Yahshua and the Cleansing Water

According to Scripture, the sprinkling of blood for the atonement of sins of the children of Israel was a foreshadow of what the Messiah accomplished when He shed his innocent blood for the cleansing of His brethren.
 
In Numbers 19, a red heifer was used for the sin offerings, one without spot or blemish just like Messiah was perfect and without sin. The ashes of the heifer were gathered up by a “clean” man and then mixed with living water to be sprinkled on those who were unclean. This was a cleansing from sin.
 
“He who touches the dead of any human being is unclean for seven days.”
Bemiḏbar (Numbers) 19:11 TS2009
 
When a person had been defiled by contact with the dead then it was required that the sprinkling of water be done on the third day and on the seventh day. “And on the seventh day, the unclean will wash his garments and wash himself.” By the end of the seventh day at sundown, he would be considered “clean” and could then enter the temple to worship YHWH.
 
Anyone who remained unclean by not obeying the instructions given by YHWH was to be cut off from among the assembly because he had defiled the set-apart place of YHWH.
 
“For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the defiled, sets apart for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of the Messiah, who through the everlasting Spirit offered Himself unblemished to Elohim, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living Elohim?”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 9:13-14 TS2009
 
“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being set apart.”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 10:14 TS2009
 
Messiah Yahshua, our high priest, was the ultimate sin offering once for all, who shed his blood on the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant which was in the heavens; thereby obtaining our everlasting redemption.
 
“For the saving Gift of Elohim has appeared to all men, instructing us to renounce wickedness and worldly lusts, and to live sensibly, righteously, and reverently in the present age, looking for the blessed expectation and esteemed appearance of the great Elohim and our Saviour יהושע Messiah, who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people, his own possession, ardent for good works.”
Titos (Titus) 2:11-14 TS2009
 
The saving Gift of Elohim is His Son, who instructs us to renounce lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people, his own possession, whom he has redeemed from the consequences of sin which brings death. Our good works is keeping the Commandments which bring life.
 
“let us draw near with a true heart in completeness of belief, having our hearts sprinkled from a wicked conscience and our bodies washed with clean water.”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 10:22 TS2009
 
All have sinned; therefore, every human being has been defiled by sin and needs to be cleansed by water for uncleanliness.  Blood represents our sin, and water, our uncleanliness [see John 19:34]. Yahshua’s sacrifice provides blood for sin and water for uncleanliness.
 
““And I shall sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean – from all your filthiness and from all your idols I cleanse you. “And I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.
 
And I shall take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I shall give you a heart of flesh, and put My Spirit within you. And I shall cause you to walk in My laws and guard My right-rulings and shall do them.”
Yehezqĕl (Ezekiel) 36:25-27 TS2009
 
The Father desires to place His Set-Apart Spirit within the believer but He will not do so if our bodily temples are defiled (this can also be what we consume, like unclean food). It is only through the cleansing of Yahshua’s sacrifice that we will be made clean.
 
In conclusion, water immersion represents death, burial, and resurrection. It is in this instance [Luke 3:21] that the water cleansing takes place to give birth to a new heart with the empowerment of the Set-Apart Spirit who leads us unto sanctification and righteousness.
 
Just like Yahshua, who fully submitted to His Father’s will, we should likewise do so by fully putting our trust in the finished work and power of our Messiah. HalleluYAH!

Hidden Beauty

If you only judge what your natural eyes see, you will never see the beauty hidden within.

YHWH can help us see the inner beauty in others by looking past what our natural eyes see. The outer surface may or may not be appealing to some but deep within, there lies hidden beauty of the heart and a peaceable spirit.

Shemu’ĕl Aleph (1 Samuel) 16:7 TS2009
But יהוה said to Shemu’ĕl, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him, for not as man sees, for man looks at the eyes, but יהוה looks at the heart.”

When the Prophet Samuel went to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be the next king, Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and was impressed by his appearance. The prophet thought he had found the right man, but YHWH rejected Eliab. He reminded Samuel that He does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but YHWH looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

So Samuel asked if there were more sons. The youngest boy wasn't present but caring for the family's sheep. This son, David,
was summoned and YHWH directed Samuel to anoint him.

Often, we look at people only on a surface level and don't always take the time to see their inner - sometimes hidden - beauty. We don't always value what YHWH values. But if we take the time to peer beneath the surface, we may find great treasure.

