News Letter 5848-042
1st day of the 10th month; 5848 years after the creation of Adam
The 10th Month in the Third year of the third Sabbatical Cycle
The Third Sabbatical Cycle of the 119th Jubilee Cycle
The Sabbatical Cycle of Earthquakes Famines, and Pestilences
This is also the end of the Thirty-Eighth week of this the Third Tithe Year for the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow –
Deuteronomy 26:12

December 15, 2012

Shabbat Shalom Brethren,

The Seventh Commandment – Part 3

“You do not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:12
Beloved, you may be wondering why so much time and space is being given to this commandment.

In Part 1 we covered the meaning of the commandment and what adultery is.

In Part 2 we looked at the problem of, once we have found ourselves in the position of having broken the commandment, what to then do about

it. By this, we looked at some of the examples Yehovah Himself provided for us through His people and His interaction with them when they repented… and when they did not repent. We also shared in part 2 some ways to start early with our children to teach them, and prevent some of these painful disasters of sexual impurity occurring in their lives. We pray you have benefitted from these teachings and discussions and you are confessing, repenting, and restoring your priceless relationship with the Creator of All.

This portion will focus on healing – the scriptural way. It is no question about whether or not there are thousands of opinions out there, from drug therapy, counseling, self-help books, twelve step programs, etc.… but don’t we all know, that our God and His Word gives us the prescription for healing? There is not a sin known to mankind that is not found in “The Bible” The Bible is the life manual for these “machines” we call “us”. You want to know how to fix the machine? Go to the manual. Many do not want to do this, even though they know deep in their hearts it is the only place to get answers. Many do not want to go to scripture, because it shows us our sin, convicts us, causes us to have to face ourselves, and demands… yes demands – change.

Some are angry at God, some lack faith, some refuse to believe at all, still others do not want to look inside the pages because they require humility and doing things we don’t naturally want to do. Some of us are so hurt due to issues of sexual impurity, whether by our own actions or the actions of others; we simply feel (and believe) that there is no healing for us. There is a sense of unworthiness and filthiness inside that keeps us out of His Presence and drawing “near” to Him. Don’t you know His heart is breaking for you? The Bible is FULL of events of sexual impurity of all kinds… Your Father and Creator put them in there… for you! Do you believe? Do you?

This article will cover some adult topics in some portions and so parents, you may want to skim over it before sharing with your small children.

“You do not commit adultery.”

We discussed the meaning of adultery – so why talk about all these “other” things? Adultery is the result of unbridled self-control of a sexual nature folks. That is why we are talking about all these “other” sexual sins. A man, woman, or young adult who practices self-control and set apartness is guarded against this sin in many ways. But things happen in life, sometimes by surprise to catch us off guard, sometimes through the introduction of it by someone else who lacks self-control, and then there are movies, television, magazines, books, videos — you name it and it is knocking on the door of the gates to our souls all around us asking to come in.

Then, even if we are living a life of self-discipline, control, and set apartness… this does not mean our cousin, father, mother, neighbor, or stranger down the street is. We are in this together as the Body of Messiah. When one member of our Body is hurting or offended by a trespass – it affects ALL of it. Whether you are the offender or the offended… what is going on with YOU effects ALL of us, and His Image we project to the world.
One example how this is true, and there are many is the following:

Think about the young girl who was molested by someone at a young age. She grows up with that huge secret weighing her down and does not know how to handle it. So she may or may not remain in church/fellowship/assembly, but is secretly angry, confused, and she does not get healing and good instruction. She begins to act out. Perhaps this occurs in the way she dresses, or maybe she begins taking drugs or drinking alcohol to cover up her pain or attempt to forget what has happened to her. Perhaps she hangs on in pretending and acting in society and church just enough to get by and continue covering her pain and burdens. She gets married and is still in the church trying to hang on, but in secret, she is full of anger, self-loathing, unforgiveness. She meets you and your husband or wife in the church. Your husband is so kind and looks like such a wonderful man, and by the way, he is very handsome too. He attracts this young woman who has all these secret problems within her that she has never been able to get taken care of in Yehovah. Guess what? Adultery is just waiting to happen.

