Shalom Saints,
Arthur is intentional in his studies and is being led by the Holy Spirit. This Teaching was definitely evidence of that. Did you ever notice that Apostle Paul’s and Deacon Stephen’s accounts of the Israelites’ Biblical history were diametrically opposed? It was a newsflash to me! It is amazing how one can read the Bible many times and overlook the significance in particular passages! The Pharisees’ version, which Paul recounts to them, has no mention of the bondage and the slavery in Egypt, as well as no mention of the Roman occupation they were currently under. Stephen told the Biblical version of their history that included the bondage, the idolatry, and the treachery of the Israelite people.
Listen and find out Who Is Israel?
Arthur used the contrast between Paul’s and Stephen’s oral narratives to expound on the fact that much of history has been forged and manipulated to suit those individuals who are in power. As an example, the Pharisees taught from the Talmud (a collection of Jewish law and tradition) and neglected the Torah (the Law of Elohim). Because of this switch from the true Law, the people did not recognize Messiah when He appeared even though they had been waiting on His arrival for hundreds of years. This self-deception was well prophesied by the prophets. Arthur was correct when he restated a well-known saying: once you forget your history, you are doomed to repeat it. We all need to question whose version of history and truth we are being taught.
Become familiar with The Foundations of Our Faith
Once again, Arthur declared, “We make no bones about it; we are not a church”. House of Israel is a training center. An integral part of the training done here is to expose the false and reveal the truth. As Arthur said, “We cannot be effective if we are not equipped with the truth.”
Arthur devoted part of the Teaching to our personal history or how we live our lives. He stated empathically that our lives have to reflect our faith. Without a doubt, “Without works, your faith is dead! What are the works? Doing what He says!” Arthur clearly warned us not to make the mistake that attendance at an Assembly will be all that is required of us in the Judgement. Arthur went on to say that the only way that he knows we are a doer, and not a hearer, is by our fruit, by our actions. He said that our fruit is what he is listening to, regardless to what we say with our mouths.
The bottom line is that we must do what the Almighty says. As Arthur said in plain language, “He rewards obedience and He punishes disobedience”.
Your Fruit is Talking!
Sharon’s Reflections on the Teaching
A reoccurring theme in Arthur’s Teachings is that we must search the word for ourselves (be a Berean) and rely on the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us. When we give up our own discernment and rely on others to lead us, we make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes cost us dearly. I lived many years believing the majority was right or at least there was some merit to the majority opinion. The only times that I didn’t go with the majority opinion was when there was something I particularly wanted to do to express my individuality. Even in that individuality, I was still with the majority in my rebellion against the will and ways of the Almighty.
A woman, in the Seventh-day Adventist church, once told me that relying on the majority could end up being a deadly error. She said, “Remember … there were only eight on the ark!” Hmmm. She is an example of what Arthur advised: look at the fruit, not what someone speaks. Even though she spoke some truth out of her mouth, she still clings to the religion that rejects the Torah (other than the dietary laws and Sabbath). When I was part of that congregation, we celebrated Easter and had a Christmas tree on the podium during the holiday season.
Arthur said that the Word of Elohim is the only thing that the devil will not prevail against. So, if I want to be present on that “Great Getting-Up Morning” (the resurrection of the righteous), I had better be standing on the Word. Standing is a 24/7 responsibility. When I reflect on the seriousness of this life and what is being required of me, I have no time to squander. I must continually equip myself as a disciple of Yeshua, disciple others, and particularly minister to those persons the Father has revealed to me are my assignments. I pray that we all constantly call upon YeHoVaH for renewed strength.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV)
Arthur also addressed another issue I have puzzled over. I have often wondered how we would never die as Scripture says.
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV)
Arthur simply explained that we just fall asleep until the Resurrection. HalleluYAH!!
Buzz on the Teaching
There was a potpourri of conversations going on at the several tables. I first joined a group of three Saints discussing the pitfalls of listening to a variety of teachers on the Internet. We talked about how the teachers had a little truth and then went off on their own tangents. Each of us laughed as we mentioned some of the ministries that we “used” to listen to. The discussion brought to my mind Arthur saying that the only way we get grounded in the Word, is to hear the true message from the Word of Elohim over and over again.
When I went to the next table and joined 4 Sister Saints, another one of Arthur’s truism came into play. Arthur had said there is no seniority in YeHoVaH’s Kingdom! The Sisters and I were talking about ministering to our biological families. One Sister was recounting how her older brother said he felt a bit strange having his “baby sister” talking to him about the blessings of Elohim and encouraging him in his faith walk. She understood his point of view because according to the standards of the world, older meant wiser.
I often heard fallacious statements from older relatives when I was growing up: “So, you think you know more than me?” “You young whipper-snapper!” “When you get to be my age, you will know what I am talking about!” These statements coincide with the warning that Paul gave to Timothy:
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (KJV)
This is good advice for us too!
Until next time… Blessings to You and Yours,
Sharon