Faith and Salvation

Isaiah 12:2- Yahweh Elohim is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid. For Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation (deliverance)."

What is salvation?

Definition from the Webster Dictionary-

• deliverance from the power and effects of sin
• liberation from ignorance or illusion
• preservation from destruction or failure
• deliverance from danger or difficulty 

What has Yahweh told us about being delivered from sin, liberated from ignorance, preserved from destruction and delivered from danger? 

Deuteronomy 4:35- YHWH has clearly demonstrated that He alone is Elohim and there is none beside Him - He is Elohim in heaven above and on earth below - there is no other. Observe His laws and commandments that it may go well with you and your children. 

Deuteronomy 6:3- Obey willingly and faithfully 

Deuteronomy 6:21- We obey His instructions because we were once slaves (to the world system, habits, traditions, doctrines of men etc...) and He freed us with a Mighty Hand... and will give us the land He promised to our fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). 

Deuteronomy 6:24- We are to observe all the laws, to revere YHWH our Elohim, for our lasting good and for our Survival, as is now the case. It will be therefore to our merit before YHWH our Elohim to observe faithfully this Whole Instruction (found in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) as He has commanded us. 

Deuteronomy 8- Yah tests us by hardships to learn what is in our hearts: whether we will keep His Commandments .... or not.

Here is an example in regards to the behavior of those who seem to choose to remain ignorant of His Word:

Ephesians 4:18- They (Gentiles/non-believers) are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of Yahweh Elohim because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more.…

Acts 17:30

Although Yahweh Elohim overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all men everywhere to repent.

What is repentance?

Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible, Herbert Lockyer, Page 908 – “REPENTANCE – a turning away from sin, disobedience or rebellion and a turning back to God (Matt. 9:13; Luke 5:32). In a more general sense, repentance means a change of mind (Gen. 6:6-7) or a feeling of remorse or regret for past conduct (Matt. 27:3). True repentance is a ‘godly sorrow’ for sin, an act of turning around and going in the opposite direction. This type of repentance leads to a fundamental change in a person’s relationship to God.”

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Before Y'shua began his 'ministry' there was John, as prophesied by Isaiah (40:3) in the wilderness immersing folks in the Jordan River, and preaching the immersion of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People came from Jerusalem as well as other areas in the region of Judah. He told about the coming of Y'shua who was more powerful than himself. He said "I immerse you in water, but he will immerse you by the Ruach haKodesh." (Mark 1)

In the book of Luke, chapter 1, we read that John was the son of a Levi Priest, Zechariah, and his wife Elizabeth who was descended from the daughters of Aaron (brother to Moses and Miriam, Levites). Elizabeth, by the way, was cousin to Maryam, mother of Yahshua. Both John the 'baptist' and his cousin, Yahshua, were descendants of the tribe of Levi, making them both qualified to be priests.

So here we have John, son of a Levi Priest, teaching about the "immersion of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" - as he makes people aware of the arrival of Yahshua. Is it safe to say that John has been taught Torah by his father? Immersion was not uncommon among those who followed Yah's Instructions.

John’s 'immersion in the river' was an adaptation of the mikveh, or ritual immersion bath, that had been part of obedience to Torah for generations and symbolized a spiritual cleansing. It was part of the preparation for undertaking a new beginning. Yahshua came to John for a mikveh at the beginning of his ministry.

During the time of Yahshua, did he ever 'baptize' anyone? His teachings about how to have a relationship with the Father are recorded in the Renewed Covenant writings, but in none of those accounts does he tell anyone that they must be baptized. Yahshua never immersed anyone to our knowledge, although he had his disciples perform the ceremony:

Matthew 28:18 (after Yahshua's resurrection he meets with his disciples) "All authority is given to me in heaven and on earth. And as my Father has sent me, I send you. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations and immerse them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Ruach haKodesh (that one name is Yahweh) and teach them to keep all that I have commanded you."

