I’ve been reflecting a bit on how our community is growing and evolving. TTN was always meant to be a place where ministries could connect and people could build real friendships, meet others, and make meaningful connections.

Since I don’t monitor how people use the platform, I’d really love your help to get a better sense of how you experience TTN.

Do you use TTN mainly as a ministry platform (private/formal) or more as a space to meet others and share your beliefs?

Your feedback will help shape how we continue developing features and building a community that works for everyone.

Please take a second to vote below — and feel free to drop a comment if you want to share a bit more about your experience.

The Bible is the Truth. But reading the Bible is not what people need.

It seems like it would be, but that’s exactly what gets most folks into the mess they find themselves mired in spiritually speaking.

We are the problem and reading the Bible is not going to fix us because while it contains the solutions, we cannot implement them.… We cannot implement them because we cannot understand them.

Most people have been trained from childhood to interpret what they read in the Bible through their own personal perspective. We have been taught doctrine, tradition, custom, and programmed to filter all we read in Scripture through those ideas.

What comes out the other side is one thing for one person and a different thing for another but the personal mind is the only filter.

Because the Bible is the source of authority, however, this lends credibility to biased beliefs when the private ideas were found in the Good Book and filtered through personal prejudice.

The Bible has the answers but first the reader must learn to ask honest questions. Till then the reading only spreads ruin.

Second Guess First Assumptions

Question Everything

Get Biblical

templecrier.com


101425 / 21st day of the 7th month 5786
WORD FOR TODAY “what does this mean RETURN?”: Zec 1:3 "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Return to Me," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I may return to you," says the LORD of hosts.

WISDOM FOR TODAY: Pro 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Ask the LORD how you can serve HIM better

www.BGMCTV.org

HOLY – HOLINESS

Holiness means to be wholly dedicated and devoted to YHVH, distinct and separate from the world’s way of living, committed to right living and purity. Holiness is the absence of sin, evil, and wrongdoing. It is being spotlessly free from blemish. But holiness is much more than the absence of sin. It is the presence of righteousness, purity, and godliness. When we become believers, YHVH makes us holy by forgiving our sins. He looks at us as though we had never sinned. But while He sees us as holy, we have not perfected holiness. We must still strive each day to be more like Yeshua, more holy. Only when we get to heaven will we be completely holy.

The word holy has several related meanings:

1 -- The Hebrew word for holy means ‘set apart’ or ‘separate’.
2 -- To be without sin, or separate from sin.
3 -- Sacred.
4 -- Believers are said to be holy because they are cleansed by YHVH through the atoning death of the Moshiach.
5 -- One aspect of salvation is sanctification, the ongoing development of holiness in the life of the believer.

The expression “holier than thou” is disdainfully said about people who seem to flaunt their goodness, or “holiness.”

HOLINESS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the Old Testament, “holiness” when applied to YHVH refers to his rule over the Creation and to the moral perfection of His Character. YHVH is holy in that He is utterly distinct from His creation and exercises sovereign majesty and power over it. His holiness is a major theme in the Psalms {Psalm 47:8} and the Prophets {Ezekiel 39:7}, where “holiness” emerges as a synonym for Israel’s YHVH. Scripture assigns to YHVH the titles, “Holy” {Isaiah 57:15}, “Holy One” {Job 6:10; Isaiah 43:15}, and “Holy One of Israel” {Psalm 89:18; Isaiah 60:14{. In the Old Testament YHVH’s holiness means that our Adonai is separate from all that is evil and defiled {Job 34:10}. His holy character is the standard of absolute moral perfection {Isaiah 5:16}. YHVH’s holiness -- His transcendent majesty and the purity of His Character -- are skilfully balanced in {Psalm 99}. Verses 1-3 portray YHVH’s distance from earthly things, and verses 4 and 5 emphasize His separation from sin and evil. In the Old Testament YHVH demanded holiness in the lives of His people. Through Moses, YHVH said to Israel, “You shall be holy; for I Adonai your YHVH am holy” {Leviticus 19:2}. The holiness described in the Old Testament had two meanings:

