The LeBlanc Family Statement of Faith
The Word of YHWH
YHWH’s Word is the cornerstone of our beliefs and practices. We believe that the Bible is the Word of YHWH, written by men of faith who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Its timeless principles are the foundation of our faith, and its truth is the basis of the message we share with others.
We believe that YHWH is a living YHWH who continues to speak to His people today and to impart His message through ongoing revelation, prophecy, and words of spiritual direction and counsel.
YHWH’s Word explains His plan for humankind, teaches us how to live in harmony with YHWH and others, guides our actions and decisions, and is essential to our spiritual strength and growth.
John 1:1; Matthew 24:35; John 8:31–32; Matthew 4:4; Romans 10:17, 15:4; Acts 2:17; Amos 3:7; Proverbs 1:23
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with YHWH, and the Word was YHWH.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
John 8:31–32 Then said Yeshua to those Jews who believed Him, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of YHWH.’”
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of YHWH.
Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, says YHWH, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord YHWH does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
Proverbs 1:23 Surely, I will pour out My Spirit on you; I will make My words known to you.
YHWH
We believe in one YHWH, who is the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, eternal Being that created and sustains the universe and everything in it. The Bible teaches us that “YHWH is a spirit” (John 4:24) and “YHWH is love” (1 John 4:8). We believe that He loves and cares for each person with an eternal, unending love, and seeks to bring every man, woman, and child into a personal relationship with Him.
YHWH exists eternally in the Trinity of three distinguishable but inseparable Persons: YHWH the Father, Yeshua the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 43:10–11; John 4:24, 14:23; 1 John 4:19, 5:7; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11
Isaiah 43:10–11 You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no YHWH formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior.
John 4:24 YHWH is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
John 14:23 Yeshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is one YHWH, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Yeshua Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.
Yeshua Christ (Yeshua HaMachiach)
YHWH’s love for the world was so great that He gave His one and only son, Yeshua Christ, to bring salvation to the world (John 3:16) and to teach humankind about His love. Yeshua is the manifestation of the love of YHWH, and He suffered the death of crucifixion in order to atone for the sins of humanity, so that humankind could be reconciled to YHWH (Isaiah 53:4–6).
We believe that Yeshua was miraculously conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He took human form and lived a human life, so that He could become a mediator between YHWH and humankind (1 Timothy 2:5). Three days after His death on the cross, Yeshua was resurrected, and 40 days later, He ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:3). We believe that He will return to the world in the future to establish His kingdom of love and righteousness on Earth (Revelation 11:15).
1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:14; Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 4:14–15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24–25; 1 Corinthians 15:3–6; Matthew 28:18; Acts 1:9–11
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of YHWHliness: YHWH was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Philippians 2:5–11 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Yeshua, Who, being in the form of YHWH, did not consider it robbery to be equal with YHWH, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, YHWH also has highly exalted Him, and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Yeshua Christ is Lord, to the glory of YHWH the Father.
Hebrews 4:14–15 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua the Son of YHWH, let us hold fast our confession. 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.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of YHWH in Him.
1 Peter 2:24–25 Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness––by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Corinthians 15:3–6 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that, He was seen of over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
Matthew 28:18 And Yeshua came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
Acts 1:9–11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Yeshua, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Yeshua’ Second Coming
We believe that the Scriptures foretelling the future of the world will be fulfilled, as many other Biblical predictions have been throughout the centuries. It is our belief that we are now living in the period of time known in the Bible as the “Last Days,” which refers to the era preceding the return of Yeshua Christ (2 Timothy 3:1). His return to Earth will usher in a new millennium of peace, cessation of war and violence, and justice and equity for all mankind.
Daniel 12:4; Matthew 24:29–31; Revelation 11:15; Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 11:9
Daniel 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.
Matthew 24:29–31 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings the YHWH of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaQodesh)
Before Yeshua ascended to Heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to His followers, to strengthen and guide them in their spiritual lives and relationship with YHWH, and to remain with them always (John 14:16).
The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, helps them to understand YHWH’s Word, assists them in prayer, and empowers them to witness the Gospel of Yeshua Christ to others (Acts 1:8). We believe that any believer can receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, simply by asking YHWH for it. The Holy Spirit’s presence may be manifested in believers’ lives through different spiritual gifts, which include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, and prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:4–11).
