The Importance of Physical Fitness in the Body of Messiah

 

At one time, the human population’s survivability rested on its general fitness level. Hunters needed a healthy cardiovascular system to catch their prey. Farmers needed the endurance and strength to till the ground, making the landscape suitable for growing crops. Nomadic tribes needed strong, durable legs to walk miles at a time, and still have the energy to set up camp when they got to their destination. 

As technology progressed, our lives became easier, and with that ease, we adopted a sedentary lifestyle. We sit when we work (not all jobs but a fair amount), when we eat, watch TV, read books, play games, drive, etc. No longer are we forced to be fit to survive.  

Because being fit is no longer essential for living, people have viewed exercising as optional. A hobby that some people take up. But being physically active is necessary for living a healthy life. I know many older people who work out regularly and have great mobility. They also take way less medication than their counterparts. 

Keeping fit spiritually is important, and any serious follower of the Messiah will stay refined. But what about maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise? I believe, for the most part, that the body of Messiah is lacking in this area. As our bodies have become the dwelling place for the Set-Apart Spirit, we should take care to have a beautiful temple. This does not mean we must be star athletes, but being morbidly obese cannot be what the Father wants for us.

“Or do you not know that your body is the Dwelling Place of the Set-apart Spirit who is in you, which you have from Elohim, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price, therefore esteem Elohim in your body and in your spirit, which are of Elohim.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

While the Bible may not directly state or overemphasize the importance of fitness, there are several examples of people being physically strong or capable.

Tanak Examples of Fitness  

Noah Builds the Ark: 

“Make yourself an ark of gopherwood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with a covering.” (Genesis 6:14)

“And He commanded Noah to make him an ark, that he might save himself from the waters of the flood. And Noah made the ark in all respects as He commanded him, in the twenty-seventh jubilee of years (year 1307), in the fifth week in the fifth year (on the new moon of the first month)” (Jubilees 5:22)  

Building such a large vessel requires considerable strength and endurance, and although he had some help, it took time. That does not take away from his physical conditioning being top-notch.

Jacob Wrestles the Messenger: 

“And Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob) was left alone. And a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. And when He saw that He did not overcome him, He touched the socket of his hip. And the socket of Ya‛aqoḇ’s hip was dislocated as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I am not letting You go until You have blessed me!” So He asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob).” And He said, “Your name is no longer called Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob), but Yisra’ĕl (Israel), because you have striven with Elohim and with men, and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:24-28)

Wrestling, let alone for long periods at a time, is very taxing and utilizes the entire body. If Jacob were not physically fit, he would not have been able to contend with the Messenger of Elohim.

David’s Mighty Men: 

“These are the names of the mighty men whom Dawiḏ (David) had: Yoshĕḇ-Bassheḇeth the Taḥkemonite, chief among the officers, he was Aḏino the Etsnite (Eznite), for eight hundred slain at one time.  And after him was El‛azar son of Doḏo, the Aḥoḥite, one of the three mighty men with Dawiḏ (David) when they taunted the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Yisra’ĕl (Israel) had gone up. He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, but his hand clung to the sword, so יהוה brought about a great deliverance that day. And the people returned after him only to plunder. And after him was Shammah son of Aḡĕ the Hararite. And the Philistines had gathered into a company where there was a plot of ground covered with lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the middle of the field, and delivered it, and struck the Philistines, and יהוה wrought a great deliverance.” (2 Samuel 23:8-12)

These three warriors not only possessed a mastery over the art of combat but also had the physical capabilities to do all that they did. Of course, they were blessed by Yah, but that does not mean they didn’t have to put the work in. A farmer may be blessed by Elohim, but the farmer still has to till the ground and plant the crops. 

This can be said for any soldier mentioned in the bible, or anytime the Hebrews had to travel long distances. To put into perspective the kind of endurance and strength that is required to be nomadic, get a hiking backpack, fill it up until it weighs 20-40lbs, and then walk 12 miles. Our ancestors maintained a good level of fitness, and those same sentiments carried over into the writings of the apostles.    

haBrit haHadasha (Messianic Writings/ New Testament) Examples of Fitness 

Paul’s Analogy: 

“Do you not know that those who run in a race indeed all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to obtain it. And everyone who competes controls himself in every way. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we for an incorruptible crown. Therefore I run accordingly, not with uncertainty. Thus I fight, not as one who beats the air. But I treat my body severely and make it my slave, lest having proclaimed to others, I myself might be rejected.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