1. External, or ceremonial
2. Internal, or moral and spiritual

Old Testament ceremonial holiness, described in the Torah included rituals of dedication to YHVH’s service. Thus, priests and Levites were sanctified by a complex ritual {Exodus 29:1}, as were the Hebrew Nazirites {Numbers 6:1-21}. Prophets like Elisha {2 Kings 4:9} and Jeremiah {Jeremiah 1:5} were also sanctified for a special prophetic ministry in Israel. But the Old Testament also draws attention to the inner, moral, and spiritual aspects of holiness. Men and women, created in the image of YHVH, are called to cultivate the holiness of YHVH’s Character in their own lives {Leviticus 19:2}. In the New Testament the ceremonial holiness prominent in the Torah moves to the background. Much of Judaism in Yeshua’s time sought a ceremonial holiness by works {Mark 7:1-5}, so the New Testament stresses the ethical rather than the external dimension of holiness {Mark 7:6-12}. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the early church perceived that holiness of life was a profound internal reality that should govern an individual’s thought and attitudes in relation to persons and objects in the external world.

HOLINESS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament Greek equivalent of the common Hebrew word for holiness signifies an inner state of freedom from moral fault and a relative harmony with the moral perfection of YHVH. The word “Godlikeness” or “Godliness” captures the sense of the primary Greek word for holiness. There is another Greek word that describes the dominant Old Testament concept of holiness as external separation from the world and dedication to the service of Adonai. Because the New Testament writers assumed the Old Testament portrait of deity, holiness is ascribed to YHVH in relatively few of their texts. Yeshua affirmed the ethical nature of YHVH when He taught His disciples to pray that the Father’s Name might be esteemed for what it is, “Hallowed be Thy Name” {Matthew 6:9}. In the book of Revelation, the Father’s moral perfection is described with the threefold ascription of holiness borrowed from Isaiah: “Holy, holy, holy, is Adonai YHVH Almighty, Who was and is and is to come” {Revelation 4:8}. Luke however, contemplated YHVH’s holiness in terms of the dominant Old Testament concept of His transcendence and majesty {Luke 1:49}. In the same way the holiness of Yeshua Moshiach is asserted in the New Testament. Luke {Luke 1:35; Luke 4:34}, Peter {Acts 3:14}, the writer of Hebrews {Hebrews 7:26}, and John {Revelation 3:7} ascribe holiness to both the Father and the Son. Since the Spirit comes from YHVH and is the instrument of YHVH’s holy purposes in the world, He also is absolutely holy {Matthew 1:18; Matthew 3:16}. The common title “Holy Spirit” underscores the ethical perfection of the third person of the Trinity {John 3:5-8; John 14:16-17}. In the New Testament, holiness also characterizes the Moshiach’s church. The apostle Paul taught that the Moshiach loved the church and died for it “that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” {Ephesians 5:26}. Peter addressed the church as a holy people in language borrowed from the Old Testament. Separated from the unbelieving nations and consecrated to Adonai, the church is “a holy nation” {1 Peter 2:9}. The New Testament most often discusses holiness in relation to individual believers. Believers in the Moshiach are frequently designated as “saints,” literally meaning “holy ones,” since through faith YHVH justifies sinners, pronouncing them “holy” in His sight. A justified sinner is by no means morally perfect, but YHVH does declare believers to be guiltless. Thus, although believers at Corinth, for example, were plagued with numerous sins, Paul could address his erring friends as those who were “sanctified in our Moshiach Yeshua, called to be saints” {1 Corinthians 1:2}. Despite their problems, the Corinthian believers were “holy ones” in the Moshiach. The New Testament however, places great stress upon the reality of practical holiness in the believer’s daily experience. The YHVH Who freely declares a person righteous through faith in the Moshiach commands that the believer progress in holiness of life. In YHVH’s plan, a growth in holiness should accompany believing. YHVH graciously provides the spiritual resources to enable believers to be “partakers of the divine nature” {2 Peter 1:4}.

YHVH’S HOLINESS IS BEYOND COMPARISON.

“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 YHVH of Israel and of the believer’s church 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 popular in the first century, He is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is a YHVH of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of His followers. Our holy YHVH 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 ourself for others.

YHVH’S HOLINESS IS OUR STANDARD FOR HOLY LIVING.

After people commit their lives to the Moshiach, they usually still feel a pull back to their old ways. Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father -- holy in everything we do. Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to YHVH, set aside for His special use, and set apart from sin and its influence. We are to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different just for the sake of being different. What makes us different is having YHVH’s qualities in our life. Our focus and priorities must be His. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways {1:14}. We cannot become holy on our own, but YHVH gives us His Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don’t use the excuse that you can’t help slipping into sin. Call on YHVH’s power to free you from sin’s grip.

