These Signs Shall Surely Follow
By
Gary Primo
Mark 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 - He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
17 - And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name (Yahuwah or Yahushua) shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 - They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover
Do these signs follow us? If not, why not? Have you ever asked yourself about these signs? Did you ever ask a minister in the past? What was his answer? What is the truth? These are the questions I will try to answer in this study.
Incredible signs followed the Apostles wherever they went during the 1st century. We have all read about them, I am sure. However, since their demise, there is not much information concerning the true flock which carried on the work. Part of the reason may be because the true faith was usurped by the formation of the Christian religion; Constantine’s version of a state sponsored one world religion, for what he considered his one world government. As I have written repeatedly, Constantine DID NOT convert to Christianity. He created it, via a careful and quite ingenious blending of the true faith with his own religion of preference, Mithraism. Would we expect these signs to follow a religion that worships Emperor Constantine as their god in place of Yahuwah? I wouldn’t!
At the beginning of my spiritual walk, I was with the Worldwide Church of God for 10 years. At the time I thought that the WCG was the closest to the real thing as I could find. However, after 10 years my faith in that church began to fall apart as the new leadership took over from H.W.A. Notice, I did not say my faith in Yahuwah faltered; in fact, if anything, it only became stronger. It was only my faith in that church that fell apart. Since that time I have been rather obsessed with researching and uncovering all truth. One might think that an easy task, but it is not. Like you I have had an enormous amount of brainwashing by prior religious bodies that I was affiliated with to weed out and trash. Even so, if it were not for Yahuwah occasionally intervening and whispering in my ear as I was studying His WORD it would still be difficult for me to understand. I certainly did not come to my present understanding because I am any kind of genius. In fact, in many ways, I am a very stupid man. Without Yahuwah’s interjection, I would still be ignorant in the ways of the spirit.
However, it does not take a genius to figure out that something very significant took place between 1st century Believers and today’s Christian faith. There have always been True Believers; however, they were so persecuted, that they had to remain virtually hiding for fear of their lives throughout the centuries that have passed. We may like to think that we have religious freedom now, in this day, but we don’t, at least on a global scale. My heart truly goes out to those calling themselves Christians in some Muslim and atheistic nations where they are heavily persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and killed by them.
I am always writing about the coming one world religion that the New World Order has in mind for us. It will be a blending of all the earth’s religions into one. Just as in Constantine’s day when he demanded that all of his subjects follow the new Roman religion, Christianity, the coming antichrist will demand that all global citizens follow his religion. And just as in Constantine’s day, all who do not will die. In this regard, worldly religions exist only to cement the political ambitions of the Emperor.
And, we had better be busy preparing ourselves for what is coming, or we will fall apart and fail in our task of becoming like the Most High. War is coming folks, and being the soldiers of Yahuwah, we must be the winners of that war – at least on a personal/spiritual level. We must keep in mind that physical death is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a new and very exciting journey for those who overcome this world. We will not do that by sitting on our spiritual butts. We must prepare ourselves. It will not be a simple walk in the park. We are going to be tested and tried just as the Christians in the Mid-Eastern countries and China today; just as the true Believers of the past.
I was truly amazed, while following the news, at the amount of time it takes to prepare for war. It will be as long as 6 years before some of these super weapons we have been hearing about, will be fully functional and in adequate supply. President Trump is racing against time to launch his (Regan’s) Star Wars program. The American people should be supporting this program as well. The only hitch would be if the “enemy” shot down anything they attempt to launch. If I were them, I certainly would.
What I am getting at here is that we may feel we have plenty of time left, and that it may not even happen in our lifetimes. But, what if it does? What if we wake up tomorrow to a completely totalitarian one world government and that we must report to some agency to be counted (as cattle) and declare our religious affiliation. Oh, and let’s not forget our tattoos – 666. Are we both physically and spiritually prepared today if this were to happen tomorrow?
Just a few weeks ago, one of the states in the US passed a law declaring that all its citizens must be chipped. Oh, and by the way, we can also expect that Bibles will be banned as they already have been in California. More states will soon follow like dominos. This will not merely going to be a war on Christianity, but any that oppose one world religion. I don’t know if I believe all the alt news chatter about a second civil war coming in the US, but I certainly will not be surprised.
Sorry for rambling on. Let’s get back on topic. Let us now dissect this passage.
Mark 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Have we done that today? Do we preach to non-believers or only to fellow Believers? How many people have converted to HaMashiyack because of our preaching – in the last week, years, ever? How is it that thousands were converted in a single day by the Apostles? Are you getting the picture? What is it that we are missing?
16 - He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
I would have thought that the two automatically went together but here it sounds like there is a distinction being made here. Can anyone believe without being baptized; or be baptized although unbelieving? My mind just can’t picture it. But when I think about how many I have known who fell away from the faith altogether, I can’t help but wonder just how great their belief was in the first place. What does belief in Yahushua even mean? For good Sunday-going church people it seems to mean putting in your one day a week and then back to life as normal - lying, stealing, fornicating, profaning Elohim’s name, etc., etc. They are quite different from the 1st century converts who gave up everything to follow after Yahushua. For these Believers, belief meant just that; they believed every word that Yahushua spoke and so should we. For them, belief included walking in the exact footsteps of the Messiah.
