​We at Olive Tree Bible Book Store would like to say Chag Pesach Sameach, have a Blessed and Joyous Passover to all our loyal customers. Without you we could not do what we do. So Thank you for your support and in this season of Redemption, whether you are talking about the Exodus of Moses thousands of years ago, where the children of Israel entered into a Covenant relationship with the Almighty Creator, or if we look at about 2000 yrs ago with the Renewed Covenant that Yeshua sealed with His shed blood, again with the children of Israel. We are Redeemed out of Egypt and the greater Egypt  which is worldwide, by the Blood of the Lamb! So let us remember what our Great Redeemer has done for us! He is compassionate, He is so loving, and caring for us. He has promised wherever we are if we cry out to Him, He will listen. His love endures forever! And let us be Thankful and Praise / Worship His Glorious Name, for He is Good. And it is good for us to do so. Much blessings in Worship and Praise of Adonai our Elohim. 

Joh 1:29  The next day, Yochanan / John sees Yeshua coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!


1Co 11:23  For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you—that the Lord Yeshua, on the night He was betrayed, took matzah; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in memory of Me.”  In the same way, He also took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in memory of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
1Co 15:3  For I also passed on to you first of all what I also received—that Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Isa 53:1  ‘Who has believed our report? To whom is the arm of Adonai revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground. He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, nor beauty that we should desire Him.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, One from whom people hide their faces. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our pains. Yet we esteemed Him stricken, struck by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray. Each of us turned to his own way. So Adonai has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter, like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.  Because of oppression and judgment He was taken away. As for His generation, who considered? For He was cut off from the land of the living, for the transgression of my people—the stroke was theirs  His grave was given with the wicked, and by a rich man in His death, though He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.  Yet it pleased Adonai to bruise Him. He caused Him to suffer. If He makes His soul a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the will of Adonai will succeed by His hand.  As a result of the anguish of His soul He will see it and be satisfied by His knowledge. The Righteous One, My Servant will make many righteous and He will bear their iniquities.  Therefore I will give Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoil with the mighty—because He poured out His soul to death, and was counted with transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors.

​Isa 52:10  Adonai has bared His holy arm before the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will see the salvation (Yeshuah) of our God.

Heb 9:24  For Messiah did not enter into Holies made with hands—counterparts of the true things—but into heaven itself, now to appear in God’s presence on our behalf.  And He did not offer Himself again and again—as the Kohen gadol enters into the Holy of Holies year after year with blood that is not his own.  For then He would have needed to suffer again and again from the foundation of the world. But as it is, He has been revealed once and for all at the close of the ages—to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this judgment, so also Messiah, was offered once to bear the sins of many. He will appear a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.


Rom 1:14  I have an obligation to both Greeks and barbarians, to both the wise and the foolish. So I am eager to proclaim the Good News also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the Good News, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who trusts—to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  In it the righteousness of God is revealed, from trust to trust. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by Emunah / Faith.”


1Jn 5:19  We know that we are of Elohim, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that Ben-Elohim has come and given us insight, so that we may know Him who is true—and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Yeshua the Messiah. This One is the true God and eternal life. Children, guard yourselves from idols.

​A requirement of entering into a Covenant with El Elyon, Almighty God, is the shedding of blood. For the Pesach covenant Righteous blood, no sin, is required. So in this season of Redemption, if you haven't entered into covenant with Adonai, today is the day of your salvation, cry out to Him, He is faithful to listen. If you have entered already this covenant of new life with Adonai, rejoice and remember what a great work He has done to secure your eternal destiny through the covering of the Pesach Lamb of God!
​Blessings from all of us,
Olive Tree Bible Book Store

Wanted to Tell everyone Shabbat Shalom! With the Fall Feasts just around the corner, It is our hope everyone  observe the Appointed Times that our Creator has established for a time to meet His people. That this month of Elul has been a time of reflection, a time of T'Shuvah (Repentance) preparing our hearts for the Fall Moedim. Starting with Yom Teruah ( Blasting of the Shofar), 10 days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur ( The Day of our Atonement) Concluding with Sukkot (Tabernacles). We are reminded that all 8 yearly Feasts, including the weekly Shabbat, all point to Messiah Yeshua. And His Kingdom. How Tikkun ha Olam (Restoration of the world) will be accomplished by the Messiah of Israel! With that said, I hope you enjoy this little video that I put together. Music is provided by House of Peace. You're going to want to get this CD! Great Music! We carry it on our website, or in our Ebay store. Blessings