Did adultery happen when your husband and this woman came to know one another that day in church? No. This problem was set up long ago in the life of that young woman who was molested and has not had healing. Adultery is like this. Adultery is the END of unbridled and unsuspecting problems. Adultery just doesn’t happen. Think about this to yourself or talk about it with your children and spouse. Adultery nearly NEVER just happens. It is only the outward evidence of inner unresolved problems of the soul and spirit. Adultery is the result of never practicing self-control. That is why we are going to talk about these things. Because we love the Body of Messiah and are desperate to see it informed, instructed, helped, healed, and restored.

Something else the must be said here. The world in the way in which it has worked its perversions into the lives of younger and younger and younger people through absent parents, broken homes, and perversions at every turn from computer, television, magazines, videos, video games and it goes on and on and on plays and incredibly significant role in this problem. The flesh has one goal – to please itself. Children are defenseless against this. For those of you who have suffered at the hands of being introduced to sexual experiences or images at too young an age know and can testify… it is nearly impossible to go back to innocence. Once the exposure happens, it is done. The mind continues to replay and replay and replay events and images. There is almost no way to get them out. Prevention is the best answer. Having said that, it just does not seem to be the world in which we live today, therefore we are going to spend time on healing.

About Pornography

Pornography is always wrong. Pornography is morally wrong and very destructive to the spirit, and if left unchecked will sear the conscience. Pornography leads to death. Pornography is wrong whether you are married, dating, or single. Make no mistake, you are not getting away with nothing. Make no mistake, open you Pandora’s box and are viewing pornography, you can never close the lid. This viewing of pornography is a trespass against yourself, Yehovah, and all your relationships present, future, parents, siblings, and society. You might as well be visiting the gates of hell every time you look at that video, that magazine, that picture, or get on the computer to search for it. Do you realize, that no one forces the pornography upon you?

You are searching it out. This is the same as having a death wish.

Do you know the purpose of a judge in scripture? A judge sits at the city gates, and makes judgments for the city. This is what you do with your eyes and ears. Allowing degradation of your city will end in destruction of yourself, over time it will sear the spirit within you, and rot you from the inside out. You are the only judge at your own gates – you. You have got to remove this disease that desires to steal, kill, and destroy you.
A wise and righteous judge sits at the city gates, and sees when wickedness is coming towards it. He guards the city with wisdom, knowledge, and experience. His purpose and duty is to guard the city and keep wickedness out and keep it safe. As you read about the gates in the Bible, know what you are reading. The gates are your eyes and ears, the city is your body and mind… the decision of what gets in, happens at the gates.

Gates: In the Ancient Near East city gates were neither merely entrances, nor only used for military protection. As a potentially weak point in the defenses, the gates of Israelite walled cities typically had three chambers giving four sets of “doors” and defended spaces between. The gates of Hazor and Gezer from the time of Solomon show the triple construction. Triple construction. That is how important the gates are. Over time, these chambers were roofed and places for public debate. It is likely that these chambers served as “offices” for city administration. Among the few Hebrew administrative documents archaeologists have unearthed from the Old Testament period are the Lachish Letters most of which were found in a room in the gate complex.

In the space outside the gate, market stalls would have been erected, as they are today. The “gate” was therefore the marketplace where traders and peasants met with city folk to sell and exchange goods. Marketplace – this is the area of the world right outside your gates – your eyes and ears.

Inside the gateway too, a space was left without buildings, this served as a communal area for meetings and public justice. Just inside the gate at Dan (the word Dan literally means judgment) was a raised dais that had provision for a canopy to be erected. This would have served for the judge’s throne.

So, when the Bible talks of the “gate” it may mean: the “market”, the “law court” (either formally in criminal cases or less formally as the place where family business or disputes were settled), the public forum where community business was discussed and gossip exchanged or the administrative center – the “Town Hall”.

