Hanging Out in the Holy of Holies

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Numbers 7:89, When Moses. Moses going into the inner most sanctuary of the tabernacle is a lesson for us in experiencing intimacy with YHVH Elohim.

The holy of holies in the tabernacle from which the voice of YHVH emanated pictured what? (See Rev 7:15.) The Tabernacle of Moses is a spiritual picture of what? (Read Eph 3:21–22; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:5.) If the saints are the temple of the Set-Apart Spirit, can they, like Moses, hear the voice of Elohim? (See what Yeshua said in answer to this question in John 10:3–5, 27 cp. Acts 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 29:4.)

How does YHVH now speak to his people? (Note John 16:13; 1 Cor 2:12.) How does the Spirit interact with man to speak the mind, heart and will of Elohim to humans? (See John 14:17; Job 32:8; Prov 20:27; Rom 8:16; Eph 3:16; 1 John 2:20, 27; 4:2–3; 1 Cor 2:10–14.)

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A corollary passages to this verse is found in Psalms 61:4 where David speaks of abiding in YHVH’s tabernacle forever, and putting his trust in the shelter of YHVH’s wings. Consider this. Over the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant are the over-shadowing wings of the two cherubim, which is representative of Elohim’s throne and glorious Presence on earth (see Isa 37:16; Ezek 10:1–22; 11:22–23). It was in this place of intimate worship before the “Rock that his higher than me” (verse 2) that David sought shelter or refuge and deliverance from his enemies (verse 3). Phrases like, “under the shadow of your wings” is a Hebraism meaning “before YHVH in the place and state of worship” (see also Pss 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; 91:1,4). It was also in this place —between the cherubim — that Moses heard the voice of Elohim (Num 7:89), and that David would see the power or might, strength and glory or manifest Presence of Elohim in a prophetic, ecstatic or spiritual vision (Ps 63:2).

The saints now have access to throne of Elohim through prayer (Rev 5:8; 8:3). Occasionally, YHVH will still communicate with his servants through an audible voice, dreams, visions, or an angelic visitation. But this is rare even as it was in biblical times. This is because YHVH is testing his people to see if they will walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7), and will remain faithful to his written word.

Currently, YHVH is refining, testing and preparing his bride for her marriage to him. Will she be faithful to him having never seen him? The time is coming, however, when she will be in YHVH’s blessed Presence forever, which is the object or end goal of her faith.

 

Marine Court-Martialed for Keeping Bible Verse on Her Computer

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Franklin Graham Says There Is No Tolerance for Christians in Culture

BY STOYAN ZAIMOV, CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER
May 28, 2015|9:25 am
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The Rev. Franklin Graham speaking with WIAT 42 News in an interview posted on May 14, 2015.

The Rev. Franklin Graham has spoken out on a case concerning a Marine Corporal who was court-martialed for refusing to remove a Bible verse from her computer at work, stating that it shows that there is no tolerance in culture for Christians.

Marine Lance Cpl. Monifa Sterling was court-martialed earlier this week after she was convicted Feb. 1, 2014, for refusing to remove the verse “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17) from her computer.

“Unbelievably, she was criminally prosecuted by the U.S. government for displaying this encouraging scripture on her computer in her workspace. Give me a break, really? Can our society be at a point where a supervisor can order a young Marine to remove a Bible verse from her computer? Others are able to display secular messages without any opposition, but Sterling was targeted by her supervisor,” Graham wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“Today there’s a tolerance in our culture for everything — except the things of God and His Word. The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has been asked to review Lance Cpl. Sterling’s case — let’s pray that this kind of targeting and persecution of Christians by our government will be stopped.”

Fox News‘ Todd Starnes noted that Sterling represented herself at the trial, and was found guilty of disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer and four specifications of disobeying the lawful order of a noncommissioned officer.

Sterling was given a bad conduct discharge, while her rank was reduced from Lance Cpl. to private, after both the lower court and the appellate court ruled that displaying Bible verses at work is not protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The Liberty Institute has now taken up her case, however, and has filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the U.S. Armed Forces.

“If the government can order a Marine not to display a Bible verse, they could try and order her not to get a religious tattoo, or go to church on Sunday,” attorney Michael Berry said. “Restricting a Marine’s free exercise of religion is blatantly unconstitutional.”

Last week Graham stood up for an Air Force general after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation called on Maj. Gen. Craig Olson to be court-martialed, this time for giving credit to God during a speech at a National Day of Prayer event.

Olson received heavy criticism from the MRFF, which said in a letter to Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh that he should be “aggressively and very visibly brought to justice for his unforgivable crimes and transgressions” for saying that God helped him throughout his military career.

Graham argued that atheist groups are attempting to “bully Christians into silence” with such actions.