We should stop and think before criticizing and judging someone negatively based on outward appearance; for example, a person's tattoos may be a mark of his or her past, no longer that same person but now striving to walk as Messiah, growing in faith.

Kĕpha Aleph (1 Peter) 3:4 TS2009
but the hidden man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and peaceable spirit, which is of great value before Elohim.

Let us take the time to see beyond simply what our eyes can see in order to discover true and lasting beauty within.

The Blessing of Abraham

When we read Genesis 12:1, we learn that YHWH called Abraham out of his land from his relatives and father's house where they worshipped other mighty ones [Joshua 24:2]. 

Genesis 12:3 “And in you [Abraham], all the clans of the earth will be blessed.” 

YHWH promised Abraham to make him a great nation and to bless him and his descendants, so Abraham left as YHWH instructed and He multiplied his offspring and Abraham then became the “father of many nations.” 

Berĕshith (Genesis) 26:5 TS2009

because Aḇraham obeyed My voice and guarded My Charge: My commands, My laws, and My Torot.”

Abraham's belief was counted to him as righteousness because his faith worked together with his works. Abraham set the example of what a true believer is. Those who are of "belief" are sons and daughters of Abraham and heirs according to the promise.

Acts 2:39: “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are far off, as many as YHWH, our Elohim, shall call.”

According to Acts 1:4, Yahshua instructed His disciples to wait on the promise of the Father - the Ruach [Spirit] of YHWH - the blessing of Abraham. They would receive power when the Ruach would come upon them and be filled with YAH’s Set-Apart Spirit enabling them to perform mighty works and speak in other tongues [languages], which was spoken by the Prophet Joel [2:28].

In the last days, believers will also prophesy and dream dreams like the original Hebrew prophets and will receive the blessing of Abraham, but cursed is the one who does not continue in all that is written in the Torah, to do them.

Torah defines sin but does not have the power to make someone obey it; yet, the Ruach Hakodesh empowers us and equips us, as believers, to walk according to His will and to be witnesses to all the nations and proclaim the Good News message to all who will accept the invitation.

Acts 5:32 “And we are His witnesses to these matters, and so also is the Set-apart Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him.”

Our obedience cannot be apart from belief in Yahshua. It takes both faith and obedience to the Father’s commandments. When we obey, we receive the Spirit of Truth and the blessing of Abraham, and anointing just like Yahshua, to bring the Good News, to heal, and to help release and set the captives free.

1 Corinthians 12:7 “We are given the manifestation of the Spirit for profiting” or, for the benefit of others and for ministry. We receive wisdom through the Spirit and to another, knowledge, and other gifts, and works all these according to the same Spirit.

YHWH will reveal Himself to those walking in His will. Wisdom and other gifts come from the Ruach for the benefit of others and for ministry, which glorifies our Father in Heaven.

Luke 11:13 “If you then, being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father from Heaven give the Set-Apart Spirit to those asking Him!”

The blessing of Abraham is available to believers of all nations.

Galatiyim (Galatians) 3:29 TS2009

And if you are of Messiah, then you are seed of Aḇraham, and heirs according to promise.

Therefore, all nations, through Abraham and his seed, will be blessed. HalleluYAH!

Deborah - A Great Leader of YHWH

In the book of Judges, Deborah is portrayed to be a woman of great courage and wisdom who ruled underneath the palms. She lived around 1150 BCE, about a century or so after the Hebrews entered Canaan.

Deborah was a judge, warrior, poet, and prophetess as well as singer and songwriter and was said to hear YHWH/God’s voice and share His Word with others. Her position as a prophetess meant she was involved in spiritual guidance, which included leading worship.

She settled disagreements but also under her military leadership, she was called to defend Israel against the forces of King Jabin of Canaan who ruled from Hazor. 

Fearless and obedient to YHWH, Deborah led the Israelites to victory and out of bondage. 

Victory Against All Odds:

Deborah’s confidence in YHWH’s plan encouraged Barak, Israel’s military commander, to lead the troops into battle.

Against all odds, and with YHWH’s intervention, the Israelite army, under Barak’s command and inspired by Deborah’s faith, achieved a miraculous victory over Sisera’s forces.

The Song of Deborah, a victory hymn found in Judges 5, celebrates this triumph and acknowledges YHWH’s hand in their victory.