 * Bold type denotes the Words of Y'shua ha Mashiach ( Jesus Christ)
  In the B'rit ha Chadasha (New Testament) we see that the Messiah of Israel, Y'shua referred to Himself as Son of Man, in fact in the Gospel accounts this phrase, 'Son of Man', is mentioned by the Savior a minimum of 78 times! So what does this phrase, ' Son of Man' mean? There are different aspects of this phrase, different meanings. With the Word of G-D there is always more than one level of understanding. But the main emphasis of this phrase is that Messiah Y'shua came to this world to Serve. Son of Man means servant. He came into this world to serve His Heavenly Father, but also to serve Mankind. This is a truly amazing statement! The Creator of all creation came to serve Mankind. Amazing! He served His Heavenly Father in obedience to Torah (Instructions), so that He could be the Lamb of G-D that takes away the sin of the world ( John 1:29 ), He had to serve, be obedient,  to be without blemish, without sin. He also served Mankind, for without His obedient life, there would be no hope for mankind. He is the perfect righteous life that was required to make atonement for the sins of the world. Yours and mine. He also came to serve to be an example to us. For if we believe in Him, believing in His Name, than we are commanded to follow Him. (Mar_8:34  Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross/Tree, and follow me.),( Joh_10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.)
So how do we as believers follow Him? How do we serve Him? For this is a critical question, this is a must! Believing in Him is not just confession of the mouth. But it is following Him as  sheep would follow its Shepherd. If a sheep does not hear and follow the shepherd, he will get lost and stray, apart from the flock. Then the ravenous wolves will come and devour this sheep.
Y'shua also said, Mat_10:38   "And he that taketh not his cross/stake, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. "
The main meaning of cross is ' a stake or post, i.e. cross. But another meaning for this greek word is 'self denial'.
G4716 - stauros - stow-ros'
 a stake or post (as set upright), that is, (specifically) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively exposure to death, that is, self denial; by implication the atonement of Christ: - cross.
This is also related to circumcision. When we are talking about circumcision the main idea behind this word, or the understanding. When G-D made a covenant with Abraham, circumcision was a sign, a requirement. Why? Because circumsion is a sign of self denial, saying no to the flesh, the works of the flesh. Saying no to the present world and the things of this world. When circumcision is performed, the one that is circumcised dies, figuratively to self. Enters into New life, not His life, His new life committed to  G-D for HIS service. Only then could Abraham enter into a covenant with G-D. Very important to grasp this understanding.
The same concept is applied with the circumcision of the heart. Self denial, denying the lusts of the flesh, the ways of this world. To take up your cross! When you enter into the Renewed Covenant with G-D in which Messiah Y'shua ratified with His Flesh and Blood, this requires saying no to the flesh, no to the lusts of the flesh, no to the ways of this world. Y'shua said ' take up your cross and follow me'.
Okay, so how do we do this? Having a servitude attitude. Y'shua said He came to serve, and we are to follow Him, serving Him in obedience with a circumcised heart, a renewed heart. One that has been filled with the Ruach ha Chodesh (Holy Spirit). One can only fulfill obedience if one has been immersed with the Ruach ha Chodesh. G-D supplies the power to walk in obedience. HIS perfect Halachah.
Joh 13:1  Now before the feast of the Passover, when Y'shua (Jesus) knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
Joh 13:2  And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
Joh 13:3  Y'shua knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from G-D, and went to G-D;
Joh 13:4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Joh 13:5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel where with he was girded.
Joh 13:6  Then cometh he to Shim 'on Kepha (Simon Peter): and Kepha saith unto him, Master, dost thou wash my feet?
Joh 13:7  Y'shua answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Joh 13:8  Kepha saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Y'shua answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Joh 13:9  Shimʽon Kĕpha (Simon Peter) saith unto him, Master, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Joh 13:10  Y'shua saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
Joh 13:11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
Joh 13:12  So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Joh 13:13  Ye call me Teacher and Master: and ye say well; for so I am.
Joh 13:14  If I then, your Master and Teacher, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
Joh 13:15  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Joh 13:16  Amein, Amein, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Master; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Joh 13:17  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Joh 13:18  I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Joh 13:19  Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
Joh 13:20  Amein, Amein, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
      The 12 disciples did not understand what Y'shua was teaching them on how to serve, but later, after His Resurrection and Ascension to the Heavens, the disciples would learn the great price that would be required of them for serving G-D. They would indeed follow  their Master, eventually giving their lives in service to the Master Y'shua, to G-D. This they understood and in obedience could follow their Master, after Shavuot (Pentecost), when they received power from above, the Ruach ha Chodesh (Holy Spirit).
Today is no different, the same calling for the original disciples is still the call for disciples of Y'shua (Jesus) in modern times. I like to say it this way, " He (Y'shua) layed down His life, so that I could have life (eternal), I need to lay my life down for Him(Y'shua) in service to Him. In service and in deed.  He has set the example, we are to follow.
So who is this One that we are called to follow? G-D chose to reveal Himself through His Son, by means of Israel. G-D called Israel out of Egypt to be His Chosen people, a royal priesthood, a light to the nations. He chose this nation to reveal Himself to the world. Y'shua, the Son of G-D, Messiah of Israel, was revealed to this world, growing up in a Jewish culture. He was circumcised on the 8th day, had His Bar Mitzvah at the age of 12, went on to study and  become a Rabbi, for this is what a First Born Son would do!  He followed Torah, in fact He kept Torah perfectly. The Letter of Torah, The Spirit of Torah. Fulfilling prophecy. He was without blemish, without sin. It is this Y'shua, our Great Rabbi, our Great Redeemer, our King, Master, that we are to follow.
He calls out to everyone: Mat_9:13  But go ye and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (T'Shuvah)= meaning turn 180 degrees back to G-D.
Mat_11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
So how do we follow HIM? There once was a popular bracelet that people wore on their wrists, WWJD was inscribed on these bracelets. What Would Jesus Do? This was the question that this acronym was referring to . Well I know What Y'shua / Jesus Would Do, for He has already done it. He would be obedient to our Heavenly Father, HIS Father, this HE did. HE would serve HIS Father in Heaven, and serve Mankind, this HE did. HE would keep the Torah(Heavenly Instructions on how to live), not only the Letter of Torah, but most important, the Spirit of Torah!
Mat 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law (Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (to keep and  teach fully) 18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law (Torah), till all be fulfilled. 19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
When asked what the Greatest Commandment was, Y'shua responded in a very, very Jewish way. He spoke the Shema!
Mar 12:29  Yeshua answered, “The first is, ‘Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad. Hear, O Israel, the L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is One. 30  And you shall love Adonai your G-d with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’31  The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Deu 6:4  “Hear O Israel, the L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is one . 5  Love Adonai your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Mat 7:12  So in all things, do to others what you would want them to do to you—for this is the Torah and the Prophets. 13  “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14  How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Always seek the Root of the matter, seek the Root of your faith. For where the Root is there you will find Truth.  In the Beginning...
Mar_10:45  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mat_18:11  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Repent, Receive, and Follow/Obey the giver of life, Y'shua the Nazarene, the Messiah of Israel, Son of Joseph, Son of David, Son of Adam.
The One an Only Son of G-D. Unto eternal life!
Shalom and Much Blessings

   


