So you say you follow the Torah

There has been a growth in the amount of people who claim to be Torah followers among the gentile nations lately. Many groups and organizations, like Hebrew Roots and Messianics etc, all claim to be turning back to the Torah and its ways. But is this what is really happening? One passage in the Scriptures comes to mind when I think about this, “Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name? And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!” (Mat 7:22-23)

The Messiah was speaking of those who call him Master and even do many things in his name. So it is clear that he is not speaking of the worldly people and those from other religions, but rather of those who profess his name. This idea should get everyone who does profess his name to evaluate themselves and make sure that they do not fall under this category of lawlessness who the Messiah will say, “depart from me” in the end of days, which is a very scary idea.

Every single one of us, who profess to follow the Torah, has the duty to ourselves to test and make sure that we really are following the Torah. Many people claim to do so, but there actions make it very clear that they do not.

The message of the Torah is a life of selflessness and loving the Almighty and one another. Every single command in the Torah teaches us how to love. We cannot rely on our own understanding of love, but must do as the Torah teaches us, which is the instruction for true love. The Torah teaches us not to murder, steal, commit adultery, curse or harm our parents etc which are all destructive and it also teaches us to respect our fellow humans. But do we really do this? Or do we only do this when it suites us to do it? The Torah requires it all the time.

Being a Torah follower, we are supposed to be a light to the world and live by example. If we do not, then how can the non-believers ever see anything good that might convince them to seek something better? If we look like and do what the world does and looks like, then there is no difference and there cannot be any good in the world, and as such, we are not following the instructions of the Almighty.

Let us look at a few examples of things that are not always thought of as transgressions of the Torah, but are clear transgressions.

STEALING
Do not steal, which is one of the Ten Commandments, but do you really keep this commandment? Now we really have to start being honest with ourselves as we are not going to answer to one another, but rather to the Almighty who knows what you have done or not.

Do you have DVD’s that are not originals, or movies that have been downloaded or copied but have copyright protection? If so, then you are a thief and have transgressed the Torah.

Do you have music that you have not bought, including MP3’s and copies that are protected by copyright laws etc? And do you freely share any copyrighted music with your friends? If so, then you are a thief. (this does not include any freeware music which is perfectly fine to give out).

Do you have any software (which is not freeware) installed on your computer that you use that has not been bought, or for which you do not have a working license for? If so, then you are stealing.

One might justify that the authors and owners of the software, music and movies are all rich and that the few things that you have does not make any difference to these people, or some other similar excuse. But is that what you are going to say to the Almighty when you stand in front of Him and He asks you why you broke the Commandment of, “do not steal?” Will your excuse be acceptable to the Almighty?

If we do such things, then we are supporting theft and are not living as an example to the nations. If we support criminal activities, then we are no different to the world and, in fact, contribute to the destruction that is caused by stealing.

RESPECT FOR FELLOW HUMANS
This is a very wide field and can be applied in all situations of our lives. I am going to use a few examples that should stimulate your thought process and understanding in other situations too.

Do you obey the rules of the road as set by your local government? If not, then you are transgressing the Torah. Let me explain further. The rules of the road were set in place to protect the people and keep them as safe as possible. If everyone on the roads kept to all the rules of the road, then it would almost totally prevent any deaths and losses on the roads, but this is unfortunately not the case and many thousands of lives are lost annually because of people not obeying the rules of the road. Are you contributing to this destruction or are you being an example of righteousness?

Do you keep to the speed limits of the roads? If not, then you do not respect any of the other people around you as you are creating a dangerous situation for them that could result in damages and even loss of life.

Do you quickly speed around another car that is keeping to the speed limit just to gain one cars position and get to your destination a fraction quicker? If so, then you are stealing… you are breaking the law and causing the person who you pushed in front of to lose money in the form of using more petrol, waiting for you, and also wear and tear such as break pads from having to break harder for you. It is a very selfish and destructive action. You are supposed to be an example to the world and keep to the laws of the land.

Do you stop at a stop street and at the traffic light as required (even if there are no other cars around), or do you just slow down at the stop street or quickly jump over a traffic light that has just turned red when you could have stopped? If so, then you are transgressing the Torah and putting lives in danger and even stealing from others. I have found that the person who does not intend to stop at a stop sign but rather just slow down, approaches it at a high speed usually jumps in front of the law abiding citizen who does stop and causes loss of petrol, and might even cause an accident in the process, just so that you can jump in front of one car and be king of the road. This is a clear violation of the Torah.

OTHER EXAMPLES
Here are some other examples of ways people transgress the Torah.

Do you smoke? If so, then you are transgressing the Torah. I am speaking more along the lines of smoking in public or around other people, but not limited to that alone. All people are allergic to smoke as it always has a negative effect on your body. Second hand smoke is destructive and is known to kill non-smokers too. If you smoke in front of anyone else, you are causing harm to that person and could even contribute to the death of that person and even yourself.

Are you honest concerning paying your taxes? If not, then you are transgressing the Torah by lying and stealing.

Do you pay your employees of time? If not, then you are transgressing the Torah.


I could mention many more things, but think that you get the idea and can reason within yourself what other activities are not acceptable to the Almighty.

We are to be a light to the world and live by example in righteousness. We are to love one another and not take away from each other. We are to put others before ourselves and not be selfish.

If we cannot submit to local authorities, whom the Almighty has put above us, then how can we submit to the ultimate authority who is YHWH the Almighty.

So are you one of those who do many mighty works in the name of the Messiah, but yet live a lawless life by transgressing the Torah? This is something you need to ask yourself and be honest about too.

May we all submit to the Torah and all that it commands so that we all learn to love each other with the love of the Almighty.

The Armor of Elohim

Many people have heard the story or passage about “the armor of God”, but how many people really understand what it means and what the application of the armor is? It has become a “buzz word” among the Christians without the actual knowledge or application of what is being taught.

Once a person turns to the faith and belief of the Messiah יהושע (Yehoshua), that person joins a battle field where there are many attacks from the enemy. Satan (the adversary) and all his evil forces are the enemy that constantly tries to destroy anyone who turns to follow the government and rule of the Almighty.

There are also a few misconceptions about the armor of Elohim, for instance, it is taught that you must daily put on the armor of Elohim. But I ask you, where does it say daily, or everyday? It just says put it on. Are you not also in need of the armor at all times, even while you sleep? Another thing is that we all need to put on the ENTIRE armor, otherwise it is of no use at all. One piece of the armor cannot function without the others. We will get into that in more detail as we go through this article.

Let us now work through the passage where Shaul teaches about the armor of Elohim:

“Put on the complete armor of Elohim, for you to have power to stand against the schemes of the devil (Accuser).” (Eph 6:11). Here it is very clear that the complete armor is needed in order to stand against whatever the devil has to give. If you do not have the complete armor on, the rest of the armor is of no use and does not function, you cannot have one piece of armor on without the rest, it is a package deal. The Accuser will always find an opening and will always attack you there at your weakest point. That is why the entire armor is needed to stand against his attacks.

“Because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual matters of wickedness in the heavenlies.” (Eph 6:12). So we do not fight one another, but rather the false teachings and false spirits that lead and deceive others. If we all wore the armor of Elohim, then we would all stand together on the same team in total agreement with one another. There are, however, only a very few that truly wear the armor of Elohim, and these people are attacked even by flesh and blood. This is only due to the fact that those attacking are being lead by the evil spiritual forces. By wearing the full armor of Elohim, we will be able to stand up against everyone and everything.

