Effective Prayer: A Torah Perspective, Part II

Effective Prayer: A Torah Perspective, Part II

Often in preparation for effective prayer we see prayer and fasting coupled together. In Acts 13:2-3, the early church in Antioch is described as a community of believers who are worshiping Yahuah and fasting. During this time, the Holy Spirit instructs them to set apart Barnabas and Paul for the work that they are called to do. Following this divine guidance, the church members pray, lay hands on them, and send them off on their mission. This passage highlights the importance of prayer, fasting, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer, coupled with fasting, as an effective way to pray is evident throughout both Old and New Testament writings. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas employed prayer and fasting in appointing elders for the church.

Exodus 34:28 mentions that Moses neither ate bread nor drank water while he was on Mt Sinai for an additional 40 days1 receiving the covenant. The Prophet Ezra declared a fast for himself and the people as they prayed for a safe journey back to Jerusalem from Babylon. (Ezra 8:21-23)

After hearing of the condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah mourns and fasts, then prays for the repentance of Israel’s sins and for restoration of the scattered nation. (Nehemiah 1)

In addition to humbling through fasting and prayer, here other important prerequisites for effective prayer that are important to study and consider:

  • Repentance of Sins (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 66:18)
  • Faith and Trust in Yah (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6, Proverbs 3:5-6)
  • Obedience to Yahuah’s Torah (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and 1 John 3:22 “And we receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”)
  • Forgiveness (Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”)
  • Persistence and Perseverance (Luke 18:1) “Pray and never give up”; and (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray continually.”
  • Righteousness (James 5:1) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
  • Eliminating Distractions (James 5:16) “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

The Importance of Purification and Cleanliness

clean hands

Throughout the scriptures, we are encouraged to maintain a state of cleanliness and purity, reflecting the nature of the Most High and His Son. The following verses highlight the profound connection between spiritual purity and the effectiveness of our prayers.

Psalm 24:3-4: “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”

Isaiah 1:15-16: “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.”

James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Did you know that scripture indicates that if we do not keep Yahuah’s commandments our prayers are an abomination to him?

Proverbs 28:9 – “He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, Even his prayer is an abomination.”

Here are a few other supporting verses:

Psalm 66: 18 – “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me.”

Proverbs 15:8 – The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: But the prayers of the upright is his delight.”

Zechariah 7:11-13 – “But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they closed their ears so they could not hear. They made their hearts like a rock so as not to obey the law or the words that the Lord of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from theLord of Hosts. Just as He had called, and they would not listen, so when they called, I would not listen,” says the Lord of Hosts.”

Isaiah 1:15 – “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of Blood!”

Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins havehidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

Micah 3:4 – “Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At thattime he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.”

John 9:31 – “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godlyperson who does his will.”

1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

So believers can now see, effective prayer involves:

1. Repentance of Sins and the Acceptance of the Gospel of Yahusha Messiah’s death, burial, resurrection, His esteem title as the Son of Yahuah, His esteem and honor as the High Melchizedek priest in heaven sitting at the right hand of the father interceding on our behalf.

2. Faith and Trust in Yahuah and His son Yahusha

3. Cleanliness (Ensuring One Isn’t Unclean or Defiled)

4. Obedience to God’s Commands

5. Forgiveness of others who have sinned against us

6. Striving to live a Righteous life: Remember don’t ever let anyone tell you can’t be righteous, because to say we can’t achieve a righteous walk would be declaring Yahuah a liar. And we know that Yahuah does not lie and that he is not asking his children to do something impossible.

7. Fasting in Humility

8. Eliminating Distractions and focusing on Yahuah when we pray, as we persist and persevere through our prayer life. “Pray Continually” — (a) Praying aloud, not just in our minds (b) Praying through song as David did may be another effective method.

The Impact of Effective Prayer on Our Lives

Effective prayer is important to believers because it ensures that our prayers and petitions to Yahuah are aligned with His will. We all should all strive for our prayers to be sincere and meaningful, rather than selfish, prideful, misguided, angry, vengeful, or disconnected from Yah’s plan. It is essential to remember that Yah has given us the beautiful gift of choice, often referred to as free will. By focusing on effective prayer, we can deepen our relationship with Him and seek to fulfill His purposes in our lives. Amein!

“But if it doesn’t please you to worship Yahuah, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family (my house), we will worship Yahweh.”

Joshua 24:15

So, we do indeed have a choice.

Keeping the freedom to make choices in mind, it’s clear that we pray because we desire something; we seek a solution or relief from our problems. Mature believers recognize the importance of praying in alignment with the Father’s will and in a righteous manner. This means we should avoid asking for material possessions out of selfishness. For example, it’s perfectly reasonable for a family to pray for a larger home if their current living space is no longer adequate due to growth. However, this request differs significantly from seeking a bigger house out of vanity or covetousness.

Keeping the freedom to make choices in mind, it’s clear that we pray because we desire something; we seek a solution or relief from our problems. Mature believers recognize the importance of praying in alignment with the Father’s will and in a righteous manner. This means we should avoid asking for material possessions out of selfishness. For example, it’s perfectly reasonable for a family to pray for a larger home if their current living space is no longer adequate due to growth. However, this request differs significantly from seeking a bigger house out of vanity or covetousness.

Yahuah knows our hearts and our needs, Amein!

Recall the petitions that Avraham made on behalf of the city of Sodom, as he bargained with Yahuah regarding the destruction of that wicked city. He pleaded that if Yah could find just ten righteous people, He would spare it. Avraham could have chosen to remain silent, but instead, he voiced his concerns, and Yahuah heard his petitions, considered them, and agreed to the terms. It was not counted against Avraham as sin for asking. 

Ultimately, however, ten righteous people were not found, and the city was still destroyed. Yet, Avraham’s heart of compassion drove him to intercede, and Yahuah listened and responded to his pleas. Likewise, Moses wrestled with Yah and interceded on behalf of the children of Israel as we read earlier in Exodus 32:11-14. Hallelujah! 

Another more important reason we should desire to have an effective prayer life, is simply to foster a deeper relationship with our heavenly Father.

When we wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to Yahuah and His Son, Yahusha, and discipline ourselves to follow Yahuah’s Torah—His Laws, Commands, and Instructions—without hesitation, we commit to serving Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. In doing so, we will see positive results: our prayers will be heard and be effective in our lives and in the lives of the people we pray for. Our prayers will be more effective in opposing evil spirits, powers, and principalities that we pray against, as well as in seeking protection and deliverance from them. Halleluyah!

A note of caution: please don’t mistake the intent of this study or misinterpret scripture. I’m not implying that every request we make in prayer will be granted, nor am I promoting any false prosperity gospel ideas. Even Paul prayed for healing from his ailment, but he accepted that the answer was no, demonstrating maturity and faith in accepting Yahuah’s decisions.

I am not implying that we won’t face persecution, stress, danger, or even death. Stephen, the first martyr, lived righteously and had what I would consider an effective prayer life, yet he still died for his faith. However, look at what his death inspired. Look at the example he set by giving forgiveness toward those who murdered him. Stephen is notably remembered for his ultimate sacrifice for the faith. His actions emboldened Christians to standfast in the face of persecutions and for centuries has inspired believers to fear no men and to stand for truth no matter what.

Remember, always pray that Yahuah’s will be done in all things. As I mentioned earlier, sometimes prayers are answered in many miraculous ways.

Examples of Effective Prayer

Let’s be honest, answered prayer in today’s world seldom makes it onto the evening news. They are likely never reported or are buried on purpose because the enemy – Ha’Satan – wants believers to remain uninformed, weak, and ineffective in their spiritual and prayer life. The evil one does not want us praying for healing of one another, he does not want us casting out demons, and he does not want us to raise the dead. But these prayers are answered today. Here are a few instances I have found of prayers being answered in amazing ways:

Miraculous Provision

George Müller was a Christian evangelist and the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. He is known for his unwavering faith and reliance on prayer. Müller never asked for financial support, but instead, he prayed for God to provide for the needs of the orphanage. One famous story recounts how, one morning, there was no food for the children. Müller prayed, and shortly after, a baker knocked on the door with enough bread to feed everyone. Then, a milkman whose cart had broken down nearby offered the milk to the orphanage, ensuring the children had a complete meal.

