Volume 9, Issue 1                              January-April 2005

Inside this Issue

From the Editor
Calendar Confusion

OUR 2005 CALENDAR 

 Article from Stewarton Bible College
Isn't Abib, a month Early?

Why Jewish Calendar will be incorrect in 2005

Mystery Revealed

JEANETTE MITCHELL IS BAPTIZED!

Observe the Feast of Tabernacles with us!

Feast Form

Tape Program

Reader's Comments

New Moon Sighted

FINAL NOTICE!
SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL!

Answering a letter to a Brother

A LITTLE HUMOR FOR THE SOUL

PRAY FOR THEM

 

FROM THE EDITOR

CALENDAR CONFUSION!!!

I know, I know, it’s enough to cause a person to throw up their hands and say enough is enough! I want out! This year’s calendar differences are definitely going to test the believer’s fortitude and ability to cling to or even respect some certain groups. I suppose ours will be one of them. But then, differences have become a way of life to the various assemblies anyway. Am I right?

We may not be too far off base from the early assembly and their various differences. As we all know, even when Yahshua was here, there were differences between His own disciples. Of course, there were even greater differences between Yahshua and His disciples and the rest of the groups in that part of the world. The New Testament Scriptures are rife and replete with the differences between Yah-shua and the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Herodians, etc.

Even though John the Baptist came declaring that the One was coming of Whom the Scriptures spoke, aside from the instance of John jumping in the womb of his mother when the newly impregnated Miriam came into her presence, and Yahshua going to John in order to be baptized by him, there seems to be no real cohesiveness between the two groups. John had his followers and Yahshua had His.

Of course, many of John’s followers eventually turn-ed to follow Yahshua, but that was after his (John’s) death.

Then we have the instances between Paul and Peter, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Luke and the various epistles to the assemblies in attempts to correct things that were going awry.

Looking on the world scene, man is grievously divided between nations, and tribes, and clans, etc. There are various factions within countries. We have the great division between the Democrats and Republicans. Christianity is divided between its various factions. Islam is divided. Judaism is divided. Sabbath keepers are divided. The Yahwists are divided. Families are divided between husbands and wives, parents and children, sibling rivalry, etc. The division just continues on, and on, ad infinitum.

Therefore, you shouldn’t be too surprised if our fledgling assembly chooses to observe a calendar this year that is not in synchronization with many of the other assemblies. Are we going to stand by in smug complacency and declare that our observance is superior to theirs? No! Absolutely not! But we will, of course, present articles in this newsletter which do support our decision. However, we want every person to be convinced in their own mind.

It’s the same with Passover observance. We observe the Passover in the evening between the 14th and 15th while the greater preponderance of other assemblies and even many Sabbath keeping churches observe theirs in the evening between the 13th and 14th. We are convinced to observe it the way that we do. They are convinced to observe it otherwise. Are we superior to them? Absolutely not. Let every man be convinced in his own mind and then let him follow the example that he or others have proven to him to be true. In due time, Yahshua will return and we will all be brought into oneness through Him. May He speed that day. JH

OUR 2005 CALENDAR

By Jerry Healan

Why is there so much calendar confusion? It’s because the calendars are made up by men and each man, group, assembly, etc. have different ideas as to how the calendars should be made and observed.

Of course, the world, in general, follows the dictates of the Gregorian Calendar which has been a mainstay of the so-called civilized world since the Caesars. Julius and Augustus Caesar are the ones who principally formulated the modern-day calendar while during Pope Gregory’s time, some changes had to be made. Actually, the calendar had drifted off course by about 10 days, so an adjustment was made. It really shook up the world at that time since ten days just disappeared off of the calendar and seemingly out of people’s lives. Ergo, the worldly calendar bears the distinction as the Gregorian Calendar.

YAHWEH’S CALENDAR

But the subject of this study or treatise is not the Gregorian Calendar. It is Yahweh’s calendar and the perception from the Scriptures by this author as to how it should be observed.

What we must do to come to understand Yahweh’s calendar is to begin at the beginning, "And Elohim said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

16 And Elohim made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: the stars also.

17 And Elohim set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and Elohim saw that it was good," Gen. 1:14-18.

The only two great lights in the heavens are the sun and the moon. The moon doesn’t have light of itself. It reflects the light of the sun. The sun rules the day. The moon and stars rule the night. Together, they determine the cycle of a day. Together, they determine the cycle of a week. The moon determines the cycle of the month. The word for month in Hebrew, Greek and English all are derivatives of the word for "moon."

THE DAY

Most of today’s world observes the day from midnight to midnight. However, this can’t be correct scripturally. The sun rules the daylight portion of the day and the moon and stars rule the dark or night portion of the day. A day has to begin or end either in the evening or in the morning. The Hebrews, the Jews end and begin the day around sunset.

The Encyclopedia Judaica says that the old day ends and the new day begins when three stars are visible. (Actual night begins only with the appearance of three stars in the sky (called: zet ha-kokhavim, Ber. 2b; see also Neh. 4:15 [CD version]).

Utilizing this rule, we can easily determine the end of one day and the beginning of the next. The sun rules the daylight portion of the day. Its rule continues even after sunset. It only relinquishes its rule when the moon and stars, appear. Specifically, three stars because there are times when the moon can’t be seen.

When would the daytime portion of the day begin? The same rule would apply. The moon and stars rule until the time comes that at least three stars are no longer visible. The sun has begun its rule.

