This week's #torah reading is #tetzaveh ( #exodus 27:20-30:10). The word means "You shall command." Here are some Apostolic passages I recommend studying alongside this parsha, plus links to commentary: https://www.americantorah.com/....2021/02/08/parsha-te

YHVH ELOHIM – PART 3

As With Our Human Parents, We Can Also Rebel Against Our Heavenly Father:
Who told you that you were naked? YHVH Elohim asked: Have you eaten the fruit I Commanded you not to eat? -- Genesis 3:11. This is how Adam and Eve broke their relationship with YHVH:

1 -- they became convinced that their way was better than YHVH’s;
2 -- they became self-conscious and hid;
3 -- they tried to excuse and defend themselves.

To build a relationship with YHVH we must reverse those steps:

A -- we must drop our excuses and self-defences;
B -- we must stop trying to hide from YHVH;
C -- we must become convinced that YHVH’s Way is better than our way.

As With Our Human Parents, We Can Grieve Our Heavenly Father:
YHVH Elohim was sorry He had ever made them. It broke His Heart. -- Genesis 6:6. Does this mean that YHVH regretted Creating humanity? Was He admitting He made a mistake? No, YHVH does not change His Mind -- 1 Samuel 15:29. Instead, He was expressing sorrow for what the people had done to themselves, as a parent might express sorrow over a rebellious child. YHVH was sorry that the people chose sin and death instead of a relationship with Him. The people’s sin grieved YHVH. Our sins break YHVH’s Heart as much as sin did in Noah’s day. Noah, however, pleased YHVH, although he was far from perfect. We can follow Noah’s example and find -- favour with our Adonai in spite of the sin that surrounds us.

Sometimes We Don’t Understand Our Heavenly Father’s Purposes:
The two other men went on toward Sodom, but Adonai Elohim remained with Abraham for a while. Abraham approached Him and said: Will You destroy both innocent and guilty alike? -- Genesis 18:22-23. Why did YHVH let Abraham question His Justice and intercede for a wicked city? Abraham knew that YHVH must punish sin, but he also knew from experience that YHVH is merciful to sinners. YHVH knew there were not ten righteous people in the city, but He was merciful enough to allow Abraham to intercede. He was also merciful enough to help Lot, Abraham’s nephew, get out of Sodom before it was destroyed. YHVH does not take pleasure in destroying the wicked, but He must punish sin. He is both Just and Merciful. We should be thankful that YHVH’s Mercy extends to us.

YHVH is Revealed as a Forgiving Father
Please pardon the sins of this people because of your Magnificent, Unfailing Love, just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt. -- Numbers 14:19. Moses pleaded with YHVH, asking Him to forgive His people. His plea reveals several Characteristics of YHVH:

1 -- YHVH is Immensely Patient;
2 -- YHVH’s Love is one Promise we can always count on;
3 -- YHVH forgives again and again; and
4 -- YHVH is Merciful, listening to and answering our requests.

YHVH has not changed since Moses’ day. Like Moses, we can rely on YHVH’s Love, Patience, Forgiveness, and Mercy.

YHVH Expects People To Serve Him:
Suddenly, the angel of YHVH Elohim appeared to him as a blazing fire in a bush. Moses was amazed because the bush was engulfed in flames, but it didn’t burn up. -- Exodus 3:2. YHVH spoke to Moses from an unexpected source: a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to investigate. Many people in the Bible experienced YHVH in visible [not necessarily human] Form. Abraham saw the smoking fire-pot and blazing torch -- Genesis 15:17; Jacob wrestled with a man -- Genesis 32:24-29. When the slaves were freed from Egypt, YHVH led them by Pillars of Cloud and Fire -- 13:17-22. YHVH made such appearances to encourage His new nation, to guide them, and to prove the reliability of His Verbal Message. YHVH may use unexpected sources when communicating to us too, whether people, thoughts, or experiences. Be willing to investigate, and be open to YHVH’s Surprises.

YHVH Deserves Our Humble Respect:
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 Elohim.

As Adonai, YHVH Rules and Protects His Creation:
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Adonai. -- Psalm 36:6. In contrast to evil people and their wicked plots that end in failure, YHVH is Faithful, Righteous, and Just. His Love reaches to the heavens; His Faithfulness reaches to the skies; His Righteousness is as solid as mighty mountains; and His Judgments are as full of Wisdom as the oceans with water [the ocean depths]. We need not fear evil people because we know YHVH Loves us, Judges evil, and will Care for us throughout eternity.