Yahshua often sent people off after being healed without any mention of immersion, and he told His disciples to immerse in "The Name".... Yet, read this:

1 Corinthians 1:14 (Paul is speaking) I thank my Elohim that I immersed none of you except Crispus and Gaius; and therefore that not any one should (accuse me of) immersing in my own name. Moreover I immersed the household of Stephan, but further, I know not that I immersed any other. For Mashiyach did not send me to immerse, but to preach.... 1 Corinthians 2:13- And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 

Did a water baptism become a tradition among religious leaders of his day? Is that what Paul was being careful about? The Gentile church was rising and already perverting The Word and trying to destroy the teachings of Paul. Is being immersed in water necessary when we were told by John, written in Mark 1: "I immerse you in water, but he will immerse you by the Ruach haKodesh."   Did we miss the trade off from water to the Spirit of Yahweh? Yahshua said to immerse people in the Name, he replaced John's immersion in water to the immersion by the Ruach haKodesh.  As John's act was an adaptation to ritual mikvehs, being immersed by the Spirit is an adaptation of that example of ritual cleansing.  Like everything else, Yahshua raised the bar, expanding definition on the Word of Yahweh.

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John 3 in Context

Yahshua answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Elohim." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Yahshua answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of Elohim. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, "You must be born again.' (John 3:3-7)

Note: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Being born of water is referring to being born physically (the water referring to the amniotic fluid that breaks as one is born). This is why he said "You must be born again." The first birth is the birth from the flesh. The second is to be born of the Spirit, which is of Yahweh.

In all of his interactions with people, Yahshua was never recorded as commanding anyone to be baptized, although he often commended people for their faith. It would seem that if baptism were required for salvation, Yahshua would have made some mention of it.

I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  John 6:38- For I came down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me...  John 6:40- For this is the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him, will have life that is eternal. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Yahshua talked often about faith:

Matthew 8:10- I say to that not even in Israel have I found faith like this. 

Matthew 8:26- Oh you of little faith! Why are you fearful?

Matthew 9:2- Y'shua saw their faith and said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son, your sins are forgiven."

Matthew 9:22- "Be comforted, my daughter, your faith has made you alive."

Matthew 9:28-29 ...the blind men approached him. Yahshua asks if they 'believed' he could heal them. They said yes. Then he touched their eyes and said, "As you believed let it be to you" and their eyes were opened.

Matthew 14:31- "Oh you of little faith! Why did you 'doubt' me?

Matthew 15:28- "Oh woman! Great is your faith. Let it be as you desire." And her daughter was healed. 

Matthew 21:21- Y'shua said, if you have faith and no doubt you can perform miracles, and move mountains 

Mark 4:40- Why are you fearful and why is there no faith in you? 

Mark 10:52- See! Your faith has made you whole. 

Mark 11:22- Let the faith of Elohim be in you.

Luke 7:50- Your faith has given you life. Go in peace.

Luke 8:25- Where is your faith? 

Luke 17:19- Arise. Go. Your faith has given you life. 

Luke 18:8- Nevertheless, the Son of man will indeed come, and will he find faith on earth?

Luke 22:32- And I have prayed over you that your faith may not weaken.

Could it be that Faith is the key to Salvation and not baptism by water? It appears that being immersed by the Ruach haKodesh would be to be immerse into the Name which is Yahweh, via the Son who told us no one comes to the Father except by him... and he gave us the Spirit of Truth as a Comforter as we wait for his return .... a lovely harmonious interaction as we repent and return to the One who created us.

Now faith is the persuasion of the things that are in hope as if they were an actual fact, and it is the manifesting of the things not seen. For by faith we understand that the worlds were shaped by the Word of Elohim and that things seen originated from those that are not seen. (Hebrews 11)

We read in Matthew 19:16 that a certain man came and drew near to Y'shua asking what he should do to gain eternal life. Y'shua tells him to obey the Commandments (don't commit murder, nor adultery, don't steal and don't give false witness... honor your parents and love your neighbor as yourself). The young man says that he has obeyed these things since he was a boy - what else? Y'shua tells him if he desires to be perfect/complete to sell off his possessions and provide for the poor, then he will have treasure in heaven - "come, follow me!" That young man went away sad because he had many possessions and apparently he wasn't ready for a yard sale. Many of us have material possessions that we deem important because of sentimental value or actual monetary value.... we drag 'em with us each time we move. I say it is time to get rid of the baggage - clean house and make yourself presentable before Elohim. Part of that 'baggage' we carry around consists of false teachings, traditions and behavior unacceptable to our Creator.  Let's stop being ignorant of His Word, lighten that load and continue to move along His Path of Righteousness!