John 16:7,13; Acts 1:5,8; John 14:15–18,26; Luke 11:13; Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Proverbs 8:1,23,30
John 16:7,13 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth: for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak: and He will tell you things to come.
Acts 1:5,8 For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
John 14:15–18,26 If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!
Romans 8:26–27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of YHWH.
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same YHWH who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Proverbs 8:1,23,30 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? “The Lord possessed Me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.”
Creation
We believe that YHWH created the universe in accordance with the Biblical account of Creation. YHWH formed the first man and woman in His image and breathed into them the breath of life (Genesis 2:7); thus they became living souls by divine creation and not by random evolution. YHWH’s visible creation provides clear testimony of His invisible existence (Romans 1:20).
We believe that YHWH gave humankind the responsibility to care for the Earth and its inhabitants.
Genesis 1:1,26–27, 2:15; Psalm 8:4–8, 33:6–9; Jeremiah 32:17; Hebrews 11:3
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning YHWH created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:26–27 Then YHWH said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So YHWH created man in His own image; in the image of YHWH He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 2:15 Then the Lord YHWH took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
Psalm 8:4–8 What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.
Psalm 33:6–9 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord YHWH! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of YHWH, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Salvation by Grace
We believe that YHWH created the first man and woman without sin. He granted them free choice, and they fell into sin through their choice to disobey YHWH. YHWH, in His infinite love and mercy, reconciled humanity to Himself by giving the world His only Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We believe, therefore, that anyone who accepts YHWH’s pardon for sin through Yeshua Christ will be forgiven and redeemed and will live forever in YHWH’s presence in the afterlife.
Salvation (redemption from sin being a part of salvation, reconciliation with YHWH and restored to His presence) is a gift of YHWH’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, and can only be attained through belief in Yeshua. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). Having received the gift of salvation, after death, his or her soul will live forever in Heaven. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). Believers continue to be fallible people in need of YHWH’s forgiveness, but despite their shortcomings and sins, they will never lose their salvation if they are truly walking in Christ, transformed and renewed with the mind of Christ and not according to disobedience and the lusts of this world (Romans 8).
Genesis 3:17–19; 1 Corinthians 15:21–22; Romans 3:23, 6:23; Ephesians 2:7–9; 1 John 1:8; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:12; Romans 5:8–9, 8:38–39
Genesis 3:17–19 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
1 Corinthians 15:21–22 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of YHWH.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of YHWH is eternal life in Christ Yeshua our Lord.
Ephesians 2:7–9 That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Yeshua. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of YHWH, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of YHWH does not have life.
Romans 5:8–9 But YHWH demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Romans 8:38–39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of YHWH which is in Christ Yeshua our Lord.
The Great Commission
Christians are commissioned by Christ to share the good news of His love and salvation with others (Mark 16:15). YHWH’s love and salvation through Yeshua are a gift for all humankind, and are meant to be freely shared with others. We believe that Christians should reach out to people in all strata of society with YHWH’s message, by methods in harmony with Christian values.
Yeshua set an example for His followers of not only teaching spiritual truths, but also reaching out with compassion to people in need, including the poor and disadvantaged of His day. We believe that Christians should likewise strive to comfort, aid, and minister to those in need.
Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Daniel 12:3; Acts 26:18; Matthew 5:14,16; Luke 9:1–2; Matthew 10:8; Proverbs 3:27, 19:17; 1 Corinthians 16:14
Matthew 28:19–20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to YHWH, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.
Matthew 5:14,16 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Luke 9:1–2 Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of YHWH, and to heal the sick.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.
Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Shabbat / Sabbath
Shabbat / Sabbath rest is commanded by YHWH as one of His appointed times that disciples are to not only observe, but as He describes in His word as a mark that we are His people. The Sabbath is a day of rest that commemorates the day YHWH rested after creating the world.
In the Bible, YHWH commanded His people to keep the Sabbath day holy. YHWH said, \"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy\".
What did YHWH say about the Sabbath?
YHWH said that the Sabbath was a gift from him that helps people stay connected to Him
YHWH said that the Sabbath was a distinguishing characteristic of his chosen people
YHWH said that the Sabbath was a sign that people were his covenant people
YHWH said that the Sabbath was intended to be shared with other nations
YHWH said that the Sabbath is a day of sacred assembly, and people should not do any work
YHWH said that the Sabbath is part of the moral law, and His people, disciples, should observe it by refraining from work
What did Yeshua say about the Sabbath?
