Halloween~ Is It Wise?

This picture just does not set right with me. It is a true oxymoron in my opinion. Christian and Halloween are as far apart as the east is from the west. Are we trying to be wise in our own eyes, while looking the part of the fool before our creator?

Halloween is bad! We all know that from the church circles we are around, but how bad? There are many pagan holidays, easter, christmas, but this holiday tops the others with its boldness in evil delights. We as a family do not partake of this evil event and see no need to have some cheap substitute for Halloween rituals, dressing them in church clothes, calling it a harvest festival. Why would the church even give this filth a second glance (as a dog returns to it’s vomit?). It is sad that many have not decided what side of the line they wish to stand on.

Joshua 24:15 (King James Version)
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Halloween is filled with death horror and every foul thing under the sun. There is no life in it! So why would we not follow the verse below? Why would we not follow and choose to focus on the words of life of Yeshua? And instead follow the masses on the wide path to Halloween and Harvest festival traditions?

Deuteronomy 30:19 (King James Version)
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Could it be we as the “church” are not where we should be? Are not in “Christ”? Hmmm. Christ refers to the Anointed one (Messiah). What was he anointed to do? Lets look at Luke 4:18

Luke 4:18 (King James Version)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

He said”Spirit of the Lord is upon me” that means he was anointed. The same root meaning as we get the word for ointment. So the power of YHWH was upon him to do what?

• preach the gospel to the poor
• heal the brokenhearted
• preach deliverance to the captives
• recovering of sight to the blind (I believe this was natural as well as spiritual)
  
• set at liberty them that are bruised

We have become a spiritually blind people, who say we know YHWH (God) but we don’t keep his ways.

Proverbs 1:27-33 (King James Version)
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Is there any hope then? We only need to read on one more verse…..

33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

If something is evil, why would we partake? It is the same for movies, books, games, and holidays. We know some christian families that partake of Halloween to different degrees while banning evil movies filled with magic. Others we know are the opposite. They often say “we do not let our children celebrate Halloween”. But they fill their children’s heads full of magic and evil in the movies they watch, games and the like.  Pray about this before you would let your children be involved in a holiday that is evil while we say we know the Messiah. We need to be unified in the messages we are sending to our children.

Proverbs 3:7

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear YHWH and shun evil.

The Creator’s Calendar Debate

Here is a great article on the creators calendar. I pasted it below the link for your ease. there may be a couple things we may not agree on 100% but it is a good overview on the calendar. ~Blessings~

The Great Creator’s Calendar Debate by Glenn McWilliams of Torah Keepers

As with every living thing, there are times of growth and maturing.  So it is with the current state of the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement.   While the Messianic Movement may trace its roots to the first century C.E., it has only recently begun to blossom.   Lying almost dormant for centuries, the seed of this movement has been germinating just below the surface.  Recently, however, the movement has experienced a rapid period of growth.  By all accounts, this modern movement is still in its infancy.  I am not sure when the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement officially began, but I do know that in the last 25-30 years it has experienced a phenomenal period of growth, not only in North America but also in South America and in the land of Israel.  This type of rapid growth can only be attributed to the Ruach Hakodesh!  With such exceptional growth, we should not be surprised that we are experiencing major growing pains.  Such is the case with the controversy over which calendar those in the Messianic Movement should be following.

There are two primary candidates in the running for the calendar choice of the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement.  The incumbent candidate is the rabbinic calendar, which is used by the majority of Judaism and the majority of the current Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement.  This calendar was created by Hillel II in Tiberias in the year 359 C.E.  Hillel’s calendar was based upon mathematical calculations of astronomical events and logarithms in order to keep Passover in the spring of the year.  It was a way for Jews in the Diaspora to celebrate the Feasts in unison while being scattered outside the land of Israel.  Most Jews have been living by this calendar all over the world for 1600 years.  The rabbinic calendar has surely been a unifying factor within Judaism.

As the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement has sought to establish itself as a legitimate, though grafted in, branch of the tree of the nation of Israel, the calendar has played a significant role.  By keeping the Sabbath, celebrating the Feasts, following the weekly Torah portions, and observing the rabbinic calendar, the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement has displayed a sincere desire to reconcile itself with its brothers and sisters in Judaism.  From the start of the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement, there has been an underlying willingness to establish an identity and secure a place in the nation of Israel by adopting all things Jewish, including the rabbinic calendar.

On the other side of the calendar debate is our second candidate, the biblical calendar.  Like the Messianic Movement itself, this calendar has its roots planted deep in antiquity, yet it too, for all intents and purposes, is new upon the scene.  Now that a part of the nation of Israel is back in the land of Israel, there is a desire to return to the proper biblical calendar.  This calendar is not based upon the mathematical calculations of the rabbis but upon the cycles of the moon and the sun, as well as the maturity of the barley.  This calendar is based upon the words of the Torah itself.  While the biblical calendar is clearly used by the minority both within Judaism and the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement, there is a growing desire for scriptural integrity within these groups that draws people to this new candidate for calendar of the movement.

