Paleo Times July 2000 Newsletter Greetings Brethren, This month Paleo Times' theme is the encouragement of the brethren. Each of us will hopefully live together in the kingdom that Yahshua will be setting up here on earth. It is a prayer of mine that the talent of the brethren is used to reach those searching. We encourage you to reach out to this ministry and others helping spread the word of a very beautiful coming kingdom. If we do not quench the Spirit of Yahweh it is something that can achieve much more than human strength will ever achieve. With all the problems that assemblies from all over the world have been encountering it is a wonder why Yahweh continues with us but the brethren have proven to be resilient. The spirit has definitely brought many of us together in a united commission that only Yahshua can give. This commission seems to be teaching and admonishing the many searching and striving to help brethren follow Yahshua's narrow path. Light on this path can be encouraged through love and advisement. 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. We will be sending it out hopefully before the next newsletter. Antonio is hopefully going to make it for a feast here in the near future Yahweh willing. Donations beyond the cost of the shofar will be used to send printed material to brethren interested in the word. 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 If you would like to contribute to future newsletters you can email your article or comments to newsletter@paleotimes.org. Agape in Messiah, James A. Meyer Feature Article Encouraging Our Brethren Encouragement is a crucial part of our worship. We must never be reluctant to give our brethren help from our heart. We will be judged by how convicted our heart is to doing what Yahshua taught. Men judge by physical appearance but Yahweh judges by the heart of a person. The mortal mind is enmity against Yahweh. We must be beyond a mortal mind we must be led by the spirit. The physical appearance is only skin deep. Yahweh's spirit is shown though our acts. We must encourage our brethren to use their talents. Our talents are a gift from Yahweh and are not to be squandered or stored away. Our talents used together make our family of brethren a perfect body. We must each shine and edify our family of Yah to grow in a righteous direction. Yahshua's return will complete the body. We are to follow Yahshua's footsteps by encouraging one another. Physical Appearance The wrong impression is given sometimes by the physical appearance of a person. The fault in visual impressions is that they are truly only skin deep. The people that follow Yahweh do not have talents necessarily that the world is in search for or talents that can be seen visually. A Biblical example of this visual selection was the choice of Saul. The people chose to follow Saul because of his appearance. (1 Sam. 9:2) Yahweh gave the people the kind of leader that they were looking for with a strong physical appearance and an upright character. Saul's leadership started with many victories and the show of a repentant heart. His lack of will to follow Yahweh without wavering was one of Saul's flaws. An example of Saul's defiance is when he with the help of Yahweh conquered the Amalekites. The problem was that he allowed his men to take spoils of the Amalekites even though Yahweh ordered Israel to destroy everything that the polluted Amalekites possessed. Even the king of the Amalekites was allowed to live and taken captive by king Saul. Samuel killed the king Agag of the Amalekites doing what Yahweh had ordered Saul. (1 Sam. 15) The next time that Samuel came before Saul was to tell him of Saul and Jonathan's impending death. (1 Sam. 15:35) We must look more closely to a person's character than their appearance. The people that follow Yahweh are not all going to be what the world respects. This means that we should be willing to go out of our way to make a brother comfortable within our fellowship. We must look to encourage our brethren no matter where they come from whether they are pale or dark skinned, or male or female. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yahshua. (Galatians 3:28 NKJV) It is not the economic status or the aesthetics that make them Yahweh's people. Truly the calling of Yahweh is what makes us brethren. (1 Peter 2:9) Called from all walks of life we love those that the world rejects. (Mat. 5:11) One day we will all be the rejects of the world for Yahweh's name. (Mat. 24:9) The death of Baptism has made us equal. (Acts 10:34) I am sure that we all have stories of persecution in this world. We must look at the heart of the individual. David comes to mind when I think of a man that no one would of chose. (1 Sam 16:6-13) We find that Samuel looked at Eliab and he said that surely this is the one that Yahweh chose. Yahweh said look at his heart not at Eliab's stature or his features that men respect. We too must do this when we fellowship. The heart that follows Yahweh is what we should be encouraging. We even find that Yahshua was able to disappear in a crowd. (John 8:59) Yahshua's physical appearance didn't set him apart from the crowds. It was that he was truly the son of Yahweh. Yahweh has a son that pleases him and Yahweh teaches that Yahshua's path is truly the path that we are to follow. (Mat. 3:17) A contrast of this is that Satan was of perfect beauty and it was maybe this beauty that led so many angels astray and led Satan to believe that he could be like Yahweh. (Ezek. 28:12) Heart of Man The wrong spirit unfortunately too often leads the heart of man. Because the carnal mind is enmity against Yahweh: for it is not subject to the law of Yahweh, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7 AV) We must encourage in our brethren the upright heart. Our spirit is to be a light in this dark world, so that our spirit isn't our spirit at all but the spirit of Yahweh. (John 