17 - And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name (Yahuwah or Yahushua) shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 - They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover
The signs were established as a signature from Yahuwah. They identify who is behind the sign and verify that the one performing the sign is a true representative of Yahuwah. But wait! What about all the Christian ministries that use healing as their method of garnering converts and cash? My former church, no matter how much I disagree with them now, did perform healings. I know they were genuine because I was one of the ones healed (from a work related back injury). The funny thing was that when I asked for the laying on of hands, I was told to wait until the following week (for some reason). I was starting a new job on the following Monday and did not know if my back would stand up to it. However, on the morning I was to start this job, my back pain was gone and I was able to work without any problem. That was before receiving the laying on of hands, so I can only conclude that it was my faith and belief that healed me.
Of course, there were others in that church who received genuine healings as well. At the time, we were yet praying to, worshipping and following the dictates of Roman gods (the LORD, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, etc.). So, who was it that healed us – Yahuwah or HaSatan? I also witnessed some for whom healing efforts did not work. It made me question what the deciding factor was – as in whom Yahuwah chose to heal or not? The only answer I could come up with (and I do not know if it is correct) is that it had something to do with the hearts of the individuals. Were those who did not receive healing trying to hide something from Yahuwah? We do know that Yahuwah can see things in our hearts that we cannot. People tend to put on a pretty good act outwardly (even to the point of self-deception), but their true nature is completely visible to Yahuwah alone.
Whatever the answer, we do not see all of the signs mentioned above that the 1st century church witnessed in great abundance. Let’s examine these signs individually:
Casting out Devils
Do we even know what a demon possessed person looks like? We certainly do! We used to see one every time we looked in the mirror. That was our spiritual condition before Yahuwah called us out from this world.
I do not believe that there is truly much of this sign (casting out demons) happening today. Some Christian Churches today pretend to demonstrate this sign (as with the RCC and exorcisms) but as far as I am concerned it is a lot of bologna. What did Yahushua have to say about the accusations of his being possessed by a devil?
Matt. 12:22 - Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw.
I do not know how it was determined that this man was possessed by a devil and not simply genetically crippled. Is everyone that is either blind or deaf or both possessed by a devil? I have trouble believing that. But then, it is HaSatan who is directly responsible for the diseases plaguing mankind. Prior to his deceiving Eve, disease and death did not exist. And, the entire earth is “possessed by a demon” from birth. It is called human nature; and we utilize every trick in the book to defend that nature.
Matt. 12:24 - But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, this fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
25 - And Yahushua knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
This is the way of the world right now. This is why we have an expiration date of 6,000 years. All of the worldly religions are of HaSatan. He pits them against one another to keep us in a constant state of confusion. It cannot and will not stand! By its own very nature, it will implode automatically.
Yahushua was not saying that Satan did not have the power to do so if he willed but why would he? It is his greatest desire to possess all men. Is Satan even capable of healing? We do know from the Book of Revelation that the coming Antichrist will be working great miracles.
2 Thes. 2:9 - Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 - And for this cause Elohim shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
The answer is, “Yes”. HaSatan is capable of performing great miracles. However, such miracles are intended to deceive and lead one away from Yahuwah, not towards Him. The miracles of HaSatan are genuine enough to serve their purpose. And, he has done his job well. The world definitely prefers the lie to any truth.
And how do we discern a true miracle from one of Satan’s deceptions? It all has to do with what comes out of the mouth of the individual. Do his words match Yahushua’s or go against his teachings? This is what we will be looking for if we live to see the end-time Antichrist.
26 - And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
27 - And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.
Satan is so blinded by his own deceptions that he cannot foresee his own destruction. He is totally concentrated of the destruction of mankind. He actually believes the lie he told mankind, that he is already elohim.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-demons/
Yes, we were once all demon possessed before Yahuwah called us. With Yahuwah’s help we managed to overcome the demons within ourselves and allow the righteous nature of Yahuwah to possess us.
1 Tim. 4:1 - Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 - Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 - Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which Elohim has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
I am sure that we have all known such individuals during our spiritual journey. And, there seems to be no shortage of strange doctrines out there. I believe the reason to be for the purpose of self-glorification, not to glorify Yahuwah at all (I know something you don’t know attitude).
Those who have left the faith have allowed themselves to be seduced by lying spirits and doctrines of devils. And, of course, they construct as their excuse all sorts of twisted arguments that make sense only to that individual.
What did Paul mean by the “latter times”? The apostles all thought they would see Yahushua’s return during their life-times, as have all Believers. So I would naturally think that Paul was not speaking of our time, but his. And, indeed, there were such detractors from the faith in the assembly during Paul’s day. Some were purposely planted there by the leaders of the Mithraite religion which was their chief pagan rival.
Notice what two acts are noted as being doctrines of devils – forbidding to marry and abstaining from meat. What two religions come immediately to mind? The RCC and Jehovah Witnesses. However, in all fairness, all manmade religions teach as their core doctrines the doctrines of devils.
2 Cor. 2:10 - To whom you forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of HaMashiyack;
11 - Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
HaSatan possesses an extremely large and impressive bag of tricks. Through our constant searching and proving all things we have learned much about his devices. However, I am convinced that we do not yet know all of them. This is why searching and proving all things is so imperative to our learning.
Our biggest challenge will be when the final (end-time) Antichrist comes on the scene with all his lying wonders. I am sure that some will be so impressed by him that they will leave the faith to follow after HaSatan. And, significantly more will leave because of the persecution. Of course it is sad to lose any member of our community whom we have known and loved for so long, but that is the way of the world and of Human beings.