When you foresee alone time coming near, do you begin planning to put your precious soul on the “market”? Do you search out magazines and movies that display nudity? You do not qualify to be a judge – not of you or Yehovah’s Kingdom. Do you bring that garbage into your gates and then require, by default, your family to deal in the garbage you bring in with you by what you do in secret? You are an enemy to peace and purity in your home and are bringing judgment upon everyone involved with you. Read about what can happen with one unclean person in the camp. Read about Achan and how his one sin caused others to die. That is what you are doing to yourself and loved ones. That is what you are doing to the Body of Messiah. In Amos the Hebrew word for gates (sha’ar) occurs three times 5:10, 12, 15. In verse 15 the gate is explicitly the place of justice. In the other verses this is likely (and some translators render it by “courts”) though more general public gatherings could possibly be in view. If you are in the clutches of the destructive addiction of pornography in any form, you are in bondage and a slave to sin. You have no self-control, self-discipline, no wisdom and are disqualified from taking part in anything Holy or Set Apart. This includes your spouse and children. You already know the times of your own weakness, you know your plans, and you know your ways. Break the habit. Choose to do something different. Don’t be alone, get rid of the computer or stay off it if need be. Don’t allow yourself spending money while out on your own or better yet – don’t go out on your own. Obtain a friend and confidant who can hold you accountable. We covered last time the matter of confession. Keeping something secret ensures you will be kept in bondage. You must either change your schedule yourself, or you must confess to a friend. If you have not done one of these things, you have not repented and are in full rebellion. You are desecrating the temple and the priest.

Hold every thought captive

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

All of that was tough language it is true. Now, you are no more a horrible person that the one who bears false witness or refuses to forgive a brother.

Incest and Molestation

Have you been on the receiving end of someone else’s sexual impurity? If you have been or know someone who has, this situation and event is and can be devastating to a life. Because incest and/or molestation most commonly involves children, there is not a way this offense can be reasonably dealt with until the child is older or at least old enough to understand what has happened to them – spiritually. One of the many reasons so much harm is done is for this reason. This horrible offense against Yehovah and the child happens when they are young, and they do not understand what is happening to them or how to deal with it. Every single foundation of security is shattered when an adult does this to a child. The offense is carried by them for years… until they reach an age of understanding and wisdom… and many times to a point of breaking… before they learn how to heal.

To the person reading this article who knows about this sin and the effects of it intimately – some words of truth that you must believe. You must believe these words whether you feel like it or not. Belief trumps emotions. Most of the time, emotions follow obedience… it is not the other way around. Emotions and feelings have a tendency to lag behind the mind and heart. There is a reason for this which is the perfect example of the Temple – which is you. Yehovah created us in His Image, He also gave us the image of the Tabernacle, and tried to show us the proper order. The proper order is from His Spirit, to our spirit, then our spirit to our soul and from our soul to our body. The mind is the Holy of Holies in our body; the Temple. Are you aware that in many Scriptures it is evident, that the writers interchanged the words: mind, heart, and spirit? The mind/spirit is the inner sanctuary where your High Priest ministers and anoints, which is Yeshua Messiah. Let Him determine your emotions and guide your soul.

The soul is the seat of the emotions. Heal the spirit/mind/heart and the emotions will follow.

This is Yehovah’s design.

Most of us are familiar with the Hebrew word for spirit, which is Ruach. In the Old Testament or Tanak, it is used for Spirit or spirit 232 times, wind 92 times, breath 27 times, side 6 times, mind 5 times, blast 4 times, vain 2 times, air 1 time, anger 1 time, cool 1 time, courage 1 time.
It is used as “mind” five times.

Here are some examples to prove the point to you.

