Steve Hollander
Powerful vers
John 5:14
Afterward Yahusha found him in the temple, and said to him, See, you have been made well. Sin no more!! lest a worse thing come upon you.”
#youhavebeenmadewell
#sinnomore
1Jn 3:4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness.
The people are responsible for executing judgment and extending mercy. They appoint judges, investigate crimes, render judgment, execute sentences, ensure fair trials, and provide shelter for the accused. Joshua 20:2
https://rumble.com/vendl7-just....ice-is-your-responsi
Yesterday's Torah discussion included this topic. One of the most poignant points made by one of our members was it really boils down to people not wanting to be told what to do.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAISE AND WORSHIP – PART 2
Praise is honour, commendation, while worship is an expression of reverence and adoration of YHVH.
WORSHIP
WORSHIP IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The 1,500 years from the days of Abraham to the time of Ezra [about 1900-450 BC] saw many significant changes in the form of worship in ancient Israel. Abraham, the wandering nomad, built altars and offered sacrifices wherever YHVH appeared to him. In Moses’ time the tabernacle served as a portable sanctuary for the Israelite tribes journeying through the wilderness. Solomon built a temple in Jerusalem that lasted more than three centuries until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. When the Jews returned from exile, they built a new temple, which was later renovated and enlarged by Herod the Great. Though all the temple buildings were destroyed by the Romans in AD 70, the foundations remained. Jews still pray by the Western Wall [called the Wailing Wall] of the old temple. If the form of worship changed with times and situations, its heart and centre did not. YHVH revealed Himself to Abraham, promising that his children would inherit the land of Canaan. Abraham demonstrated his faith through prayer and sacrifice. Throughout the biblical period listening to YHVH’s Word, prayer, and sacrifice constituted the essence of worship. The promises to Abraham were constantly recalled as the basis of Israel’s existence as a nation and its right to the land of Canaan. From time to time every family visited the temple in Jerusalem. Eight days after a baby boy was born, he was circumcised to mark his membership in Israel. Then, a month or two later, the baby’s mother went to the temple to offer sacrifice {Leviticus 12; cf. Luke 2:22-24}. Animals were sacrificed in the lambing and calving season. The first lamb or calf born to every ewe or cow was presented in sacrifice {Exodus 22:30}. Similarly, at the beginning of the harvest season, a basket of the first-fruits was offered, and at the end, a tenth of all the harvest, the tithe, was given to the priests as YHVH’s representatives {Numbers 18:21-32}. Deuteronomy 26:5-15 gives a typical prayer for use on such occasions. Sometimes a person would decide to offer a sacrifice for more personal reasons. In a crisis, vows could be made and sealed with a sacrifice {Genesis 28:18-22; 1 Samuel 1:10-11}. Then when the prayer was answered, a second sacrifice was customarily offered {Genesis 35:3, Genesis 35:14; 1 Samuel 1:24-25}. Serious sin or serious sickness was also occasions for sacrifice {Leviticus 4:1-5, Leviticus 13:1-15}. The worshiper brought the animal into the temple court. Standing before the priest, he placed one hand on its head, thereby identifying himself with the animal, and confessed his sin or explained the reason for offering the sacrifice. Then the worshiper killed the animal and cut it up for the priest to burn on the great bronze altar. Some sacrifices [burnt offerings] involved the whole animal being burnt on the altar. In others, some of the meat was set aside for the priests, while the rest was shared by the worshiper and his family. But in every case the worshiper killed the animal from his own flock with his own hands. These sacrifices expressed in a vivid and tangible way the cost of sin and the worshiper’s responsibility. As the worshiper killed the animal, he recalled that sin would have caused his own death, had YHVH not provided an escape through animal sacrifice. Three times a year all adult men went to the temple to celebrate the national feasts and festivals {Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16}: Passover [held in April], the Feast of Weeks [held in May], and the Feast of Booths [in October]. When possible, the whole family accompanied the men. But if they lived a long way from Jerusalem, they would go up for only one of the festivals {1 Samuel 1:3; Luke 2:41}. These festivals were tremendous occasions. Hundreds of thousands of people converged on Jerusalem. They would stay with relatives or camp in tents outside the city. The temple courts would be thronged with worshipers. The temple choirs sang psalms appropriate for the festival, while the priests and Levites offered hundreds [at Passover, thousands] of animals in sacrifice. Groups of worshipers carried away with emotion would break forth into dancing. Those of more sober temperament were content to join in the singing or simply pray quietly. The major festivals were joyful occasions, for they celebrated the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. At Passover each family ate roasted lamb and bitter herbs to reenact the last meal their forefathers ate before leaving Egypt {Exodus 12:1}. At the Feast of Booths, they built shelters of branches and lived in them for a week, as a reminder that the Israelites camped in tents during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness {Leviticus 23:39-43}. These great festivals served as reminders of how YHVH had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and had given them the land of Canaan as He had promised to Abraham. Each of these three festivals lasted a week, but there was one day in the year that was totally different, the Day of Atonement, when everyone fasted and mourned for their sins. On this day the high priest confessed the nation’s sins as he pressed his hand on the head of a goat. Then the goat was led away into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin from the people {Leviticus 16:1}. Sometime after the destruction of the first temple, synagogues developed for public worship. The services were more like modern church worship, consisting exclusively of prayer, Bible reading, and preaching. There were no sacrifices made in the synagogues. When the second temple was destroyed in AD 70, synagogues became the only places where Jews could worship in public. Then there were no more sacrifices at all. The New Testament pictures this as fitting, for Yeshua was the true Lamb of YHVH {John 1:29}; because of His death, there is no need for further animal sacrifice {Hebrews 10:11-12}.
WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
At the time of Yeshua, the Jews had become far too dependent on a physical place, the temple, for their worship. When Yeshua arrived on the scene, He proclaimed that He Himself was the temple of YHVH; in resurrection, He would provide the spiritual dwelling where YHVH, the Holy Spirit and people, in spirit, could have spiritual communion {see Matthew 12:6; John 2:19-22}. In other words, worship would no longer be in a place but in a person -- through Yeshua Moshiach and His Spirit the worshipers could come directly to YHVH {see John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-20}. This shift in worship -- from physical to spiritual -- is the theme of John 4, a chapter that recounts Yeshua’ visit to the Samaritans. After Yeshua’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, she acknowledged that He must be a prophet, and then she launched into a discussion concerning the religious debate between the Jews and the Samaritans over which place of worship was the right one -- Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim. The Samaritans had set up a place for worship on Mount Gerizim in accordance with Deuteronomy 11:26-29 and Deuteronomy 27:1-8, while the Jews had followed David and Solomon in making Jerusalem the centre of Jewish worship. The Scriptures affirmed Jerusalem as the true centre for worship {Deuteronomy 12:5; 2 Chronicles 6:6; 2 Chronicles 7:12; Psalms 78:67-68}. But Yeshua told her that a new age had come in which the issue no longer concerned a physical site. YHVH the Father would no longer be worshiped in either place. A new age had come in which the true worshipers (Jew, Samaritan, or Gentile) must worship the Father in spirit and in truth. “In spirit” corresponds to Jerusalem, and “in truth” corresponds to the Samaritans’ unknowledgeable ideas of worship, YHVH, and so forth. Formerly, YHVH was worshiped in Jerusalem, but now the true Jerusalem would be in a person’s spirit. Indeed, the church is called “the habitation of YHVH in spirit” {Ephesians 2:22}. True worship required a people to contact YHVH, the Spirit, in their spirit, as well as a people who knew the truth. New Testament worship must be in spirit and in truth. Since “YHVH is Spirit,” He must be worshiped in spirit. Human beings possess a human spirit, the nature of which corresponds to YHVH’s nature, which is spirit. Therefore, people can have fellowship with YHVH and worship YHVH in the same sphere that YHVH exists in. In a sense, John 4 anticipates Revelation 21 and Revelation 22, where YHVH provides the rivers of the water of life to all the believers and where the Lamb and YHVH are the temple in the New Jerusalem. The believers receive life from YHVH, and they worship in YHVH. There is a profound, even mystical connection between drinking of the Spirit and worshiping YHVH in the Spirit {see 1 Corinthians 12:13}. This is also described in Ezekiel 47:1, which pictures the river flowing from YHVH’s temple as a symbol of YHVH’s never-ending supply. In John 4, Yeshua provides the living waters to all who receive the gift of YHVH, and He directs people to a new temple, a spiritual one, where YHVH is worshiped in spirit.
WORSHIP IS FIRST AND FOREMOST AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE LIVING AND HOLY YHVH.
