E-news 7/26/19

Hot Off the Press – New Outreach Booklet for You.
Our newest booklet is ideal for evangelism. Introducing Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry was written to answer the basic question of who we are along with some of our key teachings. It gives brief and engaging information on the sacred Names and the seventh-day Sabbath. This publication includes a short history of our beginnings and our many avenues of outreach, from television to Internet to Bible truth literature. It has photos of our facilities at Holts Summit, how to contact us and a map on how to get here. We believe this is the perfect tool for reaching out to your community and pray you will avail yourself of copies to distribute. It will be put online in the coming weeks.

New Moon Watch August 1, Critical Moon August 30
We are entering the important months of the upcoming Feasts where the new moon takes center stage. Next week’s new moon is the last regular crescent before the Trumpets new moon, possibly Aug. 30. We project a highly unlikely sighting for the night of August 30, but all need to make an effort to spot it. It is important to look for the moons preceding the Trumpets’ moon to orient yourself to its location in the sky. If the moon is not reported the night of August 30, Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles will all be delayed one day and we will have double Sabbaths during Tabernacles. New moon sightings can be reported here>>

We always project and publish the calendar for the earliest possible dates, as it is easier to delay a day than to go back a day when making preparations. The calendar can be found here>>

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE
What is the oldest city mentioned first in the Bible that still exists today?

A. Damascus
B. Babylon
C. Jerusalem
D. Ramses

Although Babel (Babylon) is mentioned first (Gen 10:10), it is no longer operating as a city. Jerusalem is mentioned in Gen 14:18 (called “Salem” then) but is trumped by Damascus mentioned in Gen 14:15. In light of Bible prophecy, world events, and modern attempts to revive the city of Babylon, someday the answer to this question may change.

Answer: A

Times change, Truth does not.

Two Sabbath Immersions
The brethren at Holts Summit welcomed a couple into the Body of Messiah through immersion on Sabbath, July 6. Tad and Shelly Collier have been long-time followers of the YRM ministry and said it was time to commit to Yahweh through the waters of baptism. Please keep them in prayer as they begin new lives in Messiah Yahshua.

Outreach Efforts Bear Fruit
We continue reaching out with Truth in any way we can. One cost-effective way you can do your part is through the Outreach Partnership  program. We keep you supplied with literature to distribute. We will soon have an attractive booklet introducing  YRM for this purpose.

Successful ways to circulate literature include: Placing tracts in laundromats; doctor’s offices (ask permission first); waiting rooms in hospitals, beauty shops and auto repair shops; public library reference sections by leaving one in an appropriate reference book; booths at state fairs; or handing out wherever crowds gather. Be creative. More information on the Outreach program is at: www.yrm.org/outreach.

Grounds Beautification Continues
Bros. Ryan Mansager, James Duenow, and Lucas Cecil have been busy sprucing up YRM’s building and grounds in preparation for the Feasts of the seventh month this September. The landscaping around the road sign is the latest to get a facelift (see photo).

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE
We know we can’t “earn” salvation by our good works, Eph.2:8-9. Surely the Old Testament doesn’t say the same thing, when the believer had to follow a strict code of obedience to many laws, correct?

A – No, salvation was strictly by one’s obedience to law in the Old Testament.

B – Yes, the same impossibility of “earning” applies to salvation in the Old Testament. See Ezekiel 33:13.

C – No one knows for sure.

D – The only one who earned His salvation was Yahshua, by His perfect life.

Many think all the rules changed in the New Testament. Not true. Grace does not replace the law and love does not negate obedience. We find these same teachings operating in both testaments (see the RSB chart on p. 1408). Our efforts can only render us worthy of salvation. But His grace is what opens the door.

Answer:  B and D.

New Outreach Booklet Introduces YRM

Because Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry’s major focus is taking the Truth to the world, we will soon publish a new, evangelistic brochure introducing YRM. It briefly explains our history, major beliefs, our location and our services. It shows the importance of Yahweh’s Name and the Sabbath from a fundamental standpoint. It includes information on our website and app as well as our teaching programs and live Sabbath services. The publication is designed for evangelism in the local community. Plans are to use it in our own area in a door-to-door outreach program. Our Outreach Partners should find it valuable in their own efforts to spread the Truth. We would like to hear of the successful ways it is used so we can share with everyone. Watch for it.