2 Cor. 4:4 - In whom the elohim of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of HaMashiyack, who is the image of Elohim, should shine unto them.
The elohim of this age is HaSatan. He has so deceived the non-believers that they are totally blinded to any spiritual truth. However, this did not come about by Satan’s power alone. Because these individuals preferred the lie to the truth, Yahuwah also sent them strong delusion so that they would not ever believe. Yahuwah simply does not want such in His Kingdom.
James 2:19 - You believe that there is one Elohim; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 - But do you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
That is right! The demons do believe that there is one elohim, as they once dwelt with Him. Yet, they try to convince us that either there is no Elohim or that we are already elohim and have no need of salvation or that HaSatan is Elohim.
There is only one Elohim – who is responsible for all that exists. He created the seed of all life – Yahushua, the Son. In Him was the blueprint for all life. It was the Son who directly created all things. And, of course, the purpose of all life is to create more seeds. The seeds that HaSatan plants are corruptible and cannot survive in the end, regardless of how successful they might seem right now. Like any plant that has been corrupted, it is genetically inclined to wipe itself out after several generations. And so the worldly population of this planet is genetically inclined to eventually exterminate itself. It has been cut off from its source of nourishment – which is the word of Yahuwah. .
Matt. 8:31 - So the devils besought him, saying, If you cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
A heard of pigs was definitely the appropriate place to send these demonic spirits, and they knew it. After doing so, the herd of pigs ran headlong over a cliff and killed themselves. This was to symbolize the coming destruction of the demons themselves.
Matt. 12:45 - Then goes he, and taketh more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Of course, misery loves company. The demons (once angels) know quite well what the plan of Yahuwah is and always has been. They know is what is prophesied concerning their eventual demise. Yet, they feel that by destroying man’s chance of seeing the glory of Yahuwah, they will, at least, not go down alone and that they will have completed their purpose even if that guarantees their own destruction as well. They are just that determined to destroy mankind. And, of course, mankind is so deceived they do not know what end is up anyway.
If Matthew thought his generation was “wicked”, I wonder what he would think of ours – e.g. abortions, homosexuality, lawlessness. The entire global estate is no better than Sodom and Gomorrah.
Luke 8:27 - And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and wore no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
28 - When he saw Yahushua, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with you, Yahushua, you Son of Elohim most high? I beseech you, torment me not.
29 - (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he broke the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
30 - And Yahushua asked him, saying, What is your name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
31 - And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
32 - And there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
33 - Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
In verse 27 the insanity of this individual drove him to run around naked and live in tombs. That is certainly not normal behaviour. The spokesman of the demons implored of Yahushua not to let them die, but to cast them out into a heard of pigs. Yahushua complied with his request and then caused the swine to run off the cliff into the deep (ocean).
Notice also in verse 28 that the demon knew exactly who Yahushua was – the Son of Elohim. Yet, they have tried their best to convince mankind that he was not. Thus today we have to endure some teaching that Yahushua was merely a man or a prophet. He was both, but He was also the Son of Elohim through whom everything exists.
In verse 30 we have confirmation that it is possible to be possessed by more than one demon. This man was possessed by many demons. Perhaps that is the reason for his stranger than most possession cases. How is it that he became so? What is it that enables the demons to possess someone and not others? Was it because of his spiritual condition or lack thereof? It is difficult to ascertain when we do not know all the facts concerning this man.
Rev. 20:10 - And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.
In other places it talks about the destruction of HaSatan and his being turned into ashes. I seriously doubt that Yahuwah will allow HaSatan to live on forever and ever. Life is the reward, death is the punishment.
1 Cor. 1:20 - Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Has not Elohim made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 - For after that in the wisdom of Elohim the world by wisdom knew not Elohim, it pleased Elohim by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
I am so glad that Yahuwah made me foolish – else I may never have been called. Wisdom most often leads to self-worship. Such individuals attempt to glorify themselves rather than Yahuwah. Yahuwah looks for the lowly, humble, contrite and poor of spirit. I used to think of myself as wise while I did not believe in anything; however, since reading the Scriptures I found out how truly foolish I was. Humbling one’s self before Yahuwah is the first step towards salvation and escaping the deceptions of HaSatan.
Ps. 106:34 - They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom Yahuwah commanded them:
This is speaking of the Israelite invasion of Canaan. They were ordered to wipe out all of the Canaanites but disobeyed Yahuwah. That choice haunts the Jews to this very day. Yahuwah wanted to end their bloodline and destroy their seed right then and there, but the children of Israel mingled with them instead and learned and committed all of the following abominations in the names of the Canaanite gods. Think about what is happening in the Christian nations today when you are reading it.
Psalm 106:35 - But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
36 - And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
37 - Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
38 - And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
Does this not remind you of the nations today? Our Western nations that open wide the doors to immigrants and refugees; and this practice has become a huge problem. This did not become a problem until they started letting Muslims in. Now before anyone goes off thinking I am a racist, let me assure you that I am anything but. I even have an inter-racial extended family. And, I am always striking up conversations with total strangers because I find that I always learn something new from them. Other reasons include not being able to know an angel if I saw one as a human and the fact that we only hear one side of the news. I like to check out the online news of different nations to get a more globally inclusive point of view. They mostly all have English versions.
This site has a list of U.S. presidents who have met with the Pope shortly following inauguration. Some met with him multiple times.
