"Halloween" giveaway!

   What better way to spend this time of year than growing in our understanding of spiritual things?  Normally, I am leery of books and other materials claiming to teach spiritual warfare.  It's very difficult to know whether or not the teacher actually knows what he/she is talking about or if they are parroting what they've been taught to believe!

    Bill Schnoebelen, however, has my attention!  His testimony is too much for me to go into here, but he has spent years of his life involved in major occult groups and practices.  Now, though, he is a follower of Yeshua, and (if I'm not mistaken) he is Torah observant!  Either way, though, he definitely is educated - both formally and experientially.

    If you're interested, you can easily find many of Mr. Schnoebelen's teachings on YouTube.  I especially recommend his testimony!  This is a long series, but you  may start here:

 Once you pass the introduction to the video, Mr. Schnoebelen spends a few moments giving a quick rundown of his history.  You may want to check that out, even if you can't watch the entire video!

   In the spirit of educating ourselves spiritually, A Bride Bejeweled will be giving away "Blood on the Doorposts (An Advanced Course in Spiritual Warfare) written by Bill Schnoebelen in 1994.  (Click here for Amazon link and preview.)  As with our last book giveaway, the winner is free to choose either a hard copy or e-book version of the book!  (You must be willing to provide either a mailing address or e-mail address (in case of an e-book) for the delivery of your prize.)

    You can enter in multiple ways, and some entries can be repeated daily!  Check out our rafflecopter giveaway widget on the side of the page to enter!

     Be blessed!

Here We Go Again....

    I'm sure you've noticed (as every year), it's only August, but the stores are stocking their shelves with Halloween (and even Christmas!) items.  It seems to me like they start earlier each year!  Even though, in my mind, 2+ months away is too early to start worrying about it, if it's gearing up, then we should discuss it.

    If you were a reader of my blog this time last year, then you already read my first post on Halloween.  If not, please do so.  If you're unfamiliar with the origins and symbolism associated with our traditions, please look into it!  It's vital that, as believers, we should be EDUCATED about our faith and our traditions!  Because Halloween is an annual tradition for many of us, we should know what it means and why.

     Halloween, as you will quickly see, is a pet-peeve of mine.  It hasn't always been, though.  I celebrated as a child and went trick-or-treating like all the others.  As an adult though, after deciding to serve YHVH (God) with my life, I've made a much different choice.  I will share this choice with you here, in hopes that you, too, will perhaps consider your personal choice again in the light of this information.

     It takes absolutely ZERO insight, discernment, or enlightenment of any kind to see Halloween's "true colors".  It amazes me, now, how ugly the whole thing is!  Spider webs, gory skeletons, goblins, witches, etc. - we decorate our businesses and homes with blood, guts, and gore!  It's creepy!  Yet, this time of year (again coming earlier and getting longer), it can hardly be escaped!  Stores proudly showcase macabre merchandise that they would never have under any other circumstances.  Fashions and behaviors that are normally viewed as odd, fringe, even disturbing are now celebrated and accepted by all!  It's easy to understand why many enjoy this holiday and either ignore or enjoy the darkness of it.  What isn't so easy to understand, though, is why most Christians are among them!

     Please, if you call yourself a Christian, look into this!  We are celebrating a high holiday of Satanism/Paganism in which horrible acts are commited, and the whole time we're encouraging and instructing our children to take part!

     If you've read my "Cancelling Christmas" article, then you understand the biblical reasons that many believers are turning away from many of our traditional holidays.  To state it quickly, in Deuteronomy 11-12, YHVH gives instructions to the Israelites (His people) on how to worship.  He explicitly tells them NOT to repackage pagan practices!  Anything that has ever been pagan was and always will be an abomination to God!!!!  We can't "clean it up", "turn it around", or just go "so far."  He requires us to worship Him in Spirit and truth - not ignorance and "bathed" occultism!

    I honestly believe that YHVH is very displeased when His people (especially His churches) participate in the world's ways - either willingly or ignorantly avoiding the truth of those ways.  IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE!  We have more than enough intelligence and resources to know the truth, and we must make an effort at it!  The truth that we know, we are also held accountable to!

     If I could declare war on Halloween, I would; but, honestly, what good would that do?  What the rest of the world does is a moot point when God's people aren't doing right themselves!  If you are His, I beg you... be intelligent and informed about your actions!  Do your research, stay in prayer, and decide for yourself how your family can best serve and honor YHVH this year - every day.