Yeshua said that the Sabbath was made for the benefit of people.
Yeshua said that YHWH had given the Sabbath as a gift to the people he created
The Bible has many scriptures about the Sabbath, let's look a few:
Genesis 2:2-3
2 By the seventh day YHWH had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
3 Then YHWH blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Deuteronomy 5:14
12 \"Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your YHWH commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
14 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your YHWH. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do.
15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your YHWH brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your YHWH commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Exodus 16:4
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
Exodus 20:8-11
8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your YHWH. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 31:13,14,17 [What has YHWH gifted you with?]
13 \"Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: \"Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. 14 “ ‘Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people. 17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.\"\"
Leviticus 23:3
3 “ ‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the LORD.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Isaiah 58:13-14
\"If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words,
Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken.\"
Isaiah 66:22-23: Shows that the Sabbath will continue in eternity, when the Redeemed will worship YHWH on the Sabbath in the New Earth
Jeremiah 17:21-22
Thus says the LORD: \"Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
Ezekiel 20:11-12
And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, 'which, if a man does, he shall live by them.' Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
Ezekiel 20:21
\"Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments, 'which, if a man does, he shall live by them'; but they profaned My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them and fulfill My anger against them in the wilderness.
Matthew 5:17-18
\"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
Matthew 12:1-14
At that time Yeshua went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, \"Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!\" But He said to them, \"Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of YHWH and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. But if you had known what this means, \"I desire mercy and not sacrifice,\" you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.\" Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, \"Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?\"—that they might accuse Him. Then He said to them, \"What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.\" Then He said to the man, \"Stretch out your hand.\" And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.
Matthew 24:20
20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.
Mark 2:27-28
And He said to them, \"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.\"
Luke 4:16
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
Luke 13:15-16
The Lord then answered him and said, \"Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?\"
John 1 [ Out of His fullness we have all received grace - John 1:16]
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with YHWH, and the Word was YHWH.
2 He was with YHWH in the beginning.
16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
John 5:5-9,16-17
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Yeshua saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, 'Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.' Yeshua said to him, \"Rise, take up your bed and walk.\" And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. For this reason the Jews persecuted Yeshua, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. But Yeshua answered them, \"My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.\"
John 7:22-24
Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.\"
John 9:15-16
Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” Therefore some of the Pharisees said, 'This Man is not from YHWH, because He does not keep the Sabbath.' Others said, 'How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?' And there was a division among them.
Acts 15
Acts 17:2
2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Acts 17:17
17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and YHWH-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
Acts 18:4
[Acts 18:9-10]
4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 20:7
7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.
1 Corinthians 16:2
2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Colossians 2:16-17
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Hebrews 4
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as YHWH has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day YHWH rested from all his works.”
5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”
6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,
7 YHWH again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, YHWH would not have spoken later about another day.
9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of YHWH;
10 for anyone who enters YHWH’s rest also rests from their works, just as YHWH did from his.
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Hebrews 10:25 [Advent Week 1 - Hope]
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Revelation 1:10 [Revelation 1:8]
10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,
Revelation 12:17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep YHWH’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Yeshua.
Revelation 13 - Revelation 1 [Whom will you put your trust in?]
1 The revelation from Yeshua Christ, which YHWH gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of YHWH and the testimony of Yeshua Christ.
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,
5 and from Yeshua Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his YHWH and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”So shall it be! Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord YHWH, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
The Feasts of YHWH (The Appointed Times - Moedim)
The Biblical Feasts – When the Father Throws A Party And Invites Us, I Want To Go!
I didn’t know about YHWH’s appointed times until much later in my life because I had never read the Bible through for myself. I mistakenly believed they were for other people because that is what I had always been told. However, when I read the Father call them “My feasts” and “My appointed times,” I realized that these were set apart and important to Him, and if they are important to Him, they should be important to me.
Lest anyone reading this feel defensive right now, I want you to know that this post isn’t about bashing any of man’s holidays. I just think we need to make sure we are obeying YHWH first and treating man’s instructions as an afterthought, not the other way around.