So, what is the big deal about an American president meeting with the Pope? It is that they kneeled before him honouring him as the god of this earth and pledging allegiance to him. So far, Donald Trump has not met with the Pope and I don’t think he will. In fact I am surprised that Ronald Regan and Jimmy Carter did. I had always thought of them as staunch Protestants. This is the reason for all the animosity between them right now. It also demonstrates who really rules the planet – the RCC.
There are two Buddhist Temples within about 50 miles from me. I was totally shocked when I first saw them. And their Mosques are popping up all over the place. What next, statues of bulls? And, if you check out their history you will find that there are now 26 Muslim-dominated states (pop. 1.8 bn) in the world. Perhaps more – I do not know the date of the information.
And the Christian Churches are no better. They have their pagan styled temples and their crosses (symbol of Tammuz worship). Some are condoning abortions and homosexuality now. Next it will be pedophilia and child termination up to 3 years of age. The depravity of our Western nations knows no bounds. How much longer is Yahuwah going to extend His patience? Not much, I’d wager. The flood gates have been completely opened and all manner of sin is pouring out.
These abominations not only infect the people but the land also is cursed and needs to be destroyed.
39 - Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
40 - Therefore was the wrath of Yahuwah kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/psalms-76-150/psalms-106.html
40-43. Those nations first seduced and then oppressed them (compare Judges 1:34 , 2:14 , 3:30 ). Their apostasies ungratefully repaid God's many mercies till He finally abandoned them to punishment ( Leviticus 26:39 ).
They were defiled by their works. Then why do the lying Christian ministers tell their parishioners that works has been done away with – that their “Jesus” did it all for them. All we need, according to these lying ministers, is faith.
I am not sure who the phrase “he abhorred his own inheritance” is referring to. Israel certainly showed no regard for all that Yahuwah had done for them. All they showed Yahuwah was indifference, disrespect and hatred. And, one might say that Israel was Yahushua’s inheritance, so it could be talking about Him.
Eph. 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in Yahuwah, and in the power of his might.
11 - Put on the whole armour of Elohim, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 - Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of Elohim that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
So, what is the amour of Elohim?
Eph. 614 - Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 - And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 - Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim:
These are the things we should be totally focused on and striving to strengthen. We are in training for war, folks. Who would go into a battle with no armour? Well, David did when he fought Goliath, but that is an exceptional case. I am sure he had all of his spiritual armour in place and that sufficed him. When we have all of these spiritual pieces of armour in place, our battle against the god of this age will be much more fruitful.
Isa. 14:12 - How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!
13 - For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Elohim: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 - I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.
15 - Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Satan’s deception definitely weakened the nations. Since the first man, all nations have been under the influence of HaSatan and have worshipped him as their god. Only Israel was free of Satan for a time, but eventually slipped back into captivity to him.
Satan does have a throne. He is the god of this world. He was elevated to this lofty position by mankind. He was the most perfect being in the angelic realm before his rebellion.
The following website explains verse 13 better than I could.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/isaiah/isaiah-14.html
13. above . . . God--In Daniel 8:10 , "stars" express earthly potentates. "The stars" are often also used to express heavenly principalities ( Job 38:7 ).
mount of the congregation--the place of solemn meeting between God and His people in the temple at Jerusalem. In Daniel 11:37 , and 2 Thessalonians 2:4 , this is attributed to Antichrist.
sides of the north--namely, the sides of Mount Moriah on which the temple was built; north of Mount Zion ( Psalms 48:2 ). However, the parallelism supports the notion that the Babylonian king expresses himself according to his own, and not Jewish opinions (so in Isaiah 10:10 ) thus "mount of the congregation" will mean the northern mountain (perhaps in Armenia) fabled by the Babylonians to be the common meeting-place of their gods. "Both sides" imply the angle in which the sides meet; and so the expression comes to mean "the extreme parts of the north." So the Hindus place the Meru, the dwelling-place of their gods, in the north, in the Himalayan mountains. So the Greeks, in the northern Olympus. The Persian followers of Zoroaster put the Ai-bordsch in the Caucasus north of them. The allusion to the stars harmonizes with this; namely, that those near the North Pole, the region of the aurora borealis (compare Job 37:22 ) [MAURER, Septuagint, Syriac].
Verse 14 describes the end game that HaSatan is contemplating. It demonstrates how totally delusional HaSatan really is and how deranged mankind is for following such an individual. HaSatan already believes that he is “like the Most High” and has deceived mankind into believing that he is the Most High. Telling a lie often enough does not change it to truth.
I often wonder if HaSatan rebelled more than once. The reason I wonder about this lies in the lifeless state of all the other planets in the universe. From everything I have studied, Yahuwah is the creator of life, not death. So, was the universe created this way or did something happen to cause it to be in this state?
Acts 19:13 - Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of Yahushua, saying, We adjure you by Yahushua whom Paul preaches.
14 - And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
15 - And the evil spirit answered and said, Yahushua I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?
16 - And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17 - And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of Yahushua was magnified.
As in every society, there exists both good and evil. Even the Jews had those among them that practiced all forms of witchcraft. These sorcerers thought that by usurping and invoking the name of the Messiah they would gain control of a new mystical power. However, it backfired on them; proving that it is not the name that saves you but your actions after knowing the name. So, I would have to assume that successful healings performed by Christian ministers only work because of the righteousness of the recipient. The evil spirit in this case turned on his exorcists and assaulted them, showing that they had no power over him.