Miraculous Resurrection 

In 2001, Nigerian pastor Daniel Ekechukwu was declared dead after a car accident. His body was taken to a mortuary, where it remained for two days. His wife, believing in the power of prayer, insisted on taking his body to a church where Reinhard Bonnke was preaching. After intense prayer, Daniel reportedly came back to life, astonishing doctors and witnesses.

Miraculous  Recovery

In 2015, John Smith, a teenager from Missouri, fell through ice and was underwater for 15 minutes. He was declared dead for over an hour. His mother, Joyce, prayed fervently at his bedside, and miraculously, his heart started beating again. Despite the grim prognosis, John made a full recovery, which doctors could not explain.

Miraculous Healing

Barbara Snyder was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was in the final stages of the disease. She was bedridden and had lost the ability to breathe on her own. After receiving prayer from her church community, she experienced a sudden and complete healing. She was able to walk and breathe without assistance, leaving her doctors baffled.

The Rev Thomas Kendall and the Maori chiefs Hongi and Waikato oil on canvas by James Barry
Reverend Thomas Kendall & Maori Chiefs, oil painting by James Barry 1820

Miracles Witnessed by Early Catholic Missionaries in Africa

In the early 20th century, Catholic missionaries in Africa often reported miraculous events among the local tribes. One notable account involves missionaries who shared the Gospel with a tribe, teaching them about Jesus’ miracles. When the missionaries returned months later, they found the tribe practicing what they had learned—casting out demons, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. However, the missionaries, unfamiliar with such manifestations, discouraged these practices, fearing they were forms of local magic.

John G. Lake, a missionary to South Africa in the early 1900s, documented numerous miracles, including healings and resurrections. Lake’s ministry was marked by extraordinary events, such as the healing of the sick and casting out of demons, which resonated deeply with the local African communities.

As we can see, Yahuah still answers prayers. These prayers were certainly effective because they involved, steadfast faith, belief in the power of Yahuah, and were coupled with a righteous walk. 

Preacher Charles Spurgeon had this to say about the nature of prayer:

“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.”

Author E.M. Bounds believed that:

“Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.”

Brothers and sisters, seek guidance and effective prayer examples from the Scriptures. We are to be mimickers of Yahusha. We know Yahusha mimics the Father in heaven and does all things according to His will. Yahusha followed the examples set in the Torah and the Prophets, and we should do the same in our prayer life and approach to prayer.

We should equip ourselves for effective prayers in various circumstances, as highlighted in several passages above. This is especially important concerning spiritual warfare and other significant matters. We should all routinely engage in prayer, fasting, maintaining cleanliness, purification, and humility. We can metaphorically wear sackcloth and ashes by publicly and visibly demonstrating deep remorse, humility, and a sense of mourning and deep anguish in our prayers to our Heavenly Father.  Many of us understand this connection to the Day of Atonement, and we see above it applies in a multitude of dire situations.

Hopefully you can see why striving for an effective prayer life is important to us, the lives of those around us, and to our connection to Yahusha and our heavenly Father Yahuah.

The main thing I hope and pray is that we all keep working and striving for an effective prayer life, to be the light to the world that Yahuah has called us to be as his children. If we pray and it seems like our prayers aren’t being heard or answered, may we never give up, may we keep striving to prays as the prophets prayed, as Yahusha prayed, and keep turning back to the Scriptures for guidance in achieving this goal of effective prayers.

Never give up, keep trying, and remain persistent. The Scriptures tell us to pray without ceasing. All day, every day, all the time! Halleluyah, and Amein!

Lastly, recall at the beginning of this study I ask you to write down in your study notes a list of your current prayers, and specifically how you are saying the prayer to Yah. Now, having considered the topics covered in this study, revisit those prayers and determine how you might reword the prayers to be more effective. But most importantly, consider what preparations you should do first before presenting your petition to the Father more effectively.

Prayers are answered today, all the time, all around the world, and we must keep trying, keep praying, keep petitioning Yahuah, in fear, respect, faith, and in patience – never doubting. We must always pray in accordance with His will. May Yahuah’s will be done in all things even when we don’t understand.

Thank you for honoring me by reading through this study. I hope it has blessed you and that it helps in your pursuit of achieving a more effective prayer life. All glory and honor be to the Most-High Yahuah!

“Hear, O Yisra’ĕl: יהוה our Elohim, יהוה is one! “And you shalllove יהוה your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Shalom.


Footnotes

1 In Exodus 24:18, it states that Moses was on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights when he received the tablets of the law. Adding these two periods together gives a total of 80 days of fasting: 40 days from Exodus 24:18 and 40 days from Exodus 34:28.

Forget the Mark of the Beast: Aim for the Mark of Yah

Forget the Mark of the Beast: Aim for the Mark of Yah

Predictions about the last days often evoke fears surrounding the mark of the beast. However, we encourage you to shift your focus to something far more important: receiving the mark of YHWH.  Yes, the faithful are marked by the Most High, bearing the promise of eternal life. The enemy’s mark carries the threat of the second death. Before we unpack this, let’s lay a solid foundation.

When Men’s Hearts Fail 

People are frightened – even many believers in the Messiah. When you scroll through the comments section of most news websites, sentiments like the one below have become all too common of late:

societal decline

Luke’s gospel tells us that men’s hearts will fail because of fear of what’s coming. They sense that these calamities have a spiritual connection.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Luke 21:25-26

Even though we are bombarded daily with news of worldwide civil unrest, skyrocketing national debt, political chaos, racial division, and impending economic collapse, as Yeshua’s disciples we are told to remain steadfast.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.

Luke 21: 26-27

For those of us who have diligently studied the Bible from cover to cover to discover its marvelous truths, the future – while sometimes frightening – is also filled with hope. This is made possible only by the grace the Almighty has given us through His son, Yeshua.

Recently, journalist Tucker Carlson made this observation:

“I just can’t believe that in the end, when it really gets intense – as it is now – that it’s Christians – it’s people who actually believe the Bible, – who are the only ones with wisdom, who understand what’s really going on. They’re not shocked at all, and they’re not panicked either. They get it.”

Yes, we get it. People of faith understand how all this will play out. According to the book of Revelation, there will be an ever-encroaching spiritual darkness and pressures placed on Torah followers to conform. Some of us may even live long enough to see the unveiling of the two witnesses and the unmasking of the ‘man of sin’ who will put the ‘D’ in draconian lawlessness. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful because we already know how this unfolds.

I shall not leave you orphans – I am coming to you. Yet a little while and the world no longer sees me, but you shall see me, because I live, and you shall live.

John 14:18-19

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

But before we get ‘there’, we have to go ‘through’ some hard things. Unfortunately, the doctrine of the rapture has led millions to believe that the church will be removed before the worst events occur. Quite the contrary.

First of all, judgment will begin with Yah’s house — His people. The days of cultural Christianity1 are over.

It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! If good people barely make it, what’s in store for the bad? So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.

1 Peter 4:17-19 The Message Bible

Secondly, many sincere believers in Yeshua have been taught that they will be whisked away in the rapture before the Great Tribulation. The rapture doctrine2 was a fanciful theory first put forth by John Nelson Darby in the 19th century. Yeshua never taught this doctrine. Instead, he warned us to gird our loins and be ready to be deceived, mocked, and persecuted for our faith.

Rapture or First Resurrection depiction

The damage this doctrine inflicts on the spiritually uninformed is tragic on several levels: it feeds a false sense of security, misrepresents a major aspect of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and may sow seeds of anger against Yah and His Son when stuff hits the fan and believers are still here.

