Does the Bible teach that a merciful Father in heaven will torture the ignorant or even the rebellious in an eternity of unspeakable
agony — to roast alive forever in horrendous pain from sulfurous flames of hellfire with no possibility of relief and no hope for parole?
Where did this teaching originate and what does the Bible really say about the fate of the wicked?
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Major YouTube Milestone
As an outreach ministry, our main focus has always been evangelism. One of our main sources of outreach is YouTube. Recently we hit a major milestone. On April 1st we surpassed 50,000 subscribers. The number of subscribers helps to increase the number of views. Since our inception in 2013, we’ve had over 7.6 million views with a total watch time of over 26 continual years. This platform has been a blessing in reaching millions with the truth of Yahweh’s Word. In addition to YouTube, you can also find YRM’s videos on the following video-on-demand platforms: Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. YouTube channel >>
FOT Lodging
YRM will have 26 new dorm rooms available in our activities building this year for the Feast of Tabernacles. Registration officially opened last Monday and since then half the rooms have already been reserved. If you are interested in staying in a dorm room, we encourage you to register quickly, as the rooms are first come, first served. All RV sites have already been spoken for. We still have plenty of tent sites available and rooms remaining at the local hotel, America’s Best Value Inn. Hotel Reservations can be made at 573-896-8787. You can receive a discounted rate of $60 per night if you inform the hotel that you are here for the Feast of Tabernacles.
Along with daily worship services and several Bible workshops, we have many activities planned, including: roller skating, volleyball, bingo, yogurt making, Hebrew dancing, puppet show, and a bounce house for the children. In addition, we are bringing back two traditional activities. The first we call the “Ultimate Feast Challenge.” This group event contains ten activities and ten biblical questions and is open to all ages. The first team to complete all activities and questions will be deemed the victor! The second activity we call “Pioneer Day.” This is a themed activity day where Feastgoers dress in their favorite western duds and have the opportunity to compete in various challenges, like a watermelon eating contest, tug-of-war, and much more. To learn more, including how to register, visit https://yrm.org/tabernacles-2018.
Donation Receipts
First quarter, January – March, donation receipts have been mailed. We sincerely thank all those who generously support this Ministry. Our efforts are made possible only through your assistance. As we find in the third chapter of Malachi, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith Yahweh of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it,” verse 10.
Prayer List
TEST YOUR TUTELAGE
What is NOT true regarding the millennial Kingdom?
A. The saints will rule with Yahshua as a kingdom of priests
B. The earth will be consumed and the saints will rule from heaven
C. The laws will go out from Zion to all the earth
D. Yahweh’s Name will be one
According to one Sabbath keeping organization, the millennial reign will occur in heaven. They base this on the 24th chapter of Isaiah. Verses 3-4 reads, “The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for Yahweh hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.” Based in these verses and others like it, this organization believes the earth will be consumed with fire and Yahshua along with the saints will dwell in heaven. However, according to verse six of this prophecy, few men will remain. Revelation 5:10 also states, “And hast made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Clearly, Isaiah 24:6 and Revelation 5:10 confirm that there will be people remaining after the Great Tribulation and the saints will dwell on earth during the Messiah’s 1000-year reign.
Correct: B
Q. I recently received my RSB and I’m very pleased with it. However, I have a friend that I frequently study with that refuses to even look at my RSB because he only studies Bibles that are translated from the Textus Receptus. My question to you is, is this important? My friend is pretty knowledgeable and is a wealth of information for me in my Messianic studies, but he sometimes seems to get hung up on trivial things. Yet he doesn’t seem to see a problem with referring to our Father and Messiah as God and Jesus. Can you please shed any light on the Textus Receptus, what it actually is, and what impact it has on modern Bibles and study resources?
A. The Textus Receptus, also called the Received Text, is a collection of Greek texts that were used by those who translated the KJV and other English translations. Since the Restoration Study Bible is largely the KJV with the correct names/titles restored, it too would be based on the Textus Receptus. The other major collection of Greek texts is the Alexandrian texts. The Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus are the two most well-known and date approx. to the 4th century. The two main differences between these texts is the Textus Receptus is greater in number, but newer, while the Alexandrian texts are fewer, but older.