Many biblical scholars believe that Deborah was a wife, as well.  However, in Hebrew, the same word is used for “woman” and “wife,” so it is unknown, with certainty, if Deborah was a “woman of Lappidoth” (a place) or the “wife of Lappidoth” (a person).

We can learn so much from Deborah’s achievements but there are three lessons we can all learn from:

1. Be Obedient 

If YHWH is telling you to do something or go somewhere, despite your fears, listen to His call.  He has plans that we cannot begin to understand, and hearts and lives may be changed by our obedience.

2. Be Courageous

The old saying "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called"  applies here.  Doing something out of your comfort zone to glorify Him can be terrifying, but faith was never promised to be easy.  Be bold. Be courageous - for His glory.

3. Stand True

Never waiver in your faith. We may not always know what the road ahead will look like, but we only need to remember that YHWH will faithfully guide us and lead the way.

Women, unlike many of the things we have been taught, had places of leadership in Biblical times. 

Deborah's story in the Bible serves as an example of a woman who played a key leadership role during a crucial period in Israel's history and is remembered for her wisdom, prophetic insight, and courage in times of crisis.

[Article excerpts]

Watchful Care

Before heading out for school in the morning, a mother asks her child, “Did you brush your teeth?” The child then gives her that “look” of guilt. She asks the child again, kindly reminding him of the importance of telling the truth.

Unmoved by his mother's gentle admonishment, he half-jokingly tells her 

that what she really needs is a security camera in the bathroom. Then she could check for herself if he had brushed his teeth and he wouldn't be tempted to lie.

While the presence of a security 

camera may help remind us to follow the

rules, there are still places we can go unnoticed or ways we can avoid being seen. Although we may evade or trick a security camera, we fool ourselves if we think we are ever outside the gaze of YHWH.

YHWH asks:

“Am I an Elohim close by,” declares יהוה, “and not an Elohim afar off? 

“If anyone is hidden in secret places, would I not see him?” declares יהוה. “Do I not fill the heavens and earth?” declares יהוה.

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 23:23-24 TS2009

There is both an encouragement and

a warning in His question.

The warning is that we cannot hide from YHWH. We can't outrun or fool Him. Everything we do is visible to Him.

The encouragement is that there is no place on earth or in the heavens where we are outside the watchful care of our

Heavenly Father. Even when we feel alone, YHWH is with us. 

No matter where we go today, may the awareness of the truth encourage us to choose obedience to His Word and receive comfort because He watches over us.

📜 Yoḥanan (John) 17:17 TS2009

Set them apart in Your truth – Your Word is truth. [See also Psa. 151; 160]

What is Truth?

📜 Tehillim (Psalms) 119:142 TS2009

Your righteousness is righteousness forever, And Your Torah is truth.

There is nowhere we can go that is outside of YHWH's loving gaze. Knowing that He sees us, it helps us to trust Him and honor Him with our words and actions.

Remember that we are never outside the watchful care of our Heavenly Father. HalleluYAH!

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]

Confidence in YHWH

Are vou fearful because YHWH appears to be moving you in an unexpected direction? Is the unknown causing you to waver on the path of obedience? Take heart as you face obstacles and walk in confidence with YHWH. 

Walk as King David did, declaring, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me." (Psalm 23:4)

Though you might not know where YHWH's will is taking you, you can trust Him to watch over you and be there with you. Though life may take some unexpected turns, they are not unexpected to YHWH. He knows your situation and why, and all He calls you to do is to trust Him.

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 26:3-4 TS2009

[3] “The one steadfast of mind You guard in perfect peace, for he trusts in You. 

[4] “Trust in יהוה forever, for in Yah, יהוה, is a rock of ages.

As long as you allow the Father to lead and guide you, you have nothing to fear. Follow Him and know that you are never safer than you are with Him. 

~ Shalom

By:Edith Sapaugh

[@TheGraftedOnes]

The Mysteries of YHWH Revealed

We see from Scripture that YHWH REVEALS the MYSTERIES of Heaven IF we OBEY Him and diligently SEEK Him. Many have received the spirit of error rather than the SPIRIT of TRUTH; thus, it is important that we test the spirits and we do this by studying the word of Elohim and showing ourselves approved.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he called Satan, “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the SONS of DISOBEDIENCE.” (Ephesians 2:2)

“The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His set-apart ones.” 

