Transcript of Sabbath Meeting - 12/11/98


Join the live chat room where the Sabbath meetings are held by clicking here!

BrTom - Almighty Father in Heaven, we come before your throne in great love and awe. Father we come in the name of your son Yahshua and ask you, for the sake of His sacrifice to forgive our sins and our uncleanness.

BrTom - Father we are so pleased and blessed to be able to spend this part of the Sabbath with you and with our brethren!

BrTom - We praise you and thank you for all the blessings you pour down on us.

BrTom - The blessings of family and friends

BrTom - The blessings of good food and good homes to live in.

BrTom - The blessings of brethren to be united in spirit with.

BrTom - And most of all the blessing of your dear son Yahshuathrough whom we can become your children.

BrTom - Father we ask your special blessing on this meeting and

BrTom - ask that you guide all that is said.

BrTom - In the name of your son Yahshua we pray. HalleluYAH!!!!

EliYah's message:

HalleluYah!!
Tonite's study is a bit long, but I believe that it is very important. Thank you for your patience, may Yahweh guide us all!
Tonite's study is entitled "Are Gentiles free from obedience?"
There are many out there who believe that the Jews are to be keeping Yahweh's law, but the Gentiles need not.
Much of the reasoning for this comes from chapter 15 of the book of Acts. But let's examine this chapter....did the Jerusalem Council meeting in Acts 15 free the Gentile believers from having to be obedient to Yahweh's law?
Most modern teachers of scripture say that Paul never taught Gentiles to keep the law of Yahweh. This is a false teaching... Paul clearly taught that we should keep His commandments. Let us remember Isaiah 8:20

Isaiah 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

I believe that this scripture is true. Since it is true, then anyone who might come along that teaches contrary to the law would have 'no light in them'.
Now let's examine Acts 15

Acts 15:1 - And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

This is what the remaining chapter is about. Can a person have salvation if they are not circumcised?
This is what the 'men from Judea'. (likely the Pharisees) taught the brethren...that 'you cannot be saved' unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses.
Many of the Jews believed that when you were circumcised, you were then considered a son of Abraham and therefore, you are among Israel and are then "saved".
This becomes evident when we read what John the Baptist said to them:

Matthew 3:7 - But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Matthew 3:8 - Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Matthew 3:9 - And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that YAHWEH is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Matthew 3:10 - And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

He warned them that their belief was false doctrine.
He also warned them that unless they would bear fruits worthy of repentance that they would be 'cut down and thrown into the fire'. The leaders of the Jews held the position of being a 'son of Abraham' in very high regard:

John 8:31 - Then said Yahushua to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:33 - They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

John 8:34 - Yahushua answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

John 8:35 - And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

So we see that John pointed out that it was false doctrine, Yahshua pointed out that it was false doctrine and we will see that Paul and the apostles at Jerusalem also conclude that it is false doctrine.
It is by His grace that we are 'saved' and are made sons of Abraham. As we will see, salvation was always the issue in Acts 15.
Peter even repeated this in verse 11. The issue was what a person needed to do to be saved.

Acts 15:2 - When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 15:3 - And being brought on their way by the assembly, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Paul and those with him were reporting what Yahweh had done with them concerning the Gentiles. There were great miracles including the Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles even though they had not been circumcised and kept the law all their life.
It seems that this triggered a response from among the Pharisees:

Acts 15:5 - But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Although it is not written in this particular place, we can be certain it was understood that they were saying it was as a prerequisite to salvation...this was the common teaching and the whole reason the disciples came to Jerusalem.
Also, once again we will see Peter brings up this issue as it relates to salvation in verse 11 as the context of this chapter:

Acts 15:6 - And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Kepha rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago YAHWEH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:8 - And YAHWEH, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;

Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Peter is reflecting back to an earlier time..
I believe that this is a key point. Peter is referring to a situation back in Acts 10:45 where the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles..

Acts 10:43 - To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 10:44 - While Kepha yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.