As many church members discover the pagan, man-made traditions that influenced the Christian church, causing it to forsake the Torah and its Hebraic roots, they seek to come out of “Babylon” to become fellow citizens in the commonwealth of Israel.  These new citizens have a zeal for studying the Torah and learning the truth.  Not wanting to be deceived again, these newly liberated brethren are seeking to live according to the commandments of the Almighty rather than the doctrines of men.  It is not long, however, before these new citizens realize that Judaism, like Christianity, is also shaped by “the traditions of the elders.”  Thus, what is practiced in Rabbinic Judaism is not necessarily any more consistent with the Torah than what was found and rejected in Christianity.  As the Ruach Hakodesh inscribes the Torah upon the hearts of these new believers, there is a growing desire to live according to the Word instead of man’s traditions.  For many, when the Torah states that the new year is to begin in the month when the barley is aviv, it makes sense to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Nissan (the first month) rather than in Tishri (the seventh month).  It also makes sense to inspect the barley instead of religiously following the rabbis’ inaccurate mathematical calculations.  This is especially true when the calculations of the rabbis are clearly contradicted by the physical evidence of the barley and the new moon.  We are witnessing a growing group of supporters for the ancient biblical calendar that was still in use in Israel long after the second Temple was destroyed.  However, with the return to the Creator’s calendar, we are also experiencing the pains of a growing division within the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement.

Before a choice for a calendar is made, there is another pertinent question at the heart of the controversy that must be addressed.  I believe that the calendar controversy presently confronting the movement is simply a symptom of a greater debate yet to be addressed.  The central and fundamental debate is over the issue of authority.  The true question being asked by the members of this infant movement is not which calendar is right but what authority we are to follow.  The authority behind the rabbinic calendar is clearly the rabbis.  The rabbis have established their authority through the writings of the Talmud, the oral Torah.  It is the Talmud that has established the rabbinic calendar as the calendar for all Israel, including those in the Diaspora.  On the other hand, the authority behind the biblical calendar is the written Torah.  The tension that is tearing at the unity of the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement is simply the tension that exists when the written Torah and the oral Torah do not agree.  The calendar is only one of many such issues.  The real question begging to be answered by the respected leaders of the movement is: “Which authority does the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement recognize as normative for the movement?”  Or, more plainly said, “What is the place of the oral Torah in the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement, and what authority does it have?”

Much of what currently shapes the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement is based in Rabbinic Judaism.  The movement clearly reflects a trend towards Jewish culture and practices.  Present-day Jewish practices are largely derived from the authority of the Talmudic writings and rabbis.   The problem with the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement’s blind acceptance of the authority of the Talmud and the rulings of the rabbis is the Talmud’s rejection of Yeshua as the Messiah.  If the rabbis and the Talmud are to become the authority of the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement, then we must come to terms with the rejection of Yeshua as Messiah, as well as other objectionable or contrary teachings.

Let us look at how this debate directly impacts the movement’s choice of calendars.  Scripture teaches that Passover is on the 14th of Nissan, the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th of Nissan, and the Firstfruits of the barley harvest are brought on the day after the weekly Sabbath (Lev. 23:9-11).  There is clearly no numerical date assigned to the day the Firstfruits of the harvest are brought to the Temple for a wave offering.  This is because, according to the biblical calendar, there are a varying number of days between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the weekly Sabbath, which the Firstfruits offering follows.  Why is this pattern important for Messianic believers to understand?  It is because this pattern is a part of the evidence that declares Yeshua as the Messiah.  In the year 28 C.E., the year Yeshua was most likely crucified, there were exactly three days and three nights between Passover and the Firstfruits offering.  Thus, we see Yeshua fulfilling the prophetic shadow picture evident in the biblical calendar.  The rabbis have altered this shadow picture by assigning a fixed numerical date to the Firstfruits offering.  The rabbis have declared Firstfruits to be always on the 16th of Nissan.  This minor calendar change radically alters the picture of Messiah.  We should remember that the sign Messiah Yeshua gave to the Pharisees to authenticate his identity was the sign of Jonah, declaring that the Son of man would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40).  There has been a great deal of teaching in the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement directed towards Christians, encouraging them to see the importance of the shadow pictures of Messiah in the Feasts of the LORD while at the same time denouncing the erroneous traditional Christian teaching of Yeshua dying on Friday and rising on Sunday.  Thus, the same problem exists in both the Christian calendar and the rabbinic calendar.  Both of these calendars cloud the biblical teaching concerning the death and resurrection of the Messiah.  If the rabbinic and Christian calendars are correct in that Yeshua died on the 14th of Nissan, was buried on the 15th, and raised on the 16th, then we must concede that Yeshua did not fulfill his own prophetic statement of being in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.  Alternately, according to the biblical calendar, Yeshua would have died on the 14th and risen on the 17th, thus fulfilling this important sign.