The Bible in Leviticus 23 describes the appointed times, or feasts, that YHWH commanded the Israelites to observe. These feasts are sacred assemblies. The only authority on YHWH’s appointed times is YHWH, and we should look to Him in all things.
It is our responsibility, as believers and followers of the One True YHWH, to know His Word. We are then held accountable based on how we treat His word in our lives and what we choose to do with that knowledge. Tragically, when most believers today see the Father’s words telling us to do something, they look around to see if other believers are doing it first. If they don’t see others doing it en masse, they dismiss the Father’s word. I lived like that until a few years ago, so I do have compassion for anyone in that predicament and passion for anyone seeking to make a change and return to Him.
Whose feasts are these, and should we keep them?
You see, YHWH (YHWH) made an appointment with His people…
“These are *MY* appointed feasts…” They do not belong to a certain people or denomination, but rather to the Father. Unfortunately, many have been taught that these feasts belong solely to our Jewish brethren, and, having not read the Words of our Father or having not placed faith or trust in His words, some are susceptible to believing this errant teaching. However, YHWH declares that they belong to Him. They are His special times, and when something is important to Him, it should be important to those who love Him.
What are the appointed times?
The Sabbath: A day of rest on the seventh day of the week
The new moon festival: A monthly festival
Passover: A spring festival that begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month
Feast of Unleavened Bread: A spring festival that begins on the fifteenth day of the first month
Feast of Firstfruits: A spring festival
Feast of Weeks: Also known as Pentecost in the New Testament
Feast of Trumpets: Also known as Rosh Hashanah, this is the fall festival that marks the beginning of the year
Day of Atonement: Also known as Yom Kippur, this is a fall festival
Feast of Tabernacles: Also known as Sukkot, this is a fall festival
Why are the appointed times important?
They emphasize the importance of gathering together as a community to worship YHWH
They emphasize His relationship with us because He said He would meet us and they were a mark that we are His people.
They are a reminder of YHWH's love for humanity
They foreshadow the beauty that is to come
The Bible verses Leviticus 23:1–44, Deuteronomy 16:16–17, and Hosea 2:11 discuss appointed times, feast days, and holy convocations.
Leviticus 23:1–44
Describes the appointed feasts of the Lord, which were holy days and festivals that the Israelites were to observe. The chapter lists the feasts and when they were to be celebrated.
\"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: `These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. \"
Deuteronomy 16:16–17
Describes the feasts of unleavened bread, weeks, and tabernacles, which the Israelites were to observe three times a year.
Hosea 2:11
Discusses the major religious festivals of Israel, such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Exodus 34:22
“These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them.
The appointed times were holy days and festivals that were sacred to the Lord. They were times of worship, reflection, and communal gathering.
The appointed times were tied to the Jewish calendar and lunar and solar cycles.
The appointed times were times when the Israelites were to stop their regular work and focus on spiritual matters.
The appointed times were times when the Israelites were to remember YHWH's past deliverance and provision.
Faith
The Bible says that YHWH honors and rewards those who draw near to Him in faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith grows and is strengthened through the study of YHWH’s Word (Romans 10:17), and a living faith is one that is translated into action (James 2:17). We believe that our faith should be integrated into every aspect of our lives and interactions with others. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
We believe that YHWH cares for each of His children, and seeks to guide, support, comfort, strengthen, and provide for them. Our faith empowers us to trust Him for the challenges of life, even if we don’t always understand His ways or why He allows the difficulties we face. As we commit our lives, hopes, and future into His loving hands, we trust that YHWH will fulfill His promises to us. He will cause everything that those who love Him encounter in life to ultimately work together for their good if they are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Hebrews 11:1,6; Mark 9:23; Matthew 8:24–26; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Matthew 9:29; Hebrews 10:35; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 55:8–11; Psalm 27:13–14, 23:1–4, 34:15,17–19, 91:14–16
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to YHWH must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Mark 9:23 If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
Matthew 8:24–26 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Matthew 9:29 According to your faith let it be to you.
Hebrews 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Isaiah 55:8–11 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Psalm 27:13–14 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 23:1–4 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 34:15,17–19 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 91:14–16 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.