YHVH CANNOT BE KNOWN APART FROM HIS HOLINESS.

“Your royal decrees cannot be changed. The nature of your reign, O ADONAI, is holiness forever.” {Psalm 93:5} The key to YHVH’s eternal reign is His holiness. YHVH’s glory is not only His strength but also His perfect moral Character. YHVH will never do anything that is not morally perfect. This reassures us that we can trust Him, yet it places a demand on us. Our desire to be holy [dedicated to YHVH and morally clean] is our only suitable response. We must never use unholy means to reach a holy goal, because YHVH says, “You must be holy because I, Adonai your YHVH, am holy” {Leviticus 19:2}.

YHVH’S HOLINESS CANNOT TOLERATE SIN.

“There is a problem -- your sins have cut you off from YHVH. Because of your sin, He has turned away and will not listen anymore.” {Isaiah 59:2} Sin offends our holy YHVH and separates us from Him. Because YHVH is holy, He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn’t matter. Sin cuts people off from Him, forming a wall to isolate YHVH from the people He loves. No wonder this long list of wretched sins makes YHVH angry and forces Him to look the other way. People who die with their life of sin unforgiven separate themselves eternally from YHVH. YHVH wants them to live with Him forever, but He cannot take them into His holy presence unless their sin is removed. Have you confessed your sin to YHVH, allowing Him to remove it? Adonai can save you if you turn to Him.

YHVH’S HOLINESS WILL EVENTUALLY BE RECOGNIZED BY ALL CREATION.

“Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is Adonai YHVH Almighty -- the One Who always was, Who is, and Who is still to come.” {Revelation 4:8} Just as the Holy Spirit is seen symbolically in the seven lighted lamps, so the “living beings” represent the attributes [the qualities and Character] of YHVH. These creatures were not real animals. Like the cherubim [the highest order of the angels], they guard YHVH’s throne, lead others in worship, and proclaim YHVH’s holiness. YHVH’s attributes symbolized in the animal-like appearance of these four creatures are majesty and power [the lion], faithfulness [the ox], intelligence [the man], and sovereignty [the eagle]. The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel saw four similar creatures in one of his visions {Ezekiel 1:5-10}. The point of this chapter is summed up in this verse: All creatures in heaven and earth will praise and honour YHVH because He is the Creator and Sustainer of everything.

HOLINESS IS A GIFT OF YHVH’S GRACE.

“Now if you will obey Me and keep My Covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to Me. And you will be to Me a kingdom of priests, My holy nation.” {Exodus 19:5-6} Why did YHVH choose Israel as His nation? YHVH knew that no nation on earth was good enough to deserve to be called His people, His “own little flock.” He chose Israel, not because of anything they had done, but in His love and mercy He chose Israel in spite of the wrong the nation had done and would do. Why did He want to have a special nation on earth? To represent His way of life, to teach His Word, and to be an agent of salvation to the world. “All the nations of the earth” would be blessed through Abraham’s descendants {Genesis 18:18}. Gentiles and kings would come to Adonai through Israel, predicted Isaiah {Isaiah 60:3}. Through the nation of Israel, the Moshiach, YHVH’s chosen Son, would be born. YHVH chose one nation and put it through a rigorous training program, so that one day it could be a channel for His blessings to the whole world.

HOLINESS REQUIRES COVENANT FAITHFULNESS.

In {Genesis 15 and 17}, YHVH made a Covenant with Abraham, promising to make his descendants into a great nation. Now that promise was being realized as YHVH restated His agreement with the Israelite nation, the descendants of Abraham. YHVH promised to bless and care for them. The people promised to obey Him. The Covenant was thus sealed. But the good intentions of the people quickly wore off. Have you made a commitment to YHVH? How are you holding up your end of the bargain?

HOLINESS COMES FROM WHOLEHEARTED OBEDIENCE TO YHVH.

“All those whose names are written down, who have survived the destruction of Jerusalem, will be a holy people.” {Isaiah 4:3} The “branch of Adonai” probably refers to the Moshiach, although some believe it refers to Judah. The point is that during the distress predicted by Isaiah, some people will be protected by YHVH’s loving grace. Those protected will be set apart to YHVH when the Moshiach rules the earth {Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 6:12-13}. Their distinctive mark will be their holiness, not wealth or prestige. This holiness comes from a sincere desire to obey YHVH and from wholehearted devotion to Him. Evil will not always continue as it does now. YHVH will put an end to all evil, and His faithful followers will share in His glorious reign.