As the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement grows and matures, it is beginning to establish its own identity.  Where once the movement was striving to simply be a part of Judaism, now it is standing on its own and beginning to recognize that like Christianity, Judaism also has some repenting to do before Israel and Judah can be reconciled.  Thus, at least part of the Messianic Movement is beginning to stand up to its big brother Judah and say, “We are not simply going to move from Christianity into Rabbinic Judaism.  We are not going to simply slip from one set of human traditions to another.”  This is especially so if these traditions deny Yeshua as Messiah or contradict the written Torah!  So it is with the issue of the calendar.  I believe that the calendar debate is just a sign of the movement growing up, maturing, and standing up on its own two feet, even over and against the influences of its older brother.

I also believe that this current calendar controversy reveals subtle divisions within the vision or goals of the current Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement.   There seem to be at present four different visions driving the movement.  The first is what appears to be the original vision of proving that Jews can believe in Yeshua as Messiah and remain Jews.  This vision requires that Jewish believers in Yeshua continue all their Jewish practices as much as possible, even accepting the authority of the Talmud.  This original vision did not do much to encourage Gentile believers to keep the Torah.  For the most part, the Gentile believer is encouraged to remain in the Christian church.  The second vision within the Messianic Movement seems to have grown out of this first one.  This vision is that of Jews for Jesus, Apple of His Eye Ministry, and other such ministries that seek to “convert” the Jews to faith in Jesus Christ and bring them into the church.  For these groups, Hebraic culture and customs are simply a means to an end.  Christians who have embraced Jewish customs primarily as an evangelism tool largely drive this vision.   The third vision driving the Messianic Movement is the Two House teaching.  I believe that the Two House teaching is the major force behind most of the recent growth and enthusiasm within the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement.  The goal of this vision is to help believers recognize and reconcile the two divided houses of the nation of Israel – the House of Israel and the House of Judah.  This vision is the first to take into serious consideration the large number of Gentile believers in Yeshua coming out of the Christian Church to embrace the Torah-observant lifestyle.  This has led to the fourth vision within the movement, which is simply to encourage all believers in Yeshua to lead a Torah-observant life.  I want to be quite clear here; I am not suggesting that these visions are mutually exclusive.  However, each of these visions has its own goals, which, at times, may and do conflict with one other.  For those seeking to prove they are still Jewish or seeking to reconcile with those within Judaism, keeping the rabbinic calendar plays a very significant role.  But for those who are coming into the movement seeking to learn and observe the teachings of the written Torah, following the biblical calendar seems the most logical choice.

Are these issues divisive?  Yes, but not to the degree that it will prevent the movement from its continued growth.  Again, I believe that eventually we will all be keeping the biblical calendar – if not before, then when the Messiah comes.  Thus, those in the minority who have been studying, learning, teaching, and encouraging believers to watch the barley and look for the new moon, thereby compelling us to consider the conflict between the written Torah and the oral Torah, are not our enemies.  Instead, these brothers and sisters are the pioneers who are called of the Almighty to begin the final preparations for life in the Messianic kingdom.  Like any living body, change comes slowly and rarely uniformly.  Looking at the development of my own children (ages 7, 10, 13, 17, 20, 21, 22, and 23), their bodies morph and transform in very different ways and at varying times.  At some point in their development, baby teeth fall out, feet grow big, beards grow in, legs get gangly, adult teeth fill in, and bodies fill out.  At various points, various parts are growing, but not always in proportion to the rest of the body’s members.  So it is with the Messianic Movement.  We are young.  We are growing.  We are feeling the pains of growth.  No change in the body comes quickly or uniformly, so we should not be surprised to see some people holding tightly to the rabbinic calendar while at the same time others are embracing the biblical calendar.  This change does not mean the end of the movement or even an end to its forward momentum.

Is the current calendar controversy painful and confusing?  Yes.  Sorting out these kinds of issues is never easy.  There comes a time, however, when every believer must decide what the Ruach Hakodesh is calling him to.  Is the priority of reconciling with our brothers in Rabbinic Judaism so great that we are to compromise obedience to the Torah for the sake of unity with our brothers, or are we to faithfully keep the Torah and encourage our brothers in Rabbinic Judaism to come out of Babylon and unite with us in obedience to the Torah?  We must ask whether we are called to be “Jewish” or “Christian” or to observe the Torah.  If the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Movement is indeed a move of the Ruach Hakodesh, then we should expect to be led to faithfulness to the Torah as Moses received it and Yeshua taught it, without the additions or subtractions of the rabbis, popes, bishops, elders, preachers, or Messianic leaders.

As the children of Israel, we have been called to be the manifest presence of the Creator and Redeemer of the universe.  As Messianic believers, we are called to be the body of Messiah in the world.  By keeping the Torah as Moses received it and as Yeshua taught it, we embody the attributes of the Holy One.  By   keeping the traditions of men, whether from Christianity or Rabbinic Judaism, we embody the attributes of men and their religions.

When we change the calendar to accommodate the customs of man, we distort the true image of YHWH and Messiah in the world.