While this is not a literal example, the fact that Paul uses athletes to represent how we should live following Elohim’s will is significant. Furthermore, it would be difficult to understand the level of discipline necessary to run a race or fight without having some level of experience competing. I’ve done both, I’ve run mud runs, half-marathons, one marathon, and competed in martial arts tournaments. I know the overwhelming sensation of wanting to win, not to prove that I’m better than the others, but to prove to myself that I could endure till the end. Having a firsthand account, I’m able to appreciate and understand what Paul is saying in its entirety. So too can all those who have competed, with the hours of training and studying to enhance their abilities. It’s the same mindset I bring to following Yeshua Messiah, studying the word daily, researching, applying, spreading the good news, etc. 

Being self-disciplined enough to put your body through uncomfortable situations, such as exercising, can translate to having a more resolute stance in the faith. It also signals to others that those who follow the Messiah are healthy. Once again, I’m not saying we all need to be star athletes, but maintaining proper nutrition and exercise is something we all could use. Continue to test all things, and may the Ruach lead you into all truth.    

P.S.

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The Bible's Teachings on the Afterlife: Separating Fact from Fiction

 

For those of us who grew up in the church, the answer may seem obvious. Since we were children, we’ve been taught that when we die, our spirit or soul goes up to Heaven. But does the Bible teach such a thing? 

What the Writings and the Prophets Say

The Psalmist, most likely David, wrote/believed that when a person dies, they do not continue on living in a spiritual world but cease to exist. 

“While I live, I praise יהוה; I sing praises to my Elohim while I exist. Do not put your trust in princes, In a son of man, in whom is no deliverance. His spirit goes out, he returns to his earth; In that day his plans perish.” (Psalms 146:2-4)

Other translations use ‘thoughts’ instead of ‘plans’, but the meaning the author is conveying is the same. When a person dies, they can no longer plan because they have no more thoughts. In another passage, the Psalmist proposes a rhetorical question.

“Would You work wonders for the dead? Would the dead rise to praise You? Selah.” (Psalms 88:10)

By asking, would the dead rise to praise you? Implies that the dead do not offer up any praises. Furthermore, the Psalmist writes that if he were to die, who else would praise Elohim?

“What gain is there in my blood, When I go down to the pit? Would dust praise You? Would it declare Your truth?” (Psalms 30:9)

Isaiah confirms the implication of Psalms 88:10 and agrees with the author of the Psalms. That the living give praise to the Father, not the dead. 

“For She’ol (the grave) does not thank You, nor death praise You; those who go down to the pit do not watch for Your truth. “The living, the living – he is praising You, as I do this day. A father makes known Your truth to his children.” (Isaiah 38:18-19)

The author of Ecclesiastes likewise agrees with his counterparts.

“For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know naught, nor do they have any more reward, for their remembrance is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy have now perished; and they no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6)

“All that your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom in She’ol where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

So far, the Bible makes for a compelling argument against the teachings of the church. Though some will say, “that was the Old Testament, but it’s different in the New Testament.” The thief being crucified along with Yeshua is normally where people will go to argue their case; let’s have a look ourselves.

Yeshua and the Thief 

“And יהושע said to him, “Truly, I say to you today, you shall be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:24)

The issue arises when people interpret this verse to mean that Yeshua told the thief that today he would be in paradise with him. However, Yeshua did not go to paradise that day; he spent the next three days and nights in the grave. Secondly, the way the sentence is structured Yeshua is saying today, as in right now, I tell you, you will be with me in paradise. Yeshua was affirming that the thief will partake in the resurrection and be allowed to enter into the kingdom. What about after the ascension of the Messiah?

“And they were stoning Stephanos(Stephen) as he was calling and saying, “Master יהושע, receive my spirit.” And kneeling down he cried out with a loud voice, “Master, do not hold this sin against them.” And having said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60)

Falling asleep is a euphemism that illustrates what death is like. When we sleep, outside of the times we receive dreams, we don’t experience anything. It’s how death is, and this figment of speech also alludes to the first death not being permanent, as sleep is only temporary. Later on, we will return to falling asleep; for now, we will turn to the parable of the rich man and El’azar. Before that, we must understand that a parable is not a real story; it is used to convey a teaching/principle or to increase understanding for those who comprehend its message. 

