Am I my brother or sisters keeper?

BURNING ISSUES IN THE WORLD

For the last nine (9) months, it has been excruciating for the Talmidiym (students) to keep politics or current policies made into laws of the land out of Shabbat meetings or not affix talking points from Network news that inflame controversy and a distraction to our weekly discourse. There are daily issues in the world affecting residents in communities that seek spiritual and mental comfort, and our first impulse is to interject our opinions, but we must stay impartial on matters concerning the nations and remain focused on spiritual redemption, studies in theology, call to action repentance and evangelical duties. In the last 30 years, I have witnessed religious denominations choose political affiliations and allow their pulpit to become a campaign rally for candidates with questionable characters and hypocritical agendas. From the time we wake and stand perpendicular, to the moment we lay horizontal and our sleep takes over once again, we are bombarded with both the good and bad that the book of Proverbs addresses as real-world situations. Just maintaining your neutrality and not being swept away with the rhetoric from members within your congregation is a test of our belief system, and we are instructed to have patience and slow to anger when interacting with brothers and sisters struggling with carnal reasoning. I have to commend elders for staying 10 toes down, because it is a huge burden and responsibility taking the lead in ministerial duties when counseling individuals enrolling in the school with character imperfections carrying 100 lbs. of corporeal baggage. You really have to be thick skinned because people are very opinionated when it comes to daily issues broadcasted on tv or posted online and at times, it can really get beneath your skin and though we continue to adapt practical skills for living among a society that prioritizes careers, finances, and relationships before the Devariym (Commandments) outlined in the Torah and precepts, the most important aspect on our journey of enlightenment is fully complying to the principle that "the fear of YAHUAH is the beginning of Chokmah (wisdom)". Now this statement may not resonate with all converts, especially the hardliners in constant battle with carnal desires because of a mindset that hasn't always made good choices. The phrase, being long-suffering is an understatement when keeping your own personality in check when counseling individuals that must be applauded for choosing to alter their lifestyle that at times resemble that of Lot's wife, (a cautionary tale about disobedience and looking back at the past) or Korah (a cautionary tale about questioning the leadership ordained by the creator). When king Shalomah (Solomon) advises Talmidiym to fear YAHUAH in proverbs, this is crucial within our psychological framework since fear leads to obedience and a moral attribute necessary to reach others seeking hope and guidance from spiritual liaisons of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. This obedience can be interpreted as dedicating oneself beyond the minimal Bible study quite popular in mainstream religion or attending weekly religious services without input or verbal responses upon the discourse. Our ministry is active and calls for participation that equates to complete transformation of our character and going beyond only hearers of the word but doers of the instructions that the messiah directed towards individuals seeking spiritual counseling in every land he traveled: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my Talmidiym indeed; And ye shall know את the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free. Yochanon (John) 8:31-32 | את Cepher. 

CALLS FOR CHANGE

During our daily interactions speaking about our faith with others, especially teenagers and young adults, have you ever mentioned Freedom? For melanated people, the word freedom is always associated with physical slavery and the atrocities that are documented and can go sideways quickly if not defined correctly. For other ethnic groups, they become uncomfortable and scream woke agenda when advising them that freedom can be achieved with repentance and their voice suddenly amplifies when uttering; “Freedom from what? because I have never been in bondage. This has been the dilemma within numerous cultures and spanned over many generations when attempting to discuss spiritual freedom, since bondage isn't always physical but is often mental constraints or the recollection of past offenses that keeps us from fully grasping the true definition of emancipation. Feelings of contempt, bias and loathing are enduring principles that manifest within our conduct and character and have the ability to shape our mood swings from truly breaking the psychological yoke that generational curses are founded on. Growing up in a melanated community, I heard the remarks of others that spoke negatively about their encounters with individuals outside their ethnic group and felt harassment from an individual with biased opinions or they went into subservient mode in the presence of others. My grandparents instilled in us the moral values and strength necessary to navigate around the miniscule cerebrum attached to bigots battling their own insecurities and lack of self-esteem. This isn't to throw shade at individuals that have allowed themselves to be ridiculed or subjected to stereotypical presumptions by others but let my observations manifest into a straightening of the vertebral column (spine). I can recall the lessons we learned in Sunday school as children was the practice of loving one another, forgiving those who trespass against you and idolatry. The first and second is easy to inculcate in your psyche and practice daily but being in servitude to inanimate objects, material possessions, Hellenistic culture and celebrities, is subconsciously embedded within us all and we unknowingly or fully aware of our sins (missing the mark and succumbing to carnal desires). This is another element of slavery that the Torah gives instructions on how to conquer and is a prelude to the ministry of Yahusha Ha'Mashiach that came to fulfill the Devariym that can be compared to bleach that disinfects transgressions and whitens the character of converts that once dwelled in unrighteousness. The Torah removes stains caused by carnal reasoning, with additional sterilizing elements to detract false doctrines and Hellenistic theology teachings from taking root in the heart and mind. The first five books are instructions that go over the heads of converts still questioning their faith and toxic to blasphemers, false prophets and atheists. For individuals struggling to find their identity and alter the narrative passed down since the introduction of the negro Bible, daily study is recommended to examine precepts related to the Ruach (holy Spirit) and what is the purpose of a Talmidiym outlined by Yahusha Ha'Mashiach; if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such one in the ruach of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the Torah of Mashiach. For if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; Elohiym is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Ruach shall of the Ruach reap life everlasting. Galatiym (Galatians) 6:1-8. If we witness a brother or sister on a path that endangers their spiritual wellness and renain quiet, we can become an accomplice to their disobedience and whatever negative outcome that enslaves them. This is the quandary relevant in many religious denominations and continues to separate converts into factions that fall short of truly understanding Yahusha Ha'Mashiach parables. The theology school of The Gospel of YAHUAH Assembly covers a wide range of topics, from personal conduct in marriage to balanced approach to life's pleasures, making the Oakland congregation worthy of honorable mention. The focus to consider above all things is the examination of the Torah thoroughly that clearly illustrates the outcomes of rejecting Chokmah (wisdom) versus embracing it. The first five (books) of instructions, chronicles individuals choosing Chokmah and implementing Devariym (commandments) given to Moshe from YAHUAH that lead to peace and success on your spiritual journey. The Torah also chronicles those who behaved foolishly, and their outcome was a journey that led to anger, confusion, and distress. The greatest gift given to us in this generation that past generations didn't experience was freedoms to worship, preach and evangelize in a land without overt persecution so we can break the yoke that kept us plowing in fields of unrighteousness or forced to labor in times of spiritual darkness. We all have been emancipated from religious tyranny with instructions to keep ourselves out of the world, and separate from public protests surrounding politics, immigration, government shutdown, wars in middle East that requires converts to choose sides with family members and associates. Our belief in the Torah and participation in the ministry of Yahusha Ha'Mashiach does not make Talmidiym immune from the impact of rising inflation costs, tariffs, work furloughs, political violence, hunger and inflated healthcare premiums. To be truthful, we are tested by the uncertainties that are chronicled as prophecy in the Ivriy (Hebrew) and Yavaniy (Greek) scriptures to our obedience and metamorphose from flesh to Ruach (holy spirit). The chains from five (5) centuries of spiritual illiteracy, psychological warfare and religious poverty are broken and discarded, similar to our ancestors from antiquity that wandered in the wilderness for forty (40) years because they desired to be like the other nations that YAHUAH despised.  I am Yahuah Elohayka, which brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim, from the house of bondage. You shall have no other elohiym before me. You shall not make you any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: You shall not bow down yourself unto them, nor serve them: for I Yahuah Elohayka am a jealous El, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and guard my commandments. Devariym (Deuteronomy) 5:6-10 | את Cepher.