The graphic below depicts the four main quadrants of a 24 hour day. The circle represents the earth while the line through the circle represents the horizon. When the sun crosses the horizon in the east, it is sunrise while crossing the line in the west it is sunset. (Of course, you know all of this). However, the main idea for this excursion is to point out that even before the sun crosses the horizon in the east, it has begun its rule. That rule continues until after it crosses the horizon in the west. This concept is important to understand not only for the 24 hour day, but for the annual day or year.

Figure #1.-The main quadrants of a 24 hour day.

PSALM 19

Psalm 19 helps to give us the key to understanding this, "The heavens declare the glory of El; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof," vv. 1-6.

Verse 6 is the key verse to take a close look at here. His, the sun’s., going forth is from "the end" of the heavens. The Hebrew word utilized here is "qatseh" which is defined as an "extremity." His circuit unto the ends of it (heaven). The Hebrew word utilized here is "qatsah" which is defined as "a termination."

"His circuit" is the circuit in which there is nothing hidden from his heat. This can only mean "the end of heaven" is the east and "unto the ends of it" is the west. That is the sun’s daily circuit.

The Hebrew word for "circuit" is "tequwphah." The sun’s daily circuit or "tequwphah" is the period of its rule from when it begins in the east to the time that it ends in the west.

THE ANNUAL DAY

Just as there is a 24 hour day which is composed of daylight and darkness, there is an annual day which is composed of greater sunlight (day) and lesser sunlight (night). This is depicted by Figure #2 below.

The same basic rules would apply to the annual day as apply to the 24 hour day. The vernal and autumnal equinoxes basically serve in the same manner as the horizontal lines for the 24 hour day.

All one has to do is observe. On a clear day, arise before sunrise in the East and observe for yourself whether the sun begins its daily rule before it crosses the horizon. Observe also the conditions extant before the vernal equinox (annual sunrise).

Our area is on the same latitude as that of Israel. Every year, before the equinox, things are already warming up. The vegetation begins to spring to life putting out "green ears," leaves, flowers, etc. The sun is already showing its effects and beginning its rule before the equinox occurs.

Interestingly, The Encyclopedia Judaica, The Jewish Encyclopedia and several other Jewish works declare that there are four "tequwphahs" in the year. The spring equinox, the summer solstice, the fall equinox and the winter solstice are all counted as "tequwphahs."

However, if we allow the Scriptures to be our guide (as in Psalm 19), the annual circuit (tequwphah) of the sun (its rule) will be from just before the vernal equinox until just after the autumnal equinox.

Figure #2.-The main quadrants of the annual day.

 

THE YEAR

As for years, there are several ways to determine a year. There is the lunar year, which is generally composed of 12 lunar cycles (12 months). This is the annual calendar employed by the Jewish people and the assemblies.

There is a solar or Gregorian year which equals to approximately 365+ days. There is a tropical year which is the period of time from one vernal equinox to the next (also 365+ days). There is a sidereal year (also 365+ days), an anomalistic year (also 365+ days), etc., etc.

Suffice it to say that we are primarily interested in the lunar year because the moon is what determines the observance of the annual holydays. The problem that we have is that the lunar year is only composed of 354 days, while the rest of the years mentioned consist of 365+ days. In order to keep everything in harmony, a 13th lunar month has to be observed (added) usually about once every three years. The question would be, Do we just arbitrarily add a month, or does the heavenly clock adjust itself?

Yahweh put the sun, moon and stars in the heavens for signs and seasons. We should utilize these heavenly signs to declare to us when the day begins and ends as well as when the year begins and ends.

The Jewish people actually observe a civil year and a holy year. The civil year ends and begins in the fall while the holy year begins and ends in the spring. While this confuses many people, the fact of the matter is that the 24 hour day ends and begins after sunset, therefore, the annual day would truly begin and end around the completion of the sun’s circuit (tequwphah) in the fall.

THE SEASONS

The heavenly signs that declare the seasons to us are the vernal equinox (spring), summer solstice (summer), autumnal equinox (fall) and winter solstice (winter). When these events occur, we declare the beginning of spring, summer, fall, winter, etc. This has always been the case from the beginning. The Hebrew word for "season" is "moed."

Yahweh also gave other "moeds" (seasons) to Israel. They are chiefly represented in the book of Leviticus, chapter 23. The first moed (season) is that of the Sabbath day which takes place every seventh day (Lev. 23:1-3). This cycle was begun in Genesis, chapter 1 and continues to this day.

The next moeds or seasons are annual appointments which take place during certain specific months or lunar cycles. The first month or moon of the year is called "abib" (green ears) which determines the rest of the annual holy day observances. Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:4-8) are the first to be observed which take place in this first month called "abib."

The second festival period or time to be observed is that of Pentecost or the feast of weeks which takes place about fifty days after Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread.

The third festival period or time to be observed is that of the feast of ingathering which includes the day of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. These all occur in the seventh month at the end of the year. (Or annual day).

There is a key Scripture which should aid us concerning the time of this last observance. That Scripture is Ex. 34:22, "And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end." "The year’s end" is translated from the Hebrew word "tequwphah!"

The fall equinox is the "tequwphah." The observance of the fall moed, the feast of ingathering should occur very close to or during the time that the fall equinox is occurring. This means that the first month of spring (abib), which includes the Passover and Unleavened Bread appointments (moeds), should occur very close to the vernal equinox. Frankly speaking, the first month (moon) of the year should include the occurrence of the vernal equinox.

CHANGING TIMES

At this point we must consider the phenomenon called the "precession of the equinoxes." The equinoxes are presently occurring in Pisces and Virgo. The term equinox simply means equal night. In other words, the nighttime and daytime portions of the day are essentially equal in time. There will be 12 hours in the nighttime portion and 12 hours in the daytime portion of the 24hour day.