Acts 10:45 - And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Kepha, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Why were those of the 'circumcision' astonished?
Because they simply could not believe that an uncircumcised man would receive the Holy Spirit
The Jews were quite upset until Peter explained the vision and how Yahweh had shown that they were accepted. The Gentiles received the Spirit and spoke in tongues. Then they agreed with him when Peter concluded:

Acts 11:16 - Then remembered I the word of Yahushua, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 11:17 - Forasmuch then as YAHWEH gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on Yahushua the Messiah; what was I, that I could withstand YAHWEH?

Acts 11:18 - When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified YAHWEH, saying, Then hath YAHWEH also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Now, reading again in context..

Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Kepha rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago YAHWEH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:8 - And YAHWEH, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;

Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Kepha rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago YAHWEH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:8 - And YAHWEH, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;

Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:10 - Now therefore why tempt ye YAHWEH, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

What was that yoke?
It was not uncommon for the Pharisees to test. (See Matt 16:1, 19:3, etc etc) Were they testing yet again in bringing up this issue?
The Pharisees are suggesting that we must be circumcised and keep the law to be saved but we all know that NO MAN has ever kept the law (except Yahshua).
Therefore Peter equated this doctrine to what it was like before Yahshua came and died for us and our sins.
The Fathers certainly couldn't bear the yoke of observing the Torah for salvation and neither could the Gentiles..especially the Gentiles.
This is the whole reason we need Yahshua for salvation!
Peter was never suggesting that they not observe the law at all but that trying to lay circumcision and all of the Torah on these disciples at one time would certainly be burdensome.
It is not easy to walk against the grain in the first place, but to try and do it all at once is near impossible!
If these Gentiles could not be saved unless they kept the law of Yahweh, then both the Gentiles and the Jews alike are all lost forever because all have broken the commandments.
This is the doctrine that Paul had to constantly contend with. Even Yahweh didn't give the children of Israel all of the law in one day.
At any rate, the final decision in Acts was not to tell them "Hey, the law of Yahweh is done away with now, you are free!" but to give them something to start with.
Remember that it is the Pharisees who are bringing this doctrine to the apostles and elders. Also remember that it was the Pharisees who made the law such a burden for all the people who were trying to keep it in the first place. Let's look at what Yahshua said about this popular Jewish sect:

Matthew 23:2 - Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

Matthew 23:3 - All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Matthew 23:4 - For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Yahshua said

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:30 - For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Peter walked with Yahshua during His ministry. He knew Yahshua's teaching on the Pharisees. This is a study in opposites. The Pharisees were always wanting to lay a yoke on men but it is Yahshua's yoke that we really need!
Now let's read this again in full context:

Acts 15:6 - And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Acts 15:7 - And when there had been much disputing, Kepha rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago YAHWEH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:8 - And YAHWEH, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;

Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:10 - Now therefore why tempt ye YAHWEH, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Acts 15:11 - But we believe that through the favor of Yahushua the Messiah we shall be saved, even as they.

In verse 11, this proves that it was always an issue of whether or not one had to keep the law of Yahweh to be saved.
There isn't a person alive who after they found out about Yahweh's law immediately started to obey all of it on that very same day. You aren't saved until you do according to Pharisees! But I assure you that I am STILL trying to learn!

Acts 15:12 - Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders YAHWEH had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Barnabas and Paul declared all the miracles that Yahweh had worked thru them among the Gentiles and I believe this even more so reinforced that Yahweh had indeed purified their hearts by faith, apart from circumcision and immediate Torah/law keeping.
Perhaps this was the "second witness" that James was looking for so then he spoke up with his decision:

Acts 15:13 - And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Acts 15:14 - Simeon hath declared how YAHWEH at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Acts 15:15 - And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

Acts 15:16 - After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

Acts 15:17 - That the residue of men might seek after YAHWEH, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith YAHWEH, who doeth all these things.