BREAK THE CHAINS OF OPPRESSION

The books of the Torah are practical today as it was important for the Yashar'el nation under the guidance and mentoring of Moshe and Aharan that provided insight for how to live an upright and moral life. Their anointed duties encouraged discipline when the twelve (12) tribes faced life's challenges and referenced the Devariym for guidance on personal conduct, companionship, work, and punishment. The books of the Torah are not utilized in a majority of religious denominations to help converts make wise choices and avoid disaster by emphasizing the importance of contrition, redemption, and reverence for YAHUAH. Instead, leadership chose to interject softball sermons so parishioners still unrepentant in their lifestyle will continue their fellowship and donate to the weekly building fund. The instructions of the Yavaniy scriptures must be utilized with the Ivriy books to remain clothed with the full spiritual suit of armor so you can be ready for spiritual warfare. I thank YAHUAH for the opportunity for us to wander in the spiritual wilderness after leaving our denomination to focus on our spiritual wellness and spark the Ruach that was suffocating our family before finding The Gospel of YAHUAH Assembly. The Torah has the " keys of salvation," which relates to spiritual discipline and the authority to restore the covenant lost when the 12 tribes went into exile among the nations. My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; guard them in the midst of your heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from you a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from you. Let your eyes look right on and let your eyelids look straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove your foot from evil. If ye then be risen with Mashiach, seek את those things which are above, where Mashiach sits on the right hand of Elohiym. את Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Mashiach in Elohiym. When Mashiach, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil lusting, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Qolasiym (Colossians) 3:1-5 | את Cepher. The Ivriy and Yavaniy precepts warn against divisions within the body of believers. When political allegiances infiltrate religious denominations, the congregation's purpose of unity and redemption can be damaged so Talmidiym are advised against placing ultimate hope in politicians with degrees in chicanery, double-dealing, and Christendom, transforming politicians into saviors with campaign promises that always miss the mark. True and lasting transformation comes from self-analysis through an examination of the precepts, not from man made promises or political affiliations. You must be in the world to feed, clothe and house you and your family but being part of the world with no clear separation, puts you in jeopardy of being led into temptations that will eventually compromise your faith chasing carnal reasoning of the world. Yahusha Ha'Mashiach guidance on involvement in matters outside of the ministry is nuanced and balanced. It discourages blind patriotism and reminds converts of their spiritual and moral beliefs by warning against division and bickering. At the same time, it affirms the divine institution of government and encourages Talmidiym to participate respectfully while advocating for justice, preserving moral values, and obeying all the laws of the land that are required of citizens. We have witnessed too many occasions where individuals with good intentions are misinformed and suffer the consequences of their actions. They become entrenched in politics because of the narrative spined by news networks and podcasters and chains are fastened that blinds their eyes and changes the hearts of those who no longer believe in peace and humility. I'm discussing a spiritual veil that prevents individuals from fully understanding the Devariym given to Moshe and being led astray by their own reasoning. When a person turns to YAHUAH (through faith in Yahusha Ha'Mashiach), that veil is removed, and they gain spiritual clarity to navigate in a world with one plague after another. Come fellowship with us every Shabbat at 10am to fully examine the Torah and precepts so the spiritual veil will forever be removed. But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Ancient Covenant, which veil is done away in Mashiach. But even unto this day, when Mosheh is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to El-Yahuah, the veil shall be taken away. Now Yahuah is that Ruach: and where the Ruach Yahuah is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of Yahuah, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Ruach Yahuah. Qorintiym Sheniy (2 Corinthians) 3:14-18 | את Cepher