The Tree That Yields Fruit
Then Elohim said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And Elohim saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day, Genesis 1:11-13.
According to its Kind
OK. Let’s just think about this for a moment. It says, “according to its kind, whose seed is in itself,” and “whose seed is in itself according to its kind.” What do we learn here? Well, one thing we learn is, if anyone ever asks you, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” you can point to Scripture, Genesis 1, verse 11 and 21, and tell them, “the chicken.” Beyond that, we learn one of the truths about creation. We learn that Yahweh, through Yahshua (hence “Elohim”, meaning THE Mighty One AND Mighty Ones), created living things first, containing the seed of that particular living thing within it. When I read, “according to its kind, whose seed is in itself,” and “whose seed is in itself according to its kind,” I hear the parent, then the child, who grows up to be a parent, producing a child of the same species it came from. This is the continuation of the species, without change, a replication of the original parent.
In the summary of Genesis, Chapter 1, in verse 29, Scripture reads:
And Elohim said, "See, I have given you every herb [meaning a glistening, tender, green shoot] that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food (sustenance).”
How many of the herbs on the face of all the earth does Scripture say Elohim created? Every herb! I looked up the word, every. It means every; and, it means “each” and “all”. And, when did this happen? On the third day.
How many of the trees, how many sea creatures, how many birds, how many cattle, beasts and creeping things did Elohim create? He (or They) created EVERY, each and all fish, bird, reptile and beast on the face of the earth. Finally, on the sixth day, Elohim created man-kind. How many species of mankind did Elohim create?
So Elohim created man in His own image; in the image of Elohim He created him [singular]; male and female He created them [In verse 24 of chapter 2 in Genesis, male and female become one flesh], Genesis 1:27.
How many species are there of mankind? Scripture says there is one mankind.
And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living, Genesis 3:20.
These verses in Genesis serve as a literal or physical representation for a spiritual concept found throughout the Scripture.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the unrighteous, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of Yahweh, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper, Psalm 1:1-3.
Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose hope is Yahweh. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit, Jeremiah 17:7-8.
OK. Let’s just think about this for a moment. It says, “according to its kind, whose seed is in itself,” and “whose seed is in itself according to its kind.” What do we learn here? Well, one thing we learn is, if anyone ever asks you, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” you can point to Scripture, Genesis 1, verse 11 and 21, and tell them, “the chicken.” Beyond that, we learn one of the truths about creation. We learn that Yahweh, through Yahshua (hence “Elohim”, meaning THE Mighty One AND Mighty Ones), created living things first, containing the seed of that particular living thing within it. When I read, “according to its kind, whose seed is in itself,” and “whose seed is in itself according to its kind,” I hear the parent, then the child, who grows up to be a parent, producing a child of the same species it came from. This is the continuation of the species, without change, a replication of the original parent.
In the summary of Genesis, Chapter 1, in verse 29, Scripture reads:
And Elohim said, "See, I have given you every herb [meaning a glistening, tender, green shoot] that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food (sustenance).”
How many of the herbs on the face of all the earth does Scripture say Elohim created? Every herb! I looked up the word, every. It means every; and, it means “each” and “all”. And, when did this happen? On the third day.
How many of the trees, how many sea creatures, how many birds, how many cattle, beasts and creeping things did Elohim create? He (or They) created EVERY, each and all fish, bird, reptile and beast on the face of the earth. Finally, on the sixth day, Elohim created man-kind. How many species of mankind did Elohim create?
So Elohim created man in His own image; in the image of Elohim He created him [singular]; male and female He created them [In verse 24 of chapter 2 in Genesis, male and female become one flesh], Genesis 1:27.
How many species are there of mankind? Scripture says there is one mankind.
And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living, Genesis 3:20.
These verses in Genesis serve as a literal or physical representation for a spiritual concept found throughout the Scripture.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the unrighteous, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of Yahweh, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper, Psalm 1:1-3.
Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose hope is Yahweh. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit, Jeremiah 17:7-8.
The Fig Tree
He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' But he answered and said to him, 'Sir [which is Kuros, from Kurios, meaning Master or Mighty One], let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down,'" Luke 13:6-9.
