Author Archives: YRM

Some are claiming that not a single Jew in Israel has even heard the name Yahweh. Is this true?

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   Some are claiming that not a single Jew in Israel has even heard the name Yahweh. Can you ask Pastor Randy, seeing that he has traveled to Israel several times, if this is true?

   Hello this is Pastor Randy. The claim that not a single Jew would use or support the name Yahweh is completely false. In my travels to the Holy Land I have spoken to messianic pastors and Jews, including archaeologists and graduates from Hebrew University who support the name Yahweh.

In one case, a pastor who has lived in Israel for many years confirmed that he personally has been at the Wailing Wall on the Day of Atonement and had distinctly heard the Jews pronouncing “Yahweh” throughout the day. Also, in our last trip, I personally spoke with our archaeologist, who was also our guide, about the pronunciation of our Heavenly Father. While he himself would not pronounce it, he did confirm that “Yahweh” was the right pronunciation. He also stated that this is how his Yemenite wife would pronounce the Name and explained how Yemenite Hebrew is closer to biblical Hebrew with the use of the “waw” in place of the newer “vav.” This is because the Yemenite Jews never migrated into northern Europe and consequently were not impacted by Germanic influence.

For more info on Yahweh’s Name please check out or free booklet Your Fathers Name.

I really don’t understand how we can reject the Apostolic Fathers who were appointed and trained by the apostles.

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     I really don’t understand how we can reject the first churches, which had fathers who were appointed and trained by the apostles. For example, what about the Synod of Hippo and the Third Council of Carthage? Could you explain how “Sola scriptura” is reasonable and why these additional books should be rejected?

 

     We adhere only to the 66 books of the Bible. Therefore, while we have disagreements with Luther, we would agree with him on his doctrine of sola scriptura, i.e., Scripture alone. While we may refer to additional books as secondary witnesses or for historical reasons, we do not view them as Scripture or inspired. This includes the Jewish and Christian Apocrypha along with the Apostolic Fathers, those men who are believed to have followed the apostles.

There are several literary problems with the Apostolic Fathers. One, it’s hard to confirm the authorship of many of the books from the timeframe. In many cases, tradition alone ascribes authorship. Second, in some cases, the authors clearly deviate from Scripture. For example, the book of Barnabas, which claims Barnabas as its author without proof, teaches that the Old Testament was not for Israel, but for the church. Consequently, it allegorizes many of the commandments and concepts in the Old Testament. We also see elements of church tradition already within the Didache, also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. For instance, it describes the Eucharist, a tradition that likely originated with the Passover. Other examples of Apostolic Fathers include Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp. While we can glean important historical facts and see how certain beliefs may have developed, we should not look toward these writings as inspired. Regarding the Synod of Hippo and the Third Council of Carthage, these occurred in 393 CE and 397 CE, respectively, and were convened centuries after the apostles.

Is the earth a sphere or do we live on a flat earth? Also, are we living in a heliocentric model of the universe?

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    Is the earth a sphere or do we live on a flat earth? Also, are we living in a heliocentric model of the universe?

     The Bible describes the earth as circular in shape. Isaiah 40:22 states, “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.”

The word “circle” derives from the Hebrew chuwg. Strong’s defines this word as a “…from OT:2328; a circle.” The Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon provides a similar quote: “a circle, a circuit, a compass.” Some will agree that the earth is circular in shape, but is flat and not a three-dimensional sphere.

As seen above, BDB expands the definition of chuwg to include a “vault,” which is a three-dimensional shape. It’s also noteworthy that according to Modern Hebrew, chuwg includes the definition of a sphere.

Regarding the heliocentric model, i.e., planets revolve around the sun, the Bible does not have much to say about this. However, we find ample evidence in science for both the heliocentric model and the sphere of the earth.

As early as 500 BCE, Pythagoras of Samos, a well-known Greek mathematician, hypothesized that the sun was sphere-shaped and that the earth rotated around it. As a side note, Pythagorean theorem was named after Pythagoras. Plato (427-347 BCE) and Aristotle (384-322 BCE), along with nearly all Greek writers after the 5th century, alsobelieved in a spherical earth.