Living a YHWHly Life
We believe that the life of a Christian should be a living example of YHWH’s love, both in word and in deed. Our lives should manifest the spiritual virtues enumerated in the Bible, such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
We adhere to the scriptural admonition to “not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). We understand this to mean that the believer should avoid pursuits and practices of secular society that are incompatible with Christ’s teachings, as well as avoid conformity to attitudes and values contrary to YHWH’s teachings.
We believe that we should strive to follow in Christ’s footsteps, to live according to the principles in His Word, and to overcome personal weaknesses and sins that would interfere in our relationship with Him and others. That in our maturity we can live a sinless life (Romans 6:2, Romans 6:18, 1 John 3:4-6, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 3:19-20, 2 Peter 1:4, John 15:5, John 8:31-47, Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:32, 2 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 John 5:4, Philippians 2:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:6, 1 John 2:15, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:13-17, Jude 24, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 13:14, Luke 19:10, Revelation 14:12, Revelation 22:14, Matthew 7:11, Philippians 4:19, Romans 6:11, Matthew 14:30, Matthew 9:29, Colossians 1:10-11 – What a promise and what a hope!)
Because our bodies belong to the Lord and are the living temples in which the Holy Spirit dwells, we believe that Christians should also strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
1 John 2:5–6; James 2:26; 1 John 2:15–17; Romans 12:1–2; Proverbs 16:6; James 3:17–18
1 John 2:5–6 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of YHWH is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
1 John 2:15–17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of YHWH abides forever.
Romans 12:1–2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of YHWH, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to YHWH, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of YHWH.
Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity, and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.
James 3:17–18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Communicating with YHWH
Prayer is the means by which we communicate with YHWH. Through prayer we manifest our dependence on YHWH; we express our praise and gratitude to Him; we present our petitions for our needs and the needs of others.
We believe that prayer, far from being merely a religious ritual, should be a vibrant aspect of our relationship with YHWH. Prayer can release YHWH’s power, in accordance with His will, and bring about answers, supply, healing, comfort, peace of mind, guidance, and miracles. Yeshua said, “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24).
We believe that YHWH seeks to communicate with people. He desires to be a close presence in each person’s life, and to provide guidance, encouragement, and instruction. He speaks to the hearts of all who seek Him, both through imperceptible means and visible signs of His presence.
YHWH has promised to make His words known to His children through His Spirit (Proverbs 1:23). The ability to receive direct messages from YHWH is referred to in the Bible as the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit, which is available to believers, and can play an active role in their daily lives (Acts 2:17).
Jeremiah 33:3; John 14:13–14; Matthew 7:7–8; 1 John 5:14–15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:6; Acts 2:17–18; Proverbs 3:5–6; Ephesians 5:20; Psalm 34:1
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
John 14:13–14 And whatsoever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Matthew 7:7–8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
1 John 5:14–15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.
Acts 2:17–18 And it shall come to pass in the last days, says YHWH, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things to YHWH the Father in the name of our Lord Yeshua Christ.
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
The Community of Faith
We believe that the Church is a spiritual entity comprising all who believe in Yeshua Christ. The fellowship of Christians is not defined by physical buildings, denominations, or institutions, but rather it is a community of faith, joined together in spirit and in love. “YHWH is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
We believe that the New Testament’s account of the early Church’s close fellowship, cooperative efforts, and spiritual unity serves not only as a historical narrative, but as a model for succeeding generations of believers.
Members of Elyon Media are part of the worldwide community of faith, and consider themselves brothers and sisters in spirit, united in faith and purpose. We believe that as Yeshua laid down His life for us, “we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16), serving one another in love and deference (Galatians 5:13). We believe that, as Christians, we should work in harmony with others to share YHWH’s love with the world and to improve people’s quality of life.
1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Acts 2:46; 1 John 1:7; Psalm 133:1; 1 Peter 4:8; John 15:13
1 Peter 2:5 You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house.
Ephesians 2:19–22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of YHWH, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yeshua Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of YHWH in the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:12–14 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.
Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
1 Peter 4:8 Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.
John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
The Bride of Christ
The relationship between YHWH and His people—Christ and His Church—is likened in the Bible to that of a bridegroom to his bride. The Bible tells us, “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name” (Isaiah 54:5), and that we are “married to Him who was raised from the dead [Yeshua], that we should bear fruit to YHWH” (Romans 7:4).