Colossians 1:26

The MYSTERIES of YHWH are spiritual truths known only by revelation. YHWH REVEALS His mysteries to those who are OBEDIENT to His will and some of Elohim’s MYSTERIES are yet to be REVEALED.  But it is given unto you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 13:11)

“For to us Elohim REVEALED them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of Elohim.” 

1 Corinthians 2:10

“You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn't know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made KNOWN to you.” 

John 15:14-15

“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who OBEY Him.” 

Acts 5:32

“It is He who REVEALS the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness,

And the light dwells with Him.” 

Daniel 2:22

“The SECRET things belong to YHWH our Elohim, but the things REVEALED belong to us and to our sons forever, to do all the words of this TORAH.” 

Deuteronomy 29:29

This point was also highlighted when His disciples asked, “Why do You speak to them [the multitudes] in parables?” (Matthew 13:10) He told them, “Because it has been given to you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (v. 11)  

He simply told them that the truth about the Kingdom of Elohim was NOT for the MULTITUDES to understand. He continued, “Therefore, I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do NOT see, and hearing they do NOT hear, nor do they understand” (v. 13). 

He went on to explain that this was a fulfillment of prophecy and that it was NOT the time for the MULTITUDES to understand (vv. 14–15). He then closed the conversation by telling them, “But blessed are your eyes for they SEE, and your ears for they HEAR; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (vv. 16–17).

Paul, referring specifically to Israel, said, “Israel has not attained the goal for which she is striving but the elect (the chosen) have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written: ‘YHWH has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that should NOT see and ears that they should NOT hear, to this very day.’” (Romans 11:7–8) 

Yet, we also see in Scripture that Elohim is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) and that Elohim “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

“Those who ACCEPT my commandments and OBEY them are the ones who LOVE me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and REVEAL myself to each of them.” John 14:21

So it’s pretty self-explanatory; those who do the Father’s WILL and OBEY His commandments, it is THEM who the Father will REVEAL His Spirit of Truth.

“Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.”

John 4:24

In Jeremiah 29:13, Elohim says, "You will seek Me and FIND Me when you SEEK Me with ALL your heart." 

HalleluYAH!

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]

Yahshua is the Door

Yahshua is the door…

““Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up by another way, that one is a thief and a robber.”

“But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. “The doorkeeper opens for him, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

“And when he has brought out his own sheep, he goes before them. And the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.”

“And they shall by no means follow a stranger, but shall flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.””

‭‭Yoḥanan (John)‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭TS2009‬

As “sheep” we depend on the Shepherd and we gladly follow Him because He is our protector. 

Trying to follow our own way or follow another shepherd that is unknown to us will only lead us in the wrong direction resulting in severe consequences. But the Spirit leads the Way unto Truth and Life everlasting.

We are called to be disciples by being obedient and to learn how to recognize His voice, to go where He wants us to go, and to serve and imitate Him so that we can be a light to others and to share His Good News message to all who will hear it unto the ends of the earth.

The shepherd is always there to guide us; to guide us to the narrow gate that leads to Life. HalleluYAH!

[@thegraftedones]

Spending Time with YHWH

He [Daniel] prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his Elah [God]. ~Daniel 6:10 TS2009

For the believer, taking time each day in YHWH'S Word and in prayer is indispensable. Each day, we need to wait upon YHWH, His presence, and His love to be revealed.

Asking for forgiveness of sins or even to surrender to YHWH is only the beginning. We must understand that we have no power on our own to maintain our spiritual life. We need to receive new grace daily through repentance and  fellowship with our Heavenly Father. This cannot be obtained by a hasty prayer or a superficial reading of a few verses from YHWH’S Word. We must take time to come into His presence, to fill our weakness and our need, and to wait on Him through His Ruach Hakodesh/Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and be strengthened in Him throughout the day.

It should be our aim to help our brothers and sisters in Messiah Yahshua see the absolute necessity of spending time with our Heavenly Father YHWH in prayer and in His Word. By putting our faith and trust in Him wholeheartedly, we receive the joy and power of His Set-Apart Spirit in our daily lives.

"Heavenly Father, as I come into Your presence, I desire to know more of You. Teach me to wait quietly, with expectation that You will reveal Your love to me. I surrender all to You, in Yahshua's Mighty Name. Amein."

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]

Will You be Found Worthy on the Last Day

Will you be found worthy on the Last Day?

“The one who rejects Me and doesn’t receive My words has a judge; the Word [Torah] I spoke will judge him on the Last Day.” 