He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' But he answered and said to him, 'Sir [which is Kuros, from Kurios, meaning Master or Mighty One], let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down,'" Luke 13:6-9.
Who does the “certain man” represent? Who speaks to the “keeper of his vineyard”? He is Yahweh, the owner of the land in which His Vineyard is planted. Who is the “keeper of Yahweh’s vineyard”? He is Yahshua, the One who prunes, waters, fertilizes and presumably weeds the vineyard. Yahweh’s Vineyard has to be a reference to Israel.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Yahweh is upon Me, because Yahweh has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of Yahweh, and the day of vengeance of our Elohim; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that He may be glorified, Isaiah 61:1-3
Who are those mourning at present? There are those who witness now the abominations all around us. And, who are the ones mourning in Zion, meaning after Yahshua returns? Those who are not put to death at His return! And, who is granted consolation, beauty, joy and praise? The trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh!
Who or what is the “fig tree”? Or, we could consider it to be each of us, since we have been grafted in to the root. Why three years?
When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as uncircumcised. Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to Yahweh. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to you its increase: I am Yahweh your Elohim, Leviticus 19:23-25.
What does it mean to “dig around it and fertilize it”? Agriculturally, it means to provide the necessary nutrients to sustain the tree and produce fruit. Figuratively, I believe it means to be called out and granted the Holy Spirit, a necessary ingredient for faith and obedience. What does it mean to “bear fruit”? Notice that the owner and the keeper of the vineyard DEPEND upon the tree bearing fruit for THEIR sustenance? We are important to Father Yahweh and Son Yahshua. That’s why we are commanded to go forth and plant the seed from the fruit that we bear, the Seed of which is the Word of Yahweh, the physical Seed of which is Yahshua the Messiah. We are to be as Yahshua was, obedient to the Father; and we are to reproduce the Seed within us and plant that Seed to the ends of the earth.
For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Almighty Yahweh will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations, Isaiah 61:11.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Yahweh is upon Me, because Yahweh has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of Yahweh, and the day of vengeance of our Elohim; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that He may be glorified, Isaiah 61:1-3
Who are those mourning at present? There are those who witness now the abominations all around us. And, who are the ones mourning in Zion, meaning after Yahshua returns? Those who are not put to death at His return! And, who is granted consolation, beauty, joy and praise? The trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh!
Who or what is the “fig tree”? Or, we could consider it to be each of us, since we have been grafted in to the root. Why three years?
When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as uncircumcised. Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to Yahweh. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to you its increase: I am Yahweh your Elohim, Leviticus 19:23-25.
What does it mean to “dig around it and fertilize it”? Agriculturally, it means to provide the necessary nutrients to sustain the tree and produce fruit. Figuratively, I believe it means to be called out and granted the Holy Spirit, a necessary ingredient for faith and obedience. What does it mean to “bear fruit”? Notice that the owner and the keeper of the vineyard DEPEND upon the tree bearing fruit for THEIR sustenance? We are important to Father Yahweh and Son Yahshua. That’s why we are commanded to go forth and plant the seed from the fruit that we bear, the Seed of which is the Word of Yahweh, the physical Seed of which is Yahshua the Messiah. We are to be as Yahshua was, obedient to the Father; and we are to reproduce the Seed within us and plant that Seed to the ends of the earth.
For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Almighty Yahweh will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations, Isaiah 61:11.
The Good and the Bad Seed
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn," Matthew 13:24-30.
So, if the time comes when, all of a sudden, people are MISSING, what might that really mean? Well, I suspect it would be a rapture of sorts; but, THIS rapture is written in black and white in Scripture, and the destination is not heaven!
Then Yahshua sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:36-43)
Yahshua, here, is speaking to those who, through the Holy Spirit, have been given ears to hear. He is making it plain to them.
For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks, Luke 6:43-45.
Likewise, we read in Matthew 7:15-23:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, “Master!” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Master! Master, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn," Matthew 13:24-30.
So, if the time comes when, all of a sudden, people are MISSING, what might that really mean? Well, I suspect it would be a rapture of sorts; but, THIS rapture is written in black and white in Scripture, and the destination is not heaven!