2 Pet. 2:4 - For if Elohim spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 - And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 - And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 - And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 - (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 - Yahuwah knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished:
10 - But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Righteousness is the state we wish to achieve. We become righteous by writing the laws of Yahuwah in our minds and on our hearts until they become firmly instilled in our nature. Simply calling on Yahushua’s name without actively seeking the righteousness of Yahushua will gain us NOTHING. Yahuwah is very, very patient but only for so long. We must not test His patience but be actively doing all in our power to emulate the example given us by Yahushua.
I believe the references to government and dignitaries are referring to the church government, not the political one. The government (council) was located in Jerusalem and was officiated over by James, the brother of Yahushua. The dignitaries were the apostles. Even at that time there were those amongst the congregation of Believers who were hostile against the church authority and wished to seek glory for themselves. These were agents of HaSatan attempting to sow discord amongst the assembly.
Mark 1:21 - And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
22 - And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
23 - And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
24 - Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with you, you Yahushua of Nazareth? Are you come to destroy us? I know you who you are, the Holy One of Elohim.
25 - And Yahushua rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
26 - And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
27 - And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commanded he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
One can only expect the previously mentioned signs if he is actively obedient to every word of Yahuwah. Keeping the Sabbath is one of those commands. In fact, it is the very first law given to man – to all of mankind, not just the Jews. If one cannot keep this one simple command, how can they expect themselves to keep any other commandments?
When Israel separated from Judah, they began keeping the eighth day (Sunday) as their weekly holy day. The annual holy days were the next to go. Centuries later, Christians abandoned the weekly and annual Sabbaths to comply with Constantine’s directive (324bc) that no Roman citizen was to keep the customs and traditions of the Jews. This was nothing more than a repeat of what happened in Ancient Israel. And, also, it shows that Christianity is no better than the religion practiced by Northern Israel.
The Jewish authorities may not have recognized who Yahushua was, but the demons sure did. They not only knew him but obeyed Him too. When one knows the truth and disobeys regardless they are really asking for trouble.
The Jews were really impressed that even the demons were obedient to Yahushua. At first they ascribed it to the workings of Beelzebub, but Yahushua corrected them saying that if Satan were capable of acting against himself his kingdom would be divided.
Matt. 7:14 - Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 - You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 - Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
18 - A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 - Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 - Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.
The statement in verse 14 should scare the daylights out of us – “few there be that find it” referring to the narrow path that leads to the Kingdom. In fact it is very depressing. Following the laws of Yahuwah does leave us on an extremely narrow path. And, HaSatan never quits throwing obstacles in our path. We are as separate from the world as East is from West. The world hates us and think we are crazy. In the end Yahuwah will show them who the crazies really are.
The false prophets were coming out in droves against the new assembly. They were trying to win back the members who were formerly of their religious persuasion (pagan). They spoke evil against the Apostles and once they gained a seat of authority over a group of converts, even refused to allow the Apostles to come to that group to speak to them. Therefore, the Apostles had to send letters to those people. It was the only way they could communicate. We too should be aware of such as their only motive is to gain power over you and inflate their ego.
Verse 20 is so very, very true. These deceivers talk a really good talk, but it is by their actions (fruit) that we can really know them. A good example of this was the last two Passovers I attended while in the WCG (when it was still under H.W.A). The hosts of both events were men I had talked to often at Sabbath services and thought were dedicated to the Way. However, their spiritual condition (or lack thereof) became readily apparent when they began spouting their true (political) agenda while sitting down to the Passover meal. The first decided it was the perfect time to sound off about his feeling towards the church leadership. The second, began badmouthing his neighbour (who was also a member of the church) but was attending the Passover elsewhere. The people they were badmouthing may have been week in the faith; however, I feel it is our responsibility to aid such individuals, not judge them. In both cases, I want so bad to get up and leave, but did not want to appear rude. So, I held my peace and felt great relief when it came time to leave.
Rev. 9:1 - And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
2 - And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
3 - And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 - And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5 - And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he strikes a man.
6 - And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
7 - And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
I feel that the best interpretation of these scorpions is that they symbolize war helicopters. Naturally, in those days, the sight of a helicopter would have been very confusing, so the description of a scorpion seems very fitting. If we could bring such an individual from the past to the present, he would probably die in fear at the sight of our modern military weaponry.
The description in verse 4 causes me to think about new advanced weapons that do exactly that (i.e. the neutron bomb). This will save the war mongers the expense of rebuilding the nations that would have been otherwise destroyed (like Syria today). One needs to believe that our adversary is the master of war and death.
http://www.ukapologetics.net/tongues2.htm
The teaching that frequent spectacular miracles marked the 'signs of an apostle' (an apostle being a direct witness to Jesus' earthly ministry), has good biblical authority. Look up; Acts 5: 12-16, Acts 14: 3, Acts 15:12, Acts 19: 11, 2 Corinthians 12: 12 and Hebrews 2: 3-4.
Matt. 5:12 - Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 - You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 - You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 - Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Our reward in heaven is the banner we should all have before us. This is the ball we must keep our eyes on. If we lose sight of this reward, all else may fall apart when our hour of temptation comes.
Yahuwah considers us the salt of the earth. If we lose that flavoring, we almost inevitably lose out on salvation. We are to be lights, reflecting the glorious light of the Father. We are not to hide that light under a bushel, but project it openly before everyone; for we do not know who Yahuwah is calling, nor who will be converted that witness that light. The miracles that followed the apostles helped to make that light shine all the brighter and was seen as positive proof that it was truly Yahuwah that was behind it.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in Yahuwah, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 15:12 - Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders Elohim had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Acts 19:11 - And Elohim wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul.
