'Twas The Night Before Christmas And The Truth Is Out

The Christmas Story You Probably Will Not  Read to Your Children . ©

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and you shall call his name Immanuel.         (Isaiah 7:14  [KJV])

Growing up, in the middle of the last century, my childhood was probably very similar to many other kids growing up in modern times. I looked forward to the Christmas season with great joy and anticipation. There always seemed to be an air of excitement surrounding this season. So, let me assure everyone, this is not the easiest expose' to write.

However, in ones search for the truth, there are often choices we have to make. We can either face the truth and make the change, we know we need to make, or we can close our eyes to it altogether. By doing this however we will face the consequences. As a believer, in Yeshua haMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), I want to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to Him. That means turning away from those things which He abhors.

Many try to use the excuse that we are under grace and arrogantly say, "I have Jesus and that's all I need." Really? I declare that if we claim to have Yeshua, but have no conviction, doing the things God condemns, we do not have the Yeshua (Jesus) of the Bible. Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) was given to lead us into all truth. The truth always points us to Yeshua and God's intention for mankind. He never leads us into paganism, or idol worship, which is contrary to God's will for His people. The Ruach (Spirit) never leads us into deception. We go there by seeking after the pleasures of our natural human desires. In doing so, we rob ourselves of God's blessings. We also place ourselves in danger of losing all the benefits He has in store for us. 

Please understand this. The purpose of this writing is not to judge anyone in their understanding. It is meant in a spirit of love with the sole purpose of awakening God's people to the truth. Satan is the most subtle of all creatures. His goal is to make you believe you are serving God but through his cunning and deceptions you are actually serving him. Satan has used these tricks, to rob God's children of their blessings, from the beginning of time.

There is a saying that says, "Ignorance is bliss." That bliss will only last for a short time because there are always consequences to ignorance. There are blessings in keeping God's appointed feasts. Although it may feel good for a time, celebrating Satan's feasts, there is always a curse attached to it.

Sometimes it may be necessary for someone to jump out into the middle of the road. By doing so they could be placing themselves in danger in order to warn the oncoming traffic that the bridge is out up ahead. There are those of us who are called to blow the shofar and sound the alarm. It is not in our power to turn anyone's life around. Truth is either accepted or rejected. It is ultimately your decision as to what you will do with the information provided here. I pray you will be wise. It is not God's will that any should perish but that all would come to repentance (2nd Peter 3:9).

The fact of the matter is this. Just about every Christmas tradition, practiced today, has its origin in the exact same pagan traditions that caused Israel to be scattered among all the nations of the world. Do we really think that suddenly our holy God puts His stamp of approval upon the exact same wickedness He has already cursed and called abominations? Has God changed? Malachi 3:6 says, "I am the LORD. I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."  God was very specific. He told the Israelites what they were not to do when they entered into the land He promised their fathers. In Deuteronomy 12:29-31, God says this:

"The LORD your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.' You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods." (NIV)

Also In Leviticus, 18:2-5, God gives His people Israel this warning:

"Speak to the people of Isra'el; tell them, 'I am ADONAI your God. You are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Egypt, where you used to live; and you are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Kena'an, where I am bringing you; nor are you to live by their laws. You are to obey my rulings and laws and live accordingly; I am ADONAI your God. You are to observe my laws and rulings; if a person does them, he will have life through them; I am ADONAI.'"  (CJB)

Most professing Christians are not even aware of the fact that many of the customs and traditions they are practicing, during the Christmas season, predate the birth of Yeshua by hundreds and even thousands of years. Many of these traditions are thought of as harmless fun. However, we must understand that even if they are not the actual practice of pagan rituals, they are a direct imitation of them. These customs and traditions, which were an abomination to God in the past, are still an abomination to God today. Remember? I am the LORD. I change not. 3rd John verse 11 says:

"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God,, but he who does evil has not seen God."

Let's begin with the date of Yeshua's birth. Was it really December 25th? It is a well known and documented fact that the day we now call December 25th was celebrated as the birth date of several gods and false messiahs, for thousands of years, before the birth of Yeshua.

This date was chosen for the birth date of the "sun god" in ancient Egypt, named Osiris. The reason for the date December 25 was, because in ancient times, it was the first day they could detect the days were growing longer after the winter solstice. December 25th was observed by many cultures during ancient times and is said to be traced, all the way back, to the time of Nimrod in ancient Babylon. Others, said to be born on this date, are Tammuz (the son of Nimrod); Horus, Shamash, Hercules, Bacchus, Adonis,  Jupiter, and several others.

In later times, during the height the Greco/Roman period, the sun- god Mithras was said to be born on this date. Throughout Europe and Asia he was called, Deus Sol Invictus Mithras. They called December 25th, "The Nativity of the Sun."  This period of time, around the winter solstice, known in Rome as Saturnalia, became known for its great festivities which included drunkenness; gluttony, orgies, gift giving, and all types of revelry. The festival of Saturnalia lasted about a week leading up to December 25th. 