“Because of this, take up the complete armor of Elohim, so that you have power to withstand in the wicked day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph 6:13). Once again, Shaul teaches the importance to wear the FULL armor of Elohim. If we do not have the full armor on, then we will not be able to stand in the “wicked day.” What day is this “wicked day?” it is the day of judgment where we are going to stand in front of the Almighty, and the devil (Accuser) is going to accuse us of all terrible things. Unless you are wearing the full armor of Elohim, you will fall to his accusations and be guilty of sin. If, however, you are clothed with the full armor of Elohim, you will be able to stand up against any accusation that the Accuser may give.

“Stand, then, having girded your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” (Eph 6:14). Here we start to learn what the armor of Elohim is. The first item of the armor that is mentioned is the “waist girdle” or “belt” of TRUTH. Truth is the opposite of lies and falsehood. Truth is based upon facts and evidence. Truth is what comes out of the mouth of the Almighty, it is what is written. Any writing that changes the original truth is considered false. That is why it is so important to go back to the original writings, rather than relying on the many false translations that we know as Bibles today. The “waist girdle” is what holds your sword, without truth, you cannot have any weapon to fight or defend yourself with.

The second piece of armor mentioned in this verse is the breastplate of righteousness. Without righteousness, you do not have a breastplate to protect your vital organs, like your lungs and heart. Righteousness is the opposite of sin. It is the obedience of the Instruction of the Almighty which is His Torah, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves servants for obedience, you are servants of the one whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?” (Rom 6:16). This next verse explains that everyone that does not do righteousness, that is keeping the Torah of YHWH, is not of the children of the Almighty but are rather the children of the devil. To be part of the children of the Almighty, you have to live by His rules, which is His Word also known as the Torah. “In this the children of Elohim and the children of the devil are manifest: Everyone not doing righteousness is not of Elohim, neither the one not loving his brother” (1 John 3:10)

If you do not live righteously, then you do not have a breastplate to protect your vital organs in the Day of Judgment and the Accuser will give you up to death in that Day of Judgment.Having to stand in the wicked day can also mean the day/days that believers are attacked, and one's enemies devise and carry out evil plans against you, so that we do not fall and turn away from Elohim and His ways. These are also to do with schemes of the devil.

“and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;” (Eph 6:15). The Scriptures indicate beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Good News originated at the very beginning of time. The True “gospel” has always incorporated the Almighty’s Torah (instruction in righteousness) in building a relationship between YHWH and humankind. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit in you, and cause you to live by my Torah, and ye shall keep my statutes and judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Here we clearly see the basis of the Good News, that YHWH Himself shows favor and mercy to His people who will live according to His Word. The Good News is the revelation of YHWH’s Eternal Favor (grace) that saves and empowers His people to be able to stop transgressing (breaking Torah) against Him. Torah is YHWH’s blueprint for moral, righteous living. To attempt to annul Torah is to teach a different “gospel” than what the Talmidim (disciples) and Shlichim (Apostles) originally taught.

False gospels preach that Y’hoshua or “Jesus” is “the gospel” and/or that belief alone in Y’hoshua brings salvation. However, Adam and Chawwah (Eve) “got saved” long before Y’hoshua came to earth, because YHWH is Salvation. Y’hoshua is the door to salvation but belief in his atoning blood is utterly futile without being “re-born” spiritually and keeping His Father’s Commandments (becoming Set Apart). Even the demons believe in YHWH and the fact that there is only One Elohim; but demons are certainly not Set Apart unto YHWH, and therefore belief in itself without a righteous lifestyle is simply false religion. The false gospel has removed the TERMS & CONDITIONS of salvation, covenant and atonement and replaced them with a cerebral belief system or Christian religious label (identity); whereas the Renewed Covenant demands a complete change of lifestyle once Torah (instruction in righteousness) is written upon the heart.

Increased popularity of a false gospel will in no way make it acceptable to YHWH or His Mashiyach. Even if every soul on earth put their faith in a false gospel, it would not cause YHWH to change His Word to comply with man’s opinion. YHWH is His Word and His Promise and He cannot change Who He is! The false gospel is a theology that pits Y’hoshua against the Word of YHWH (Torah). Those who lead the charge of the false gospel adamantly speak against the terms and conditions of the Renewed Covenant. The Good News is that YHWH our Creator is a Loving, Merciful and Forgiving Father, which is why “the sacrifices of Elohim are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart.” This Love of the Father is clearly demonstrated in Y’hoshua haMashiyach as an offering for all souls to turn to YHWH, to enter His Kingdom and turn away from transgression of His Word (Torah).

“above all, having taken up the shield of belief with which you shall have power to quench all the burning arrows of the wicked one.” (Eph 6:16). The shield of Belief is spoken of as “above all.” This is because none of the rest of the armor is of any use without belief. If you have truth and not belief, then the truth is of no use, just as the others are of no use either. It is exactly the same as not being able to have belief without truth and works. “So also belief, if it does not have works, is in itself dead” (Ya’akov/James 2:17). Once again, it is a package deal, it cannot function without the other pieces of the armor, and without the shield of belief/faith, none of the other armor is of any use. This shield stops any fiery attacks that the wicked one may shoot at you. If you do not have belief, then you will not be able to stand against any attacks and will fall.

“Take also the helmet of deliverance, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim,” (Eph 6:17). Now this is an interesting verse that has a specific aspect that many people do not understand. All Christians agree that the sword is the Word of the Almighty, but what they do not understand is what exactly the Word of the Almighty is. Let us ask ourselves some questions, “Who wrote this letter? When was it written? and what existed as the Word of the Almighty in that time?” Let us now answer these questions. The letter to the Ephesians was written by Shaul (Paul). It was written in the time of early to mid 60’s AD. Now the key is to what was available in that time as the Word of the Almighty. One thing to notice is that the “New Testament” was not written or compiled yet and it certainly was not considered to be the Word of the Almighty. A lot of it had not even been written yet as most of it was mere letters sent from one believer to other believers. Ephesians was even written before some of the Gospels were.

So what was and still is the Word of the Almighty that Shaul and all the other disciples always referred to? It is the Tanakh (Old Testament) of course, the Tanakh is the Word of the Almighty and always will be as it is eternal. Shaul and many of the disciples studied and referenced the Tanakh in their letters and Gospels too. The Messiah Yehoshua quoted the Tanakh repeatedly and every time He said, “it is written…” so that we can know for certain that it comes from the Word of the Almighty which is the Tanakh.

The Word of our beloved Creator is also called Scripture. The Tanakh is the only thing that is or can be considered as Scripture. The “New Testament” is not the Word of the Almighty. But rather 4 witnesses to the happenings of the Messiah and also a collection of letters, written from believers to other believers who all followed the Scriptures (Tanakh). Let us see, for example, what one believer wrote in his letter to the other believers, “All Scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Elohim might be fitted, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Now you have to once again remember that the “New Testament” did not exist at the time of the writing of this letter, and that the Scripture being referenced here is the Tanakh. That proves that the Tanakh is the one and only writing that is considered the Word of the Almighty and the only thing that is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight and for instruction in righteousness. It is also our only guide to show us what good works are.

It is sad that the Church teaches its followers that it is an Old Testament and yet have no facts to support this evil thought. It is the Living Word of the Eternal Creator and Almighty YHWH. The term “New Testament” is also an evil man made title that has no facts to support it. The correct term is “brit chadashah” which means “Renewed Covenant,” NOT “new”. The term “New” implies that the other is “Old” which is not true but rather a false teaching. The Messiah did not bring a New Law, He came to renew the One perfect law that is eternal and taught us how to obey it. He also does not have any authority to change even one little part of the law at all.