​So here we are again, preparing for the Winter Holidays. This blog is mainly directed to the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). Only because in this grouping of people there basically is only two main holidays that are observed. Chanukkah (Hanukkah) and Christmas.
​ Of these two holidays Christmas has been embraced by many of the world's nations. So this holiday is the more popular of the two holidays that we are focusing on. Chanukkah on the other hand has mainly been observed by the Jewish people of the world, so this makes it much less adhered to than Christmas.
​ So the question arises for the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob(Israel), modern Christianity and Judaism , the two main accepted religions, (There are many branches that stem off of these two), which do we observe? Or do we observe both? Or do we not observe neither? We will try and address this.
​ As for Me and My household we have made the decision many years ago to observe Chanukkah. There are many reasons why we decided to do this. I will list but a few. I will not get into the history of either holidays too much, only hopefully as needed. For as Christmas, I was brought up in a household that observed this holiday, so this is how I was raised.
​If you are familiar with this website(olivetreebiblebook.com), you will know that we value the beginnings of a matter. Where did it all start, the Roots of the matter. For you see a tree might be known by it's fruit, but it's life comes from the Roots. Very important that the Roots are healthy. The Roots come from the seed, this is the beginning of the Tree.
​In the Bible we read a parable taught by Rabbi Y'shua et Natzrati ( Teacher Jesus of Nazareth), The Messiah of Israel. In this parable He teaches about Wheat and Tares:
Mat 13:24  Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25  But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Mat 13:26  But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Mat 13:27  So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28  He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29  But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
I ​share this parable to demonstate that the Tares and Wheat look almost identical but they are different! Very important!
​Back to the subject, the winter holidays. I am not going to go into Christmas too much. If you want to learn more about the Roots of Christmas you can click on this link: Christmas origins. And I know there are many good reasons why people celebrate Christmas. Totally understand this, really!
​Over the years(past 26 yrs), I have found seeking Truth takes one on a long and winding path. It is a process that takes a lifetime  for certain things to be revealed. That is why it is very important to stay Faithful and Trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob(Israel). Y'shua stated that if 'we seek we will find', He is faithful to His Word.
​So Chanukkah, what is it, and why should we observe it? The Hebrew word 'Chanukkah' means 'dedication'. Mainly this word is applied to the story of the Maccabee's. (Excerpt from Historian Josephus - Antiquities of the Jews) - NOW at this time there was one whose name was Mattathias, who dwelt at Modin, the son of John, the son of Simeon, the son of Asamoneus, a priest of the order of Joarib, and a citizen of Jerusalem. He had five sons; John, who was called Gaddis, and Simon, who was called Matthes, and Judas, who was called Maccabeus, (19) and Eleazar, who was called Auran, and Jonathan, who was called Apphus. Now this Mattathias lamented to his children the sad state of their affairs, and the ravage made in the city, and the plundering of the temple, and the calamities the multitude were under; and he told them that it was better for them to die for the laws of their country, than to live so ingloriously as they then did.
​The story goes like this: Antiochus King of the Medes and Persian Kingdom, took control of Jerusalem, made it a law that the Jewish people could not circumcise their children, could not keep Sabbath, could not follow the worship of YHWH at the Temple, etc... if anyone did break these laws, they would be punished even to death. Antiochus even desecrated the alter of the Temple and built a statue of Zeus and sacrificed a pig on the Alter of the Temple.
​This did not go over well with Mattathias. He led a revolt against Antiochus, he died during this revolt, but his son Judas took over the fight, in the middle of the revolt he captured and seized control over the Temple. Cleansed the Temple and rededicated (Chanukkah) the Temple to YHWH, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob(Israel). This is an abbreviated retelling of the story of Chanukkah.
​Great story of how one Jewish family stood up and was faithful to YHWH, sacrificing much too preserve the customs, traditions, and commandments of YHWH for the Jewish nation. His dedication was honored by YHWH, even though they were out numbered they won. Great Story!
​This is one reason to honor the Feast of Dedication(Chanukkah). But there is another reason. Y'shua (Jesus) honored and celebrated this holiday. Y'shua kept Chanukkah, He did not celebrate Christmas. To be honest there was no such thing as Christmas at this time. There was a holiday that was celebrated at this time Dec. 25 but it was not called Christmas, it was called Saturnalia. This was a Roman feast.This is what has been adapted into the holiday Christmas.
​What I want to concentrate on here is Y'shua (Jesus). In the Gospel of John (King James vers.) we read:
Joh 10:22  And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication(Chanukkah),  and it was winter.
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  I and my Father are one.
​( an interesting side note on this passage, in which we see repeated in other New Testament text, the people that are referred as Jews are the proxy leaders of Jerusalem at the time of Y'shua. At this time of history in the land of Judea, the Roman Empire was in control, and they placed their puppet government in charge in Jerusalem. So when one reads about the Jewish leaders of Judea at this time, it is usually Roman appointed leaders that claim to be Jewish. This is why John the Baptist was raised by the Community of the Essenes. These were a community of faithful believers that had to flee to the area southeast of Jerusalem, to seperate themselves from the corruption that was in Jerusalem at this time.)

​You may say this does not say Y'shua celebrated Chanukkah, He was only there? But He would not be an observant Jewish Rabbi in Jerusalem if He was not a part of the celebration. He would not of been in Jerusalem at this time if He was not observing this Feast. But what I find amazing is that not only is He celebrating the Feast of Dedication(Chanukkah), which is also known as the Feast of Lights, but He declares that He and The Father are One! Amazing! Simply Amazing! In the Gospel of John chapters 8 and 12, Y'shua claims that He is the LIght of the world. That He also is The Resurrection. We can read all this in the same context of Chapter 10. Remember in the original writings there were no chapter divisions.
​To conclude, this is why I and my household have decided to celebrate Chanukkah. Y'shua (Jesus) celebrated Chanukkah, He is The Light of the World, He is the Temple of YHWH, as He stated in John chapter 2. So in this Feast of Dedication(Chanukkah), let us dedicate our lives to the Redeemer of the world. Y'shua the Messiah of Israel. He did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world. To those who believe in His Name. Believing is following HIM, a Jewish Rabbi, that made the proclamation that He is The Son of the Living GOD, He is also The Son of David.

​One interesting note on the winter holidays. December 25th is when the Temple was desecrated by Antiochus, and  was then that he dedicated the statue of Zeus, sacrificed a pig on the alter, in the Temple of YHWH. Which is considered an abomination that leads to desolation. 3 years later on the same date is when Judas Maccabee rededicated the Temple to the GOD of His Fathers, YHWH, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob(Israel).

​This is a story that all believers can relate to in our day, we are confronted with choices each and every day on who we will serve. There are 2 choices we make,  serve the GOD of the Bible or serve the god of this world. Two choices, we make each and every day. It is these choices that we will all have to make an account for.

​Please do not take my word for it, do your own research on this subject. This is my belief from over 20 years of research on this matter. Like I stated earlier, it is a process of learning. A life time of learning. This is the process known as Sanctification.

​Much Shalom and Blessings to all as we look forward to the day of our redemption, which is closer now than it has ever been. Whatever holiday you choose to honor and remember. Please make HIM the focal point. Whatever the season, HE is the Reason! To the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob(Israel) through Y'shua our Rabbi , King, Redeemer,  give all the Glory and esteem!  HE is GOOD(TOV)! 

Oh and by the way Happy Holidays!
Olive Tree Bible Book Store




​

Shalom, and L'Shanah Tovah!
We want to give credit where credit is due,
​The following is from an email we received from "Galilee of the Nations", thought it was very good, so we are sharing this to encourage and inform. Please by all means, check out their website. Very good products, we offer some of their products in our store. Olive Tree Bible Book Store.