Revelation 12

Revelation 12, when I read it this is the image that comes to my mind - it is a 'what was and what will be' recap of prophecies found elsewhere throughout Scriptures.  

It is telling about the birth of Messiah, how Satan tries to defeat him, fails and wars against all Set Apart believers through the years, to the point of being cast out of heaven along with his fellow rebellious angels.  The woman flees to the wilderness where she is able to survive the final 3-1/2 years. Now she represents those in Judea who are told to leave when the abomination of desolation enters the 'holy place' and declares himself 'god'.  Satan possessing the final world leader happens at this time and the final 3-1/2 years are hell on earth.  Woe to the earth  - the Deceiver has come down to you, being in great wrath since he knows his time is short.  The Dragon was enraged against the woman and went to make war upon the remnant of her seed who Keep the Commandments of Elohim God and have the testimony of Yahshua.

Now, reading Revelation 12 as a study, these are my notes, yet I still read it as what has happened and what is yet to happen:

The great wonder could be a sky sign just as there was a sky sign announcing the actual birth of the Son of Elohim, or it could be part of the vision. Verse 3 mentions another "wonder" in heaven referring to Satan, the fiery dragon, part of this same vision.  As a side note: In Joseph's dream, the sun and the moon represented his mom and dad; the stars his eleven brothers.  

The pregnant woman represents Mary about to give birth, she is in labor pains. This woman also represents Set Apart believers who endure til the end. Those are they who will withstand the pain, anguish and fears of those days to come.

Satan, that old dragon, that serpent called the Deceiver, did not want our Messiah to be born, and  was poised to devour him. (Remember, after he was born, Joseph and Mary left with Yahshua and stayed in Egypt because of Herod's decree to have all male babies 2 years old and younger killed). This Dragon also represents the future world system/government noted by the 7 heads and 10 horns.  He eventually loses the war in heaven, is cast out and he drags along with him the other angels (stars of heaven) he managed to recruit.  

The woman's child was caught up to Elohim God and to his throne.  Our Messiah was resurrected and now waits until his enemies are made his footstool. 

The woman fled to the wilderness where she survived 1260 days (equals 42 months = 3-1/2 years). As I noted above, those in Judea are told to flee to the wilderness when the abomination of desolation enters the set apart place.

The war in heaven is noted, Satan and his cronies are cast out upon the earth as the vision/wonder depicts the dragon using his tail to draw them along.

Satan the Accuser is cast out of the heavenly realm and those Beings are thankful and joyful, but woe to those inhabiting the earth.....

The same story line is repeated a third time: Dragon goes after to persecute the Woman who is taken to the wilderness hidden from Dragon for three and half years. Enraged Dragon goes after Set Apart believers to make war upon the remnant of her seed who Keep the Commandments of Elohim God and have the testimony of His Son Yahshua.

Folks, it ain't the end, yet....

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My husband and I totally believe in Yahweh as the Creator of this Universe including the sun, the moon, the stars... We totally trust Yah when He says it is He who brings the constellations into their seasons and that He has placed the law of the heavens above the laws of the earth - of which both submit to His authority.

A common misunderstanding stems from this:

Astrology is not the same as Astronomy which is why we are given this warning in

Deuteronomy 4:19--

​​"And when you look up to the sky and behold the sun and the moon and the stars, the whole heavenly host, you must not be lured into bowing down to them or serving them. These Yahweh your God allotted to other peoples everywhere under heaven; but you He took out of Egypt... to be His very own people..."

​Psalm 147:4

He reckoned the number of the stars;

to each He gave its name. 

Great is our Elohim and full of power,

His wisdom is beyond reckoning...

Did you know that those who try to divine destinies from the stars (horoscopes for one example [astrology]) instead of waiting on Yahweh are the 'stargazers' who are condemned:

​​Isaiah 47:13 - You are helpless, despite of all your art (spells and enchantments). Let them stand up and help you now, the scanners of heaven, the star-gazers, who announce, month by month, whatever will come upon you. They have become like straw and fire consumes them; they cannot save themselves.

Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of Elohim, the sky proclaims His handiwork. (Psalm 19)

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Example for Us

1 Corinthians 10

I would have you know, my Brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were immersed by Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that attended them, and that Rock was the Mashiyach. Nevertheless, with most of them Elohim was not pleased, for they fell in the wilderness.