“And the taught ones came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And He answering, said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the secrets of the reign of the heavens, but to them it has not been given. “For whoever possesses, to him more shall be given, and he shall have overflowingly; but whoever does not possess, even what he possesses shall be taken away from him. “Because of this I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:10-13)

In parables that deal with the rich man, this typically represents the Pharisees, as they were lovers of money.

“And the Pharisees, who loved silver, also heard all this, and were sneering at Him.” (Luke 16:14)

Parable of the rich man and El’azar

“But there was a certain rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and lived luxuriously every day. And there was a certain beggar named El‛azar, being covered with sores, who was placed at his gate,” and longing to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Indeed, even the dogs came and licked his sores. “And it came to be that the beggar died, and was carried by the messengers to the bosom of Abraham. And the rich man also died and was buried. “And while suffering tortures in She’ol, having lifted up his eyes, he saw Abraham far away, and El‛azar in his bosom. “And crying out he said, ‘Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send El‛azar to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering in this flame.’ “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your life you received your good, and likewise El‛azar the evil, but now he is comforted and you are suffering. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set, so that those who wish to pass from here to you are unable, nor do those from there pass to us.’ “And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, let him warn them, lest they also come to this place of torture.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Mosheh (Moses) and the prophets, let them hear them.’” “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they shall repent.’ “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Mosheh (Moses) and the prophets, neither would they be persuaded even if one should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:19-31)

Why Eli’ezer was chosen for the Parable 

Eli’ezer is Abram’s chosen heir, since at the time Abram had no children of his own. Despite Eli’ezer being a servant, he was favored by Abram. 

“After these events the word of יהוה came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your reward is exceedingly great.” And Abram said, “Master יהוה, what would You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eli‛ezer of Dammeseq?” And Abram said, “See, You have given me no seed, and see, one born in my house is my heir!” And see, the word of יהוה came to him, saying, “This one is not your heir, but he who comes from your own body is your heir.” (Genesis 15:1-4)

The significance of Eli’ezer being in the parable is to show that someone who is not blood can still be accepted into Abraham’s bosom (accounted as a true seed of Abraham). Whereas the rich man is of blood descent, but due to his lawlessness, he was not allowed into Abraham’s bosom (no longer counted as a seed of Abraham). 

The Pharisees' Claim to Fame   

The Pharisees believed that by virtue of being blood descendants of Abraham, they were guaranteed to be accepted as seeds of Abraham. 

“They answered Him, “We are the seed of Abraham, and have been servants to no one at any time. How do you say, ‘You shall become free’?” (John 8:33)

“And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his immersion, he said to them, “Brood of adders! Who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? “Bear, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that Elohim is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” (Matthew 3:7-9)

Warn my Five Brothers

The Pharisees' emphasis on bloodline did not end with Abraham, but also placed value in being from Jacob’s first marriage with Leah. That is why the rich man asks Abraham to warn his five other brothers, because between Jacob and Leah, there are six brothers.

“And יהוה saw that Lĕ’ah (Leah) was unloved, and He opened her womb, but Raḥĕl (Rachel) was barren. And Lĕ’ah (Leah) conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Re’uḇĕn (Reuben), for she said, “For יהוה has looked on my affliction, because now my husband is going to love me.” And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because יהוה has heard that I am unloved, He gave me this son too.” And she called his name Shim‛on(Simeon). And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband is joined to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So his name was called Lĕwi(Levi). And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I praise יהוה.” So she called his name Yehuḏah (Judah). And she ceased bearing.” (Genesis 29:31-35)

“And Elohim listened to Lĕ’ah (Leah), and she conceived and bore Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob) a fifth son. And Lĕ’ah (Leah) said, “Elohim has given me my hire, because I have given my female servant to my husband.” So she called his name Yissasḵar (Issachar). And Lĕ’ah (Leah) conceived again and bore Ya‛aqoḇ (Jacob) a sixth son. And Lĕ’ah (Leah) said, “Elohim has presented me with a good present. Now my husband is going to dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun.” (Genesis 30:17-20)

Who are the Dogs in the Parable?

Back in the first century, Gentiles were known as dogs amongst the Jews. 