There are many people who claim that the Tanakh is a curse and imperfect that had to be done away with and replaced by something better by the Messiah. Now consider what they are saying… they are saying that the Word of the Almighty, that even teaches us of the Messiah, is a curse and imperfect… would you like to say that to His face one day when you stand before Him? It is a perverse twisting of Scripture to think that the Word of the Almighty is in any way not perfect.

Now to get to the helmet of salvation/deliverance, the verse just says that you need to also take it. Now keep in mind that salvation is not possible without belief, truth, righteousness and the Good News combined, which are all necessary before you can wear the helmet of deliverance. What use is a helmet without a breastplate and a shield and a sword and a girdle to hold your sword? The meaning of our beloved Messiah Yehoshua's Name is, "YHWH is our salvation."

“praying at all times, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching in all perseverance and supplication for all the set-apart ones” (Eph 6:18). Here we can see that the armor is not only spiritual, but physical too. Prayer is a physical act which needs to be done in the spirit. Righteousness comes from physical acts, truth comes from a physical studying of the Word of the Almighty and without the study of His Word, then the Sword is useless to you, and without any of these, belief is not possible as belief comes from the study of the Torah.

The term, “set-apart ones” is speaking of the believers in the Messiah who guard to do the Word of the Almighty. They are those who are set-apart from this world. You cannot be set-apart and still look like the world and do the things of this world. We need to look like and do the things of the Messiah, we need to walk in His footsteps and live like He lived, hating everything that is unrighteous and doing the Word of His Father in heaven. “Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14)

Psalms 1:1-6 The difference between the righteous and the sinner

We have all heard the phrase that “we are all sinners” this is true to a certain degree. Once we repent of our sinful ways and live our lives in the Instruction of the Almighty, then we become righteous. This is a theme found throughout the Scriptures. It is very fitting that Dawid’s very first psalm is making the distinction between the righteous and the sinner (unrighteous). He also explains to us what righteousness is. Let us read what he wrote:

1. “Blessed is the man who shall not walk in the counsel of the wrong, And shall not stand in the path of sinners, And shall not sit in the seat of scoffers,

2. But his delight is in the Torah of יהוה (YHWH), And he meditates in His Torah day and night.

Here is a very clear distinction between who the sinners are and who are righteous and blessed. It also makes a very clear distinction between what is right and what is wrong. Sin is the opposite of obedience to Torah. The one who delights in the Torah of YHWH and meditates on it day and night (Not just once a week) is blessed. It is impossible to walk with those who are wrong and stand by the scoffers if you constantly have the Torah in mind all the time.

Also notice how it says ‘blessed are those who delight in the Torah of YHWH’. Have we not been taught by the church that the Torah is a curse? How is it possible that the man who is known to be after the Almighty’s own heart, will delight in a curse? It is simply not so. There are both blessings and curses found in the Torah, those who obey the Torah will be blessed, and those who do not obey the Torah will be cursed. It is up to you to decide if you want to be blessed or cursed.

3. For he shall be as a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That yields its fruit in its season, And whose leaf does not wither, And whatever he does prospers.

Dawid who knew the will of YHWH better than any of us can dream of today, teaches that those who delight in obeying the Torah of YHWH, is steadfast and does not lack. The reason you prosper in everything you do if you obey the Torah, is because the Torah is YHWH’s instruction for us on how to prosper, and when we obey His Word, then He Himself gives us our needs.

4. The wrong are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind blows away.

Those who do not obey the Torah, will wither away. They try and prosper by their own strength, which causes stress and worry, and ultimately ends in destruction. Their marriages fall apart, some are lead to drinking and smoking to try handle stress. In the end, even those who supposedly made a success will be destroyed.

5. Therefore the wrong shall not rise in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

There are two judgments in the end times, one when the Messiah returns, when all the righteous will rise up and be judged, and one after the thousand year reign with the Messiah, when all the wicked will be judged and thrown into destruction.

Nor will sinners be allowed in the congregation of the righteous. The righteous people will not stand for sinful natures. If anyone willfuly sins, then that person will not be tolerated by the righteous people.

6. For יהוה (YHWH) knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wrong comes to naught”

YHWH knows the WAY (actions, works) of the RIGHTEOUS because the righteous live by His Torah. YHWH only gives favor to those who are righteous, those who are doing and living by His Torah. The Torah is wrongly translated as “Law”, but is correctly translated as “Instruction”. If we live by our Father’s instruction, then we will prosper and find favor in His eyes. Those who do not obey His Instruction, are not His children and their ways end up in naught.

We are all going to be judged, whether you are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Atheist, or of the faith of the Messiah. Only those who do the Torah of YHWH will be part of the first judgment and will inherit eternal life. Everyone else will be part of the second judgment.

It is up to you, which judgment you will be part of. Do you want to be part of the first, or the second judgment?

Romans 4 - Belief and Works

“What, then, shall we say Avraham our father, to have found, according to the flesh? For if Avraham was declared right by works, he has ground for boasting, but not before Elohim. For what does the Scripture say? “Avraham believed Elohim, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness.”  (Rom 4:1-3)

Now these three verses seem to contradict what Ya’akov (James) taught when he said “You see, then, that a man is declared right by works, and not by belief alone” (James 2:24). But the fact of the matter is that they do not in any way contradict each other. Ya’akov wrote much clearer and to the point than Shaul’s writings. You see, Shaul is teaching against the religious system that demands that you keep to all their laws and traditions that are followed by the flesh and not by belief. Avraham first believed and therefore his actions or works revealed his belief. This is exactly what Ya’akov also teaches, “So also belief, if it does not have works, is in itself dead. But someone might say, “You have belief, and I have works.” Show me your belief without your works, and I shall show you my belief by my works” (James 2:17-18). You cannot have belief without works, nor can you have works without belief.

For us to be declared righteous is a gift, but we need to follow the instruction of YHWH (His Torah) in order to receive this wonderful gift. It is ludicrous to think that we are declared righteous and still live our lives continuing in the abominations of this world. Throughout the entire Scriptures, there is a common theme, if you transgress the Torah of YHWH, it is an abomination and YHWH turns away from you, but if you guard to keep His Torah, then He is with you always. Nothing has changed, even until now, and that is exactly what the Messiah and His followers teach.

“And to him who is working, the reward is not reckoned as a favour but as a debt. And to him who is not working but believes on Him who is declaring right the wicked, his belief is reckoned for righteousness, even as Dawiḏ also says of the blessedness of the man to whom Elohim reckons righteousness without works: “Blessed are those whose lawlessnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered, blessed is the man to whom יהוה (YHWH) shall by no means reckon sin.”” (Rom 4:4-8). Once again, Shaul is explaining the difference between being ‘under the Law’ and being ‘subject to the law,’ he is also teaching repentance and the engrafting of the Goyim (Gentile, wild olive) into the good olive tree here.

To those who are trying to earn the reward by doing ultra religious works and traditions believe that the reward is owed to them as they do these works without faith. This is not, in any way, having a relationship with the Almighty. Does this mean that Shaul is teaching that we do not have to keep the Torah of YHWH? Not at all, as we can see that when the wicked repent, they will be declared righteous and their past sins are covered. This does not mean that they can continue to transgress the Torah of YHWH as that would deem that person wicked again and not righteous.