Then Yahshua sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:36-43)
Yahshua, here, is speaking to those who, through the Holy Spirit, have been given ears to hear. He is making it plain to them.
For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks, Luke 6:43-45.
Likewise, we read in Matthew 7:15-23:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, “Master!” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Master! Master, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”
Yahweh’s Will Shall Prevail
What is the will of the Father? Yahshua gives us the clear answer: to not practice lawlessness, but to practice Law-Fullness. Yahshua IS the FULLNESS of the Law of Yahweh, and we are to fill ourselves FULL of Yahweh’s Law. We are to fill ourselves with Yahshua.
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill, Matthew 5:17.
Yahshua demonstrates what the fullness of the Law looks like, so that we can model our lives after His.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love Yahweh, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn [the first resurrected from the grave; that is, the first ‘born again’] among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified, Romans 8:28-30.
Paul is speaking in the past tense, looking back from the days of the Kingdom of Yahweh on earth. What does it mean to be conformed to the image of Yahshua? It has to mean that we do what Yahshua did. He was obedient to His Father’s Will, His Father’s Word, His Father’s Law. And we, too, must do the Will of Yahweh.
What is the will of the Father? Yahshua gives us the clear answer: to not practice lawlessness, but to practice Law-Fullness. Yahshua IS the FULLNESS of the Law of Yahweh, and we are to fill ourselves FULL of Yahweh’s Law. We are to fill ourselves with Yahshua.
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill, Matthew 5:17.
Yahshua demonstrates what the fullness of the Law looks like, so that we can model our lives after His.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love Yahweh, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn [the first resurrected from the grave; that is, the first ‘born again’] among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified, Romans 8:28-30.
Paul is speaking in the past tense, looking back from the days of the Kingdom of Yahweh on earth. What does it mean to be conformed to the image of Yahshua? It has to mean that we do what Yahshua did. He was obedient to His Father’s Will, His Father’s Word, His Father’s Law. And we, too, must do the Will of Yahweh.
Provide for the Flesh?
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Sovereign Yahshua, the Messiah, and make NO provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts, Romans 13:11-14.
How in the world do we make NO provision for the flesh?
But you have not so learned Messiah [Paul is comparing his students to others, as in verse 19, who are past feeling, and have given themselves over to lewdness to work all uncleanness with greediness], if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him; as the truth is in Yahshua: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to Yahweh, in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:20-24.
We must renew our minds, according to the Spirit of Yahweh, so that we do not allow our bodies to engage in sinful behavior.
Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit [“new” is the Hebrew word, chadash, which means a renewed or repaired spirit] within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh [which means fresh and rosy], that they may walk in My statutes [My appointments] and keep My judgments [My government or rulings] and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their Elohim, Ezekiel 11:19- 21.
Clearly, the purpose of receiving the Spirit is to freshen our desire to obey Yahweh and abide in the path, the cycles, the appointments of Yahweh that Yahshua kept.
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 2 Corinthians 9:10.
Let him who is taught the word [the Law of Yahweh, the Seed of Yahshua] share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, Yahweh is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith, Galatians 6:6-10.
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Sovereign Yahshua, the Messiah, and make NO provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts, Romans 13:11-14.
How in the world do we make NO provision for the flesh?
But you have not so learned Messiah [Paul is comparing his students to others, as in verse 19, who are past feeling, and have given themselves over to lewdness to work all uncleanness with greediness], if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him; as the truth is in Yahshua: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to Yahweh, in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:20-24.
We must renew our minds, according to the Spirit of Yahweh, so that we do not allow our bodies to engage in sinful behavior.
Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit [“new” is the Hebrew word, chadash, which means a renewed or repaired spirit] within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh [which means fresh and rosy], that they may walk in My statutes [My appointments] and keep My judgments [My government or rulings] and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their Elohim, Ezekiel 11:19- 21.
Clearly, the purpose of receiving the Spirit is to freshen our desire to obey Yahweh and abide in the path, the cycles, the appointments of Yahweh that Yahshua kept.
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 2 Corinthians 9:10.