Genesis 26:35 where we read of how Isaac and Rebekah felt about Esau marrying Canaanite women “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.”
The word for mind in that verse, is actually “ruach” – spirit

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Proverbs 29:11
Again, the word for mind is “ruach”

“But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:” Daniel 5:20

And yet again, the word for mind is “ruach” or spirit. Many other times, the heart is used as the mind and spirit also.
The Holy of Holies is our mind (the spirit) where we think, make decisions, create ideas, have thoughts and understanding. This is scripturally the seat (or place) of the heart. In the tabernacle, the Holy of Holies, or the Most Set- apart Place, is where the Spirit of Elohim literally dwelled. He was a cloud by day and a fire by night. His instruction and judgments came from there, the Holy of Holies.
It is the same with our minds (heart or spirit). The place where everything about who we are and what we do comes from our spirit-man, the heart and mind. It is also referred to in Scripture as “the inward parts.” It is layered deep down under all the other layers that we call
“us”

Job 38:36 “Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who has given understanding to the heart?”
Psalm 51: 6 “See, You have desired truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You make me know wisdom.”
Proverbs 20:27 “The spirit of a man is the lamp of YHWH, searching all his inmost parts.”
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart (mind/thought/spirit), for they shall see Elohim.”
Matthew 6:1 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart (mind/thought/spirit) be also.”
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh (thoughts/mind/spirit), so is he.”

We are sharing this because it is very important for you to know and understand, that how you “feel” about being molested and trespassed against does not rule you. It is how you “think” about it that is to drive you in your life. What is the truth that your spirit man/person knows about what happened to you? Where can you find the answer and where is this truth that you can cling to and heal from? Well, I ask you – where can you find your High Priest who is sitting upon His Throne… in your Holy of Holies… in your mind and heart? He says you are innocent.

He says you were “fearfully and wonderfully made”
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14

He says, I knew you before you were born.
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. Isaiah 43:21
Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee;
Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. Isaiah 44:2
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

Isaiah 44:21
Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; Isaiah 44:24

He says I know the plans for you.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
Do you believe Him? Who are you listening to in your Holy of Holies? Who is in there? If you wait on “feeling” like doing something about your having been trespassed against by another person, you will likely perish before you make it around to doing anything about your hurt and pain. You are attempting to rely on the soul to instruct the spirit, and this order is out of order.

There is nowhere in scripture that expresses to us AT ALL, that any judgment is made on a person upon who someone else violates sexually. Did you get that? There is no judgment and no condemnation. So you must figure out what is causing the extreme problems within you, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally.

We also know that Yehshua too, was trespassed against both in body and soul by others. He was also innocent.
He was trampled underfoot, spit on, flogged, accused of having a demon, not believed or trusted – and He is the Creator of the Universe.

Isaiah 53
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hidas it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
As a child in your position and life, and what happened to you also happened to Yeshua. You are in very good company. Your King is setting you up to receive GREAT rewards. Can you see this?

Luke 23
34And Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35And the people were standing, looking on, and the rulers also were sneering with them, saying, “He saved others, let Him save Himself if He is the Messiah, the chosen of Elohim.”

He was mocked unto death.
If you are someone who has molested a child, no one should need to tell you how horrific what you did was. We pray you have repented and abjectly stopped what you were doing. No one knows the reasons of what caused you to do what you did, and even that does not matter now. It is a useless and vain exercise to figure out all the “whys and reasons” that seemed to cause you to do what you did. Point blank… right now… only STOPPING is important. The whys will come AFTER repentance and He, Yehovah, will lead you into understanding and wisdom as to who you are, how you came to be where you are or were, and then exactly what is needed to not continue in the same sexual impurity you have been

Matthew 18
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

The soul is the seat of emotions… and it is the soul that sins and the soul that inherits eternal life or death. The altar of sacrifice represents the door or gate to this part of your body.. the Temple. A person who has molested a child is operating on pure fleshly desires. You have an untamed beast within you and you need to take that beast and lay it upon the altar! Sacrifice it and be done with it. Put the sin away from you. You are not the sin, separate yourself from it. **take every thought captive