“And see, a woman of Kena‛an (Canaan) came from those borders and cried out to Him, saying, “Have compassion on me, O Master, Son of Dawiḏ (David)! My daughter is badly demon-possessed.” But He did not answer her a word. And His taught ones came and asked Him, saying, “Send her away, because she cries after us.” And He answering, said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’ĕl (Israel).” But she came and was bowing to Him, saying, “Master, help me!” And He answering, said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” But she said, “Yes Master, for even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” And יהושע answering, said to her, “O woman, your belief is great! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.” (Matthew 15:22-28) 

By using dogs in the parable, Yeshua was illustrating how the Gentiles were treating the poor and sick better than the Pharisees. Who should know that it is commanded to love your neighbor and the stranger, Leviticus 19:18, and Deuteronomy 10:19.  

A Day of Judgement not Multiple Days

“Truly, then, having overlooked these times of ignorance, Elohim now commands all men everywhere to repent,” because He has set a day on which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given proof of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)

There is one single day allotted for judgment, not many. The idea that when someone dies, they either go to heaven or hell would suggest that the individual has already been judged. This does not align with scripture, but was more than likely a concept taken from pagan religions. As most pagan religions taught that once a person died, they were immediately judged and sent to their respective destinations. 

Asleep Means to be Dead

“He said this, and after that He said to them, “Our friend El‛azar has fallen asleep, but I am going there, to wake him up.” Therefore the taught ones said to Him, “Master, if he has fallen asleep he shall recover.” But יהושע had spoken about his death, whereas they thought that He spoke of taking rest in sleep.” (John 11:11-13)

Picking back up on this euphemism, we see Yeshua directly stating that death, at least the first death, is akin to sleep. As all things were created through Yeshua, I think it’s safe to say he would know how death works. And his words on death are congruent with how the prophets and the writings spoke on death.

The Resurrection

Some confuse Paul with speaking about spiritual bodies ascending into heaven; however, Paul never makes such claims. On the contrary, when speaking about life after the first death, it's always in relation to the resurrection.   

“For if the dead are not raised, then neither Messiah has been raised. And if Messiah has not been raised, your belief is to no purpose, you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Messiah have perished.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-10)

“Because the Master Himself shall come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of a chief messenger, and with the trumpet of Elohim, and the dead in Messiah shall rise first. Then we, the living who are left over, shall be caught away together with them in the clouds to meet the Master in the air – and so we shall always be with the Master. So, then, encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Furthermore, it would make no sense if our spirit ascended into Heaven or descended into Hell, to then be resurrected and judged. The whole concept falls flat when scripture is read in a holistic way, instead of in isolated sections or texts. 

I hope this post has brought some clarification and that it inspires you to research this topic for yourselves. I pray the Ruach leads you into all truth.    

P.S.

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The Link Between the Lost Tribes of Israel and the People of Wales: An Unexpected Discovery

 

It’s remarkable the kind of information one can come across when doing some research. Investigating one topic can, and in this case, lead to an unexpected area. One that I never even thought to question. I do not remember how I came to explore the possibility of King Arthur being a real historical figure. I do, however, recall in college taking an origin of medieval Britain class, and the professor stating that King Arthur was more than likely the son of a retired Roman soldier who held off Saxon invasions. My findings on King Arthur are for another time, but it was during this that I uncovered both primary and secondary sources attesting that the people of Wales belong to one of the lost ten tribes of Israel. 

From Assyrian Captivity to Troy and the British Isles 

This may sound preposterous, but it could be a possibility, and I believe the records make for a persuasive argument. Alan Wilson contends that some of the Israelites, to what capacity is unknown, were relocated to the city of Troy following the Assyrian captivity. 

“And the sovereign of Ashshur (Assyria) went through all the land, and went up to Shomeron (Samaria) and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshĕa, the sovereign of Ashshur (Assyria) captured Shomeron (Samaria) and exiled Yisra’ĕl (Israel) to Ashshur (Assyria), and settled them in Ḥalaḥ and Ḥaḇor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.” (2 Kings 17:5-6)

Some researchers/ historians support the idea that it is likely that, following the fall of Troy, the occupants of the city fled to the Island of Britain. The man who led the refugees was none other than Brutus of Troy, who, according to legend, became the first King of Britain. It is from Brutus that the Island supposedly got its name, and is the reason why the people became known as Britons. Historian Bernard Jones, in his book The Discovery of Troy and its Lost History, details why he believes, among other things, that there is historical evidence that the British people, in part, are descendants of the Trojans. 

If it’s possible that a portion of the tribes of Israel was sent to Troy following their captivity, then it might be the case that some of them traveled with Brutus to Britain. Humor me, if you will, and let’s say they were because the following information leads me to believe there might be some validity to these claims. 

