Sunday, November 6, 2011

The Name

There is power in names. Acts 4:12 says: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Philippians 3: 9-10 read: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth..." You can see that salvation is in the name; that everything that has a name must bow to The Name. Remember that we need to think Hebrew even if we are reading Greek.

The Hebrew word for "name" is shem. It is composed of two Hebrew letters: sheen which means teeth or destroy and mem which means water. Read together, the word picture is to destroy chaos. If you have chaos is your health, finances, relationships, or any other aspect of your life, the Name will destroy it. Now you can see why such emphasis was placed on teaching in the name of Yeshua. Everything that has a name must bow to the name of Yeshua. Now you can understand why we are told in Colossians 3:17: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Master Yeshua, giving thanks to Elohim the Father by him." There is power in His name and we should destroy chaos everywhere we find it.

We as followers of the Way have been granted authority to use the Name. The Name that will destroy chaos. People need this truth. Take the Name with you today.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Are Mormans Christians?

This question seems to be asked a lot lately. Perhaps, it is because of several presidential candidates are of the Mormon faith. I find the question really interesting. The reason I do is because it presupposes that a correct understanding of doctrine is essential to salvation. That certainly seems like a work-based righteousness. If I don't believe intellectually correct, then I am lost. That seems to take away from the finished work of Yeshua on the cross. Read the following statement from the Mormon faith: "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it" (TPJS, p. 121). I wonder if the Christians who condemn all Mormons have read the above quote.

Being a follower of YHWH is about relationship, not intellect. You are right with YHWH if you are in relationship with Him. You may have some specific teachings that fall outside the mainline churches, but they will not destroy relationship. Being in a relationship is about loving each other, communicating with each other, spending time with each other, and wanting to be with each other. We can look at the marriage relationship to gain an understanding of what a relationship should look like. A Mormon, a Catholic, a Baptist, or any other denomination can have a relationship with YHWH even though there is disagreement over specific teachings.

If we think about it, the Mormons do have some strange doctrines. However, the Catholics do also, e.g. the communion wafer becoming the real body and blood of Jesus Christ. Most all followers of the Way have some quirky ideas. Perhaps, it is time to focus on the body of Yeshua as composed of many different people in a relationship with Him yet with different ideas about how to worship Him. Would not it be great if the body would quit shooting its other parts?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Uncommon Faith

Faith seems to have become an excuse for events not adhering to Biblical standards. By this I refer to many stating that they have faith that the sickness, disease, or poverty they find themselves in must have some higher purpose. Can you find an example in the Bible where someone came to Yeshua for healing and was turned away? Can you find an example that the disciples ever suffered from lack? No, in fact they had enough provision to have their own treasurer to manage it. If Bible days demonstrate the will and power of God to heal and meet the needs of the followers of the Way, where did the idea come from that we should accept by faith our circumstances without question?

I suggest that it is insulting to YHWH to intimate that He is either powerless or uncaring in the treatment of His children. If one thinks in the natural for a moment, ask yourself what parent would deny his or her child health or provision for material needs? YHWH has the ability and desire to take care of His followers. Our faith should reflect our belief that the preceding statement is true. This is not limited to an intellectual faith, but should be seen in our actions as we live our lives each day. Faith is about action.

Faith should be seen as well as heard. It should be demonstrated by our walk. We should frighten the spirits of sickness and disease. While I acknowledge that some sickness comes from natural causes, I also suggest that some sickness has a spiritual basis. By uncommon faith, I mean a faith that is a "show and tell" faith. One that is supernatural in its approach and results. A faith that speaks to the mountain and causes it to be cast into the sea. A faith that brings fear to the forces of darkness. It can be a reality in our lives. Is that type of faith available to us? I say it is.