John 12:48

Do we not all, as followers of Messiah יהושע, desire to inherit the Kingdom of Elohim? A holy Kingdom which will be inhabited by a holy and peculiar people. Should we not spend a great deal of time getting prepared, trained, and shaped to present ourselves to YAH according to the glory which He has called us?

“For not knowing the righteousness of Elohim, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not subject themselves [did not obey] to the righteousness of Elohim.” Romans 10:3

Imagine your whole life being a disobedient sinner, never turning to YAH in repentance. Now, you lay on your deathbed realizing that up until that moment, you’ve only lived to please yourself. You never took the time to get to know Father or His Son. and your only option is to plead for mercy and forgiveness that He may let you live. 

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 

1 John 2:3

Do you know Him? Now is the acceptable time; now is the day for salvation!

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” – that is, the word of belief which we are proclaiming:

That if you confess with your mouth the Master יהושע and believe in your heart that Elohim has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, and so is saved.” 

Romans 10:8-10

Notice the verse above states, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness…” Righteousness is walking in obedience to YAH’s Law being made morally right or justifiable. Placing your faith in Messiah יהושע produces good works of righteousness in us that we may be perfected in Him.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens.

Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name?’ And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’ 

Matthew 7:21-23

If Messiah יהושע tells those who have been prophesying in His Name, casting out demons in His Name, and performing miracles in His Name to depart from Him because He doesn’t know them, how much more so will a sinner enter the Kingdom of Elohim, whose deeds were continually wicked?

Knowing Him is keeping His Commandments (John 14:15) and by keeping them shows that we love Him.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed [obeyed]? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without one proclaiming? And how shall they proclaim if they are not sent? As it has been written, ‘How pleasant are the feet of those who bring the Good News of peace, who bring the Good News of the good!’

However, not all obeyed the Good News. For Yeshayahu (Isaiah) says, “יהוה, who has believed our report?”

So then belief [faith and obedience] comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Elohim.” Romans 10:14-17

If your intention is to confess your sins on your deathbed and say, “I’ll just repent right before I die,” don’t think that’s going to suffice with YAH. He knows your heart, which scripture says is, “deceitful and so desperately wicked who can know it.” He tests the mind, the inmost being, to give every man according to the fruit of his deeds (Jeremiah 17:9).

You are not promised tomorrow. Life is but a vapor. Scripture says that without “holiness” no one will see Elohim. A faith that does not work is dead, and according to James 2:22, faith is perfected and brought to completion.

“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of wrath is coming, when Elohim’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to his works. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that Elohim offers. But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth [Torah; Psalm 119:142] and instead live lives of wickedness.” Romans 2:5-8

We must realize that deciding to wait until the last day to repent does not guarantee our salvation. If anything is certain about the future, there is a judgment according to works for all who live and die. No one gets a “free pass” into the Kingdom. Pray always that you are counted worthy and work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 

~ Shalom.

[@thegraftedones]

Wait Upon YHWH

When we think our prayers aren't being

answered, we tend to get discouraged and cry out, “Abba Father, why aren't You helping me?"

Yet, our prayers are answered in His own perfect timing.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7). 

However, sometimes we don't see the answer for a while, or YHWH may say, “no” because He has a different and better plan.

So we are exhorted to ask. But our request must be…

. in faith (Matthew 21:22),

. without selfish motives (James 4:3)

. according to the will of YHWH (1 John

5:14-15).

Another reason why our prayers are not answered is because of disobedience. 

Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 28:9 TS2009. He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, Even his prayer is an abomination.

When we disobey and transgress the Father’s Torah, it is sin, as stated in 1 John 3:4. But our obedience brings blessings and not curses (Deuteronomy 28:2). 

Sometimes we can be impatient while waiting for YHWH to answer our prayers. But as we wait, we must believe He will build our faith, purify our hearts, and show us His will.

~ Shalom

[@TheGraftedOnes]

The Falling Away

“Let no man deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction."         

2 Thessalonians 2:3

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." 

1 Timothy 4:1

The mystery of lawlessness has been taking place for 2000 years and will intensify in these last days; in fact, it is all around us. People's hearts are waxing cold.

"The falling away" is abandoning the true teachings of Yahshua, which for many in religion who profess to be believers in "Jesus," have fallen away from the biblical standard (Torah). They attend church and over time, they have allowed themselves to be shaped by culture and have embraced false doctrines and traditions of men that are rooted in paganism, which YHWH forbids (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). They have twisted and perverted the word of YHWH Elohim.