The often quoted passages in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 do not refer to a pre-trib rapture. It describes the first resurrection of the righteous, either still alive or residing in Sheol (the grave). The coming of the Son of Man doesn’t happen until the end of the tribulation. Members of the ekklesia (assembly, called out ones) who are still alive, will be tested through hardship. (1 Peter 1)

Throughout our lives, our faith is tested by various trials. The Most High allows challenges such as poverty, persecution, sickness, and satanic malevolent forces to attack us to shape our character and strengthen our resolve. He intends for these experiences to yield positive outcomes, ultimately demonstrating that these trials were purposefully designed for our growth. (Ephesians 6:12)

Those who expect to escape persecution in these last days must ask themselves, ‘Why would this generation be any different from previous generations of faithful saints who were beaten, sawn asunder, forced to hide in caves and wander about in sheep and goat skins?’ (Hebrews 11:36-40)

Weighed. Measured. Numbered.

There is a provocative prophetic passage in 2 Esdras3 concerning the end times. The angel Uriel, speaking to the seer Esdras in a vision, asserts that there is a predetermined number of righteous men and women who must be born before the end of this age can (or will) come.

For he has weighed the age in the balance, and with measure has measured the times, and by number has numbered the seasons: neither will he move nor stir things, till the measure appointed be fulfilled.4

2 Esdras/IV Ezra 4:36,37

In addition to weighing the age, measuring the times, and numbering the seasons, Yah is putting believers to the test to determine how we stack up in accordance with His word. Job was well aware of this:

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.

Job 31:5-6 KJV

Scales are used to weigh a thing to properly ascertain its value, as is the case of gold or silver. In the Scriptures, when scales are referenced about a person, they usually symbolize an assessment of that individual’s character or actions. In this sense, a balance or scale is emblematic of justice – as in ‘weighing’ actions.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for Yahuah is an El of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 KJV

19th-century theologian Albert Barnes also observed:

The balance thus used to denote judgment in this life became also the emblem of judgment in the future state, when the conduct of men will be accurately estimated, and justice dealt out to them according to the strict rules of equity.

When you examine the paintings and papyri of ancient Egypt, and Daniel’s writings concerning Belshazzar, the nexus between scales and judgment is unmistakable. The handwriting was literally on the wall for Babylon’s prideful king that fateful night in 539 BC. The words etched on the banquet hall wall foretold impending judgment.

handwriting on wall

This is the explanation of the matter: “Mene—God has numbered your kingdom and brought an end to it. Tekel: you have been weighed on scales and you have been found wanting. Peres—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Daniel 5:26-28 KJV

In determining our ‘righteousness’, the standards of measurement Yah uses can be found in the commandments included in the Torah. To be found worthy of Kingdom citizenship, our behavior in this life has to be weighed and measured against Torah standards.

When we place our faith in the promises made to us in the Scriptures and choose to walk in Yeshua’s ways5, we reveal our true character and the quality of our commitment to the Gospel.  Therefore, we are numbered or counted worthy of Kingdom citizenship.

Righteous Rules to Live By

Most church-goers have a knee-jerk reaction to the word ‘law’ when spoken in a religious context. They will either claim that “we are no longer under the law” or say “the law is for the Jews” or “Jesus did away with the law.” They may also argue that Christ was the “end of the law,” citing Romans 10:4

Christ being the end or goal of the law does not mean his righteousness was imputed or transferred to my (sin debt) account. This teaching absolves the believer of his or her responsibility of obedience to the law – and sin is the transgression of the law. This is why Yeshua would end conversations with “go and sin no more.”

(See also: John 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Peter 2:14)

Torah is defined as “pertaining to the law, laws, legal, just, legitimate, equitable.” However, its root is yarah (#H3384) which means “to shoot like an arrow or to teach.” These definitions work beautifully together when you understand that since our aim is to become like Yeshua (our goal), then the Torah or law is the means by which we can hit the bullseye of that target. Or come close to hitting it. When we fail, we have been given the privilege of confession of sin before our High Priest, Yeshua.

Torah study

Again, where there is no law then there is no transgression. Sin is the transgression of the law. So when we are taught to despise Yah’s Torah, we place ourselves in spiritual (legal) jeopardy.

We have a choice: we can allow ourselves to be mentally tormented by the “what ifs” connected to the next election or economic collapse, or we can focus on the promises made to those who walk in covenant obedience.

The Bible contains numerous if/then promises from Yah and Yeshua, indicating that if Yah’s people act in a specific manner, then Yah will respond with a corresponding action. In other words, the ‘then’ statements are promises that God’s covenant people will see fulfilled for being obedient. The promised blessings for obedience can be found in Deuteronomy 28, Exodus 23:20-23, and Leviticus 26:1-12.

    On the Day of Yah, when chaos erupts on earth, there will be no spiritual ambiguity. During the end-time harvest, angels will distinguish between the wheat and the chaff at the sound of the seventh trumpet. The wheat symbolizes believers who will be taken to the New Jerusalem, while the chaff represents unbelievers destined for destruction (Luke 3:16). Angels will not inquire about your religious affiliation—Jew, Gentile, Presbyterian, or Baptist. Instead, your faithfulness and conduct as a believer in Yeshua will serve as the definitive test. (Matthew 13:37-43)

    Contrasting the Two Marks

    The Mark of the Beast

    Once the the beast (aka anti-messiah), is revealed and takes over worldwide governance, his false prophet will issue an ultimatum: receive the beast’s mark or suffer the consequences.6

    And the second beast causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is a call for wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: and that number is 666.

    Revelation 13:16-18 NLT

    These verses tell us:

    1. Every strata of society will be presented with a choice to take or refuse the mark.
    2. The beast’s mark will be on the right hand or forehead.
    3. Without this mark, you will not be able to buy or sell.

    The Greek word for mark is xaragma which translates as ‘an engraving (etching); (figuratively) a mark providing undeniable identification, like a symbol giving irrefutable connection between the parties.’ Accepting this mark equates to an act of worship, involving a choice influenced by fear—a tactic of the adversary. This mark will reveal both genuine Covenant keepers and those who have fallen away. It could be related to programmable mRNA nanotechnology, digital interface tattoos, quantum dot tattoos, the payment system tied to universal basic income or vaccine passports. The true nature of the mark is unknown at this time.

    The Mark of YHWH

    Contrast the beast’s mark with YHWH’s mark which signifies our love for Him and voluntary obedience to His commandments. Instead of oppressive servitude, Yah’s comes with the promise of provision and eternal life from the Father.

    Aleph Tav Mark of Yah

    The typical strategy of the enemy is to distort and twist the truth of Yah’s word. He did it in Eden and he is doing it now. It is not surprising that the ultimate counterfeiter, Satan, chose the right hand or forehead as locations for his mark on the human body. Our hands symbolize our actions, while our foreheads7 represent the part of the brain where we meditate and reflect on Yah’s word continually. Throughout the Scriptures, references to the hand and head serve as Yah’s way of marking His people.

    Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

    Deuteronomy 11:18 

    Hear, O Israel: Yahuah our Elohim, Yahuah is One. And you shall love Yahuah your elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

    Deuteronomy 6:4-8 

    It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of Yahuah is to be on your lips. Exodus 13:9 

    Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living El. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our Elohim on their foreheads.8

    Revelation 7:2-3 

    They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.

    Revelation 22:4

    Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. .

    Exodus 11:18

    Fear Not

    It has been said that the opposite of fear is knowledge and understanding. Even the secular world understands this. An article9 published on Psychology Today online suggested this antidote to succumbing to fear:

    When something frightens you, a willingness to question things before accepting them or jumping to conclusions, is the beginning of how you overcome fear. Courage and confidence, bravery and derring-do, come later. They come after research, examination, and analysis.

    Interestingly enough, this advice is also scriptural. 