Early Conversion of the Celtics 

The people who lived in Wales before and after the Roman occupation of Britannia (Britain) were known as the Celts. You may be familiar with them, and I have spoken of them in my post “Pagan Holidays, Halloween.” It appears to be the case that the Celtics had a blended form of religion, utilizing Druidism and Biblical themes. 

“Welsh were Gnostic Christians from around 58 A.D.” (Wilson, Alan, and A. T. Blackett. Artorius Rex Discovered. Cardiff: King Arthur Research, 1986. Pg.8)

58 AD or CE is very early on and vastly sooner than the time of St. Augustine’s arrival, who is credited with converting the island to Catholicism. Wilson and Blackett’s statements are supported by the Old English Chronicles.

“Meanwhile these islands…received the beams of light…that is…Christ…at the latter part, as we know, of the reign of Tiberius Caesar.” (Giles, J. A. Six Old English Chronicles, of Which Two Are Now First Translated from the Monkish Latin Originals: Ethelwerd's Chronicle, Asser's Life of Alfred, Geoffrey of Monmouth's British History, Gildas, Nennius, and Richard of Cirencester. London: George Bell & Sons, 1882. Pg. 302)

Tiberius reigned from 14 CE to 37 CE, Yeshua was crucified in the year 33 CE.  That leaves just 5 years from the time of Yeshua’s ascension back into Heaven and the end of Tiberius’ reign. It is speculated that either Paul or Peter, if not both, went to Britain to spread the good news. That’s quite a journey and seems rather expedited as well. For Yeshua told his disciples to,

Yeshua sent these twelve out, having commanded them, saying, “Do not go into the way of the nations, and do not enter a city of the Shomeronim, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’ĕl (Israel).” (Matthew 10:5-6)

 They were first to go to where the lost sheep of the house of Israel were. This is a bit problematic, as no one knows if they belong to one of the lost ten tribes, at least not now. It could be, however, that the disciples knew of possible locations where the tribes could have been scattered, thus their reason to travel to the British Isles so soon.

The Hebraic Traditions followed by the Celtic Church 

According to historical records, the Celtic Church fervently resisted the Catholic Church’s attempts to convert the people. It appears the early Celtic Church had strong ties to Torah, which could be due to Peter and Paul teaching them the way.

“Biblical Law began to be introduced into the civil realm. In 432 Patrick wrote Liber Ex Lege Moisi (Book of the Law of Moses), which was applied by local chieftains or kings throughout Ireland.” (The Origin of Common Law, in America’s Providential History by Mark Beliles & Stephen McDowell p.39-41)

Having been taught the true way to follow the Messiah, the Celtic people started to keep Torah as they sought to be imitators of Yeshua. 

“The shared elements include the keeping of the Saturday Sabbath, tithing, the definition of "first fruits'' and offerings, the establishment of walled precincts for the priestly/monastic families, inheritance of religious office, and fasting and dietary restrictions…Other scholarship suggests that Irish Churchmen of the seventh and eighth centuries actually considered themselves to be Priests and Levites, as defined under Old Testament law.” (Leslie Hardinge "The Celtic Church in Britain", London, 1972, quoted and summarised by Deborah K. E. Crawford, "St. Joseph In Britain: Reconsidering The Legends. Part 2", Folklore 105 (1994): 51-59)

“...the prominence of Hebrew features in Irish canon law collections (including Biblical cities of Refuge and Jubilee Years) together with Mosaic prohibitions on diet and injunctions on tithes...There was also a Hebrew treatment of the sanctuary ...and finally there were many Hebrew words occurring in cryptographic monastic Irish works such as Hisperica Famina.” (Mrs. Winthrop Palmer Boswell, "The Roots of Irish Monasticism", California, 1969.)

“Mosaic parallelisms found amongst early Celtic Christians include the prohibition of sex in the menstrual period and after birth, also ritual animal slaughter was kept, and usury was prohibited…Old Testament Biblical injunctions were generally regarded as binding... Members of the Celtic Church were suspected by the Roman Catholics of Judaizing and its members in Scotland were accused of really being Jews.” (Baigent, Leigh, & Lincoln. "The Messianic Legacy", 1986, 1987 U.K.) Though if the Celtics were part of the house of Israel, they would not be Jews but Hebrews, for further clarification check out “Israel and Judah”. 