Prior to the time of Yahushua and the apostles, there is one thing that the pagan religions had that the Jew did not, which was a messiah (son of elohim). In fact, they had 15 “saviours”. A sixteenth was added later in the person of Iesous/Jesus. This verifies that HaSatan knew of Yahuwah’s plan to send His Son as the saviour and decided to beat Him to the punch. So naturally the pagan religions thought themselves above the Jews because their Messiah had not yet come. When Yahushua did come, He put two great differences between Himself and the pagan messiahs. The Jewish Messiah actually had witnesses (thousands of them) and theirs rose from the dead (with many witnesses again) and the pagan ones did not. History records that these pagan messiahs also performed miracles, but so then did the magicians of Egypt. The one thing that none could duplicate was resurrection from the dead or even raising anyone else from the dead. This particular miracle was never witnessed on Earth before. And when Yahushua’s spirit left Him, the graves of many were opened and those who were resurrected lived and walked among the population for years afterword as witnesses to the power of Yahuwah and the authority of Yahushua.
So, it would seem that the prime purpose of the miracles was to prove that Yahuwah was endorsing the one performing the miracles. HaSatan did the same with his saviours, but without the power to raise someone from the grave HaSatan’s messiahs paled in comparison to the real Messiah. And so, the pagan Elite decided to make the Jewish Messiah their own by adopting him as their messiah but changed His name and doctrines to match their former pagan ones. Far be it for the pagans to admit that the Jews had a one up on them. And, of course, this opened the door to the new counterfeit religion of Christianity. Naturally, Emperor Constantine and the Jewish scribes he employed to help him played a huge part in this transition.
2 Cor. 12:12 - Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
We may not be eye witnesses to the life of Yahushua, but should we not all be considered apostles if following in the footsteps of the Messiah? Were there not others preaching the gospel and having their preaching verified by great miracles?
Heb 2: 3 - How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by Yahushua, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4 - Elohim also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Where are these signs today? Why are they not following our preaching? Could it be that we are the Laodiceans – luke warm in regard to Yahuwah? We really need to get our ducks in a row if we ever wish to see the Kingdom. It is not for the lazy and slothful. It is for those who are totally enthusiastic in following our Elohim and doing His work – searching and proving all things like the noble Bereans. .
Jn. 14:12 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 - And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 - If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Well, there you have it. Yes, if one truly believes in Yahushua and follows in His footsteps and is faithful in declaring His gospel, that person should be accompanied by these good works, even if not considered an Apostle. So again I ask, “Why are these miracles not following us?” We might have all faith in Yahuwah but how much faith do we have that His spirit is dwelling and working in us? How much faith do we have that Yahuwah has indeed empowered us with His power (the set-apart spirit) to perform these deeds? I believe that this is where the problem lies.
2 Thes. 2:9 - Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 - And for this cause Elohim shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 - That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Yes, the end-time Antichrist is coming, and he will be performing miraculous works. But his works will be negated by the blasphemous words that proceed from his mouth. That is where the true believer has the advantage. In searching and proving all things, they will immediately know the difference between the Antichrist and the true Messiah. He will promote his lies to an audience that already bares a hatred for the truth. Therefore they will easily be deceived. Let it not be so amongst us.
Acts 4:29 - And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word,
30 - By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child Yahushua.
31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Yahuwah’s Spirit, and they spoke the word of Elohim with boldness.
32 - And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 - And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Master Yahushua: and great grace was upon them all.
Another thing these signs gave to the Apostles was confidence to speak boldly. Who could deny someone who was working such mighty works? Being filled with Yahuwah’s spirit also emboldened them to speak the words of Yahuwah.
I have never heard nor read about anyone else receiving Yahuwah’s spirit in the same way that the apostles did. But that does not necessarily mean that some did not. A lot of the history of the true Believers has been either hidden away or destroyed. There are numerous letters written in the post apostolic age that were from the supposed “church fathers” but none of the ones I have read make any mention of miracles following these individuals. Can we assume therefore that these supposed “church father” were not really True Believers, but rather, part of the grand conspiracy to counterfeit the true faith? Were they among the pagan infiltrators (of which there were many) whose aim it was to destroy the true assembly by creating their own clever counterfeit? We know for a fact that there were these infiltrators while the Apostles yet lived. How many more were there following the demise of the Apostles? Was this all a build up for the introduction of that counterfeit? I would assume yes.
One of the things we learn from being avid students of the word is that along with the workings of Yahuwah, we also learn the workings of HaSatan and how to recognize and avoid them. The Christian religion then becomes elevated to the greatest deception of HaSatan the world has ever known. If you are reading this and still belong to one or another of the worldly Christian churches, I challenge you to examine and compare the doctrines of customs of that church and prove to yourself whether they can be confirmed by the words of Yahushua. If not you have a very important decision to make – continue following the counterfeit and lose out on salvation or leave that church and search out the body of True Believers.
Matthew 24:24 - For there shall arise false messiahs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Yes, HaSatan is a very powerful spirit being possessing the power of being able to perform great miracles. His miracles; however, are designed to deceive more than anything else. Yet, only Yahuwah has the power over life and death. Only Yahuwah has the power to resurrect the dead. Only Yahuwah has the power to grant eternal life. The great majority of global citizens are (of course) going to fall head over heels for the Antichrist because of these miracles. This is why Yahushua warned us about looking to such miracles as proof of authenticity.