Acts 15:18 - Known unto YAHWEH are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH:

A study of the greek reveals a more accurate translation in verse 19 to be:

Acts 15:19 Wherefore I judge, not to trouble those who from the nations turn to Yahweh

James was very specific in his edict in that he judged that they should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to Yahweh
He isn't speaking of Gentiles that have for a long time been believers but he is speaking of those from among the Gentiles who turn to Yahweh
The word that is translated "turning" here is translated "converting" when James spoke in his own epistle (James 5:19,20).
Therefore James is speaking of not troubling those from among the Gentiles by telling them that they aren't saved unless they are circumcised, etc. As we have seen, this is the context of the entire meeting up to this point.
Again, not even Moshe went and circumcised his son immediately after being called, but He did when Yahweh met him!
Also the children of Israel who went into the promised land in the book of Joshua weren't even circumcised until Joshua had them all circumcised right before they went into the promised land!

Joshua 5:2 - At that time YAHWEH said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.

Joshua 5:3 - And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Joshua 5:4 - And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.

Joshua 5:5 - Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised.

Why didn't Yahweh say anything about the uncricumcision of the Israelites until they were approaching the promised land?
It is certain that there were more important things to worry about at that point! There was some serious sin that Yahweh had to deal with first!
This is not unlike these Gentiles who are turning their hearts to Yahweh. There are more important things that Yahweh needs to deal with first before even worrying about circumcision.
Important
things like what James lists right here! :

Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH:

Acts 15:20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

James was certainly calling on these Gentiles to observe the law of Yahweh. He lists some commandments here to get them started.
Commandments concerning not eating things offered to idols (Exodus 34:14,15).
Keeping oneself from sexual immorality as commanded in all of Leviticus chapter 18:1-20 as well as Exodus 20, Deut. 5 and other places.
Keeping from things strangled and blood as commanded in Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 3:17 7:23-27 and 17:10-14, Deuteronomy 12:16,23-25 14:21 and 15:23.
Now James states his reasons for only requiring these "necessary things." Let's look again:

Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH:

Acts 15:20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Acts 15:21 - For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

So it was also declared by James that the Gentiles would certainly be in the synagogues every Sabbath.
This proves that they must have been observing the Sabbath commandment already. Here then was an excellent opportunity for the Gentiles to learn the law of Yahweh and let the Spirit lead them into keeping the things that they learn.
Obviously, not all the Gentiles had the advantages that we have today. We need only just go down to our local bookstore and pick up a copy of the scriptures.
With no printing press available, it was certain that the law would be at least available in the synagogues AND it would be read to them.
A crucial point in this chapter is that James did not forbid anyone from teaching them the law. In fact, he left a provision for them to learn the Torah!
Also he did not forbid anyone from keeping the law! If it was forbidden, why did he allow them to ever go to the synagogue? Surely there would be Pharisees there.
The issue was whether or not the Gentiles had salvation.
And how to get them started into obedience..
If James believed the law was abolished or if he believed that observing the law wasn't necessary, why didn't He just say "Hey...we are free from the law..why is this even an issue!? Gentiles, you are free..free...free!"
Instead he declared that they would call on them to be obedient to Yahweh's law, but they certainly would not throw the whole load on them at one time. Let the SPIRIT lead...they obviously had it!

Acts 15:22 - Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 15:23 - And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Acts 15:24 - Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

There is a portion of this verse that is not in the original text. it is "Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law"
Therefore it should read...Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls to whom we gave no such commandment:
I am not a proponent of the NIV but I'm glad that they weren't biased against Yahweh's law for once. The NIV scholars apparently were so convinced, that they didn't include this part that I have in italics and they didn't even include a textual note!

The NIV reads in verse 24: "We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said"

James judges that we not trouble their minds by saying (as in verse 1) " "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." This is what those from Judea had taught the brethren according to verse 1. According to James, it troubled and disturbed those who thought that Yahweh had accepted them.

Acts 15:25 - It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

Acts 15:26 - Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Master Yahushua the Messiah.