Is the Heart a Pagan Symbol?

The heart shape and its love connection goes back 2,600 years. A plant called silphium had seed pods in the shape of the heart. The plant was used for a number of medicinal purposes, especially for birth control. According to www.atlasobscura.com, the numismatist T.V. Buttrey claimed the exports of the plant silphium and its resins made Cyrene the richest city on the continent at the time. The plant was so economically valuable that Cyrenians began printing it on their money (see coin image). Silver coins from the 6th century B.C. are imprinted with images of the plant’s seed pods that have the common heart shape.

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE

In Acts Chapter 10, Peter was instructed to kill and eat unclean animals. How many times did he eat them?

A. Three times

B. Two times, having declined the first time

C. Never

D. The message got through and Peter began eating pork from then on

Though filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter wondered what the vision meant. Upon learning of a new Gentile convert, Cornelius, he concluded that the vision instructed him not to reject the “unclean” Gentiles, whose hearts were purified by faith. “What Elohim hath cleansed, that call not thou common,” Acts 10:15. He declined to eat the first time, and on each occasion he still declined to eat. If he had eaten on an occasion or two, he could not assert his purity in a subsequent repeat of the vision. Peter did not compromise his faith by accepting unclean animals as food. The account also shows that the law was still being observed by His apostles 10 years after the resurrection of the Messiah Yahshua. This account hearkens back to Ezekiel’s vision where in baking “Ezekiel bread” he was given cow’s dung over human dung (Ezek. 4:12-15), and the test of the Rechabites (Jer. 35), who refused to drink the forbidden wine set before them. In each of these tests they maintained their integrity. Answer: C

Restoration Times Out for Delivery

The May-June Restoration Times was mailed this week, thanks to the many volunteers of all ages who helped with the mailing (photo attached). We are determined to catch up on our publishing schedule. The demands of an early Abib, along with work on YRM facilities, including the guest house (see photos below), after extreme weather conditions the past six months have added to the delay . We are still in need of contributions for the kitchen remodel at the main building. We will get as much done as funding allows before the Feast of Tabernacles.
Donate Here>>

Feast Preparations in Full Swing

Included with the magazine mailing is the 2019 Feast of Tabernacles reservation form to complete and return if you have not yet done so. Now is the time to plan for this special ingathering (Sept. 14-31) as we gather at Holts Summit for a week of intense learning, unforgettable fellowship, fun activities for all ages, and a time to renew friendships while making fresh ones.

Tabernacles and the Last Great Day highlight a year of sacred appointments. But does Yahweh allow us to pick and choose which Feast days we will honor and which to ignore? If we accept one, then Scripturally we must accept them all. All of Yahweh’s Holy Days are presented as a package to us to observe, with the admonition that these are the Feasts of Yahweh (not just Feasts of Jews), Leviticus 23:4. To argue that these special days are “Mosaic Law” and therefore are done away is to be ignorant of the many statements in Scripture telling us that these are Yahweh’s observances, not mere observances of Moses.

John wrote, “Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the Word which you have heard from the beginning,” 1John 2:7. The only Word they had at that time was the Old Testament. The Old Testament is the only context from which John could speak. Verse 24 continues, “Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.”

Yahshua kept every one of the Feast days. He said He had kept His Father’s commandments and we are to follow Him, John 15:10. He did so perfectly, without fail, 1Peter 2:21-22.

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE

Yahshua often prayed to Yahweh with the honorable title “Father.” After Yahshua’s resurrection, which appellation(s) did the Apostles use?

A – Father

B – Yahweh

C – Sovereign

D – “Father” only

Interestingly, we have no example of the Apostles ever using the term “Father” in prayer, though we can be sure, by the Messianic example, that the apostles used that title in their devotional life. The two Apostolic prayers that are recorded use the title “Sovereign” and the holy name “Yahweh” based on an analysis of the Greek construct in those passages (Acts 1:24; 4:24, 29). We know from instructions in the Psalms that they had to use the holy name in worship. An overview of all the facts indicates that the Apostles used whatever Name or title was appropriate for the occasion, and did not invoke the “Father” only, as some have suggested.

