Where are the True Congregations of YHVH? by Minister, D. J. Love, TSN, SBC Updated 12-28-2001 Refined 12-15-2004
Have you ever pondered this age old question? I know I have, and when I was a young man I didn't have very many clues. But the few clues that I did have were enough to let me know that it could not possibly be any of the large religious organizations around the world; I based this conclusion on several verses of scripture that I knew.
Matthew 22:11-14 11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn't have on wedding-clothing, 12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here not having wedding-clothing?' He was speechless. 13 Then the king (YHVH) said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.' 14 For many are called, but few chosen." From this parable I was able to discern that most of the people in the world that have ever been born OR ever will be born, regardless of religious affiliation, will not be chosen by YHVH. Even the man, who thought he had salvation, was left speechless at his rejection by YHVH. Now this is not a trivial statement, because this was not a man that was of a religion that was outside of the realm of Christianity and Judaism. How do I know this?
This statement was written by the Apostle Matthew (not Mohammed, etc...) in a letter (Epistle) that was written, as instructions, to True Believers. Only those that either are True Believers OR think they are True Believers (according to a Hebrew based faith) would have been at the wedding ceremony without wedding clothes. One of the major focuses of all of the Apostolic writings was to teach the separation of The Tares from The Wheat. Only Tares have the appearance of Wheat, and NOT other bizarre religions. Therefore, only a Tare would have been at the wedding supper (ceremony) in this parable. It would have served no purpose to be discussing strange off the wall religions here; not even as an informational "FYI".
Therefore, ALL "Outside the Realm" religions PLUS "The Copy Cat" Tares are included in this non-trivial statement, AND in the following verses, which are also from Matthew.
Matthew 7:7, 13-14 7 "Ask (YHVH), and it will be given you. Seek (YHVH), and you will find. Knock (YHVH's door is The Messiah), and it will be opened to you. 13 Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. 14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it. From these verses I was able to conclude that those few who were chosen must have been able to find the true path that leads to eternal life by seeking the truth with a selfless and open minded attitude. However, never take anyone's word as truth, and prove all things as to whether they are from YHVH or man.
Romans 12:2 2 Don't be fashioned according to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and the perfect will of YHVH. So with these verses firmly embedded in my brain, I struck out on a journey that would take the better part of my physical life. I was very naive in the beginning, and made many mistakes. Some of these mistakes nearly cost me my life, but as long as my heart was seeking YHVH, I was protected from death, but not from the consequences. However, these consequences in my life became tribulations of knowledge and blessings.
Romans 8:28 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love YHVH, to those who are called according to His purpose. I came to understand in a very personal way that tribulations, when mixed with true faith and love for The Creator, is not only YHVH's method of testing our faith, but his way of strengthening it as well. Although, at the time, most of it was pretty difficult to endure. Even so, I was assured by YHVH that He would not test anyone beyond their limits. Notice that this benefit is for the called out ones among mankind, because no one is positively chosen until they actually receive the Holy Spirit or Mentality of YHVH, AND no one is absolutely begotten until they are resurrected to eternal life at the "First Resurrection of The Dead in Messiah".
1 Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has taken you but such as man can bear. YHVH is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation make, also, the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Where the True Congregations are Not... During my Spiritual journeys I attended Presbyterian, Methodist, Holiness, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, various Churches of God (including Seventh Day), The Worldwide Church of God (The Old and The New), Assembly of God, United Christian Churches, and a dozen different Baptist Churches. I taught Sunday School, and Sabbath School; and other than a few rituals, and some methodologies, they were (are) basically all the same with few exceptions (see note below). Most adhere to the Universal Greco-Roman "Nicene Creed". In YHVH's eyes this makes them all Roman Christopagans. Additionally, I grew up with a Jewish family, who had two sons that were in my age group; and so I did not miss out on Judaism either. So how could all of these churches be the "True Body" or how could any one of these churches be the "True Body of Believers", as they all claim? They couldn't ALL be the "True Body of Believers", because Scripture clearly indicates that only a very low number (a few) of The Called Out Ones will be Chosen. Additionally, because experience taught me that they were consistently the same in their basic doctrines concerning salvation through Jesus Christ and water baptism, I knew that none of them could be the "True Body of Believers," because this would make them all divisions or members of the same false "Body" (only much larger now) with different names, leaders, and rituals. Obviously, Church Names, Church Leaders (human), Church Rituals, and Church Doctrine or Creed cannot bring about salvation.