Now these things were an example for us, that we might not desire evil things as they did. Neither should we serve idols as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”  We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. Neither let us tempt the Mashiyach, as some of them tempted and were destroyed by serpents. Neither should you complain, as some of them did and they perished by the Destroyer. 

All these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. Elohim is faithful, and he will not let you be tried beyond your ability, but will make an issue of your trial, that you may be able to sustain it.

Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to the wise; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of thanksgiving that we bless, is it not fellowship of the blood of Yahshua? The bread that we break, is it not fellowship of the body of Yahshua? Because there is one bread, so we are all one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what the Gentiles sacrifice they offer to demons and not to Yahweh Elohim. I do not want you to be associates of demons. You cannot drink the cup of Yahweh and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke Yah to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Everything is in my power; but everything is not profitable. Everything is in my power, but everything does not build up. Let no one seek his own things but also the things of his fellow man.

Eat (according to Instructions about clean foods found in Leviticus) what is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is Yahweh's, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the pagans invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if they tell you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of Elohim. Give no offense to Jew or Gentile nor to the assembly of Elohim; even as I also, in everything, please everyone, I do not seek my own advantage, but what is profitable to many, that they may live.

Two Witnesses

• Woe #1 is triggered by the 5th Messenger sounding his Trumpet and the opening of the abyss followed by the five months of torment of those who have not the seal of Elohim upon their foreheads. 
• Woe #2 is triggered by the 6th Messenger sounding his Trumpet and the attack of the two hundred million man army and the Two Witness events.
• Woe #3 follows quickly and the 7th Trumpet is sounded. The gathering of His people occurs at the return of His Son.

Revelation Chapter 11

In this part of the vision, instructions begin with John measuring the temple of Elohim, not unlike Ezekiel's temple vision of seeing it measured.  Also mentioned is 42 months, the time the Gentiles (unbelievers) tread down Jerusalem, that Set Apart city.  This is when we read about Yah's Two Witnesses who are clothed in sackcloth and will prophecy 1260 days = 42 months = 3-1/2 years - and then comes the end of the world as we know it.

When the abomination of desolation enters the Set Apart place and claims to be 'god' there will be 1290 days left. Of those remaining days, the 'lawless ones' will run amok in Jerusalem for 1260 days.  The Two Witnesses will prophecy 1260 days.

Who are these two witnesses?  They are described as the two olive trees and the two menorahs which stand before Master Yahweh. They have the power to stop the rain, to turn water to blood, and to produce all plagues as often as they please.  They can send fire out of their mouths and consume who ever attacks them.  And they will be giving testimony for 3-1/2 years = 42 months = 1260 days.  Then the Beast that came up from the abyss will make war with them and overcome them.  They will leave their bodies in the street for 3-1/2 days while folks celebrate their death. And then Yahweh will call them up - in that same hour an earthquake destroys part of the city and killed 7,000 people - the rest gave glory to Elohim.

Note: 1 Kings 19:18 I will leave in Israel only seven thousand- every knee that has not knelt to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him (aka worshipped the beast)

Who else is described as an olive tree? We read a description in Zechariah 4 of two olive trees on either side of a gold lamp stand. The angel who has been talking with Zechariah tells him these are the two anointed dignitaries who attend Yahweh of all the earth. And as we know Yah requires at least two in order to be a witness.

A dignitary is one who possesses exalted rank and we know that Yahweh's host in heaven have their ranks. Both Enoch and Elijah were taken up to Yahweh without physical death and seem the likely candidates for the end time witness scenario as the two witnesses will be killed at the end of their testimony yet resurrected 3-1/2 days later. From the writings found in the Book of Enoch one can see the importance or stature Enoch achieved in the heavenly realm. Elijah did not taste death, either. Would it stand to reason that he achieved the same status as Enoch?  Yah had a purpose for them and this could very well be it.

1 Kings 17
Elijah the Tishbite who lives in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As Yahweh Lives, the Elohim of Israel whom I serve, there will be no dew or rain except at my bidding. 

Here we read that Elijah has the power to hold back the rain as he sees fits. This is one of the powers the two end times witnesses have.