HOLINESS GROWS IN RESPONSE TO YHVH’S WORD.

“Make them pure and holy by teaching them Your Words of truth.” {John 17:17} A follower of the Moshiach becomes sanctified [set apart for sacred use, cleansed, and made holy] through believing and obeying the Word of YHVH {Hebrews 4:12}. He or she has already accepted forgiveness through the Moshiach’s sacrificial death {Hebrews 7:26-27}. But daily application of YHVH’s Word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts. Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess our sins, renews our relationship with the Moshiach, and guides us back to the right path.

WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN THE MIDST OF AN EVIL WORLD.

Yeshua didn’t ask YHVH to take believers out of the world but instead to use them in the world. Because Yeshua sends us into the world, we should not try to escape from the world, nor should we avoid all relationships with non-believers. We are called to be salt and light {Matthew 5:13-16}, and we are to do the work that YHVH sent us to do. Yeshua prayed for all who would follow Him, including you and others you know. He prayed for unity {17:11}, protection from the evil one {17:15}, and sanctity [holiness] {17:17}. Knowing that Yeshua prayed for us should give us confidence as we work for His Kingdom.

"And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as Yahweh had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them."

Ex 39

REPENTANCE

Have you ever had the experience of driving in a strange city and suddenly realizing you were going the wrong way on a one-way street? What you do next is very much like the biblical idea of repentance. You make a U-turn and change your direction as fast as you can. Repentance is motivated by the realization that you have taken the wrong way in life. Repentance is made complete when you admit your sin and make a commitment, with YHVH’s help, to change your life’s direction. Repentance is literally a change of mind, not about individual plans, intentions, or beliefs, but rather a change in one’s attitude about YHVH. Such repentance accompanies saving faith in the Moshiach {Acts 20:21}. It is inconsistent and unintelligible to suppose that anyone could believe in the Moshiach yet not repent. Repentance is such an important aspect of conversion that it is often stressed, as when Moshiach said that there is joy in heaven among the angels over one sinner who repents {Luke 15:7}. The apostles described the conversion of the Gentiles to the Moshiach as YHVH granting them [repentance unto life] {Acts 11:18}. Repentance and faith in the Moshiach are in fact inseparable, though a convert may be aware of one aspect more than another. Such penitence is not an isolated act but a disposition of the mind, providing a spur for behaviour that accords with YHVH’s declared will. Recognition of daily sins and shortcomings provides the occasion for renewed acts of penitence and for fresh exercises of faith in the Moshiach. One of the deepest and most noteworthy expressions of such penitence is David’s account of his adultery with Bathsheba {Psalm 51}. Whole churches, gatherings and social media are, on occasion, called to repent {Revelation 2:5}. {2 Corinthians 7} contains an interesting and full description of such corporate repentance involving the elements of sorrow for sin and a determined resolve to forsake old sinful ways and to behave properly. While repentance is often accompanied by deep feelings, it is not equivalent to such feelings but is rooted in convictions about the sinner’s own need before a holy Elohiym. Both John the Baptist {Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:4} and the Moshiach {Mark 1:15} were preachers of repentance, calling not the righteous but sinners to repent. And in accordance with the Great Commission {Luke 24:44-49}, the apostles continued the same kind of preaching -- beginning with Peter’s preaching on Shavuot. {Acts 2}.

WHY IS REPENTANCE ESSENTIAL TO A SPIRITUAL LIFE?

1 --- Repentance opens the way for a relationship with YHVH Elohiym: --- Here is a sample of John’s preaching to the crowds that came for baptism: [You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee YHVH’s coming judgment? Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to YHVH. Do not just say: We are safe – we are the descendants of Abraham. That proves nothing. YHVH can change these stones here into children of Abraham] {Luke 3:7-8}. Repentance has two sides-turning away from sins and turning toward YHVH. To be truly repentant, we must do both. We can’t just say that we believe and then live any way we choose; neither can we simply live a morally correct life without a personal relationship with YHVH, because that cannot bring forgiveness from sin. Determine to rid your life of any sins YHVH points out, and put your trust in him alone to guide you.

