Whose son is He?" (Matt. 22:42) My unqualified answer is this: He is the true Son of the Most High El. He is the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The foundation for this affirmation is found in the record of His birth, as recorded by Matthew: "Now the nativity of the Messiah Yahshua was thus: Miriam His mother had been pledged to Joseph; before they were united, she was discovered to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her affianced husband, being a just man, and unwilling to expose her, purposed to divorce her privately. But while he was reflecting on these things, behold, an Angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a dream saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take Miriam thy affianced wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name YAHSHUA: for He shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of Yahweh through the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel (Emma-with, Nu-us, El, which signifies, "El with us"). Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of Yahweh had bidden him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name YAHSHUA." – Matthew 1:18-25.

It was the absolute conviction of the truth of this narrative that broke the shackles of sin from my soul, burst asunder the bands of Catholicism, superstition, and ignorance, and gave me knowledge and hope of eternal life. This was the starting point of my spiritual birth, and the continuing nourishment of my soul on the word of Yahweh through which I have grown in grace and knowledge of Him, Who is my Saviour, my life and my all.

What think ye of the Messiah, Whose Son is He? Was He merely the son of Joseph? Or was He, as He maintained, the Son of El? This question is not a new one. It has been asked throughout the centuries. Carnal men have said, "He is the perfect Son of man," spiritual men have answered, "He is the son of El."

Modernists of the present day are straining every effort to prove that He was the natural offspring of Mary and Joseph, but this is not new. Infidels of every age since His birth have contended the same thing. But the orthodox Spirit-born man will repeat the words of Nathanael, "Thou art the Son of El," "Thou are the King of Israel." John 1:49.

Some pseudo-believers say He had no pre-existence. The Saviour Himself said, "Before Abraham was I AM."

The believing Saints (the Prophets) in the Old Testament believed in His pre-existence, and that He was the active Agent of creation. In this connection see Psalm 102:25-27 and Hebrews 1:10. Moses knew Him as the Liaison Agent. See Exodus 23:20-23, Exodus 34:5-6, together with 1 Corinthians 10:4. Job knew He was living in his day, and looked forward to the day of his manifestation in the flesh, when He would walk on this earth. See Job 19:21. The prophets believed, even before His manifestation, that He was the Son of the Most high El, that as such He was to be given to the world, and that he would bear the responsibility of world direction, as recorded in Isaiah 9:6.

Likewise, they believed that in this earthly manifestation He would be born of a virgin, as written in Isaiah 7:14. Micah even described the location of His birthplace, Bethlehem of Judah. Micah 5:2. David was convinced of it, so that in the second Psalm he quoted Yahweh’s decree concerning His Son, saying, "Yahweh hath said unto me, Thou art my Son, this day I have begotten thee." (Psalm 2:7). And again in the last verse of the same Psalm, "Do homage to the Son, lest He be angry and ye be lost on the way, for His wrath is speedily kindled. Happy are all they that put their trust in Him."

All the prophets looked forward, not to the production of the perfect son of man, but to the manifestation of the Gift of Yahweh, even the Son of the Most High El, as envisioned by Isaiah in chapter 9, verse 6.

What think ye of the Messiah, Whose Son is He? When the question was asked of the Pharisees they answered, "The Son of David," but their hearts were not open to perceive the Truth. If they had been they would have known that He was what they had been waiting for, and Jewish history might have taken a different course. When the same question was asked of the apostles, the answer from their spokesman was, "Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the Living El" (Matthew 16:16). If we ask John the writer of the fourth evangel, his answer is, "He is the Word made Flesh." See John 1:14, about the Word that was existing in the beginning with El. Also see John 1:1-2.

If we ask John the Baptist, "What think ye of the Messiah?" his answer is without hesitation, "The Lamb of Yah, Who takes away the sins of the world." The Roman centurion who witnessed His death on the [stake], saw the Saviour die, not as a human, but as Super-human, in majestic beauty, resigned, and composed, with an expression of love and pity not for Himself but for His enemies. If we ask him the question, "What think ye of the Messiah, Whose Son is He?" he will answer unhesitatingly, "Truly He was the Son of El." – Mark 15:39.

One may ask, "Is there any evidence in the Old Testament that the Messiah Yahshua was in the beginning with El?" The answer is, Yes. In Genesis 1:1, where we read, "In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth," the word Elohim is the plural of El (the Mighty One). Therefore in the beginning we have not a singular personality, but a plural, Elohim (Mighty Ones), thus demonstrating a cooperation of multiple personalities which eventually are identified through revelation as being two, the Father and the Son. This uni-plural noun confirms the statement made by our Saviour, when He said, "My Father and I are One." It also proves the close cooperation in their work, which caused John to remark, "Without Him, was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3, also see Col. 1:16). More evidence of this is found is the 26^th verse of the first chapter of Genesis, where we read, "Let US make man in OUR IMAGE." This demonstrates not only plurality, but also similarity of substance, ability, and uniformity of thought. This interpretation is shared by the Spirit-inspired writer of the book of Hebrews; for, he writes about the Messiah Yahshua as follows: "Who, being [the brightness] of His (the Father’s) glory, and an exact impress of His (the Father’s) substance, sustains all things by the word of His power." (See Hebrews 1:3, Emphatic Diaglott)

If we ask the highest authority, the Most High El, to give us His definition of Yahshua, the Messiah, His answer is, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." – Matt. 17:5.