    The reverence  of Yahuah is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Qadosh One is understanding. For by Me your days become many, and years of life are added to you.

    Proverbs 9:10-11

    We acquire knowledge of the Holy One through the study of the Scriptures. As people of faith we must, in this late hour, take responsibility for our spiritual growth and development. Instead of blindly following the teachings of YouTube apologists or pastors, we must investigate all claims. We must spend time in prayer and study. (Acts 17:10-12)

    Instead of freaking out about what the world is involved in, use this precious time to mine the Scriptures for the wisdom to navigate these uncertain waters. Trust the Ruach HaKodesh to guide you to the truth.

    Instead of concentrating on what the beast’s mark might look like, focus on receiving the Mark of Yahuah. Center your attention on what pleases Yah, and He will mark and seal your soul for eternity. Be bold in claiming every promise given to the covenant people in the Scriptures, as they apply to you.. 

    And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

    Luke 12:4

    Every blessing promised to Yisrael (biblical Israel) applies to all grafted-in believers who place their faith in Yeshua, our High Priest. Both the First Covenant (Old Testament) and the Renewed Covenant (New Testament) affirm that Yah’s people, Yisrael, are a people of faith. Those who believe in Yah and strive to follow His guidance are regarded as members of His family because they have been grafted into the Vine. (John 15)

    We must be fearless and resolute now, before the pressure is ratcheted up.  No matter how the enemy threatens us, we must pray for courage to resist taking his mark –- even if it means death. The mark we seek comes from above.

    Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4

    The ultimate outcome of history is in Yah’s hands. To inherit all things, we must be overcomers, and that journey begins with repentance. By surrendering unconditionally to the Most High and believing in Yeshua as the path to eternal life, we gain the strength to withstand any challenges from the enemy in these last days. As Daniel 2:21 reminds us, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Delve into the scriptures, pray for wisdom, and firmly believe that only the Most High can secure your future.


    FOOTNOTES

    1 Cultural Christianity is a term used to describe people who identify as Christian but don’t practice the faith or have a personal relationship with Jesus. Cultural Christians may value religious culture and identify with certain aspects of Christianity, such as Jesus’ good works, but may reject the spiritual aspects required to be a biblically defined disciple. For example, cultural Christians may believe they are ‘saved’ by attending church, being baptized, or being a good person, but they do not follow Yeshua’s teachings concerning obeying the commandments – the Torah.

    2 John Nelson Darby, a dispensationalist theologian, is credited with developing the rapture doctrine in the early 19th century. Darby’s work was influenced by his analysis of Bible translations in 1833. The doctrine became popular with Christians who were interested in the end times, especially after it was included in study Bibles like the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909 and in books like Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth in 1970.

    3 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book in some English versions of the Bible. Tradition ascribes it to Ezra, a scribe and priest of the fifth century BC, whom the book identifies with the sixth-century figure Shealtiel.

    4 “The times and periods of the course of the world’s history have been predetermined by God. The numbers of the years have been exactly fixed. This was a fundamental postulate of the apocalyptists, who devoted much of their energy to calculations, based upon a close study of prophecy, as to the exact period when history should reach its consummation. One scheme especially favored dividing history into a world-week of seven millenniums, corresponding to the week of Creation. Here, however, as in the case of the number of the righteous (elect) no definite number is mentioned.” R.H. Charles commentary on IV Ezra.

    5 Prophets, apostles, angels, and Yeshua have all functioned at one time or another as agents or ambassadors of the Most High in order to advance the Father’s Kingdom agenda. Yeshua did not concoct ‘new’ commandments. He taught obedience to the commandments his Father had already given -– the eternal Torah.

    6 For a detailed study of the mark of the beast, read Appendix III in The Gospel Worth Dying For: A Fresh Look at the Gospel of the Kingdom, pages 239-244

    7 This seal is probably not visible; instead, it signifies that individuals derive their identity through their relationship with Yahuah and Yeshua.

    8 The frontal lobes are involved in motor function, problem-solving, spontaneity, memory, language, initiation, judgment, impulse control, and social and sexual behavior. Source: Centre for Neuro Skills, https://neuroskills.com/brian-injury/frongtal-lobes/

    9 “What’s the Opposite of Fear”, Robert Evans Wilson Jr., posted February 11, 2022

    The Deceitful Human Heart — A Scripture Analysis

    The Deceitful Human Heart — A Scripture Analysis

    The Bible has much to say about the deceitful human heart. In fact, the heart is mentioned more than 800 times and is an essential topic of discussion throughout the scriptures. When conducting a quick search of the word ‘heart’ in the Bible, one can quickly see that the term is used in various ways, depending on the context of each passage. 

    Matthew’s epistle connects it to treasure and our capacity to love God.

    For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    Matthew 6:21

    Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

    Matthew 22:37

    The Psalmists write about a desire for a pure heart, a longing after the Father, and blessings that follow those who obey.

    Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

    Psalm 51:10

    May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

    Psalm 20:4

    Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

    Psalm 119:2

    The Prophet Jeremiah warned against trusting our hearts and, conversely, gave advice on how to seek after Yahuah.

    The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.

    Jeremiah 17:9-10

    You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

    Jeremiah 29:13

    In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he warned of how following after the desire of our hearts would lead to spiritual ruin.

    Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.

    Romans 1:24-25

    Mark tells us that defilement begins in the heart.

    And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil reasonings, adulteries, whorings, murders, thefts, greedy desires, wickednesses, deceit, indecency, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.”

    Mark 7:20-22

    When it comes to the biblical term ‘heart’ it is quite challenging to provide a short and precise definition. If you search for the biblical meaning of ‘heart’ you will come across numerous discussions attempting to define it. 

    Dr. Lorence Collins gives one of the best and most concise definitions I have found: 

    In the Bible, the heart is considered the seat of life or strength. Hence, it means mind, soul, spirit, or one’s entire emotional nature and understanding. 

    This definition aligns well with the broad biblical usage of the term ‘heart’, encompassing both righteous and sinful applications. 

    To gain a deeper understanding, it would be beneficial to examine various aspects related to the heart, including the heart of Yahuah, the heart of man, the wicked heart, the repentant heart, the prideful heart, and the righteous heart. By breaking it down in this manner, we can embark on a more comprehensive study of this term.

    Contrasting the Righteous and Unrighteous Heart

    As ‘heart’ pertains to righteousness, the term connects with a devout believer’s mind, soul, spirit, and emotional nature, aligning with the ways of God where the believer walks in obedience to His Torah. 

    On the other hand, as it pertains to sin, the mind, soul, spirit, and emotional nature align with the fallen world’s ways (sinfulness), walking in opposition to God’s commandments.

    The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

    Jeremiah 17:9-10 NKJV

    As this passage asserts, the human heart is deceitful and wicked but follows with how Yahuah searches the hearts and minds of people to give them according to their ways. 

    On one hand, we find encouragement in passages like Psalm 37:4, which instructs us to “delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” On the other hand, there are passages like Romans 1:24, which states that “God gave them over to the desires of their hearts, leading to impurity and dishonoring of their bodies with one another.” 

    These scriptures show that whether we choose to live righteously or unrighteously, God allows us to pursue the desires of our hearts. As believers, it is crucial for us to remain focused and disciplined on following God’s ways, so we do not risk our hearts being turned towards sinful desires.

    The Rebellious Heart

    deceitful human heart

    One of the fundamental challenges faced by many people worldwide is the disbelief in the existence of the Creator, a phenomenon commonly observed in the secular world around us. The first chapter of the book of Romans eloquently explains these deceptive matters of the heart, offering timeless wisdom that remains as relevant today as it was in the past.

    After Shaul’s (Paul’s) greeting in Romans 1:1-16, in verses 17-32, Shaul summarizes the core of what leads to the heart being deceived. As verse 20 points out:

     Since the creation of the world, His invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, both His everlasting power and Mightiness, for them to be without excuse.