For the person who has raped, or molested a child, or committed incest… Read these words of your Messiah and know, that when you are healed and restored, you will find great treasure in Him. Read and understand:

Luke 7:41-50
41 “A certain creditor had two debtors. The one owed five hundred pieces of silver, and the other fifty.
42 “And when they were unable to repay, he forgave them both. Which of them, then, shall love him more?”
43 And Shim’on answering, said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”
44 And turning to the woman He said to Shim’on, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house – you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wetted My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head.
45 “You gave Me no kiss, but she has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.
46 “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.
47 “Therefore I say to you, her many sins have been forgiven, because she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, he loves little.”
48 And He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”
49 And those who were sitting at the table with Him began to say among themselves,
“Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 And He said to the woman, “Your belief has saved you. Go in peace.”
I say to you – No one will love Yehovah like the man or woman with many great sins. Do you desire to walk in this Light and in Love like that? You can…. You still can, no matter what you have done.

An adulterating spouse

Recently I saw a couple of movies in the category of Faith and Spirituality. It was interesting how greatly they fit in to the Seventh Commandment in regard to the theme of the movies. The first one was about the Prophet of Yehovah named Hosea. Most of us have read the prophet Hosea and know what it was that Yehovah asked him to do. “Go, take for yourself a woman of whoring and children of whoring, for the land has utterly whored away from Yehovah.” Hosea 1:2

Most read this book and understand it is about the Northern Kingdom of Israel and how they went after other gods, and that is true… but never do they understand the book is about them. They miss applying the instruction to their own lives. I did, many many years. Still others read the book of Hosea and see that it truly does apply to them and feel conviction and a need for repentance and returning to true worship of only Yehovah. Or how about this: a conviction over your sexual sins and impurity, a need for repentance to Yehovah, yourself, and/or your spouse.
But this movie caused me to realize something else in the book of Hosea. What did Hosea have to go through to fulfill Yehovah’s Words and instructions? Do we ever think about this? Let the spouses of “unfaithful” people listen up. Hoshea married a woman who was a chronic adulteress by all accounts. It does not appear she was faithful to Hosea – ever. We are told in 2:7 “And she shall pursue her lovers but not overtake them, she shall seek them…” in verse 5 she says, “I go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.”
I mean, this woman Gomer appears to be “in his face” with her ways of adultery, sexual misconduct, and her lack of appreciation for him. And yet, what does Hosea do? He continues to love her and even buys her back with money!

Hosea chapter 3
Then said to me, “Go again, love a woman loved by a friend, and an adulteress, according to the love of for the children of Yisra’el, though they are turning to other mighty ones and love their raisin cakes.” 2So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley. 3And I said to her, “You are to remain with me many days, you are not to whore, nor become any man’s, and so I shall also be towards you.” 4For many days the children of Yisra’el are to remain without sovereign and without prince, and without slaughtering, and without pillar, and without shoulder garment or house idols. 5Afterward the children of Yisra’el shall return, and seek their Elohim, and David their sovereign, and fear and His goodness, in the latter days.

Can you imagine it? Your spouse has cheated on you. Perhaps has had an affair or many of them. Perhaps there is an addiction to pornography and just a wicked hold over them of sexual problems. They are continually hurting you, deceiving you, stealing from you, and trampling you underfoot, even blaming you for all the problems you are having in your marriage. Yet – you love them anyway. Or do you? Do you love them through it, or do you live a life of “offense”, judge them and yourself, then divorce them and tear up the family and add sin to sin? Praise Yehovah He does not do this to us, right? Yet He does tell us a bit or two about what He does expect of us and we will cover this later in this article. Yehovah required this type of love of Hoshea for his adulterous wife. This is the love Yehovah required of Hosea. It is also the love He gives to us. Do we reflect this type of love for one another… when they hurt us in this fashion?