Whether we like to admit it or not, the equinoxes and solstices are phenomena of the heavens that we observe year after year. They do have an important roll in the observance of the heavenly clock. The sun, moon and stars work in concert to declare to us the seasons.

Many of us, including this author, have refrained from observing many of these signs or bestowing any importance on them because of their association with astrology and paganism. However, Yahweh incorporated these things into the heavens and on the earth. What we have to do is dispense with the astrology, the paganism, the occultism and witchcraft part of it and simply allow the signs to declare to us the glory or majesty of Yahweh as stated in Psalm 19.

Currently, the equinoxes are occurring in Pisces and Virgo. However, at the time of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, they were occurring in Aries and Libra. The Jewish historian Josephus writes, "In the month of Xanthicus, which is by us called Nisan, and is the beginning of our year, on the fourteenth day of the lunar month, when the sun is in Aries, (for in this month it was that we were delivered from bondage under the Egyptians,) the law ordained that we should every year slay that sacrifice which I before told you we slew when we came out of Egypt, and which was called the Passover; and so do we celebrate this Passover in companies, leaving nothing of what we sacrifice till the day following." (Antiquities of the Jews, chapter X, par. 5, p. 79)

Originally, the scriptural accounts name the month that Israel came out of Egypt, Abib (green ears). Josephus’ admission can only mean that the first month of the year was taking place not only when the sun was in Aries, but the vernal equinox was also occurring in that sign. If the sun was occurring in that sign, along with the vernal equinox, then the new moon was also occurring under that sign because it is the moon which determines the month. These heavenly bodies and signs were working together to declare the beginning of the annual daylight portion of the year.

A little scientific research reveals that the equinoxes moved out of Aries and Libra into Pisces and Virgo around 60 BCE. Since it takes about 2,150 years for the equinoxes to travel through a constellation, it appears that the equinoxes began their travel through Aries and Libra around 2210 BCE. It also appears that this event may have taken place around the time that Yahweh overthrew Nimrod’s attempt to build the tower of Babel, which was also around the time that it is written, "And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan," Gen. 10:25.

Cataclysmic events evidently occurred during this period of time. But then, the greatest cataclysm of the flood had occurred prior to this.

PRECESSION OF EQUINOXES

Tracing the precession of the equinoxes is important because they do declare to us a heavenly story. (See Mystery Revealed).

Suffice it to say that we can trace the precession of the equinoxes back to Adam and Eve. Tracing time back, it certainly appears that they were created close to the time that the equinoxes were moving out of Gemini and Sagittarius into Taurus and Scorpio. For about 2150 years the spring season would have begun with the combination of the sun, vernal equinox and new moon all occurring in Taurus. The fall equinox would have been occurring in Scorpio.

Somewhere around the time of Abraham, the equinoxes shifted out of Taurus/Scorpio into Aries/Libra. The combination of the sun, equinox and new moon would have been announcing the beginning of the daylight portion of the year. It was under these conditions that Yahweh called Israel out of Egypt and gave them His appointed times.

Aries and Libra are associated with the Passover lamb and the giving of the law for Aries represents a heavenly ram while Libra represents the scales of justice (law).

This condition existed until about 60 BCE when the equinoxes moved out of Aries/Libra into Pisces/Virgo. Today, the sun, equinox and new moon should be occurring in Pisces, but the equinoxes are soon to be moving into Aquarius/Leo leaving Pisces/Virgo behind. This movement of the equinoxes through the various constellations has been declaring the beginning and ending of ages. (See Mystery Revealed)

JERUSALEM AND BARLEY

When Yahshua appeared on the scene, the end of the age of Aries/Libra was coming about with the beginning of the new age of Pisces/Virgo. There was still a temple at Jerusalem and certain of the Israelite tribes still lived in the area, namely the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Levi and some Simeonites.

The twelve constellations of the Zodiac, that were painstakingly researched by the Greek, Hindu, Persian, Egyptian, Chaldean, Hebrew, and Chinese astronomers, create an imaginary belt in the heavens. The Zodiacal circle formed by these constellations is close to being aligned with our celestial equator. When the sun’s plane crosses the equator on the first day of spring, we could ask ourselves which of the twelve constellations is out behind our brilliant sun.

At this time in history the sun appears, to an observer on Earth, to be located between Pisces and Aquarius on the first day of spring. Platonic cycle causes a slow backwards movement of the sun’s apparent position in the Zodiac when viewed on successive Vernal Equinoxes. We refer to this slow-backwards movement as the precession of the equinoxes….At this point in history, the Vernal-Equinox sun is just entering Aquarius on the first day of spring. This is the scientific explanation for what we call the dawning of the Age of Aquarius or a new age.

(Excerpted from "The Platonic Year" by Andrew Raymond.)

At this period of time, they were still observing the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread at Jerusalem along with the offering of the sheaf of barley during Unleavened Bread. Many are now demanding that there be green ears of barley in Jerusalem in order to confirm the proper new moon.

This is all well and good, but we must also remember that Yahweh caused the Jewish nation and Jerusalem to be overthrown and destroyed in 69-70 CE because of their corruption. All of the Jewish people were banished from that area of the world especially after the Bar Kochba Rebellion in 135 CE.

If we are required to utilize the green ears of barley in the Jerusalem area to determine the new moon of Abib, how could the Jews or any true believers who were keeping the feasts of Yahweh do this in the ensuing history? There has been a period of almost 2,000 years where the communication systems would have been impossible to utilize in informing anyone of the green ears of barley in the Jerusalem area.