Why is this important? Because when the man of lawlessness is revealed, he will come out of an environment of lawlessness. Since he will blend right into the culture of religious denominations that have fallen away from the scriptural and moral standards of the bible then he will fit right in with the rest of the world. By condoning lawlessness, it allows the enemy to rise and become THE LAW.

Yahshua never said to follow religion; Judaism, Christianity, etc. He said, "Follow Me." We are to walk in the ways of how Yahshua lived, not according to the traditions and doctrines of men.

By: Edith Sapaugh

Spiritual Battles

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” - Ephesians 6:12-13

The Bible describes unseen spiritual battles. All this is happening behind the scenes in the spiritual world, but it has great influence over the physical world. HaSatan and the demons are invisible to us, and he is a master of camouflage. He is able to convince unbelievers that he doesn’t exist, and he is able to sway society and suggest wrong thoughts to us without our even realizing he is there.

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore take up the whole armor of YHWH, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

When we put on this whole armor of YHWH, we will be prepared for HaSatan’s attempts to attack us with pride, envy, lust for forbidden pleasures, itching ears, disappointment, discouragement, doubt or division—or any other deceitful works he may use.

Apostle Paul wrote: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in YHWH and in the power of His might.”

Armor of YHWH:

1. Belt of Truth

2. Breastplate of Righteousness 

3. Gospel of Peace

4. Shield of Faith

5. Helmet of Salvation 

6. Sword of the Spirit 

Remember to stay in the Word because YHWH’s Truth [Psalm 119:142] is your defense. Be ready for battle, pray without ceasing, and fight the good fight of faith. True faith and love always prevail! ❤️🗡💯

By: Edith Sapaugh

The Goal of the Torah is Messiah

Some may have a zeal for Elohim but it is not based on His understanding but their own. They have not submitted themselves wholeheartedly to His way to be made righteous.

Romiyim (Romans) 10:4 TS2009

"For Messiah is the goal of the ‘Torah unto righteousness’ to everyone who believes."

Torah is to take "aim."

Messiah is the "goal" of the Torah.

Sin is to "miss the mark."

Righteousness is in the Torah. The person who does the things of the Torah lives by them and will attain life.

Romiyim (Romans) 10:5 TS2009

"For Mosheh writes about the righteousness which is of the Torah, “The man who does these shall live by them.”

When we put our trust in YHWH, we believe and obey His word and continue toward deliverance. The problem is that not everyone is paying attention and obeying it.  

"So trust comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through a Word proclaimed about the Messiah." Romans 10:17

What is the "Word" proclaimed about the Messiah? Torah!

For the righteousness of belief means the Word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart. But how can someone proclaim Him UNLESS they are HEARING and DOING the will of the Father? 

“As it has been written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those announcing Good News of peace, who bring the Good News of the good!’” Romans 10:15

By: Edith Sapaugh

Did the Church Replace Israel?

In Christian doctrine, replacement theology, also known as "supersessionism," is broadly accepted in the Christian Church in which they believe they have superseded Israel. They also believe this refers only to the Jewish people, assuming their role as YAH's covenanted people; thus, asserting that the New Covenant through "Jesus Christ" has replaced the Mosaic Covenant.

First of all, there is confusion on their part as to who "Israel" is. There are two houses; Judah and Ephraim. Let's begin with the House of Judah, who is from the Southern Kingdom.

Under the House of Judah, according to Scripture, are the Tribes of Judah, Benjamin, some Levites and Priests. There is a misunderstanding that Judah makes up all the tribes of Israel but they are one tribe only, being the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. When they were taken into captivity, their rule was under Babylon. Some returned back to the land and some did not and are still dispersed into the nations just like their brothers of the Northern Kingdom.

The other ten tribes make up the Northern Kingdom which is the House of Joseph/Ephraim. Their rule was under the Assyrian captivity and have assimilated into the Gentile nations and have yet to return back to the land. In fact, they have lost their identity to this day.

In the Bible, it has always been about one chosen nation of set-apart and peculiar people whom YAH calls His people; a remnant only and He calls them "Israel." The so called "Church" does not replace them but can join with them and become one as the body of Messiah Yahshua.

According to Romans 11, Apostle Paul states that those who are of belief can be grafted into the natural branches as wild branches. But do not boast or be arrogant against the natural branches because YAH warns that He will not spare you either.