The date December 25th is first referred to as Christmas Day in documents, dating to 354 C.E., compiled by a group of Roman Bishops. The document makes this statement. These words appear for A.D. 336: "25 Dec.: natus Christus in Betleem Judeae." December 25th Christ born in Bethlehem, Judea. This day, December 25, 336 C.E., is the first recorded celebration of Christmas. This date may have been chosen to counter the pagan feast of Natalis Solis Invicti, or "Birth of the unconquered sun." [40]

Between the third and fourth centuries, the Roman Church, in order to add to the numbers of adherents of Christianity, adopted this pagan date. This date made it easier for the pagans to be assimilated, into the Church, while still holding on to many of their cursed cultic beliefs. In other words, the Church did not stand against the pagan beliefs of the time. They adopted them. It did not take long before the Church was immersed into pagan superstition and the traditions of men. In 350 C.E., Pope Julius 1 declared December 25th the official date of Christ's birth,  and in 529 C.E., Emperor Justinian declared Christmas a civil holiday.

We also know, from Scripture,  that Yeshua could not have been born anywhere near late December for meteorological reasons. The Bible clearly records in Luke 2:8 that the shepherds were out in the fields, watching over their sheep by night, around the time of Yeshua's birth. The meteorological patterns today, for this area of Judea, are known to be exactly the same as they were around the time of Yeshua's birth. The lambs would be at risk, in the freezing weather, and would have been in shelter, during the cold Judean nights of late December. This fact makes it certain that Yeshua could not have been born in late December according to Scripture.

So, if Yeshua was not born in December, does Scripture give us a clear indication as to when he actually was born? Since God does not change, and always works within the parameters of His appointed times, if man knew the day and hour of His birth, he would also know the day and hour of His return. God intentionally keeps these times a mystery. However, God has given clear indications, in His Scriptures, as to the times and the seasons. We can know according to God's appointed times the approximate period in which Yeshua was born.

We know, for a fact, from the Scriptures, in Luke chapter one that the father of John the Baptist was a priest named Z'kharyah (Zacharias). He served in the temple burning incense during the course of Aviyah (1st Chronicles 24:10). He was chosen by the drawing of lots (Luke 1:9) as was the custom of the priests (See 1st Chronicles 24:5). The names of the different courses of priests, who served in the temple, are mentioned in 1st Chronicles 24: 1-19. Aviyah was the 8th course. Each course served in the temple for one week with the 1st course starting, in the 1st week, in month of Nisan, in the Spring (See 1st Chronicles 27:1 & 2). All priests served during God's appointed feasts of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). After six months the cycle would repeat so each course would serve two weeks during the year.

With the above rotation sequence we can look at the information and have a pretty good idea as to when Messiah Yeshua was born. We know from Luke 1:11-20 that the angel Gabriel visited Zacharias while he was serving in the temple. We know from this information that Aviyah served in the 8th course. This would have put Zacharias serving in the temple from the month of Iyar 7 to Sivan 5. This brings us right up to the start of Shavuot (Pentecost) on Sivan 6. Since this is one of the three feasts, in which Jewish men are required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we can be sure that Zacharias would have remained in Jerusalem for another week. Upon returning home his wife Elizabeth soon conceived. If we add 40 weeks, or 280 days, to this time (the normal gestation period for humans), it would put the birth of John The Baptist right at Passover. (Remember: God always works within the parameters of His appointed times. God never works according to manmade times and seasons.)

When Elizabeth became pregnant Luke 1:24 tells us that she remained in seclusion for five months. In verse 26 Gabriel appears to Miriam (Mary) in the sixth month and tells her she is going to conceive by the Holy Spirit, and give birth to a son. He will be called the Son of God. The dialog continues through verse 37, and then in verse 38, Gabriel leaves her.  Then in verse 39 it says, Miriam hurried to the hill country to visit Elizabeth.  John leaped in Elizabeth's womb upon hearing Miriam's voice. From these passages we can determine that John would be born at least six months before Yeshua. That would put Yeshua's birth right at the first day of Sukkot (probably September, or early October, according to our calendar). Now remember this. God always works within the parameter of His appointed times. (I know I am being redundant about this but please bear with me. It is very important that this fact is embedded in your mind).

Let's examine Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is more commonly known among Gentiles. I will only highlight (for the sake of brevity) those verses, or portions of verses, from Leviticus 23:33-43, which are most important to understanding, but I suggest you read it for yourself from your own Bible.

vs. 33-36: "ADONAI said to Moshe, 'Tell the people of Isra'el, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to ADONAI. On the first day, there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.---on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation;--- it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of work.'"

vs. 39: "But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to observe the festival of ADONAI seven days; the first day is to be a complete rest and the eighth day is to be a complete rest."

vs. 41-42: "You are to observe it as a feast to ADONAI seven days in the year; it is a permanent regulation, generation after generation; keep it in the seventh month. You are to live in sukkot for seven days; every citizen of Isra'el is to live in a sukkah." 

