Yahweh
The Eternal Being, as revealed to us in the Hebrew Scriptures, has identified Himself to us through the personal name, YHWH, (i.e. Yahweh, Yahuweh). Like mankind, whom He created "in His image, according to His likeness" Yahweh is composed of 1) soul or being, 2) spirit or character, and 3) body, substance, or the form in which He chooses to manifest Himself toward us. Yahweh is NOT a trinity (three spirits, gods, or personalities), but ONE ELOHIM composed of numerous complimentary aspects which are ECHAD (united, woven, or joined together) in accordance with the Sh'ma passage of Deuteronomy 6:4. "Hear O Israel, Yahweh (singular) your Elohim (plural), Yahweh is ECHAD (unified, united, a composite unity)." Yahweh identifies His soul or deepest being to us as the "Father of Creation" or "Husband of His people, Israel", and that from whence all else proceeds.
Yahwehshua (Yahshua)
Is the original and only Name of the Miltha (word, body or substance aspect of Yahweh) which was first brought forth or revealed as His Right Hand or Arm at work in Creation, and later as the incarnate Word or breath of His mouth embodying a uniquely conceived "Son", in order to accomplish Israel's Restoration and Redemption upon repentance from the curse of humanity's fall.
Ruach HaKodesh
Is the Spirit or Character of Yahweh, and pictured allegorically throughout Tanakh as a feminine or motherly aspect of the Creator. Also synonymous with "Wisdom" or the "Bride" pictured throughout the Proverbs, it is through the soul or being of Yahweh (Fatherly aspect) and the wisdom or spirit of Yahweh (Motherly aspect) that the Son (bodily manifestation or substance of Yahweh) was originally conceived, and eventually "brought forth" through the womb of an undefiled, unmarried young woman (Hebrew, ALMAH, or virgin) as foretold by the prophet Yeshayahu/Isaiah.
True Hebrew Names
We use ONLY the True Names and Terms when referring to the Creator, as they have been preserved through the Hebrew language. These are Yahweh/Yahuweh, meaning "The One Who Exists" or "Eternal Being", and Yahshua, meaning "Savior Yahweh" or "Eternal Salvation". Other Hebrew titles are Elohim (meaning "Mighty One"), Adonai (meaning "Master or Sovereign"), and Mashiyach (meaning "Messiah or Divinely Annointed). The words, "lord god" and "jesus christ" are false entities and titles which have been obtained from ancient pagan deities. To use them is in violation of Exodus 23:13 -- "And in all I have said to you be circumspect and make no mention of the names of false deities, neither let them be heard from your mouth", and to worship under these names and titles is in violation of Exodus 20:3,5,7 -- "You shall have no other mighty ones against my face...you do not bow down to them or serve them... [and] you shall not bring the Name of Yahweh your Elohim to naught, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who brings His Name to naught." (Hbr. Txt.)
The Creation
The heavens and the earth were created by Elohim "in the beginning" (Gen 1:1), and at some point thereafter (probably as a result of shatan's rebellion and descent-- see 1 Adam and Eve 13:2-5), became without form, dark, and empty (compare Isaiah 45:18 with Genesis 1:1 Hbr. Txt.). At this point, Yahweh renewed the surface of the earth through His miltha or substance (cf. Psalm 104:29,30), manifested to us as the Light at the dawn of Creation, and later as the anointed Mashiyach. He then brought forth life upon the earth in a period of six literal days, and afterward rested on the seventh (Genesis 1). The earth has maintained this present state of existence, supportive of human and animal life, for approximately 6,000 years, as evidenced by the Scriptural record, and supported by increasing scientific "discoveries". The "explosive creation" theory and its close relative, "evil-ution", deny the power and sovereignty of Elohim in their attempt to remove the Scriptural foundation from the first verse. Yahweh's command in Eden was that all life forms reproduce after their own kind, (Gen 1:11-12,21-28) and the book of Jasher records that it was the children of Cain in their worship of hashatan (the adversary or prince of demons), which first taught the mixing of plants and animals (Jasher 4:18 cf. Lev 19:19, Deut 22:9), which leaves no room for "progressive creationism" or its many derivatives.
The Hebrew Scriptures
Were inspired of Yahweh for the instruction of humankind (2Tim.3:16), and the Apostolic writings (erroneously known by christiandom as a "new testament") as do not take precedence over the Torah (five books of Moses), nor is the Torah complete without the Mashiyach who is manifested to us through the apostolic writings, and who appeared as a bodily manifestation of the Torah and perfect Torah-submission (see Mt 5:17, Jn.15:10). Just as a manual is required for proper assembly and use of an instrument, the Scriptures in their entirety (all 80+ books, including the 14 "intertestament" or erroneously called "apocryphal" books), are necessary for the best usage of the earthly life which Yahweh has given, and the eternal life which awaits at the end of days (Psa.119:130).