Matt. 12:38 - Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.
39 - But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
There is so much deception in the world that I cannot blame anyone for seeking a sign as verification of truth. Today we have illusionists that appear very genuine and quite amazing – like Chris Angel and David Copperfield. We would all like to know how they do some of these stunts, but, of course, a magician never reveals his secrets. The coming Antichrist is going to be quite the illusionist too. But there is one trick that only two beings in existence can perform. That trick is resurrection from the dead. Yahuwah, and now Yahushua also, are the only ones who possess power over death and the ability to raise anyone from the dead. HaSatan does not possess this power.
John 6:26 - Yahushua answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Was Yahushua accusing these people of merely coming out to be physically fed? Can you imagine anyone coming out to see the Son of Elohim just to get a free meal? These people didn’t even care about the signs he performed. I guess an empty stomach has no conscience. How disappointed Yahushua must have been when he witnessed their attitude.
Luke 23:8 - When Herod saw Yahushua, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
Herod, also, did not come out to see the Son of Elohim, but simply thought of him as a sorcerer and sought to be entertained. This was not the Herod who tried to kill Yahushua as an infant but his successor. I often wonder what the attitude is of the people to flock to see certain TV evangelists who put on an excellent illusion of performing miracles in the name of their god – who is ultimately HaSatan (the Adversary). Any impostor worth his salt must look as much like the real thing as possible to be believed.
I read once about a well known Russian mentalist (his name escapes me) who first learned of his talent while a young boy who had snuck onto a train, and when the conductor came along checking the tickets, the boy tore a piece of paper to the size of the ticket and focused on the conductor believing the piece of paper was genuine, and he did. After that the boy started developing his talent until by adulthood, he was performing all over Europe. Another stunt he was well known for was making everyone think he was a top general and he walked right past all the guards and into the office of the general who had challenged him to perform this stunt. When this other general looked up, he imagined he was seeing this other general, saluted him and turn his attention back to his desk. The impostor cleared his throat and when the general looked up again, he saw who it really was and couldn’t believe his eyes.
There is so much about the power of the mind that we simply do not know. Some day we will know but in a good way not a deceptive one.
John 20: 29 - Yahushua said unto him, Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
This is talking about us, folks. None of us ever saw the miracles of Yahushua, except for the miracle of our conversion. I believe that the average person likely fears having everything about them out in the open. It is scary knowing that Yahuwah knows every little detail of everything we have ever said and done. We may want to try to hide from him – as Jonah did. The sooner we realize that there is no place to run and hide the closer to salvation and to Yahuwah we will be. Try to picture Him kneeling beside you during prayers, walking beside you down the street, sitting at the dinner table with you and basically beside you at every moment of your life. Isn’t His spirit dwelling inside of us doing exactly that?
30 - And many other signs truly did Yahushua in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
Wouldn’t it be nice to know what these signs were?
The phrase “the signs of an apostle” is interesting. Was Paul suggesting that the signs they performed were unique to only an apostle? I do not think so.
My own experience with miracles began soon after I joined the WCG. Two years before, I had torn the ligaments in my lower back and had been in tremendous pain ever since. When I found out about the laying on of hands and healing done by that church, I asked the minister about having it done for my back problems. For some reason, the minister said he would do it the following week. Well, I was somewhat disappointed that he decided to wait because I was scheduled to start a job that Monday and didn’t know if my back would stand up to it. So, I did a lot of praying on my own. Come Monday morning, the pain was gone; and I was able to work without any problems.
Another time I was heading down to the city for a custody hearing regarding my two oldest daughters. It was freezing rain that morning and the road were extremely dangerous. Traffic on all the major highways was crawling at a snail’s pace. So, I decided to take a side road. I came over this one hill to find all the traffic at the bottom barely moving. I tried desperately to slow down and stop but kept sliding. Not wanting to hit the car in front of me, I tried to steer towards the shoulder. However, I was on an overpass and was heading towards the railing and a 30-40 ft. drop down onto a set of railway tracks. I had lost all control of the car and thought for sure I was going to go through the railing. I was no longer even holding the steering wheel. I had simply braced myself against the obvious outcome of my dilemma. At the last second it felt like a pair of divine hands took hold of the car and guided it safely back onto the road. I could see by the looks on the driver’s faces (both mouths and eyes wide open) coming the other way that they could not believe what they saw either. I would love to hear their accounts of the incident.
We need to remember that it was the power of the set-apart spirit that enacted all the miracles done by the apostles. That is the exact same spirit that dwells inside each and every one of us. So again I ask, “Why are we not performing such miracles and signs?”
Is it a lack of faith? Have we become Laodicean in our attitudes? Are we neither hot nor cold, but luke warm? Perhaps this is a catch 22 situation where our faith and trust in the set-apart spirit is weak and our faith and trust in ourselves is even weaker. We must remember that is not us who perform any miracles; it is the spirit of Yahuwah dwelling in us. Call on that spirit when in times of need and witness the great power that is inside you at this very moment. Learn to embrace that spirit and work with, not against it. We need to communicate and interact with it. Then it will grow and fill our bodies until we are just like Yahushua.