3:19, 8:12, 12:46, Ephesians 6:12) Yahshua showed this temperance of love through out his existence in flesh. Yahshua perfected the law in his life and on into his spiritual existence before Yahweh. (Hebrews 5:9) Yahshua's return will setup a rule that is long awaited but well worth the wait. Paul following the teachings and example of Yahweh the Messiah wrote that we are to encourage the fainthearted: And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ASV) Do not be discouraged by what you see brethren the task that Yahshua gave us should be considered every second. The word is understandable to so many of us that we need to share it with our brethren. (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:21) The spirit of Yahweh empowers each of us to teach, to comfort, to love, etc. Yahweh has called us to be a different kind of people. (1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 3:1) We are to be disciples of the Messiah, Yahshua. Discipleship We must encourage our brethren to be disciples. (Mark 14:26-27) Yahshua said that his disciples bear much fruit. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8 AV) In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul lists what the fruit of the spirit represents. We must resemble all those things to even begin to live up to the discipleship of Yahshua. It is not beyond our grasp. (1Cor 10:13) If we plant our feet solidly on the rock we will have much to look forward. (Psalms 62:2, 62:6, 95:1) There are many places where Yahshua provided encouragement. (Mat 9:2, 14:27, 17:7) Yahshua encourages us to use our talents because they will be strengthened and increased. We each have something that makes us distinct and useful among the brethren. (1 Peter 2:5) The parable that Yahshua gave concerning the kingdom is an excellent example of this encouragement if we use what Yahweh has given wisely. "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. "Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. "And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. "But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his master's money. "After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' "He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV) The person who is given talent must wisely use it to edify the assembly. The edification of the assembly helps brethren grow in a way that they would never grow alone. Just think of a team that has many parts to complete one task. Their maybe some among the group that could do the whole project alone but the out come would not be as great as the whole team working together. Just imagine if the three servants would have worked together. The eight talents could have yielded sixteen or more. This saddens some to see many assemblies working apart but leadership is not responsible for our salvation brethren. Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart: (Proverbs 3:3 ASV) Leadership is responsible for the path that they teach. (Mat 5:18) Yahshua's judgment looks at how we use what we are given. As we go before Yahshua every day we are judged by our actions. (Rev. 2:2, 5, 9, 13, 19, 23, 26, 3:1, 2, 3, 15, 9:20, 14:13, 15:3, 18:6, 20:12,13 and that is just Revelation) We must make sure our path, as well as our brethren's paths, are clean and yet encourage our brethren when they are following Yahweh. (Mat. 18:13-17, 2Thes. 3:14-15) Our encouragement will help each one of us stay on Yahshua's path. The Future Working together is an important part of teamwork or in this case working as a body. (1Cor. 12:12-31) When Yahshua returns we should let him know that we put our talents together and achieved greater than we could have alone. This is a hard path brethren but it is the only path that will truly show our heart and mind. We are to be the body of Messiah. A body is not complete without you. At the same time we must be careful not to fall away from our body because the result will be our replacement. We must be on fire to teach and help our family because the family of Yah is truly the only family that matters. (Matthew 19:29) I have been discouraged in the past by leaders falling away. Leaders are the same as you or me but they are under a much heaver burden. We must encourage their strong will to follow Yahweh. Yahweh has given our leaders a harsher judgment so we must let them know that we appreciate their work for Yahweh. (Jer. 23) Yahshua's rule will be perfect. It is not something that we can know without his direction. The weekly Sabbaths and annual Sabbaths of Yahweh are maybe the closest we will come to the Kingdom of Yahweh without being changed to spirit. So many who haven't kept a feast of Yahweh ask what the feasts are really like. There is only one way to find out what the feasts are like and that is to come to the feasts. The feasts of Yahweh are not just a recommendation, they are a requirement, but as we increase in scriptural knowledge and fellowship with our brethren we find that the feast is a pleasure and an encouragement. When Yahweh's Kingdom is setup by Yahshua we will all be together as a family. (Zech. 14:16) Summary I pray that this article encouraged you to open your Bible as you read and that you live like Yahshua with love and joy in your heart and righteousness in your actions. Our brethren should have a special place in our hearts. Encouragement of brethren is an important part of our worship. We must each take the time to edify the assembly. Talents are given as a gift from Yahweh and as a body of brethren with talents we can accomplish so much because Yahweh gives them. Yahshua lived a life of demonstrating at every bend that we are each to work for salvation. Yahshua's final decision will be made by the content of our heart not our status in society. The love for one another is not learned but given as part of the fruit of the spirit. The spirit of Yahweh must be allowed to lead us through our life. The only way that we can receive eternal life is to love Yahweh, love Yahshua, and love our brethren because on this love hangs all the commandments. The final scripture comes from probably one of the most intelligent men in the scriptures other than the Messiah. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. (Proverbs 3:27 ASV) 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. LIFE IS LIKE A RIPTIDE I do not know very much about riptide, but I have heard about it. It is an undercurrent that one can get swept out to sea in. If one knows what they are doing, they can swim parallel to the shore and get out of it. It can be a death trap. Some times there may be a life guard that has sent a warning out about it, and swimmers are told to not go into the water. Some regardless of the warnings will go in anyway, and someone has to risk their life to rescue them. We have been given a book telling us about the riptides in life. The one that is the life guard tells us to take heed to the warnings. We have been told to not be a part of the world and its ways. Yet if we are not careful we can be swept up in things of the world before we know it. It can look so innocent, yet be deadly, spiritually speaking. We are told to not be unequally yoked in a business relationship, or a marriage. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? - 2Co 6:14 He will not stand with you in circumstances like that, since you went contrary to His will. Yet many will date people that are not dedicated to the Fathers' will in their lives, then they are swept away in the current of something so big, they find themselves married to someone who lives life contrary to the Father. If the converted mate stays firm in their faith, pretty soon divisions takes place. The converted mate may start excusing the sins of the unconverted mate, and get swept up in their love for them, and eventually walk away from the Father themselves. Even something so simple as the friends we choose to for our buddies, or who we let our children become attached to, can become a factor is our, or their choices. Once again if one is not careful they turn a blind eye to the faults of their friends. With the young people that are not mature, these choices are not real clear, and eventually they may follow along the same path. Our Father is not going to put us where temptation is. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of Elohim: for Elohim cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: - Jas 1:13 We find ourselves in those situations, when we do not look away from things that are contrary to the Fathers' will. Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. - Jas 1:14 Soon we find our flesh has swept us out to sea, so to speak, then the Father has to rescue us. We do not have to be swept out to sea, Spiritually speaking. We have the Book with all the warnings, cautions, and safety precautions carefully recorded. If we care about our eternal life, we will adhere to it very carefully. If not, we may find the sea we are swept into, is one of fire, where we will not be rescued from. Mary Lois Bierman DID YOU KNOW? Issac Newton [1642-1727] The familiar image of Isaac Newton is of the man discovering the law of gravity when an apple drops on his head. Newton was one of the greatest scientists of all time, and his theories on the law of gravitation were only a part of his many amazing discoveries. Newton so impressed his contemporaries that he was knighted--that is, he became "Sir Isaac." In modern times, many scientists are non believers, not men of faith. This wasn't true of Newton. He claimed that each of his discoveries was communicated to him by the Holy Spirit. He was fascinated by the Bible and wanted to reconcile science with religion. Throughout his life Newton believed that man's paramount aim was to understand the Bible and Yahweh's purposes. His scientific discoveries only made him more certain that a divine Creator still watched over the world. Newton wrote that "no sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible." Love/Agape The Old Testament depicts many kinds of love: friends, family, sexual, romantic, spiritual. It shows Yahweh's love for men as the greatest love--selfless, forgiving, merciful, at times "tough," but strong and durable. That sort of love appears in the New testament, and the Greek word is agape. In fact, Greek had several words for love---eros "attraction love," mostly sexual, philia "friendship," and storge "family love." But the word used by Yahshua and His followers was agape, a love well defined in Paul's famous "love chapter" 1Cor. 13. Yahshua and the apostles had an important message: Love the way of Yahweh, unselfishly, seeking the other's welfare. Agape has proved difficult to translate, since "love" for many people means the love found in romance novels, and rock songs. John Wycliffe and, later, the King James translators, understood this and translated the word as "charity." Tyndale and the popular Geneva Bible used "love," and so do all modern translations. It is an inadequate translation, but no one has thought of an alternative--except for reading 1Cor. 13 - frequently to recall just what agape means. The Temple Israel began as a "nation on the move," since they only came together while making their way from Egypt to the homeland Yahweh had promised them. For the forty years while they were "in the wilderness," rituals centered around a large but portable holy place, the Tabernacle. Even after the Israelites were settled, the Tabernacle was still in use, until King Solomon, who had wealth at his disposal, built an elaborate temple in Jerusalem. The building and the impressive dedication service are described in 1 Kings 5-8. Any building containing expensive furnishings is apt to be plundered. This occurred often as invading nations sacked Jerusalem and its temple. The crowning blow