We at Galilee of the Nations are excited to journey with you through the Fall Holy Days as we learn about God’s heart and purpose for these appointed times together. Let us begin.
As we are entering into the very special time of Rosh Hashanah (literally, "head of the year") this evening, lets make some observations today from Leviticus 23:23-25:
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast [teruah] of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:23-25, ESV)
Rosh HaShanah? Or Yom Teruah? Which is it?
In the original language there is no mention in this text (Lev. 23:23-25) of "Rosh Hashanah" or even the beginning of a new year. In fact, the command given to Moses by God was that "in the seventh month"--i.e., in Tishri, as opposed to Nisan, which Exodus 12:2 states as the "beginning of months"--there should be a "day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets," or, as some translations have rendered, "with joyful shouting."
"Why then, do we call the Holy Day "Rosh HaShanah?" Biblically, the name of the Holy Day is more accurately rendered "Yom Teruah," Hebrew meaning, "Day of Sounding” or “Festival of Trumpets." "Teruah" is a Hebrew word translated in English as "blowing," as in of a trumpet, or in some cases as "shouting" as in a shout of joy. Elsewhere, the word is used to suggest a battle-cry (which, it is worth noting, is another purpose of the use of a "shofar," or a ram's horn).
Furthermore, because we are told in the text that this day is to be a "memorial," some have labeled this day as "Yom Ha-Zikaron" or "Day of Remembrance," citing verse 24. So, why the change? Barney Kasdan, in his book God's Appointed Times, explains that "the rabbis gave such significance to this special Shabbat (it was the first of the fall holidays), that they eventually considered it as the 'spiritual' New Year." Hence the name change to Rosh HaShanah (Head of the Year). This renaming occurred as part of a more broad redefinition of Judaism itself after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, when "the sages of the Mishnah...associated Yom Teruah with the start of the Jewish civil year." (John Parsons, Hebrew For Christians)
Rosh HaShanah, or the first of Tishri, falls during a 40-day period, beginning with the month of Elul, which the Jewish people have set apart as a time of "special spiritual preparation." (Kasdan) The preparation intensifies with Rosh HaShanah, set apart as a day of repentance leading into the "Ten Days of Awe," which culminate in the Holiest Day on the Biblical Calendar, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
Let’s briefly touch on three points from our passage in Leviticus 23, with a fourth point that has become a predominant theme, traditionally, of Rosh Hashanah:
1) This is a Day of Rest:
"...you shall observe a day of solemn rest...You shall not do any ordinary work." (vv. 24, 25)
This is a "shabbathon," a day of "complete" or "solemn" rest. On this day, the Jewish people are not to "do any ordinary work." In setting this time apart, the people of God are also called to reflect, as...
2) This is a Day of Remembrance:
Or, as our text says "a memorial"  or "reminder." But what, exactly, are we to remember? Does the text even tell us? It appears not. Perhaps here is where tradition can help us out:
- The Mishnah associates Rosh Hashanah with the anniversary of creation, and in particular the creation of our first father, Adam:
Rosh HaShanah represents...the day that God began to rule as King of the Universe. When Adam first opened his eyes and human consciousness was born, he immediately understood that the LORD created all things, including himself. According to midrash, Adam's first words were," The LORD is King for ever and ever." God then said, "Now the whole world will know that I am King," and He was very pleased. The birthday of humanity is therefore the Coronation Day for the King of the Universe. (Parsons)
-The shofar blast was often used in ancient times in the coronation of kings. Therefore, on this day "we are to remember who we really are by remembering that the LORD is our King." (Parsons)

-This is also a time to remember God's faithfulness in your life, and all He has done for you.

In addition to being a day of rest, and a day to remember God our Creator and King, our text also instructs us that...
3) This is to be a Day of Rejoicing:
"...and joyful shouting." (v. 24)
A couple of Psalms are particularly insightful in this regard, as we witness the themes of "joyful shouts,” "trumpets," and God's Kingship complementing each other--all of which are themes associated with Rosh HaShanah:
Psalm 81:1-4
“Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob. Raise a song, strike the timbrel, The sweet sounding lyre with the harp. Blow the trumpet at the new moon, At the full moon, on our feast day. For it is a statute for Israel, An ordinance of the God of Jacob.”
Psalm 47:1-2, 5
“O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. For the Lord Most High is to be feared, A great King over all the earth…” “...God has ascended with a shout, The Lord, with the sound of a trumpet.”
Lastly, we must keep before us that Rosh HaShanah is to be...
4) A Day of Repentance
As previously stated, Rosh HaShanah marks the beginning of "Ten Days of Awe," a time during which the Jewish people take spiritual stock, preparing themselves for Yom Kippur.
Significantly, some scholars suggest that Yeshua's ministry began during this same time period. Remember, He was first immersed by John the Baptist--a common practice for men during this "special season of spiritual preparation"--and then, after 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, Yeshua came proclaiming this message: "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand."
Repentance. God's Kingship. A timely message for Yeshua to launch into His public ministry with, was it not? Especially so if the contention of many scholars is accurate, that His ministry's inception coincided with the season of Rosh HaShanah and the Ten Days of Awe. 

We would encourage you to use this special time as a time of prayer, reading the Word, and entering into a deeper relationship with our King, Yeshua.
Prayer Points:
1. "God, reveal to me, in a deeper way, the reality of your Kingship. Help me to be a loyal subject to your rule and faithful representative of your Kingdom."
2. "Grant to me, O God, that good gift of repentance. Renew and refresh me in this season as I take stock of my own spiritual life."
3. "Produce in me a deeper joy in you, O Lord, a joy comparable to that which the Psalmists wrote of, and that which your People throughout the ages have known."

L'Shanah Tovah, may the Lord bless you with a sweet New Year!

Shalom and love, 

Your friends at Galilee of the Nations

​Much Shalom and Blessings as we all come closer to our Great Creator and Redeemer, the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Yisrael), through HIS Son, Y'shua,  this very special time of the year.

Olive Tree Bible Book Store

Want to offer up a Happy Holiday to all that celebrate one of the Greatest Feasts (Moedim) that the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob(Israel) has given the world!  This celebration is often overlooked by many. But there is so much meaning behind this often forgotten Feast of the L-RD.
​  The name in Hebrew "Shavuot" means "Weeks", for we count 7 Sabbaths or Weeks after celebrating "Passover", as commanded to do in the Torah(Teaching) given to us by G-D, through Moses. The day after the 7th Sabbath is "Shavuot. Now we cannot keep the Feast like it was originally given due to no Temple in Jerusalem, but we can learn so much of how the G-D of the Bible is dealing with HIS people in these latter days by observing this Feast.
​  This Feast was originally an agricultural celebration, bringing in the First Fruits of the Wheat harvest. I will not get into the how's of how this was kept at the time of Y'shua(Jesus), but I will mention that we were commanded to bring in two loaves of bread to the High Priest at the Temple, then the High Priest would present these two loaves as a wave offering before YHWH. Now these two loaves, unlike Passover Bread which was without leaven, these two loaves of wheat bread were to be leavened, or with yeast. Biblically yeast is a symbol for "sin". In Mat 13:30 Y'shua teaches in this parable that the wheat is symbolic of HIS people." Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
​Now the two loaves of wheat have many applications, but I want to focus on the idea that the two loaves represent the two type of people that will make up G-D's people at the end of the age. The two types are (1) Jewish people, and (2) Gentile people. Through Y'shua these two types of people, though they are with sin, (i.e. loaves of wheat with leaven) they are a "One New Man".  Rav Shaul(Apostle Paul) speaks of it in this way, Eph 2:12  That at that time ye were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without G-D in the world:
Eph 2:13  But now in Messiah Y'shua ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Messiah.
Eph 2:14  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:16  And that he might reconcile both unto G-D in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of G-D;
Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Y'shua the Messiah himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the L-RD:
Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are built together for an habitation of G-D through the Spirit.