If we truly desire to be counted among the covenant people of YHWH, we must faithfully follow the teachings of Messiah and the leading of the Ruach Hakodesh.  We must walk in rhythm with the Holy One of Israel.  The Creator’s calendar is the first step in walking with YHWH.  Keeping the Feasts at their proper appointed times will assure us that we will not only know what the Creator is going to do, but we will also be in the right place at the right time when YHWH fulfills His prophetic promises.

Glenn Mc Williams
Torah Keepers

Some Video to Make You Think…

Warning some of the words in these teachings may be a bit extreme for little ears… But we believe they are true and sound teaching that is very much needed in our culture today.

Some Food For Thought

I just came across this web page again today and thought I would share it with you. I know this is often one of many reasons why so many people choose to home church. I re-posted this information by permission by gladly adding the link to their ministry at Free Church Ministry. In reading this one must think and pray if it is time to peacefully walk away and time to do something different. But only you can decide this for your family. Blessings to you!  Below is what was posted there….

Unlicensed, unregistered, unregulated under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and protected by HIM and the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

There is NO LAW in America requiring a church to incorporate or apply for a 501-C-3 tax exemption recognition.

John 8:32 – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Jesus Christ is Sovereign over His bride the church.  HE wants His bride to be without spot, blemish or wrinkle.  Does anyone believe Jesus wants a corporation as HIS bride? – Dead, Cold and owing “allegiance” to anyone but CHRIST Himself?  Remember the church is a she.  Ephesians 5:22 and 1 Peter 1:19

Romans 12:12 – “… be not conformed to this world”

When a church incorporates it becomes a non-profit business which owes allegiance to its creator = the state.  When a church applies for and receives the 501-C-3 tax recognition, she (the church) has voluntarily become an it.  That exemption recognition comes with a voluntary muzzle and a whole set of “regulations” that are not Biblical, desirable nor would the early New Testament church as in the Book of Acts sought such recognition, accepted it nor did they when they could have.

Acts 5:29 – “… We ought to obey God rather than man.”

[NO License is required or desired!]

1st Amendment to the Constitution of The United States of America (The Bill of Rights) “Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …”

Our Founding Fathers were well aware of the atrocities in Europe (and other places) where the Christian Church was regulated or controlled by the State.  They determined not to have that in America.

King George III despised the preaching of the patriot pastors (“The Black Robed Regiment”) during the War for American Independence “era”.  Actually, during the time period 1730-1805 there was a great amount of “political” preaching concerning the responsibilities of the civil magistrates (Romans 13).  The king wanted to license preachers and the churches so he could control what they would say and do.  He was a tyrant and wanted to opposition to his evil.  Those who refused his license were punished… some even killed.  Patrick Henry and James Madison both saw the punishment of these unlicensed preachers and sought to protect the church from an overreaching government.

{All income from donations to the Christian Church is tax immune.}

We are encouraging all preachers of The Gospel of Jesus Christ and all churches who are the Bride of Christ to be free to serve Christ first as Our Heavenly Father intends.
(Revelation 3:15 – “I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert cold or hot”)

{What to do now that you know}

1) If your church is incorporated… you can unincorporate

2) If your church has a 501-C-3 tax exception recognition rescind it…

3) Become or Pioneer a Free New Testament Church

4) Preach, teach, pray and do The Lord’s will without exception.

+ We will have no other king but King Jesus!+

Isaiah 33:3, Acts 5:29, Rev. 17:14, 19:16

The Church, the EKKLESIA is not a building, a business, a dead formality, a religious organization… the Church, she is the Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:22)

———————————

The below we found on the website hushmoney.org

“In the matter of changing religion, State favors are stronger than penalties.”

The Framers of America’s Founding Documents relied heavily upon the writings of the French political philosopher, Baron de Montesquieu. Typical of Montesquieu’s brilliant insight, he once wrote that:

“A more certain way to attack religion is by favor, by the comforts of life, by the hope of wealth; not by what reminds one of it, but by what makes one forget it; not by what makes one indignant, but by what makes men lukewarm, when other passions act on our souls, and those which religion inspires are silent. In the matter of changing religion, State favors are stronger than penalties.”

The Spirit of the Laws, Baron de Montesquieu (1748)

The Games Children Play

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

The above verse is the standard that every (Christian) parent is to use in judging all forms of media coming into the home. However, as parents we can not rightfully hold our children to a standard to which we do not keep our selves. Mathew 7:4 is true of parents too.

Matthew 7:4 (NKJV)

⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

So we need to judge ourselves first when planning to put our house in order. We need to be humble enough to let go of things we might feel attached to. Listen Closely to the leading of the Holy Spirit. If we are going to examine the movies, games, music, and other influences our children are impressed by, then we had better be free in those areas our selves. Having said all that…

I wanted to look at something we have been seeing more frequently in the culture today. It seems video games are in almost every home we know. Having grown up with the old Atari 2400, playing Pack Man and Frogger, we saw the first Nintendo come out when we were in high school. We played as often as we could. So it seems at first glance a little hypocritical to speak on this issue.  However times have changed and so have the games. During the 80’s something else was becoming big on the scene, Dungeons and Dragons.  Many Churches had speakers that talked about the evil of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). In fact some ministries spoke more about all the evils they could find in D&D, back masking old Rock songs, than they did about the wonderful salvation we can know through Yeshua (Jesus). This was an off balance approach and turned off many who were on the edge, or already involved in these things. During this time many parents were just thankful that there kids were “only” playing video games. Today many people still have that thought with their youth. In fact many that play these video games are adults.