Yahshua said He only came for the Lost Sheep of Israel. 

Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

When Yahshua sent His disciples to preach the good news of the kingdom, He expressly told them, "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:5-6).

YAH deals with both houses differently until they are one again in His Hand as Ezekiel 37 prophecy says:

Verse 19: Say to them, "Thus says YHWH Elohim, 'Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand.'"

It is clear that the twelve tribes of Israel and all their grafted-in companions will be regathered at this time, for the only way into the Holy City will be through twelve gates only named after the twelve tribes of Israel. There is no “Gentile Gate” (Revelation 21:12)

There is one covenant and one law for both the natural-born citizen and the sojourner who lives among them, not a separate one for only "Jews."

Numbers 15:16 WEBUS
[16] One law and one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.’”

You can either be one in covenant with the children of Israel or not be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven in the New Jerusalem.

Despite them being driven out of the land for their disobedience, YAH will have compassion on Jacob and will once again "choose" Israel.

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 14:1 TS2009
[1] Because יהוה has compassion on Ya‛aqoḇ, and shall again choose Yisra’ĕl, and give them rest in their own land. And the strangers shall join them, and they shall cling to the house of Ya‛aqoḇ.

Romans 11:25-26 WEBUS
[25] For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,
[26] and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, “There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

May those still lost in religion be awakened to the Truth in these last days before the final harvest. 

By: Edith Sapaugh

A Bruised Reed - 144,000

Mattithyahu (Matthew) 12:20
[20] “A crushed [bruised] reed He shall not break, and smoking flax He shall not quench, till He brings forth right-ruling forever. [See also Isaiah 42:3]

A reed is a tall, thin grass that typically grows in wet areas, common in marshlands or riverbanks (like those around the Jordan), and it is easily bent or bruised when pressure is applied.

Metaphorically, the “bruised reed” refers to the spiritually, physically, or morally weak - a vulnerable people's fragility who are weakened by tribulation, or injustice; they may feel ready to “break.” A reed that is bruised may be damaged, but it is not irreparable.

A "smoking flax" may be about to lose its fire altogether, but it can still be reignited. It symbolizes a flickering hope of faith indicating someone whose spirit is low but still has a spark of life which YHWH will not extinguish.

Isaiah 42:1 KJVAAE
[1]  Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Just like Yahshua, the Suffering Servant, who was brought forth to lead justice to victory, He was the "bruised reed" whom the nations look upon with hope. Those under Him also will suffer as bruised reeds in a decaying and unrepentant world; the outcasts who are mocked and despised for the Truth.

But, YHWH's commitment to His chosen ones is to uphold them and refine them. They are Israel, or His servant, Jacob (144,000); in other words, they are overcomers also known as "striving with Elohim." He has called out His bruised and battered reeds to go forth in righteousness to proclaim His Truth and right-rulings to the lost and help lead the captives free.

Isaiah 42:6-7 WEBUS
[6] “I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness. I will hold your hand. I will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations,
[7] to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.

YHWH has called a remnant to be a light to the Gentiles and help lead them out of darkness and falsehood.

The mouth, has YHWH made, like a sharp sword and a polished shaft. Like arrows, He has hidden His chosen ones in His quiver, a place of divine protection and purpose in spiritual preparation to be used for His glory.

Isaiah 49:5 WEBUS
[5] Now Yahweh, He who formed me from the womb to be his servant, says to bring Jacob again to Him, and to gather Israel to him, for I am honorable in Yahweh’s eyes, and my God has become my strength.

Ma`asei (Acts) 5:32 TS2009
[32] And we are His witnesses to these matters, and so also is the Set-apart Spirit whom Elohim has given to those who obey Him.”

YHWH will comfort His people and have compassion on His afflicted ones. He will contend with those who contend against them and promises to save their offspring.

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 49:14-15 TS2009
[14] But Tsiyon says, “יהוה has forsaken me, and יהוה has forgotten me.”
[15] “Would a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Though they forget, I never forget you.

All who wait on YHWH will not be ashamed for He does not forsake His set-apart ones, those who guard the Commandments and hold the testimony of Yahshua, for they will soar on eagle's wings and reign with their Messiah forever and all flesh will know that YHWH is the One and Only Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob! HalleluYAH!

By: Edith Sapaugh

[@thegraftedones]