​On the Feast of Shavuot we celebrate the giving of Torah also. Now it is appropriate to celebrate the giving of Torah twice. Yes, that is right, the giving of Torah has been given twice in a sense of thinking. Let me explain:
​G-D through Moses gave the children of Israel the Torah on Mount Sinai, Torah can be summarized as the giving of the "Ten Commandments". This was engraved on tablets of stone. This is where the children of Israel became a Covenant People of G-D, they were symbolically married to G-D through this covenant. In a nutshell, G-D asked will you obey all that I command you, Israel said yes, G-D on HIS part promised to be faithful, thus entering into Holy Matrimony.
​The Torah was prophesied by the Prophet Jeremiah to be given a second time if you will through a renewing of the original Covenant. Not a new covenant but a renewing. It is very important that we understand this idea of a renewing covenant, not a new covenant. Jer 31:31  Behold, the days come, saith the L-RD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the L-RD:
Jer 31:33  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the L-RD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their G-D, and they shall be my people.
Jer 31:34  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the L-RD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the L-RD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
​So this happened on the day commonly referred as "Pentecost" by the Christian church. When the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost(Shavuot), the Torah was written on our hearts. The sign of this being "tongues of fire" that descended on the believers at the Temple in Jerusalem. When fire comes down from heaven that is a sign that G-D is present! The Covenant between G-D and HIS people was renewed at the "Last Supper" when Y'shua established it with HIS disciples(Talmidim).

​One last note on Shavuot. Traditionally the Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot. This is very interesting indeed! The Book of Ruth is one of the shortest Books in the Bible, but it has profound teaching in it. I will touch on a couple. Books could be written on all the lessons that we learn from the book of Ruth! If you haven't yet, please do a study on the Book of Ruth. You will learn so much on how G-D is reconciling HIS people to HIMSELF through this book.
​The Book of Ruth is a story of a Jewish woman named Naomi (pleasant), and how she is redeemed back to her original inheritance, through her daughter-in-law Ruth(friend), Ruth is a Moabitess. The story starts in Moab, Naomi's husband(Elimelech, "God of the King"​) dies, her sons die, and she is left with two daughters-in-law. Orpah and Ruth. Orpah decides to return to her people, Moab. Ruth makes the decision to leave her people(Moab), and return to Bethlehem with Naomi. What is significant in the early parts of the story is that when Naomi and her Husband leave Bethlehem(house of bread) to go to Moab, disaster strikes them, after losing everything, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. The word Return in Hebrew is "Shoov", meaning to turn back, repent. Ruth makes the decision to leave her pagan lifestyle, country and follow Naomi back to her inheritance. When they return to Bethlehem Naomi needs a Kinsman Redeemer(Hebrew,"Goel"), Boaz(shadow picture of G-D our Redeemer) is introduced to our story as the Kinsmen Redeemer. He ends up showing grace to Ruth, while she gleans in His fields. And He marries Ruth the Moabitess, through Ruth Naomi is brought to Boaz so that she can be redeemed back to her inheritance. Through the lineage of Boaz and Ruth we get King David, and eventually we get Mashiach Y'shua, our ultimate Redeemer!
​
​I would like to finish on the thought from this Book of Ruth, it is through Ruth (Gentile Believers) that Naomi (Jewish people) are brought back into her inheritance with Boaz(G-D, Y'shua). Ruth has been shown grace by Boaz(G-D) in turn Grace is shown to Naomi through Ruth by Boaz. But before Ruth is shown Grace by Boaz she must first make the decision to follow Naomi, her customs, her people, her G-D.  Ruth 1:16  And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Ruth 1:17  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Naomi(Jewish people) learns of her redemption through Ruth(Gentile people)
This is just skimming the top of how much can be gleaned from The Book of Ruth, profound understanding on how G-D is reconciling the world back to HIMSELF. This story takes place during the Barley and Wheat harvest in the land of Israel.

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!!!
​
So this is very appropriate to be read on the Feast of Shavuot!
​
MUCH SHALOM AND BLESSINGS AS WE OBSERVE THE FEAST OF SHAVUOT!
Y'shua ha Mashiach speaking:
John 4:35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