Let him who is taught the word [the Law of Yahweh, the Seed of Yahshua] share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, Yahweh is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith, Galatians 6:6-10.
Substance and Evidence
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence [that is, the proof] of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1
Now, how many of us have been taught that faith is setting our hearts and minds on those things that are prophesied about the future and believing in stuff we can’t see, like angels and demons? Well, that’s NOT what Paul is teaching here. Faith is not about things hoped for or things not seen. Faith, Paul says in this passage, is about substance and evidence! Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. He is talking about stuff we CAN see and that is here, right in front of our eyes!
For the wrath of Yahweh is revealed from heaven against all unholiness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of Yahweh is manifest [meaning an obvious display] in them, for Yahweh has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen [Now, wait a minute, how can INVISIBLE attributes be CLEARLY SEEN? Well, good old Paul always explains what he means]. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [Clearly, Paul does not subscribe to the idea of a universe coming into being through evolution – this universe was MADE, it was created by Yahweh. Further, when Paul says the word “seen,” he’s not talking about just viewing something with one’s eyes, he’s talking about understanding, or PERCEIVING also, with the heart. Now, “look” at what Paul says, pun intended, about what the heart can “see,” still in verse 20], even His eternal power and [now, the English translation says “Godhead,” but I will use, “Highest-Majesty,” because the Greek word is theiotes – interpreted by churchianity as the triune deity, father-son-and holy-ghost, in spite of the fact that the word theiotes has absolutely nothing to do with three of anything. Theiotes simply means the Highest Majesty. And, how obvious is this truth? Listen to what Paul says, still in verse 20 …], Highest-Majesty so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew Yahweh, [And, how did they know Him? They have seen creation – and must therefore know that there is, indeed, a Creator], they did not glorify Him as Elohim [as the Almighty], nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible Elohim into an image made like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things [People became idolatrous. Today’s idolatry is professed by evolutionists, who claim that human kind is a corruption of microscopic organisms, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, beasts and monkeys]. Therefore Yahweh also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts [envy] of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of Yahweh for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature [that is, themselves] rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amein, Romans 1:18-25.
(Note: one can go to the web site www.nazerite.net/king-james.html to see why “Amein” was used.)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence [that is, the proof] of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1
Now, how many of us have been taught that faith is setting our hearts and minds on those things that are prophesied about the future and believing in stuff we can’t see, like angels and demons? Well, that’s NOT what Paul is teaching here. Faith is not about things hoped for or things not seen. Faith, Paul says in this passage, is about substance and evidence! Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. He is talking about stuff we CAN see and that is here, right in front of our eyes!
For the wrath of Yahweh is revealed from heaven against all unholiness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of Yahweh is manifest [meaning an obvious display] in them, for Yahweh has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen [Now, wait a minute, how can INVISIBLE attributes be CLEARLY SEEN? Well, good old Paul always explains what he means]. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [Clearly, Paul does not subscribe to the idea of a universe coming into being through evolution – this universe was MADE, it was created by Yahweh. Further, when Paul says the word “seen,” he’s not talking about just viewing something with one’s eyes, he’s talking about understanding, or PERCEIVING also, with the heart. Now, “look” at what Paul says, pun intended, about what the heart can “see,” still in verse 20], even His eternal power and [now, the English translation says “Godhead,” but I will use, “Highest-Majesty,” because the Greek word is theiotes – interpreted by churchianity as the triune deity, father-son-and holy-ghost, in spite of the fact that the word theiotes has absolutely nothing to do with three of anything. Theiotes simply means the Highest Majesty. And, how obvious is this truth? Listen to what Paul says, still in verse 20 …], Highest-Majesty so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew Yahweh, [And, how did they know Him? They have seen creation – and must therefore know that there is, indeed, a Creator], they did not glorify Him as Elohim [as the Almighty], nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible Elohim into an image made like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things [People became idolatrous. Today’s idolatry is professed by evolutionists, who claim that human kind is a corruption of microscopic organisms, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, beasts and monkeys]. Therefore Yahweh also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts [envy] of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of Yahweh for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature [that is, themselves] rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amein, Romans 1:18-25.