Acts 15:27 - We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

Acts 15:28 - For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

Acts 15:29 - That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Acts 15:30 - So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

Acts 15:31 - Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

Note that no mention of a synagogue
I believe it was already well known that they all were meeting in synagogues and keeping the Sabbath.
It is quite interesting to note that only 12 verses later, Paul circumcised a man named Timothy whose Father was a greek.
If Paul was so anti-circumcision, he certainly would have not circumcised a man..wouldn't that have made it so that "the Messiah would profit Timothy nothing" now that he is circumcised?
The truth is that although there are some strong scriptures in Paul's writings against trusting in our obedience to the law to be justified and saved, never once did Paul teach that the law was not to be kept. Consider the scriptures:
Paul himself believed in keeping the Law:

Acts 24:14 - But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

Acts 24:15 - And have hope toward Elohim, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Acts 25:8 - While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

Acts 18:21 - But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if YAHWEH will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Romans 7:25 - Thanks be to YAHWEH through Yahushua the Messiah our Saviour. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of YAHWEH; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Paul taught the disciples not to let anyone judge them for observing the Law (See the study on this on the home page)

Colossians 2:16 - Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Colossians 2:17 - Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body of the Messiah.

Paul says that the doers of the Law will be justified and those who break it will be judged.

Romans 2:12 - For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

Romans 2:13 - (For not the hearers of the law are just before YAHWEH, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

The word that is translated "without Law" here is word #460 which means "not amenable to the Jewish/Mosaic Law". (See Thayers and Strong's lexicon)
Paul says that we know His will and approve the things that are excellent when instructed out of the Law.

Romans 2:17 - Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of Elohim,

Romans 2:18 - And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

Romans 2:19 - And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

Romans 2:20 - An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Here he says that when we break the Law, we dishonor Yahweh and blaspheme His name.

Romans 2:21 - Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Romans 2:22 - Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

Romans 2:23 - Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou YAHWEH?

Romans 2:24 - For the name of YAHWEH is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Here Paul twice states that we learn what sin is from the Law. This backs up the statement in 1John 3:4 that Sin is transgression of the Law.

Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 7:7 - What shall we say then? Is the law sin? By no means!! Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Here is a key scripture proving that Paul believed that thru faith we do not make the Law void, but rather we establish the Law (To cause or make to stand, #2476).

Romans 3:31 - Do we then make void the law through faith? By no means! Yea, we establish the law.

Here is another key scripture like the one above proving that Paul did not believe that once we are under grace, that we can continue to sin (break the Law)

Romans 6:15 - What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under favor? By no means!!

Romans 6:16 - Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Here Paul is equating "the Law" with "the commandment" and stating his opinion of them

Romans 7:12 - Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Here is an unpopular statement of Paul's. Many christians like to believe that the Law is of the flesh.

Romans 7:14 - For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Paul delights in the Law of Yahweh

Romans 7:22 - For I delight in the law of YAHWEH after the inward man:

Now we will move on to where Paul uses the term "Lawlessness". The word that is translated "Lawlessness" in the following verses is the greek word "anomia" which carries the following definition:
BDB/Thayers # 458 458 anomia {an-om-ee'-ah}from 459; TDNT - 4:1085,646; n f
AV - iniquity 12, unrighteousness 1, transgress the law + 4060 1,
transgression of the law 1; 15
1) the condition of without law
1a) because ignorant of it
1b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
Now for a second witness here is the definition of this in the Strong's Hebrew Lexicon:
458. anomia, an-om-ee'-ah; from 459;
illegality, i.e. violation of the law or (gen.) wickedness: --- iniquity X transgress (ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
Now note that both lexicons it states that both of these words come from the greek word #459. This word means "To
be destitute or in violation of the Mosaic or Jewish Law" (See Thayer's and Strong's Lexicons). Now the word #458
is translated "transgression of the Law" in the King James version of 1john 3:4

1John 3:4 - Whoever commits sin trangresses also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.

Yes, this was written by John but it is surely showing that this word is certainly the definition of sin. For sin is anomia (condition of being without the Law or violation of the Law, transgression of the Law)
In these verses he shows that righteousness is the opposite of Lawlessness (#458 in violation of the Law). Therefore if one is keeping the Law, they must walking in righteousness. (Though this is confirmed already by many verses I have already shown.) Please also remember this for later in the study.

Roma 6:19 (NKJV) I speak in human [terms] because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members [as] slaves of uncleanness, and of Lawlessness [leading] to [more] Lawlessness, so now present your members [as] slaves [of] righteousness for holiness

2Cor 6:14 (NKJV) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with Lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

2Cor 6:14 (NKJV) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with Lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

Here again, Paul equates this word (#458) Lawless with SIN.