And here is the biggie! Malachi ends with:
I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the coming of the awesome, fearful day of Yahweh. He shall reconcile parents with children and children with their parents, so that, when I come, I do not strike the whole land with utter destruction.

This sounds akin to the command to paint the doorposts and lintels with the blood of the lamb so that the messenger of death would pass over those places.

Pure olive oil represents the Set Apart Spirit of Yahweh. It is the anointing oil for kings and for ritual use. This is also the oil used in the menorah. It is the oil seen in Zechariah's vision indicating the two dignitaries are full of the Ruach haKodesh. We may try to figure out who these two are, but we most certainly will recognize them when that day comes, because we have read the words in Revelation.

Revelation 1:3 - Blessed is he that reads, and they who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it; for the time is near.

Gifts of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Y'shua be cursed,” and no one can say, “Y'shua is Lord,” except by the Ruach haKodesh. 

There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Elohim. There are different ways of working, but the same Elohim works all things in all men. 

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various languages, and to still another the interpretation of languages. 

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.

The body is a unit, though it is comprised of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Y'shua. For in one Spirit we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

The body does not consist of one part, but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

But in fact, MarYah has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our (private) parts are treated with special modesty, whereas our presentable parts have no such need.

But Yah has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Y'shua, and each of you is a member of it. And in the assemblies Yahweh has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (NO) But (we still) eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Chapter 13

If I could speak every language of men and that of Messengers (angels), yet there be no love in me, I should be like a brass that resounds, or the cymbal that makes a noise. And if I had the gift of prophecy and I understood all the mysteries and every science; and if there should be in me all Faith so that I could move mountains yet love was not in me, I should be nothing.  And if I should give to the poverty stricken all I possess, and give my body that I may boast, and there is no love in me I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; it is not envious; love does not shout loudly and is not boastful; Love does nothing that causes shame and seeks not her own; is not passionate; and thinks no evil; it does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the Truth; it bears all things, believes all things, hopes for all and endures all. Love will never cease but prophesying will end; and tongues will be stopped; and knowledge will disappear.

We know things, but partially and we prophesy, but partially. But when completeness (perfection) comes, that which is partial shall disappear.  When I was a child I talked, reasoned and thought as a child; but when a man- protector and responsible leader- I laid aside the things of childhood. And now we see, as by a mirror, in dark reflection; but then face to face; now I know partially but then will I know completely, just as I am known. For these three things are abiding: Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest is Love.

Follow after Love and be searching for the gifts of the Spirit.

Acts Chapters One and Two

In regards to whom was "speaking in tongues during Pentecost" I have learned from reading Scriptures that Acts Chapters 1 and 2 are two separate events: 

• Chapter 1 relates to the 40th day after the resurrection of Yahshua and the remaining nine days until Shavuot
• Chapter 2 relates to the 50th day, Shavuot (Pentecost) after the resurrection of  Yahshua and the events of that day

Y'shua and his followers did live according to Yah's Instructions (Torah) and would have observed the celebration of Shavuot per His Instructions:

Exodus 34:22- "Feast of Weeks" is one of the three set times Yahweh commanded His people to observe, coming from their homes to Jerusalem. This is the time of the counting of days (49 days = 7 weeks) from the barley harvest. Day 50 is Shavuot.

Exodus 34:23- He specifies that those three times a year only all the men gather in Jerusalem bringing the appropriate first fruit offerings from the wheat harvest to the priest at the temple.

Leviticus 23:15- gives more detail on procedures, pointing out that on day 50 was when the new grain offering was made.

Deuteronomy 16:9- offers a recap.

This clears up a misconception and shows that only the men gathered at the temple on this day- there were no women in or around the temple during Shavuot, in obedience to the Instructions of Yahweh.  Maryam, the mother of Y'shua, was not there and did not speak a foreign language.  She was, however, gathered with the Apostles and other women in an upper room, according to Acts Chapter 1 a few days before Shavuot.

Chapter 1 is the account of Y'shua giving his final instructions to his Apostles. He tells them not to leave Jerusalem, to wait there for the promise of the Father.  He lets them know that in a few days they would be immersed by the Ruach haKodesh, and when it does they would receive power and be witnesses for Y'shua in Jerusalem, and in all of Judah, also among the Samaritans and to the ends of the earth.  It was after these things he spoke of that they, the Apostles - the men from Galilee - watched him as he was taken up and concealed in a cloud. They were standing there, looking up, when 2 men (angels?) asked, "Galilean men, why are you standing and staring into heaven? This Y'shua who was taken up from you to heaven, likewise he will come just as you have seen him who ascended into heaven."