An Intriguing Possibility 

If all of this is true, that some portions of the lost tribes were sent to Troy and then left with Brutus to settle the British Isles, that Peter and Paul traveled to the Isles because they knew some lost sheep from the house of Israel lived there, and following Peter and Paul’s visit the Celtic people remember who they were and started to follow Yeshua Messiah in Torah obedience. Then it does cause one to wonder why the official history is taught so differently from what actually happened. 

Acts Chapter 29

After reading that subheading, you might have opened up your Bible to discover that Acts stops at chapter 28 (unless you're using the Cepher version of the Bible). However, in recent years, a document was found containing the 29th chapter of Acts. Known as the Sonnini Manuscript, named after Charles Nicolas Sigisbert Sonnini de Manoncourt, a French nobleman and naturalist who was raised in Jesuit education. Acts 29 was found with his other writings detailing his journeys in Greece and the Ottoman Empire in modern-day Turkey, along with a document from the Sultan allowing Sonnini to travel in the Ottoman Empire. Sonnini’s copy of Acts 29 came from an ‘original’ Greek version of Acts 29 that was housed in the Archives at Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). 

The major thing I want to go over, and why it applies to this article, is that Acts 29 details Paul’s journey to the British Isles to visit with the druids. These people, Paul claimed to be a member of the lost sheep of the House of Israel, corroborating the aforementioned sources.  

“And Paulos, full of the blessings of Mashiach, and abounding in the spirit, departed out of Rome, determining to go into Spain, for he had a long time proposed to journey thitherward, and was minded also to go from thence to Britain. For he had heard on Phoenicia that certain of the children Yisrael, about the time of the Assyrian captivity, had escaped by sea to "The Isles afar off" as spoken of by the Prophet (Esdras), and called by the Romans – Britain. And the Adonai commanded the Good News to be Proclaimed far hence to the Gentiles (nations), and to the Lost Sheep of the House of Yisrael.” (Acts 29:1-3)

 This is the exact mission Yeshua gave his disciples, and Paul, to go out to those who had been divorced, the House of Israel, and let them know that a way was made for redemption (Redeeming the Bride, Israel and Judah). And as this message spread across the land, even those of gentile birth would hear the good news, and so be given a chance to enter into covenant with Yah Elohim.    

“And they departed out of Spain, and Paulos and his company, finding a ship in Armorica sailing to Britain, they were therein, and passing along the south coast, they reached a port called Raphinus. Now, when it was voiced abroad that the apostle had landed on their coast, great multitudes of the inhabitants met him, and they treated Paulos courteously, and he entered in at the east gate of their city, and lodged in the house of an Hebrew and one of his own nation (tribe).”  (Acts 29:7-8)

Paul came from the tribe of Benjamin, which belongs to the House of Judah, informing us that both houses occupied land in Britain. Perhaps this is how Paul knew that some of the lost sheep of the House of Israel lived on the island? After delivering the message of the Kingdom, the druids came to speak with Paul face-to-face.

“And it shall come to pass that certain of the Druids came to Paulos privately, and showed by their rites and ceremonies that they were descended from Yehudim (from the tribe of Judah) which escaped from bondage in the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt), and the apostle believed these things, and he gave them the kiss of Shalom.” (Acts 29:13)

This makes the Druids distinct from those who arrived in Britain following Assyrian captivity, as the House of Judah was not taken by them, and the Druids point to leaving Egypt as their branching off moment. Are they the descendants of Zerah from the tribe of Judah who left the rest of Israel soon after the Exodus from Egypt? Is it possible that they moved to Greece, Troy, Gaul, before finally settling in Britannia? Whatever the case, they felt the need to prove to Paul that they were, in fact, from that line (tribe of Judah), and after witnessing their rites and ceremonies, Paul had concluded that they were telling the truth. 

All of this is rather exciting, as I feel there is something extremely important concerning the British Isles and Israel. It became the habitation for both Judah and Israel, and that’s not by coincidence, but why?  What mysteries are still waiting to be revealed? What piece(s) of history, long forgotten or hidden, are waiting to be (re)discovered?    

I hope this has sparked some interest in researching the matter for yourself. Continue to test all things, and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all Truths.      

P.S.