Note: Not all churches are created equal, and the above statements may not apply to all churches on an individual church basis or according to Official Church Doctrine; BUT be advised YHVH does not "Judge" people according to Official Church Doctrine; AND Official Church Doctrine is nothing more than a lie when "Official Church Members" do not observe "Official Church Doctrine." Now one must ask oneself,
"Is Jesus really God" or a god? Of all the large church organizations that I attended, however, The Churches of God Seventh Day was the closest Protestant Group (that I attended) to The Spirit and The Truth of YHVH, even so they still follow an anti-messiah teaching on the pre-existence of IHS (Iseous or Jesus) as a deity who existed as a "Son of YHVH" prior to his physical birth and death on Earth. Only YHVH (YHWH) is selfexistent. Just for the record, Messiah Y'shĂșa was not the First Born Son of YHWH from heaven; He was the First to be Spiritually Born into the Coming Kingdom of Yah!
This caused me to rethink all of the Catholic, Protestant, and Nondenominational Church lessons that I had learned and taught; and I found that all of these churches had many common rituals that were obviously not Scriptural. For a start they all observe(d) Xmas, and Easter, and many of them even allow(ed) Halloween parties inside their church. Most taught that their church had the authority to change at least one of the Commandments of YHVH; the most prevalent being the Sabbath Day, and the "Thou Shalt Not Murder" Commandments (as in protestant & catholic wars, The Crusades, The Catholic Inquisition, and The catholic church's support of Hitler during WWII ). However, the greatest lesson I learned was that they were all legalistic and not Spiritual in the sense that they had taken Scripture and turned various verses into a manmade or church made "Set of Rules" to be followed "To The Letter" in order to achieve salvation. Oh, how often I have heard the "Once Saved, Always Saved" theme, and the ignorant interpretation of what it means to "Believe" from John 3:16. I sat through years of how important water baptism was (and its' methodology) as a requirement for salvation, and that YHVH handed out Grace as if it grew on trees. I walked "The Roman Road To Salvation" (Christian Legalism) until it became a rut, and that is when I got really serious about seeking YHVH's Truth. Don't get me wrong, YHVH's Grace is truly amazing, but YHVH's Grace is based on Returned Love. Please try to understand, First and foremost, we must exhibit our Love Towards YHVH through the example set by Messiah Y'Shua, then He Returns that Love in the form of Grace. Why Grace? Because having Grace means that we have found Favor (through following Messiah's example) in YHVH's Eyes.
However, we can either grow in Grace (Favor) OR fall from Grace (Favor); ....... So that pretty much trashes the "Once Saved, Always Saved" theme, especially if you think you achieved that salvation by following a set of rules.
Note: Love between mankind and YHVH, The Creator, is not a "one way" street. We Love YHVH because He first loved us, and when we love Him back by following Messiah's selfless example, then He returns that love. Therefore, love begets love, and becomes a positive upward spiral.
Romans 11:21-22 21 for if YHVH didn't spare the natural branches (Hebrew), neither will he spare you. 22 Understand the goodness and severity of YHVH. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off (Fall from Grace).
To seriously seek out YHVH's Truth, one must first seek out and find the inconsistencies in their own beliefs and those of the various churches. The only way to do this is by actually opening the Bible and reading it (all of it). Now if you find any inconsistencies in the Scripture, it can only come from two possible sources. First, your own understanding is flawed and / or the Scripture was tampered with by scribes. It is impossible for YHVH to be inconsistent, because YHVH is always the same (perfect and orderly), and YHVH neither makes mistakes nor does He change His mind concerning those things that are Good or Evil or Pre-planned by Him. On the other hand, Satan (source of HumanNature) is the Father of lies, deception, and chaos. AND Speaking of lies, deception, and chaos, that is exactly what I found in all of those other churches. Could it be that all Traditional Christian professing churches were actually deceptions of Satan?. . . I had to find out ! And so my quest began in earnest with the only resource I had . . . The Holy Scriptures (Tanakh or First Testament) and the Epistles of the Apostles (Last Testament). A really good 'Concordance' didn't hurt either.