Roma 4:7 (NKJV) "Blessed [are] [those] whose Lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;

Now here is an example where this word is used when translating the Old Testament.

Hebr 1:9 (NKJV) You have loved righteousness and hated Lawlessness (#458); Therefore Elohim, Your Elohim, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions."

Now this is interesting...here is an example of where the New Testament is quoting from the old testament. (From the Hebrew to the greek). Now what word does this greek word #458 translate from? Let's find out:

Psalms 45:6 - Thy throne, O Elohim, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Psalms 45:7 - Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore Elohim, thy Elohim, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

So it comes from the Hebrew word reshah (#7562) which means "Wickedness" !!
Now how is this word used in other places in scripture? Here we seen an example of a Psalm that makes wickedness the opposite of righteousness.(Just as Paul taught).
Now this study might go on forever and ever proving that the meaning of what Paul meant by "righteousness" was obedience to the Law but lets look at some examples.

Roma 6:16 (NKJV) Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin [leading] to death, or of obedience [leading] to righteousness?

Here obedience is equated with righteousness (as defined by the Law)

Romans 10:5 - For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Here are many other scriptures then where Paul says that we ought to walk in righteousness:

Ephesians 5:8 - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Saviour. Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:9 - (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

Ephesians 5:10 - finding out what is acceptable to YAHWEH.

Ephesians 6:14 - Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Philippians 1:9 - And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

Philippians 1:10 - That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of the Messiah;

Philippians 1:11 - Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Yahushua the Messiah, unto the glory and praise of YAHWEH.

Here is an example where Paul takes another step forward in showing that ALL SCRIPTURE (which must include the Law of Yahweh because there was no written "new testament" at that time) is given by Yahweh, profitable for doctrine, for reproof and instruction in righteousness

2Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of YAHWEH, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Timothy 3:17 - That the man of YAHWEH may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Now in conclusion I must say that there would have to be very little doubt that according to these verses in which Paul spoke, he certainly upheld the Law as the very definition of righteousness and holiness
Therefore it would be impossible for him or any other true disciple to ascertain that we need not follow the law (be righteous) as disciples of Yahshua!
Therefore the common conclusion out of Acts 15 MUST BE FALSE!!!!!
Paul taught that breaking these commandments were Unrighteousness, Lawlessness, wickedness, and most importantly, SIN.
Therefore we can conclude that whenever Paul speaks of Sin..he most certainly is talking about disobeying the commandments in the Law.
How many more scriptures could be added where Paul speaks against sin? This study would certainly be many pages long!
Therefore, we can see that it must have been obvious to Paul as well as quite obvious to his followers that Law obedience was expected.
I believe that many of the details of Law observance were worked out in their public meetings as well as in the synagogues every Sabbath
One final quote:

Romans 8:6 - For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:7 - Because the carnal mind is enmity against YAHWEH: for it is not subject to the law of YAHWEH, neither indeed can be.

Paul is primarily writing to Gentile cities. I do not know how anyone after reading these scriptures can conclude that the law of Yahweh is not to be kept by disciples of Yahshua the Messiah.
May Yahweh lead us into the the truth and into His Kingdom by His wonderful Spirit....and may we all follow Yahshua's righteous example of a commandment keeping life!

End

Caleb - \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ - HALLELUYAH - \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/ \o/ \õ/

DelaYah - HalleluYAH!!!

BrPoet - \o/\o/\o/\oHalleluYah!!!\o/\o/\o/\o/

Hannah - Good Sabbath to you all \O/ His law is good, doing no evil to others, or self, and worshipping Him above all else.

Caleb - ================ PRAISE YAHWEH!! ================

BrTom - Let all the earth praise YAHWEH!!! \o/ \o/ \o/

BrBob - Praise YAHWEH !!

BrPoet - that was a great sermon EliYah

Berean - \O/\0/\o/\o/\o/\o/ Praise YAHWEH!!

BrPoet - Shabbatt Shalom BrBob

EliYah - Praise Yahweh!

DelaYah - Shabbat SHalom to all!!!!!

Ebed - +isa 55 8 9

Saly - HalleluYAH!