Flat Earth

Aristotle based his belief on several natural phenomena. For example, he noticed stars that could be seen in Cyrus could not be seen in the northern region. He also observed that when traveling south, the southern constellations rose higher above the horizon. In addition, he noticed that during a lunar eclipse the shadow of the earth was circular.

This theory was gradually accepted through late antiquity and the Middle-Ages and would eventually replace the idea of a flat earth. Today, this has been further confirmed by modern science, including thousands of pictures from space verifying the earth is spherical in shape.

From our perspective, the thought of hundreds of thousands of world leaders, scientists, graphic artists, engineers, and staff of every space agency in the world, private and international, engaged in a worldwide conspiracy to deceive the masses is not reasonable. This belief has also caused unnecessary division within the body of Messiah.

Why do you baptize into “Yahshua’s” name? The Bible teaches that baptism is into “Yahweh’s” Name.

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     Why do you baptize into “Yahshua’s” name? The Bible teaches that baptism is into “Yahweh’s Name.” Acts 2:38 refers to the authority of the name. Also, “we cannot dismiss Mat. 28:19, which are THE INSTRUCTIONS of Yahshua. We are NOT to be baptized “into” Yahshua’s name. We are His brothers and sisters. Yahweh is our Father, we take the Father’s name, the “family” name, not the brother’s name. Christian’s baptize into the Name of Jesus. We CANNOT and must not follow their way. We must follow the instructions of Yahshua!!

 

     We understand that the word “name” can also refer to authority. And when it comes to baptism into Yahshua’s Name, we certainly believe that it also includes His authority. However, this concept does not supersede or replace His actual name. The scriptural evidence is clear, they were not only baptized into Yahshua’s authority, but also His Name.

The main issue with baptism into “Yahweh’s Name” is that nowhere in Scripture is this formula used, including in Matthew 28:19. This passage mentions the name of the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Besides this formula not being used by the apostles, as we note in the Restoration Study Bible, it may have been added by the early church: “This Trinitarian formula is highly suspect. According to the Jerusalem Bible, ‘It may be that this formula “Father…Son…Holy Spirit,”’ so far as the fullness of its expression is concerned, is a reflection of the liturgical usage established later in the primitive community. It will be remembered that Acts speaks of baptizing ‘in the name of [Yahshua] only.’ Equally important is Eusebius’ omission of this phrase: ‘The facts are, in summary, that Eusebius quotes Matthew 28:19, 21 times, either omitting everything between “nations” and “teaching,” or in the form “make disciples of all nations in my name,” the latter form being the more frequent’ (Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics). All immersions in the NT were done into the single Name of Yahshua (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16).”

It’s also important to remember that baptism is symbolic of Yahshua’s death. Paul in Romans 6:3 states, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Yahshua Messiah were baptized into his death?” This only makes sense if we are baptized into Yahshua’s Name. Where would be the connection with Yahshua’s death at baptism, if baptism was into “Yahweh’s Name”?

There is one other reason why the Bible supports baptism into “Yahshua’s Name.” In Acts 4:12 Peter states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The context of the previous 11 verses is clearly speaking about Yahshua the Messiah and not Yahweh the Father.

Based on the totality of biblical evidence, we maintain that baptism is in the name of Yahshua the Messiah. And as we pointed out, this is more than His authority. For these reasons, for those baptized into a different name or formula, we encourage that they consider re-baptism into the singular name of Yahshua the Messiah, as we see in Acts 19:1-6.

For more info on Yahweh’s Name please check out our free booklet: Your Father’s Name

Why weren’t the rest of the Hebrew names which begin with “J” changed to “Y” in your Restoration Study Bible?

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     Why weren’t the rest of the Hebrew names which begin with “J” changed to “Y” in your Restoration Study Bible?

 

     One of the goals for the Restoration Study Bible was for it to have a wide appeal. This included those in the Hebrew Roots / Messianic movement and also those in nominal or traditional worship. This was one reason why we retained the traditional use of the letter “J.” Also, since only Yahweh and Yahshua’s Names are technically holy or set apart for reverence, we again did not see the need to change the other names with a “J.” Saying that, we acknowledge that the “J” is not correct based on the biblical Hebrew.

How did John water baptize Yahshua? He didn’t baptize Yahshua into “Yahshua’s name,” did he?