As Adonai, YHVH Deserves Our Highest Honour:
Pray like this: Our Father Who is in Heaven, let Your Name be set apart -- Matthew 6:9. The phrase [Our Father Who is in Heaven] indicates that YHVH is not only Majestic and Holy, but also Personal and Loving. The first line of this model prayer is a statement of praise and a commitment to hallow, or honour, YHVH’s Holy Name. We can honour YHVH’s Name by being careful to use it respectfully. If we use YHVH’s Name lightly, we aren’t remembering YHVH’s Holiness.

As Adonai, YHVH Deeply Cares for His Creation:
YHVH so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. -- John 3:16. The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. YHVH’s Love is not static or self-centred; it reaches out and draws others in. Here YHVH sets the pattern of True Love, the basis for all love relationships -- when you love someone dearly, you are willing to pay dearly for that person’s responsive love. YHVH paid dearly with the Life of His Son, the highest price He could pay. Yeshua accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that He had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Yeshua’s -- willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving YHVH’s Love.

YHVH Reveals Himself as the Only True YHVH Elohim:
YHVH replied: I AM the One Who always is. Just tell them: I AM has sent me to you. -- Exodus 3:14. The Egyptians had many gods by many different names. Moses wanted to know YHVH’s Name so the Hebrew people would know exactly Who had sent him to them. YHVH called Himself -- Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh -- [I Am] a Name describing His Eternal Power and unchangeable Character. In a world where values, morals, and laws change constantly, we can find stability and security in our unchanging YHVH. The YHVH Who appeared to Moses is the same Elohim Who can live in us today. Hebrews 13:8 says YHVH is the same -- yesterday, today, and forever. Because YHVH’s Nature is Stable and Trustworthy, we are free to follow and enjoy Him rather than spend our time trying to figure Him out.

YHVH Reveals Himself as Holy:
Now you must be holy in everything you do, just as YHVH -- Who chose you to be His children -- is Holy. -- 1 Peter 1:15. The Elohim of Israel and of the believers is Holy -- He sets the standard for morality. Unlike the Roman gods, He is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults, He is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is Adonai Elohim of Mercy and Justice Who cares Personally for each of His followers. Our Holy Elohim expects us to imitate Him by following His high moral standards. Like Him, we should be both merciful and just; like Him, we should sacrifice ourselves for others.

YHVH ELOHIM – PART 2

Moral Attributes:

YHVH’s Goodness:
The most comprehensive description of YHVH's Moral Character is His Goodness. YHVH deals bountifully and kindly with all His creatures. He is -- good to all: Psalm 145:9. Yeshua insisted that -- no one is good but YHVH Alone -- Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19. The redeemed believers praise YHVH for His Goodness -- 1 Chronicles 16:34; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Psalms 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1; Jeremiah 33:11 -- and are called upon to emulate this Divine Characteristic -- Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:27–36.

YHVH’s Love:
YHVH's Love is evident throughout the Bible. He cares deeply for His people and does not want to see any of us suffer. It pains Him when we rebel and go against His Word. We can get a human sense of this love when we think about how much we love our family members. But YHVH's Love goes much deeper than that -- it is without conditions and without end. In fact, He Loved us so much that while we were still sinners, He offered His Son Yeshua Moshiach to die for us. YHVH's Love for us is truly overwhelming

YHVH’s Holiness:
There are many people on this earth that we might consider – holy -- missionaries, a pastor, or Bible teacher. Despite their many good deeds and solid relationship with YHVH, they cannot really be considered as holy in the same way that YHVH is Holy. YHVH's Holiness refers to His absolute moral purity. To be Holy means to be set apart, and YHVH is indeed set apart from all impurity. He is the only Holy One. And because YHVH is Holy, His people are also called to holiness. We should be striving to set ourselves apart from the sinful ways of the world.

Volitional Attributes:

YHVH’s Sovereignty:
YHVH is Adonai of everything. The Word – Sovereign -- means king or ruler, and YHVH is the Ruler of all Heaven and Earth. This is where the term Omnipotent comes from -- YHVH is All-Powerful. He made the universe and everything in it, and He is in charge of this Creation. There is nothing at all that is too hard for the Adonai Elohim Almighty. He alone has the Power to heal broken lives and make people whole. He alone has the Power to bring Comfort in times of suffering. YHVH is Mighty, and His Power is without bounds or limits.