“‘Do not come any closer,’ YHVH told him. ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.’” {Exodus 3:5} At YHVH’s Command, Moses removed his sandals and covered his face. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence, conveying his own unworthiness before YHVH. YHVH is our friend, but He is also our sovereign Adonai. To approach Him frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity. When you come to YHVH in worship, do you approach Him casually, or do you come as though you were an invited guest before a king? If necessary, adjust your attitude so it is suitable for approaching a holy YHVH.
WORSHIP IS ONLY AS REAL AS THE INVOLVEMENT OF THOSE PARTICIPATING.
“These are the instructions for the whole burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering. Adonai gave these instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai when he commanded the Israelites to bring their offerings to Adonai in the wilderness of Sinai.” {Leviticus 7:37-38} YHVH gave His people many rituals and instructions to follow. All the rituals in Leviticus were meant to teach the people valuable lessons. But over time, the people became indifferent to the meanings of these rituals, and they began to lose touch with YHVH. When your church appears to be conducting dry, meaningless rituals, try rediscovering the original meaning and purpose behind them. Your worship will be revitalized.
A TRUE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE IS OFTEN A DIRECT RESULT OF PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP.
“Adonai said to Moses, ‘Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present to Me by fire on the altar are My food, and they are very pleasing to Me. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to My Instructions.’” {Numbers 28:1-2} Offerings had to be brought regularly and presented according to prescribed rituals under the priests’ supervision. Following these rituals took time, and this gave the people the opportunity to prepare their heart for worship. Unless our heart is ready, worship is meaningless. In contrast, YHVH is delighted, and we get more from it, when our heart is prepared to come before Him in a spirit of thankfulness.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE YHVH.
“Sing praises to YHVH, our strength. Sing to the YHVH of Israel. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Sound the trumpet for a sacred feast when the moon is new, when the moon is full.” {Psalm 81:1-3} Israel’s holidays reminded the nation of YHVH’s great miracles. They were times of rejoicing and times to renew one’s strength for life’s daily struggles. At believers, do your thoughts revolve mostly around presents? Is Passover only a warm anticipation of spring -- and other festivals only good meals? Remember the spiritual origin of these special days, and use them as opportunities to worship YHVH for His goodness to you, your family, and your nation.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC GO HAND IN HAND.
David instituted music for the temple worship services {1 Chronicles 25}. Worship should involve the whole person, and music helps lift a person’s thoughts and emotions to YHVH. Through music we can reflect upon our needs and shortcomings as well as celebrate YHVH’s greatness.
WORSHIP IS BRINGING THE BEST WE HAVE TO MOSHIACH.
“They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before Him and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” {Matthew 2:11} The magi brought gifts and worshiped Yeshua for who He was. This is the essence of true worship -- honouring the Moshiach for Who He is and being willing to give Him what is valuable to you. Worship YHVH because He is the perfect, just, and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give.
GENUINE WORSHIP RESULTS IN SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE TO YESHUA.
“Even as he said it, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with Him. Listen to Him.’” (Matthew 17:5) Yeshua is more than just a great Leader, a good example, a good Influence, or a great Prophet. He is the Son of YHVH. When you understand this profound truth, the only adequate response is worship. When you have a correct understanding of the Moshiach, you will obey Him.
EVERYTHING DONE IN CORPORATE WORSHIP MUST BE BENEFICIAL TO THE WORSHIPERS.
“Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation YHVH has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in Adonai.” {1 Corinthians 14:26} This principle touches every aspect -- singing, preaching, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Those contributing to a worship service [singers, speakers, readers] must have love as their chief motivation, speaking useful words or participating in a way that will strengthen the faith of other believers.
IN WORSHIP, EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE IN HARMONY AND WITH ORDER.
Even when the gifts of the Holy Spirit are being exercised, there is no excuse for disorder. When there is chaos, the church is not allowing YHVH to work among believers as He would like. Make sure that what you bring to worship is appropriate, but also make sure that you participate.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAISE AND WORSHIP – PART 1
Praise is honour, commendation, while worship is an expression of reverence and adoration of YHVH.
PRAISE
TO WHOM PRAISE IS OFFERED
The Scriptures affirm that only Elohiym, the YHVH of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is worthy of praise. Frequently, the Old Testament stresses that the praise due Him is not to be offered to other gods or to idols of any kind. There is a place for the commendation of men and women for their qualities of life and their right actions {Proverbs 31:28-31; 1 Peter 2:14}. Ultimately however, they should seek the praise and commendation of YHVH {Romans 2:29}, not the praise of other people {Matthew 6:1-6; John 12:43}, that others may be led to glorify YHVH for whatever good is found in them {5:16}. Frequently the Bible speaks of praising “the Name” of YHVH, meaning that He is to be praised for all that He is and has revealed Himself to be. The often-repeated word “Hallelujah” is simply the Hebrew equivalent of “Praise Adonai.”
