Paleo Times August 2000 Newsletter Greetings Brethren, This month the theme here at Paleo Times is preparation for the coming kingdom through the feasts of the seventh month.  At the end of September with the visible crescent of the New Moon we will be entering the seventh Biblical month.  The Feast of Trumpets is a important feast to keep because it may symbolize the returning Messiah and the judgment of the Saints.  We have to be ready for Yahshua's return by keeping Yahweh's law and by walking the path of Yahshua the Messiah. We must question everyday our preparedness for this coming judgment.  Are we working for a righteous reward?  Our goal that we are striving to achieve must be perfection.  It may not be attainable in flesh but with the help of Yahshua going farther than any sacrifice of animals we have a life to walk according to the heart of Yahweh.  Yahweh's Holy Spirit must indwell us so that we can be made worthy of eternal life.  It is a wonderful future for all those who follow Yahweh. We are also creating a page for brethren of recommended Biblical readings.  Please forward the title and a description of your favorite commentaries and study aides. We would like to mention again that Brother Antonio Guilhermino Sylva Albas in Brazil has a worship service with 40 other brethren. He has asked Paleo Times for help in purchasing a Shofar for his congregation. Brethren please send a donation to help purchase and mail a Shofar to our brother in Brazil. If you would like to keep the feast of Tabernacles with my family and many other brethren this year please contact Yahweh's Restoration Ministry. Yahweh's Restoration Ministry has found a beautiful campsite for this up coming feast. For more information please follow this link: http://www.yrm.org/fot.htm Agape in Messiah, James A. Meyer Feature Article Awake Israel! The Feast of Trumpets is a call for Israel to be ready for the coming judgment. (Amos 3:6) The great day of Yahweh is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of Yahweh: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. (Zephaniah 1:14 AV) A day of the trumpet (Shofar) and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. (Zephaniah 1:16 AV) Yom Teruah, Feast of Trumpets, means a "day of blowing the horn". The Feast of Trumpets is the first seventh month feast falling directly on the day that the new moon is seen. It is the only feast that is commanded by Yahweh to be kept without a warning other than estimations. The Feast of Trumpets is the beginning of the count to Atonement. Yom Kippur, Atonement, is considered to be the most holy time of the year and the ten days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur are to be a time of cleansing. The Feast of Trumpets is a day when the Shofar is blown to awaken Israel. If Israel was not ready for the Day of Atonement the High Priest would surely not survive his commanded sprinkling of blood in the holy of holies. Atonement was the only time that the High Priest was allowed to enter the holy of holies. This is an important testimony to the amount of preparation we are to make for the Day of Atonement. The only chance that we have to survive spiritually is righteously follow Yahshua's example. One of these commandments that we are to keep is the set apart Day of Trumpets. Scriptural Evidence In Leviticus 23 we find that Yahweh gives us commands to keep the weekly and annual Sabbaths. In the seventh month on the first day we are to keep the Feast of Trumpets. Yahweh calls Trumpets the memorial of the blowing of trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets is called a holy convocation which means that it is a day when Yahweh's people are to come together in worship. Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 'You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh.'" (Leviticus 23:23-25 NKJV) When you look at this scripture in Hebrew you will find that the Trumpets is not actually written here. The word "Teruah" is translated blowing. Teruah is a type of blowing and we will discuss this a little more when we talk about the Shofar. An interesting idea promoted by many scholars is that this memorial is to commemorate of the giving of the law.  The blowing of the Shofar was the thunder that the children of Israel heard when Moses was given the law on Mt. Sinai. And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not Elohim speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for Elohim is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. (Exodus 20:18-20 AV) We too must have this fear so that we will not sin against Yahweh. The word "Trumpet" here is actually the word "Shofar" (Strong's #7782) in Hebrew. Solomon was inspired to write that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) We must make ourselves like Yahshua so that sin is the last thing on our minds. The only way Yahshua will chose us is if we live as he does. The sacrifice that Yahshua the Messiah gave to cleanse his people has given each of us the ability to step from the waters of baptism with out sin. Sin is a immense problem today just as it was 2000 years ago. This is a problem that it is just getting worse. The world is perpetually accepting sin as being righteousness and those that do follow Yahweh are condemned as being unloving. (John 15:18-27) The truth is that if we love one another we look out for each other. The Feast of Trumpets shows that we must be ready at all times because we do not know the hour when Yahshua will return. (Mat. 24:36) This cleansing is painful and unless we are truly repentant no healing can begin. Yom Teruah is a feast in preparation for Yom Kippur. Yom Teruah calls us to