YHVH’s Sovereign Power:
YHVH's Sovereign Power means that He is without bounds or limit in ability; He is Omnipotent Almighty -- Revelation 4:8. By His Powerful Word, He Created all things, and upholds [the universe by His Word of Power] -- Hebrews 1:3. There is nothing too hard for YHVH Elohim Almighty -- Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; He keeps His Gracious Covenant and fulfils all His Promises -- Luke 1:37; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 6:18. The gospel is -- the Power of YHVH for Salvation -- Romans 1:16 -- for Moshiach is -- the Power of YHVH to save -- 1 Corinthians 1:24. Hence, believers must come to know the -- Immeasurable Greatness of His Power in us who believe, according to the working of His Great Might which He accomplished in Moshiach when He raised Him from the dead and made Him sit at His Right Hand in the heavenly places -- Ephesians 1:19–20.

YHVH’s Glory:
All the Attributes of YHVH can be summarized in Scripture's references to the Glory of YHVH. The Majesty, Splendour, Beauty, and brilliance of YHVH are expressed by this indefinable term. Human beings were created for YHVH's Glory, and we as believers are instructed to do everything for the Glory of YHVH. When every tongue confesses Yeshua as Adonai, it will be for the Glory of YHVH the Father.

YHVH is Our Creator:
In the beginning YHVH Created the Heavens and the Earth. -- Genesis 1:1. The creation story teaches us much about YHVH and ourselves. First, we learn about YHVH:

1 -- He is creative;
2 -- as the Creator He is distinct from His Creation;
3 -- He is Eternal and in control of the world.

We also learn about ourselves:

A -- since YHVH chose to Create us, we are valuable in his eyes;
B -- we are more important than the animals.

The simple statement that YHVH Created the Heavens and the Earth is one of the most challenging concepts confronting the modern mind. The vast galaxy we live in is spinning at the incredible speed of 490,000 miles an hour. But even at this breakneck speed, our galaxy still needs 200 million years to make one rotation. And there are over one billion other galaxies just like ours in the universe.

YHVH Has Created an Incredible Universe:
Some scientists say that the number of stars in creation is equal to all the grains of all the sands on all the beaches of the world. Yet this complex sea of spinning stars functions with remarkable order and efficiency. To say that the universe -- just happened -- or – evolved -- requires more faith than to believe that YHVH is behind these amazing statistics. YHVH truly did create a wonderful universe.

YHVH Created the Universe Out of Love:
Almost every ancient religion has its own story to explain how the earth came to be. And almost every scientist has an opinion on the origin of the universe. But only the Bible shows One Supreme Elohim Creating the earth out of His Great Love and giving all people a special place in it. We will never know all the answers to how YHVH Created the earth, but the Bible tells us that YHVH did Create it. That fact alone gives worth and dignity to all people. YHVH did not need to Create the Universe; He chose to Create it. Why? YHVH is Love, and love is best expressed toward something or someone else -- so YHVH Created the world and people as an expression of His Love. We should avoid reducing YHVH’s Creation to merely scientific terms. Remember that YHVH Created the universe because He Loves each of us.

Human Beings Are Evidence of YHVH’s Creativity:
In what ways are we made in YHVH’s Image? YHVH obviously did not Create us exactly like Himself, because YHVH has no Physical Body. Instead, we are reflections of YHVH’s Glory. Some feel that our reason, creativity, speech, or self-determination are the Image of YHVH. More likely, it is our entire self that reflects the Image of YHVH. We will never be totally like YHVH, because He is our Supreme Creator. But we do have the ability to reflect His Character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness. Knowing that we are made in YHVH’s Image and thus share many of His Characteristics, provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead, it is based on being made in YHVH’s Image. Because we bear YHVH’s Image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticizing or downgrading ourselves is criticizing what YHVH has made and the abilities He has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth, helps you Love YHVH, know Him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.

Recognizing YHVH as our Elohim is Our Most Basic Step of Faith:
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at YHVH’s Command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. -- Hebrews 11:3. YHVH called the universe into existence out of nothing; He declared that it was to be, and it was. Our faith is in the YHVH who Created the entire Universe by His Word. YHVH’s Word has Awesome Power. When He Speaks, do you listen and respond? How can you better prepare yourself to respond to YHVH’s Word?