In the first chapter of John, we are told that the Messiah is the light of the world, "The true light was that which coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made (sustained) through Him, yet the world knew Him not. He came to His own domains, and yet His own people received Him not. But as many as received Him He gave power to become the children of Yahweh, to those believing on the Name of Him Who was born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of Yah. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, a glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." – See John 1:9-14

Power is the heritage of the children of Yahweh, and this power cannot be realized without belief in the virgin birth. Herein lay the secret of the apostolic power. In the Scriptures quoted above, we are told that as many as "believed in the Name of Him Who was born NOT OF BLOOD nor of the will of the flesh, nor of man but of Yah," received power. It was to these that believed in the Virgin Birth that the Saviour said, "Ye shall received power" not only to preach, but to work miracles, to lay hands on the sick "that they may be healed." Power that they may be able to stand against the evil day, power to be called the "Sons of Yahweh." Paul tells us that the preaching of this message is foolishness to the Greeks, and a stumbling block to the Jews, but to us who are saved it is the Power of Yah. See 1 Cor. 1:23-24, and Romans 1:16.

It was this power of which the Saviour spoke when He said to His followers, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8. And, armed with this power, they were to go forth in His Name to do prodigies for Him. They not only preached the evangel against great odds, but wrought miracles, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. It was this same power that caused the martyrs to die for the Faith. It was all based on their faith in the pre-existence and in the virgin birth of Yahshua the Messiah.

The early believers were nourished upon this doctrine of the pre-existence and the virgin birth. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he teaches them of Yahshua, the Messiah, "Who, though being in the form (nature) of El, yet did meditate a usurpation to be like El" (Phil. 2:6. Emphatic Diaglott). This is evidence of the pre-existence. Now for the transition: "But divested Himself, taking a bondsman’s form, having been made in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7. Emphatic Diaglott). This, as a result of their belief in the virgin birth, gave the Philippians the faith that drew praises from Paul, and stood them in the hour of their trial.

All difficulties in the virgin birth disappear when we realize that it is not a matter of generating something out of nothing, but of incarnation, "The Word became Flesh." The word "incarnate" means in-fleshed. He that was with the Father, made of the same substance as the Father, and Who shared in the power and direction of the worlds with the Father, for the purpose of redeeming a fallen creation, willingly divested Himself of that substance and existence with the Father, left the heavenly abode to descend to this earth and become in-fleshed, or incarnate, taking upon Himself a human body, for the time-being, in order to accomplish the plan of salvation.

In conclusion of the whole matter let the Saviour Himself ask you the question? "Believest thou in the Son of Yahweh?" (John 9:35). If, like the blind men of old, you would know who He is, hear then the words of those who lived with Him, and know Him intimately. "Believe on Yahshua the Messiah, and thou shall be saved."

Laws of our country, and others, are based upon the Ten Commandments. These were taught first of all to Adam, and then to the patriarchs until Moses was called up to Mt. Sinai and given the two tables of stone on which The Mighty One had written them (Exodus 31:18).

Yahweh set one day apart from the other six days as holy and sanctified. "And Elohim (Mighty One) blessed the seventh day and sanctified it . . ." (Genesis 2:3).

The Commandments were broken by Eve when she was deceived by Satan in the garden. Eve listened to another voice after Yahweh had given His instructions. When Eve took of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, she coveted that which was Yahweh’s (10^th Commandment). As she tasted the fruit and gave it unto her husband, she took that which was Yahweh’s without His permission. (8^th Commandment).

The Sixth Commandment, "Thou shalt not commit murder," was known to Cain. Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Yahweh said unto Cain, Where is Abel, thy brother? And he said, I know not; and am I my brother’s keeper? And He said, What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now are thou cursed from the earth . . ." (Genesis 4:8-11).

Again, we find the first commandment was broken by those who sought to set up the tower of Babel to exalt themselves. ". . . let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name . . ." (Genesis 11:4).

Ham, son of Noah, was cursed for breaking Yahweh’s law to honor thy father and mother. (Deuteronomy 27:16, Leviticus 18:7). The Seventh Commandment was broken by the daughters of Lot (Genesis 19:32). Even Joseph knew adultery was sin or he would not have refused to lie with his master’s wife (Genesis 39:7-9).

Jacob knew the law that forbids idols. ". . . Put away the strange deities that are among you, and be clean . . ." (Genesis 35:2).

These are just a few scriptural proofs which teach us the law of Yahweh was from creation; and men knew it and obeyed, unto righteousness and blessing, or disobeyed it unto sin and chastisement. They would not have known sin had the law not been taught to them. Sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4); and ". . . I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust except the law had said thou shalt not covet (Romans 7:7). A great number believe that "The Moral Law" or the "Ten Commandments" were to be abided by from Moses’ time through the crucifixion of our Saviour. However, many believe they were nailed to the tree which our Saviour hung upon. Could this be true? Let’s not make a decision until we study a few more scriptural texts.

At that time of Moses there was another law given to the people. This was the ceremonial law which was spoken by Moses to the people. It contained burnt offerings, trespass offerings, consecrations and the sacrifices of the peace offerings. (Lev. 7:37-38). Moses wrote of the words of this law in a book and commanded the Levities to put it in the side of the ark of the covenant for a witness. (Deut. 31:24-26).

More than sixty years after Yahshua’s death and resurrection, John wrote the following scriptures:

Revelation 12:17 --- "And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep THE COMMANDMENTS of Elohim and have the testimony of Yahshua."