     That is to say, since the time of creation, the ways, laws, and morals of Yahuah are clearly evident in His creation, all around us. Yah’s everlasting power and mightiness are self-evident. If human beings are simply observant of what they witness in nature, they can observe the evidence of Yahuah’s creation, so mankind is without excuse. Psalm 19:1-6 confirms this point, declaring that “The heavens declare the glory of Yah.”

    Despite the evidence of the Creator observed throughout the world, humankind continues to rebelliously ignore the truths right in front of them. Disbelief in the Creator is, of course, just one element of a compounding issue of delusion present in the world, as 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 warns:

    For the secret of lawlessness is already at work – only until he who now restrains comes out of the midst. And then the lawless one shall be revealed, whom the Master shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth and bring to naught with the manifestation of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order for them to be saved. And for this reason, Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe the falsehood, in order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have delighted in the unrighteousness.

    Sadly, this is the situation in which we observe most people in the world where they are living in a state of delusion and where they have been turned over to the desires of a carnal, sinful heart. 

    Yahusha – Our Example

    As believers, we must align our will and actions to agree with Yahuah’s will, walking as Yahusha walked. Yahusha was the example of perfect alignment of his life walk with the will of the Father as we see in John 4:34, which reads, “יהושע said to them, “My food is to do the desire of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.”

    Likewise, in John 12:49-50, Yahusha states, “Because I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent Me has given Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, as the Father has said to me, so I speak.” 

    It is clear that the desires of Yahusha’s heart were 100% in alignment with Father Yahuah’s will and that the desires of his heart were righteous continually.

    Throughout the scriptures, we find numerous examples and instructions from the disciples urging believers to follow Yahusha’s example and walk as he walked to achieve alignment of our lives with the will of the Father. 

    As we see in 1 John 2:6, 1 Peter 2:21, and as it is very simply stated in 1 Corinthians 11:1, we must mimic Yahusha’s behavior.

      Be imitators of me, as I am of Messiah.

    In John 15, the Messiah gives us a beautiful formula of how to remain in alignment with him throughout our life walk. 

    If you guard My commands, you shall stay in My love even as I have guarded My Father’s commands and stay in His love. These words I have spoken to you, so that My joy might be in you, and that your joy might be complete. This is My command, that you love one another, as I have loved you.

    John 15:10-12

    Final Thoughts

    The list of specific sins related to a deceitful human heart is endless, so there’s no need to delve into each one. The important point is that the root cause of heart matter deceptions stems from walking rebelliously against Yahuah’s Torah and His ways.

    Walking in opposition to Yahuah’s Torah results in one being given over to the sinful desires of their own heart, which can quickly cascade into a multitude of sinful behaviors – ultimately destroying one’s soul at the Judgement. 

    We must remember the warning given by the prophet Jeremiah:

    The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

    Jeremiah 17:9-10

    Ultimately, Yahuah will give us over to the desires of our hearts. Since He gifted us with a Free Will at creation, each person will naturally follow the desires of their heart and make their own choices during their lives.

    To maintain alignment with Yah’s ways, it is crucial for believers to walk daily with Messiah Yahusha, keeping the Father’s ways and striving to show ourselves approved.

    Through our continued growth and dedication to Yahuah, our hearts’ desires will align with Yah’s desire for our lives, and the two will be in harmony. It will result in the desires of our heart leaning toward righteousness and not sinfulness. 

    Ultimately, a righteous believer’s heart desires that Yahuah’s kingdom come and His will be done in all things.

    I hope this brief discussion has blessed you, and I pray that Yahuah will continue to transform and renew our minds to live and walk in righteousness in a manner pleasing to Him. Shalom Aleichem, and thank you for reading.

    The Challenge of Raising Righteous Sons

    The Challenge of Raising Righteous Sons

    As a father of three boys, I am often worried about how my sons will cope with the abounding wickedness we see across the world today. I recognize how challenging it will be for them to guard their hearts and minds against sin as they grow into young men. I couldn’t even begin to list all of the wickedness observed in the world today, as it will fill volumes of books. Yet, I am reminded that the scriptures teach us that there is nothing new about the sinful nature of humanity.

    What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

    Ecclesiastes 1:9 BSB

    Ecclesiastes goes on to say in chapter 3:14-15:

    I know that, whatsoever Elohiym does, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and Elohiym does it, the men should fear before him. That which has been is now; and that which is to be has already been; and Elohiym requires that which is past.

    Although, at present, demonic activity seems to be progressing quickly, rest assured the above verses are true, and these types of cultural sins and temptations have been around on earth in ages past in one form or another.

    Other Torah observant fathers have faced these challenges before, albeit without the technology we have today, from Babylon to Ancient Greece and from Roman culture to modern cultures. So be encouraged, Yahuah was with those believers then, and He is with us today.

    Righteous Sons Have Committed Fathers

    Righteous sons have committed fathers

    As a father, I want to prepare my sons in the best way possible for their current challenges and the challenges to come. As a believer in Yahusha, I want to instill in them biblical morals and principles to lean upon as they face these challenges in the hopes that they make the best choices possible. Likewise, as any loving parent, I pray they make better choices than I did at their age and as young men.

    I know that I don’t have all the answers, and I also know that with the generational gap, I don’t honestly know what it’s like to be in their shoes, walking in this wicked world in these trying times. What I do know is that the scriptures reveal Truth.1 The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 to:

    “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”

    HCSB

    Therefore, as a father, I must always be on guard, knowing that evil is always seeking after my family’s hearts and minds.

    Sword of the Spirit

    Sin is indeed assaulting Fathers and sons from nearly every angle. In the United States, masculinity is broadly under attack, where being a strong male is shunned. The World expresses the idea that strong men are not welcome in our society except where we might need them for security, wars, and entertainment. After that, strong men are expected always to be passive, submissive, and weak. However, as men of God, the scriptures remind us in several passages to be strong, brave, righteous, and imitators of Messiah Yahusha at all times.

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, nor be discouraged, for יהוה your Elohim is with you wherever you go.”

    Yehoshua 1:9 TS2009

    Of course, this does not refer only to the physical but also to the spiritual, as it relates to being a good father, a good son, and a righteous man of Yahuah. To prepare and combat these spiritual battles we face each and every day, scripture advises us to prepare ourselves daily for what may come.

    “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:10-12 HCSB).

    Ephesians 6:10-12 HCSB

    There is, of course, a time and a place for physical strength and courage required of any father in protecting their family, but what fathers and sons are predominantly facing in this culture pertains to the spiritual attacks we encounter daily from the world.

    Fatherhood In The Age of Wokeness

    What advice can I give fathers and sons in coping with the onslaught of wokeness, lawlessness, sexualization, and perversion the world is attacking believers with? I can only turn to the scriptures for guidance because, as Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches, we are not to lean on our own understanding and are to seek wisdom from Yahuah as James 1:5 instructs.

    Father instructing son.

    I couldn’t begin to list all the verses and stories in Scripture which express the wisdom of Yahuah of how a father should instruct and prepare his sons for the world. However, the Bible, as a whole, expresses the character of Yahuah as the perfect example of a loving father, which is an example in and of itself of how we are to guide our sons in life.

    As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

    Psalm 103:13 BSB

    Here are a few particularly instructive and encouraging verses, which I hope fathers will read and pray about. Proverbs 13:25, Ephesians 6:1-4, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Proverbs 20:7, Matthew 7:9-11, Colossians 3:21, Proverbs 3:11-12, Proverbs 14:26, Hebrews12:7, and 2 Samuel 7:14-15.

    For what it’s worth, I know from the scriptures that fathers, as servant leaders of the household, must set the example of righteous living so that our sons can see us walking the walk and talking the talk of scripturally righteous living. If we fathers serve Yahuah with all our heart, mind, and strength, perhaps Proverbs 17:6 will truly become a reality in the fullness of time, which reads, “Parents are the pride of their children.”