Conclusion
The claim that “God doesn’t work that way anymore” is one lie of Christianity that deeply concerns me. This is exactly what I was told by a Christian minister when I asked about the signs. The writer of Hebrews verifies that Yahushua is indeed the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He does not ever change, neither does His protocol.
Hebrews 13:7 - Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of Elohim to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
8 – Yahushua HaMashiyack is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9 - Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.
10 - We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat
What was the outcome of the apostle’s work? It was the gaining of salvation – the grand prize. How did they achieve that prize? It was by faith! They had faith in that spirit dwelling in them, in Yahushua and in Yahuwah to perform all their promises. However, they were also doing the works of Yahuwah, so it was not by faith alone that they accomplished what they did.
We are also warned here about being carried away by strange doctrines. How many times have we witnessed this? I assume that most of us came from Christian backgrounds. Therefore, we were all, at one time, entrapped in the “strange teachings” of the Christian religion. However, we have also witnessed some who came to the truth and then left, chasing some strange doctrine that they came across and running with it. We are not immune to deception; in fact, belief that we are beyond deception is perhaps the greatest deception of all.
Yes we have a spiritual alter. It is the alter of Elohim where our High Priest, Yahushua resides and ministers. None of the lying leaders of all the worldly religions will be welcomed at this alter. Their sacrifices are not accepted by Yahuwah. Their only reward will be the Lake of Fire. All who follow their teachings will be joining them in their fiery demise. The only escape for any of us is by recognizing Yahushua as our one true and only High Priest and King. We must open our hearts for the set-apart spirit to fully indwell us and work His deeds. I am sure those deeds will include many miracles. Remember, we have the greatest gift of all – Yahuwah living right inside of us. All we need to do is call upon his spirit to awaken and fully work through us, boldly preach His word and we will witness the power of that spirit.
Hope is not lost! Never give up on yourself. We have until the end of our lives to get it right. Yahushua promised that these signs would surely follow us. He promised that those who followed and not even seen Yahushua (yet believed) would do even greater deeds. So where is this power of the spirit to be found today? It is inside us, where it has been waiting all this time for us to unlock it and allow it to do its work. The key to unlocking it is faith. So what is faith?
Heb11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
While I do not think faith would be accepted as evidence in any worldly court of law; it is a pretty big deal with our Heavenly Father. An average person may look up at the sky and say, “I don’t see any god”. A believer would say, “He is up there; I know he is, I know he is”. It is all a matter of faith.
Now we must muster up the same degree of faith that Yahuwah is living inside each and every one of us, ready to get to work. Is that such a difficult concept to accept? Yet many, even among Believers, seem to doubt this fact and betray it’s presence by their actions and words. They prefer that someone else does all the work and they simply follow. Such an attitude WILL NOT gain anyone access to the Kingdom, except perhaps in the lowliest of positions.
We must believe as strongly in the spirit living in us as we do in the Father Himself. Think of Him before uttering any word or performing any action. He is in there 24/7, every second of the day and night. He hears you. He sees you. He even knows your thoughts. We cannot hide anything from our Father. Trying to only creates distance between us and the Father instead of bringing us closer together and becoming one with Him. We must not judge Yahuwah with the same stick we judge other humans. His promises are guaranteed. He cannot lie or deceive. He cannot ever cheat or steal from you. He is living law; which we must become also. That is what is meant by writing Yahuwah’s laws on our minds and hearts. When we follow and obey the law, it becomes a part of our character; so that, like the Father, we are no longer capable of corruption. Even the very thought to sin will no longer exist in us. This is the state we are to be working towards.
It is achievable, folks! We have Yahushua as our example and blue print. He was created just as we were. The only difference is that he was the only being created directly by the Father for a very special purpose. That purpose was to fully represent the Father before His creation. This was because the mere presence of the Father would destroy all that is corruptible before Him, as will happen when the Father does come to dwell with His creation. In His role of representing His Father, many thought He was the Father. Yahushua had to first make Himself over into the image of Yahuwah. This he accomplished, making his death and resurrection more of a graduation celebration than something to be sad about.
I am sure there are some who think ill of Yahuwah for putting us through all of this but we must keep in mind that it was man who made this choice. He was offered an alternative, but declined. He made his bed; now he must lie in it.
And so I would like to remind everyone reading this that the road to salvation is full of pitfalls, especially for the weak of heart. And one can be sure that our adversary is behind most of them. However, sometimes we create our own pitfalls, and those are the ones we have to especially look out for. We have all heard it said, “Give him an inch and he will take a mile”. Well that is exactly what happens with sin. If we give into one without suffering any immediate consequences, we begin to justify our actions and move on to another sin. Before you know it we have left the faith altogether.
Faith is the answer folks, develop it, practice it and believe with all you heart, mind and soul that Yahuwah’s spirit is dwelling in you and waiting to roll up its sleeves and get to work. It is only waiting on us to open our minds and hearts completely to, and have faith in, that spirit. Then we will see the power of Yahuwah’s spirit for ourselves. Yahuwah has opened a door for us which no man can close – unless we allow him to. We all face the same choice as Adam and Eve. Do we bite the bait or wait on the promises of Yahuwah?
Again I remind everyone that I do not consider myself a teacher (for we have only one) but a fellow student, sharing my studies with my brothers and sisters in the faith as a matter of interest, creating dialog, hoping for feedback and input (which, frankly, I get little of – hint, hint). Have a blessed Sabbath, all.
Yahuwah Bless
G. P.