Revelation 14:12 --- "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep THE COMMANDMENTS of Elohim, and the faith of Yahshua."

Revelation 22:14 --- "Blessed are they that do HIS COMMANDMENTS that they may have right to the tree of life; and may enter in through the gates into the city."

It appears, does it not, that the apostles kept the law, the same law which was given to Adam by the Creator, our Mighty One.

To what purpose would the Bible serve humanity if there were no Ten Commandments, no moral laws, no Exodus 20:1-17? This chapter alone is the starlight that shines above any other part of this book. It transcends all other subjects; it is a sacred academy, the highest school of thought and learning, and perpetuates true love, devotion and obedience to Yahweh. It is the sole copyright of Yahweh alone, written with His own hand (Exodus 31:18). It is our salvation through Yahshua the Messiah for a better life in a better world, comparable to the Garden of Eden. All that was lost through disobedience of our first parent Adam, is restored through the Messiah, the spiritual Adam. All Yahweh’s promises are yours if you fear Elohim and keep His Commandments for this is the WHOLE duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13). As our Saviour said, "If ye love me, keep my Commandments." (John 14:15).

From a tract of Agnes Kwiatkowski – revised by George Kinney

By C. O. Dodd

In the Book of Mark, we read where the Saviour said, "The Sabbath was made for man." --- Mk. 2:27.

The question is, "What was the Sabbath, which was made for man? Who made it? For what purpose? We trust to give the answers to this problem from the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make a man wise unto Salvation. May we now take heed unto what we find in the Bible concerning this truth.

The first reference to the Sabbath is found in Genesis (2:2), where it reads, "And on the seventh day the Elohim (Mighty One) ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the Seventh Day from all His work which He had made." Notice that after working the six days, beginning with the first day of creation, the Creator made an end to work and rested on the seventh day. From the Hebrew we learn that Sabbath (Shabbath) means rest, to desist from toil, to cease from work. Referring then to what the Master said, "The rest was made for man," and from the text in Gen. 2:2, we learn the Creator Himself desisting from further work and resting upon a certain day, which the Scriptures say was the "seventh day."

"The rest," or "the Sabbath," then, which the Creator made for man, is that period of time corresponding to that upon which He rested, and which is stated clearly to be "the seventh day."

Some claim that time has been lost, that the Sabbath was lost in Joshua’s long day, that the people of Yahweh as a whole entirely lost contact with the Creator, and hence failed to keep the identical day upon which the Creator Himself had rested; but this is easily answered from the Scriptures, if we but take heed unto them. Yahweh, Who created the Sabbath for man, certainly knew which day corresponded to that seventh day upon which He rested, and so we find Him revealing it unto His "Chosen People" in such a definite way that they could not be uncertain about it. This was 2500 years after Yahweh had made the first Sabbath for man. Israel had been delivered from Egyptian slavery, and were being provided with Manna rained from heaven, as they journeyed through the wilderness. For the first six days of the weekly cycle the Creator rained down Manna for Israel, but on the seventh day, the rest day for them, He rained none, but the sixth day they were to gather a double portion to provide for the Sabbath need.

At Sinai, in the first week of the third month, Yahweh revealed His Ten Commandment Law unto Israel, and in that law was the command to rest upon the seventh day, saying, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of Yahweh thy Elohim (Mighty One); in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." --- Exo. 20:8-11.

Recall now that before this Law was given, Yahweh had made Israel to understand which day was His Sabbath by refraining to rain down Manna from Heaven for them on the seventh day. Even if every man on earth at that time had forgotten which day was the Sabbath, Yahweh had made the seventh day clear unto Israel, as He fed them week after week, for forty long years in the wilderness; therefore, the day was definite which He called THE seventh day, when He gave them the Sabbath commandment.

From the time Yahweh revealed the Sabbath day to Israel, until the Saviour came, some 1500 years later, there were always faithful servants of Yahweh on earth, who faithfully kept His commandments. Like Abraham, who kept the law before Sinai, after Sinai, obeyed Yahweh’s voice, kept His charge, His commandments, His statutes, and His laws (Gen. 26:5). And so when the Messiah came, we find Him repeatedly referring to "THE" Sabbath, not "a" Sabbath. "THE Sabbath made for man," which Yahweh had revealed to be the seventh day.

That the Master did not abolish the law, nor do away with the Sabbath commandment, we may learn from His words, as in Matt. 5:17-18, "Think not that I come to destroy the law, or the prophets, but to fulfill. Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Heaven and earth are still here: all has not been fulfilled; therefore, not one jot or tittle, according to the Master’s word, has passed from the law, and so the Sabbath stands firm. The women who ministered unto Him, and heard the teaching from His own lips, knew that He upheld the force of His Father’s commandments, the Sabbath among them, and so we find them, after His death, observing the fourth commandment of the Decalogue, having "rested the Sabbath day, according to the commandment." Luke 23:56.

Now, lest one wonder what day was the Sabbath in the time of the Saviour, we refer to Matthew 28:1, where it states that the Sabbath was the day which preceded the first day of the week, just as it did at Creation, as it did at Sinai, and as it does today. Nowhere in all the Scriptures do we find other than the Seventh day is the Sabbath of Yahweh, and our Calendar bears witness to the fact that the week still has seven days, and the Sabbath (the seventh) is that which ends the cycle.