We believe that the marital metaphor used in the Bible to describe the intimate spiritual relationship between Yeshua and His Church is meant to represent the passionate union of heart, mind, and spirit that Yeshua seeks with each of His followers.
Hosea 2:19–20; Isaiah 61:10, 62:5; Ephesians 5:25; Revelation 19:7–9
Hosea 2:19–20 I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my YHWH; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 62:5 And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your YHWH rejoice over you.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her.
Revelation 19:7–9 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’”
Discipleship
Christian discipleship is characterized by the commitment to believe in and follow the teachings of Yeshua. “If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed” (John 8:31 AKJV). We believe that Yeshua still challenges believers today to follow Him and to live according to His teachings. His call to service remains essentially unchanged from His appeal to the fishermen on the shores of Galilee long ago: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
The Gospels exemplify the life of Yeshua and His closest disciples, who made their service to YHWH their life calling. We believe that YHWH still calls people today to a life dedicated to His service. The manner and degree to which they commit their time or resources to Christ is a matter of personal faith and conviction.
Luke 9:23–24; John 8:31–32, 15:16, 12:26; Mark 8:34–38
Luke 9:23–24 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
John 8:31–32 Then Yeshua said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Mark 8:34–38 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Our Relationship YHWH and Man
We believe that as explained in Matthew 22:35–40 should govern every aspect of a Christian’s life and interactions with others. An expert in the Mosaic Law tested Yeshua with this question: “‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Yeshua said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your YHWH with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” We therefore believe that a Christian’s actions should be motivated by unselfish, sacrificial love—the love of YHWH for our fellow man.
The Commandments are the ultimate fulfillment of Biblical law, including the Ten Commandments, as it fulfills the intent of such laws. “All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14). We therefore believe that through Christ’s salvation and fulfill these Commandments, Christians are released from the Mosaic laws in the Old Testament and are no longer required to observe them. Instead, they are held to a higher law—Christ’s Law, which should guide all their interactions with others, which centers on matters of heart where He wanted the law written since the beginning.
Romans 13:8–10; James 2:8; Galatians 2:16, 3:23–25; John 13:34; Romans 10:4; Matthew 5:38–46
Romans 13:8–10 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Yeshua Christ, even we have believed in Christ Yeshua, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 3:23–25 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Matthew 5:38–46 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
The Lord's Supper
The Lord’s Supper, also known as communion, is a simple observance that Yeshua asked of His followers in remembrance of His sacrifice for humanity (1 Corinthians 11:25). Believers partake of bread, which is broken to represent how Yeshua’ body was broken for the healing of our bodies, and wine, to represent how His blood was shed for the remission of our sins. We believe that through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, YHWH has made provision not only for the salvation of the souls of all humankind, but also for the healing of physical infirmities.
Matthew 26:26–28; Luke 22:17–20; John 6:51; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Isaiah 53:5
Matthew 26:26–28 And as they were eating, Yeshua took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Luke 22:17–20 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of YHWH comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”
John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Yeshua on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.
Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed.
The Afterlife
We believe that every person has an eternal soul, and that when they die, their soul is ushered into the afterlife, where they will be rewarded or judged for their conduct in their earth life and assigned to their place in the afterlife accordingly.
YHWH has prepared a place in Heaven of everlasting beauty, peace, and joy for all those who believe in Yeshua Christ (1 Corinthians 2:9) and accept His gift of salvation. “He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. YHWH Himself shall be with them, and be their YHWH. And YHWH shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:3–4).
While entrance into Heaven is a gift, we believe that the reward believers receive in the afterlife is dependent on their actions on Earth, and whether they lived in accordance with YHWH’s laws of love.