“Is this blessing then upon the circumcised only, or also upon the uncircumcised? For we affirm: Belief was reckoned unto Avraham for righteousness. How then was it reckoned? Being in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.” (Rom 4:9-10) Avraham confirmed his understanding righteousness-credit by obeying YHWH and getting physically circumcised! Shaul never teaches that it is not necessary to be circumcised in the flesh, but rather that you first build your belief and faith (circumcision of the heart), then by learning the Torah of Mosheh and having the desire to do the will of YHWH, then a person will, out of his own, choose to become circumcised in the flesh out of obedience to the will of the Almighty.

Shaul is also teaching to the Jews and the Gentiles here when he refers to the circumcised (Jews) and the uncircumcised (Gentiles, even though some of the Gentiles could be circumcised in the flesh too). The thought that Gentiles do not have to subject themselves to the Torah of YHWH is not ever taught throughout the Torah, in fact, the person who is accused of doing so (Shaul), is teaching the total opposite here by saying that everyone, Gentiles included, who convert to the Faith OF Yehoshua the Messiah, has to subject themselves to the Torah of YHWH just as the Messiah Himself did.

“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the belief while in uncircumcision, for him to be a father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for righteousness to be reckoned to them also,” (Rom 4:11). Avraham is the Father of many nations. For example, he is the Father of the Arabs, who are mostly Islamic, through Yishmael his son from Sarah’s servant Hagar. Does that mean that Avraham would endorse Islam today? I don’t think so as he stood only for the One true Elohim . Avraham was uncircumcised when Yishmael was conceived, but was circumcised at the conception of Yitschak, through whom the covenant would be. Once again, notice that Avraham circumcised himself and all his household through obedience to the Almighty, should we not do the same?

"and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the belief which our father Avraham had in uncircumcision." (Rom 4:12) Shaul is teaching that Avraham’s physical circumcision came after he believed, after he had faith, after his heart was circumcised, in opposition to a contemporary false teaching that circumcision should come first before belief or faith. At no time does Shaul ever discount physical circumcision; he simply rejects false religious traditions that turned circumcision into device to control new converts. This principle also applies to those who would hurriedly baptize new converts in an effort to show strong numbers, or practicing “forced conversions.”

“For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Aḇraham or to his seed through the Torah, but through a righteousness of belief. For if those who are of the Torah are heirs, belief has been made useless, and the promise has been nullified,” (Rom 4:13-14). Once again, Shaul is rejecting the ultra religious traditions that teach their followers to do all they say in order to be saved. This idea nullifies the promise of the Almighty. Like Shaul has taught before, you cannot have belief without the Torah. Once you come into the faith, then your knowledge will gradually increase as you study the Almighty’s Word, and then you will conform your life to His Instruction. This is all because of belief.

Avraham is heir of the world, just like he is the father of the Hebrews and the Arabs, as we saw above. He is also the father of Rome (Christianity) through Esau, who is Yitschak’s (Isaac) son. Whenever we read of Esau in the Scriptures and in prophecy, we know that he represents the Church (Rome), just as Yishmael represents Islam in prophecy. Once we know this truth, passages in Scripture start revealing things we did not realize. Consider the following verse, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Rom 9:13). Jacob’s name changed to Israel whom the Almighty loves. Esau is Rome, whom the Almighty hates.

"for the Torah works out wrath, for where there is no Torah there is no transgression." (Rom 4:15). Like the Hebrew word “Torah”, the Aramaic namusa can refer to the entire corpus of work or to an individual instruction for a person or group (“torah” with a small “t”). This verse literally reads, “where there is no Torah provision against an action, there is no transgression.” The KJV reads, “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” Mainstream Christianity translates this to mean that Torah is done away with, but Shaul is teaching the very opposite. Wherever Torah is NOT being taught, people will do what is right in their own eyes, thus bringing the wrath of YHWH upon themselves. You can think for yourself, if the Torah was done away with, then how can we know what sin is? Then we are able to do whatever we want without any consequence. It is just a preposterous idea.

"On account of this it is of belief, that it be according to favour, for the promise to be made certain to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Torah, but also to those who are of the belief of Aḇraham, who is father of us all – " (Rom 4:16)
Having Avraham as a father brings the responsibility of being honorable children, worthy of legacy! Contrary to Christian theology; faith, while credited to Avraham as righteousness, was not the only component of his total righteousness. It is what Avraham did with his faith that brings him near to YHWH. As YHWH Himself declares: “I swore to your father Avraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Avraham obeyed Me and kept My requirements, My commands, My decrees and My laws” (Genesis 26:4-5).

“as it has been written, “I have made you a father of many nations” – in the presence of Him whom he believed, even Elohim, who gives life to the dead and calls that which does not exist as existing, who against all expectation did believe, in expectation, so that he should become father of many nations, according to what was said, “So shall your seed be.” And not having grown weak in belief, he did not consider his own body, already dead, being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb, he did not hesitate about the promise of Elohim through unbelief, but was strengthened in belief, giving esteem to Elohim, and being completely persuaded that what He had promised He was also able to do.” (Rom 4:17-21). Do you think that Avraham would have had a son if he did not believe? It was unnatural for Sarah to have a child as she was far past the point of being able to conceive. It was only through belief and obedience to the Almighty that this wonderful miracle could take place. Israel is the Almighty’s beloved nation, and they all came into being through miracle after miracle showing us that it is a miraculous nation. We as goy (Gentiles) are now also able to partake in the promise of the beloved nation of Israel, but only if we join ourselves to the ‘good olive tree’ and fulfilling the requirements to do so.

“Therefore also “it was reckoned to him for righteousness.” (Rom 4:22). Avraham believed and obeyed, therefore he was declared righteous. Has that concept changed since Avraham? Do we need to only believe without obedience to the Torah (Instruction of YHWH in righteousness) to be declared righteous? Certainly not, as that is never taught in the Scriptures. In fact, you can see a common theme in the Scriptures that when ever someone or a nation turned from doing the Torah of YHWH, then YHWH departed from them and gave them over to their enemies. Does the Almighty, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, change?

“And not because of him alone was it written that it was reckoned to him, but also because of us, to whom it shall be reckoned, to us who believe in Him who raised up  יהושע (Yehoshua) our Master from the dead, who was delivered up because of our trespasses, and was raised for us to be declared right.” (Rom 4:23-25). The Messiah came to show us how to live. He was an example for us to follow. He also came as the sacrifice for us when He hung on the torture stake. The sacrificial laws of the Torah have not changed and have not been done away with. Only the blood of the Messiah (Lamb) is sufficient to replace all other blood. Every single sacrifice done before the Messiah, was only a symbol of the Messiah. It was not the blood of the goats and lambs etc. that could make a covering for sin, but only the blood of the Messiah. Those who made sacrifices in the past, did so because they believed in the Messiah and that His blood would make a covering (kippur) for their transgressions.

No one can ever know the Messiah or His role if we do not study the Torah of His Father as it describes His Character and duties and everything else about Him. In order to believe in Him, you need to know Him first.

Do you desire to know the Messiah?

Man is declared right by works, and not by belief alone

The Torah portion for this last Shabbat was very interesting in the sense that it showed us that righteousness can only be reckoned to a person by the obedience to the Commands of YHWH. Avraham believed in the Words of YHWH and it was reckoned to him as righteousness but only because he did the Commands.