The Sabbath precedes Sunday, or the first day of the week: The first day of the week, or Sunday, follows immediately after the close of the Sabbath. "In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn (or draw on) toward the first day of the week," was the relation of the Sabbath and the Sunday in the New Testament. This order has not altered; the Sabbath is still at the end of the week: Sunday is still the first day of the week. (Please take time to look at your own calendar upon the wall. It will verify our statement.)

The Sabbath is a sign between Yahweh and His chosen people: "It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed." (Exo. 31:17). It is also a sign between Yahweh and His obedient people whatever the race, in all ages.

In Isaiah 58:1, Yahweh rebukes His people, saying, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew MY PEOPLE their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins." And then the Sabbath sin is brought right out into the light, that "MY PEOPLE" might know wherein they transgressed, and a glorious promise is made to the one who takes Yahweh at His word and keeps the Sabbath holy. Listen: "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing THY pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath, a delight, the holy of Yahweh, honourable, and shall honour Him, not doing THINE own pleasure, nor speaking THINE own words; then (please get this, "Then") SHALT THOU delight THYSELF in Yahweh, and I (Notice this "I") will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of Yahweh hath spoken it." --- Isa. 58:13-14.

Let’s recall that the Saviour said, "The Sabbath was made for man," not for the Jew, not for a chosen few, but for "man," all inclusive, for mankind, or the human race, if you please. Now, please refer to the promise Yahweh made unto "man" --- yes, any man --- (See Isaiah 56:1-3) "Thus saith Yahweh, Keep ye judgment and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man (Yes, "man") that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." If the keeping of the Sabbath is reserved for Jews only, and not for all mankind, then, likewise, the command to refrain from doing "any evil" is also for the Jew alone, and the remainder of the human race may do as it pleases.

And then to make the matter more clear, the prophet continues with Yahweh’s words, thus: "Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to Yahweh, speak, saying, Yahweh hath utterly separated me from his people." Do you get this wonderful truth? Even if you are not of the Israel race, those known as "my people," the promise is for you, whether black or white, Jew or Gentile --- If you have joined yourself unto Yahweh (Have you?) then do not say that Yahweh hath separated you from His chosen people. Please don’t say, then, that the Sabbath is for the Jews only, for Yahweh has not made a separation between you and the Jews. The Sabbath was made for "man," and being a "man" it was made for you, and the blessings attached to it are yours as well as the most devout Jew, IF you take hold and obey the Sabbath command.

Even if time had been lost prior to the Saviour’s advent into this world, yet would He have known the correct day for the Sabbath. He said, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness (John 8:12). Peter also said "The Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye (we) should follow in His steps." --- 1 Peter 2:21-22.

On the traditional Sabbath day, the day before the first day of the week (Sunday), we find Yahshua in the Sabbath services. "As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read" (the Scriptures). Again we read that He "taught them on the Sabbath days." --- Luke 4:16 and 31.

If the Messiah had wished to abolish the Sabbath day, surely He would have taught His disciples so; but that He did not so teach them we can know by the fact that after His death His intimate followers were still found resting on "the Sabbath day according to the commandment," as found in Exodus 20:8-11.

Paul was an Apostle especially called to take the glad tidings to the Gentiles, and as he had learned the truth by a personal experience with his risen Master, as well as from the teaching of those who had followed the Saviour in His ministry, he would surely have known of the abolishment of the Sabbath, had there been such. However, on the contrary, we find Paul following the example of his Master, and saying, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of the Messiah." --- 1 Cor. 11:1.

Since Yahshua was a seventh-day Sabbath keeper, we would expect to find Paul observing the same Sabbath likewise, and we are not disappointed, as we read: "Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures" (Acts 17:2). At Antioch, too, Paul went into the synagogue on the Sabbath and preached the glad tidings (Acts 13:14-16). When the Jews were gone out, the Gentiles requested Paul to preach the glad tidings to them the next Sabbath day. This would have been an excellent opportunity for Paul to have told them that the Sabbath was abolished, or that the next day was Sabbath, if he had wished, but we find no such record; but on the contrary, "The next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together (Jew as well as Gentile elements) to hear the words of Yahweh." --- Acts 13:42-44.

Again, at Corinth, we find Paul working the six days of labor, but on the Sabbath days, teaching the people the glad tidings of His risen Saviour. Here in this Gentile city he worked with his hands to support the ministry, but reserved the Sabbath day for teaching the Scriptures, not for one or two Sabbaths, but for "a year and six months," seventy-eight weeks of toil, and seventy-eight Sabbaths to be kept holy, for the worship of Yahweh. Yes, the Sabbath was made for Paul, as well as for the Jews, or for you and me. "The Sabbath was made for man."

Hear now the admonition in Hebrews 4:1, "Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest (you have just read it from Isaiah 56^th chapter) any of you should seem to come short of it." "There remaineth therefore a keeping of a Sabbath to the people of Yahweh." --- Heb. 4:9.

The Sabbath is one of the commandments of the Law, and John says, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." --- 1 John 3:4.

The keeping of the commandments is linked with the faith in our beloved Saviour. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of Yahweh and the faith of Yahshua." --- Rev. 14:12.

Health is man’s most valuable asset. This is evidenced in the fortunes that are spent to regain health by those who have awakened too late to the realization of a heritage they have lost. Disease is as much a destroyer of the body as sin is of the soul. A sickly individual with a diseased body, racked with pain, cannot give of his best spiritually. This being so it would be strange if the Book dealing with spiritual well-being failed to give the precepts for physical health also. The fact is that the Bible does give instruction for continuous health and provides a way of healing for those who have lost that health.

