11/19/2004 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

Luke 18:7 - And shall not YAHWEH avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Luke 18:8 - I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Will He find faith on the earth?

Will we have the faith Yahushua is looking for?

I pray so

Our faith is tested through trials and tribulations

Through persecutions we are tested as to whether we want to serve Yahweh or man

Trials ought to be no stranger to Yahweh's elect

1Peter 4:12 - Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

1Peter 4:13 - but rejoice to the extent that you partake of the Messiah's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

It is interesting that we are called to partake of the Messiah's sufferings

He lives in us, yes?

John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

1Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master Yahushua the Messiah, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Yahushua the Messiah from the dead,

1Peter 1:4 - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

1Peter 1:5 - who are kept by the power of YAHWEH through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Peter 1:6 - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

1Peter 1:7 - that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Yahushua the Messiah,

Will our faith be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Yahushua the Messiah even if it is tested by fire? 

Yahweh wants us to cleave to Him, no matter who turns away from us

Matthew 10:21 - And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Matthew 10:22 - And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

There is not one righteous man in all of scripture whose faith was not tested

We should not be shocked that our faith is also likewise tested

They overcame their trials by the power of Yahweh, and we can learn through their examples

1Corinthians 10:11 - Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1Corinthians 10:12 - Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but YAHWEH is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

A time of testing often follows a time of rejoicing

Exodus 15:19 - For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and YAHWEH brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 15:20 - And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Exodus 15:21 - And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to YAHWEH, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

next verse:

Exodus 15:22 - So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Exodus 15:23 - And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

Many of us know that Yahweh soon tests us after we first turn to Him. The same held true thousands of years ago with the children of Israel. 

Often, we are tested after our baptism. Just as they were tested as soon as they were 'baptized' in the Sea

Might this be because it is after a time of rejoicing we are best able to bear the testing? 

Nevertheless, it is a fact that the people of Yahweh MUST endure trials and tribulations. The disciples knew it: 

Acts 14:21 - And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Acts 14:22 - Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of YAHWEH.

Ultimately, when the trials draw us closer to Yahweh, we know they are for our good 

If our faith is right and pure, we will be close to Yahweh during these times 

Brethren, we are surely in a strange land--for the kingdom we seek is not of this world. 

We should be expecting our own values and beliefs to be different than what the world holds. 

What should be our response to the trials and tests?

James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

James 1:3 - knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 1:4 - But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Ultimately, when the trials draw us closer to Yahweh, we know they are for our good 

If our faith is right and pure, we will be close to Yahweh during these times

Brethren, we are surely in a strange land--for the kingdom we seek is not of this world. 

We should be expecting our own values and beliefs to be different than what the world holds. 

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of YAHWEH.

We must know that we will surely endure humbling tests from Yahweh. 

Deuteronomy 8:2 - And thou shalt remember all the way which YAHWEH thy Elohim led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Jeremiah 17:5 - Thus saith YAHWEH; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from YAHWEH.

Jeremiah 17:6 - For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessed is the man that trusteth in YAHWEH, and whose hope YAHWEH is.

In whom shall we put our trust?

So many put their trust in false shepherds

Scripture says those who do such are cursed

We must not let our heart depart from Yahweh

Rather, TRUST in Yahweh and we will be blessed!

Jeremiah 17:8 - For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

In whom do we trust? Yahweh sees our heart!

Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:10 - I YAHWEH search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Yahweh knows where we are putting our trust

Proverbs 17:3 - The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but YAHWEH trieth the hearts.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of YAHWEH is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:13 - And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

We know that Yahweh sees all things, do we live our lives as though He does? 

Do we fear Yahweh more than man?

Man is his own worst enemy. Man is salvation's great stumblingblock

As we endure our trials...

Sometimes a lot of the discomfort and internal agony we endure as a result of our tribulations is because we feel that we have somehow wronged Yahweh. 

This can lead to a lack of prayer to Yahweh at a time that we need Him most....and at a time when He would want us to pray to Him most.

There are other times that we feel we have done nothing wrong at all and we don't understand why we are undergoing this particular test which may often be misinterpreted as chastisement.

Huge trials of faith can even cause one to get angry at Yahweh. However, this only makes it worse.

I know of a believer whose wife died. He believed that Yahweh sinned against him and he has yet to recover from that.

Yahweh help us to overcome!

Some trials we must endure even though it may not be as a direct result of a particular sin in our life. Didn't Yahushua have trials and tests? Surely!