be cleansed and Yom Kippur gives us a chance to atone to Yahweh for our sins. The Shofar The Shofar Teruah is a cry for us to awake and become an active part of Israel. Teruah is Strong's Number 8643 ter-oo-aw' from 07321; is translated in the AV as "shout" 11 times, "shouting" 8 times, "alarm" 6 times, "sound" 3 times, "blowing" 2 times, "joy" 2 times, and others 4 times for a total of 36 times it is used. 1) alarm, signal, sound of tempest, shout, shout or blast of war or alarm or joy; 1a) alarm of war, war-cry, battle-cry; 1b) blast (for march); 1c) shout of joy (with religious impulse); 1d) shout of joy (in general). We find that both in Numbers 29:1 and Leviticus 23:24 that the word for blowing was Teruah. (Please also read Numbers 29:1-6 for information on the sacrifices that were required for Yom Teruah.) The Shofar that was used to announce the arrival of Yom Teruah was preferred to be of a Ram horn. Jewish authorities because of the worship of the golden calf prohibited a cow's horn from being used. There is another interesting thing about the word Teruah in that it is a kind of sound that is to be made with the horn. Teruah is usually taken to be a long blast with three peeks during the blow. There was some controversy over the exact sound that is to be made but the Shofar was blown throughout the day. Conclusion This is the time to awaken and walk with Yahweh as the prophets of old. You have been given the calling and you have heard the loud Shofar Teruah. Yahweh is calling and with only a short time left we cannot be lukewarm. We must be on fire for the word. We must be willing to teach in season and out of season. When it is convenient and when it is not. What have we dedicated our children to? Have we dedicated them to succeed or fail? We must use or lives to serve Yahweh because when we don't our spouse and our families follow our example. We must rely on Yahshua for the example we will follow. Each year as we prepare to keep Yom Teruah we must keep in our minds the thought that this could be the day that Yahshua returns especially as we see things getting worse. We must read the scriptures so that we can teach our families. We must follow the commandments because we love Yahweh. We must ask, "do we have seven years left?" Only Yahweh can answer some of these questions, but be sure of one thing. We must be awakened and zealously working because the time is short. I pray one day that each of my brethren hear Yahshua utter some of the most beautiful words we could ever hear. "Well down though good and faithful servant." Edification for the Assembly If you would like to submit a literary composition that edifies the assembly please submit it to James Meyer.  Please make sure that you label any submission so that it is clearly marked as a submission for the newsletter. Abundance Acknowledge Yahweh as  your  Source and     Treasure.  Be a cheerful giver to Yahweh, yourself     and your neighbors.  Understand above all the value of putting     Yahweh first.  Never forget to honor Yahweh with  your     tithes and offerings.  Do as we are taught by Yahweh's Words of     Truth.  Act  according  to Yahweh's instructions     and Yahshua's example.  Never withhold kindness  or  any  act of    charity to the poor and needy.  Choose Yahweh's Way only.  Experience praying, walking and living by    faith and not by sight.  ABUNDANCE  comes when we surrender everything in Yahweh's Hands.  Composed by: CLARIBEL G. GARCIA "DID YOU KNOW?" HOPE The word is used in the usual sense in the Bible, but it also had some deeper meanings. In the Old Testament, Israel's supreme hope was that Yahweh would finally deliver the nation from all political oppression and the people would live the holy lives Yahweh expected of them. In the New Testament, the key hope is for eternal life. This is not just a wish or dream, but an expectation, based on the promises of Yahshua. Paul emphasized that even though faith in Yahshua brought satisfaction in this earthly life, even more important was what lies ahead: "If in this life only we have hope in Yahshua, we are of all men the most pitiable." FORGIVENESS It is one of the loveliest words in the English language, and a concept the Bible constantly harps on. Yahweh, the Holy One, is constantly willing to forgive people if they repent. Out of gratitude for such mercy, people should be willing to forgive others. How many times must we forgive someone who wrongs us? "Peter came to Him [Yahshua] and said, "Master, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Yahshua said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" [Matt. 18-21-22]. Yahshua's point was that there is not a "right" number of times to forgive; rather, the emphasis is on the attitude, not the number of times. TRUE BELIEVERS FREEDOM Paul, the former Pharisee who had been obsessed with following the many regulations of the Jewish law, rejoiced that true believers had more freedom--not freedom to be immoral, but freedom from fastidious details. Chapter 5 of Galatians is the Bible's great "freedom chapter." Paul affirmed that true believers please Yahweh by being led by the Spirit, not by obeying hundreds of rules. He told the Galatians: "Through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself", [Gal: 5:13-14]. MEEKNESS, HUMILITY The whole Bible is "anti-pride"--if pride means arrogance, thinking too highly of oneself, making oneself a deity. Meekness and humility are praised---not the meekness of milksops or people harping on their own faults, but simply a realistic view of one's pluses and minuses, and an awareness that only Yahweh is worthy of worship. Moses, the great deliverer of Israel, was called "very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth" [Num. 12:3]. Yahshua, in His Beatitudes, pronounced, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" [Matt.5:5]. Paul echoed this view when he said, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" [Phil. 2: 3]. Paul also described Yahshua as "meek and gentle," the Son of the living Elohim. HERMAN MELVILLE [1819-1891] The author of Moby Dick and other classic American novels was not a religious man, but like many great authors, he was fascinated by the Bible. At times Melville's prose seems to read like the King James Version. In his best known novel, the captain who pursues Moby Dick, the white whale, is named Ahab, the name of a sinful king of Israel. The novel's narrator is Ishmael, the name of a rebellious wanderer in Genesis. Before Ishmael sets sail on Ahab's ship, he is warned not embark to by a man named Elijah, the name of a fiery Old Testament prophet. These are only a few of the many Bible references that Melville included in his classic. The book ends with a Bible quote, Job 1: 15: "I, only am escaped alone to tell thee". JOHN STEINBECK [1902-1968] The popular author and winner of the Pulitzer prize and the Nobel prize was quite familiar with the Bible. His famous novel East of Eden takes its title from Genesis 4:16: "Cain went out from the presence of Yahweh and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden." The novel is a retelling, in a modern setting, of the Cain and Abel story. Another novel, To a God Unknown, takes its title from Acts 17:23, in which the apostle Paul speaks to the people of Athens, mentioning an altar inscribed, "To the Unknown God." Steinbeck's most famous novel, The Grapes of Wrath, makes many references to the Bible. RENDING THE GARMENTS Tearing one's clothes [or "rending the garments," in some translations] was a sign of sorrow, mourning, or repentance, practiced in Israel and still practiced by Jews today. Jacob tore his clothes when he believed his son Joseph dead, Gen: 37:34. King Ahab, chastised by Elijah because of his sins, tore his clothes, 1Kings 21:27. At Yahshua's trial, the high priest, believing Yahshua a blasphemer, tore his clothe, Matt. 26:25. The prophet Joel told the people that sorrow over sin should be an inward thing, not an outward thing. "Rend your heart, and not your garments:" Joel 2:13. by Mona Perry Request from Brethren Pereira Barreto, 4 Month 5760 Shalom in name of Yahshua, Bro. James, since Wednesday, we have started the building of a temple in the city of Pereira Barreto. Can you and the brethren help us monetarily, for we are building a place of worship?  We also need your prayers about it. Your Brazilian brother in Yahshua, Antonio Guilhermino(Asafe Ben Yamin) Assembly of Yahweh Antonio Guilhermino Sylva Albas Rua Conselheiro Rui Barbosa 3120 Bairro Vila Nova Pereira Barreto SP Brazil Cep 15370-000 Birth Announcements "Lo, children are an heritage of Yahweh: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." PS 127:3 Yahweh has blessed the following parents with one of His most wondrous miracles: Jonny and Angie Wilson Matthew Thomas, born on June 22nd, weighed 7lbs. 12oz. Dustin and Latisha Jared Colin, born on July 19, 2000, weighed 7lbs. 7oz. James and Laura Meyer Veronica Eve, born on August 1st., weighed 8lbs. Timothy and Heather (McCabe) Rechtfertig Timothy Todd Preston, born on August 1, 2000, weighed 7lbs. 12oz. We pray for health and joy for Yahweh's new children and the parents. (and soon a good night sleep) New Moon - Month 5 The fifth New Moon was seen in Israel on August 1st and a few in the US saw the New Moon on July 31st.  The next New Moon will be most likely be visible on August 30th.  This last New Moon only leaves two more months until the Feast of Trumpets, Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day.  If you have any questions about the upcoming feasts of the seventh month please feel free to ask.  New Moon Offer of a Brother Brother Greg would like to contact and help any believers in Yahweh who are deaf.  Greg would like to help these brethren and sisters, so if you know anyone with this handicap please let them know that Greg is here to help.  Greg can be contacted at Greg. Prayer List Please keep the following brethren and sisters in your prayers: Christopher Cannon, Barbara Boss, Rosy Maria Henness, Mike Perry, Steve Young, Violeta Madrid, Gregory S. McCray, Ernest Moore, Pol Andre Anderssen, Voy Wilkes, Mike Gainne, Mary Thurman, Jonathan Bullock, Maryanne Golub, Isaac Hnamte, Lorie Parks, Angela Rehmel, Carlo Tognoni, Delia Anne McLaren, Yochann Andersen, Raymond Gaskell, Rudy Garcia, Marylyn Patterson, Freda and Mitch Petersen, Faye and Jacob Ferguson, Rayshawn Wilson, Earl and Lisa Friberg, Norma Daulton, Chantale Gaillard, Billy Bob and Twila Brown, Gui William Verrees Jr., Elder Pete and Mary Jean Vacca, and the many others striving to be better servants of Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah. http://www.paleotimes.org/prayerlist.htm Fellowship The fellowship list is quickly growing.  There are so many brethren and sisters who would love to have like believers to meet with and to discuss biblical topics. http://www.paleotimes.org/fellowship.htm Articles Articles are written by brethren from all points of the globe.  This will give you a variety of backgrounds yet one understanding given by the Holy Spirit of Yahweh. http://www.paleotimes.org/articles.asp Sacred Media The Sacred Media section includes music and sermons by brethren provided as sources of instruction and inspiration. Listen to the beautiful music and the encouraging messages. http://www.paleotimes.org/SacredMedia.htm