The "intertestament" books, recorded and preserved by the Hebrews, and including portions of Esther and Daniel, Ben Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon, Psalm 151, 2nd and 3rd Ezra, 1-4 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith and others, were deemed uncanonical upon the destruction of the second temple and subsequent formation of Rabbinical Judaism at Yavneh, in major part due to Messianic prophecy. Preserved however by the Jewish Septuagint (compiled c. 300 B.C.E.), in part by the Dead Sea Scrolls, and afterwards by the Nazarenes along with other manuscripts such as the "Evangel According To The Hebrews", they were finally claimed by the Slavonic, Greek Orthodox, and Roman Church, upon the latter's extermination of the major remaining Nazarene sects.
We hold that the original Mosaic, Prophetic, and Apostolic manuscripts were fully inspired and error free in their original form, and that the Apostolic writings were authored in some dialect or derivative of Hebrew, which today is most correctly represented by the Eastern Aramaic Peshitta. All subsequent manuscript translations and revisions by men, including the Masoretic and Septagint texts, are each subject to and contain certain errors and omissions. Several Nazarene translations which make considerable attempt to verify the original reading and proper restoration of the True Hebrew Names through comparative analysis of Hebraic texts and manuscript evidence are "The Scriptures", and the "Hebraic Roots Version". While we believe in no such thing as a "completely inspired translations", we do believe that "in the mouth of two or three reliable witnesses every word will be established." (Deut 19:15, Matt 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1) Our responsibility, therefore, is to "search the Scriptures daily, verifying these things are so" (Acts 17:11) and "studying to show ourselves approved, disciples that need not be ashamed, correctly interpreting the word of truth." (2Tim 2:15)
The Torah
The Torah is a schoolmaster (Gal.3:24,25), given by Yahweh to reveal His Mashiyach, and
the principles taught by the schoolmaster remain true and binding
today. We experience redemption and restoration with
Yahweh by believing and obeying the teachings of Yahshua, who is
the favour and essence of the Torah, and not by our works alone (Eph. 2:8-10). While our submission to Torah does
not grant us salvation, it does grant us belief in Yahshua, the one who saves
(James 2:18). Yahshua did not come to abolish
the Torah, but to show us true Torah submission by fulfilling or performing its
requirements and commands. (Mt.5:17).
Feast-Days And Sabbaths
Because ALL SCRIPTURE is still in effect (Mt 5:17), Yahweh's Appointed Times are still to be observed by His people.
Weekly:
American "Holidays" in contrast, are shatan's counterfeit to Yahweh's Appointed Times, being drawn directly from pagan ritual in worship of the father of lies (Jer.10:2). The Roman months and days of the week, likewise, are derived from the names of false deities, which we endeavor not to use in honor of Deuteronomy 12:3,30.
Laws Of Clean And Unclean
Yahweh has provided certain animals for food, and others which were never intended to be eaten. The basic guidelines, found in Leviticus 11, are for our own health and well being, and it benefits us to observe the healthy standard which YHWH, in His infinite love and wisdom has given us. YHWH also forbids the consuming of blood (Deut. 12:16,23) and the cooking of a kid in its mother's milk (Exodus 23:19, 34:26, Deuteronomy 14:21) as rituals of pagans. Likewise, an animal must not be eaten which dies of itself (Lev 22:8) both to prevent disease, and because the blood remains in the meat.
Circumcision
We take the stance of the the apostle Sha'ul, who
says in Romans 2:25-29, "For circumcision verily profiteth,
if thou observe the Torah: but if thou be a breaker of the Torah, thy
circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the
righteousness of the Torah, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for
circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the
Torah, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the Torah?
For he is not a Yahudi, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision,
which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Yahudi which is one inwardly; and
circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose
praise is not of men, but of YHWH." Circumcision, as a sign like
water immersion or the wearing of blue tassels is not intended as a method
of of acquiring salvation, but a reminder to obey Torah,
circumcise the heart (Deut 10:16; 30:6; Ezek
36:26), and remain true to the eternal covenant.
Modesty
Torah forbids the wearing of attire intended for or styled after clothing of the opposite sex (Deut. 22:5). High-cut, low-cut, and tight-fitting attire violates the commands forbidding uncovering of nakedness, while clothing which draws self-attention or follows eartly trends does not set the body apart as YHWH's temple.
It is priestly for a man to keep his hair trimmed or bound, as indicated by Ezekiel 44:20: "They shall not shave their heads nor let their hair grow long / hang loose, but they shall keep their hair carefully trimmed / bound", and to retain the facial hair which YHWH gave to him. Shaving of the beard (balding or destroying the corners -- Lev 19:27) is against nature and against Torah. Likewise, a woman's hair is to be retained for her husband, and not to be cut as a man's or flaunted to others / let hang loose (Isa 47:2,3, 1 Cor 11:6,10,15).