We live in a strange world. Professing believers seldom, if ever, search the Scriptures for guidance in their everyday activities and especially is this true in the requirements for health. Certain fundamental laws are given in the Bible which, if kept, would give that health and vigor so characteristic of the life of Moses. Moses died at the age of one hundred and twenty years and the record states, "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated" (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses kept the laws of health and such continuous uninterrupted health will never be the heritage of any man who violates these laws. Many believers, who are spiritually right with Yahweh, suffer and go to an untimely grave, because they failed to keep His laws of health. Because the results of breaking the law does not instantly manifest itself men labor under the false impression that these laws of health are not now in operation.

When Noah began to load the ark he was instructed to bring in seven pairs each of the clean and one pair each of the unclean animals. This presupposes a knowledge of such classification long before similar instructions were given to Israel at Mount Sinai.

"But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat," (Genesis 9:3-4). Here we have a definite prohibition regarding the eating of blood.

Israel forgot Yahweh and failed to keep His laws, experiencing the diseases of Egypt during the years of their bondage (Deuteronomy 7:15). The result was that in Israel many were sick and ailing. But Yahweh had a plan whereby the health of His people could be maintained. Israel had come to Marah where they complained because the water of the place was unfit to drink. Here Yahweh made for them a statute and ordinance to prove them, "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am Yahweh that healeth thee:" ‘Yahweh Ropheka’ (Exodus 15:23-26).

The health of the people became a matter of law under Kingdom requirements while it also was made an ordinance in ecclesiastical activities. This statute and ordinance has never been abrogated and is still in operation for those who will claim the benefits by fulfilling the above conditions. This fact was recognized by Moses. When instructing Israel he showed them how the nation could be free from sickness --- "And Yahweh will take away from thee all sickness and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee" (Deuteronomy 7:15).

That which men consume will mean for them either health and life or sickness and death. When finally the full story is written it will be found that the diseases which afflict mankind are the direct result of eating forbidden things. The "Thou shalt not" of the Ten Commandments is no more binding than the "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing."

When Israel had received the law regarding meat Yahweh said, "Thou shalt not" eat certain animals. Again the rule is simple as to what could be eaten: of the four-footed animals only those that have both the cloven hoof and chew the cud; of life in the water only the fish that have both fins and scales; of the fowls only those birds that were not birds of prey. The detail is given by Moses in Deuteronomy 14:1-21 and Leviticus 11:1-45.

Along with other prohibitions, the swine or pig is strictly forbidden to be eaten. While it has the cloven foot, lacking the double digestive system, it does not chew the cud. Through Isaiah Yahweh said of our generation, A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick (established Church practices); which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments (with the burial places of their dead marked by monuments in their churches), which eat swine’s flesh (the Anglo-Saxon’s consume great quantities of such flesh), and broth of abominable things in their vessels (clam chowders, oyster stews, etc.) (Isaiah 65:3-4).

Examination of the mummies of Egypt has disclosed the fact that the Egyptians were subject to the diseases that afflict our nation today. Elohim declared that the Violation of His laws would bring upon us all the diseases of Egypt, also every other sickness and plague of long continuance (Deuteronomy 28:58-61). We have them all. The judgment as pronounced has come upon us. This is evidenced in the sickness and suffering for our failure to keep the law. "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing."

Men are resentful when there is interference with their appetites. Believers who would not think of violating any of the Ten Commandments will deliberately violate the laws of continued health. Later in life, when the inevitable happens, and health is gone, they blame Elohim, though Moses said, "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; in that I command thee this day to love Yahweh thy Elohim, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply" (Deuteronomy 30:15-16). Why blame Elohim when you have deliberately chosen the way of death and evil? Because the penalties of such violation are deferred men have hardened their hearts and cite New Testament passages to justify themselves in the sins they commit.

Paul told Timothy that meat was to be eaten, provided it was sanctified (that is, set apart) by the Word of Elohim (1 Timothy 4:4-5). The only Word of Elohim for Timothy was the Old Testament wherein we have listed the meats set apart for man to eat.

The healing of the body is as much a part of the atonement as is the forgiveness of sins. Both can be claimed through Him when we act upon the promises and comply with the conditions. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalms 103:3). When both forgiveness and healing have been received then go and sin no more.

It is not the purpose of Elohim that His people suffer. Sickness is the result of failure to comply with the laws of Yahweh. Healing is a gift of Elohim through His Son Yahshua the Messiah who made a demonstration of the Kingdom laws of healing and health in operation. He restored the lame, halt and blind to perfection, and healed all diseases. Isaiah prophesied of coming Kingdom blessings, the benefits of which Yahshua so successfully demonstrated, "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold your Elohim will come with vengeance, even Elohim with a recompense; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing" (Isaiah 35:3-6).

Healing was also an ordinance in the Assembly. James said, "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the Assembly; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of Yahshua; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and Yahweh shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:14-15).

It is sorrowful that the leaders of the Assembly and the followers of Yahshua have too long neglected these great truths, seeking the physicians instead of Yahweh. For this reason affliction and suffering are the lot of many of His people, though many in the Assembly have utterly failed to give instruction in health and healing. It is also a law in the Kingdom as well as an ordinance in the Assembly, the full benefits of which may be claimed by the citizens of that Kingdom as their right when they do and keep the law. May that day hasten when, as a result of complying with the conditions, sickness and suffering will never more afflict our nation and the hospitals will be empty and the asylums will be closed.