Since the KJV and most early English translations of the Bible were based on the Textus Receptus, many favor this text. We take more of a neutral position and study from translations based on both texts. The fact is, since we do not have the original copies of the New Testament, which we believe were likely Hebrew or Aramaic, it’s impossible to know which text is more accurate. However in our studies we have not seen where either text drastically changes the meaning of Scripture. There are differences, but minor.
For additional study, we would suggest reviewing the following Q&A: https://yrm.org/is-kjv-infallible.
Q. Is the one you call Yahshua a lesser God to the Father? If so, doesn’t this mean you worship two Gods?
A. To explain your question, we must first begin by explaining the Hebrew word Elohim, from where “God” is derived. Unlike the connotation that many connect with God, the term Elohim is broad and is used in several different ways, including to Yahweh (the Father), to angels, and to mankind. It’s also likely used in reference to the Son in the New Testament.
The Strong’s Concordance defines Elohim as, “…gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative.”
When we understand that Elohim refers not only to a singular deity, but to any exalted beings or positions, including human magistrates, the question of whether Yahshua is a lesser Elohim becomes easier to answer. Since Elohim refers to any position of rank, we can include Yahshua among this group. However, the Bible is quite clear that the Son is inferior to the Father, John 10:29; 14:28; and 1Corinthians 11:3.
Consequently, we make a distinction between the Father and Son in worship. While we reverence the Son, we worship Yahweh alone. For this reason, we do not worship multiple “Gods.”
While some may view this position as illogical or paradoxical, it is no more illogical than those who believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the same “God,” but distinct persons. Our position gives admiration to the Son, while maintaining the scriptural relationship between the Father and Son.
As a side note, the term “god” may contain pagan etymology. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed., “god” may derive from a root meaning, “…to pour as a molten image.” Some scholars also note that “God” was the proper name of the supreme deity of the ancient Teutons. For these reasons, we refrain from using this term.
Passover / Feast Review
While we still have a few days remaining of this year’s Feast of Unleavened Bread, we can report that this year’s Passover and Feast has been exceptional. Here are a few highlights: Elder Randy Folliard presented a memorable and moving Passover service. Elder Alan Mansager provided many insights in his message on the first High Day of Unleavened Bread. We’ve also been blessed through the Bible workshops. A special thanks to Brothers Gary Hornickel and Michael Banak who presented workshops on Covenants of the Bible and the Bible’s Hall of Fame. We were also blessed with Hebrew dancing and a special performance from Praises for Yahweh (aka, the Avalos ladies). The brethren also thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Middle Eastern Dinner. Also, the visit to the National Churchill Museum was informative and enlightening. Several brethren got to see the longest portion of the Berlin Wall in the United States. Moving ahead, we anticipate hearing an inspiring message from Brother Harold Ballew this Sabbath along with a stirring message on the last High Day, scheduled for Sunday. Both messages will be available live online at 1:30 pm, Central, from yrm.org/live.
Prayer List
View prayer list >>
TEST YOUR TUTELAGE
In what book does Paul state, “Therefore let us keep the Feast.”
A. Romans
B. 1Corinthians
C. Ephesians
D. Colossians
Paul in 1Corinthians 5:8 states, “Therefore let us keep the feast….” Correct: B
Passover and Feast Schedule
We warmly invite you to this year’s Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread in Holts Summit from the evening of March 31 – April 8. There are still plenty of tent and RV sites available. These observances promise to be a blessing for all in attendance. We have scheduled several worship services, Bible workshops, and activities, including volleyball, bingo, board games, open gym time, and much more. For those unable to be here in person for the Passover and Feast, we will be broadcasting live the below services from yrm.org/live:
For additional information, including our Feast brochure, visit us online.
Q. Whether you refer to it as Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday, it does not matter, as long as we worship our Lord who paid for our sins. As far as observing feast days or Sabbaths, we are not to allow others to judge us in such matters. Colossians 2:16-17 states, “Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a festival, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.”
A. The belief that it doesn’t matter how we worship as long as our intentions are right could not be further from the truth. The Bible is extremely clear that we’re to worship Yahweh, our Heavenly Father, as He directs in His Word. We see many examples confirming what happens when we willfully stray from His commandments.