Where the True Congregations Are... Sometimes a verse or two of Scripture will literally jump off the pages of YHVH's word; the following Scripture is a perfect example.
Matthew 18:19-20 19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on Earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them."
Now this is a very power filled Scripture with awesome implications. Think about it! As little as two people can constitute a true body of believers. This could simply be a husband and his wife or a small family of three. Just because YHVH allows larger groups, does not mean that He requires them, and this Scripture confirms it. It, also, goes "Hand in Hand" with the fact that few will be chosen. Could it be that our Creator is trying to tell us something? Could it be that our Creator really doesn't expect His Congregations to have a position of power (by worldly standards) and an overwhelming presence in this world at this time? Could it be that YHVH has hidden His "True Body of Believers" in a secret place where no man can find it unless he has been made Spiritually aware of its' presence? The answer to all of these questions is, "Yes!"
Psalm 107:1-7 O give thanks unto YHVH, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of YHVH say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east , and from the west, from the north , and from the south . 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a SOLITARY WAY; they found no city to dwell in . 5 (Spiritually) Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried unto YHVH in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And He led them forth by the right way (Righteousness Seeking), that they might go to a city of habitation (The Coming Kingdom's New Jerusalem).
Awesome! YHVH is telling us through King David that His Chosen Few are a remnant that is scattered throughout the whole world (North, South, East, and West). Let us examine some more awesome Scripture.
Matthew 27:50-51 50 Y'Shua cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit (mental awareness). 51 Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.
Why was the veil of the temple torn or split into two pieces? Prior to Messiah Y'Shua's selfless sacrifice no one could personally approach "The Mercy Seat" in the "Holy of Holies" area behind the veil except the High priest, and even he was only allowed to do so once a year. Symbolically the veil separated mankind from YHVH until it was torn in two. Now with the
perfect Sacrifice of Y'Shua as our "Self-Sacrificed" Passover Lamb, any True Worshipper can approach YHVH in prayer because of the Sacrifice of Messiah, our new High Priest and intercessor. In other words, Y'Shua is the only Priest and example of selfless sacrifice that we need in order to have our prayers heard. So where is the need for a large church on every street corner? ... There is None! So how will the message of the "Coming Kingdom on Earth", and the "Message of Salvation" be preached for all the world to hear? .... By individuals, families, friends, acquaintances, and strangers.. Just like you and me. .. Don't you see? YHVH's True
Congregation or "Body" lives inside each of His True Believers (Scattered throughout the whole world).
John 2:19-21 19 Messiah Y'Shua answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews therefore said, "Forty-six years was this temple in building, and will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from YHVH? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify YHVH in your body and from your Spirit (heart or mind), which are YHVH's.
1 Corinthians 4:10-16 10 We are fools for Y'Shua's sake, but you are wise in Y'Shua. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. 11 Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten,
and have no certain dwelling place. 12 We toil, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. 13 Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now. 14 I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Y'Shua, yet not many fathers. For in Y'Shua, I became your father through the gospel. 16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me (mirror the "Image of YHVH" in your life and not the "Image of Satan").
It is the reasonable service of each and every one of us to become lights unto the world and to spread the Gospel of YHVH and His first born son, Y'Shua. It is not our reasonable service to sit in an assembly all of our lives and only be receivers of the Gospel.
James 1:21-24 21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
As you can plainly see, we are expected to become doers of the word. As doers of the word we automatically become teachers, ministers, and evangelists. There is no need to attend one of Satan's (mankind's) seminaries,
so that we may become proficient in the art of deception. YHVH assures us through His Word that His Sheep know His voice, and that His Holy Spirit of Love will open our eyes and minds to the truth.
Isaiah 1:17-20 17 Learn to do well. Seek justice, Relieve the oppressed, Judge the fatherless, Plead for the widow." 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says YHVH: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; For the mouth of YHVH (Isaiah) has spoken it."
Read: Congregational Doctrine