Now what Christianity teaches is that all we need to do is believe in “Jesus” and that we do not have to obey the Commands of YHWH anymore as “Jesus” did away with the Torah. Now imagine if this was really true. Would the Messiah have said, “Do not think that I came to do away with the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to do away with but to fulfill. For truly, I say to you, till the heaven and the earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass from the Torah till all be done” (Mat 5:17-18).  Also if the Torah was done away with, then it would give us free reign to do as we please as there is no more a measure by which we can measure ourselves. For the Torah is also the knowledge of sin. If we do not know the Torah, how can we know what sin is, and yet, the Messiah Himself said many times, ‘… go and sin no more…’

Imagine that Noah believed the word of YHWH but did not obey it, he would not have built the boat that saved him and his family and all of mankind would have been destroyed. Imagine Avraham believed but did not obey the Commands of YHWH, he would not have hosted the Messengers of YHWH, nor would he have become the father of many, and he certainly would not have been righteous, nor would he have had a son through whom the people of YHWH would be descendants and the Messiah would not have come. Also Imagine that Mosheh believed but did not obey the Commandments of YHWH, he would not have brought the chosen people out of the bondage of Mitsrayim. Neither would we have the Word of YHWH written down for us today.  

Belief and obedience to the Torah go hand in hand, you cannot truly obey the Torah without belief, and you certainly cannot believe without the observance of the Torah of YHWH. The entire Scriptures testify to this. In fact, the Messiah Yehoshua Himself taught that in the end of days, He will not know those who did not obey the Torah of His Father, “And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’” (Mat 7:23). Would you like to be forced to depart from the Son of the Almighty, also meaning that you will not inherit the kingdom of YHWH?

Ya’akov (James), the brother of Yehoshua the Messiah, understood this concept very well as he wrote in his letter, “My brothers, what use is it for anyone to say he has belief but does not have works? This belief is unable to save him. And if a brother or sister is naked and in need of daily food, but one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” but you do not give them the bodily needs, what use is it? So also belief, if it does not have works, is in itself dead. But someone might say, “You have belief, and I have works.” Show me your belief without your works, and I shall show you my belief by my works. You believe that Elohim is one. You do well. The demons also believe – and shudder! But do you wish to know, O foolish man, that the belief without the works is dead? Was not Avraham our father declared right by works when he offered Yitschaq (Isaac) his son on the altar? Do you see that the belief was working with his works, and by the works the belief was perfected? And the Scripture was filled which says, “Avraham believed Elohim, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness.”  And he was called, “Elohim’s friend.” You see, then, that a man is declared right by works, and not by belief alone” (James 2:14-24).

Wow, so what Ya’akov is saying here is that in order to be declared righteous, we need to DO the Instruction (Torah) of YHWH and not just believe in it! We see this exact same concept coming from the mouth of the Messiah Himself too, “If you love Me, you shall guard My commands” (John 14:15). He goes on further to say, “He who possesses My commands and guards them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I shall love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21)

Do you love the Son of the Creator, who is the Messiah Yehoshua? If you say yes, do you guard to do all the Torah of YHWH His Father? “And by this we know that we know Him, if we guard His commands. The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever guards His Word, truly the love of Elohim has been perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6). Now with this verse in mind, do you really know the Almighty, or do you lie and continue to say that you do not need to obey the Torah anymore but still know the Almighty anyway?

Also notice that it is made very clear that if you profess to follow the Messiah, that you also have to walk as He walked, obeying every Command that is written in the Torah of YHWH.

Let us look at this in a slightly different viewpoint. If I had to walk up to the gates of the White House and say to the guards, “let me in for I know the President!” Do you think the guards will let me enter? Certainly not. Now, if I was standing in front of the gates of the White House, and the President walked out of the White House and saw me, and said to the guards, “Let him in, for I know him well!” I am sure you will agree with me that that would have a different result to the first instance.

The idea of the story is that it does not matter if you know the President, but rather, does he know you? This is exactly the same principle concerning, do I know the Messiah, or does the Messiah know me? In Matthew 7, He makes it clear that if you do not DO all that is written in the Torah of YHWH, then he will profess that He never knew you.

I do not know about you, but me and my house, choose to live according to the Instruction of YHWH and to do all that is written in the Torah of YHWH so that we may find favor in His eyes and inherit eternal life. “Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14).

Faith and Belief comes from the Torah

“So then belief (faith) comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohim” (Romans 10:17)

The Church has taught us our entire lives long that all we need to do to be saved is to believe, or have faith, in “Jesus”, and that the Law has been done away with. They also teach that the “New Testament”  is the “new covenant” that replaced the old one. This, however, could not be further from the truth as we can see in Shaul’s writings, who by the way wrote the majority of the “New Testament” and by all the other authors of the Renewed Covenant (this is the correct translation of Brit Chaddasha, NOT new testament) too.

In Romans 10:17, Shaul is teaching that the only way that we can acquire belief is through hearing and we acquire that by the Word of YHWH our Elohim. This is a very simple and easy concept to understand, and yet there are millions of people all around the world that have been brainwashed by the Church to such a point that they cannot understand this simple concept.

What do I mean by this? Well, the great majority of all church goers do not even know what the Word of Elohim is. The Church teaches that the “New Testament” is the “New Covenant” which is the “word of God”. This idea, too, cannot be further from the truth.

Now how can I say this? Well, let us think for ourselves… whenever any of the authors of the Renewed Covenant refers to the “Word of Elohim” or “the Scriptures” For example, “But He answering, said, “It has been written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of יהוה (YHWH)” (Mat 4:4), what do you think the Messiah and the rest of them are referring to? Did the “New Testament” exist at the time of the writing? Did Shaul or any of the other authors ever refer to their own writings or letters as Scripture or the Word of Elohim? If not, what then did they refer to as the Word of Elohim?

It is widely known and agreed that the Tanakh (Torah and the prophets) is the Word of YHWH. We can see this throughout the Tanakh when it is written, “… and YHWH spoke to Mosheh…” or, “… the word of YHWH came to ____ in a dream…” or many other examples like that. We also know that the Tanakh is the Word of YHWH as when the Messiah said, “it is written” he quotes the Tanakh every time, as did the other authors.

Also consider when Shaul went to Berea, that the Bereans tested everything that Shaul taught with the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11). What Scriptures is being referred to here? Was the “New Testament” available to them at that stage? Certainly not. This is also proof that Shaul’s teachings fall directly in line with the Tanakh (the Word of YHWH).

Another thing to consider is that all the teachings of the Messiah and His disciples and even Shaul are all based on what is written in the Tanakh and do not in anyway contradict the Tanakh either. The church, however, does not teach this. They teach that “Jesus” brought a “new law”, this is also not true, but you do not have to believe me on this point, let us see what the Messiah Himself taught, “He who does not love Me does not guard My Words. And the Word which you hear is not Mine but of the Father Who sent Me” (John 14:24). So what the Messiah said here is that if you do not guard to do the Torah of YHWH then you not love Him or His Son Yehoshua. He also said that He did not teach His own words but rather the Word of YHWH His Father. When Yehoshua came, the TRADITIONS (oral law, Mishnah, Talmud) of the Pharisees superceded the WORD OF YHWH and that Yehoshua brought back / “gave” them the pure written words of YHWH, He did in no way bring a new law, but renewed the Torah of His Father YHWH.

So as we can see, the Hebrew Tanakh is the Word of YHWH and is called the Scriptures. Why then does the Church throw out the Tanakh (which they call the Old Testament)? This is because they do not follow the Instruction of YHWH (Tanakh) but rather their own instructions (which is the instruction of men which is against the Word of YHWH). The reason they do this is because their teachings are far more profitable, in the worldly sense, than the true Scriptures.