They, the 11 Apostles, return to Jerusalem and went up into an upper room where they were in steadfast prayer. There were also the women who were with Maryam the mother of Y'shua, and his brothers.  In those days (the 10 day span from when they saw Y'shua taken up and not yet Shavuot, the 50th day) about 120 men had gathered and Simon Peter stands up to speak. He realizes that Scriptures were fulfilled in regards to Judas and also Matthias is chosen as the 12th Apostle.  This ends Chapter 1 of Acts.

• Matthew 13:55 (the brothers of Yahshua: James, Joseph, Simon and Jude)

Note: It makes sense that during this time that there would be a gathering of Set Apart believers seeking out the Apostles, as men were making the trip to Jerusalem from throughout the territories to bring offerings to the priest at the temple. They were hearing about the death and resurrection of Yahshua.

Chapter 2 Verse 1 begins with the fifty days of Shavuot fulfilled (it is now the 50th day), all were assembled as one in the Father's House = the temple in Jerusalem. A sound from heaven like a roaring wind was heard and the entire House was filled. And it appeared to them like tongues divided and fire sat upon everyone of them, the Apostles, who were then filled with the Ruach haKodesh and were compelled to speak in different languages - just as the Spirit had given them to speak.

This was the promised fulfilled, the one Yahshua had told the Apostles to wait for, written in Chapter 1.

How do we know at this time is was just the 12 Apostles that were being filled with the Set Apart Spirit from Yahweh?  Because those who were hearing them speak in different languages referred to them as Galileans.  (They were also referred to as Galileans in Chapt. 1.) Act 2 verse 7- "... these, all of them who are speaking, are Galileans." It was an astonishing event! Although there were those who were mocking them, and once again Simon Peter stands up to speak and gives testimony. (Verse 14 through 36). Some readily received his word and believed and were immersed - about 3,000 souls that day.  We do not read of anyone else speaking in tongues that day.

From that day onward they were all steadfast in their teaching of the Apostles and were in fellowship in prayer and breaking of bread.  Signs and mighty deeds were performed by the Apostles in Jerusalem.  And all those who had believed shared everything they owned with one another. Those who had a possession would sell it and divide evenly to each according to their needs. Every day they were steadfast in the temple as one soul.  While they received food and rejoiced in the simplicity of their hearts, they were praising Elohim and finding favor with the people. Everyday Master Yahshua would add to those who lived among the congregation.  That ends Acts Chapter 2.

What is Wormwood?

Here is a sampling of the Scripture verses that were mentioned in a print-out sent to me recently in regards to Planet X (aka Nibiru) claiming this planet is bible prophecy and headed towards earth. If we really want to understand Scriptures we can learn the context and definition of wormwood by reading more than one word or one sentence from a paragraph or two and then trying to force a prophetic revelation out of it.  The same thing happened with the Blood Moon interpretation not long ago - nobody is talking about it now.... what happened?

Reference is also made to events recorded in Revelation. I note that The Seven Shofar events are in numerical order, so when we see hail with fire mixed with water raining down, we know we are in for something much worse - which will happen before the star called Wormwood falls to earth.

Deuteronomy 29:15 - 

You are well aware that we once dwelt in the land of Egypt and that we passed though the midst of various other nations (those 40 years); and you have seen the detestable things and the fetishes of wood and stone, silver and gold, that they keep. Perchance there are some of you now whose heart is turning away from Yahweh Elohim to go and worship the gods of those people - perchance there is among you a stock sprouting poison weed and wormwood.

Wormwood is an intoxicant and poisonous. Long and intensive use can lead to addiction, corporal and psychical decline and it can lead to nervousness, restlessness and cramps. High doses can cause headaches and dizziness. Higher doses are psycho-activating and have a paralyzing effect. Overdose results in unconsciousness, coma and death.