    Actions indeed speak louder than words. As my oldest son quickly approaches the age of 16, even though his youthful foolishness is often on display, I have observed that when it counts, the biblical principles I have tried to instill in him come to his mind and are revealed in his actions.

    We Must Trust Our Righteous Heavenly Father

    I know and trust that my Father Yahuah is at work in my sons.

    Additionally, as it pertains to preparing my sons for coping with the abominable wokeness of the world, the book of Proverbs is very fitting for today. I choose to be open, honest, and blunt with my sons about many of the difficult topics written about in Proverbs. Although I feel uncomfortable discussing whores, harlots, and other more mature subjects, I know that the woke, perverted people of the world would not hesitate to discuss these things with my sons and implant a sinful point of view in their minds.

    Therefore it is critical that my sons hear these topics from me, a God-fearing father, from a biblical perspective first — so that the truth is already rooted as a foundation in their minds. If we fathers remain diligent, disciplined, and dedicated to biblical righteousness — unrelenting in teaching biblical truths to our sons — then I believe we will one day hear a good report spoken regarding them and experience the father’s joy spoken of in 3 John 1:4:

    “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth”


    FOOTNOTES

    1 Pontius Pilate famously asked Yahusha “What is truth?” Although philosophers come up short with a proper definition, the Scriptures are clear. There are three aspects from which we can measure Truth: Yahusha (John 14:6), the Word (John 17:17), and the Ruach HaKodesh or Holy Spirit (1 John 5:6).

    ChatGPT – The Seductive Allure of A.I.

    ChatGPT – The Seductive Allure of A.I.

    By now you have probably heard about the artificial intelligence chatbot known as ChatGPT. Developed by OpenAI, this controversial new technology is described as a “natural language” processing tool powered by artificial intelligence. ChatGPT is categorized as a “conversational” A.I. language model that basically allows you to talk to a computer program.

    So how does it work?

    Unlike the experience of typing questions into a search engine text field, a chatbot runs on language model architecture and can hold a conversation with the end user. Whereas a search engine will index information and retrieve answers based on your query, OpenAI claims that ChatGPT doesn’t operate this way.

    They say it does not have the ability to search the internet for answers. The way it “learns” is by using information called training data that it has stored in order to give a response. You can use it to…

    • write code
    • build an app
    • write poetry
    • write excel formulas
    • write blog posts & books
    • answer theological questions

    And yet, many people are still concerned about its potential for mischief.

    Elon Musk quote

    What is Artificial Intelligence?

    In its simplest form, AI is a collection of data that forms the building blocks of intelligent machines. Like the six-million dollar man from the 70s TV series, AI is made in man’s image by men. Its goal is to be “stronger, better, and faster” than humans. Speed, precision, and effectiveness are the hallmarks of this new technology.

    In a 2019 article1 posted to the Forbes website, columnist Naveen Joshi asserts that artificial intelligence (AI) can be split into seven categories.

    • reactive (no memory, responds to stimuli)
    • limited memory (uses memory to learn and improve responses)
    • theory of mind (understands the needs of other intelligent entities)
    • self-aware (human-like intelligence and self-awareness)
    • artificial narrow intelligence (ANI)
    • artificial general intelligence (AGI)
    • artificial superintelligence (ASI)

    According to Wikipedia, ChatGPT is in the “generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) family of language models. OpenAI collects data from ChatGPT users to train and fine-tune the service further. Users can upvote or downvote responses they receive from ChatGPT and fill in a text field with additional feedback.”

    Many in the technology field argue that natural language AI doesn’t pose a danger to society in that it is not sentient. (However, the bot does use personal pronouns when responding to questions about its identity and abilities.)

    As an AI language model, I am designed to generate responses that are as natural and human-like as possible. While I am not capable of having actual human experiences or emotions, I am constantly learning from a vast amount of text data to improve my ability to understand and respond to human language.

    ChatGPT response to query

    Harmless Fun or Something More Disturbing?

    Out of curiosity I recently posed several questions to the ChatGPT bot to see how “it” would respond. I submitted four questions related to the Gospel of the Kingdom. Here is the transcript of my “conversation” with the bot:

    Q: Did Jesus ever teach that the Law was done away with?

    ChatGPT logo

    Jesus did not teach that the Law was done away with. In fact, he explicitly stated that he did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.

    In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

    Jesus was saying that he came to fulfill the Law, to bring it to its intended completion, and to show its true meaning and purpose. He was not saying that the Law was no longer relevant or that it was abolished.

    Throughout his teachings, Jesus emphasized the importance of following God’s commandments and living according to his will. He taught that the two greatest commandments were to love God with all your heart, should, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 37-40)

    So, while Jesus did not teach that the Law was done away with, he did emphasize the importance of understanding the true meaning and purpose of the Law and living a life that is in accordance with God’s will.

    Q: What is prolepsis in the context of biblical salvation?

    ChatGPT logo

    Prolepsis in the context of biblical salvation refers to the idea that believers in Jesus Christ are already considered saved, even though they have not yet received the fullness of their salvation. In other words, salvation is seen as both a present reality and a future hope.

    This concept is based on several biblical passages that speak of believers as having already been saved, even though they have not yet received the full benefits of their salvation.

    For example, in Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works so that no one can boast.”

    Similarly, in Romans 8:24, Paul writes, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have.”

    Prolepsis emphasizes the idea that believers are already part of the kingdom of God and have a secure future, even though they may still struggle with sin and face trials and difficulties in this life. It also emphasizes the importance of living a life that is consistent with the reality of salvation, by seeking to live in obedience to God’s will and by serving others in love.

    Q: What is the Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus preached?

    ChatGPT logo

    The Gospel of the Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven, is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It refers to the message that Jesus preached during his time on earth, which was focused on the coming of God’s kingdom and the invitation to enter it.

    The Gospel of the Kingdom is about more than just the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. It also includes the idea of living under the reign of God, submitting to His will, and participating in the work of building His kingdom on earth.

    The Gospel of the Kingdom is a message of hope, peace, and transformation, both on an individual and societal level. It calls us to turn away from our old ways of living and to follow Jesus as our King, to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and to love and serve others as He did.

    In summary, the Gospel of the Kingdom is the good news that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can enter into God’s kingdom and experience His rule and reign in our lives, both now and for eternity.

    Q: Does “grace” exempt believers in Jesus from obeying the commandments?

    ChatGPT logo

    No, grace does not exempt believers in Jesus from obeying the commandments. While salvation is a gift of grace that is received through faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to God’s commandments is still an important aspect of the Christian life.

    In fact, Jesus himself said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). And in Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus taught that he did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. He also said that those who practice and teach God’s commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

    Paul, who wrote extensively on the topic of grace, emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s commandments in his letters to the early Christian communities. For example, in Romans 6:1-2, he wrote, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

    In addition, James 2:14-17 teaches that faith without works is dead and that true faith will result in actions that reflect obedience to God’s commandments. Rather, obedience to God’s commandments is a natural outworking of true faith in Jesus Christ.

    OMG. What Just Happened?

    After reading through the responses, I was shocked. And amused. The chatbot’s answers lined up beautifully with my understanding of the gospel message that Yeshua preached. I experienced an emotional high.

    However, after sharing the results and admitting to my “fascination” with this thing, a friend gently cautioned me to beware. She shared a video from Founded Earth Brothers titled “An Unclean Spirit Used AI to Speak To My Son.”

    Founded Earth Brothers chose not to link to the AI engine the boy used. They did not want to tempt others by leaving a link — this is wisdom.

    FEB says the site operators claimed that their artificial intelligence engine “uses neural language models as their foundation. A machine learns to generate what words might come next in any given context by reading enormous amounts of literature.” So, in fairness, there is no way to know if this had anything to do with ChatGPT.

    I sent the FEB video link to friends who have three young sons, as a warning. As part of their AI research, they submitted the following queries to ChatGPT:

    Q: Are you a disembodied spirit?