The Church has created a lucrative business that is by far the most profitable business in the entire world, by twisting the Scriptures and the Renewed Covenant and even throwing the Word of YHWH out. The Church is the richest organization in the whole world, but could not have been so if they actually followed the Instructions of YHWH. If all the followers of the church accepted the truth of the Scriptures, they would not even give one cent of their hard earned money to the church. With this in mind, do you really think that the church is going to teach you the truth and lose everything they have, or are they going to continue to teach lies and profit off of you and millions of other people who are blindly following their false teachings?


Remember tithes were to be given to the PRIESTS,  the LEVITES only because they did not have an inheritance like the rest of Yisrael.  Are any of today’s pastors or "priests" of that stock? So, if we give we give our tithes to them, we are actually throwing away the money that should be given to the Almighty and if they, the pastors and priests accept our tithes, they are stealing the Almighty’s money. As a matter of fact, if any of them takes your tithes, then they are taking the place of the Messiah, who is our High Priest now, and making them a anti-Messiah. Do you really think that they use that money to bring TRUTH to the people.  Considering the lies they teach – definitely NOT!  Considering their beautiful houses and fancy cars and travels – definitely NOT!

Now to get back to the point, Shaul teaches us that only by the Word of YHWH our Elohim, can we really have belief and faith. The Messiah Yehoshua taught us that we can only live by every word that comes from the mouth of YHWH (The Tanakh). How can we live if we disobey YHWH’s Word?

Also, if you do not study the Tanakh and really understand what is written there, then it is impossible to understand what is written in the Renewed Covenant. I am in no way saying that the Renewed Covenant should not be read or studied or anything like that, but only to know that the Renewed Covenant does not replace the Tanakh, but rather, magnifies it. If you throw away the Tanakh, you may as well throw the Renewed Covenant away too, as it is worthless without the Word of YHWH.

Something else to note is that Shaul writes that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of YHWH. Now how many times have you heard a Christian say that the “Holy Spirit” spoke to them and told them something secretive that was not told to anyone else. This “tool” is used so much for the justification of their sins. You see, the Ruach haKodesh (Set Apart Spirit) cannot in anyway contradict what is written in the Tanakh, as that would be disobeying the Word of YHWH and making Him a liar as the Ruach haKodesh is part of YHWH. Christianity is a very “new age”, “spiritualistic” religion that does not ever consider what the Word of the Creator says, but rather relies on superstitious signs and teachings. Just think of the “Red Indians” and their Shamanism, where some of the see the “spirits”, etc.  It is very much the same as what happens in the “charismatic” churches.

According to what Shaul reveals to us here in Romans 10:17, that all “hearing” of any kind must come from the Word of YHWH which is the Tanakh! If this is not the case, and what is heard contradicts the Tanakh, then it is a very clear indication that what is being heard is of demons and not the truth.

If anyone claims to have faith or be a believer and does not observe the Torah of YHWH, then you have to wonder, what do they believe in as it is not the belief or faith of the Scriptures.

True faith and belief comes from learning the Torah of YHWH and following His Instruction.
So I choose to study and obey the Word and Instruction of YHWH and turn away from every teaching of the church so that I may receive life eternal, what about you?

Romans 2 – Judging, practice what you preach and circumcision

Romans chapter 2 has a couple of teachings that are misquoted so many times and used for so many false doctrines. The one that is the most evident is that of, ‘Don’t judge me, because if you judge me, then you will also be judged.’ Another one is that of, if one subjects themselves to follow the Torah, then that person is under the law. This chapter is also one of the most used verses used to justify that one does not need to be circumcised in the flesh. All of these points are totally false and I will show you why in this article, by using what Shaul wrote here in Romans 2.

One key point that we do not always remember about the letters that Shaul wrote is that they did not originally have chapters or verses, but were written as a continual piece of writing as they were letters sent to the Gentile believers living in Rome.

There are many valuable lessons that can be learnt from Shaul’s letters and even in this chapter in Romans. But in order to learn from these lessons, we need to understand what is being taught in the correct context. If we do not read it in its correct context, we stand the chance of failing to learn what Shaul was teaching, and even worse, we could learn the total opposite of what is being taught, like millions of people around the world because they follow the people who incorrectly interpret Shaul's teachings.

Now let us break this chapter into sections, and I will point out the things that Shaul was really trying to say. 

“Therefore, O man, you are without excuse, everyone who judges, for in which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you who judge practice the same wrongs. And we know that the judgment of Elohim is according to truth against those who practice such wrongs” (Rom 2:1-2). This verse is so wrongly used by millions of people to try and hide or justify their sinful behavior. As soon as someone tries to point out their error(s), the first reaction to this is a very defensive reaction with the phrase, something like this, “don’t judge me, for you will also be judged if you do!”

People only judge when they deviate from the ‘Judgment’ of YHWH. Quoting His Judgment and staying within His Judgment is not being judgmental! Only when one deviates from the Judgment of YHWH, then that person elevates himself above YHWH and will then be judged by YHWH accordingly.

The church has taught us all to be too thin skinned, so that we are incapable of accepting correction for our sinful actions, which is a very dangerous matter, and can lead us into destruction. The fact of the matter is that the majority of the time, when someone points out errors, it is done out of love, in order to help that person become aware of the problem and to fix the problem. Even if the rebuke seems harsh, it is not to be met with a defensive reaction, but rather a personal soul searching on the matter to see if the matter is true. Then we can repent of the error and continue to grow in faith.

“And do you think, O man, you who judge those practicing such wrongs, and doing the same, that you shall escape the judgment of Elohim? Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the kindness of Elohim leads you to repentance? But according to your hardness and your unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of Elohim, who “shall render to each one according to his works”: everlasting life to those who by persistence in good work seek for esteem, and respect, and incorruptibility; but wrath and displeasure to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness” (Rom 2:3-8). Here Shaul is speaking to those who are hypocrites, who judge other people while, they themselves, do the same evils. He is also clarifying that a person only judges if he judges outside the judgment of YHWH (as stated above).

Notice how Shaul points out that those who practice the same wrongs by which they judge others are hard and unrepentant and that these people will be met with the wrath of YHWH in the day of wrath.  These people will be judged by Elohim through His Torah (righteous judgment of Elohim) according to their works.

Also notice how clear Shaul is making the distinction between the righteous and the unrepentant sinners. He shows us here that only those who persist in good works (the Torah of YHWH) and seek for esteem and respect and incorruptibility, will inherit everlasting life. And those that do not obey the Torah (truth) but rather obey unrighteousness (anti-Torah) will receive the wrath and displeasure of YHWH.

“affliction and distress on every human being working what is evil, of the Yehuḏite first, and also of the Aramean” (Rom 2:9). Aramean, as apposed to “Greek” or “Gentile” who have no ancestral ties to Israel. Almost all our English translations of the Bible have the word “Greek” instead of “Aramean” here, which is again a twisting of Scripture. Shaul is extremely clear throughout his epistle to make proper distinction between these two, although the point of the message is clear that YHWH is no respecter of persons.  

“but esteem, respect, and peace to everyone working what is good, to the Yehuḏite first and also to the Aramean. For there is no partiality with Elohim” (Rom 2:10-11). Now do not think that a Greek or any other nationality cannot be saved because the verse reads “Aramean” instead of “Greek”, that is not what Shaul is teaching. Shaul is teaching that esteem, respect, and Shalom (peace) to everyone that obeys the Torah of YHWH, whether it be Jews or anyone else as Elohim accepts everyone who submits themselves to Him. If a person submits to YHWH, then he has to follow YHWH’s instruction which is His Torah (instruction in righteousness).