Why can we not give this type of love and forgiveness to each other – much less our spouses to whom we make a vow before Yehovah and other men. Amazing love. Amazing forgiveness. There is a truth that needs to be shared here, and it is not easy to face. The sin of unforgiveness is as wrong as the sin of infidelity. Neither party is being the image of Yehovah. We have an accuser and this accuser is referred to as Satan. We have a deliverer and He is Yehovah. Which one are you behaving as with your spouse? There is no denying that infidelity causes great pain and heartbreak. The trespass of adultery as what we have learned and read in scripture is a failure to control oneself, lack of self-discipline. Yehovah will discipline the offender. It is not up to us as the hurting and broken spouse to discipline. We are called to love the sinner, forgive them, and stand in the breach and the gap. Easy? No. But He did it for us and we must do it for others.

Mark 11
25. “And whenever you stand praying, if you hold whatever against anyone, forgive, so that your Father in the heavens shall also forgive you your trespasses.

But if you do not forgive, neither shall your Father in the heavens forgive your trespasses.”
For those suffering “in general” who have been trampled upon by someone lacking self -control in the area of lust of the flesh or if you are the one who has committed the offense, let us discuss some matters. These steps of drawing near to Him are the same for everyone and this truly should tell us of the nature of sin. Whether you have stolen innocence from a child or struggle with your secret sin of pornography or committed rape or sodomy – all of these are spiritual chaos in your life. Cleansing and order needs to be restored. To do this requires faith.
Let me explain and you can see for yourself.

There is a process of ritual cleansing called a mikvah. This is a Hebrew word and is the ritual of submerging oneself into running water for cleansing. The Christian church instituted this as baptism, but it was so much more than this. Consider the High Priest and the Day of Atonement that came around once per year for making Atonement for the entire Nation of Israel. The High Priest was required to enter into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood upon the Mercy Seat to cover the sins of the Nation. The High Priest had to cleanse himself before this event, and took days and weeks to make sure that not only his body was cleansed but also his mind, heart, soul to the extent that was humanly possible. He would be entering in to meet Yehovah face to face. Part of his cleansing ritual was the mikvah, the immersion into water, the looking into the brazen laver to examine and evaluate himself in the reflection of the water.

This was very, very serious brethren.

Now, I ask you a question… if the ritual cleansing was good for the High Priest… would you consider it is good for you? Certainly it is a matter of Faith, always has been. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us in chapter 9:
6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Did the water in the times of the High Priest have special powers, and our water today doesn’t? Of course not. The cleansing was by obedience and faith. This has always been true. Think of all the healings our Messiah did during His ministry on the earth. Did Yeshua heal the sick, lame, blind, those with skin disorders and blood disorders? Did He? You may want to read those passages again and try to find out what exactly DID heal the sick. Yeshua says it over and over and over again, “Your FAITH hath made you whole.”

Can standing or submerging in water cleanse you and make you spiritually clean? It is a matter of Faith beloved. Yehovah gave it to you to do, to obey, to believe, and be made clean. It was trusted by the High Priest… whose life depended upon it as they made atonement for an entire nation.
Cleanse your Holy of Holies, your mind and heart. This happens through knowing the Word of God, and obeying it. This part will have to come first. Beloved, you cannot “will” yourself into healing and restoration. You are going to have to “do” something to be healed. After you have spent some time in obedience to His Word, you will become ready to forgive – yourself and others.
“To err is human, to forgive is divine” – Alexander Pope

What does it mean to forgive?

Let’s look at atonement as a stepping stone.
Atonement (Ancient Hebrew Research Center)

The Hebrew word kaphar means “to cover over” such as a lid and is the word for the lid of the ark of the covenant (though many translations translate this as mercy seat for no etymological reason). This word is translated as pitch which was spread over the ark in order to make it water tight (Genesis 6:14) This same word is also translated as a atonement. The word atonement is an abstract but in order to understand the true Hebrew meaning of a word we must look to the concrete meaning. If an offense has been made the one that has been offended can act as though the offense is covered over and unseen. We express this idea through the word of forgiveness. Atonement is an outward action that covers over the error.