The Bible says that YHWH is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), and that Yeshua preached to the spirits in prison and the dead (1 Peter 3:18–20, 4:6). We believe that He will continue to seek to reconcile all things to Himself (Colossians 1:20). We do not consider that all those who die without receiving Yeshua Christ as their Savior will automatically be cast into hell—a place of desolation and suffering—nor will they be eternally bereft of salvation or redemption. In His love, we believe that YHWH will continue to love those who die without salvation and seek to bring them to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
John 14:1–3; 1 Peter 1:3–5; 2 Corinthians 5:1–2; 1 Timothy 2:4, 4:10; Revelation 20:11–13; Romans 5:18,21; 2 Corinthians 5:10,18–19; Romans 8:18; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13–15
John 14:1–3 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in YHWH, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
1 Peter 1:3–5 Blessed be the YHWH and Father of our Lord Yeshua Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Yeshua Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of YHWH through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
2 Corinthians 5:1–2 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from YHWH, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living YHWH, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
Revelation 20:11–13 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before YHWH, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Romans 5:18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
Romans 5:21 That as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Yeshua Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:18–19 Now all things are of YHWH, who has reconciled us to Himself through Yeshua Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that YHWH was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I am coming quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
1 Corinthians 3:13–15 Each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Angels and Departed Believers
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by YHWH and assigned by Him to watch over humankind. There are many examples in the Bible of their intervention to protect, assist, and deliver messages to YHWH’s people, and we believe that they continue to do so today.
We believe that in addition to angels, YHWH also empowers the spirits of departed believers to minister to and deliver messages to His people. An example of this is found in the Biblical account of the spirits of the departed prophets, Moses and Elijah, appearing and conferring with Yeshua (Luke 9:28–31). Paul referred to departed believers as “a great cloud of witnesses” watching over those on Earth (Hebrews 12:1).
Psalm 34:7, 91:11–12; 2 Kings 6:15–17; Acts 12:7–11; Matthew 1:20–24; Luke 2:9–15; Revelation 19:10; Hebrews 12:22–23
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
Psalm 91:11–12 For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
2 Kings 6:15–17 And when the servant of the man of YHWH arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Acts 12:7–11 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
Matthew 1:20–24 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Yeshua, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “YHWH with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife.
Luke 2:9–15 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising YHWH and saying: “Glory to YHWH in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Yeshua. Worship YHWH! For the testimony of Yeshua is the spirit of prophecy.”
Hebrews 12:22–23 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living YHWH, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to YHWH the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect.
Spiritual Warfare
We believe that there is a spiritual realm, unseen in the physical world, inhabited by YHWH and His angels and spirits, as well as Satan (the Devil), the foe of all righteousness. Satan and his evil spirits are in rebellion against YHWH, and are instigators of much of the evil and suffering that have afflicted humankind throughout the ages.
We believe that a relentless warfare is being waged in this spiritual realm between good and evil, between YHWH and His good forces and Satan and his evil forces, with each seeking to influence the souls and minds of humankind and the course of history.
We believe that Christians can play a role in the spiritual warfare through their YHWHly choices and actions that serve to further YHWH’s kingdom. Some people, however, through their unYHWHly actions, further the efforts of the forces of evil to suppress faith and goodness (Ephesians 6:12). We also believe that Christ has given us a victory not a battle. We war was won on the cross when He brought all works of the devil and destroyed them. They only power Satan has over us is our lack knowledge of and practical understanding of YHWH’s word and who we are in Christ. Does that mean we will not face our enemy, certainly not, but secure in our identity Satan has no power over us.
The Bible foretells that Satan and his forces will ultimately be defeated and YHWH’s plan for humanity will triumph (Revelation 20:1–3,10). Yeshua’ kingdom will eventually be established on Earth, and “the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:7–9; 1 John 3:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Ephesians 6:11–12
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to YHWH, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Revelation 12:7–9 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of YHWH was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in YHWH for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of YHWH, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Ephesians 6:11–12 Put on the whole armor of YHWH, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Divine Intervention
The Bible records many supernatural acts of YHWH that defy explanation. We believe that throughout history YHWH has intervened in the natural world to supernaturally alter circumstances and conditions, and He continues to do so today in order to manifest His love and power.
While Yeshua was on Earth, He not only expressed His love to humanity through healing people’s hearts and spirits, but He also performed miracles to feed the hungry and to heal people’s diseased and crippled bodies. “Yeshua Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), and we therefore believe that He still performs miracles today. He also promises that we will do even greater things if we believe – now that is a thought.
Matthew 4:23–24, 10:1; Mark 16:17–18; Matthew 8:16–17; Luke 7:12–16; 1 Corinthians 12:7–10; John 14:12
Matthew 4:23–24 And Yeshua went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
Matthew 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Mark 16:17–18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Matthew 8:16–17 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”
Luke 7:12–16 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified YHWH, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “YHWH has visited His people.”