 (All above verses from the Complete Jewish Bible)

Notice, God says, it is a feast for seven days but then He adds an eighth day to the end of this seven day feast. Why?  Again we turn to the Scriptures for the answer. In Genesis 17:10-12a,  God says this to Avraham (Abraham);

"Here is my covenant which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised. You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised,..."

From the above passages, it should be quite evident why God, in His infinite wisdom, added an eighth day at the end of the seven day feast of Sukkot. Since Messiah was to be born on the first day of Sukkot (a high holy day). Does it not make perfect sense that the eighth day, or the day of Messiah's circumcision, would also be a high holy day? Sukkot is an obvious prophetic feast pointing to the birth of Messiah Yeshua.

Many people today recognize that Yeshua was born in a manger. There was no room at the inn, because it was during Sukkot, and the roads were crowded with pilgrims heading to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. Look at any Nativity scene, or picture of a manger, and it should become obvious to you what you are seeing. It's a sukkah, or temporary dwelling place, in accordance with God's commandment that the children of Israel were to dwell in booths for the duration of the Feast of Sukkot.

Why do you think God placed these passages in Scripture? Are they only there for the purpose of great reading? He has a purpose for everything He commanded to be written down. It is so sad that most Christians do not know the Tanakh. If they did they would have so much greater understanding of the Apostolic Writings.

It is my prayer that all, who call themselves by the name of Messiah, would take the time to do your own homework. God is revealing Himself, in these last days, like He has not done since the days Yeshua made His sukkah among us in human flesh. Please, children of God, do your own searches on the pagan origins of Christmas. I implore you. Come out of the confusion of Babylon. God hates paganism and idolatry, as much today, as He did in ancient times. The time is short. Repent!

"And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth."   (John:1:14a   [TLV])

Shalom Chavarim,

Barry W. Gaugler

The Kingdom Of God Is At Hand (Interest versus Commitment)

The Kingdom of God is at hand (Matt. 4:17, 10:7, Luke 10:9 & Mark 1:15).What does that mean? Yeshua (Jesus) was telling his disciples that the Kingdom of God was near. How near? Take your hand and place it right in front of your face. That near! God's kingdom is not out there in the sky somewhere. Neither is it just something to look forward to when you die. The Kingdom of God is within His people (Luke 17:21). We are blessed to be living in the very end of the age, or this world system, as we know it. Messiah is about to return. The signs are everywhere, if one would only open their eyes and pay attention.

 There is a hatred today, for God, His people Israel, and believers in Messiah. The hatred we are witnessing today, is unprecedented in all of history. Just do a search of the word "antisemitism", or "antisemitism of the church fathers," and you may shock yourself, as to the hatred for the Jewish people, and followers of Messiah that exists today. Yes, it exists even within the church. This is exactly as the Bible has been stating from Genesis to Revelation. We are living in the age, when Jewish people are beginning to cry out for their Messiah. Jewish people everywhere are praying for Messiah to reveal himself and at the same time, Christians are watching in anticipation of  His return.

 Antisemitism is nothing new. It has existed ever since the Hebrew people were chosen by God, to be a witness unto Him in the world. The following is a (not so) brief excerpt, with quotations and notes added by me, adapted from "Anti Semitism" (Keter Publishing House, Jerusalem, 1974).

3rd Century B.C.E.  Manetho, Greco-Egyptian Historian says; Jews were expelled from Egypt as lepers.

38 C.E.  Anti-Jewish riots in Alexandria (Egypt): Many Jews killed and all remaining Jews were confined to one quarter of the city.

19 C.E.  Emperor Tiberius expels the Jews from Rome and Italy.

66 C.E.  Massacre of the Jews of Alexandria (Egypt) in which 50,000 Jews were killed.

200 C.E. Church Father, Tertullian writes his anti-Jewish polemic in Latin Adversus Judaeos (Against The Jews). This was the beginning of the Israel and Church concept, or Replacement Theology.

325 C.E.  After the ecumenical council of Nicaea, the Christian Church formulates it's policy toward the Jews: The Jews must continue to exist for the sake of Christianity in seclusion and humiliation. Circumcision is outlawed, as is the keeping of the Jewish Shabbats, God's appointed feasts, New moons and blowing of the shofar. Torah scrolls are burned and Jews are forbidden to marry Christians.

For more information on this, visit this site:

www.ngabo.org/prophetic/constantine.htm

386-387 C.E.   John Chrysostom, Church Father in the East, delivers 8 violently anti-Jewish sermons in Antioch.

438 C.E.  Theodosius II, Roman Emperor of the East, legalizes the civil inferiority of the Jews.

circa 470 C.E. Jews persecuted in Babylonia by Firuz, The Exilarch, many Jews killed and their children given to Mazdeans.

535-553 C.E.  Emperor Justinian I, issues novellae to Corpus Juris Civilis expressing his anti-Jewish policy.