“For as many as sinned without Torah shall also perish without Torah, and as many as sinned in the Torah shall be judged by the Torah. For not the hearers of the Torah are righteous in the sight of Elohim, but the doers of Torah (the law) shall be declared right” (Rom 2:12-13)

So those who sin, not knowing the Torah, will perish without the Torah. In order to gain everlasting life, one needs to have the Torah and subject themselves to it. Also notice how those “under Torah” and those “doers of Torah” are put in opposition to one another; therefore, both cannot simultaneously be in error. This is clarified with the phrase “for the doers of Torah will be made righteous.” So, if Torah-doers are made righteous, it stands to reason Torah itself is NOT passing away! The fact that such deep pro-Torah statements are being sent to Gentiles in Rome speak volumes of how mainstream Christianity is perverting Shaul’s teachings. “Under Torah” means to look to its rituals as a form of magic; a power that needs no purity of intent to bring about blessing, but merely fixed repetition. Torah in itself provides no authority of magic. Rather, Torah has authority because it is YHWH’s instruction to man! So “under Torah” is a false teaching that has never been true according to the Tanakh: YHWH blesses man for Torah observance, which is obedience to His Commandments and obedience to Him. Notice in Matthew 15 how Yehoshua rebukes the Pharisees on this very issue, how they set aside YHWH’s Torah (instructions) in favor of their traditions.

“For when gentiles, who do not have the Torah, by nature do what is in the Torah, although not having the Torah, they are a Torah to themselves, who show the work of the Torah written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or even excusing” (Rom 2:14-15)

Shaul does not suggest that Gentiles are spontaneously Mastering Torah. Even common logic will prove this to be true. The point is that they should learn the written Torah without the distraction from Pharisaic or any other man-made traditions which are not rooted in the plain understanding of the Torah.

“in the day when Elohim shall judge the secrets of men through  יהושע (Yehoshua) Messiah, according to my Good News” (Rom 2:16). Here is a scary thought for many people, that in the end on the return of the Messiah, those that have sinned but have not been “caught out”, will be judged for all the sins that they committed in secret. YHWH knows your thoughts and even the intentions of your thoughts too. "According to my Good News" is that of the Messiah who also lifted up and magnified the Torah of His Father. So everyone will be judged according to the Torah of YHWH.

“See, you are called a Yehuḏite, and rest on the Torah, and make your boast in Elohim, and know the desire of Elohim, and approve what is superior, being instructed out of the Torah, and are trusting that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of foolish ones, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Torah” (Rom 2:17-20). Wow, Shaul makes it VERY clear in this piece that we are all to learn and conduct ourselves according to the Torah! It is very clear through out the entire Scriptures, and stated here again by Shaul, that in order to know the desire of the Almighty, then you must study the Torah. The Torah is a very beautiful Word, however, many false teachers try and claim that it is a curse and that all that subject themselves to it are under a curse.

Is that really what Shaul is teaching? Can that statement or idea be found anywhere in Scripture? Certainly not! The Torah is the Living Word of YHWH, it is the marriage contract between the bride and the bridegroom, it teaches us how to love the Almighty and also to love each other. One can only start reading the Torah and see for themselves that if the world was governed by the Torah (which it will be with the return of the Messiah), then there would not be any hunger or poverty or theft or murders or unrighteousness in any way.

“You, then, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who proclaim that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abominate idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the Torah, through the transgression of the Torah do you disrespect Elohim? For “The Name of Elohim is blasphemed among the gentiles because of you,” as it has been written” (Rom 2:21-24)

Now here Shaul is once again addressing the hypocrites, or is at least warning the readers to not be hypocrites. He shows us that if we claim to be followers of the Almighty and we have any influence on other people, even if it is by being observed by how we live our lives, then we are to live our lives totally according to the Torah of YHWH. If we do not do this, then we are guilty of blaspheming the Name of Elohim.

What Shaul is also saying here is one of the most important keys to deciphering all his letters (which is the majority of the Renewed Covenant). He is saying here that one has to practice what you preach. Now that is a very important statement! Let me explain why, it is taught by all of Christianity that Shaul taught that it is not any more necessary to follow the Torah, because of the death and resurrection of the Messiah. This false doctrine is never supported anywhere in Scripture nor anywhere in Shaul’s letters.

You see, if Shaul taught that we are to practice what we preach, then he himself would also have to practice what he taught, or else he would also be a hypocrite! So if it was not necessary to follow the Torah anymore, then why did Shaul subject himself to following the Torah till the day he died? He did not deviate one bit from the Torah, in fact, he went out of his way to keep the Torah even when he was in captivity.

“For circumcision indeed profits if you practice the Torah, but if you are a transgressor of the Torah, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So, if an uncircumcised one watches over the righteousness of the Torah, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned as circumcision? And the uncircumcised by nature, who perfects the Torah, shall judge you who notwithstanding letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the Torah! For he is not a Yehuḏite who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But a Yehuḏite is he who is so inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in Spirit, not literally, whose praise is not from men but from Elohim” (Rom 2:25-29)

Once again, here is a small piece of Shaul’s letter that is grossly mistranslated and many false doctrines are based on these few verses. The false teachers use this piece to teach that it is not necessary to be circumcised in the flesh. This of course is a totally false teaching.

Once again, we need a key to understanding what Shaul really meant here. Why do we need a key? Because Shaul wrote with a Hebrew mindset as he himself was a Hebrew and used Hebrew idioms. We, who are English speaking, are not Hebrews and do not read the Scriptures with a Hebrew mindset. In order to understand these Hebrew idioms we have to actually learn them and that is what the key is and not some magic formula that was “revealed in a divine way” to a single person, like many false teachers claim when they try and teach a new false doctrine to the people.

Now the key to this section is that of the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Shaul is not necessarily classifying the physical circumcision here, but is rather speaking of two different groups of people. Whenever he talks of the circumcision, he is referring to the Hebrews or Jews as that is how they were known, and the uncircumcision are the Gentiles or those that are not native to Israel.

Now with this point clear, you can read the section in the correct context. Those who are of the ‘circumcision’ who transgress the Torah, will become ‘uncircumcision’. If you do not use the key in this instance, you can try and imagine what people might believe, that those who are circumcised must be uncircumcised…. ? Who is going to have their foreskin sewn back on? OUCH!

No, what is being taught is that the Jews who transgress the Torah, will be cut off from YHWH’s people as stated in Romans 11.

Also, because a person could be physically circumcised and be a thief, liar, murderer, etc.

On the flip side, those who are of the uncircumcision (Gentiles), who keep the Torah of YHWH, will be reckoned as the circumcision (grafted into the good olive tree) again explained in Romans 11. You see, the true faith of YHWH and His Son the Messiah is to love Him and to watch over the righteousness of the Torah and to become righteous by doing the Torah of YHWH.

So are we to be circumcised in the flesh too? Well…. What does the Torah (the Living Word of YHWH) teach us on this subject? I am sure you can look it up for yourself!

So if you read Shaul’s letters in the correct context, it makes so much more sense and dismisses all the false teachings that stem from them. Shaul NEVER taught that it was not necessary to keep the Torah, but rather that it was absolutely necessary to keep the Torah of YHWH in order to inherit everlasting life.

Obeying The Faith

One teaching that is very dangerous that is being taught to millions of people by the Christian churches to deceive their faithful followers, is that the Torah does not apply to the Gentiles but rather only applies  to the Jews. The church teaches that Paul (Shaul) taught this doctrine. However, this is not the case, as we will see in the following verses.  