2 --- Repentance demonstrates real faith: --- Confession of sins and a changed life are inseparable. Faith without deeds is dead {James 2:14-26}. Yeshua’ harshest Words were to the respectable religious leaders who lacked the desire for real change. They wanted to be known as religious authorities, but they did not want to change their hearts and minds. Thus, their lives were unproductive. Repentance must be tied to action, or it is not real. Following Yeshua means more than saying the right words; it means acting on what He says.

3 --- Repentance makes inward change a visible reality: --- [In those days John the Baptist began preaching in the Judean wilderness. His message was: Turn from your sins and turn to YHVH, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near] {Matthew 3:1-2}. When you wash dirty hands, the results are immediately visible. But repentance happens inside with a cleansing that is not seen right away. So, John used a symbolic action that people could see: baptism. The Jews used baptism to initiate converts, so John’s audience was familiar with the rite. Here, baptism was used as a sign of repentance and forgiveness. Repent means [to turn,] implying a change in behaviour. It is turning from sin toward YHVH. Have you repented of sin in your life? Can others see the difference it makes in you? A changed life with new and different behaviour makes your repentance real and visible.

4 --- Repentance breaks our bondage to sin: --- [The leading priests decided to kill Lazarus too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Yeshua] {John 12:10-11}. The chief priests’ blindness and hardness of heart caused them to sink ever deeper into sin. They rejected the Moshiach and planned to kill Him, and then plotted to murder Lazarus as well. One sin leads to another. From the Jewish leaders’ point of view, they could accuse Yeshua of blasphemy because He claimed equality with YHVH. But Lazarus had done nothing of the kind. They wanted Lazarus dead simply because he was a living witness to Yeshua’s Power. This is a warning to us to avoid sin. Sin leads to more sin, and this downward spiral can be stopped only by repentance and the Power of Ruach HaKodesh to change behaviour.

A -- WHAT IS REPENTANCE?

Matthew 3:1-3: “Turn from your sins and turn to YHVH.” --- Repentance means being sorry for sin and being committed to a new way of life serving YHVH.

Luke 19:8: “Zacchaeus… said to Adonai: …if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” --- Repentance is made complete by changed behaviour.

Exodus 9:27-34: “When Pharaoh saw this, he and his officials sinned yet again by stubbornly refusing to do as they had promised.” --- Repentance that produces no lasting change is insincere.

B -- WHY DOES YHVH WANTS US TO REPENT?

Leviticus 26:40-42: “At last My people will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors for betraying Me and being hostile toward Me.” --- All of us need to repent because we have betrayed YHVH with our sins.

2 Chronicles 30:9: “Adonai your YHVH is gracious and merciful. If you return to Him, He will not continue to turn His Face from you.” --- Repentance is necessary for an ongoing relationship with YHVH.

1 Samuel 7:3: “Samuel said to all the people of Israel: If you are really serious about wanting to return to Adonai, get rid of your foreign gods. ‘Determine to obey only Adonai; then He will rescue you.’” --- We must turn away from all other gods in order to worship the One True Elohiym.

Proverbs 28:13: “People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy.”

Isaiah 55:7: “Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to Adonai that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our YHVH, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Jeremiah 3:12: “Therefore, go and say these words to Israel: This is what Adonai says: O Israel, My faithless people, come home to Me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever.” --- Repentance is necessary to receive YHVH’s mercy.

Ezekiel 18:30-32: “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Adonai. Turn from your sins! Do not let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and get for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I do not want you to die, says the Sovereign Adonai. Turn back and live!”

Ezekiel 33:11: “As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Adonai, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?” --- Repentance is the key to having new life from YHVH.

Matthew 3:2: “Turn from your sins and turn to YHVH, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Luke 24:47: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to Me.”

Acts 2:37-38: “Peter’s words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles: Brothers, what should we do? Peter replied: Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to YHVH, and be baptized in the Name of Yeshua Moshiach for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of Ruach HaKodesh.” --- Forgiveness of sins and entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven is only for those who have turned away from their sins and turned to YHVH.

Acts 3:19: “Turn from your sins and turn to YHVH, so you can be cleansed of your sins.” --- Forgiveness of sins and the Kingdom of Heaven are only for those who have turned away from their sins and turned to YHVH.

Matthew 11:20-24: “Then Yeshua began to denounce the cities where He had done most of His miracles, because they had not turned from their sins and turned to YHVH. …You people of Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to the place of the dead.” --- Refusal to turn away from our sins will bring YHVH’s judgment.