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     How did John water baptize Yahshua? He didn’t baptize Yahshua into “Yahshua’s name” did he?

     Besides knowing that Yahshua was baptized, i.e., submerged, in the Jordan River, the Bible does not state the formula used. However, it was likely not into His own Name, but instead a baptism of repentance. John 19:1-6 confirms that John baptized only unto repentance. Based on the scriptural evidence, the only difference between Yahshua’s baptism and John’s baptism is that Yahshua received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at His baptism, unlike those who were baptized by John in Acts 19.

Remembering the Feast of Tabernacles 2017

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Out of 18 years of Feast observances, this was the first year YRM observed the Feast of Tabernacles at our home facilities in Holts Summit, Missouri. From all accounts, it was a tremendous blessing and success. Many commented on how they enjoyed the many in-depth messages, the activities, and the several meals that the Ministry provided. A first-time Feastgoer with YRM commented that this was their best Feast in 32 years of Feast-keeping. In addition to being our largest Feast to-date, we had 24 states represented, including: Oklahoma, Michigan, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, Minnesota, Alabama, California, Ohio, Washington, Arizona, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, New York, Colorado, North Carolina, and South Carolina. We also had brethren join us from Canada, Nigeria, and Kenya. One of the highlights was the eight baptisms that we were blessed to witness, including a husband and wife from Nigeria.  If you were unable to join us this year, we invite you to next year’s Feast. It will again be held at our home facilities and will be from the evening of September 24 – October 2. Below are a few personal testimonies from those who joined us:

“My very first Feast of Tabernacles has got me feeling very emotional with tears in my eyes. I met so many wonderful people at YRM, plus I got baptized into the name of Yahshua. I fell in love with the people who were filled with genuine love for the brethren and I must say that leaving the Feast felt like I was leaving my family behind. The emotions I feel are unexplainable, this to me is one of my highlights of the feast, to be surrounded with people who are genuinely serving and seeking Yahweh. I look forward to next year’s FOT, as I long to spend time with all my new brothers and sisters again in the faith.” – EO, Nigeria

“I loved the feast this year! Where else can you find spiritual messages, abundant, and good food, amazing fellowship, nightly campfires, and just a lot of fun and laughter? The feast at YRM! I personally connected with new friends and felt very blessed to have had that experience.” – GB, Missouri

“This year’s FOT at YRM was awesome. The part I loved most was the way my grandchildren responded. They had a great time. They were all excited to participate in whatever came up. My eldest even sang on stage. That was thrilling. None of them wanted to leave.” – DG, Texas

“The feast was awesome this year! Met new people and played some games. One of the best parts of the Feast was being able to watch my kids play and make new friends. Also was able to spend time with the family. Praise Yahweh for all things!” – MM, Missouri

“Really enjoyed the feast this year. I believe it was the best ever. Wonderful messages, wonderful fellowship. Could not ask for better food. Very positive atmosphere, the whole feast. Made some new friends from other countries. The motel folks were so friendly. I hope to attend many more. I found out that flying was easier on these old bones, hope I can continue. May Yahweh bless all.” – HB, Alabama

“A truly awesome Feast of Tabernacles! This was the first time YRM hosted Yahweh’s Feast of Tabernacles in Holts Summit MO. If something was missing, it sure wasn’t obvious. The people who are local to the assembly worked extremely hard to make everything enjoyable. Many others volunteered to provide necessary support. It’s a blessing to serve.” – RT, Canada

“We are truly blessed to have YRM in our life. This was only our third Feast of Tabernacles and they keep getting better. The love and fellowship that is shared by all is a life-altering experience. Thank you to all for all your wonderful messages and work that you do. May Yahweh continue to bless each and every one of you.” – MM, Michigan

“My favorite part of the Feast was witnessing the family-like environment and the many who joined us from throughout the nation and abroad, including from Kenya and Nigeria! It was a wonderful Feast with many memorable moments. The messages, fellowship, food, and activities were phenomenal!” – RF, Missouri

“As this was my very first feast, what a privilege it was to honor our Heavenly Father in such a way that involved fellowship and family. Such a blessing I will never forget! Thank you YRM for hosting this special appointment! May Yahweh continue to bless the work you do.” – CF, Virginia