Yahushua was no stranger to trials

Psalms 11:5 - YAHWEH trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Genesis 22:1 - And it came to pass after these things, that Elohim did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Genesis 22:2 - And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Genesis 22:3 - And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which Elohim had told him.

This was an incredible test. This is Isaac/Yitsak through whom Yahweh had promised to give Abraham children as numerous as the stars!

But Abraham did not fail:

Genesis 22:4 - Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

Genesis 22:5 - And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you,

Genesis 22:6 - And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

Genesis 22:7 - And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

Genesis 22:8 - And Abraham said, My son, Elohim will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Genesis 22:9 - And they came to the place which Elohim had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

Ever consider what a test this must also have been for Isaac?

He obeyed his father and was ready to die in his obedience

Genesis 22:10 - And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

Genesis 22:11 - And the angel of YAHWEH called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

Genesis 22:12 - And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest Elohim, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

Genesis 22:13 - And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Now, if any man would try to tell us that we need not obey the commandments, we should know that this is also a test from Yahweh

Deuteronomy 13:1 - If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Deuteronomy 13:2 - And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other elohim, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Deuteronomy 13:3 - Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for YAHWEH your Elohim proveth you, to know whether ye love YAHWEH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul.

Brethren, most people believe that the commandments of Yahweh need not be kept today because someone came along and said that we need not obey this commandment or that!

Men will surely come and tell us to turn from Yahweh's commandments. They will say that those commandments don't matter anymore or that they need not be heeded. They will come up with every trick and excuse imaginable to say that we need not obey His commandments. 

But even if they perform signs or miracles, we should not listen to that person ! 

If only our fathers had heeded this warning, we wouldn't be in this situation

Remember what Yahushua said!

Matthew 7:22 - Many will say to me in that day, Rabbi, Rabbi, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23 - And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:24 - Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Matthew 7:25 - And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

We see that Yahushua said they "work iniquity". The Greek word behind this is "Anomos", which means "without Torah"! 

But we must build our house upon the rock so that when the trials come, the house will not fall

Let us not be deceived by the signs and wonders of those who reject Yahweh's commandments. This is only a test. On judgment day...these signs will not account for anything. 

So when we receive the tests and trials from Yahweh, let's seek to count it all joy

Why should we be joyful? 

Because these trials will perfect us and conform us into the image of Yahushua the Messiah who also underwent trials even though He was the Perfect One

We can count it all joy even though those who would seek to wear us down with deception after deception continually seek to harm us

We can be sure that they will want to kill and those who keep Yahweh's ways

Indeed they are here already in some places

If we walk in Yahweh's ways, we will surely be reviled and cast out from the world. But Yahushua said:

Luke 6:22 - Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Luke 6:23 - Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Why?

Yahushua knew what rewards are awaiting such a person...they truly must be awesome.

Though it is difficult to be joyful in the midst of a trial but Yahweh wants us to realize our reward for overcoming.

But what if we fail?

If we fail a test from Yahweh are we hopelessly lost and without hope?

Are we condemned forever and counted as wicked in His sight?

This is where many have certainly stumbled. We might feel unworthy of praying to Him when we fail time and time again. We might often feel that our situation is hopeless and that we are lost.

Perhaps we might even feel rejected by Yahweh and have no hope for salvation.

But brothers and sisters, Yahweh says this is the time!

If we are having a humble and contrite heart, this is where we need to be! 

It is when our hearts are truly humble and our spirit is broken that His word says we can trust in His mercy: 

Psalms 51:17 - The sacrifices of Elohim are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohim, thou wilt not despise.

Isaiah 57:15 - For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 57:16 - For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.

Remember, believe and trust in the promises of Yahweh!

Psalms 103:8 - YAHWEH is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalms 103:9 - He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

Psalms 103:10 - He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Thank You Father!

Psalms 103:11 - For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

O Yahweh have mercy on us!?

Psalms 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

HalleluYah!!

Psalms 103:13 - Like as a father pitieth his children, so YAHWEH pitieth them that fear him.

Psalms 103:14 - For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Psalms 103:15 - As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Psalms 103:16 - For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Psalms 103:17 - But the mercy of YAHWEH is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Psalms 103:18 - To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

He also dwells with one that is of a contrite and humble spirit..to REVIVE them!