612 C.E. Visigothic King Sisebut of Spain inaugurates a policy of forcible conversion of all Jews in the kingdom.

624-628 C.E.  Jewish tribes of Hejaz (Arabia) destroyed by Muhammad.

632 C.E.  Heraclius, Byzantine Emperor, decrees forced baptism of all Jews in the Byzantine empire.

632 C.E. Official Church doctrine on forced conversion of Jews in Spain formulated.

1421C.E.  Persecutions of Jews in Vienna and its environs, confiscation of their possessions and conversion of Jewish children, 270 Jews burned at the stake, known as the Wiener Gesera (Vienna Edict). Expulsion of Jews from Austria.

1473 C.E.  Marranos of Valladolid and Cordoba, in Spain massacred.

1474 C.E.  Marranos of Segovia, Spain massacred.

1492 C.E.  Expulsion from Spain.

1492-93 C.E. Expulsion from Sicily.

1495 C.E.  Expulsion from Lithuania

1496-97 C.E.  Expulsion from Portugal; Mass forced conversions.

1506 C.E.  Massacre of Marranos at Lisbon.

1543-44 C.E.  Martin Luther, German reformer, attacks the Jews with extreme virulence. Quotes from Martin Luther follow, but I'll keep it brief focusing only on the important points of his words.

"What then shall we Christians do with this damned, rejected race of Jews"

First, their synagogues should be set on fire, and whatever does not burn up should be covered or spread over with dirt.

Secondly, their homes should likewise be broken down and destroyed. For they perpetuate the same things there that they do in their synagogues. For this reason they ought to be out under one roof or in a stable, like gypsies---.

Thirdly, they should be deprived of their prayer- books and Talmuds in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught.

Fourthly, their rabbis must be forbidden under threat of death to teach any more.

Fifthly, passport and traveling privileges should be absolutely forbidden to the Jews.

Let the government deal with them in this respect, as I have suggested.

Such a desperate, thoroughly evil, poisonous, and devilish lot are these Jews, who for these fourteen hundred years have been and still are our plague, our pestilence, and our misfortune"

Adolf Hitler used much of Luther's writings in his book "Mein Kampf" It makes you wonder where he got most of his demonic ideas.

I have only given a small portion of what is recorded of the persecutions of the Jewish people throughout history. I have left out much, but anyone who wants to know more, can easily find it online. Satan has tried to eliminate our heavenly Father's people from the beginning of humanity, but he will not succeed. The Almighty has a purpose for His people, and He will have his way, no matter what Satan and his deceived demoniacs try to do. 

The antisemitism of times past, are nothing compared with what is ahead of us.  Just look at the news today. The truth of Israel is suppressed, in favor of the Arab lies, and anti-Jewish propaganda. The United Nations have become nothing more than a sounding board, for the hatred of the state of Israel. Do we really think the Arab Spring is pure coincidence? Do we really believe, it is all about democracy? Do we think Egypt's president was only kidding when he said, "Jerusalem would be the new capital of Egypt?" Do we really think, that Iran is developing nuclear technology, just to make electricity, especially in light of what their president says about Israel? Khamenie has called Israel "a cancerous tumor, that must be wiped out." Iranian president Mahmoud Ahnadinejad in 2005 said, "Israel will one day be wiped off the map." At the UN he said "Israel's existence is an insult to all humanity."

 It's time to get into our Bibles, and look at where we are in History and Prophesy. Time is running out, and it is running out fast. Israel is surrounded by people, who want to drive her into the sea. What do you think is going to happen, should Israel attack Iran's nuclear facilities? Do we think it will create world peace?  Please read Psalm 83 to see how this fits in prophesy today. Do we think the things happening in Syria are merely coincidence? Read Isaiah, Chapter 17. If we are only interested in the truth of Scripture, but are not committing our lives to trust in Our heavenly Father, and His Messiah Yeshua haMashiach, we are in for a world of hurt in the near future.

There seems to be a renewed interest, as of late, in the return of Messiah. Many churches are looking at the Scriptures, in a new way, hoping to discover some answers they may have missed in the past. Many are starting to seek the Hebraic roots of their faith, to see, if there is something they are missing in their Modern/ Western Hellenistic/Greco/Roman/Protestant understanding, of the Ancient, Eastern, Hebrew Scriptures. I have recently noticed an interest in Biblical matters, from a lot of people, that have had zero interest in the past. People seem to instinctively know, that something is about to happen. Therein lies the root of the problem. There is great interest, but at the same time, there also seems to be a great lack of wanting to prepare their lives, for what is about to happen. There is a profound lack of commitment to having their lives changed in conformity to what Scripture requires. Interest in spiritual matters is not going to prepare you for the troubled times ahead. Our Father is looking for a people, who are committed to following His instructions. He is looking for a people, who are willing to put Him first in their lives, and trust in Him alone, for their very being.  