Answer: A, B and C

E-news 5/31/19

Feast Accommodations Nearly Filled

Tabernacles is fast approaching. We have only a couple of rooms available for Feast of Tabernacles lodging (Sept. 14-21). If you want a room but have not yet sent in your Feast reservation, now is the hour of decision. Rooms are only $150 for the entire week. Once the rooms are gone, your options will be tent, camper (only one full-hookup site left) or motel.
Register Here>>

A Study Bible Dream for Today’s Berean

So many misunderstandings and errors in popular beliefs and teachings are cleared up in the 7,000 notes and footnotes of the Restoration Study Bible (RSB). You do yourself a disservice trying to navigate the Scriptures without one. We continually get scriptural questions that are already answered in the RSB, including all those perplexing questions your minister tries to sidestep.

Through Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries conveniently part of the appendix, we go directly to the source languages for root meanings. When the Bible student consults the languages from which the Bible is translated, many more misunderstandings are cleared up. In addition, only the best scholarship is consulted to solve problematic passages in the RSB.

The RSB is straightforward and without a doctrinal axe to grind or private views to promote. It does not attempt to uphold any church creeds or preconceived notions. It is one of the best myth-busting, study tools available today. Let the RSB open your eyes to so many truths you never knew. As one Bible student remarked, “I learned more just reading the footnotes than in 25 years of going to church.”

With all of its eye-opening advantages, why would anyone not want an RSB as his or her go-to Bible? Get your own Restoration Study Bible and be amazed by what you learn. You won’t find a better value. Order Here>>

 

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE

Circumcision is still required for believers in the New Testament.

A. True

B. False

While physical circumcision is no longer required in the New Testament (Acts 15:19; 1Cor. 7:19), circumcision through baptism into Yahshua’s Name is obligatory for all believers (Col. 2:11-13). Upon true repentance a person is to be baptized into the saving Name of Yahshua the Messiah (meeting the scriptural age of accountability, which is 20), Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 2:38; 4:12; 8:16; 10:43; 19:5; Romans 6:3. Through baptism we become a new man, free of our old carnal nature, Romans 6:3-6; 7:6; Colossians 2:12; 1Peter 3:21. Answer A

Times change, truths do not.

Yahweh’s Protection from the Storm
We and Yahweh’s people and facilities at Holts Summit were blessed with His protection from the EF3 (just shy of an EF4) tornado Wednesday night that unleashed a direct hit on the center of Jefferson City seven miles away. Based on its 30-mile-long, northern trajectory, our facility near Holts Summit was directly in its 20-mile path. But just a few miles from us, it turned eastward. Thank you for your prayers. Yahweh is good to His faithful!

Outreach Reaches New Heights
Our YouTube videos are experiencing steady interest and growth. We now have more than 75,000 subscribers and over 140,000 views of our programs just in the last month.  The total views from our YouTube channel have now surpassed 11 million.

Booklet Given New Life
We have published a new and improved booklet on the number seven entitled, “The Commanded Appointments and the Cycle of 7.” This revamped publication reveals additional significance and meaning in the number seven in the Scriptures. From creation week to the seven annual Feasts, Yahweh created a unique influence in the number seven, both physically and spiritually. This number that equates to spiritual perfection is built into the universe itself, and rejuvenates us in numerous ways when we align our lives and worship to it.

Supporting YRM Is Easy
The kitchen renovation at YRM continues making progress as some of the commercial appliances have been put in place. You can conveniently donate toward the fund or to our other outreach programs at our website: https://yrm.org/donate/   A reminder that Amazon Smile contributes a portion of your purchases to YRM every time you shop with Amazon online, and it costs you nothing. To participate in this program, go to: https://smile.amazon.com/

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE
Two of the annual Feasts are week-long observances and include high days and non-high days. We must observe the high day Sabbaths of the Feasts of Unleavened Bread and Tabernacles, but the rest of the days in those week-long Feasts are optional and are not necessary for us to gather on or observe.

A. True

B. False

The law in Leviticus 23 states what was done during these Feasts: “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto Yahweh: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh seven days…” (vv. 6-8) Note the number: seven days. Concerning the Feast of Tabernacles we read, “On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein” (23:35-36).

When Israel was rebuilding the Temple under Zerubbabel, to return to proper worship they began by keeping the Feast of Tabernacles. Ezra 3:4-5 details this event: “They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Yahweh that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto Yahweh.”