Sometimes we discover that a thing is so simple we often skip right over it without even seeing it. The same is true with the plan of Yahweh. Instead of simply accepting His Word just AS IT IS WRITTEN and as little children; believing it in all sincerity, we begin by using our own reasoning and thereby injecting our own thoughts into Yahweh’s word.

First of all, it says in Hebrews 11:6 that we who come to Yahweh must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. We must also believe that His Word is Truth and we must trust Him to accomplish in us what He needs to in order to bring us into His plan.

Simply believe. Yahweh does nothing but what is for our good and we must fit into His plan and not try to make His Word fit our plan.

From the beginning Satan has been working to destroy Yahweh’s Word and has deceived many into thinking His Word is not important and that He doesn’t really mean it for us or our day.

The whole plan of Yahweh from Genesis to Revelation concerns the salvation of mankind. Right from creation Yahweh’s plan was put into effect and if man will simply believe and follow it he will find salvation.

In our day we find ourselves amidst the extreme of unbelief as the world is in gross darkness as to Yahweh’s plan. Satan has been successful in his efforts to bring Yahweh’s Word to nought, in the minds of most people. Nevertheless, His Word is true and when Yahshua returns He will find some who are endeavoring to follow it, AS IT IS WRITTEN.

All scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Yahweh may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Does this mean we have the authority to take some of His Word and leave the rest as unimportant?

Beware lest you be found guilty of adding to and taking from making the Word of Yahweh of none effect, thereby bringing upon yourself damnation.

Some say that Yahweh’s set times or feast days were written for those people prior to Yahshua and that we are not told in the New Testament how to keep them, therefore, they reason in their minds that they are not important and not for our day.

Dear brethren, don’t be deceived, Yahweh’s Word is for His people of all ages. The reason the New Testament doesn’t explain just how the Feasts are to be kept is because, IT IS WRITTEN and explained in the Old Testament, the very source of Yahweh’s instruction to man. There is no mention in the New Testament of Yahweh’s holy days being abolished. Paul was preaching to the gentiles at Colosse when he said, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days . . ." Colossians 2:16.

Some will say these are the laws of Moses but be faithful and check it out for yourself. In Exodus 12 prior to the time that Yahweh made a covenant with Moses, Yahweh’s annual holy days were observed.

Yahweh gave man the weekly Sabbath as a reminder to him that He, Yahweh, is our creator and to keep us in true worship of Him.

The seven annual Sabbaths or Holy Convocations were given to keep His people in constant memory of Him and His plan for our redemption.

These feasts tell the whole story of His plan in a symbolic manner constantly keeping our minds on Him so we will not be snared in Satan’s plan to destroy us.

Just as the world has lost sight of the true Sabbath, they also have lost sight of their creator, Yahweh.

The beautiful symbology of Yahweh’s Feasts and what they represent takes us step by step as we observe each one, to a clearer understanding of His wonderful plan for His people.

When we fail to observe these set times, we miss out on the depth and beauty of His great wisdom and how he is trying to lead us along the way as we walk through the darkness of this world which is controlled by Satan.

Leviticus 23 outlines Yahweh’s festivals or set times. First it lists the weekly Sabbath then the seven Annual Sabbaths or Holy Convocations which come in their seasons.

PASSOVER marks the beginning of Yahweh’s plan of salvation. The perfect sacrifice for sin was made through Yahshua His Son. This sacrifice was made on Yahweh’s set time, not a day before or a day after.

FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD (1^st and 2^nd Annual Sabbaths or Holy Convocations) - In 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Paul said, For even Yahshua our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the Feast. Yahshua had died so Paul was saying let us keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread which represents putting away sin out of our lives by eating the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, Yahshua being our example. The first day being an Annual Sabbath or Holy Convocation and the last day an Annual Sabbath or Holy Convocation. Acts 20:6 and Acts 12:3-4 verify that this Feast of Unleavened Bread was observed in the New Testament.

FEASTS OF FIRSTFRUITS (3^rd Annual Sabbath or Holy Convocation) - Also called Pentecost and Feast of Weeks. This is a feast of harvest of the firstfruits of the year and represents the spiritual harvest of souls. The two wave loaves symbolize the called out ones who have been and those who will be gathered out of the world as the firstfruits of His salvation to reign with Him as kings and priests in His kingdom. Rev. 20:6, 1 Peter 2:5. Yahshua’s followers observed this feast as recorded in Acts 2:1. See also 1 Corinthians 15:20 where Yahshua is called the firstfruits of the dead. James 1:18 and James 5:7 calls the redeemed a kind of firstfruits.

FEAST OF TRUMPETS (4^th Annual Sabbath or Holy Convocation) – ". . . at the last trump of Yahweh the dead shall be raised incorruptible . . ." 1 Corinthians 15:52 also 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. This 4^th Annual Sabbath or Holy Convocation points to Yahshua’s return and the resurrection of the righteous dead.

FEAST OF TABERNACLES (6^th and 7^th Annual Sabbaths or Holy Convocations) – The first and eighth day of this feast are annual Sabbaths. Lev. 23:39. This is a Feast of Ingathering of the Fall Harvest. This symbolizes the great harvest of the souls to be gathered by Yahweh in the end of the age to inherit the kingdom. Matthew 25:34 and 1 Corinthians 15:50. The dwelling in booths represents our early bodies or tabernacles which we dwell in temporarily while on this earth.