“Are Christians the only group of people who cannot identify themselves publicly in this country? Are we the only voices who cannot speak?” the evangelical asked.

From http://www.christianpost.com/news/franklin-graham-says-there-is-no-tolerance-for-christians-in-culture-after-marine-court-martialed-for-keeping-bible-verse-on-her-computer-139675/

 

Gifts for the One Who Already Has Everything

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Numbers 7:12–88, A silver platter…silver bowl…fine flour mixed with oil…one gold pan/ladle…full of incense…one young bull. These items that each tribe brought as a gift to the tabernacle symbolize spiritual aspects of the redeemed believer’s life. Let’s now explore this.

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By offering these gifts to YHVH for the tabernacle service, it’s as if, as Matthew Henry points out in his commentary, that the tribes were preparing a banqueting table for YHVH Elohim, the Great King. He desires to abide and to fellowship with his people (see Exod 25:8).

Each tribe bringing the same gift signifies what? (See Deut 10:17; Acts 10:34 cp. Rom 2:11; Col 3:11.)

We see that YHVH is totally impartial and righteous in his dealings with men. Silver represents what in the Scriptures? (Note Lev 5:15 cp. 1 Pet 1:18.)

The Scriptures liken man to what? (Read Isa 64:8 cp. Acts 9:15; 2 Tim 2:20–21.)

The fine flour mixed with oil to make unleavened bread on the altar of Elohim is a spiritual picture of what? (See John 6:35,48 cp. 1 Cor 5:7.)

Gold in the Scriptures is always a picture of that which is of the highest quality and value. It is a picture of YHVH’s thoughts and character (see Exod 39:1, 30), and the priceless value of his Torah-word (note Ps 119:72, 127). Golden bowls full of incense symbolizes what? (See Rev 5:8; 8:3.)

The animals gifts that the tribes brought pictured what? (Read Heb 9:11–15; 10:12–13.)

As you can see, these gifts were symbolic of spiritual realities in the life of the redeemed believer. (Ponder or discuss this.) What can man possibly give to YHVH that he doesn’t already have? Any gift we give to him is simply a symbolic gesture of our love and devotion to him. It speaks of the condition of our heart vis-à-vis our relationship with our Heavenly Father, and when our hearts our hearts are totally inclined to serve him, this pleases him immensely!

 

Shavout NW 2015 photos

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Shavuot Northwest 2015 in the barn at Wilsonville, Oregon, USA…together in one accord…the nations and tribes come together…gathering around Yeshua the Messiah — the Living and Written Torah…spiritual and physical food…rejoicing…worship…spiritual rededication…the bride preparing herself to meet her Heavenly Bridegroom…repentance…spiritual breakthroughs…healing…prophetic words…baptism of the Ruach HaKodesh…restoration of relationships…spiritual community…outpouring of love … there’s always next year for those who missed it!

Shavuot in the barn.

Shavuot in the barn.

Dr. Joe teaching about Shavuot.

Dr. Joe teaching about Shavuot.

John from California giving his testimony about how the Torah radically changed his life.

John from California giving his testimony about how the Torah radically changed his life.

The bread waving ceremony.

The bread waving ceremony.

Part of the Hoshana Rabbah/Congregation Elim praise and worship team.

Part of the Hoshana Rabbah/Congregation Elim praise and worship team.

Fellowship and food at the barn during Shavuot 2015.

Fellowship and food at the barn during Shavuot 2015.

 

Cleansing the Temple; Preparing the Priesthood

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The following are the talking points of Natan’s Shavuot message that he gave at Shavuot NW 2105. I hope you find these thought provoking and edifying. Natan

YHVH Is Preparing a Kadosh (Set-Apart) Priesthood

  • Ezekiel 43:8 teaches us that man’s religious thresholds (standards) must be the same as YHVH’s, and man’s entry points into relationship must correspond with those of YHVH. Usually, men’s standards are lower than YHVH’s. Men’s low spiritual standards are abominable in the eyes of YHVH and prevent us from coming into close relationship with him. Men’s lower standards can even bring YHVH’s fiery and fierce judgment against us as this verse teaches us.
  • In Numbers 18:7 and 20 we learn that the Levitical priesthood of old who had no inheritance in the land and had no share among Israel. Similarly, we as YHVH’s holy priesthood have no inheritance or share in this world. Our inheritance is in YHVH and in his world to come.
  • Elohim exists outside of the physical dimension and transcends human understanding and is unknowable except by divine revelation. Religious systems tend to reduced Elohim’s righteousness down to more manageable proportions and trivialize his glory and transcendence. In so doing, we risk making and worshipping a god in our own image, which is idolatry.
  • Before Yeshua went to the cross, he went in and cleansed the outer courtyard of corporatism and greed. When Yeshua returns, he’s going to come suddenly to his temple and to cleanse the sons of Levi (Mal 3:1–4). He’s coming back for pure priesthood who’s not part of a corporate, greedy religious system and everything that defiles, profaned it. All syncretistic systems and traditions of men will be eliminated. He wants living stones in his new temple, not dead ones that are spiritually lifeless. Those who abide in the outer court will be judged. The outer court is for the gentiles (Rev 11:1–2). It’s a place of an unholy mixture of worldly and religious affairs. Gentiles need to cease being Gentiles and become grafted in redeemed Israelites. The Laodiceans are those who are unacceptable to YHVH. They haven’t progressed past the outer court.
  • In Malachi’s day, the priests were to bring only perfect, undefiled, unblemished and worthy of YHVH’s holiness (Mal 1:6–7, 10–13). Today YHVH’s royal priesthood is to bring him the kadosh sacrifice of a broken, contrite spirit and circumcised heart and the offering of their dedicated Continue reading →
 