To offer daily offerings the people had to be physically present every one of the seven days. If only the high days were mandated then Israel would not be required to give offerings each day of the Feasts.

Answer: B

Feast Accommodations Going Fast

Only a few rooms remain in the recreation center at YRM for the Feast of Tabernacles September 17.

We encourage those who want to stay in the center but don’t yet have reservations to act soon.  Other options are tenting, travel trailer or a motel room. The weather should be warm for camping and we have electrical hookups in some tent areas.  We look forward to a terrific Feast blessing and encourage all with a heart to obey Yahweh to join us.

Supporting YRM Made Easy

Summer months are typically hard on the ministry income. Our bills are relentless year-round, however. We are also knee-deep in kitchen remodeling at the fellowship hall and need your help so we can make it usable by Tabernacles. Donations so far: $1,140. Goal: $18,000. You can donate to the fund and in a variety of other ways. Discover how at our website: https://yrm.org/donate/

A reminder that Amazon Smile contributes a portion of your purchases to YRM every time you shop with Amazon online, and it costs you nothing. To participate in this program, go to: https://smile.amazon.com/

TEST YOUR TUTELEGE

Why is the first biblical month essential to the rest of the yearly Feasts of Yahweh?

A. Because the whole series of seven Feasts are based on the first one.

B. Because Yahweh’s Feasts are agriculturally established, including the first one.

C. Because Yahweh’s Feasts pivot on firstfruits of the individual Feast harvests.

D. Because “seasons” in Genesis 1:14 means appointed times, set by the first Feast.

Disregarding the Abib firstfruits of the first biblical month of the year leads to a cascade of derailments in the Feast calendar. If the first month of the year is off by a month, the rest of the calendar and its Feasts will also be off a month. Abib is specifically and only defined as a stage of maturing barley. It is not solar. The greening of barley grain into the dough stage is the only criterion specified in the Bible establishing the first month of the year is. Therefore the first month is appropriately called Abib.  Many unstudied in the Feasts and the all-important firstfruits that are offered within them stumble by splitting Pentecost or Feast of Weeks into two separate Feasts, calling one Pentecost and the other the “Feast of firstfruits.” In doing this they end up with eight Feasts, misusing Exodus 34:22. Their fuzzy math works only if they combine the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day into one Feast, which is a popular error. The Bible clearly separates them into two observances, Leviticus 23:36, 39.  Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread are both seven days. Yahweh’s  design is consistent in both Feasts.

Answer: A,B,C,D

Feast of Weeks May 12

The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost will be observed this weekend on May 12 at Holts Summit. We will have two inspiring days of spiritual uplift and learning. Both messages Sabbath and Pentecost will be broadcast live (1:30 pm Central). Come join others of like faith for a weekend that only Yahweh can give as we obey His command in this third moed of the year.

Now Accepting  2019 FOT Reservations

We also invite you to the 2019 Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
celebration from the evening of September 15th through September 21th (based on the new moon crescent, it may be observed a day earlier). This important event will be observed in Holts Summit, Missouri, at YRM’s facilities. Reservations are coming in, so reserve your room now.  Watch a video tour of the activity/lodging center by Bro. Lucas Cecil at https://yrm.org/tabernacles-2019.  You will also find a Feast schedule and registration form at this URL.

Kitchen Expansion Fund Needs Your Help

Renovation continues on our kitchen facility at Holts Summit, estimated at a cost of $13,000. We are doing nearly all the work ourselves as we try to economize.  The project will double our kitchen space

for Feasts, weekly Sabbaths and other events.

TEST YOUR TUTELAGE

When the Jewish nation is first mentioned in the Bible, what are they doing?

A – Receiving the Law

B – Celebrating the Old Covenant

C – Wandering in the Desert

D – Fighting a war with Israel

Israel was originally a confederation of twelve tribes. After the death of Solomon, the harsh-speaking Rehoboam came to power. Ten Northern tribes of Israel broke away in revolt while the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained under the leadership of Judah, where Rehoboam remained King (1Kings 12:21). These became known as “The Jews.” A civil war for unification broke out, which was halted only at the command of Yahweh’s prophet (1Kings 12:22-24). From this point forward, “Israel” and “Judah” have parallel but separate histories in the Bible.

Answer: D

“True worship is not about you, it’s about Him.”