YHVH ELOHIM – PART 1

There are many different attributes, or traits, of YHVH. He is Big; He is Mighty; He is Loving. These are words we use to tell us Who YHVH is. We can further explore these attributes by looking in the Bible. In the Bible we see what YHVH did, what He said, and how He acted. When we put these together, we have a picture of Who YHVH is. Much of our understanding about YHVH comes from the Old Testament. There we read about events such as Creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, the Exodus, and the Covenants YHVH made with His people. There are further examples throughout the history of Israel in the Psalms and also the Prophets. By looking at how YHVH acted in these situations and what He said, we can get a good sense of who YHVH is. Nothing, however, is quite as clear as the events recorded in the Gospels, where we read about the life and ministry of Yeshua Moshiach.

Incommunicable Attributes:
The attributes of YHVH can be divided into two types. Some of them are [communicable] and others are [incommunicable.] YHVH's Love and Wisdom are considered [communicable] because they are Characteristics shared with humanity. There are examples of love and wisdom in the people around us. As humans we can have some degree of wisdom or love, although YHVH is the only perfect expression of these. YHVH's Omnipresence and Eternal Nature are considered [incommunicable] because there are no examples of these in the world around us. For example, nothing around us exists eternally, and no one is always present with us.

YHVH’s Incomprehensibility:
Many of the Attributes or Characteristics of YHVH are revealed through the Bible and His Hand on our own lives, but we are limited in how much we can know about YHVH. By virtue of our position as created beings, there is only so much we can comprehend about the Creator.

YHVH’s Unity:
YHVH is Whole. He is not a collection of smaller gods. He is One Holy Being. Any other gods are merely idols or figments of our imagination.

YHVH’s Spirituality:
It may seem obvious to state, but YHVH is not flesh and blood like us. He is invisible to us, but still Personal, Alive and Active in our lives.

YHVH’s Independence:
YHVH does not need anyone or anything. He is the One Who Created us and the world in which we live. He is completely Self-sufficient. How wonderful it is then, that He chose to have a relationship with us -- and not just with a select few, but everyone.

YHVH’s Immutability:
YHVH does not change, which is a good thing for us. He is the same Elohim today as the Elohim Who talked with Adam and Eve. He is the same Elohim who led the people out of Egypt. He has never changed and never will. Not because He doesn't have the Power or Ability to do so, but because there is no need. He is Perfect, and unlike us, He does not need to improve or get better in any way. Likewise, He does not ever change His Mind or act in a whimsical manner. He will not ever change the rules on us or retract His Promises. He remains active and present in this world as a constant, unchanging Force.

YHVH’s Eternity:
You may have often seen the letters [Alpha and Omega] associated with YHVH. They are the Greek equivalents of A and Z and symbolize the fact that YHVH is the Beginning, the End, and everything in between. He was not born, and He was not created out of something else. There is no such thing as -- before Elohim. Likewise, He will not die, nor can He be killed or defeated. There is no such thing as -- after Elohim. These facts should be a great comfort to us in our daily life, since YHVH is bigger than anything and everything we can imagine. No problem is too big for YHVH nor too small. He will never grow old, never grow tired, never give up, and never fail. He will always be there, forever and ever. He is the [ONLY] Most High Elohim that we can be sure of across all time and space.

YHVH’s Immensity:
To say that YHVH is big is an understatement. Even the word – immense -- doesn't quite capture the size and scope of YHVH. The Milky Way we see at night may seem immense to us, but it is a drop in the ocean compared to YHVH. He is Omnipresent, which means that He is Present everywhere, all the time. We don't know how this happens, but we know from the Bible that it is true. He is with you with every breath you take and also with other people across the world at the same time. Wherever we go, whatever we do, YHVH will always be there with us.

[Communicable Attributes] are divided among Intellectual Attributes, Moral Attributes, and YHVH's Will. Like us, YHVH is a Being with Moral Judgment, Knowledge, and Control.

Intellectual Attributes:

YHVH’s Knowledge:
YHVH doesn't just know a lot of things, He knows everything -- everything that ever was or ever will be. And not just facts and figures, He knows our hearts and minds as well. This is what is meant by the Word -- Omniscient. It means all-knowing. Since YHVH is the Only One Who knows everything, we should turn to Him for all the answers. In reading your Bible and in prayer, you will get to know YHVH better.