“YRM did an awesome job!!! Many thanks for all your hard work and willingness to serve the brethren!” – LA, Missouri

“It was the best Feast our family has had yet. Looking forward to the next!” VA, Missouri

“A wonderful Feast for sure! Thank you to all at YRM for your hospitality and hard work!” – AK, Iowa

““It feels like home,” one Feast-keeper said of our first Tabernacles observance at our facility in Holts Summit. “It is so convenient to get here, less than two miles from town, and yet we are still in the wilderness,” a brother added. “I love that my offerings will be used right here and not go to some other camp,” a sister said. As we plan improvements to make future Feasts even better, we are grateful for the many who came and who made Tabernacles 2017 the success it was. Surely Yahweh was pleased. – AM, Missouri

Watch Feast of Tabernacles Sermons >>

Request Feast of Tabernacles Sermon DVDs >>

Photos from the 2017 Feast of Tabernacles >>

 

What do you call yourselves? Do you identify with a specific faith or denomination?

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     What do you call yourselves? Do you identify with a specific faith or denomination? I share similar beliefs and have been referring to myself as a Messianic Jew, because I’m not sure what to call myself. However, I am finding that there are a lot of wrong beliefs within Messianic Judaism.

 

     The Bible does not provide a specific denomination or label for New Testament believers. Many in this walk use the term “Messianic” to describe their beliefs, which refers to a believer in Messiah. While there’s nothing wrong with this label, it is very broad and carries with it many different beliefs. Many within the Messianics mix Christianity and Judaism together and believe this is the truth. The problem, though, is that both Christianity and Judaism have added their own man-made traditions and deviated from Scripture. For this reason, YRM does not identify itself with either. We simply say that we’re followers of Yahshua.

If you don’t care for “Messianic” as a label, there are a few other terms you might consider: the Way (based on Acts 9:2 and 24:14); inward or spiritual Jew (based on Romans 2:28-29); Israel, spiritual Israel, or Israel of Yahweh (Galatians 6:16), saint (Revelation 14:12), Nazarene (based on Acts 24:5); However, as you might find, there are certainly undesirable connotations with these terms. Historically, the followers of Yahshua were probably simply viewed as another form of Judaism, similarly to Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, etc. It’s also important to note that as the church grew, it deviates from its Jewish or Hebraic foundation to a more Greco-Roman philosophy to appease its growing gentile base.

What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes?

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     What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes? Some say it’s okay and others say that the Bible condemns it. What’s the truth?

 

     While cigarettes are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, it is quite clear that as believers we should avoid them since we are not to pollute our bodies. This was the reason why Yahweh gave the dietary food laws in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Eating swine and other unclean meats that the Bible prohibits is a health concern, which science is now validating. The same would also be true for smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking causes more deaths than from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. There are also many side effects with smoking, including premature aging, psoriasis, thinner hair, scarring, tooth loss, cataracts, and skin cancer.

Beyond the obvious health concerns, there is also a spiritual aspect to this. Paul in 1Corinthians 3:16-17 states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of Yahweh, and that the Spirit of Elohim dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of Yahweh, him shall Elohim destroy; for the temple of Yahweh is holy, which temple ye are.” As believers in the Messiah we represent Yahweh’s temple. For those who would destroy this temple, Paul states here that Yahweh will destroy them. We believe that smoking would fall under this category of destruction.

In the Old Testament Yahweh prohibited all “strange fire” with His worship. In one example of defiance, the two sons of Aaron lost their lives. “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from Yahweh, and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh,” Numbers 10:1-2.

Since we represent Yahweh’s temple today and are commanded to keep it free from pollutants, there is a spiritual parallel between the actions of Nadab and Abihu and smoking. When a person smokes, they run the risk of offering “strange fire” in their temple and offending Yahweh as the two sons of Aaron did in the Old Testament.

For these reasons, it’s YRM’s policy not to allow smoking on or within our facilities or to baptize those into Yahshua’s Name who are currently smoking.  If you are smoking, we encourage you to seek help and overcome this addictive and harmful habit. And as with many other things, prayer can be a great ally in conquering this enemy.

We hope this Q&A What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes? Please check out our other Q&A’s!