Looking back to our scripture we opened with in Philippians 4:8  It say we should meditate on these things— things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— This is the standard we must judge all of our media choices by. End of debate! We can not argue by what others are doing. If we do, we justify our actions by the actions of the unjust… That is not sound thinking at all! Our actions, thoughts, and our entire being is to be governed by the words we find in the Bible.

Today many of the video games are “roll playing games akin to D&D. They use a computer in stead of rolling a die to determine outcomes, in a way they are like the “Choose Your Own Adventure” children’s books. Many will try to justify the video games they play or even D&D are not evil, as they justify them by many other things that are considered to be acceptable in our culture, as this person did in this following quote I found on the web-

D&D is a role playing game similar to Final Fantasy and other computer-based games, except that D&D is based upon rolling twenty-sided dice to determine spells, attacks, etc instead of a computer. It is dramatically more complex than playing Monopoly and allows for the players to create characters using their imaginations. Playing the game itself is basically interactive storytelling, is played by a small group of people and is much akin to the “Choose Your Own Adventure” children’s books. So are children’s books about knights fighting dragons evil? No. Is computer games about wizards fighting monsters/demons evil? No. So is a role playing game about knights and wizards who fight dragons/monsters/demons evil? No, absolutely not.

We live in a world where things are black and white, while our culture fights for shades of gray. There is a clear right and a wrong. Shades of gray come about when we take a little evil and try to justify it by the light of our culture. Often youth in churches are told to be strong and stand for what is right in the midst of their peers. They are told to not yield to peer pressure. Yet it is high time the adults heed their own words and not be afraid if we stick out like a sore thumb if need be. We as Christian people are all too often to worried about what people will think if we stand for something that is seen as different from what the CULTURE thinks. After all what would people think if we were to get rid of 99% of our movies, books and more? And goodness knows that it would be horrible if our children looked or played differently than the others. By now most people have heard the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the “SAME” thing over and over and over expecting a different result! But that is what the church world is doing with their youth. We are hoping for a different result, so we do things differently than what culture dictates.


Often when you make a stand like that it is the people in the church that can be most harsh (everyone else will just think your nuts). But we are not to judge ourselves by even those in the church, not even the pastor. There are many pastors who are playing these games too. We stopped by one pastors house, talking to his wife at the parsonage door we could see a violent video game being played, through a window of the church. His wife commented he was getting ready for a youth night. Is that all we can offer the youth of today? If so the world will win. The world has the latest and greatest while it markets all the video games, as we wait for the latest release. How have we come to think we need these sinful things to mold righteous youth? That is a faulty mold, and anything cast by it will bear the marks of its imperfections. Why not offer a gospel full of life truth and power? Because the pastor was to busy playing in puddles of sin himself rather than praying for his youth and reading the Word. We as parents can be guilty of the same thing if we make our children hold to standards higher than we are willing to keep.

There are only two sources of power in this world. God or the devil. Magic in any form in movies, books or video games has its roots in the works of the devil. Magic is an abomination. It is not to be used for our entertainment even if we make the pitiful excuse of telling a supposed christian story as in Narnia or Lord of the Rings. When we do the next generation tries to justify what it does by our actions and not by the Word of God, as it takes things one step further pushing the boundaries. Is using a little bit of magic ok to tell the story? Is a little manure in the brownie mix ok? No! The whole batch is tainted. In the same manner we heard the drum beat for many years telling us D&D was evil and many in the church believe it is so without argument. However many do not know why it is evil. In our opinion it is not so much that D&D is evil in its playing method, as it seems a poor tool to teach occult methods (as the encyclopedia is said to be better for that). The worst part of D&D is not teaching the occult but familiarizing and obsessing people with it. In the same way today’s video games are doing that very thing. Not only do they glorify the occult and things of the under world, they are full of murder and bloodshed. What happened to the standard of Philippians 4:8? There are many parents who would shudder at the thought of their children playing D&D, but they allow all kinds of video games, books, and movies in the house.

If your children are young then you have a great advantage of making these decisions before they are exposed. Even if the games were of good nature there is plenty of evidence to show how easy it is for these games to become an idol separating the  child’s heart from the parents, and more importantly from YHWH (Father God). It would be best to never allow it from the beginning, then there is never the fight to find boundaries. I would strongly suggest reading the book “Keeping Your Child’s Heart” by the “Maxwells” (from Titus2.com).