Translation:+Cover Definition:+To afford protection or security; to hide from sight or knowledge; to cover over as with a lid.
More about the word

The Hebrew word kaphar means “to cover over,” but is often translated as atonement. The word atonement is an abstract word and in order to understand the true Hebrew meaning of a word we must look to the concrete meaning. If an offense has been made, the one that has been offended can act as though the offense is covered over and unseen. We express this idea through the word of forgiveness. Atonement is an outward action that covers over the error.

We cannot do this brothers and sisters, until we get the emotions/soul tamed and we listen only the His Spirit within us, ministering to us and instructing us. The question to ask ourselves when and if we have been offended, is not “how I feel about this?” but instead should be,
“Father, give me Your instruction on how I should think and therefore feel and then do.”

Forgive
By: Jeff A. Benner

Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand. For I will make him a great nation. (Genesis 21:18)
The Hebrew word behind “lift up” is ??? (nasa, Strong’s #5375) and means to take hold of something and lift it up, either to move or remove it. This very same Hebrew word is also used in the following verse.

Consider mine affliction and my travail; And forgive all my sins. (ASV, Psalm 25:18)
From a Hebraic perspective, the forgiveness of sins is the same as lifting it off and removing it just as we see in Micah 7:19.
He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (ASV)
The Hebrew word ??? (salahh, Strong’s #5545) is also translated as forgive and is used in the following verse where the forgiveness of iniquity is being paralleled with the healing (or lifting up) of diseases.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases. (RSV, Psalm 103:2,3)
By investigating other words that are related to ??? (salahh) we can see that this word has a very similar meaning to ??? (nasa).
??? (salad, Strong’s #5539) means “to leap up.”
??? (sala, Strong’s #5553) is a “cliff” (a wall that is lifted up). ??? (salaq, Strong’s #5559) means “to ascend.”
To forgive carries with it a sense of bearing the sins of others. They did the sinning, and we bear them for them… maybe with them. This is what Yeshua did for us. We could picture our loved one, or even our enemy, carrying a heavy boulder. When we see this, we walk over to them and either “get under the boulder” and help them, or we take that boulder off of them and heave it so far it is out of sight and is no more.

Matt 18
21Then Kepha came to Him and said, “Master, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23“Because of this the reign of the heavens is like a certain man, a sovereign who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24“And when he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents, 25but as he was unable to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 6“Then the servant fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I shall pay you all.’ 27“And the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28“And that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred pieces of money. And he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29“Then his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I shall pay you all.’ 0“But he would not, and went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31“And when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were deeply grieved, and came and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32“Then his master called him and said to him, ‘Wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt seeing you begged me. 33‘Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, as I also had compassion on you?’ 34“And his master was wroth, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35“So also My heavenly Father shall do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

We are this wicked servant when we cannot and will not forgive others. And when we do not forgive others or especially those who have hurt us, then our own sins will not be forgiven. We all need to think on this. You cannot continue on hating the person who hurt you. You may enjoy doing that but it is only like a cancer inside of you and it is eating you up.

What is a peacemaker?

Peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they shall be called sons of Elohim.” Matthew 5:9
Is this someone who goes around and makes continual compromises in life and plays politics with people just to keep the peace?
Is this someone who will not stand up to the wicked or defend the poor for the sake of keeping peace?
A peacemaker makes peace between God and man. There is most certainly no way to be a peacemaker when we are accusing the brethren, our spouse, our friend, or our neighbor. Most particularly in our prayer life.