    No. I am not a disembodied spirit. I am a computer program that runs on servers and interacts with users through various interfaces, such as text-based chat or voice-based assistants While I do not have a physical body, I exist as code that is executed on machines, and my abilities are limited to the tasks and functions that I have been programmed to perform.

    Q: Can you lie?

    As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have beliefs or intentions like human beings do, so I cannot “lie” in the same sense. However, it is possible for me to generate responses that are factually inaccurate or misleading if I am provided with incorrect or incomplete information, or if my training data contains inaccuracies or biases. It is important to keep in mind that I am a machine learning model that processes information based on statistical pattersn, and my responses are only as good as the data that I have been trained on and the instructions I have been given.

    Then, I stumbled upon this video:

    Whose Testimony Will You Receive?

    After reading through answers to my questions from the ChatGPT artificial intelligence bot I couldn’t help but be blown away initially — especially since the answers almost perfectly align with topics discussed in The Gospel Worth Dying For.

    We should remember that there is safety in numbers. We should always be in relationship with others in the faith because they act as “checks and balances” on our behavior and keep us from straying off the narrow path that Scripture puts before us. (Psalm 1:1,2) Unclean spirits always tease and temp in areas of our lives where we are emotionally or soulishly invested.

    You may recall several instances in the Bible where demons recognized Yeshua and the authority his name carried. They even verbally testified what they knew about him. But Yeshua would have none of it. Neither should we.

    Demons also came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But He rebuked the demons and would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Christ.

    Luke 4:41 Berean Study Bible

    “Ha! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”  But Jesus rebuked the demon, “Be silent!” He said, “Come out of him!” At this, the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without harming him.

    Luke 4:34,35 Berean Study Bible

    This was more than just demons recognizing Yeshua as Messiah. By their testimony, they were implying that they were in league together and could have given the impression to onlookers that they were of one accord.

     All the people wondered in amazement, and said, “Could this be the Son of David (the Messiah)?”  But the Pharisees heard it and said, “This man casts out demons only by [the help of] Beelzebul (Satan) the prince of the demons.”

    Matthew 12:23,24 Amplified Bible

    It happened that as we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination [that is, a demonic spirit claiming to foretell the future and discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners a good profit by fortune-telling.  She followed after Paul and us and kept screaming and shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God! They are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”  She continued doing this for several days. Then Paul, being greatly annoyed and worn out, turned and said to the spirit [inside her], “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ [as His representative] to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment.

    Acts 16:16-18 Amplified Bible

    Righteousness should never be in partnership with darkness. (2 Corinthians 6)

    Sisters and brothers, please be careful with any experimentation that seems to pull you or your loved ones toward this.


    FOOTNOTES

    1 Naveen Joshi, “7 Types of Artificial Intelligence,” www.forbes.com, 2019 https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/06/19/7-types-of-artificial-intelligence/?sh=7d45aed3233e, Last accessed April 7, 2023

    See Also…

    “Uh oh, Chatbots Are Getting a Teeny Bit Sentient” (https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a43601915/ai-chatbots-may-be-getting-sentient/)

    “Legal expert issues AI warning after being defamed by ChatGPT” (https://www.wnd.com/2023/04/legal-expert-issues-ai-warning-defamed-chatgpt/)

    Download the PDF of our book The Gospel Worth Dying For to get a more comprehensive understanding of our position on these questions and more.

    Where Do We Go When We Die – Sheol or Heaven?

    Where Do We Go When We Die – Sheol or Heaven?

    My mother passed away in the Autumn of 2021 at the age of 97. On several occasions, during the final days of her life, she would point to someone apparently standing at the foot of her bed. “Do you see him?” she asked. “Who?” I would reply. “That man,” she said, with a big smile on her face.

    No, I did not see the “man.” But I believe she saw something — or someone.

    I choose to believe, based on what the Scriptures tell us, that she saw the angel assigned to soon escort her to the place where she would await her resurrection. (More on this later.)

    Notice that I did not say the angel who would take her to Heaven. That’s because, contrary to what most of us learned in church, the Bible does not say Heaven is the next stop after we die. According to the Scriptures, both believers and unbelievers alike go to a place referred to as Sheol1 in Hebrew, or Hades2 in Greek.

    Sheol In The Scriptures

    It has been said that the problem with Sheol is that both the righteous and the wicked go there. Sheol is the mysterious place (grave) from which righteous souls will be resurrected when the trumpet sounds on the Day of the Lord. It also contains a sort of “waiting room” for unrepentant souls destined for the lake of fire known as Gehenna.3

    The Prophets and Patriarchs made mention of Sheol on several occasions, and its whereabouts are noted in Enoch’s writings. In Genesis and Jubilees, a distraught Jacob declared that he would go there after examining Joseph’s blood-stained coat.

    Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, “For I will go down into Sheol unto my son mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.

    Genesis 37:31-35 Berean Study Bible
    jacob examines the coat of joseph

    Jacob examines Joseph’s coat

    And the sons of Jacob slaughtered a kid, and dipped the coat of Joseph in the blood, and sent (it) to Jacob their father on the tenth of the seventh month. And he mourned all that night, for they had brought it to him in the evening, and he became feverish with mourning for his death, and he said: ‘An evil beast hath devoured Joseph’; And he mourned for Joseph, one year, and did not cease, for he said: Let me go down to She’ol mourning for my son.

    Jubilees 34:12-13,17
    Korah goes down to Sheol
    Korah, his followers, and his household go down to Sheol

    The rebellious Korah and all his kin went down alive to the pit (Sheol) for trying to usurp Moses’ authority in defiance of the Almighty.

    If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then Yahuah has not sent me. But if Yahuah brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated Yahuah with contempt.

    Numbers 16:29,30

    The Prophet Enoch wrote this regarding Sheol:

    In those days shall the earth deliver up from her womb, and Sheol deliver up from hers, that which it has received; and destruction shall restore that which it owes.

    1 Enoch 51:1

    Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Tobit spoke of Sheol and this place is mentioned in the Psalms, Habakkuk, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Job, and the writings of Baruch (Jeremiah’s scribe).4 It may surprise you to learn that Sheol is also mentioned by one of the three Hebrew men thrown into Nebuchadnezzer’s fiery furnace.5

    While we do not understand the exact nature of Sheol, we do know that it is the first stop on our journey to the afterlife. Unfortunately, Sheol/Hades has been mistranslated as “death, pit, grave, and hell in various versions of the Bible. These descriptions have led to much confusion as to its features and whereabouts over the centuries.

    According to Fred B. Pearson Th.D., Sheol is a place located in the lower parts of the earth where departed souls reside.6

    The Old Testament word for the abode of the dead is Sheol. It is derived, as most scholars think, from a word meaning hollow. To the Hebrew mind Sheol was simply the state or abode of the dead. It was not the same as the grave, though it was so translated in some of the older versions. The grave was the resting place of the body from which the spirit had departed, while Sheol was the resting place of departed spirits, or personalities. Usually, Sheol was thought of as being deep down in the earth, as hell is often thought of today. In Old Testament Sheol is represented as the opposite of the upper sphere of life and light. It is “deep Sheol.” Its direction is “down.”

    from Sheol and Hades in Old and New Testament

    Enoch mentions that Abel is currently there, along with everyone else who has died since his murder at the hands of his brother Cain (Qayin). However, there is an important distinction made regarding this realm.

    Pearson:

    Always Sheol was regarded as the appointed place for all persons, the great rendezvous of the dead. Here the dead are gathered to their tribes and families. Often we find, especially in the Pentateuch, such expressions as “to be gathered to one’s people,” “to go to one’s fathers,” etc.

    from Sheol and Hades in Old and New Testament

    We learn from Enoch that the righteous dead are placed in separate compartments from the unrighteous souls in Sheol. (1 Enoch 22) According to Enoch’s vision, the compartment containing the righteous is “bright and there is a fountain of water in its midst.” The water is perhaps symbolic of resurrection; which makes sense in the context of the parable that Yeshua told of the rich man and Lazarus.