Another system had to come into play. Of course, with our modern day communication system, there are no longer any problems, but what about the previous 1900± years when such was impossible?

The only answer is that Yahweh has placed His clock in the heavens. This clock works hand in hand with the earth. Simple observations will reveal that the same plants generally are ready to spring forth at the same time every year. The same flowers spring up at the same time each year. The same trees begin to bud out at the same time every year. The grass will begin to revive and grow at the same time each year. The same crops will be harvested at the same time each year. The barley will also produce green ears at the same time every year. This will take place close to the equinox.

Many of us have always utilized the new moon closest to the vernal equinox. The new moon closest to the equinox will always be occurring in Pisces during this age. This year, the new moon that will occur in Pisces will be the one that takes place on Mar. 11th.

CHANGE OF WORSHIP

Some want to go to Jerusalem every year in order to verify whether there will be green ears of barley or not. Yahshua told the Samaritan woman at the well, "Yahshua saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 Yahweh is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth," Jn. 4:21-24.

The temple of Yahweh had been built at Jerusalem so that His worshippers could approach or come near to Him. They couldn’t come near Him unless they brought some type of offering or sacrifice.

But Yahshua changed all of that. Yahshua declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me," Jn. 14:6.

Yahshua also said where two or three are gathered in His name, He would be there in their midst (Mt. 18:20).

The Apostle Paul encourages, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting," 1 Tim. 2:8.

The Passover lamb was a type, a model, a forerunner of Yahshua our true Passover (1 Cor. 5:7). From the time that Israel was delivered from Egypt until the time that Yahshua appeared and provided the one sacrifice for all time, Israel was to offer that Passover lamb as well as all of the other sacrifices which were also a picture of Him.

Yahweh had the temple destroyed in Jerusalem so that the sacrifices would cease, for the Apostle Paul wrote, "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away," 1 Cor. 13:10.

Not only was the Passover lamb a type of Yahshua (1 Cor. 5:7), but the sheaf of firstfruits offering (Lev. 23:9-14; Col. 1:18) was also a type of Him. It represented Him as the firstfruit/firstborn from the dead. Therefore, just as we don’t need a Passover lamb, we don’t need a sheaf of barley anymore to offer so that we can begin the count to Pentecost. We begin our count on the day after the regular Sabbath that occurs during the days of Unleavened Bread, for it was on that day that Yahshua ascended before the Father to be accepted as the firstborn/firstfruits from the dead (Jn. 20:16-17).

THE FIRST

If we were to still look to the barley, doesn’t it make sense that the very first sheaf of green ears would need to suffice for the offering representative of Yahshua? If we wait until the latter part of April to observe the Passover and days of Unleavened Bread, wouldn’t that cause a very late sheaf of green ears to be offered as a type of Yahshua? Isn’t it obvious that the very earliest, the first sheaf of green ears should be utilized for Him?

Shouldn’t the first month of the year be the very earliest month in which spring begins, as things are springing to life after the dead of winter? Isn’t this the best example of Yahshua being the very first, the firstborn, the firstfruits from the dead?

If Yahweh wants His people to observe the feast of ingathering at the year’s end (tequwphah [Ex. 34:22]), then shouldn’t the seventh month either include the autumnal equinox or immediately follow it? We think so.

The new moon that takes place in the month of April will not occur in Pisces, it will occur in Aires. This takes us back to over 2,000 to 4,000 years. Since the equinoxes will soon move out of Pisces/Virgo, the first new moon of the year will soon be occurring in Aquarius.

THE MECHANICS

Illustrations of the precession of the equinoxes through the various constellations should enable us to understand a little more clearly concerning what has and what is taking place.

Figure #3 Reveals the earth with the equatorial belt (solid horizontal circle) and the solsticial belt (dashed circle). The earth spins like a child’s top and, like a top, it wobbles on its axis. The wobble of the earth causes the earth’s inhabitants to think that the sun is traveling north and south, but the reality is that it is the earth that is moving.

When the sun is at the equator the phenomenon called an equinox occurs. When the sun is traveling northward, the spring equinox occurs. When it travels south, the fall equinox occurs. The farthest northern point of travel for the sun is the Tropic of Cancer (summer solstice). The farthest southern trek is the Tropic of Capricorn (winter solstice). In reality, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn have changed to Gemini and Sagittarius, but the world refuses to change the terminology.

Figure #3 Graphic of equinoxes & solstices

Figure #4 is another graphic which depicts the sun, equatorial and solsticial belts. Going back to Psa. 19 we read, "Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world," (v. 4). While the lines for the equator and the tropics are imaginary, the simple fact of the matter is that "their line" spoken of in Psa. 19 is also imaginary.

The insert on page 5 also gives us an excellent illustration concerning the precession of the equinox. Our’s as well as other’s calculations reveal the creation of Adam very close to the beginning of The vernal equinox’s trek through Taurus. The precession from Taurus to Aries took about 2,000 years. From Aries to Pisces took another 2,000 years. From Pisces to Aquarius has taken an additional 2,000 years. We know that we are very close to the end of 6,000 years of creation from Adam until now, thus, it isn’t difficult to understand that the spring or vernal equinox will be occurring close to the time when the sun is between Pisces and Aquarius and not between Pisces and Aries (as the later Abib date will be).

This movement of the earth and sun combine to give us the seasons which Yahweh has incorporated for us.