C -- WHY IS REPENTANCE NECESSARY?

Ezekiel 33:10-16: “The good works of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the sins of evil people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins.” --- Repentance leads to forgiveness of sin.

Jeremiah 5:3: “They are determined, with faces set like stone; they have refused to repent.” --- The unrepentant heart rejects YHVH and remains in sin’s grasp.

Luke 13:1-8: “You will also perish unless you turn from your evil ways and turn to YHVH.” --- Yeshua taught that without repentance we face judgment.

Luke 15:10: “There is joy in the presence of YHVH’s angels when even one sinner repents.” All heaven rejoices when one sinner repents.

D -- IS REPENTANCE A ONE-TIME EVENT? OR DO WE NEED TO REPENT EVERY TIME WE SIN?

Psalm 51:16-17: “The sacrifice You want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O YHVH, You will not despise.” --- While salvation is a one-time event, YHVH is pleased by broken and contrite hearts willing to confess and repent of sin.

1 John 1:8-9: “If we say we have no sin, we are… refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him.” --- Confession and repentance of sin is a constant mark of the person walking in the Light of fellowship with YHVH.

BIBLE STUDY --- THE SAVIOUR

A VOICE FROM THE HEAVENS

From Matthew 3:13-17

One day Yeshua came down from Galilee to the place where John was baptizing. John was disturbed that Yeshua asked to be baptized and didn’t want to do it. [You should baptize me,] John told Him. [Why are You asking me to baptize You?] [Because it is right for Me to do this,] Yeshua answered. [Please do what you should and baptize Me.] When John understood that, he baptized Yeshua. After Yeshua was baptized, He came up out of the water. The heavens opened and He saw the Spirit of YHVH coming down upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came out of the heavens. [This is My beloved Son,] YHVH said. In Whom I am very pleased.]

SATAN’S STRANGE VISIT

From Matthew 4:1-11

After Yeshua was baptized, the Spirit of YHVH led Him into the wilderness country to be tempted by Satan. For forty days and forty nights Yeshua ate nothing and He became very hungry. Then Satan came to see Yeshua and tempt Him. [If You really are YHVH’s Son,] Satan urged, [You could turn these stones into bread. Then You would have plenty to eat.] But Yeshua answered, [The Scriptures say that man must have more than bread to build his life. As the body needs bread, so the soul hungers for every word that YHVH has spoken.] Then Satan took Yeshua to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem. [Now is the time to prove that You are YHVH’s Son,] Satan suggested. [Jump! You know that the Scriptures say that YHVH will send His angels to take care of You. They will hold You in their hands and keep You from falling to the rocks below.] [The Scriptures also say that you must not try to tempt YHVH!] Yeshua answered. For his last temptation, Satan took Yeshua to the peak of a high mountain and showed Him the nations of the world and all their riches and power. [I will give this wealth and power to You,] Satan said. [All You must do is bow down and worship me.] [Go away,] Yeshua told Satan. [The Scriptures tell us to worship and serve YHVH alone.] Defeated, Satan went away and left Him alone. But He did not remain alone, for angels came to serve Him.

COMMENTARY

THE PINNACLE OF THE TEMPLE

Herod’s temple, which Yeshua visited often, was enclosed on the east and south by the great wall of Jerusalem. The pinnacle of the temple was the south-eastern corner of this wall. From the walkway at the top of the wall’s south-eastern corner, one could look down one hundred and twenty-eight feet to the Kidron Valley below. Here Satan tempted Yeshua to jump. On a clear day, the view from this pinnacle reached out for great distances to the east and south. The rising sun might reflect from the Dead Sea, many miles to the east, or from the village of Bethphage or Bethany, near the summit of the Mount of Olives. Every morning, a priest came to this highest corner of Jerusalem’s walls. There he stood and waited for the sun to rise. When the light of dawn reached the rooftops of Hebron, a village twenty-five miles to the south, he gave the signal to start the morning sacrifice. Then the morning trumpets sounded, the temple gates were opened, and the people entered for the first service of the day. The pinnacle of the temple still stands today, rebuilt over the foundations of the wall that Yeshua knew. But with the passing of centuries, the valley has filled in with forty to fifty feet of rubbish and dirt. With some imagination, one can still visualize what it must have been in the time of Yeshua.