(Note: one can go to the web site www.nazerite.net/king-james.html to see why “Amein” was used.)
What is the LIE?
What, exactly, is THE lie that Paul is speaking of, here? Typically, ideas or words that are firstmentioned in Scripture have a great influence on further use of that idea or that word. The rationale for this idea come from Isaiah 46:10,
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done.
The phrase, “from the beginning” is M’Reshiyt, in Hebrew, literally meaning “out of the beginning”. So the verse should read: “Declaring the end out of the beginning, and out of ancient times things that are not yet done.” So, what is THE lie?
Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For Elohim knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like Elohim, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked [that is, they became intimately aware of their evilness]; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings, Genesis 3:4-7.
So, what is the lie? Well, it’s not just the words, “You will not surely die.” The lie is primarily that they could become like Yahweh, equivalent to Him, that they could evolve into something that they are not, nor could ever be. It’s also about the lie that Elohim “knows” good and evil. The word “know” means to “become intimate” or to “exist as,” but since when IS Elohim good and evil? Yahweh is not good AND evil; he is just GOOD. Many people will quote the Scripture to “prove” that Yahweh is the author of evil, but that is due to the misunderstanding of the translated word “evil.” When we read verses like the following from the King James language, it seems true that Yahweh is the author of evil, but is not:
Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good? (Lamentations 3:38)
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I Yahweh do all these things, Isaiah 45:7.
If this is true, then, how can the following verses be true?
For You are not an Elohim who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity, Psalm 5:4-5.
Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from Elohim to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity. For He repays man according to his work and makes man to find a reward according to his way. Surely Elohim will never do wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice, Job 34:10-12.
Is there a contradiction here? No. The Elizabethan language of the King James Bible uses the word “evil,” which we interpret as “sin.” Its Hebrew meaning is calamity or judgment. Yahweh hates wickedness and will judge and punish the wicked. This is not evidence of evil; but rather, it is evidence of righteousness. Yahweh is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), nor will He pervert justice.
The point is, however, that Satan lied to Adam and Eve about what they could BECOME. This, as it turns out, is the major theme of the Theory of Evolution. Yahweh is not an Elohim of evolution; He is the Creator of the universe, and His Son, Yahshua is the Master Craftsman.
Yahweh possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep, when He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight ------ was with the sons of men, Proverbs 8:22-31.
What, exactly, is THE lie that Paul is speaking of, here? Typically, ideas or words that are firstmentioned in Scripture have a great influence on further use of that idea or that word. The rationale for this idea come from Isaiah 46:10,
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done.
The phrase, “from the beginning” is M’Reshiyt, in Hebrew, literally meaning “out of the beginning”. So the verse should read: “Declaring the end out of the beginning, and out of ancient times things that are not yet done.” So, what is THE lie?
Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For Elohim knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like Elohim, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked [that is, they became intimately aware of their evilness]; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings, Genesis 3:4-7.
So, what is the lie? Well, it’s not just the words, “You will not surely die.” The lie is primarily that they could become like Yahweh, equivalent to Him, that they could evolve into something that they are not, nor could ever be. It’s also about the lie that Elohim “knows” good and evil. The word “know” means to “become intimate” or to “exist as,” but since when IS Elohim good and evil? Yahweh is not good AND evil; he is just GOOD. Many people will quote the Scripture to “prove” that Yahweh is the author of evil, but that is due to the misunderstanding of the translated word “evil.” When we read verses like the following from the King James language, it seems true that Yahweh is the author of evil, but is not:
Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good? (Lamentations 3:38)
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I Yahweh do all these things, Isaiah 45:7.
If this is true, then, how can the following verses be true?
For You are not an Elohim who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity, Psalm 5:4-5.
Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from Elohim to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity. For He repays man according to his work and makes man to find a reward according to his way. Surely Elohim will never do wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice, Job 34:10-12.
Is there a contradiction here? No. The Elizabethan language of the King James Bible uses the word “evil,” which we interpret as “sin.” Its Hebrew meaning is calamity or judgment. Yahweh hates wickedness and will judge and punish the wicked. This is not evidence of evil; but rather, it is evidence of righteousness. Yahweh is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), nor will He pervert justice.