YAHWEH’S OWN WITNESS

Yahweh witnesses in His own word that the various constellations are viable and reliable. In the book of Job we read, "Then Job answered and said,

2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?

3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

5 Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.

6 Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.

7 Which commandeth the sun, and it

riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.

8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves

of the sea.

9 Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number," Job 9:1-10. Here is Job confirming the constellations of Arcturus, Orion and Pleiades.

The Prophet Amos is inspired to declare, "Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: Yahweh is his name," Amos 5:8. Once again the Pliedes (seven stars) and Orion are alluded to.

Furthermore, Amos is inspired to write, "It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: Yahweh is his name," Amos 9:6.

Yahweh builds His stories in heaven. The heavens declare His glory. They are a mute testimony to His greatness.

Job is asked, "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?

33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?" Job 38:31-33.

The various scriptures alluded to prove that Yahweh is the One Who caused the various constellations to be identified and named. The Hebrew term "mazzaroth" is the equivalent to the Greek "zodiac." Both have to do with the belt of constellations which surround the earth’s equator.

These were set in the heavens in order to be signs for the seasons. They not only declare to us the annual seasons, but they declare to us the various ages which have come and will come upon the earth. Praise Yahweh for His great power and for His word f truth!

NOTE: We are including a couple of other articles from other organizations in support of these findings. JH

One of them is:  Isn't Abib, a Month Early?

The other one is:  Why the Jewish Calendar will be Incorrect in 2005.

We received the following letter in the mail from a brother recently, who, in turn, received it from an acquaintance of his. We didn’t answer every issue that this man brought up, but some have been calling and writing to us requesting that we give an answer to the Philadelphia Church of God’s stand on the name Elijah. Much of this will be answered in the upcoming article on EliYah which will begin appearing in our Yahshua’s Witness Magazine in the May-June issue. The following is the letter from this member of the PCG and our response to him.

HELLO BIG BRO JERRY (OSBORNE)

Praise God, I’m happy to hear from you, but you sound or write like a BARBARIAN ® 1 Cor. 14:11. Bro speak to me in English, I’m not a Hebrew…

If you’re playing the flute to me, and I’m waiting for the trumpet, how will I prepare for the war ® 1 Cor. 14:8…

God’s mighty word says to be men in understanding, be not children in understanding ® 1 Cor. 14:20…

GA-GA, GOO-GOO, PEE-PEE, CA-CA is the same as you speaking to me in Hebrew. I’m not a Hebrew. I’m an English Israelite ® yet., you still will not hear ® 1 Cor. 14:21…

Prophecy is for the believers, but tongues are for the unbeliever. Do you understand God’s will yet, or no…

Jesus’ name is not Yashua either…

The Jews named Him Yeshua because the Jews still think that Jesus Christ is only the Savior of the Jews. Jesus rebuked the Jews back then for being selfish…

The Jews are like the Nazis, the Nazis think it’s only Hebrew, this is wrong, wrong big brother. God is going to destroy this attitude…

Yes, salvation is of the Jews, but true spiritual Jews, not physical Pharisees. This is why God warned Peter on the roof ® don’t call the Gentiles unclean if they are (called)…

If I’m a Russian, or an Arab, if I’m obeying God’s laws and Sabbaths and I’m in God’s true church, not causing division, Bro believe it or not, but I’m a true Jew, whether I speak Chinese, Japanese, or English…

God has ("magnified") His word above all His name ® Psa. 138:2. God wants obedience more than sacrifice. If I supported the ("one") body of Christ and I couldn’t speak I am still gonna receive a good position in God’s kingdom…

"But" if I am tossed around with all kinds of doctrines and preaching Yahweh – Yahweh – Yahweh – shalom – shalom – shalom – love – love – love – Messiah – Messiah – Messiah – Jesus – Jesus – Jesus, then I would be a false priest…

Brother Jerry, the Gospel is about the coming family of god. The family is the church or the body in embryo. When this body of believers is born again, they will be the Kingdom of God…

This one united body must have one doctrine, a tithing system. This one body must have a true organized pattern…

This one body must have a leader leading the body under Christ ® Heb. 5:1-5…

This (one) body must prepare (now) for positions of government when Christ comes…

The first century church, or body is asleep awaiting the resurrection, and they were very organized ® Acts 2:44 and Acts 2:42…

This end time body (must) and better be organized in order to marry Christ, and I must say ® (only) the Philadelphia Church of God is organized with the government of David, or you can say the government of God ® Isa. 9:7…

Can you just imagine God putting you and me in charge of education (in the beautiful world tomorrow), an God putting you as the leader and me as your most faithful second hand man…

Then one day I come up to you and say, Brother, I’m gonna start my own educational system, but I’m gonna change a few things because I don’t agree with what you teach…

Brother Jerry O….., do you honestly think God is going to allow this in heaven ® hell no – hell no, God is gonna destroy this unclean attitude very soon soon now…

God Almighty taught this government to Mr. Armstrong. Then Mr. Armstrong (tried) his best to teach the body, but they laughed at him, and wished he would hurry and die so they could change the teachings and live off (God’s goods) that Mr. Armstrong left…

Brother Jerry, John the Baptist (did not) prepare God’s end time body, only Mr. Armstrong did…

Look at the back of your Trumpet Magazine, it says The Key of David.