Our heavenly Father is looking for a people, who are not interested in the cares and worries of this world. Anything that you place in front of, or between you and our Creator is an idol. If there is anything of this world that you are not willing to give up for Him, it is an idol. Whether it is cars, jobs, the party life, houses, friends, family, pagan traditions, or holidays. If you allow them to get between you and the Father in heaven, He will view it as pagan worship, and visit upon you His wrath. Our Father is a jealous Elohim, and He wants all of our lives, not just a part of it. If Yeshua is not LORD of all in your life, He is not LORD at all. Think about this. When the church abandoned the Hebrew understanding of Scripture, and their ways, the power also left the church. No more were there the miracles, that were common to the Jewish believers in Messiah. No more was the power of healing commonplace. No more was there revelation in His word, as in the days of the Apostles. Was it because the Apostles all died out, or was it because their teachings were abandoned in favor of the doctrines of devils and wicked men? I believe it is the latter. Could that be why the power is returning to those who have committed their lives to finding the truth, and then trusting God to teach them His ways?

Shalom,

Barry W. Gaugler

Messianic Judaism - Restoring The Foundation

What is Messianic Judaism? Where did it come from and why has it come on the scene now? Why do we use the name Yeshua haMashiach  ישוע הא משיח instead of Jesus the Messiah, or Jesus Christ, in our conversations and worship?  Why do we use Hebrew in our liturgy?  I will try to answer these questions by the leading of Ruach haKodesh  רוח הא קודש (The Holy Spirit). It is my objective to make this easy to read for the sake of brevity. It is, by no means, meant to be an in depth expository of the subject, but rather a brief explanation of what many of us, in the Messianic community believe Elohim אלוהים (G-d) is doing in these  Last days. All that being said, some will still think it is too long.

Note: Many Christians may find it strange that the letter "o" is not used by many Jewish people in their writings, when referring to our G-d, or L-rd. It is out of respect for the name, and is in no way meant to be interpreted  as an insult. Quite the contrary, it is based primarily on the Jewish idea (tradition) that if written, it could be erased, defaced, or destroyed and out of respect, you do not erase, deface, or destroy the name of G-d. This is a very simplistic explanation and there is much more to it, but, as I mentioned above, this is not an in depth expository of the subject. I will continue with this tradition out of respect for my Jewish friends. I personally try to avoid using the titles G-d and L-rd, but that is a subject for another time. I usually use in a sense that portrays what other's would say from their perspective. Sometimes it is just unavoidable when trying to make an idea clear ie.- The Kingdom of G-d etc..  Also, I will be using language recognized in Jewish understanding, and used by most in the Messianic community. For example;  Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit mentioned in the first paragraph. I will put the English understanding in parenthesis.  I pray you will understand.

What is Messianic Judaism? 

Many in the Messianic community believe the restoration of  Messianic Judaism is the  work of  Ruach haKodesh in the last days before the end of the Gentile age. The Ruach (Spirit) is moving upon the Jewish people, as well as many Gentile people, seeking the truth of the Jewish roots to their faith. Our heavenly Father is taking away the temporary blindness, and opening the eyes of the Jewish people, that they might recognize and believe in Yeshua  ישוע, as their promised Messiah. Messianic Judaism is not a new religion, as some may attempt to classify it, but is rather a restoration of the belief system that was in place during the lives of the Apostles in the first century.

 This writing attempts to bring many to understand that there is one Israel and not two. We, as believers are of the Commonwealth of Israel. We are Abraham's seed by faith in Yeshua. The wild olive branches, or the so called Church is grafted into the natural olive tree (Israel), by faith and not the other way around. It is clear from Scripture, that the original, natural olive branches (The Hebrew people),  were broken off, because of their rebellion,  to make salvation available to the wild olive branches, or the Goyim  הגויים (Gentiles). The Scriptures are clear that in the end time the Hebrew people, or natural branches, will be grafted back into the olive tree. See Romans Chapter eleven.

 Messianic Judaism is rooted in  the same form of worship that existed during the days of the Apostles, when they were commissioned by Yeshua haMashiach, to take the Good News חדשות טובות, into all the world. It is the form of worship the original Apostles would recognize, and is after the style of worship that was familiar to Yeshua. In fact, Yeshua revealed himself to be Messiah during the synagogue (public) reading of the weekly Shabbat Parashah  שבת פרשת (Sabbath portion). Yeshua read from Yesha'Yahu   ישעיהו  (Isaiah) 61: 1 & 2 in  the Tanakh תנך (Hebrew Scriptures). This is recorded in the Book of  Luke  לוק 4: 16-20;

"He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.' "  (NIV)

 Those who follow the teachings of Messianic Judaism believe that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah, Savior of the World and the Word made human flesh who tabernacled among us, as mentioned in the Book of Yochanan  יוחנן (John) 1: 1-14. The Tanakh, or (Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures), form the foundation for our faith with the B'rit Chadashah  (Refreshed [New] Covenant Scriptures), providing the completion of our faith. The shedding of Yeshua's blood put an end to the old sacrificial system of killing lambs and bulls for the sin atonement. You cannot be made righteous before our heavenly Father by the keeping of the Torah  תורה (Instruction). However, those who truly love our heavenly Father will strive to live their lives according to those commandments, regulations and statutes, which are pleasing in His sight. Yeshua told us in Mattityahu מתיו (Matthew) 5: 17 & 18;