YHVH’s Wisdom:
Knowledge is useless without the ability to apply it properly. Wisdom means that YHVH uses His Knowledge in the best possible manner to achieve His Goals. YHVH's works are varied, but they are all done in His Wisdom, and we should trust in Him as a result. We should be seeking YHVH's Wisdom in everything that we do, since it is YHVH's Wisdom that enables us to make the best decisions and to live according to His will.

YHVH’s Veracity:
YHVH is not just a Truthful Creator; He is Truth. The word – veracity -- means devotion to the Truth. It is not possible for YHVH to lie, so we should have full confidence in everything that He has revealed to us. Although we might not fully comprehend or understand His Actions or His Word, we should follow Him anyway, trusting Him fully in everything that He does.

Shalom Chaverim,

We are planning to have another meeting for updates and questions concerning the Conference and entry to Israel:

Yom Rishon (Sunday), Feb 6th, 19:00 Israeli time
https://meet.jit.si/SpringConferenceIsrael22

If you can’t participate, please don’t hesitate to email or call us.

Shalom,
Chris & Anke

Shalom Chaverim,

We are planning to have another meeting for updates and questions concerning the Conference and entry to Israel:

Yom Rishon (Sunday), Feb 6th, 19:00 Israeli time
https://meet.jit.si/SpringConferenceIsrael22

If you can’t participate, please don’t hesitate to email or call us.

Shalom,
Chris & Anke

Our clan has been learning and practicing this version of the Song of Moses. Not an easy one, but now that we have most of it down, we can rock it! Very excited, great battle song!

Let's look into the full armor of Yah!

For the rest, my brothers, be strong in the Master and in the mightiness of His strength. Put on the complete armour of Elohim, for you to have power to stand against the schemes of the devil. Because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual matters of wickedness in the heavenlies. Because of this, take up the complete armour of Elohim, so that you have power to withstand in the wicked day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, then, having girded your waist with truth,Isaiah 11:5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and trustworthiness the girdle of His waist.Yeshayah (Isaiah) 11:5 TS2009 (Messiah) Your righteousness is righteousness forever, And Your Torah is truth.Tehillim (Psalms) 119:142 TS2009 (Torah) and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Isaiah 59:17 And He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of deliverance on His head. And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself with ardour as a mantle.Yeshayah (Isaiah) 59:17 TS2009 (Messiah) and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;Isaiah 52:7 How pleasant upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims deliverance, who says to Tsiyon, “Your Elohim reigns!”Yeshayah (Isaiah) 52:7 TS2009 (Messiah) above all, having taken up the shield of belief with which you shall have power to quench all the burning arrows of the wicked one. Take also the helmet of deliverance, Isaiah 59:17 And He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of deliverance on His head. And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself with ardour as a mantle.Yeshayah (Isaiah) 59:17 TS2009and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim, praying at all times, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching in all perseverance and supplication for all the set-apart ones;Eph`siyim (Ephesians) 6:10‭-‬18 TS2009Paul also talks about putting on Messiah Rom 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.Then I noticed a lot of cross references for the schemes of the evil one, talk about deception. I let you go down that trail ?. I believe Paul had Messiah in mind while writing on the armour of Elohim. We are to be like minded by taking on the mind of Messiah, we are put on Messiah, we are to walk even as He walked. Our obedience is our protection! It guards us from the evil one, and our knowledge of His Word is our only weapon against his deception! I pray this little study has been a blessing! Shalom, David.

Why the world hates us.

“In this My Father is esteemed, that you bear much fruit, and you shall be My taught ones. “As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Stay in My love. “If you guard My commands, you shall stay in My love even as I have guarded My Father’s commands and stay in His love.
Yoḥanan (John) 15:8‭-‬10 TS2009

If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, for that reason the world hates you.
Yoḥanan (John) 15:18‭-‬19 TS2009

Through our love for Messiah Yeshua, our obedience to the instructions of the Father should be unwavering. I believe that is way He is telling us the world will hate us, our allegiance is to the Most High, and not the rulers of this world. The world can't stand not having authority over us. Also most people will not like the fact that we do not submit ourselves to the same authority as they do.
So who's authority are you submitting to? Does the world hate you, or does it not worry about you?
As for me and my house we shall serve Jehovah!
Shalom and blessings ??