Since physical Judah and physical Israel are not doing, obeying the true government of David…

Then God gave the true government to His church, to prepare and humble the obedient ones ® many are called, but (few) are chosen…

Only 7 thousand men who have not bowed to the (image) of BAAL are gonna be kings and priests and pillars…

Now you know that a pagan ("can’t") get into God’s true body of believers, but the dangerous part is that some of the elect have fallen from their positions, but they don’t recognize their spiritual condition…

These ones keep the laws and sabbaths, but they don’t know God’s government, these ones despise government, 2 Pet. 2:10, and if you noticed, they are called false prophets that are (among you) ® among the body, not pagans… verse 1 of 2 Pet. 2.

Brother Jerry, I can’t believe you put aside the Philadelphia material, growing in Christ is in the body, not out of the body…

I’m going to keep warning you until you get this (awesome) vision. I don’t care what you say. I love you brother Jerry. Me and you are gonna be pillars, (you can know), you just have to admit you’ve made mistakes…

And be cautious what you preach. The gospel of the good news is only about God’s organized body coming soon to rule this world under Christ with the government (the rod) of God…

Then after the wife has made herself ready ® Rev. 19:7 ® (church) with the dead firstfruits, resurrected and born-again…

Then the second resurrection of the whole house of Israel to be taught by the firstfruits in schools and colleges, then the great white throne judgment of all Gentiles and all who received the mark…

Brother Jerry, If we are called to be firstfruits, we bettter be very, very, very, very, very, very, very cautious about how God’s government is run…

My advice to you is, please throw those crazy doctrines of Yeshua-Yashua-Yahshua away. I would piss and crap on those false doctrines, and then I would burn them, and then piss on them again…

I already fixed the Bible codes that you messed with over here…

Brother Jerry, the body of Christ warns not only the churches, but also the world, God says those He loves He chastens, so smile big Bro because Jesus in me loves you…

Do you remember how you really studied Armstrong’s America And Britain booklet, then you really understood it. Remember…

Well, if you would of done that very, very carefully with all the other booklets, you would of spotted God’s government, but you stopped because you stubbornly rejected me yakking my mouth about Armstrong having it right…

But whoever Mr. Armstrong was, I can honestly swear to the living Father that Armstrong came in the Spirit of Elijah…

Yes, Brother Jerry, I’ve made up my mind. I’m gonna hand my dad over to the state. It’s already known in the family and my family is (shocked). Now after I enjoy my last package of goodies, my dad is going to faint…

I could care less about any of this worldly junk. My main concern is (you and Dirk), Dirk doesn’t know God’s government. I’m sure you do, (now), but it’s your duty to teach Dirk…

Please get all your PCG booklets. Please go over them carefully…

(God bless you) (pray, pray, pray) (please write back)

RGJ

Dear J.O.,

Shalom and warmest greetings in the awesome names of Yahweh and Yahshua. I read Rudy’s letter with interest. Of course, having been a former member of WWCG for over 18 years, I do understand this man’s way of thinking since it was drilled into our heads for all those years. But I was also there at a time when HWA authorized a study into the name of the Heavenly Father and the resultant research revealed that the name of the Father was Yahweh. HWA made this announcement openly stating, "The research is finished and we have determined that the name of the Heavenly Father is Yahweh, but I prefer to call Him the Eternal." (paraphrasing)

Their own actions reveal that the name of the Creator is important, because up until the time of that research HWA always declared that the Savior requested that the Father would "...keep through Thine own name those whom Thou has given Me, that they may be one as We are," Jn. 17:11. He would state that since His name is God, then we must also bear that name. That is the reason that the organization was named "Church of God." Every group that has split off from WWCG has incorporated the name God in their church name. (Unless they have somehow discovered and accepted the truth concerning His name, such as the Congregation of YHWH.)

As for the body of believers being organized as they taught and as PCG teaches, aren’t all of the governments of men organized? Aren’t all of the churches of this world organized? Almost all of the churches are 501c3 which makes them a vassal of the state and casts them into bed with the politicians and leaders of this world rather than under the authority of Yahshua. Sadly, many of the assemblies of Yahweh are also 501c3’s. This, of course, is for tax purposes, but we had rather pay the taxes than to get in bed with the politicians or request their recognition and authority to exist as an assembly. We want that recognition to come from Yahweh only.

Also, I see that he referred to the 7,000 men of EliYah’s day. This proves that the believers weren’t organized into one cohesive body since EliYah thought that he was the only one who was serving Yahweh and Yahweh had to reveal to him that there were 7,000 others who, like him, hadn’t bowed the knee to Ba’al. It’s possible that not one of the 7,000 knew of any of the others since EliYah himself didn’t even know of them.

Your friend did make a true statement when he said "Jesus’ name is not Yahshua either..." Because neither is Yahshua’s name Jesus or Hesus. Hesus was one of the Ba’al names.

He says that he is not a Hebrew, but then he says that he is an English Israelite. This is an oxymoron since the Israelites were Hebrews and if we are to become an Israelite then we must be grafted into the Hebrew Yahshua rather than the Greek Jesus. Of course, as HWA used to say, A deceived person doesn’t know that he is deceived.

It is interesting that the leader of PCG declares that Elijah means "God is God." Hmmmm....and this from a man who has been to Ambassador College. EliYah is a combination of two Hebrew words El and Yah. If "El" is the Hebrew word for God then how can the Hebrew word "Jah" be translated the same? All it takes is to search out Strong’s Concordance and we will find that they do acknowledge that "El" would be the equivalent to the English word "god", but "Jah" is defined as; contraction for 3068, and meaning the same; Jah, the sacred name. #3068 is presented as hwhy Y@hovah, yeh-ho-vaw', from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. Now, since their own mentor and great leader HWA proclaimed that the research that he commissioned revealed that the name is really Yahweh and not Jehovah the truth of the matter is that Mr. Flurry continues to stubbornly resist truth as do so many of the "GOD" ministers in today’s world. Many are withholding true knowledge purposely. For this they will pay dearly.