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets! I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. Amen, I tell you,  until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or serif shall ever pass away from the Torah until all things come to pass."    
(Tree of Life NT)  

I am forced to ask this question, referring to the above passage of Scripture. Have heaven and earth passed away? When I look outside my windows, I still see trees, birds, clouds and blue sky during the day and a dark sky with stars at night. I don't believe heaven and earth have passed away yet. They are still here. So, I am forced to believe that everything Yeshua was speaking, has yet to be accomplished. Context is very important in understanding Scripture. The great apologist for the faith, Dr. Walter Martin had a saying that goes like this;

"When you remove a text from its context, it becomes a pretext for error."

Many would like to remove the above passage from their Bibles, because it does not agree with their concept of grace. The fact of the matter remains. It is there. They are the words of Yeshua. It is up to us, to seek Ruach haKodesh, to give us their meaning and not trust the teachings and doctrines of men. The keeping of Torah, to the best of our ability, is what is pleasing to our Father in heaven. If the keeping of Torah was no longer important, why would our heavenly Father promise to write His Torah upon our hearts? Read Yirmeyahu  ירמיהו (Jeremiah) 31:33. Often, people wonder, what is the purpose for their life? Our Father  makes it clear what the purpose is for our lives in D'varim דברים (Deuteronomy) 30:19 & 20a, where it says;

"I call on heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have presented you with life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, so that you will live, you and your descendants, loving ADONAI your God, paying attention to what he says and clinging to him - for that is the purpose of your life!" (CJB)

Where did Messianic Judaism come from?

Messianic Judaism, as stated above was the original practice of the early believers in Yeshua during the first century. In some instances, Messianic Judaism was able to survive into the sixth century. Heavy antisemitism was beginning to occur, even during the days of the original Apostles, as the Good News started to spread among the Gentile nations. These peoples did not know much, if anything, of Torah, or Jewish tradition and were well rooted in their pagan beliefs. Heavy persecution came upon the early Jewish believers from both the Jews, who rejected Yeshua as their Messiah, and the new Gentile believers, who were mixing their pagan practices with their new found Christianity. By the time of the Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E., their antisemitism had reared its ugly head and under the authority Constantine, they abolished almost everything Jewish in the establishing of the Roman church. Many Jewish believers in Yeshua and Rabbinical Jews were persecuted and forced to convert, or die. Because of this persecution, many Jews were assimilated into the church. During the heavy persecution of Jews during the eighth century, many more changed their names to more localized sounding names and were also assimilated into local so called Christian churches in order to avoid torture, loss of property, or death.

Why is Messianic Judaism returning to the scene now? 

 Although the Messianic movement started to be restored in the late 19th century, it is no accident that this movement started to take root soon after Israel became an independent nation on May 14th, 1948. This occurance was prophesied in Yechezk'el יחזקאל (Ezekiel) 34: 11-16. The movement really started gaining momentum, after Jerusalem fell back into Israeli hands in 1967, during Milhemet Sheshet haYamim מלחמת ששת הימים (The Six Day War). In that year, there were zero Messianic congregations in the United States and today there are over 400 (not counting local house, Hebrew Roots and independent congregations) and over 800 congregations worldwide. In the United States there are two organizations most synagogues associate themselves with. They are M.J.A.A. (Messianic Jewish Alliance of America) and U.M.J.C. (Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations). Although Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, Messianic Judaism is among the fastest growing Christian belief systems (along with the Hebrew Roots Movement), and is the fastest growing form of Judaism. Messianic Judaism is on the rise in the eastern European nations, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Part of this is due to the fact that more and more Bible believing Jews and Gentiles are seeing the close of the Gentile age coming to pass, as spoken of in Luke 21:24. To the frustration of the Orthodox Jews in Israel, Messianic Judaism is rapidly on the rise there also. When the Almighty opens a door, no man can shut it.

Why not use the name Jesus?

The Hebrew name for Jesus is  ישוע  Yeshua. Some use the variations Yahshua, Yahoshua and Yehoshua, but the common pronunciation used in most Messianic congregations and writings is Yeshua. The name in Hebrew means "Yahweh saved," or "Salvation of Yah." The name Jesus was never heard in the ears of our Lord. How can I be certain about that? Well, first of all, the letter "J" did not come into existence until about 400 years ago, making the name "Jesus" an impossibility. Incidentally, the same can be said for the name Jehovah, and the name James. The English name James in Hebrew is יעקב Ya'akov. The Greek name for Yeshua is Ιησους or Iesous (pronounced: Yay soos). The Latin name for Jesus is also Iesous with a different accent (pronounced EE soos). The 1611 version of the King James Bible did not use the name Jesus because the name did not yet appear in the English language until about thirty years after its authorization when the letter "J" came into English usage. The spelling of the name in the 1611 original King James version was  Iesvs. See photo below. Yeshua was Hebrew. He was given a Hebrew name. It is only proper that he be called by his given name. Acts 4: 11 & 12 says this;

"This Yeshua is the stone rejected by you builders which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by whom we must be saved!"  (CJB)

Why use Hebrew in our liturgy?