  I remember many years ago I had just bought my first house, what a big step that was! But it was a new development housing. So much work lay ahead of us, this property needed a yard. Much landscaping lay ahead for us to do. First I tried to plant grass, that didn't work very good. So the next season, sod was laid down and we had instant lawn! Awesome! Next Trees and shrubbery. We planted shrubs along the border of the house, then we planned for some trees. Planted some seedlings, but they didn't do so well and they died. So next step, instant big tree. Bought a tree that was already mature, about 5 yrs old, with a trunk about 3-4 inches. Great, instant shade! after a few years the tree, even though it was a very good start, it just was not growing! It had stayed the same size over the first few years. I was a little depressed about that, but I just reasoned that was going to be the size of the tree and I might as well get comfortable with it. Besides it was a nice looking tree, just wasn't going to be very big.
​  Well one day I had a friend over and we were discussing this tree. This friend had gone to school to be a Botanist, so he knew a little bit about plants and such. He instructed me the reason my tree wasn't growing any bigger is because the soil that I had planted the tree in had a high content of clay. Clay is very compact and the roots of the tree just couldn't grow. That is why the tree wasn't growing. He explained to me that the visible portion of the tree was only a mirror image of what lied underneath in the soil. How the roots went, so did the upper, visible tree. The branches, the leaves, and the seed and fruit of the tree, whatever type of tree that it was.  Healthy root system, healthy tree. Now my tree was a healthy tree, in fact I planted this tree 30 yrs ago, and when I drive by my old property that same tree is still there, same size as what it was when I planted it. The roots just cannot penetrate the hard compacted clay soil. No growth.
​  Some interesting things about trees, the roots support the trunk and branches of the tree. The root system is the backbone of the tree's life. The heart if you will. Another interesting thing about a tree, if a branch is damaged, the root will try and repair the damage. But if the damage is too bad, beyond repair, the branch will dry up and eventually fall off. But in it's stead another branch will grow. Looking at a fruit tree, this type of tree needs to be pruned every so often. This is important for a healthy fruit tree, so that it can bear fruit. How this tree is pruned determines the type of fruit it will produce. With an over abundance of fruit, the fruit will have a tendency to be small. On the other hand, if you limit the amount of fruit the tree bears, though you will have less fruit, the fruit it produces will be substantially larger. This is determined by the farmer, or orchard tender.
​  Now let's get to the heart of the matter. In this world we live in there are many, many choices that we all make day to day. These choices will determine how our lives are played out, this life and the life to come.  And these choices not only affect us, but it also effects the ones that are close to us. For the good and the bad. Though there are many choices we all have to contemplate, there are only two paths in this world to follow. I know that might seem over simplified with all the choices and confusion that there are in this world, but that is the truth of the matter. Two very distinct ways, two very opposite paths that we all have to choose to follow.
​  Two thousand years ago a Jewish Rabbi from  the small town of Nazareth in the region of Galilee, north of Judea, north of Jerusalem, came teaching a way of life, this teaching seemed very new, very radical, but the fact of the matter HIS teaching  was of ancient times, from the beginning of  time.  His teaching was from the Hebrew scriptures, which was Torah. Most English Bibles translate this Hebrew word as Law, but that is really not what it means. Torah is Almighty G-D's teaching for all HIS children. Like shooting an arrow at a target, aiming for the mark. This is HIS WAY! This is what the Jewish Rabbi from Nazareth taught. He taught this Torah to all who would hear for a little over three years. He also performed many great miracles while teaching the people of the Judean country and the surrounding areas.  Moses spoke of this Jewish Rabbi that would come, he would be like Moses, HE would have G-D's words in HIS mouth, HIS teaching would be straight from G-D.  In the Tanakh / Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy / Devarim, it is written, chapter 18:18  I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee(Moses), and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 18:19  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto (G-D's) my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. He spoke that HE would not eliminate Torah, but Torah was forever. HE came to fulfill, or make the Torah complete; Mat 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law (Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law (Torah), till all be fulfilled. Mat 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This Jewish Rabbi came to fulfill the Torah by HIS obedience, but also to make the Torah complete, teaching the very application of Torah in which will free every soul from the bondage of the law of sin.
  This Jewish Rabbi taught that there were two paths that one may follow.  Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 7:16  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 7:17  Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 7:18  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 7:19  Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 7:20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  This Jewish Rabbi that I have been speaking of is no other than Yeshua et Natzrati ha Mashiach, Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah. He came to redeem HIS people (G-D's people), Israel back to HIMSELF, back to G-D. Redeem them from what? From the bondage of sin. And to restore the Kingdom of Israel, (we have yet to see this fulfilled completely). And this HE did. HE taught HIS people Torah, HE laid down HIS perfect life for a substitution, the Righteous for the Unrighteous. HE purchased us with HIS life. Then HE rose from the dead three days later. Then HE ascended to the Right Hand of the Throne of The Eternal Majesty. Over time this Good News of the Kingdom has been corrupted. It has been a slow falling away, the Assembly HE started originally was all Jewish people, following the Jewish WAY that G-D originally taught the Children of Israel. Over time the Good News was delivered unto the Nations (Gentiles), these Gentile nations were grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel. No new teaching, just a return to Torah, the Torah from the very beginning of time. This is what the G-D of Israel had intended, to teach and establish a nation of Priests to teach the world HIS WAYS, to reveal HIMSELF to the world. That is what the Olive Tree of Israel is, G-D's nation of Priests. All are called to be grafted into this Tree through the Messiah of Israel, Yeshua ha Mashiach / Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah. One faith, One House, One G-D, One Spirit, One Messiah. Over time the pagan world of Sun worship infiltrated the faith of Messiah. Now the faith that was once delivered unto the Saints is very hard to recognize. Jud 1:3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 1:4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. This has happened. So now it is time to return to the Roots of the Faith! Return to the Roots that give and support life!  These roots are the original teaching that G-D had instructed the Nation of Israel, the People of Israel, that the Messiah Yeshua taught when HE walked this earth. When G-D walked among men!
​  For the Olive Tree of Israel to be healthy and grow, it has to be supported by the precious Roots, established in good fertile soil. Watered and nurtured by G-D HIMSELF.
The Letter to the Romans speaks of this better than I could:
Rom 11:1  I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Rom 11:2  God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. What does the scripture saith of Elias? how he makes intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Rom 11:3  Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and brought down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Rom 11:4  But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Rom 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:6  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Rom 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
Rom 11:9  And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompense unto them:
Rom 11:10  Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always.
Rom 11:11  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Rom 11:12  Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?
Rom 11:13  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Rom 11:14  If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
Rom 11:15  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Rom 11:16  For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
Rom 11:17  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakes of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou stands by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:
Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Rom 11:23  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graff them in again.
Rom 11:24  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
​The Olive Tree of Israel is made up of two people, Jewish and Gentile people, from all walks of life, many nations, many tribes, but all are brought into this Olive Tree of Israel through The Messiah of Israel, ONE NEW MAN!  It is time we put away all false teaching, and return to the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel).
​It is time for G-D's people to come out of Babylon, the Harlot that deceives the whole world, the time is short:

Jer 51:6  Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompense.
Jer 51:7  Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.
Jer 51:8  Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

Rev 18:2  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Rev 18:3  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Rev 18:4  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Rev 16:19  And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

This last verse speaks of Jerusalem but it also explains very clearly who Babylon is, You see Babylon is made up of three parts, (1) Wealth,(2) Strength,(3)Spirit. This is essential to know who Babylon is. G-D's people MUST come out of her, NOW! Before it is too late!  

​  The G-D of all creation chose a way to reveal Himself to this fallen world, He chose a man, Abraham, and in His seed G-D would reveal HIMSELF to this world. Through this seed we are given the nation or children of Israel. and through Israel, which is called an Olive Tree, G-D has revealed His WAY of life, HE has revealed who HE is, through this nation of Israel. Also through this nation of Israel we are given a Redeemer, ONE that was from ancient times, ONE that was in the beginning, before creation existed. This Redeemer, G-D Himself became man, and walked the face of this earth. He was from a little town called Nazareth, in the region of Galilee, north of Judea, also known as the nation of Israel. This man was a Jewish Rabbi, HE came as a humble servant. HIS name? Y'shua the Messiah, Ben Elohim, Son of G-D, HE taught that if you seen HIM, then you had seen THE FATHER which is in Heaven.  HE is the root of the Olive Tree, Israel. HE supports the tree which is Israel. This tree can do nothing without HIM supporting the tree. HE gives life to the tree, HE also has the authority to remove branches and also to graft new branches on this tree. So all HIS children are ONE TREE. Not only this, but HE has the power to add back branches to this tree, that were once removed because of unbelief, but coming to belief these branches can be added back. He even has the power to add branches from a wild tree to this Olive Tree. So that there is only ONE TREE, ONE WAY, ONE FAITH. Remember that the roots of this tree are a Jewish Rabbi, HIS ways are Jewish.
​Yeshua the Messiah spoke to us there are 2 Gates, 2 Ways, 2 Paths, which one will you enter and follow? HIS Gate, HIS Path, or the path of Babylon, the wide path, this is the one which leads to destruction.
Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 7:14  Because strait is the gate(Yeshua), and narrow is the way(Torah of G-D of Israel), which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.
​  
                                                    The Choice my friend is yours....      
​                                              Shalom and Blessings!