Truly Yahweh’s wisdom is far above our reasoning for He knew that without a vision His people would perish. I believe that is why He considered it so important to give us the Feasts in which we could be revived spiritually and have our faith renewed so we could carry on with a much greater hope lest we would all faint and perish.

Because the people of the world have forgotten Yahweh’s Sabbath, they are no longer called His people and therefore, will have no part of the kingdom, nor receive His blessings.

Likewise, is it not possible that we too, who know the Sabbath but fail to take ALL the scripture and observe ALL of Yahweh’s set times will miss out in Yahweh’s great plan of salvation when Yahshua returns for His own?

Many beliefs are prevalent concerning Christian baptism among the Roman Catholics and Protestant sects and orders. Some sprinkle a little water upon the head of the candidate, and call that baptism. Some immerse the person in water, some once, and some thrice. Some claim water baptism is not essential. These various teachings cause confusion, but this may be dispelled when the word of Yahweh is taken as authority.

Paul says, in Eph. 4:5, regarding the faith, that like as there is but one Yahweh, (or one Master) so there is but one baptism --- "One Yahweh, one faith, one baptism," and not many.

Baptism is very essential, regardless of the opinion of man. It is the gateway into the one body --- the body of Yahshua for "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles" (1 Cor. 12:13). Yahshua said, in Mark 16:16, that "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." This settles the matter for those who take the Scripture as authority; but there are other texts equally decisive. Peter, for instance, in 1 Peter 3:21, says that like as Noah and his family were saved by the ark from the great flood, "even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward Yahweh,) by the resurrection of Yahshua the Messiah." --- See Acts 22:16.

John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Savior, came preaching water baptism, the "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Luke 3:3), and the Savior came to John for baptism, and that prophet forbade him; but the Saviour said, "Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." --- Matt. 3:15.

These texts prove to the unbiased student that water baptism is essential to salvation. In the words of the Saviour, in His example, in the examples and words of the apostles, water baptism is essential, and was given to the disciples in the beginning of His ministry.

The word "baptize" is not an English word, but is a form of the Greek word "baptizo," which has been brought into the English language untranslated. The reason of this was that at the time the early English versions were translated, the various modes of baptism were practiced in the churches. To make a translation in harmony with all was a difficult task. To antagonize none, it was deemed best to leave the word "baptizo" untranslated, and this was done. The advocates of sprinkling, of pouring, of immersion, when reading the texts, with the word untranslated, would think of their accepted mode. Thus the word was used to fill a common need; but it has been the means of covering the real meaning of baptism and many therefore do not understand the Bible teaching on this subject. The Greek word "baptizo" means to dip, to plunge, to cover up. Knowing this, one cannot harmonize the thought of sprinkling, or pouring, with baptism; but rather think of an immersion, and this is right.

The baptism of the Saviour by John shows us that immersion was the mode followed by the Saviour. When the Master was baptized, Matthew records (3:16) that "Yahshua when he was baptized went up straight-way out of the water." Yahshua could not have come up out of the water unless he had been in the water. This would be true of immersion. In Acts 8:38, the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch by Philip is recorded, and it states that the one who was baptized and the one who did the baptizing, "Went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." One may readily see that immersion was practiced here, for both went down into the water, and this would not be true in sprinkling or pouring. Again in the case of John the Baptist, John records (chapter 3:23) that he was baptizing his disciples in the river Aenon, "because there was much water there!" Much water is not needed for pouring or sprinkling hence immersion is implied. Surely these texts are sufficient to show the truth seeker that immersion was the original mode of baptism; yet we should also remember that the text used the word "baptizo" which means immersion. This can be verified by Greek lexicons, Bible dictionaries and Greek interlinear translations, as well as other reliable translations.

Whence came the various modes of baptism? We learn that they were practiced by the pagans, before Yahshua, in their religions; and when multitudes of these unconverted heathens came into the state church of the old Roman Empire, these rites came along. When the Roman Catholic grew out of the Roman state church, these rites were retained; when the Protestant sects came from the Roman Catholic fold, these various modes were never dropped; thus, we have them with us today.

Alexander Hislop, the noted English clergyman, in his "The Two Babylons," says the pagans practiced baptism in various forms before Yahshua. He says, on page 133, that the Spaniards when they came to Mexico, found the pagan Mexicans observing sprinkling as it is practiced in the various churches today. He said that the mid-wife performed the rite; and after using various words and ceremonies, she "sprinkled water on the head of the infant." He quotes Tiletanus, a Roman Catholic writer, that trine baptism was not Scriptural but traditional, hence pagan, by saying, "Yes, I pray you, whence cometh it, that we dip the child three times in water? Doth it not come of the hidden and undisclosed doctrine, which our forefathers have received" (P. 138). Again, as regarding pagan rites, Hislop says, "So far as heathenism is concerned, ‘Every person who came to the solemn sacrifices (of the pagan Greeks) was purified by water. To which end, at the entrance of the (pagan) temples there was commonly placed a vessel full of holy water.’ " --- P. 143.

The early congregation, as set in order by Yahshua himself, always baptized by immersion. There was no exception. Later the Roman element which was the forerunner of the Roman Catholic Church of today, began to practice various modes, and these are with us today. During the Dark Ages, countless thousands were slain because they would not submit, but immersed their followers by true Scriptural baptism. The name of Anabaptists (or Rebaptizers) was given to all dissenters who practiced the original mode, and immersed their disciplines in opposition to Rome. These facts, long hidden to many, are due to the world, for all should know the truth, and be governed thereby.