One of the most notable examples is found with the first king of Israel after the split between Southern and Northern Israel. Instead of worshiping Yahweh on the time He appointed, Jeroboam modified the date from the seventh to eighth month. He also set up golden calves and made priests of the lowest of the people, 1Kings 12:25-33. Because of this act of defiance, Jeroboam was cursed, 2Kings 13:1-10, and Israel never recovered.
There are similar examples of this type of rebellion by Israel. Elijah withstood Ahab and Jezebel and the prophets of Baal for a similar reason.
The Torah also provides many warnings against practicing the worship of other nations. Consider the following:
In addition to the Law, we find this warning from Jeremiah 10:2:
Clearly, Easter Sunday has two strikes against it. Number one, the Easter celebration is undeniably pagan and number two, the Messiah was not resurrected Sunday morning. Based on the biblical narrative, He was resurrected late on Saturday prior to sunset. Also, we are never commanded to remember His resurrection, only His death.
Here are a few sources confirming the paganism of Easter Sunday:
“The English word comes from the Anglo-Saxon Eastre or Estera, a Teutonic goddess to whom sacrifice was offered in April, so the name was transferred to the paschal feast. The word does not properly occur in Scripture, although the King James Version has it in Acts 12:4 where it stands for Passover … There is no trace of Easter celebration in the New Testament,” International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Easter.
“Easter was originally a pagan festival honoring Eostre, a Teutonic (Germanic) goddess of light and spring. At the time of the vernal equinox (the day in the spring when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length), sacrifices were offered in her honor. As early as the eighth century, the name was used to designate the annual Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ,” Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Easter.
Regarding your reference to Colossians 2:16, Paul there is not disavowing the Sabbath and Feasts, as often taught by mainstream theologians. Paul’s message is quite the opposite. He is warning those in the assembly not to allow the world to judge them on their obedience to Yahweh’s Word.
The biblical record is clear, the Sabbath and Feasts were observed by the Messiah and His disciples. In some cases, years/decades after Yahshua’s resurrection. Below are several examples:
Q. I read your article regarding the SDA accepting the Feasts. As a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), I believe the ceremonial laws that pointed to the redeemer were done away with at the cross. To keep these days means you are not accepting the Messiah as the one true sacrifice. Why do you continue to observe these days and deny the Lamb of G-d?
A. Besides the fact that the Feasts are prophetic and will be observed in the millennial Kingdom by all nations (Ezekiel 45-46; Zechariah 14:16), the Feasts were also observed in the New Testament by the Messiah and His disciples. Below are several examples:
Many of these examples occurred years/decades after the Messiah’s death and resurrection. If the Feasts were tied to the sacrificial system and no longer required after Yahshua’s death, why then did the apostles continue to observe these days in the New Testament?
Also, the notion that these days are no longer required because of the sacrificial system would also apply to the Sabbath. As Numbers 28:9-10 verifies, there were also sacrifices on the Sabbath: “And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.”
Those who refuse to honor the Feasts due to sacrifices being offered on these days in the Old Testament must also apply this same reasoning to the Sabbath. Clearly, sacrifices were offered on both the weekly Sabbath and annual Feasts.
In addition, Yahweh lists the weekly Sabbath and annual Feasts together in Leviticus 23: “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of Yahweh, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of Yahweh in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of Yahweh, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is Yahweh’s Passover,” verses 2-5.
This passage confirms a continuity between the weekly Sabbath and Feasts. Try as a person might, you cannot observe the weekly Sabbath and dismiss the annual Feasts. To do this is contrary to Scripture and nonsensical.
Q. We know that Abraham knew Yahweh’s name. Genesis 22:14 states, “And Abraham called the name of that place YAHWEH Yireh.” However, Exodus 6:3 says, “And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as El Shaddai, and by My name YAHWEH have I not been known to them” How do we reconcile these passages?
A. Exodus 6:3 is not stating that the patriarchs did not know Yahweh’s name, as we have many examples of them calling on Yahweh’s Name. In addition to the example you provided in Genesis 22:14, we also have the below passages confirming that they were well aware of Yahweh’s Name:
Based on the above passage, there’s no doubt that Abraham and the other patriarchs knew and used Yahweh’s Name.