Proverbs 5:1 - 

My son, listen to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, that you may have foresight,  while your lips hold fast to knowledge. For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

Jeremiah 9:12 - 

Because they forsook the Teaching I had set before them; they did not obey Me and they did not follow My Teaching, but followed their own willful heart and followed the Baalim, as their fathers had taught them. Assuredly (said Yahweh Elohim) I am going to feed that people wormwood and make them drink a bitter draft.  I will scatter them among nations which they and their fathers never knew and I will dispatch the sword after them until I have consumed them.

Jeremiah 23:15 - 

(Yah is speaking concerning the prophets) I am going to make them eat wormwood and drink a bitter draft; for from the prophets of Jerusalem Lawlessness has gone forth to the whole land.  Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are deluding you, what they speak is from their own minds, not from the mouth of Yahweh.

Lamentations 3:13 - 

He (Yahweh) has shot into my vitals the shafts of His quiver. I have become a laughingstock to all people, the butt of their gibes all day long. He has filled me with bitterness, sated me with wormwood.

Amos 5:7 - 

Ah! You who turn justice into wormwood (bitterness, injustice) and hurl righteousness to the ground! Seek Yahweh Elohim, who make the Pleiades and Orion, who turns deep darkness into dawn and darkens the day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the earth-- His Name is YHWH!  It is He who hurls destruction upon strongholds so that ruin comes upon fortresses.

Revelation Chapter 8 - 

The Seventh Seal has been opened and there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. The Seven Messengers (angels) are given each a shofar (trumpet)... The first one sounded: Hail and fire mixed with water were thrown upon the earth - a third part of the earth was burned, a third part of trees and all green grass was burned.  The 2nd one sounded: what looked as if it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea causing a third part of the sea to become blood; a third of all the creatures in the sea died and a third of all ships were destroyed (tsunami?). The 3rd one sounded: there fell from heaven a star burning like a lamp which fell upon a third part of all (fresh water sources).  This star was called "Wormwood" and a third part of the waters became bitter, poisoned and many persons died from the waters.  (Note: It, this star called 'wormwood', doesn't destroy the whole earth - it just affects a third part of fresh water sources, drinking water).... The 4th one sounded: A third of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon and stars became dark and so the daylight is a third less bright as well as the night.  The 5th one sounded: A star fell from heaven to earth and he was given the key to the abyss, which he opened and now the demon locust with scorpion stingers are loosed to torment those who do not have the seal of Elohim upon their foreheads - for 5 months this goes on! More happens and then the 6th one sounds: the four Messengers bound at the Euphrates are set free and they gather up the 200 million man army to go out and slay a third part of humanity. Much, much more happens, then the 7th one sounds and that is when the kingdom of the world becomes the Kingdom of Y'shua....

Regular use of wormwood can become addicting. The plant contains glycoside, known to be poisonous, and the volatile oil is a central nervous system depressant. Longer-term use (over four weeks) or intake of amounts higher than those recommended can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, tremors, and seizures. Overuse of wormwood can initiate nervousness, stupor, convulsions, and death. (Many drugs and poisons derived from plants are glycosides.)

The star is called Wormwood because it has the same properties as the plant called wormwood.  Not only does it cause bitterness but also causes death, in the long run, to those who drink the waters. 

Now, the trumpets won’t begin their series until after the last seal is opened.  In my studies I relate the opening of the seals with the signs Y’shua says will happen before the end will come.

The Seals of Revelation 6 relate to what Messiah has told his disciples as to the 'signs' of his return and the end of the world. It seems that the 'beginning of sorrows' is the opening of Seals 1 through 4 and these events seem pretty apparent in our day.  Seal 5 represents the 'persecution' of believers, those who are hated because of faith in Y'shua and YHWH. This is nothing new, but with the rise of Islam and increasing unrest in the Mideast, we hear/see reports of hatred towards believers in YHWH more often, to the point of killing/beheading 'Christians' -- it seem as if Seal #5 is broken and in the stages of opening.  Seals 6 and 7 are yet to be broken.