came when Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem, carrying off the temple furnishings and torching the building. With Jerusalem in ruins and many people carried off to exile in Babylon, religious life no longer centered around the temple. A new development came in the life of the scattered Jews: the synagogue. The temple ruins sat for many years until a rebuilding took place under Zerubbabel, who was given permission by the Persian ruler Cyrus to renovate Jerusalem. The renovated temple [sometimes called "the Second Temple"--Solomon's was the first] was further enlarged and beautified under Herod the Great. This was the temple that Yahshua and the first true believers were familiar with. Yahshua prophesied that the magnificent building would one day be destroyed, with not one stone left upon another Lk. 21:6. The prophecy came true in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed the temple. All that remains of it is the Western Wall, better known as the Wailing Wall. Zion Zion is one of the hills of the city of Jerusalem. Israel's King David captured it from the tribe of Jebusites and bought the famous ark of the covenant there, which gave the site a special significance. Over time the Zion came to stand for the whole city of Jerusalem, or even to all Israel. The New Testament gave the name Zion a spiritual significance, and over time it came to suggest heaven, not just the earthly Jerusalem. Hundreds of Christian hymns refer to Zion. In the 1890s, when Jews around the world began to plan on establishing their own nation in Palestine, the movement took the name Zionism. The name is still used today to refer to Jews [or their supporters] who want to maintain the Jewish nation of Israel. Tyre This famous costal city was built by the Phoenicans, famous as navigators and traders. Hiram of Tyre was a friend of Israel's kings David and Solomon, and he supplied them with timber, gold, and other articles for use in building palaces and Yahweh's temple, plus craftsmen to do the work. Israel's commercial partnership with Tyre allowed Solomon to spend lavishly. The Hebrew prophets had harsh words for Tyre, aware of the city's materialism. Isaiah called the city "the crowning city," but also "a harlot" who plies her trade with all the kingdoms, Isa. 23. Isaiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets predicted ruin for Tyre. The prophecies came true when Alexander the Great conquered the region. Little Bits Of History--Where Did They Come From? At one time houses had thatched roofs. Thick straw, piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the pets.. dogs, cats and other small animals, mice, rats, bugs lived on the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs." In many countries bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top or the "upper crust." Mona Perry TEN WAYS TO KEEP THE MAGIC IN MARRIAGE 1. Never allow a third part to interfere. This includes friends, family, relatives, or strangers. 2. Never correct each other in public. Every public putdown is a wound which heals slowly. 3. Liberate each other willingly. Quit smothering with jealousy, suspicion or fear. 4. Don't worry about understanding each other; having always to understand is just a cop-out. No one can ever be completely understood. 5. Refuse to get unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Every soul-friend, private or mutual, must share your faith. This applies to marriage, business, and other involvements. 6. Remember little things. The biggest gifts of material things cannot buy love. Tenderness and courtesy can. 7. Have eyes only for each other. Work at showing each other special attention in public. This lets all know, including your mate, where your devotion lies. 8. Learn how to say, "I'm sorry," and mean it. Don't pretend. Insincerity proves only that you are unforgiving. 9. Accept problems as a normal part of marriage and love. Idealism is for poets. Problems will always exist and must be expected. 10. For safe keeping, commit each other to Yahweh. What is kept safe by Yahweh is kept safe for you. From: The Herald of Truth Copy taken from: Assembly of Yahweh (7th day) Submitted by: Sister Ana Ybanez Harrom, P.O. Box 81031, Davao City, Philippines 8000 Fourth New Moon - July 2nd We have had confirmation that the new moon was sighted in the US on July 2nd and July 3rd in Israel.  The next new moon should be visible July 31st.  Please take the time to look for the 5th new moon of the Biblical year.  When you see it let us know at New Moon. Johnson City, Texas The new moon was sighted on July 2, at 9:05pm by Darren and Amanda Holliday near Johnson City, Texas. Pictures were taken, and if the crescent is easily visible in the pictures, I would be happy to email them to you. I will let you know how they turn out late on the 3rd day of the week. HalleluYAH! Amanda and Darren Holliday Jerusalem, Israel The moon was seen on July 3, 2000 by Nehemia Gordon from Jerusalem.  The moon was easily visible.  Please forward this letter to a friend. Nehemia Gordon Jamestown, Kentucky Loretta & I saw the new Moon crest at 8:33 PM CST on July 2nd 2000. In Yahshua, Frank & Loretta Venus, Texas Praise to Yahweh, our family was able to see the 4th New Moon which was very low to the horizon in the western sky here on the outskirts of Venus, Texas.  My wife and my three older sons were able to see the visible crescent. I am quite visually impaired, so I could not detect it. They spotted it around 9:15. Just wanted to let you know. Yours in Yahshua the Messiah, Gary McDaniel and family 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: Isaac Hnamte, Lorie Parks, Angela Rehmel, Carlo Tognoni, Delia Anne McLaren, Yochann Andersen, Raymond Gaskell, Rudy Garcia, Marylyn Patterson, Freda Petersen, Mitch Petersen, Faye and Jacob Ferguson, Rayshawn Wilson, Maryanne Golub, 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