The point is, however, that Satan lied to Adam and Eve about what they could BECOME. This, as it turns out, is the major theme of the Theory of Evolution. Yahweh is not an Elohim of evolution; He is the Creator of the universe, and His Son, Yahshua is the Master Craftsman.
Yahweh possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep, when He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight ------ was with the sons of men, Proverbs 8:22-31.
Produce Good Fruit
We are called to produce good fruit, beginning with the good Seed, the Seed of truth and wisdom of Yahweh.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall crush your head, and you shall bruise His heel, Genesis 3:15.
And Yahweh Elohim planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made Yahweh Elohim to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Genesis 2:8-9.
Then Yahweh Elohim took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And Yahweh Elohim commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die," Genesis 2:15-17.
We are free to eat of the Tree of Life or of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Tree of Life represents the Seed of Yahweh, the Truth, the Messiah, the Way of the Righteous, the Law and the Word of Yahweh. Eating from this tree means walking as Yahshua walked, in obedience to the Father, keeping the AppointedTimes and giving ear to the wisdom found in Scripture. Eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil means participating in good and evil. Now, does that mean if I more often do what’s right but sometimes do what’s wrong, that’s OK? I’m saved; and once saved, always saved? All my sins are forgiven – those I did in the past, those I do now and those I will do in the future? I don’t think so! Yahweh says to make NO provision for sin. Scripture also says,
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment …, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of Yahweh was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of Yahweh does not sin, for His seed [that is, again, the Messiah, the Law of Yahweh ] remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of Yahweh, 1 John 3:4- 9.
From which tree are you partaking? Are you eating from the tree that leads to acts of goodness and evil; like giving away Bibles – but teaching against the instructions that Yahweh gives to us; you know, the commandments that are found within those Bibles? Or, are you eating of the Tree that bears fruit leading to Eternal Life, and taking the Seeds from that fruit and spreading them to the world? Are you nurturing others with the Truth, caring for others physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually? Are you keeping yourself unspotted from the world?
If not, I pray that Yahweh awakens your heart, through whatever means He deems necessary, and brings you into His household, that you may live throughout eternity as a Child of the Most High. Blessings to you in the name of Yahshua the Messiah. HalleluYah!
We are called to produce good fruit, beginning with the good Seed, the Seed of truth and wisdom of Yahweh.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall crush your head, and you shall bruise His heel, Genesis 3:15.
And Yahweh Elohim planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made Yahweh Elohim to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Genesis 2:8-9.
Then Yahweh Elohim took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And Yahweh Elohim commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die," Genesis 2:15-17.
We are free to eat of the Tree of Life or of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Tree of Life represents the Seed of Yahweh, the Truth, the Messiah, the Way of the Righteous, the Law and the Word of Yahweh. Eating from this tree means walking as Yahshua walked, in obedience to the Father, keeping the AppointedTimes and giving ear to the wisdom found in Scripture. Eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil means participating in good and evil. Now, does that mean if I more often do what’s right but sometimes do what’s wrong, that’s OK? I’m saved; and once saved, always saved? All my sins are forgiven – those I did in the past, those I do now and those I will do in the future? I don’t think so! Yahweh says to make NO provision for sin. Scripture also says,
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment …, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of Yahweh was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of Yahweh does not sin, for His seed [that is, again, the Messiah, the Law of Yahweh ] remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of Yahweh, 1 John 3:4- 9.
From which tree are you partaking? Are you eating from the tree that leads to acts of goodness and evil; like giving away Bibles – but teaching against the instructions that Yahweh gives to us; you know, the commandments that are found within those Bibles? Or, are you eating of the Tree that bears fruit leading to Eternal Life, and taking the Seeds from that fruit and spreading them to the world? Are you nurturing others with the Truth, caring for others physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually? Are you keeping yourself unspotted from the world?
If not, I pray that Yahweh awakens your heart, through whatever means He deems necessary, and brings you into His household, that you may live throughout eternity as a Child of the Most High. Blessings to you in the name of Yahshua the Messiah. HalleluYah!
-Elder John Fisher
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