Seal #1
White horse being ridden by one who goes out to conquer (Wars and rumors of war)
Seal #2
Rider of the red horse carrying a great sword, takes peace from the earth causing people kill one another
(Nations and kingdoms will rise up against each other, fight each other.)
Seal #3
The rider of the black horse carries a balance, the price of food goes up and the oil wine (luxury items) are protected.
(There will be famine, food shortages,)
Seal #4
Pale horse whose rider is Death and is followed by the grave.  He has authority over a quarter of the world's population to kill by wars, famine, death and wild beasts.
(plagues, diseases and earthquakes in various places.)
Seal #5
Under the altar are seen the souls of them who were slain on account of the Word of Elohim and on account of the testimony to the Lamb which was with them.  They cry out asking YHWH how much longer will it take before He judges and avenges their blood.  He tells them to be quiet yet a little while until the consummation of their fellow servants and Brothers who were to be killed as they had been.
Seal #6
The opening of this seal causes a great earthquake and the sun became black like sackcloth and the whole moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell on the earth as a fig tree casts its unripe figs.  The heavens separate as a scroll is rolled up and all mountains and islands were moved out of their places. All the kings, nobles and captains, rich men, men of valor and every servant and free man hide for they know the day of their wrath is come and who is able to stand?

It is still during this 6th Seal time frame that the four angels/Messengers held the four winds and another Messenger had the seal of Elohim to seal the servant of Elohim upon their foreheads - 144,000 = 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel = the first fruits of the harvest of the earth. 

There are a lot of preparations made before Seal 7 is opened, which triggers the 7 Shofars Event.

Seal #7
When this seal is opened there will be silence in heaven for about a half hour... the 7 Messengers will each be given a shofar. Fire from the altar will be cast upon the earth which causes thunders, flashes of lightning and voices and an earthquake.  The 7 Messengers prepare to sound their shofars.

Since the wormwood star doesn’t fall until the 3rd trumpet is sounded, can you understand how much prophecy needs to be fulfilled prior to it? Set Apart Believers will still be on this earth during the sounding of the seven shofars. Yes, we go through 3-1/2 years of Satan's insanity but we are gathered up with Y'shua at that 7th Shofar!  

Now that we have Yahweh’s word on it (and that is where I always like to start), let’s take a look at the origins of Project Wormwood.

Project Wormwood originated as part of:

     Space Weather Services (SWS) (formerly IPS) a member of the ICSU World Data System. The World Data Centre (WDC) for Space Weather is a part of and operated by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Space Weather Services. The centre operates in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 

This is from their website: 

Planetary Defense is defined as that activity concerned with protecting the Earth and its inhabitants from destruction due to impact by a large piece of space debris such as an asteroid or a comet.The term "Planetary Defense" is believed to have first been used by Major Lindley N Johnson (1993-1994) in a paper to explore required future space capabilities for the US Air Force.  However, the term received its wide use and promotion by Colonel Simon Worden when he was commander of the US Air Force Space Command 50th Space Wing. The term indicates the realization that we are under bombardment from outer space. Not from an alien aggressor, but from a sporadic bombardment by naturally occurring objects in the solar system: asteroids and comets - fragmentary space debris - which occasionally are perturbed onto a collision course with Earth.  The term furthermore, recognizes that our technology has now advanced to the point where not only can we search for and track such objects, but where we may also be in a position to deflect them from their intended path, and thus avert a disaster or catastrophe.

In the sense of a program, planetary defense then has three phases: 

1. Recognition of the threat or hazard of cosmic impact
2. Surveillance for detection of specific threats
3. Deflection or interception of the threat 

The majority of Project Wormwood activities will be follow-up astrometry (measurements) that are required to obtain precise orbits for asteroids that have previously been discovered by other programs. (end quote)

     I’m not denying that there are things out in space that we most likely are unaware of but what sticks in my craw is when folks try to attach prophecy and other Scripture quotes (using only a common word or two without taking that paragraph into consideration) to these astronomical events. The Four Blood Moons hoopla is a perfect example. I researched that as well and proved the prophecy was for the end times. Folks took a verse from the book of Joel and got all excited about it. They are doing the same thing with the word ‘wormwood’.

There have been underground military bases since at least WWII. Most of N. Korea’s bases are underground. We’ve got Cheyenne Mountain plus whatever is underneath the Denver airport terminal, Area 51 … the list goes on. We know that the logistics of FEMA include stockpiling food, water, emergency shelters, bedding, etc… There is an extremely dirty underbelly of the governments of this world, but they will receive judgment when the day comes. We need to concern ourselves with our Faith and trust in our Creator to keep us on the straight and narrow!

Y’shua told us all these things must happen, not to worry, it’s not the end yet.