1 Corinthians 12:7–10 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
John 14:12 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
Keys of the Kingdom
We believe that the spiritual gifts that Yeshua gave to His original disciples are available to His followers today. When Yeshua said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven” (Matthew 16:19), we believe that He was literally bequeathing the spiritual keys of the kingdom of Heaven to His followers, representing greater access to His power. Believers can claim the keys of the kingdom in prayer to release YHWH’s power to act in any given situation, in accordance with His will.
Matthew 18:18; Luke 10:19; Revelation 1:18
Matthew 18:18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Revelation 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Family
We believe that YHWH designed the family unit as a foundational building block of society. He ordained families to share their lives and to support and help one another. Families are important for the nurturing and care of children.
Children are a gift of YHWH which He blesses and entrusts us with, for “children are a heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). We believe that it is the responsibility of Christian parents to lovingly care for their children, as well as to impart YHWHly principles and moral values to them, and a respect and love for YHWH and others (Ephesians 6:4).
We believe that YHWH created and ordained the marriage union of man and woman, and that marriage is the ideal relationship for the forming of stable families. Believers who marry enter into a covenant before YHWH, committing to love, care for, and be responsible for their wife or husband and their children (Matthew 19:4–6).
Psalm 68:6; Ephesians 6:1–4; Genesis 2:18,21–24; Ephesians 5:25–31; Psalm 127:3–5; Matthew 19:13–14; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:5–7
Psalm 68:6 YHWH sets the solitary in families.
Ephesians 6:1–4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Genesis 2:18,21–24 And the Lord YHWH said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the Lord YHWH caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord YHWH had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Ephesians 5:25–31 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Psalm 127:3–5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
Matthew 19:13–14 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Yeshua said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Deuteronomy 6:5–7 You shall love the Lord your YHWH with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Sexuality
We believe that YHWH created and ordained human sexuality, and we consider it a natural part of life. The Bible says that YHWH told the first man and woman to “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28). YHWH “saw everything that He had made”—which included the first man and woman as well as their bodies and sexuality—“and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
It is our belief that heterosexual relations, when practiced as YHWH ordained, in marriage, is a pure and natural wonder of YHWH’s creation according to Scripture.
Genesis 1:26–28, 2:18–25; Titus 1:15; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:22–23
Genesis 1:26–28 Then YHWH said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So YHWH created man in His own image; in the image of YHWH He created him; male and female He created them. Then YHWH blessed them, and YHWH said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:18–25 And the Lord YHWH said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground the Lord YHWH formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord YHWH caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord YHWH had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Titus 1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control: against such there is no law.
The Sanctity of Life
We believe that human life is sacred, and that each person has been granted the YHWH-given right to be treated with respect as an individual created in the image of YHWH. Our duty, as Christians, is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31) regardless of race, gender, creed, nationality, or social status. We oppose all forms of discrimination, prejudice, and violence as incompatible with YHWH’s design.
We believe that life from conception to death is a valued gift from YHWH, to be respected and nurtured. As YHWH is the sole giver of life, we believe that the time of death of each human life should also be left in His hands (Psalm 31:15).
Genesis 1:27, 2:7; Psalm 139:14–16; Galatians 6:10; Romans 2:11; 1 Corinthians 16:14
Genesis 1:27 So YHWH created man in His own image, in the image of YHWH He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord YHWH formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Psalm 139:14–16 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with YHWH.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Civic Responsibility
We consider it the duty of believers to be good citizens in all matters in accordance with Christian values, to manifest honesty and integrity, and to contribute to the welfare of their community. We adhere to the Biblical teaching, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). However, in cases where the laws or ordinances would violate a believer’s faith or right to practice their faith, we believe that Christians should follow the dictates of their conscience (Acts 5:27–29).
Romans 12:18, 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:17; Matthew 22:20–21; Acts 4:19–20
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 13:1–7 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from YHWH, and the authorities that exist are appointed by YHWH. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of YHWH, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is YHWH’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is YHWH’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore, you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are YHWH’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear YHWH. Honor the king.
Matthew 22:20–21 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to YHWH the things that are YHWH’s.”
Acts 4:19–20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of YHWH to listen to you more than to YHWH, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”