BY WHOM PRAISE IS OFFERED
YHVH is praised perfectly by His angels in heaven {Psalms 103:20; 148:2}. They carolled their praise when Yeshua was born {Luke 2:13-14}, and the book of Revelation {see Revelation 7:11-12} speaks about their continual praise in heaven. All creation praises YHVH in the sense that it shows His greatness as Creator {Psalm 19:1-6}. Psalm 148 lists sun, moon and stars, fire and hail, snow, rain, wind and weather, mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, wild animals, cattle, snakes and birds -- all these -- as praising YHVH together. Heaven and earth are spoken of as involved in the praise of YHVH {89:5}. In the Old Testament we read of the special role of priests and Levites {Psalm 135:19-20} and of the temple singers {2 Chronicles 20:21} and of those who, like Miriam {Exodus 15:20} and David {2 Samuel 6:14}, led others in YHVH’s praise. But it was the duty of all YHVH’s people to praise Him; their praise was intended moreover, to lead the nations to know and to praise Him {Psalm 67:2-3}. The New Testament has this same emphasis {Romans 15:7-12}, and it stresses that YHVH’s gifts are given to His people to be used to His praise and glory {Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14}. The redeemed people of YHVH are appointed to show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into His marvellous Light {1 Peter 2:9}. The last book of the New Testament presents the praise of YHVH in heaven, where the four living creatures [representing all creation] and the twenty-four elders [representing the people of YHVH under the old and new covenants] unite in worship, adoring the mighty YHVH Who created them and the Lamb of YHVH Who redeemed them {Revelation 4-5}.
WHEN YHVH IS TO BE PRAISED
In the Old Testament there were times of special praise: On Shabbat, New Moons, and Festivals. In Psalm 119:164 the psalmist says he will praise Adonai seven times a day. “Everywhere-from east to west – praise the Name of Adonai” is the exhortation of 113:3. Psalm 145:1 says, “I will praise You, my YHVH and King, and bless Your Name forever and ever.” A dedication to a life of praise is expressed in Psalm 146:2: “I will praise Adonai as long as I live. I will sing praises to my YHVH even with my dying breath.” In the New Testament likewise, there are special times of praise, but the whole of the believer’s life is intended to be devoted, in word and action, to the praise of YHVH.
WHERE PRAISE IS TO BE OFFERED
In the Old Testament the temple [and thus “Zion” or “Jerusalem,” where the temple was located] had a special place in the purpose of YHVH: His people should praise Him there. Psalm 102:21 pictures people declaring “in Zion the Name of Adonai, and in Jerusalem His praise.” People are to praise YHVH publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation {107:32}, but they may also do so alone. For the whole of life is to be praise. Thus, praise can come from unexpected places. Godly men and women can sing for joy as they lie on their beds {149:5}. Paul and Silas can sing praises to YHVH in a Philippian prison {Acts 16:25}.
HOW YHVH IS TO BE PRAISED
As there is no limit to time or place, so there is no limit to the ways in which YHVH may be praised. He may be praised with singing {Psalm 47:7}, with dancing {149:3}, or with instruments of music {144:9}. The Psalter provides us with many songs of praise, and others are scattered throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament speaks of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” {Colossians 3:16}, and examples of believer songs of praise are probably to be seen in Ephesians 5:14; Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Timothy 1:17; and 2 Timothy 2:11-13.
WHY YHVH IS TO BE PRAISED
Creation provides motivation for the praise of YHVH {Psalm 8:3}, as does His preserving love and care {21:4} and the fact that he is a YHVH who answers prayer {116:1}. His redeeming work leads His people to worship Him {Exodus 15:1-2}. Some of the psalms {see Psalm 107} list many reasons why He should be praised. With the coming of Adonai Yeshua Moshiach, there is a fresh outburst of praise because the Moshiach, the Savior, has come to His people {Luke 2:11}. All that He did by His life, death, and resurrection calls for praise. But ultimately praise will be made perfect when YHVH reigns victorious over all. Thus, John speaks in the book of Revelation {Revelation 19:6}: “Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a huge crowd, or the roar of mighty ocean waves, or the crash of loud thunder: ‘Hallelujah! For Adonai our YHVH, the Almighty, reigns.’”