                                                            Passover Feast (click on link)
 It has been awhile since I have posted on this blog. Sorry about that. But now is the time to start it back up again! The subject of this blog is Passover. This is the first of seven annual Feasts of the L-RD. These feasts have largely been ignored by the world in general, most of the world has ignored these wonderful Feasts, given to the children of Israel, but intended for every person in the Heavens and on the Earth, given by the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The Jewish community being the only meaningful active ones that still observe the FEASTS OF THE L-RD, that are mentioned in Leviticus 23. in the Hebrew Scriptures, or if you prefer, the Bible.
​  For the most part these Feasts have been substituted for pagan festivals to the many false gods that are being manifested in our world today. These false gods have been with us for a long time, they have changed their names over the years but they are still the same gods. Which are called an abomination by the G-D of the Bible. In which G-D's people are not to even mention their names! Very serious matter. Where do you start with all of this? The days of the week are all pagan deity names, the months of the year, all pagan deity names, even the so-called planets that we are told exist in the Heavens are all named after pagan deity names. I will give (1) example of a deity that is celebrated and worshipped in our modern times, even though their name has changed much over the years, different culture, different society, same false god or goddess. I will mention these names for teaching only, not in honor.  Semiramis (queen of heaven) was the wife of Nimrod(sun god), as the legend goes, she was deified and worshipped as a goddess. Some of her names over the years are: Diana(Ephesus), Aphrodite(Greece), ISIS(Egypt), Venus(Rome), Ishtar(Assyria), later to be known as Easter. This is only an abbreviated list of the names that has been ascribed to her over the years. This is but one example, there are many, many more examples of false gods in our world today. You might not think you honor these so called gods, or that this doesn't pertain to you, but it does. And yes, if you are unaware of these false gods then chances are you are honoring and worshipping them and you don't even know it. The very nature of these false gods is to hide their true identities, and deceive people. That is all I will say on this subject for now, this article is about Passover so let's continue!
​  Passover is the first Feast commanded by the G-D of Israel to be observed in the beginning of the year, in the first month of the year,( G-D's calendar). This Feast was given first as a way of Redemption for the First Born. In the land of Egypt, all were commanded to apply the Blood of a 1 yr. old, without blemish, lamb to the doorposts of our houses. when the Angel of Death was to go through the land to smite all the first born, the houses with the blood on the doorposts would be passed over, hence the name of the Feast. This is the first instance where we see salvation by the blood of the Lamb. Life being saved by an obedient act of the application of blood. This will be seen many, many more times through the Hebrew Scriptures. We are told in Lev 17:11  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.  So we see that the blood is an important part of the redemption process, it is essential! We will see many, many more stories of how G-D redeems HIS people over and over again in the Hebrew scriptures.
​  We fast forward to Second Temple times in the land of Judea, at the time of Y'shua et Natzrati (Jesus of Nazareth), in the B'rit haChadasha (New Testament) Gospel accounts tell us how this Y'shua is the long awaited Mashiach (The Anointed One) spoken of in the Books of Moses, Prophets, and the writings in the Hebrew scriptures, known as the TaNaKh or Old Testament. The ONE that was to redeem HIS people, and restore the Kingdom of Israel (The Good News).  We are told that this Y'shua was put to death by the ruling Roman (Edomite) government, even though it is written that HE willingly laid down HIS life, so that we(all) could have eternal life by believing(trusting and following) in HIS Name and HIS righteous acts. It is written that HE was without guile or transgression, no offence was found in HIM. No eye witness account that could be used to condemn HIM. But HE was put to death anyway, (the death of the righteous for the unrighteous, that beloved is you and me!.) But that is not how the story ends, after three days HE miraculously rises from the dead! The First Fruits (Bikkurim) of those who sleep in the dust. Victory over death and the kingdom of darkness and rebellion.
​  In the "Last Supper" ( whether this was a Passover Seder or not, it definitely was a Seder, which means order) that Y'shua had with HIS Talmidim (Disciples) HE instructed them that they should keep this Seder in remembrance of HIM. That every time we do this we are to remember what HE did for us. The Second great Redemption story.
  Whether we are talking about the first Passover(Exodus), or the last Passover(Y'shua) story, in each case we are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.
​  So let us prepare ourselves for this great Feast of Redemption, Remembering the first, on the 10th of the 1st month we are commanded to take a lamb without blemish and bring it into our house, inspect it, live with it, get to know it. Learn to love it as our own family member. Then on the 14th day we are to kill the lamb and apply the lamb's blood to the doorposts of our house. Death will pass over us, we enter into a new life, we are "Born Again", free to live following in obedience to the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). Remembering the second, on the  10th day of the first month we are commanded to consider the claims of Y'shua et Natzrati (Jesus of Nazareth), is HE as John the Baptist witnessed to , "The Lamb of G-D which takes the sins of the world away? Is HE the Mashiach et Israel? The Anointed One? Is He without blemish, is HE without sin? Let us consider all HIS claims about HIMSELF. Let's live with HIM, inspect HIM, get to know HIM! Then let us apply HIS precious BLOOD to the doorposts of our Hearts, circumcise the foreskin of our hearts, repent, T'Shuvah (return), turn from this world, the ways of this world, come out of Babylon! So that death can Passover us, and we can be "Born Again" free to live following in obedience to the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). Free from the sin of the flesh! No more covetness, no more fornication, no more adultery, no more idolatry, no more murder, no more stealing, etc...., and be immersed in the Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit).
​  This is the Greatest News that the world has ever heard! Let us go to the rooftops and proclaim that our Savior LIVES! HE's Alive! HE's Alive, HE's Alive! And HE is returning for HIS beloved Bride soon, very, very soon. Let us adorn ourselves with our wedding garments, our finest linen, garments of "Acts of Loving Kindness". Mitzvot - acts of kindness, commandments.
.... to the fatherless, to the widow, to the stranger,

Mashiach's Words,
Mat 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Mat 25:35  For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Prophet Isaiah Words,
Isa 58:6  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Isa 58:7  Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou sees the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Isa 58:8  Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.
Isa 58:9  Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Isa 58:10  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:
                                              
​                                                Much Shalom and Blessings to you!