Infant baptism came into the church from those who taught that children were born sinners, and would be lost unless baptized: whereas the Scriptures teach that we all must be converted and become as little children to be saved. To be eligible for baptism one must be old enough to believe, or have faith in Yahweh, for the command is, "Believe on the master, Yahshua, the Messiah," and until such a time as the child can believe, baptism is not in order. --- Read Acts 16:31, 8:37.

Some teach that men may be baptized, but not female believers; but it is recorded that Phillip "baptized both men and women" in Samaria (Acts 8:12). We are safe to follow this example.

Yahshua gave command that baptism was to be practiced throughout the glad tidings age, saying, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world." --- Matt. 28:19-20.

When should baptism be administered? After genuine repentance for sins past. Peter said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Yahshua the Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). If you have truly repented, made things right with your heavenly Father and with your fellow man, and accepted the Saviour, Yahshua the Messiah, as your sin offering, your atonement, you are then ready for baptism --- thus showing unto the world your faith in Him who died, was buried, and arose again by the power of Yahweh.

After baptism, which followed true repentance, the Holy Spirit gift is yours by promise, and we find Paul (by example) laying on hands for the Spirit to come upon those who were baptized (Acts 19:5-6). Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot live a consecrated holy life. It enables us to "walk in newness of life." May we follow the example of the saints of the Messiah Yahshua.

By Voy Wilks

Did Yahshua ascend to the Father in his physical body?

When we review the several Scriptures dealing with this topic of study, we will see that the Messiah did, indeed, ascend to the Father in the same body which was buried, although it had been changed from a mortal body (one subject to death), to an immortal body (one unable to die), but it was the same body. The scars in his hands, feet, and side were the very reason, it seems, that Thomas was convinced Yahshua had indeed risen from the dead. The Apostle Paul further explains this:

"Lo! I tell [explain to] you a mystery. We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable nature [or body] must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature [or body] must put on immortality. When the perishable [body] puts on the imperishable, and the mortal [body] puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. 0 death, where is thy victory? 0 death, where is thy sting?" (l Cor. 15:52-55 RSV).

We mortal men and women gain the victory over death and the grave through Yahshua, the Messiah for, just as he arose from the dead to immortality, we too will rise from the dead to immortality (1 Cor. 15:42-44; Rev. 20:4-6). This change takes place when the dead come from the grave in the first resurrection. At that same time, the living saints will be changed in a moment (to immortality) to meet Yahshua in the air (1 Thes. 4:13-18). This will be at the sounding of the last (and seventh) trumpet (l Cor. 15:52; l Thes. 4:16; Mt. 24:31; Rev. chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, especially 10:7 & 11:15).

This indicates a resurrection from the grave. Job in the flesh will, with his own eyes (not the eyes of another) see Yahweh. This, of course, will be after Job's flesh has been changed to immortal (undying) flesh; that is, his physical body will be transformed into a spiritual body, then his eyes will see Yahweh.

Comprehension of the spiritual body is made easier by the proverb which says, "The physical body is tangible and real, but the spiritual body is more real than the physical body."

This is what "salvation" (being saved) is all about - being rescued from our greatest enemy - death and the grave (l Cor. 15:26). It is our physical bodies which are held captive by death and the grave. Yahshua came to set us free from death, and from the fear of death (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23); "... to deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage (Heb. 2:15). The Apostle Paul wrote that we and all creation are in "bondage" to decay and death, but we look forward to a time when we will be "set free" and will become children of Yahweh (Rom. 8:18-25). In the meantime "… we wait for the adoption as sons, the redemption of our BODIES" (Rom. 8:23).

In view of all these Scriptures it is reasonable to conclude that this very human body will rise from the dead, but in the moment of rising it will be given immortality, making it impossible to die again. This mortal "puts on" immortality, and so becomes a spiritual being at the moment of rising from the dead (1 Cor. 15:42-44). The fleshly body is first, and only later comes the spiritual body - the immortal body (1 Cor. 15:45-48). The very body which is placed in the grave (not some ethereal spirit within us) will be saved (redeemed) from death and the grave. Yahshua captured the keys of death and the grave, as indicated by the following Scriptures:

"Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades" (Rev. 1:17-18 RSV).

He will, so to speak, unlock the doors to the prison which holds captive all mankind - death and the grave. This may be why the Messiah said to his disciples, "... be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33).

''As they were saying this, Yahshua himself stood among them. But they were startled and frightened, and supposed they saw a spirit [a ghost, or apparition]. And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, ...? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit [or ghost, an apparition] has not flesh and bone as you see that I have. ... Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven" (Lk. 24:36-39, 50-51 RSV).

Halleluyah!

Dan. 7:13-14 … one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, …

Matt. 24:27 … For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Matt. 24:30 … they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven …

Matt. 25:31 … the Son of man shall come … and all the holy angels with him, …

Mark 13:26 … then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds …

Mark 14:62 … see the Son of man … coming in the clouds of heaven.

Luke 21:27 … then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud …

Acts 1:11 … Yahshua, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1 Thes. 4:16 … Master himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, …

1 Thes. 4:17 … caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Master …

2 Thes. 2:8 … lawless one be revealed, whom the Master shall … destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Rev. 1:7 … he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, …