The prophet Isaiah revealed that Yahweh hates the name "God/Gad" (Isa. 65:11) as applied to the deities. EliYah actually means "My El is Yah or Yahweh." (Eli means "my El.") Your friend can GA-GA, GOO-GOO, PEE-PEE, CA-CA all he wants, but all he is doing is revealing his own inability to understand and receive the truth because his mentors have brain washed him to only believe what they tell and teach him. How sad.

Well, I must close for now. Keep the faith and never let the darts of doubt to get past the shield of faith. May Yahweh bless and keep you. Yahweh make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. Yahweh lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. And may He continue to cause His name to be upon you.

Shalom in our Sovereign Yahshua,

Elder Jerry Healan

JEANETTE MITCHELL IS BAPTIZED!

Our assembly group has recently been blessed with the presence of Jeanette Mitchell from Texarkana, Texas. Jeanette came to the knowledge of the food laws, the Sabbath, holy days, Sacred Names, etc., through her own personal studies.

She found our Internet site discovering that she didn’t live very far from us here at YEA. She contacted us and has been a very important part of our fellowship since that time.

Our group traveled to New Covenant Fellowship at Emory, TX on Sabbath Feb. 26th where she was baptized into the saving name of Yahshua the Messiah. HalleluYah!!!

OBSERVE THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES WITH US!

Due to the difficulties that so many of our local brethren have in traveling to the various feast sites, we have decided to host the Feast of Tabernacles this year. We invite you to come observe the feast with us.

Presently there are two sites which we are considering. Arrangements have already been tentatively made to utilize the Blue Grass Festival Park that we utilized for the feasts in 2001 and 2002. However, we are presently taking under consideration a second feast site which would be a tremendous bonus and benefit for our people if the prices are right.

We are presently seeking to come to terms with a group that maintains a campground facility named "Camp Gilmont."

Camp Gilmont is located just off of Highway 155 north of Gilmer, Texas. There are about 407 acres of forested land included in this camp. They do have a hotel-like facility which has 40 rooms, a huge kitchen and dining hall, etc., which would be available to utilize. We have been informed that we can utilize the kitchen to prepare our own meals or the facility itself would be more than happy to furnish the cooks.

There are dormitory cabins available and another smaller meeting hall with kitchen facilities. Of course, there is plenty of space for tents, there are RV hook-ups, etc.

There are at least a couple of huge pavilions available to be able to hold meetings, outdoor activities, etc. They have a swimming pool and also a lake for those who would desire to do a little boating and/or fishing.

We need to know how many would be interested in observing the feast with us so that we can inform either facility, therefore, we request that you please fill out the form below, cut it out and mail it to us at YEA, P. O. Box 31, Atlanta, TX 75551. Thanks so much!

FEAST FORM

Yes, I am/we are interested in observing the Feast of Tabernacles with YEA this year. Our information is below:

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________

CITY: ____________________________________ STATE: ______ PHONE: ________________

NUMBER IN YOUR PARTY: ____

TYPE OF FACILITY (NOTE: PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING):

CAMPING (RV): ___ TENT: ___ HOTEL ROOM: ___ DORMITORY CABIN: ___

NOTE: This is only for preliminary information. No deposits, etc., will be required at this time.

Tape Program

We are happy to announce that we now have the ability to record our messages on DVD’s, and video and Audio tapes. We are in the process of making master copies of our messages. Our latest messages are:

5E0108 Mountaintops & Valleys by Donald Adkins

5S0129 Their Works Follow Them by Jerry Healan

5E0226 The Purposes for Baptism by Jerry Healan

Please remember that while all our materials are offered free of charge, it does require a considerable amount of cost to produce these programs. A suggested donation of $5.00 per message would help in expenses.

Sterling Silver Medallion

YEA would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase a medallion as pictured above. The medallion pictures the Menorah with the characters of Yahweh’s name beneath (hwhy). This medallion is made of sterling silver. The purchase price is $50.00 with the chain, $40.00 without it. Please add $7.00 postage and handling.

Purchase funds should be in the form of a check or money order made to YEA. This is offered for the purpose of providing funds for our prison ministry, as well as the prisoners who will be manufacturing these items. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks delivery.

Submit to: YEA, P. O. Box 31, Atlanta, TX 75551.

 

READER’S COMMENTS

MAGAZINE:

I just finished reading the Jan.-Feb. 2005 issue of "Yahshua’s Witness Magazine" given to me by a fellow brother in Messiah. Every article in the magazine was very interesting and educational. Please add me to your mailing list for the magazine, and also for your Bible Correspondence Course.

JP/NM

NEWSLETTER:

I receive your YEA Newsletter regularly and find it to be very beneficial and uplifting. We are a small assembly of nine believers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and we need sermons for our Sabbath assembly services. Can we purchase a CD from you which can provide us with a year or more of your most recent sermons. We have four of your audio tapes which we listen to as refreshers periodically but we really need a more reliable and steady stream of spiritual food. If you do not have a CD available then please send us a list of your 2004 audio tapes with the ordering details and cost to cover all your expenses. We would have liked to order your latest videos but our PAL system is not compatible with America's system and it is too costly to convert. Please assist us if possible.