Matt. 25.1 "Then the Kingdom of the Heavens will be like ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, came out to meet the bridegroom.  2. And five of them were foolish and five were wise.  3. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take olive oil with them.  4. But the wise took olive oil in the containers with their own lamps.  5. And when the bridegroom delayed they all grew drowsy and they were sleeping.  6. Then in the middle of the night there had come a cry, 'Behold the bridegroom, you must come out to meet him!'  7. Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their own lamps.  8. And the foolish said to the wise, 'You must now give us from your olive oil, because our lamps are going out.'  9. But the wise ones answered saying, 'Then there would not be enough for us and for you: you must rather go to the sellers and buy oil for yourselves.'  10. And while they were gone to buy it, the bridegroom came, and the prepared ones entered the bridal chamber with him and the door was locked.  11. And later the remaining virgins came saying, 'Lord. Lord! You must open to us now!'  12. But he said, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'  13. Therefore you must habitually be watchful, because you do not know the Day or the hour.( "Hour could also be translated "the time or season."), in verse 3 the term, 'olive oil' symbolizes knowledge of Torah, which provides spiritual illumination. Oil is also the symbol of joy, from Isa. 51:3, so it is called the Oil of Gladness. verses taken out of  "One New Man Bible".
  In this story/parable of the ten virgins told by the Messiah Y'shua/Jesus, to understand the meaning of this we first need to understand the context in which it was written. Y'shua/Jesus is a Jewish Rabbi that is telling this story, teaching His Jewish students or disciples/Talmudim. So the story would be understood from a Hebraic or Jewish understanding. This is the only way this story can be understood.
  This story is a very serious, alarming warning for all that follow the Messiah of Israel, Y'shua/Jesus.  When Y'shua says ," the Kingdom of Heavens will be like, in essence He is saying this is how it will be when the Kingdom of Heavens appears, or when it is established here on earth, eternal life. The virgins in this story are all who are believers of Y'shua/Jesus, who have been washed by His blood and by their testimony, so they are pure, virgins. But we have five wise and five foolish virgins. In the Psalms we find in chapter 111.10 Reverence for the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:  a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.112.1 HalleluYah! Blessed is the man who reveres the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments. In this story the wise virgins are those who revere The Almighty LORD, and keep His commandments, or HIS Torah. We need to know that Torah means "teaching". So even though they fall asleep they are ready for they have prepared themselves with the LORD's Torah/teaching. One thing to note, observing Torah/teaching does not redeem anyone, but it does make one wise, and prepared for the return of our Redeemer.  Y'shua/Jesus is the "Light of the world", believers are His light bearers, or lamps. So we see the wise virgins have lamps, they belong to Messiah, they have oil, they observe His Torah(commandments), so they are prepared for the Bridegroom, which is the Messiah Y'shua/Jesus. Not so for the foolish virgins, they are believers for they have a lamp, but no oil, they do not observe His Torah(commandments). They are not ready/prepared for the bridegroom. They do not have an intimate knowledge, relationship with Y'shua/Jesus. 
 Then in the middle of the night a cry! This teaches us this world will be at it's darkest hour when the Messiah Y'shua/Jesus returns, Y'shua teaches us in Matthew 24:12 , because of lawlessness, or Torahlessness,  the love of many will grow cold. This world we live in will abandon the Torah, GOD's teachings, HIS Way of life. Y'shua told us, He is The Way, The Truth, The Life. John 14.6 The Way He is speaking is Torah, He is the living Torah!  But at this world's darkest hour He will return!  The cry is the blast of GOD's Shofar, beloved will you be ready when all the world hears this trumpet sound? 
  When the bridegroom comes, the wise virgins trim their lamps and they come to meet their beloved bridegroom, and enter into the bridal chamber, for they were prepared! They built a relationship with Him because they kept His Torah/teachings, they became intimate with Him. Then the bridal chamber doors were locked!  The foolish ones went to buy some oil. Beloved you can't buy Torah, it is freely given to those who seek with all their heart, all their being, all their strength. Deut. 6.4-9 The foolish ones went to buy the oil  of false teaching. When they did arrive at the door it was locked, they cried out Lord, Lord! You must open to us now! But Y'shua/Jesus tells them, "Truly I say to you, I do not know you." He never new them because they never devoted themselves to His teaching in Torah, in turn getting to know Him intimately.  This is a very stern warning we have in these Last Days! So continually be Watchful, because you do not know the Day or the Hour!
I need to add, Torah is summed up in the Love of GOD. In the Love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13, love is summed up by the very character of GOD. Torah/teaching  reveals the very essence of who GOD is. Love is seeking justice for the fatherless, the homeless, the widow, the hungry, the sick, the one in prison, the stranger, the one who cannot defend themselves, etc...we are our brothers keepers. This is following Torah, this is, and always will be the Torah/teaching of  the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Eternal. Let us all strive to learn this and do this. In service of the King, All Glory to HIM!

Shalom.
  

 

Therefore Y'shua/Jesus was saying to the Jewish people who believed in Him, "If you would remain/live in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (Freedom from something, from sin, from evil , authors commentary). John 8:31-32. One New Man Bible.
Y'shua is teaching us if we follow Him, we will be His disciples, then we will know TRUTH!
Then Pilate said to Him, "therefore are You a king?" Y'shua/Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king.  I have been born for this and have come into the world for this, so that I could bear witness to the truth: everyone who is from the truth hears My voice." Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" John 18:37-38. One New Man Bible.
Truth? What is it? Pilate, one of the most influential and educated Roman leaders of his day questioned what is truth? In this world of confusion it is hard to really know what is truth? Our answer to this question will really define who we are, how we live, and ultimately where we go when we leave this world that we are now in, Y'shua teaches us if we are from the Truth, we will hear His voice..
Y'shua/Jesus said to him, "I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life: no one comes to the Father (Creator/One True Living GOD of the Heavens/Earth) except through Me. John 14:6 One New Man Bible.
Y'shua is revealing that He is Truth, and that He is The Only way to the Father ( Creator/One True Living GOD of the Heavens/Earth), or the Kingdom of Heaven, Eternal Life. One note of interest, Y'shua was a Jewish Rabbi, to be a disciple of a Jewish Rabbi, let alone a disciple of the Messiah, one had to  model oneself to be a perfect image of his Rabbi/Teacher. Literally walk as the Rabbi/Teacher walked. Eat, Sleep, talk as the Rabbi. Y'shua says if we want to know Truth, then we need to be His disciples. This is very challenging! But if we understand this message of the Messiah, then we will learn Truth. Truth is only found in the Jewish Messiah Y'shua, no where else. (Green text is Bible quotes, black italicized text I have added)
Shalom/ Peace!