Hebrew is our heavenly Father's language. It is the language He used to speak to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron and all of the prophets of old. It is also the language that some claim Yeshua spoke during creation. It is the pure language He swore He would restore to His people in the end times in Tz'fanyah  צפניה (Zephaniah) 3:9. Not all Messianic congregations use the Hebrew liturgy, but many do. Many use the Hebrew and English together. If one wants to worship in the rich Jewish tradition, Hebrew brings out the meaning of worship, like no other language can. Some of the prayers in the Hebrew have been around for 3,500 years and were familiar to Yeshua and the Apostles. 

Until the last fifty years, or so, it was believed that the whole New Testament was written in Greek. The evidence has only recently been coming forward that the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew, or Aramaic and translated into Greek. There is evidence of this, from within the text themselves and from archaeological  discoveries in the last hundred years. The Aramaic Eastern Peshitta Text translated by Andrew Gabriel Roth is strong evidence of this idea.

 There is also the fact that our present New Testaments were written with an antisemitic, Christian bias. By the time the Protestant Reformation was happening, and their doctrines were being formulated, this antisemitic bias was already deeply rooted in their beliefs which were carried over from Rome. Unfortunately, the apple did not fall far from the tree.  The following is a quote from Jeff A. Benner, whom I believe to be one of the foremost experts of our day in the ancient Hebrew.

"Aside from the issue of what language the New Testament was originally written, the primary question should be, 'What language did Yeshua and his Talmidiym (Apostles) speak when teaching?' If they taught in Hebrew then......we must understand his teachings from a Hebraic perspective, not through Greek."  

It was once thought that the Hebrew language was a dead language by the time Messiah walked the earth. We now know this is false, as there is too much evidence to the contrary. Yeshua and his Talmidiym (Disciples) were Hebrews. They grew up in a Hebrew land. They spoke and read the Hebrew Scriptures and they wrote in Hebrew. Their understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures was from an Ancient, Eastern, Hebrew perspective. Our Bibles today are translated from a Modern, Western, Hellenistic culture. They are like oil and water. They do not mix. Unfortunately, our Old Testament has been translated from the Masoretic text with all of their Rabbinical biases. Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, we have Hebrew texts closer to the original writings. I look forward to better translations about to come on the scene.  

                                                                       

Shalom Ahlaychem,

 Barry W. Gaugler

Click on picture to enlarge.

                                                     

Harbingers From The Ancient Hebrew Scriptures

Long before Jonathan Cahn came out with his New York Times best seller "The Harbinger"  I have been giving warnings about God's anger with America. We are a nation that was founded upon Biblical principles, by men who were deeply devoted to seeking God's guidance and favor for this nation. I understand there are people who try to deny this fact, but they are just simply ignorant of real history. Yes there was a freemason influence among our Founding Fathers, but the majority were men of the cloth, teaching and believing sound Biblical principles. There are too many documents from our founding fathers own pens remaining today, to refute those who wish to rewrite history. In order to advance their evil agenda, they have been working  hard to bring America into ignorance about our past. They write books about our history with no footnotes. Who needs footnotes, they say. They say this because they have nothing to support their lies. Give me footnotes. Give me the source from where your information is coming. The truth is readily available to anyone who is honest enough to seek for it. If you cannot give it to me, I will assume the reason is, because it is fictitious. This nation was brought about by men who believed in God. They humbled themselves before Him, sought His guidance and believed in His Providence. 

Soon after America gained their independence from England, Haiti was seeking independence  from France and turned their attention to Satan for their help. In 1804, Haiti gained their independence. The results are obvious. America has been the most blessed nation on earth, as long as we were following after God's ways. Haiti on the other hand is one of the most poverty stricken and cursed nations on earth. The nation to this day is heavily into voodoo and witchcraft. The evidence is right before your eyes, if you will only see it.

While reading the Book of Deuteronomy soon after the 9/11/2001 attack on America, I had a revelation to something I had not previously noticed. I came across the Scriptures concerning the blessings and curses God had given to His people Israel in chapter 28. I believe the words of Almighty God to be eternal. If, He says these things to His Israel, the natural bloodline of Abraham, He also intends for them to apply to Abraham's seed by faith. I do not believe in a natural and a spiritual Israel. I do not believe the Scriptures teach that. We are Abraham's seed, by faith. It's supernatural. One people, one God.