“Shaul, a servant of Yehoshua the Mashiyach, called and sent and separated to the Good News of Elohim” (Romans 1:1) Notice here that this is YHWH’s Good News about His Son. Let us read further, “(That) He (Elohim) had before promised, by His prophets, in the Set Apart Scriptures” (Romans 1:2). Now what are these ‘Set apart Scriptures’ that Shaul is speaking of? It certainly is NOT the ‘New Testament’ as it never existed during the time of the writing of his letters. Shaul quotes the Hebrew Tanakh (Old Testament) over 80 times in this letter to the Romans. Without understanding the original context of Torah (first 5 books of the Scriptures), Neviim (Prophets) and Ketuvim (writings) which he quoted from, it will be impossible to thoroughly comprehend his teachings. Shaul never heard the words “Old Testament” in his lifetime, nor would he ever permit such a dishonoring title to be given to the Word of YHWH which is Mashiyach preincarnate.

Let us carry on reading, “Concerning His Son who was born in the flesh, of the seed of the house of Dawid, and was made known as the Son of Elohim by power, and by the Ruach haKodesh (Set Apart Spirit), who arose from the dead, Yehoshua the Mashiyach, our Master, by whom we have received favor and a mission among all the Gentiles to the end that they may obey the faith in His Name. Among whom, you also are called by Yehoshua the Mashiyach” (Romans 1:3-6)

When Shaul says “the faith in His Name”, YHWH is being referenced here: “YHWH is salvation” which is also the Name of His Son (Yehoshua means ‘YHWH is salvation). This context is established in the next verse: “among whom, you also are called by Yehoshua the Mashiyach,” meaning that Yehoshua is not intended as the subject of this passage as it relates to Name.

What is also interesting here is that Shaul is teaching that the Gentiles are to obey the faith of YHWH, just as the Mashiyach did. Did YHWH change his mind about His Torah? Does He now allow, what was once evil and abominable in His eyes, to become acceptable to do? Does the Torah only apply to the Jews and another set of instructions to the Gentiles? What Shaul is teaching here is that the Torah is for the Jews and the Gentiles alike.

One thing that is very important to understand is that the Torah is NOT the Jewish law, but rather YHWH’s Law. Anyone who desires to follow the Almighty, just as His Son the Mashiyach did, needs to subject themselves to His Torah.

I will continue on this subject in my next post where I cover what Shaul was saying in Romans chapter 2. You will then notice that he carries on with the teaching that we are all to subject ourselves to the Torah of YHWH if we desire to inherit eternal life.

IT’S NOT ABOUT US

IT’S NOT ABOUT US

First of all serving the Almighty is not about us, it is not what we can gain from it or anything else, but it is all about the Almighty. We are nothing without Him and all deserve to die, and if we disobey Him and do thing our own way, then we WILL die

So who am I going to want to follow, the Almighty or mere mortal men?

Unfortunately Christianity has become a man based religion, preaching sweet words into the people’s ears. For what? So that the church can grow and make bigger financial profit.

 A good illustration of this is: everyone will agree that there is only ONE original scripture written (inspired), but there are so many different translations that differ considerably from each other.

Also people want to serve in there own way. That is why there are so many different church denominations that all call themselves Christian, but differ in there teachings.

Ever heard someone say that they go to a specific church because that church suites them the best (suites their lifestyle)? They don’t go to the other churches because they don’t like what they hear? Should we not change ourselves and our lifestyle to fall in line with what the Scriptures teach us?

Christianity has become all about me and how I can prosper and do the things that I want to do…etc    where is there space for the Almighty there????

"And do not call yourself Father, for your Father is one who is in heaven. And you should not be called leaders, because one is your leader, the Messiah" (Matthew 23:9-1)

The church obviously ignores this passage.

So, now we have to make the decision, am I going to follow man who calls himself a leader or the Almighty in heaven?

If you choose the Almighty and everlasting life, then read on. Otherwise you can close this page now.

 Lets look at some misconceptions:

First of all, there is no such thing as a ‘new testament’ or an ‘old testament’, that change has been added by a man.

Secondly, nothing of the ‘old testament’ has been done away with. Many Christians say that it has been done away with and we don’t have to obey it anymore, then they quote Matthew 5:17 and say that the law has been fulfilled, and that it means we don’t have to obey it anymore.

But what does fulfill mean?

Lets read that passage together:

Matthew 5:17 (KJV) Think not that I am come to destroy the law (oh, so the law has not been destroyed), or the prophets (the profits either): I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. (‘fulfill’ means to carry out or to bring to realization, to perform or do, as in a person’s duty.)

Wow… that definitely does not mean ‘done away with’ but actually means to do, to obey etc.

Lets read the next couple of verses too.

Mat 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Mat 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:20  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Even a 10 year old can see by reading the scripture, the words of the Messiah Himself, and not listening to the theologians (leaders), that the law has not fallen away.

In fact, the Messiah is the Torah in the flesh. John 1:1-2 tells us this.

The Messiah died without sin because he kept the whole Torah. He lived a life that we should imitate. So if the Messiah kept the Torah (and it is written, He is the same yesterday, today and forever) why then has it changed that we don’t have to follow the Torah any more?

If we can look at it now, we can see that the church is at error. One example is that the church does not keep the 10 commandments (not called the 10 suggestions, for a reason.)

For example… the 4^th commandment is:

"Remember the Sabbath day, to set it apart. 9. six days you labour, and do all your work, 10. but the seventh day is a Sabbath of ‘the Almighty’ your Elohim (Mighty One). You do not do any work - you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11. For in six days ‘the Almighty’ made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore ‘the Almighty’ blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart" (Exodus 20:8-11)

Does the church keep the Sabbath…. NO

They have changed the set apart day to the first day, or Sun-day. (Please tell me by who’s authority have they done this?)

This is just a simple example, there are so many (almost everything), that the church is in error with.

So, are you still going to want to follow the Almighty into everlasting life, even though by doing so is going to get you ridiculed and even thrown out? Or is it just easier to go with the flow and follow after the beast, into distruction?

The Father is very strict that we should obey Him. If we choose to follow Him, then we should do it the way He commanded us to, not how we think we should.

He gave us the Torah as instruction on how to follow him. In fact, 75% of the ‘new testament’ is quoting the Torah.

People have been struck dead immediately before by disobeying the Almighty.

One example of this is in 2 Sam 6:6-7

Should we be like the Jews and follow Torah?

Well, the Jews (although they are part of the Almighty’s nation) do follow Torah, but most of them also follow the Talmud, which is also know as ‘the oral law’ which is also a bunch of man made (Rabbi) rules that are not Scriptural. Most Jews also do not accept the Messiah.

We should not be like any people but follow the Scripture and the true original scripture alone.

That does mean that we are going to have to learn more about the Hebrew culture and possibly even learn the Hebrew language to a certain degree too. As the scripture was written in the Hebrew language by Hebrews to Hebrews. There are many things in the Hebrew Scriptures that cannot be found in the English bibles.

And yes… we are called to obey the whole Torah as it is written!!

Unless you can show me where it says that we don’t have to anymore.

There is so much more that can be written, and I am not a very good typist.

If you have any questions, email me and I will try get back to you.

I am not claiming that I have all the answers, but will look and see if I can find what the scripture says. As you should not listen to me or anyone else but the Scriptures.

Please also if you find error with what is written here, please let me know at djb206@gmail.com

Kind regards.