PRAISE IS GIVING THANKS TO YHVH FOR WHO HE IS.
“I will thank You, ADONAI, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things You have done.” {Psalm 9:1} Praise is saying thank you -- for each aspect of His Divine Nature. Our inward attitude becomes outward expression. When we praise YHVH, we help ourself by expanding our awareness of who He is. In each psalm you read, look for an attribute or characteristic of YHVH for which you can thank Him.
PRAISE IS FOCUSING OUR HEART ON YHVH.
“Praise Adonai! Praise Adonai, I tell myself. I will praise Adonai as long as I live. I will sing praises to my YHVH even with my dying breath.” {Psalm 146:1-2} The last five psalms {146-150} are filled with praise. Each begins and ends with “Praise Adonai!” They show us where, why, and how to praise YHVH. What does praise do?
1 -- Praise takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings and focuses them on YHVH.
2 -- Praise leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship.
3 -- Praise causes us to consider and appreciate YHVH’s Character.
4 -- Praise lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
PRAISE IS THANKING YHVH FOR HIS MANY GRACIOUS GIFTS.
“Praise Adonai, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me.” {Psalm 103:2} David’s praise focused on YHVH’s glorious deeds. It is easy to complain about life, but David’s list gives us plenty for which to praise YHVH -- He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings -- past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise YHVH, read David’s list.
PRAISE IS THANKING YHVH FOR OUR SALVATION.
“YHVH saved you by His special favour when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from YHVH. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” {Ephesians 2:8-9} When someone gives you a gift, do you say, “that’s very nice -- now how much do I owe you?” No, the appropriate response to a gift is “thank you.” Yet how often believers, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to YHVH. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.
PRAISE IS A SPIRITUAL OFFERING.
“With Yeshua’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to YHVH by proclaiming the glory of His Name.” (Hebrews 13:15) These Jewish believers, because of their witness that Yeshua was the Moshiach, no longer worshiped with other Jews. So, praise and acts of service became their sacrifices-ones they could offer anywhere, anytime. This must have reminded them of the prophet Hosea’s words, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer You the sacrifice of praise” {Hosea 14:2}. A “sacrifice of praise” today would include thanking Moshiach for His sacrifice on the cross and telling others about it. Acts of kindness and sharing are particularly pleasing to YHVH, even when they go unnoticed by others.
Back in the late 1990s, the Worldwide Church of God, headed by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, used to teach the truths about the 7th day Sabbath, Holy Days, dietary laws, etc. But then abandoned all of that and adopted Sunday worship, Christmas and Easter, abandoned the dietary laws, etc. They changed their name to Grace Communion International. Any thoughts on why this happened?
Shoftim is Hebrew for "judges". This week's Torah portion begins by instructing the people to appoint qualified, godly people as civil judges and leaders.
Here are some Apostolic passages to study alongside #torah Parsha #shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9), with corresponding videos and commentary: https://www.americantorah.com/....2021/03/23/parsha-sh
"Give glory to Yahweh your God, before he bring darkness, and before your feet stumble in the dark mountains, and while you look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death and make it a black gloom."
Je 13
With people getting excited about banning lab-grown meat, we should remember that it is completely outside the rightful jurisdiction of government to ban any substance - it is an immoral act to ban lab-grown meat, more immoral than feeding someone lab-grown meat without regard to the health risks.
“Lord” may not be a pagan title like “God” but it’s still ridiculous to keep as a principle designation for our Creator and Savior.
Why choose a medieval title? Why a British one? Why one that is distinct to a specific political and economic system?
“Lord” was a feudalistic title which became an English nobleman’s honorific and can now apply to a member of the parlament of Great Britain.
YHWH isn’t British. YHWH isn’t a feudal ruler. YHWH isn’t medieval. YHWH isnt and english noble nor a parlimentarian.
So why are we encouraged to be applying such a title as one of His principle designations?
If we are intent upon adopting and adapting names and titles for the Almighty and His Messiah why not something more close to home? Boss, perhaps? Manager? Director? Administrator?
There’s always Ruler, Sovereign, or King of course.
“Lord” is simply old fashioned, foreign, and oddly irrelevant. We might as well call the Most High the CEO, the President, or the Pope. Just because a title designates authority in a given area and sovereignty over a specific sort of leadership doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for repurposing as the staple for all true religion, everywhere and everywhen.
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