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Zetetic Astrology: Uncovering the Truth about the Earth's Nature

 

Zetetic Astrology, written by Samuel Birley Rowbotham (AKA Parallax), who in life was an English inventor, writer, philosopher, and mathematician, is a scientific inquiry into the true nature of the earth and, by extension, the universe. He details his experiential process within 314 pages, spanning a wide variety of topics to include experiments that demonstrate the true form of standing water, thus proving the earth to be a plane, to investigating the cause of tides. 

Parallax spends the first section of the book covering his 15 experiments he conducted to prove the earth to be a plane. His attention to detail is exquisite and meticulous; the entirety of the procedure and the conclusion are easy to follow and logical flow. Aided by figures, the reader is given a visual image to help understand what is taking place and how the mathematics applies in the real world. Unlike many scientists of today, Parallax does not substitute complex mathematical formulas for empirical evidence. What can be seen with the eyes and the senses is greatly taken into account, with supporting math that is not too overly complicated. This allows the reader to be able to follow along and not get lost in jargon or abstract concepts. 

A true philosopher in every sense of the word, he defines his terms before he uses them and applies a strictly logical approach to his work. In chapter 1, Parallax, and throughout the book, explains his disgust over the scientific community’s fascination with theories over repeatable, observable experimentation. 

“None can doubt that by making special experiments, and collecting manifest and undeniable facts, arranging them in logical order, and observing what is natural and fairly deducible therefrom, the result must be more consistent and satisfactory than the contrary method of framing a theory…of which there is no direct and practical evidence…for the purpose of giving an apparent and plausible, but not necessarily truthful explanation of phenomena.” (Parallax, pg. 11)

Having read the entirety of the book, I must admit that Parallax’s style of writing is satisfying to read as it is informative. He spared no expense in his search for the truth, and it shows not only in his experiments but also in his examinations for the so-called “proofs” of earth’s rotundity (second half of the book). Both a gentleman and a scholar, he did not rely on the tactics of name-calling or belittling an idea, as the intelligentsia of today is so quick to do. Instead, he approached each objection with a high level of reasoning and rationale to rival the great philosophers of old. Parallax dedicated his life to this research, and while he was alive, he eagerly debated and presented his ideas. Here is a sample list of organizations that praised him for his research (the end of the book contains what exactly they had to say): Wilts Independent, Liverpool Mercury, Athlone Sentinel, Westmeath Independent, Preston Guardian, Leicester Chronicle, Norfolk Herald, Yarmouth Free Press, Cambridge Chronicle, Croydon Chronicle, Leicestershire Mercury, and South Mid-land Free Press. 

Unfortunately, you may have never heard of Parallax or his work, and this, I believe, is by design. The academics and the ruling elites are always seeking to cover up or hide away people or work that goes against the narrative. You know this to be true and have probably witnessed this for yourself, especially in recent years. If you are genuinely interested in what Parallax wrote and want to dip into one of the most fascinating minds of the 19th century, then consider picking up a copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! 

Remember to test all things, and may the Ruach guide you in your studies. 

 P.S.

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Is Astrology a Sin According to the Torah?

 

I was recently asked if astrology was bad, and while the answer may seem obvious to more seasoned followers of Yeshua, those still growing are still in the process of learning the Torah. When responding to young ones in the faith, and this can apply to both physically young and those who have just started to walk in the way of the Messiah, it is best to answer the question truthfully, humbly, and with evidence. To answer the question, we must first understand what astrology is, and according to Britannica, it is:

“Astrology, a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. Devotees believe that an understanding of the influence of the planets and stars on earthly affairs allows them to both predict and affect the destinies of individuals, groups, and nations.” (Britannica, Astrology) 

The most common way this is done today is with horoscopes, where you look up for astrological sign and read what your daily fortune is. This practice is very popular in the world, with practically every culture having its own variant of it, if not the same one. So, it’s easy to see for the young ones that something so commonplace can be sin, and make no mistake, divination is a sin.

“Do not eat meat with the blood. Do not practice divination or magic.” (Leviticus 19:26)

“Let no one be found among you who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices divination, or a user of magic, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. “For whoever does these is an abomination to יהוה, and because of these abominations יהוה your Elohim drives them out from before you.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) 

Seeking the stars to provide insight into the future or for reasons of mysticism is an abomination to Elohim and is not something we should be doing. This is different than looking to the stars for navigation or using the sun and moon to tell the time. 

“And Elohim said, “Let lights come to be in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and appointed times, and for days and years.” (Genesis 1:14)

I hope this has helped, and continue to test all things, to include this, and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all Truth.

P.S.

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