FM/S Africa

I’m not totally sure what to write and ask other than to make an introduction and ask for information on other gathering or groups of like minds in CO. I have not had a chance to completely read everything on your website, but I would like to offer my thanks for the information I did find. I have recently had my eyes more fully opened to the evils of our world and to the truer scope of it. Thus desiring to know the truth, am continuing to search it out where ever I can find it, and any help is greatly appreciated.

I appreciate any information you could pass on to me and any correspondence that may take place.

Carl

Greetings in the name of Yahshua. I hope and pray that this correspondence finds you all joyful and blessed. This lesson (#3) has been a blessing. I’ve told my wife about your assembly and I think she will be contacting you soon if she hasn’t already. Thanks again for all the material and lessons you have sent me so far.

RF/TX

NEW MOON SIGHTED!

The New moon of Abib was sighted by many, many brethren throughout the world on the evening of Mar. 11-12, 2005. This made the Sabbath day, Mar. 13th to be new moon day and the first day of the annual sacred calendar.

Passover day will be Mar. 25th. We understand that many of the brethren will be observing Passover the previous evening (24th-25th), while our observance will take place on the evening between the 25th-26th. Sabbath, Mar. 26th will also be the first day of Unleavened Bread. April 1st will be the last day of Unleavened Bread. The count to Pentecost will begin on Mar. 27th.

Pentecost will be observed on May 15th which will bring to a close the Spring festival season.

It is our prayer that all brethren everywhere will have a most wondrous and meaningful Passover and Unleavened Bread observance. May Yahweh guide and bless you all to be able to seek Him and worship before His mighty throne of power through our Sovereign, Savior and High Priest Yahshua the Messiah. HalleluYah!!!

 

FINAL NOTICE!...FINAL NOTICE!...FINAL NOTICE!

FAILURE TO RESPOND WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM OUR MAILING LIST!

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL

Do you like our publications? Do you want to continue your subscription? Please fill out this coupon and return it in order to continue your subscription to Yahshua’s Witness Magazine and the YEA newsletter. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of your subscription to our publications.

 

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Please send your SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL to our address below:

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P. O. Box 31
Atlanta, TX 75551

A LITTLE HUMOR FOR THE SOUL

A WISE JUDGE

In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation for Easter and Passover holidays and decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while the atheists had no holiday to celebrate. The case was brought before a wise judge who after listening to the long, passionate presentation of his lawyer, promptly banged his gavel and declared, "Case dismissed!"
The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? Surely the Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. And the Jews--why in addition to Passover they have Yom Kippur and Hanukkah...and yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!"

The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said "Obviously your client is too confused to know about or to celebrate the atheists' holiday!"

The lawyer pompously said "We are aware of no such holiday for atheists, just when might that be, your honor?"
The judge said "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date---April 1st!" "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" - Psalm 14:1, - Psalm 53:1

LOT'S WIFE

The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Johnny interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was DRIVING," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!"

DID NOAH FISH?

A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?" "No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms?"

HIGHER POWER

A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child blurted out, "Aces!"

STORY OF ELIJAH

The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times.
"Now," said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?"

A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, "I know, I know," she said, "to make the gravy!"

CUTE BIBLE STUDY

A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"

A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."

PRAY FOR THEM

Prayers have been specifically solicited for the following: Randy Adkins, Calvin Amos & Family, Frank & Sharon Amos, Leah Baird, Mona Baylon & Family, Rosa Blissard, Larry Brawner, Nadine Brown, Evelyn Cooper, Ennis Dewayne Davis, Fern Davisson, John & Loretta Dellipizzi, Duncan Dominic and Malaysian Ministry, Michael J. and Marie Fegans and family, Alice Findling, Brad & Christine Folford, Stephen Farrell, Mike & Sue Green, Daniel E. Hafey, Jewel Holt, Elder George & Clara Kinney, Wendy Kinney, Evelyn Kacos, Mike & Sue Kotak, Norene Looker, Pete Markunas, George McKenzie Jr., Margaret Nogales & Family, Jesus Oñate, Elder George Paña & Family, Danny Perkins, Mona Perry, Eugene Peterson & Family, Angelina (Mamacita) Salinas, Bill & Sharon Stubbs, Jim Thompson, Alvin & Judy Pyle, Richard Riggins, Josh Tuggle (auto accident), Floy Rynard, Mary Schimke, Mary Warren, DeLarron, Lavon and Yedayah Shalom Washington, Ethel Watson, Oscar & Jamesa Weaver, and Stephen Yeakel, Yahweh’s work throughout the world, especially the Philippines, India, Africa, etc.

Please remember these brethren in your daily prayers, lifting their names before Yahweh's throne of grace and mercy for the intervention that is needed in each case.

While we do not know the specifics in each and every case, there are some whose condition we do know of and would like to enlist the specifics of their problems here so that your prayers for them can be broken down a little smaller and more specifically. Pete Markunas suffers from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Evelyn Kacos suffers from various debilitating problems caused by diabetes . Michael Fegans is in prison and is suffering persecution for seeking to walk in the strait and narrow way. Marie Fegans is suffering from Hepatitis. Josh Tuggle was in an automobile accident receiving life threatening and crippling wounds. He has lost his leg, but is in good spirits. Bill Stubbs has heart problems and Jim Thompson and Alvin are suffering from cancer.

Randy Adkins is a prisoner who has been released to a half-way house where the kosher diet is not recognized. He hadn’t been able to eat for days because of the unclean food being served.

Please pray for the men in prison who have been influenced by the Sacred Names Assemblies that their walk will be perfect before Yahweh both in and out of the prison walls.

Sacred Calendar 2005

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