Dove - THANK YOU THANK YOU! Praise the Great Almighty Yahweh!!!!!

BrPoet - Shabbatt Shalom Hanna

yosefina - Shabbat shalom all!

Caleb - someone just asked me a question on ICQ about someone in "church history" called Deidra of Sorrows, does anyone know anything about this?

EliYah - And the more we are like Yahshua, the more our thoughts are closer to His thoughts!

Hannah - Shalom BrPoet & Tom

Dove - Shabbat Shalom

Saly - Shabbat Shalom Hannah!

MeekYah - +Mal 1 11

Ysrlsue - hello everyone

Hannah - Shabbat Shalom Saly

EliYah - Shabbat Shalom Ysrlsue :)

Saly - hello, Ysrisue!

EliYah - Shabbat Shalom Saly :)

Berean - Shabbat Shalom Ysrlsue

Berean - {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Saly }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Ebed - ¤ ¤ ¤ << Shalom BrBob >> ¤ ¤ ¤

Ysrlsue - Hi Berean, nice to see you this week!

Saly - Shabbat shalom Eliyah, Berean!

BrPoet - Isn't Yahweh AWESOME!!!! =o/\o/\o/\o/ HalleluYah\o/\o/\o/

Ysrlsue - howdy Joel!

Caleb - Lyla Tov Everyone

brbuddy - good night brothers & sisters

MeekYah - Let's worship Yahweh in the spirit and truth Praise Yah

Dove - Great Joy! Praise! Singing to the Father on High!

BrTom - Shalom BrBuddy

BrPoet - Shalom brbuddy

Saly - Lyla Tov , Caleb!

Berean - ...L.....i.....e.....la... brbuddy ...T.....o.....v.....!...

brbuddy - Shalom to all

Saly - Good njight Brbudddy

BrPoet - Lyla TRov Caleb

Dove - Judy, we are blessed to be here! Shabbat Shalom!

judy - this was very intresting thank you

EliYah - Are there any questions or added comments?

BrPoet - one day I will learn this pretty script

Saly - {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hannah}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Dove - Holy, Holy, Holy.

Hannah - My mom is out of the hospital after 3 weeks less one day \o/ \O/

Dove - Praise Yahweh, Hannah!

BrPoet - \o/\o/\o/ HalleluYah!!! Hanna

DelaYah - Lyla tov everyone May YHWH bless us with HIS Tfuth

Saly - Great! Glad to hear she is out of the hospital.

EliYah - HalleluYah!

Dove - Glory!

Hannah - Just found out Saly...

judy - who do you think the pharisees of today are eliyah

Dove - He is so good.

Berean - Praise YHWH !!! \O/ HalaluYahh !!!

Mark - brb

Dove - So forgiving.

YermeYah - Lyla tov achi

EliYah - I see some parallels between Pharisees and modern day preachers of unrighteousness

Schmuel - what is the good mac program for IRC

Saly - Lyla Tov YermeYah!

Dove - amen

Joel - for mac: Ircle

BrPoet - Lyla Tov Yeremeyeh

Dove - My cup runneth over.

EliYah - Such as their schools, the traditions of men, the traveling far to get a proselyte but fail to teach them the truth

Saly - How are you feeling BrPoet!

BrPoet - spiritually fantastic, physically rough

Hannah - Can we help you next week BroPoet?

BrPoet - prayers would be fantastic help

Hannah - I believe in them Judy

Ruth - Awesome... HalleluYah!!!

judy - i do too

BrPoet - doing good so far just a litle slower thanks sis will holloer if need help in that department

Ruth - awesome....

Hannah - Judy write me ssef@flash.net

EliYah - Are there any prayer requests?

BrTom - Judy write me user723492@aol.com

judy - ok

ElderSoto - Good nite to everyone. I must go now. Shalom

Ysrlsue - goodnight

Saly - Good night!

BrPoet - Shalom Aliechim Achee

Ruth - Looking forward to having the transcript to refer people to - it will be such a blessing!!

BrPoet - +Psalm 60 11

Prayer Service Witheld..

Home | Refer this page to a friend | Request printed copy of this page | Search