We should not stop, nor think that Yahweh is through with us. We can trust in His mercy if we have the right attitude toward our sin and seek to truly change any and all sinful ways 

Yahweh says it, we need only believe it!

Psalms 34:18 - YAHWEH is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1John 2:1 - My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Yahushua the Messiah the righteous.

1John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

These are promises given to those who have the right attitude toward sin. Those who humble themselves and pray to Yahweh, confessing their sins unto Him.

These are not promises to those who think Yahweh is a robot and that He has no choice but to forgive our sins regardless of our attitude and proud heart.

All throughout the scriptures we see examples of Yahweh forgiving the sins of those who humble themselves, truly are concerned that they have sinned against Yahweh and ask His forgiveness with the right attitude. It was the difference between Saul and David, the Pharisees and the disciples, the children of Israel and Pharoah.

Brethren, I know for myself that I am no stranger to tests, trials and persecutions. I continue to experience them and I know that I have failed many times. 

But Yahweh just kept on testing me until I passed 

And He continues to!

And when I do pass there is no better feeling in the world! 

That Yahweh would give me the power and strength to overcome.. HE IS AWESOME

Still I'm not worthy of the least of the mercy and truth that He has shown me. 

For if I do what is commanded I must have the right attitude toward that also!

Luke 17:10 - So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Yahushua warned us:

Matthew 24:21 - For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:22 - And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Luke 21:34 - And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Luke 21:35 - For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Luke 21:36 - Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Do we pray these things? Yahweh let us be found worthy to escape and stand before the Son of Man!?

Revelation 3:10 - "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

The spiritual battles may be kept from those who overcome now

Let's keep His command to persevere

Let's call on His name as we are tested in fire!

Zechariah 13:8 - And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith YAHWEH, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

Zechariah 13:9 - And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, YAHWEH is my Elohim.

Malachi 3:16 - Then they that feared YAHWEH spake often one to another: and YAHWEH hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared YAHWEH, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:17 - And they shall be mine, saith YAHWEH of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:18 - Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth Elohim and him that serveth him not.

Today, the tares and the wheat grow together.

And they look the same!

They won't be plucked until the end, but in the meantime let's beware of false brethren!

Let's beware of false doctrine!

The doctrines of men have taken away the law of Yahweh as the measure for righteousness....as a measure for who serves Him and who serves Him not

But on that final day, it will all be brought out in the open. All the deceit will be uncovered and the truth revealed. And Yahweh will spare His people. 

As we endure these things, let us remember the One who overcame the world.

John 16:32 - Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Proverbs 24:16 - For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Psalms 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but YAHWEH delivereth him out of them all.

But Yahweh has promised us great rewards. 

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which YAHWEH has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 21:1 - Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

Revelation 21:2 - Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from YAHWEH, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:3 - And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of YAHWEH is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. YAHWEH Himself will be with them and be their Elohim.

Revelation 21:4 - "And YAHWEH will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:5 - Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

Revelation 21:6 - And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.

Revelation 21:7 - "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his Elohim and he shall be My son.

WHAT AN AWESOME PROMISE! YES?

It becomes easier to overcome our trials when we step back and look at the big picture.

Our life here is but a vapor that appears for a moment and then quickly vanishes away.

Can we indeed only live right and overcome these things that will afflict us in this short life (70 years or so?) so that we will receive His promises...namely trillions and trillions of years full of TRUE LIFE with eternal joy, peace and fulfillment? 

The wise will seek the eternal things

Will we be wise? Let it be so!! 

Revelation 22:12 - "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Revelation 22:13 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:15 - But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

Revelation 22:16 - "I, Yahushua, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the assemblies. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

Revelation 22:17 - And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:18 - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, YAHWEH will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;

Revelation 22:19 - and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, YAHWEH shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 22:20 - He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amein. Even so, come, Master Yahushua!

Revelation 22:21 - The favor of our saviour Yahushua the Messiah be with you all. Amein.

Whenever we are in the midst of a trial, we should consider for a moment that all these things are temporary.

We need to trust in Yahweh with all our heart. 

All these things that we see around us will pass away. But Yahweh and His word will NOT pass away.

Let's hold onto the hand that does not change, lets hold onto Yahweh's hand which is eternal.

Let's prepare ourselves for the days to come...

prepared for our Master..

accustomed to hearing His voice...

ready to lay down our lives as He did, though we have done no wrong to deserve such...

For only when we lay down our lives...

will we truly begin to live