Passover 4-10-09

Today is a pagan holiday celebrated by the masses. Filled with chocolate fertility bunnies and dyed eggs reminiscent of child sacrifices gone by. Needless to say we will not celebrate this mockery of a holiday. Please read our posts on this abominable holiday if you click here. and more here

However a couple days ago, according to the astronomically and agriculturally corrected Biblical calender was a big event. It  was Passover, a Feast for all generations. We have been learning more about the Feast and how they relate to us who believe that Messiah has come and is coming again and His name is Yeshua (Jesus).

We had a nice dinner with family, and did what we could with what was available to us here in the bush of Alaska. We did manage to have Matzah  though.  Judah found the Afikomen (covering with matzah wrapped in it). We had to make several substitutions, because when you have a foot of snow on the ground it is a little hard to grow bitter herbs, and the little store here did not have them.  However we know that we are not saved by our works, but rather we are saved by grace from the one we work for. We had a fun time of experiencing new things while having good fellowship. Our hope is that you had a good Passover whether or not you believe Yeshua is Messiah, but we do hope you will look again at who He really was and His words, for they are life.

Shalom!

The Holy Bible and the TV Guide

Here is a little something I thought you might want to read, and think about.

On the table side by side:
The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
One’s well worn but cherished with pride
(Not the Bible, but the TV Guide).
One’s used daily to help folk decide,
Not the Bible, it’s the TV Guide.
As pages are turned, what will they see?
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV.
Then confusion reigns, they can’t all agree
On what they will watch on the old TV.
So they open the book in which they confide
(Not the Bible, it’s the TV Guide).
The Word of God is seldom read –
Maybe a verse e’er they fall into bed,
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be
(Not from reading the Bible: from watching TV).
So then back to the table, side by side,
Are the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word.
The way of salvation is seldom heard.
Abiding in Christ so full and free
Is found in the Bible, not on TV.

– Author Unknown

Spirit of Abortion

It amazes me how so many people who claim to be Christians, are weak on their stance on abortion.  Many times people would rather not talk about abortion. Often it is because they are undecided or the ground they stand on is shaky. The main line “church” so many times skirts important issues like this. They are often afraid of offending members who are large contributors to their financial income or driving of the undecided masses. Other times abortion is seen as being just too political. Partly because it is often tied to one candidate or party, and the “church” is fearful of loosing their 501c3 tax exempt status rather than standing bold on Biblical convictions no matter what the cost. So they stay away from speaking as often and openly about abortion and other politically hot topic’s. By avoiding these they are raising a generation of youth that will become adults who do not know where they should stand according to the Bible on divisive issues. Many times they are left to the world’s teachings and advice on abortion, homosexuality, among others.  I grew up in this way in regards to abortion. Without a clear picture of what YHWH feels about children, and no clear understanding that abortion is (always) murder. The killing of our own children, our “Reward and Inheritance” in the name of convenience, money and carriers. A true abomination is happening all around us. Yet many raised in the church see only shades of gray regarding this great tragedy, not the black and white of reality.

About now many Christians will be cheering this post on with conviction. But lets look at the heart of this matter a little deeper. YHWH has given us children as a “Reward and Inheritance”. Lets look at the verse in Psalms 127:3.

Psalm 127
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

People who give YHWH complete control over the womb and childbearing, are often referred to as “Quiverfull” taken from verse 5 of Psalm 127. Being fruitful used to be a blessing that people would seek. After all He opens and closes the womb. But in todays world people seek a prosperity god of Mammon who dictates the number of children they may have. When we search out the Bible we find that YHWH loves children, and if we have the heart of YHWH we would love and desire them too.

Malachi 2:25
15And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

We in the western world often paint big pictures in our mind of what our lives should look like. Big house in suburbia, good job, perfect spouse, 2-3 honor role children that fit perfectly in the back of our “soccer mom” SUV. Don’t get me wrong, all of these things are not bad. But why do we seldom seek YHWH’s plan for us in the painting of our lives? We often make the plan and ask God to bless it. Instead we should have asked YHWH what his plan was from the start. He may not always give the final destination from the start but he will point you in the direction he wants you to go. Then we walk in faith, stepping in the light we have. Sometimes we only take one step at a time, other times we may stand still and seek his light before proceeding (if we are wise).

When many people begin to paint the picture they created in their mind, they find out things often come out differently than they expected. They don’t go from college to CEO. Home life takes more work than was expected, the house is not the castle they dreamed of. Then they are told by a “planned parenthood mentality” culture that if they have another child that their goals will never be reachable. They can’t afford the place they live now, how will they afford a bigger house, clothes and more food? How, with more children will they be able to devote more time to work to get the big promotion? How will they all fit in to their 4-5 seat cute little car? Giving up they say, “It is just not doable.” When this reality hits the “unprepared” and an unexpected pregnancy occurs they tremble in fear. Their dreams and their very world is threatened. They often accept it and become bitter toward children and “put a stop” to any more. Others choose the sad road to abortion. How sad it is not just for those who carry through with the abortion, but for those who also harbor the spirit behind abortion in their heart. These are the ones who have grown bitter through our popular culture. They have turned their backs on, or never heard the truths of YHWH’s Word. They don’t believe in their heart that children are a blessing. They can mentally grasp it but it is never a “heart truth” to them. If they did, they wouldn’t speak about children as if they were an awful burden weighting them down from their hearts true desires. But when we are old and alone who will visit us? Our 2.4 children (National average is now closer to, or below 2 )? If they have 2 or less children, where will our crown of grandchildren be?