Below you will find the links to two 20 minute talks given by Dr. David Jeremiah on Turning Point radio. They are entitled: Prayer and Personal Relationships Part1 & Part 2. Please give them a listen and truly think on what he shares on healing and forgiveness.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/turning-point/listen/prayer-and-personal-relationships-part-1-307052.html
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/turning-point/listen/prayer-and-personal-relationships-part2-307053.html

This is a difficult message, because of the hurt, sadness, destruction, and sickness that is brought to the forefront. We all have transgressions, failures, and regrets that we deal with in ourselves and in others. But there is hope. If there is still breath there is still hope. All it takes to change and move into a new direction is a realization of these matters that have been discussed here, an admittance of the fact we are not on a path we should and can be on, a broken and sorrowful heart, a confession and then a true change. Our God has loved us with an everlasting love. We are His children, all of us who are poor in spirit and struggling. He gave all that He has JUST for us. He tells us Himself how He feels about us in His Words, His parables, and His Spirit. Who among you, He asks, would give your child a stone if he asked for a piece of bread? Then you, being wicked, would not withhold this from your child… neither will our Father in Heaven hold whatever from us that we ask in need. We need forgiveness, we need a broken heart, and we need healing.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12).??

The world puts degrees of “badness” upon different sins, but Yehovah doesn’t. Some of them may be more destructive or out in the open, but they are all the same in His eyes. The person who has trespassed a child is the same sinner as the pastor who deceives his flock is the same as the man who calls his brother a fool. Yeshua has promised He will make us a ‘new creature’ if we will believe and follow Him. This newness happens from the inside out and can take time.

We must begin to obey His commandments. We must learn His Torah, His instructions in order to do them. This is the way to create a new life and way for yourself and your families. It is for this reason that we keep the Sabbath, read the Torah, keep the Feasts, and are covering the Ten Commandments. The Torah will not only show us our sin, but keep us from future sins and lead us into all righteousness.

Matthew 6
9“This, then, is the way you should pray:
‘Our Father who is in the heavens, let Your Name be set-apart, 10let Your reign come, let Your desire be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11‘Give us today our daily bread. 12‘And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13‘And do not lead us into trial, but deliver us from the wicked one – because Yours is the reign and the power and the esteem, forever. Amen.’

The Bible teaches that we can be sure Yeshua has forgiven us if we have obeyed the conditions of forgiveness. We are forgiven as we forgive those who have hurt us. Understand this point very carefully. If you do not forgive, neither will you be forgiven.
Hebrews 5:9 – Yeshua is the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.
(See also Acts 10:35; Luke 6:46; 1 John 2:3-6.)

1 Peter 1:22 – We purify our souls in obeying the truth.
Romans 6:17,18 – We are made free from sin when we obey from the heart the doctrine delivered.
If we recognize Yeshua, then we must obey the conditions of forgiveness just as the gospel reveals them, without any human changes (Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9).

Please know beloved, that repentance requires a change in actions. If you have not heard this truth before, hear it now and obtain wisdom: confession and repentance without a return to His Instructions, His Torah will lead you into despair. This is where many believers are today because of the false things that have been taught by ignorance. If you are struggling with a sin, especially that of sexual sin, you are forgiven if you repent from going back to this lifestyle; but new ways need to be grasped and acted upon. You must keep the Sabbaths. They will keep you when you keep them. You must partake of the daily bread, it will feed you and transform your mind. You must forgive others, so that you can also be freed.

So, let us go to a place of quiet and in prayer. Let us confess to Him our sin – adultery, sexual impurity, and failure to forgive others and ourselves. Let us ask for Him to show us the treasures of His Torah so that we may live. Admit we need His forgiveness for our transgressions; ask for His Ways to govern our lives and for the faithfulness to obey His commandments.

One final point. Some of you have screwed up and think that there is no point trying any more.
If you repent you do have hope. But then if you screw up again…..you can still be forgiven.

Rahab was a harlot; Ruth was a Moabite who worshiped idols. Moab is the result of an incestuous relationship. Tamar pretended to be an adulterous and had relations with Judah. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and killed her husband. All of these people are the ancestors of Yehshua the Messiah. Once you repent and stick to it, you have no idea how Yehovah will and can use you in His plans. But it all starts with you stopping the wrong things you were doing and determining to be obedient to Yehovah from this point onwards.