With this being the case, how do we explain Exodus 6:3? There are two schools of thought as to the meaning of this passage. The first explanation is that the patriarchs did not experience the power behind Yahweh’s Name as Israel would in Egypt. It’s important to remember that Yahweh’s Name not only identifies His identity, but also His character and power. The other explanation is that this passage should be viewed as a question and not a statement. In other words, it might be better read, “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of El Shaddai, and by my name Yahweh was I not known to them?”
In closing here is a note that will be included within the 4th ed. of the Restoration Study Bible: “This is not stating that the Name ‘Yahweh’ was unknown to the patriarchs. Scripture states that the patriarchs called upon Yahweh’s Name (Gen. 12:8). There are two possible explanations. One, this was written as a rhetorical question, which would then require a question mark at the end of the verse. Biblical Hebrew contains no punctuation; it was added later by translators. Two, the patriarchs did not understand the Name, as representing His character and power, as did Moses and the Israelites after witnessing their deliverance from Egypt. The NIV note says, ‘This does not necessarily mean that the patriarchs were totally ignorant of the name Yahweh, but it indicates that they did not understand its full implications as the name of the One who would redeem His people. That fact could be comprehended only by the Israelites who were to experience the Exodus, and by their descendants.’ A similar interpretation is found from author Kenneth L. Barker in his book, Making of a Contemporary Translation: ‘A problem has been imagined in Exodus 6:3 because of the words “by my name the Lord (Yahweh) I did not make myself known to them (i.e., the patriarchs).” Yet there are several references to Yahweh in the patriarchal narratives and earlier (e.g., Gen. 2:4; 4:26; 13:4; 15:7) and in the names like Jochebed (Exod. 6:20), apparently meaning “The Lord (Yahweh) is glory.” Kidner points the way to one solution: “In ex 3:14 the divine exposition, ‘I am …’ introduces and illuminates the name given in 3:15, and this remains the context for 6:3 as well… The name, in short was first known, in any full sense of the word, at its first expounding.’ See Jer. 16:21, Ezek. 20:5. Men in general began to call upon the Name Yahweh after Enos, the son of Seth (Gen. 4:26).”
Q. I recently saw your Q&A on the cross. The story of Balak and Balaam in Numbers 24:2-5 seems to show when Balaam looked down to the Israelite camp that he saw the symbol of the cross. This would have been due to the positioning of the Israelite tribes and Judah being double in size. Also, John Hagee provides a teaching on the tabernacle and points out how the shape from within the Holy of Holies to outside the tabernacle makes the form of the cross. Reading this Q&A, I am being challenged once again. Is the symbol of the cross pagan? Please help me understand what is going on here? Where is the error?
A. We cannot be certain of what Balaam saw. It may have resembled more of an ‘x.’ Regarding John Hagee, we are familiar with him, but not with this specific teaching. However, we do not believe either of these two examples support the cross. The shape of the cross would require the Greek crux, which is not found in the Koine Greek of the New Testament. Instead, the words used (i.e., stauros and xulon) convey an upright post.
In addition to the Greek, the cross itself is a very old symbol that contains strong ties to paganism. In our Q&A we quote the Encyclopedia Britannica, which confirms that the cross is connected to pagan worship. There are many other sources verifying this connection. Consider the following:
“This Pagan symbol … the Tau, the sign of the cross, the indisputable sign of Tammuz, the false Messiah … the mystic Tau of the Chaldeans (Babylonians) and Egyptians – the true original form of the letter T the initial of the name of Tammuz … the Babylonian cross was the recognized emblem of Tammuz” (The Two Babylons, pp. 197, 205).
“By the middle of the third century A.D. the churches had either departed from, or had travestied, certain doctrines of the Christian faith. In order to increase the prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system, pagans were received into the churches…and were permitted largely to retain their pagan signs and symbols. Hence, the Tau or T, in its most frequent form, with the cross-piece lowered, was adopted to stand for the cross of Christ” (Babylon Mystery Religion, p. 256).
“The pre-Christian cross of one form or another was in use as a sacred symbol among the Chaldeans, the Phoenicians, the Egyptians, and many other…nations. The Spaniards in the 16th century found it also among the Indians of Mexico and Peru. But its symbolic teaching was quite different from that which we now associate the cross” (Davis Dictionary of the Bible, p. 159).