Proverbs 17:6
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Compared to a family who is richly blessed with eight children. Suppose each of these has only half as many, only four each. That would be 32 grandchildren. What a heritage that would be!We must look at which is eternal and what will burn in this world’s destruction. Souls are Eternal!

Now this is not to hurt or make those who have not been able to conceive feel bad or left out. We each have our part to do for the kingdom. He has something of value for you to do too. And in that there will be a spiritual heritage. We must remember our goal is not the blessings, our goal is the advancement of the kingdom of our Creator. We are given the blessing of children along the way.

Matthew 6:33
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Sadly most of the church world has become bitter to the blessings of our Creator. They can’t wait to tell the kids grow up, go back to school, go away, never get born or get aborted, as long as they are left alone to pursue their selfish goals that build their own kingdoms. How can we the church expect to change the world’s opinion on abortion, when we harbor the same spirit and enmity against children? We as the church (body of Christ) need to repent and rid ourselves of the spirit of abortion, before we will ever see our prayers help stop abortion. Even if you are well passed the season of childbearing, is there lurking the spirit of abortion? The disdain for children? Forgiveness is offered to us today through Yeshua (Jesus) His son, if we are willing to let YHWH paint on our lives canvas, giving Him the artistic freedom to create new life.

Hanukkah A Closer Look As A Christian

I know it can be hard giving something up when you have not felt fully persuaded, or ready to do so. With us leaving Christmas has been a steady progression in our lives of peeling back the layers of the onion sort of speaking. We knew the pagan roots were there but we insisted it was ok because that is not what it meant to us! Surely God understands. We were assuming a lot beings he has never said “go your own way I understand it doesn’t mean that to you.”  However when faced with the truth of his words, we were convinced of the verse in Deuteronomy, that we mentioned in our other post Christmas not just for pagans any more.

Deuteronomy 12:30-31
30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
31 Thou shalt not do so unto YHWH thy Elohim: for every abomination to YHWH, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Then when we heard how these pagan roots were the exact same sun god worship YHWH was speaking of, and all the disgusting practices in more detail it made much easier to walk away from. Any time Either of us are to tempted to think of Christmas to fondly the other of us tries to nicely remind the other of the horror of the roots of this holiday. We both have despised Halloween, and to find out it is much the same type of holiday, child sacrifices and all, it makes our choice clear when we might be tempted to look back to long.
Hanukkah is a very neat holiday even for us Christians! I think we have been robbed by not being told the story of Hanukkah growing up in the church. I think there are many anti-semitec roots in the churches that were against anything to Jewish. Very sad. Our Messiah was a Jew and so were the apostles and nearly the whole early church. Until Peter had the vision of the animals being lowered down to him and being commanded to eat. As believers in Yeshua (Jesus) we are not bound to celebrate any thing under the law. We feel that is left to us to decide as individuals. But there is a wonderful world of our Jewish roots of Christianity unfolding to us with a deeper meaning to many scriptures we read. We have just finished day 2 of our Hanukkah celebration. We have really been enjoying it. It is hard if not impossible to convince someone to do something if they do not see a reason or a need to do so. We feel that Hanukkah will give us a chance to still have a wonderful chance to have family traditions and memories we will cherish together for years to come and there is no harm done by it as there was with easter and christmas.

Many ask about Jesus celebrating Hanukkah? Is it true? Where at in the Bible? It is in the book of John 10:22-23. I found this (see below) passed around the net via email, I don’t know who wrote it but would love to give them credit. However it has a lot of good information in it. I hope this will bless you as it has us.

Should a Christian celebrate Hanukkah

Chanukkah (or Hanukkah) is the Jewish Festival of Dedication, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” It is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which typically falls in November or December on our calendar. Although this Jewish festival in not mentioned in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), it is referenced in the Talmud: “On the 25th of Kislev are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight… these were appointed a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving” (Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud).

Chanukkah is probably one of the best-known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. Because of this, it is ironic that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against assimilation and the suppression of Jewish religion and people, has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on the Jewish calendar.

The holiday of Chanukkah celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. It begins in the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria, Egypt, and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs, and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.

More than 100 years after Alexander, Antiochus IV rose to power in the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. One of the groups which opposed Antiochus was led by Mattathias (Matitiyahu) the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee (“The Hammer”).

This small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but the Maccabees succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. According to historical accounts, Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem in December 164 BC. The Holy Temple, the Jewish religious center, was in shambles, defiled and desecrated by foreign soldiers.

The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah (the multi-branched lampstand), they searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing the pure seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously, the small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought. From then on, Jews everywhere have observed a holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. The observance of Chanukah features the lighting of a special Chanukkah menorah with eight branches (plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night.