     Here is a video to get you started!!!

Video Share: Evolution vs. God (Ray Comfort)

   
Ray Comfort seems to have declared war on evolution!!!  I have thoroughly enjoyed his material in the past, and his new video Evolution vs. God is a great continuation!  It's a little more than 45 minutes; take the time to watch this - you'll be glad you did!

Messianic Misconception #3: Legalism!

     This is by far the most common and vehement objection to the Hebrew Roots movement that I have encountered!  I've heard it preached in sermons, seen it written in articles, and everyone I've met who is part of this movement has had this accusation tossed at them at one point or another.  There is a great fear that this movement (because we choose to observe Torah) is an insidious plot to bring believers into bondage to the law.  I will attempt to address this concern without making this post overly lengthy, but there is much to say.  It may be that this will be continued in a second post in the interest of both time and space!

     Because this is the most serious objection to the movement, please take some time to "get ready" for what is about to be said.  Most importantly, pray!  YHVH Himself will lead you and guide you in your search for truth, so ask Him to make the truth clear to you while you read and study.  Also, please take the time to read a passage of scripture - Hebrews chapters 8-10.  These chapters will be critical in this article, and it will help you to have them fresh in your mind.  Of course, there are many New Testament scriptures concerning the "law", and you may want to peruse many of those as well!  Below, I've quoted a fairly good-sized portion of Hebrews 10 for you. Please, however, be sure to read the few chapters I've suggested to get the context of what is being said.  Also, This is a cut/paste job from a Bible study software, KJV, with the verse numbering removed for more fluid reading.  Please excuse the odd capitalization, etc., as I did not want to otherwise alter the text!

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Hebrews 10:1-29 KJV 

   It is well understood by the majority of Christians today that Christ's sacrifice on the cross (His blood) cleansed us from sin and that ONLY through His Righteousness are we righteous in the eyes of YHVH.  He paid the price to redeem us!  The Hebrew Roots Movement, as well, holds this to be true.  It is, however, our view of the law that has many concerned.

   It is widely believed that Christ redeemed us from the law.  Therefore, when we are in Christ, the law no longer applies to us - we are free in Christ!  Because of this belief, many are concerned about our teachings.  Namely, because we emphasize obedience to the Torah (law) of YHVH (God).  It is feared that we are "bringing believers into bondage to the law", "promoting legalism", or "refusing/denying grace".  If this misunderstanding alone could be cleared up, it would greatly impact both our movement and the church at large!  This will by no means be an all-out dissertation on the subject, but, hopefully, I can shed a little light!

    First, we must differentiate between being redeemed from the law ITSELF and being redeemed from the curse that comes from breaking the law.  If I break the law (and we all have), then I am guilty and will be punished.  The punishment for sin (defined biblically as "breaking the law") is death.  (1 John 3:4/Romans 6:23)  Now, Christ redeemed me by taking my curse - death.  Now, because of Him, I am seen as righteous and reconciled to God (YHVH).  We all agree on this!!!  However, if I am redeemed and counted guiltless, do I thereafter live lawlessly????  Am I free to walk out of the courtroom, down the street, and begin breaking laws again???  NO!!!  This is where the two views differ!  While it is claimed that we teach salvation by works (i.e. by law), we do not!  We do, however, believe that as born-again believers and followers of Yeshua (Jesus) we are not to live indifferent to, ignorant of, or in rebellion against God's law!  Why?  Because Jesus Himself kept the law, taught the law, fulfilled the law, and warned us against lawlessness!  To be Christ-like, we must be law-abiding citizens of the Kingdom of God!

     However, because some of Paul's statements in his letters can be confusing, and because they are often taken out of context, we have been led to believe that being "not under the law" (Romans 6:14) means we do not have to abide by the law.  But, this theory falls apart when you begin to look at ALL of what Paul taught about the law!  In Hebrews 8-10 (I hope you read those!), Paul explains fully what Yeshua's sacrifice did.  The sacrificial law (which dictated what was to be sacrificed for sin and how) could not redeem us.  The blood of those animals, covered Israel's sin for a year, then the sacrifice had to be repeated.  Why?  It was insufficient!  Yeshua (Jesus), the LAMB OF GOD became the once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins.  Now, we no longer need to offer yearly sacrifices.  He fulfilled the law and redeemed us from our guilt/curse!  In these chapters, he fully spells it out for us!  He describes the temple, sacrifices, priests, etc. and explains how Christ (Yeshua) has done away with all of those! The moral law (which defines right/wrong for us) is not mentioned once.  Yeshua KEPT THE MORAL LAW PERFECTLY because if He didn't He would be spotted with sin Himself, His death would have been deserved, and He could not have redeemed us!!!