Blog Scripture Readings for 5-24 Through 5-30-15

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THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION:

Parashat Nasso — Numbers 4:21 – 7:89 
Haftarah — Judges 13:2-25
Prophets — Jeremiah 24:1 – 30:24
Writings — Ruth 4:1-22; Lamentations 1:1 – 5:22
Testimony — 1 John 4:1 – 5:21; 2 John; 3 John; Jude; Romans 1:1 – 2:29

Most of this week’s blog discussion points will be on these passages. If you have general comments or questions on the weekly Scripture readings not addressed in a blog post, here’s a place for you to post those. Just use the “leave a reply” link below.

The full “Read Through The Scriptures In A Year” schedule, broken down by each day, can be found on the right sidebar under “Helpful Links.” There are 4 sections of scripture to read each day. One each from the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings, and from the Testimony of Yeshua. Each week, the Torah and haftarah readings will follow the traditional one-year reading cycle.

* Verse numbers in parenthesis refer to the verse number in Christian Bibles when it differs from the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh.

Weekly Blog Scripture Readings for 5/24 through 5/30/15.

 

Who May Ascend the Mountain; Who Is Yeshua’s Bride?

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The following will be my talking points for the message I will be giving this afternoon to the brethren assembled in Wilsonville, Oregon for Hoshana Rabbah’s 2015 Shavuot NW regional gathering. Tomorrow is Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost), and this message is helping to prepare ourselves to meet YHVH on his festival.

Natan

Who May Ascend?

YHVH dwells in a high place (heaven), which is metaphorical represented as a mountain in the Scriptures. It’s high because it’s higher than man and this earth. Mount Sinai was where YHVH spoke to the Israelites from. Moses had to ascend the mountain to come into YHVH’s Presence. The temple in Jerusalem was YHVH’s abiding place among his people. One always went up to Jerusalem to meet with Elohim at this appointed times. When Yeshua returns, the righteous will go up to meet him — the king. In the Millennium, all nations will go up to Jerusalem to meet YHVH on his feast days.

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David asks the question: Who may ascend and dwell in your holy hill or abide in your  tabernacle (Ps 15; 24)? What keeps us from the Presence of YHVH? It is obvious from this question that not everyone has the right to go up into YHVH’s Presence. YHVH as the Almighty Holy King of the universe has established the criteria for who may come up to meet him or not. Only those who meet his condition, will he allow to come up to meet him. Only those who have been taken prisoner by their own innate pride think that they can waltz into the King’s Presence anytime and any way. It doesn’t work this way. This is self-delusion. Only those who have died to their own pride and have humbly submitted themselves to do the will of Elohim will come into his Presence.

Do we really want to do the will of YHVH? Or are we listening to the lie of the serpent who tempted the first man to give in to the lust of his flesh and eyes and the pride of life when he questioned the word of Elohim and said, “Hath God [really] said?”

The older generation of carnal man Israelites couldn’t enter the Promised Land because of their stiff necks and hard hearts of rebellion and wilfulness. Like our ancient forefathers who died in the wilderness, we need to have the hard and fallow ground of our unrepentant and prideful hearts needs tilled up (Jer 4:3; Hos 10:12). Our hearts need to be circumcised. The filth of this world that has wrapped itself around us needs to be cut off. We need to be cut to the heart and find a heart of repentance (Acts 2:37). We need to put off our lukewarm, carnal Laodicean ways (Rev 3:15–20).

We must ask ourselves an important question: Is Yeshua really the Lord or Master of our lives, or only when it doesn’t get in the way of the things we’d rather do than obey his commands?

What does it really mean to follow the Lamb wherever he goes (Rev 14:4)?

What did Yeshua mean when he said, Lose your life (John 12:25), pick you cross and follow me (Matt 16:24)?

There is a group in the last days who will be walking righteously with Yeshua. They are the Continue reading →