While reading this chapter, I could only wonder in agreement with all the blessings God had promised to His people, as long as they were following His ways. It was very easy to apply these blessings to America. When I was a child, there could have been no doubt.  We were the most God fearing nation on earth. We were also, without a doubt, the most blessed nation on earth. There had never been a successful attack upon American soil. We had God's protection. Then I came to verse 15 and it stood apart from the previous 14 verses. It said this;

"But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee."  (KJV)

I thought on that verse for quite some time. I thought about how we kicked prayer and Bible reading out of our schools. I thought about how abortion kills countless unborn ever year and how we pass out condoms to school children. I thought about the normalization of the gay lifestyle and how God calls it an abomination. As I continued reading, more verses started to stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. There are many, but for the sake of brevity, I shall only point to the ones that should be perfectly clear to any thinking person. Verses 49 & 50 says this:

"The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of  fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young." (KJV)

Ask yourself a few questions about the above verses. Who were the people that attacked us? Where did they come from? They were Saudi people, or descendants of the ancient Assyrians. They are the exact same people who attacked ancient Israel to breach their defenses and later defeat them. They came from the other side of the earth. How did they attack us?  They attacked us as swift as the eagle flies and exactly in the same manner an eagle attacks its prey. They attacked from the sky upon an unsuspecting prey. Who would have thought we were about to be attacked? I had never given it a moment's thought. What about you? How many Americans are familiar with, or speak Arabic? Did any of the people on the planes used in the attack understand what the hijackers were saying? If they did, perhaps, they may have been able to stop them. Many people today look upon the appearance of radical Islamists and view them as a fierce looking people. Many understand that they don't care whom they kill. Young, or old, it does not matter to them, as long as it's in the name of Allah. Those who died in these attacks ranged from infants to the very aged. Now notice the words in the first half of verse 52 where it says this;

" And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land;"  (KJV)

I don't think God could be any more clear about what He is saying. Think about this. Ponder it in your mind. Chew on it. What do the high and fenced walls represent in this passage of Scripture? The high walls represent the World Trade Center. Both buildings fell. Both our economy and the economies of the world were attacked. What about the fenced walls? The fenced walls speak of the walled cities in ancient times. Their walls represented the first line of defense a city had against an attack. A city with strong walls was difficult to breach. The other building attacked was the Pentagon. The Pentagon is a representation of our nations defense. Its walls were breached. This was not a random incident, or an accident. It was the direct fulfillment of prophesy given by God, thirty five hundred years ago. It was a warning. It was a harbinger. Those who perpetrated this attack, had no idea they were fulfilling prophesy.

God is speaking to this nation. I can see it clearly. Oh, that this nation would repent and turn back to God that it might be saved. I fear that it may be too late and we may have gone too far. It is a Biblical principle that if God's people turn from Him and seek after corruption,  He would send corrupt leaders until we are destroyed. We will bear the consequences of going our own way and departing from God's instruction. Proverbs 1: 29 - 32 gives this warning;

"Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of ADONAI, they refused my council and despised my reproof. So they will bear the consequences of their own way and be overfilled with their own schemes. For the aimless wandering of the thoughtless will kill them, and the smug overconfidence of fools will destroy them." (CJB)

 In our turning from God, He is sending us leaders that do not know Him. What does it take for us to come to grips with this truth? When the attacks came upon America, we were unified for about a week. I remember all the flag waving and the expressions of "God Bless America." I had hope that this nation would once again return to God and His ways, but it was short lived. How soon the media removed the reminders of this horrific event from our television screens. How soon, the Muslim religion was called the religion of peace, even though the Muslim nations were at war with every nation at their borders?  How soon did political correctness invade our free speech and freedom to travel?

How did America respond to the attacks? Did we humble ourselves before God and repent? No. We returned right back to our lives and in our arrogance declared, "We will rebuild." This is exactly what was said in ancient Israel when the Assyrians breached their walls and destroyed their cities. Have you ever heard the expression; "History repeats itself?" There is another quote that says; "Those who fail to learn from history, are doomed to relive it." We need to learn from the words God gave to the prophet Isaiah where he says in Chapter 9:8-11;

"The LORD sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. And all the people shall know. even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in their pride and stoutness of heart, The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together."  (KJV)

When I look back upon our recent history, it is no wonder God is not blessing America. On November 14th, 2003 The state of Alabama removed State Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore. What was his despicable crime? He had the audacity to display the Ten Commandments in his court house. When you add to the mix the number of innocents slaughtered in the abortion mills everyday, is it any wonder, why God is no longer blessing America? This nation was once called the food basket of the world. With the hurricanes, floods, fires, droughts, tornadoes and excess rain we have had in recent years, we can no longer make that claim. There will be food shortages coming and our financial institutions will fail. Just as our stock market failed in 2008, another failure is coming. It is not a matter of  if, but rather a matter of when. I must admit that I would be surprised if America is still a strong nation at the end of the year 2015. That is not meant to be a prediction, and I certainly hope I am wrong. We need to Wake Up America! We need to repent and return to God. If we don't, it will be Game Over.

Shalom,

Barry W. Gaugler