So, are we trying to bring you into bondage???  NO!  In order to do that, we would have to somehow nullify Christ's sacrifice and bring the curse of your sin back upon your own head.  We have neither the desire nor the power to do such a thing!  We are, however, trying to warn believers that one of the most popular doctrines in Christianity today is a dangerous misunderstanding of scripture, and may actually distance you from God (YHVH) more than draw you closer!!!  STUDY THIS FOR YOURSELF!!!  Please, this is too important for you to simply adopt the answer you like best or believe whatever your favorite preacher says!  Remember, Yeshua WARNED us that not all who call Him Lord will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who DO THE FATHER'S WILL.  (Please see my "Faith By Default" article here.)

    So, the bottom line is, we keep the law (as best we can).  Why?  To honor YHVH!  To be obedient to HIM!  Not to earn salvation, but to please our Father!  Plus, in our attempts to keep His law, we see vividly how much we need our Savior!  The law is our "schoolmaster" (Paul said that) to show us our sin so that we will seek His grace!

 I'm going to leave you with some things spoken by Paul in scripture concerning the law.  Try and reconcile these with the popular church teaching that the law doesn't apply to us! (These will be paraphrased.)

Romans 6:15 - Should we sin (break the law) because we are not under the law?  God forbid!

Romans 7:7 - Should we say the law is sin? God forbid!

Romans 2:13 - Those who hear God's law are not justified, but those who do!

Romans 6:12 - Don't let sin control you that you obey it!  (There can be no accusation of sin if there is not law.  Sin is the breaking of the law!  If the law is truly obsolete, then sin does not exist.)

Romans 7:12 - The law is holy, righteous and good! (Why? Because it makes us aware of our sin!)

1 Timothy 1:8 - The law is good when used rightly.  (Remember it does not/can not justify us.  That does not mean it has no place!)

Now, Yeshua's words:

Matthew 5:17-19 - I have come to fulfill the law, not to destroy it.  Not one jot or tittle will pass from the law until ALL be fulfilled.  Those who break the commandments will be least in the Kingdom!

Luke 16:7 - It's easier for heaven and earth to fail than the law!

Matthew 15:3 - Why do you break the commandment of God for tradition??? (See also Mark 7:8-9)

John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments! (See also verse 21).


Can the law save us? - No!
Can we be "good enough" by the law's standards to be righteous? - No!
Can we earn our salvation or pay Jesus back by keeping the law? - No!
Are we under the law? - No! (If we are truly His, we are under grace.)
Are we redeemed from obeying the law? - No! We are redeemed from the curse punishment for our breaking of the law!
Was the law important to Jesus/Yeshua? -YES! See above!
Will obedience to the law put us in bondage??? - NO!!!  Breaking the law puts you in bondage to it, not keeping it! In fact, God's blessings are contingent on keeping His laws! (Deuteronomy 28)
Is keeping the law legalistic? - NO!!!  Legalism is an attitude that is overly focused on the letter and minute detail of the law with no room for error or grace.  Just as obeying speed limits is not "legalistic", neither is obeying Torah!


Don't Forget - YHVH (God) gave us the law!  Our perfect, all-knowing, loving creator Who NEVER CHANGES and DOES NOT LIE!  The law is good!  Why would He die to redeem us from something good He gave us???  We need redemption because we've broken His law, not because His law is a burden!  King David (you know... "man after God's own heart") delighted in the law (see Psalms 1:2, 40:8) and the book of Proverbs (all the wisdom stuff) exalts God's law! (See Proverbs 28:7, 7:2)

Draw closer to God - in obedience!  No minister would ever tell you that murder or adultery were OK, would they???  His law is a blessing - to teach, guide, and bless us as we obey!  Your failures are already paid for - thank you, Yeshua - so you don't have to panic!  If you belong to Him, seek to please Him!

Be blessed!