In the Brit Chadasha (The New Covenant), in the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus the Jewish Messiah was at the Holy Temple during the “feast of dedication” or Chanukkah: “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon” (John 10:22-23).

During this great season of remembering miracles, Jesus pointed out to His listeners that the miracles He had done authenticated His claim that He was, indeed, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (see John 10:37-38). His works and His true character clearly demonstrated who He was.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). The Lord Jesus gives all of us, Jew and Gentile, the “light of life.” And He commanded us to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Should Christians celebrate Chanukkah today? First, be mindful of the fact that we are under no obligation or “law” to celebrate any of the Jewish festivals given to Israel in the Torah (Law of Moses). But to all true Believers in Jesus Christ, especially those who have a profound appreciation for the Hebraic roots of our Christian faith, celebrating the “true light” of this world only seeks to glorify our wonderful Lord and Savior.

As Christians, we can celebrate the “Festival of Lights” as we rededicate our lives to Christ and acknowledge Him as the perfect and true light of this world. As believers, when we celebrate Chanukkah it reminds us of God’s wonderful miracles on our behalf. It reminds us of God’s protection throughout our lives. It reminds us to remain true to God even when the world around us tries to force us into assimilation.

Jesus told us that whoever follows Him will not have darkness, but the Light of Life. What a wonderful time of the year to remember and commemorate the great miracle that God has done for us, by giving us new light and new life.

Christmas It’s Not Just For Pagans Any More…

We have decided, as many of you have read, to stop celebrating easter and do away with it’s pagan holiday traditions. We wrote about easter here, and here. Well we feel that christmas is no different than easter in it’s pagan roots and is no more than a day filled with sun god worship. Traditions that were taken from the tower of Babel and spread across our globe. Sun god worship in all nations can trace it roots back to this same place. We haven’t ever allowed Santa Clause in our house. Santa also began in Babylon, with Nimrod and the tower of babel. They would sacrifice children to chemosh- a pot bellied god made of metal, with a hollow stove in the back, sporting a fringed cap. They would put wood inside the back and get it so hot it would glow red- ho ho ho- then they would place their children into the hands of this so called god- ouch! They did this in hopes of a prosperous new year. They would tell chemosh their “christmas list” at this time. When YHWH dispersed the people and changed the languages they took with them this ritual as many others and it changed from region to region, country to country. I know santa was called Shantee Claus in Ireland and was a little green elf like creature, the druids had Hertha, who would slide down the chimney and bring good luck. The list goes on and on. Now people sit their children the lap of santa aka chemosh with their children wishing for good things to come.

We have all heard it whispered for years that there were pagan roots to many of our holidays and practices. But we always said… “But it doesn’t mean that to us!” Then we were convicted by this pair of verses…

Deuteronomy 12:30-31
30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
31 Thou shalt not do so unto YHWH thy Elohim: for every abomination to YHWH, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

YHWH said not to do these things. It won’t be to his liking if we say they mean different things to us today.

The date of December 25th probably most noted for being the ancient “birthday” of the son-god, mithra, but is also the birth date of almost every sun god. Mithra, a pagan deity whose religious influence became widespread in the Roman Empire during the first few centuries A.D. Mithra was related to the Semitic sun-god, chemosh, and his worship spread throughout Asia to Europe where he was called Deus Sol Invictus Mithras. Rome was well-known for absorbing the pagan religions and rituals of its widespread empire. As such, Rome converted this pagan legacy to a celebration of the god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god during the winter solstice period. The winter holiday became known as Saturnalia and began the week prior to December 25th. The festival was characterized by gift-giving, feasting, singing and downright debauchery, as the priests of Saturn carried wreaths of evergreen boughs in procession throughout the Roman temples.

The evergreen tree was a symbol of the essence of life and was regarded as a phallic symbol in fertility worship. The decorative silver balls symbolized the testicles of Rah the Egyptian sun god. Witches and other pagans regarded the red holly as a symbol of the menstrual blood of the queen of heaven, also known as Diana. The holly wood was used by witches to make wands. The white berries of mistletoe were believed by pagans to represent droplets of the semen of the sun god. Both holly and mistletoe were hung in doorways of temples and homes to invoke powers of fertility in those who stood beneath and kissed, causing the spirits of the god and goddess to enter them. These customs transcended the borders of Rome and Germany to the far reaches of the known world. Can we worship and honor God by involving ourselves with customs and traditions, which God Himself forbade as idolatry? Can we convince God to somehow “Christianize” these customs and the whole pretense and lie of Christmas, so we can enjoy ourselves? Can we obey through disobedience?

To argue any of these points becomes futile. It is just such a mess of paganism we decided to forget the whole thing and we remembered our Lords birth in September when he was born near as we can tell. And try our best not to be tangled in to this mess of sun god worship trying to justify it before men so we can have our worthless traditions.

“Thus says the Lord—Do not learn the way of the heathen…..for the CUSTOMS of the people are vain.” Jeremiah 10:1-3