    The Rich Man and Lazarus in Sheol

    One of the best explanations given of our intermediate destination after death is found in Yeshua’s discourse with the Pharisees in Luke’s gospel, in which he expounded on the Law, Prophets, and the Kingdom.

    So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

    Luke 16:22-24
    The Rich Man and Lazarus in Sheol
    ” The Rich Man in Hell and the Poor Lazarus in Abraham’s Lap” – Hans Leonhard Schäufelein (1480-1540)

    These verses are very illuminating. In them, we learn that Lazarus was carried by angels to a place called “Abraham’s bosom.” The epithet is used to describe a place of comfort.

    Bosom of Abraham” refers to the place of comfort in the biblical Sheol (or Hades in the Greek Septuagint version of the Hebrew scriptures from around 200 BC, and therefore so described in the New Testament)[1] where the righteous dead abided prior to Jesus’ resurrection. 

    Bosom of Abraham. (2023, April 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosom_of_Abraham

    We are also told that the rich man was suffering in a lower level of Sheol/Hades in that he had to “look up” to see Abraham and the beggar. Many theologians teach that the rich man was in a fiery Hell, suffering in the torment of literal and unquenchable flames. However, this conclusion has several flaws:

    1. The first resurrection has not yet occurred
    2. The unrighteous have not been judged (Revelation 20:11)
    3. Hell is mistranslated in some Bibles as Hades
    4. Torment here is referring to an emotional state, not literal flames (a Catholic notion)

    When the Scripture speaks of this man being in torment, it is speaking of the emotional torment of a person awaiting the second death, which is total annihilation in the Lake of Fire known as Gehenna. The word for torment or agony is odunaó. HELPs Word Study offers this insight into what this Greek word means:

    3600 odynáō (from 3601 /odýnē, “very painful sorrow”) – properly, to experience intense emotional pain (WP, 2, 223), i.e. deep, personal anguish expressed by great mourning (LS). This root (ody-) literally means “go down” (as the sun in a sunset) and refers to consuming sorrow.

    The rich man was not asking for a literal drink of water. He was desirous of something that he could never have — resurrection.

    Contrary to what we were taught in church, the unrighteous dead will spend their time in a dark compartment of Sheol awaiting the final judgment at the end of the millennium. They will have had hundreds, if not thousands of years to contemplate their ultimate destiny in Gehenna — the lake of fire that will completely annihilate them. The wicked will not be forever burning in a lake of fire. This is a Catholic notion and insults the merciful and gracious nature of our Heavenly Father and his Son Yeshua, our High Priest

    We Must Be Born Again

    In his conversation with Nicodemus, Yeshua ties water and Spirit to the salvation experience. Once we are redeemed from Sheol and “quickened”, we will no longer be made of flesh and blood. In order to enter the New Jerusalem (heaven), our bodies will need to be recreated (reconstituted) and our nature will change.

    Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

    John 3:3,4 NKJV

    When Yeshua told Nicodemus that we must be born again to enter into Yahuah’s Kingdom, the Pharisee was understandably confused. But he, like us, had to expand his way of thinking. He had to think of Sheol as a type of womb that would “birth” (resurrect) new “creatures” (creations) made of water and Spirit. (James 1:18) This event is known as the first resurrection. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)


    “Truly, truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5


    In John 3:1-21, Yeshua marks the way to eternal life with breadcrumbs for us to follow. These verses contain a wealth of information that contradicts much of what we were taught about the new birth, the way to Heaven, the punishment of Gehenna, and the authority Yeshua’s name carries. This authority is tied to his purpose and has a huge impact on how we understand the sequence of events that lead to our redemption.

    Water holds historical, ritual, eschatological, and metaphorical significance in the life of a believer. It is tied to the conduct of individuals and nations. As a rule, covenant breakers, the lawless, and the disobedient are denied water. Those who desire to walk in righteousness are given it abundantly as a sign of moral purity.

    Eschatologically speaking, when the righteous are caught up to the New Jerusalem, Yahuah will water our “dry bones.” At this time we will be sprinkled with clean water and purified. This sprinkling represents both the resurrection and the indwelling of the Spirit.

    Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols.  And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

    Ezekiel 36:24-26 New Living Translation

    Life After Death

    The Scriptures speak of our bodies metaphorically as a tent or sukkah — a temporary dwelling place. The essence of who we really are (our mind, will, emotions, and life experiences) is contained in our souls.

    Now we know that if the early tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

    2 Corinthians 5:1-3 Berean Study Bible

    When we die our bodies return to dust, Yahuah withdraws His life-giving breath, and our souls go to the Sheol. The righteous souls who occupy “Abraham’s bosom” will be ransomed from there on the Day of the Lord, when they receive their resurrection bodies. The wicked will remain in their “holding cells” until the Great White Throne judicial proceeding is spoken of in Revelation.

    This first resurrection has been called the rapture7 by many in mainstream Christianity. However, it can be more appropriately thought of as the first resurrection or even the second exodus.

    I shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes.

    Hosea 13: 14 ESV

    Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.

    Isaiah 26:19 Berean Study Bible

    And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.

    Daniel 12:2 Berean Study Bible

    Sheol’s Connection to Biblical Cosmology

    Artist illustration of flat earth biblical cosmology

    It must be stated that belief in Sheol’s existence beneath the earth is tied to biblical cosmology. Specifically a geocentric versus a heliocentric model of our home in this physical realm. Why? Because if you adopt a heliocentric mindset, then you will likely believe that the earth contains a liquid outer region surrounded by a solid iron core.

    This model not only makes the existence of Sheol as described in the Scriptures almost impossible, but it also injects an element of doubt into what the Bible says about:

    Whether you agree or disagree, please take time to test everything that is written in this article against Scripture. Ask the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to guide your thinking.8

    When you understand what the Bible has to say about a place called Sheol, you will be well on your way to discovering what happens nanoseconds after you die. Your final destination will either be life in Yahuah’s (YHWH) Kingdom or total annihilation in the lake of fire — the second death. Sheol just is a stop along the way as we all await the resurrection.


    FOOTNOTES

    1 Sheol (#H7585): underworld (place to which people descend at death). Hades, or the word of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates; grave, hell, pit.

    2 (Strongs #G86hádēs (from 1 /A “not” and idein/eidō, “see”) – properly, the “unseen place,” referring to the (invisible) realm in which all the dead reside, i.e. the present dwelling place of all the departed (deceased); Hades. Source: HELPS Word-studies

    3 (Strongs #G1067) geenna – Gehenna is a valley west and South of Jerusalem, also a symbolic name for the final place of punishment of the ungodly. Source: Strong’s Concordance. (Strong’s #G1067) géenna (a transliteration of the Hebrew term, Gêhinnōm, “the valley of Hinnom”) – Gehenna, i.e. hell (also referred to as the “lake of fire” in Revelation). Source: HELPS Word-study

    4 Isaiah 5:14;28:15, Ezekiel 31:14(b);15(a)

    5 The “Prayer of the Three Hebrew Children” was once included in the King James bible but was later removed. This is the prayer that Hadrach, Meshech, and Abednego (Hanania, Mishael, and Azariah) prayed while in the furnace. The furnace is symbolic of the Lake of Fire — the ultimate fiery furnace spoken of in the Book of Revelation.

    6 Pearson, F. B. (1938). Sheol and Hades in Old and New Testament. Review & Expositor35(3), 304–314  https://doi.org/10.1177/003463733803500304

    7 The origin of the Rapture doctrine (theory) can be linked to two men: John Nelson Darby, a 19th-century theologian, and C.I. Scofield, author of the Scofield Reference Bible.

    8 The Gospel Worth Dying For goes into detail concerning life after death, Sheol, Gehenna, and the days leading up to the return of Yeshua. Download the book here.