Courtship, Betrothal, And Marriage
Scriptural betrothal, historically lasting anywhere from several months to a year, and consisting of a "hands off relationship" between a man and woman who are committed to marriage, provides a means of pure courtship wherein a promise of fidelity is made at the onset of the relationship. Scripture instructs, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen 2:24, Mt 19:5, Mk 10:6-8), and gives no allowance for temporary romantic, adulterous relationships. A betrothed couple, although not physically intimate, are considered "married", and infidelity during betrothal is considered "adultery". Sequentially, the breaking of a betrothal (according to Jewish law) requires a get or legal divorce.
Scripture speaks of "setting aside" or "putting away" (Deut.24:1) with the intent of resolution and reunification (1Cor 7:5) yet at the same time informs us that YHWH hates "divorce" or "annullment of a marriage / dealing treacherously" (Mal 2:15,16). Yahshua likewise warned us saying, "For your hard hearts he suffered you the precept [of 'putting away']... What therefore YHWH has joined together, let not man 'put asunder'." (Mk.10:5,9).
The breaking of a marriage or betrothal constitutes false witness (Ex.20:16). "Better to not vow, than to vow and not pay", for when a man or woman breaks their vow, they bear their iniquity. To enter a second vow before "death do us part" is to commit adultery (Mk 10:11,12), and to return to an original spouse after becoming defiled by a second vow only increases abomination, and does not correct the adultery (Deut 24:3,4). Forgiveness from adultery is possible in that adultery is not "unpardonable", but as with any transgression, only upon turning from that sin in complete repentance. What exactly this turning from sin involves in the case of adultery is something which the individual must search out and be convicted of in his or her own heart, based upon the instruction and examples provided in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Defiant (unturned/repented or repeated) adultery requires "purging of the evil", which today is best accomplished by "putting out of the assembly".
Family And Roles
That we might obtain a virtuous family and procure treasured offspring, our husbands must remain in subjection to Yahshua as they perform their role as the head of the family and home (Eph 5:23,1Cor 11:3). Our wives likewise are to be keepers of the home (Titus 3:2-5), and in submission to the authority of their husbands (Eph 5:22,1Cor 11:3,1Tim 2:12). Both parents are to be in unity (Mt 19:5) and care for, train, and teach (home-educate) their own children, through rod and reproof (Prov 13:24, 22:15, 29:15, Eph 6:4), in honor, respect and obedience to the laws and ways of YHWH (Deut. 4:9,6:6-7,11:18-19, Prov 22:6, Eph. 6:1). In turn, our children are to lovingly care for their parents in their old age, and must not shift the responsibility to a secular nursing home or retirement community (1 Timothy 5:4,8).
Sacrifices And Offerings
Are instituted by YHWH to make restitution for unwillful transgression (sinning by mistake), and under the Levitical Cohenim were performed in yearly, weekly, and daily intervals. Yahshua's death as the "Lamb of Elohim who takes away the sins of the world" (Gen 22:8, Zech 12:10, John 1:29, 19:37) brought about the climax of this cycle when He assumed the position of Cohen HaGadol (High Priest) after the order of Maltkitsedeq (Melchisedek -- Psa 110:4, Heb 5:6, 7:17,21), to make perpetual atonement though the offering up of Himself. Where perpetual atonement through YHWH's Blood is made, (Zech 12:10, Heb 10:12,14) there is no repeated sacrifice (Heb 7:25-27, 10:18). Regarding Ezekiel's prophecy of the third (and forthcoming) temple, any references to physical sacrifice refer to voluntary offerings of peace and thanksgiving, and the "Third Temple" refers allegorically to Yahshua in accordance with Revelation 21:22: "I saw no Temple (in millenial Jerusalem) for YHWH El Shaddai is the Temple, and the Lamb."
Judgment
"Today is the day of salvation" (Lk 16:19-31, 2Cor 6:2) and "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgement" (Heb.9:27), leaving no room for "a second chance", reincarnation, or purgatory, reincarnation. While passages such as Acts 24:11-15 suggest a resurrection of both the righteous and wicked for the sole purpose of judgement, Romans 6:23 clarifies that the wages of sin is death (i.e. the grave). Manuscript evidence likewise confirms that "hell", as found in the Apostolic Scriptures, is properly translated either shoel (the grave) or ghenna (the valley outside of Yerushalayim where the bodies of criminals were burned during the first century C.E.) The literal valley or lake of fire at the end of days, in contrast, is reserved for eternal punishment of non-mortal beings such as hashatan, the beast, false prophet (Rev 19:20, 20:3,10), and other fallen angels or demonic forces (2Pe 2:4, Jude 6).
Water Immersion And Repentance
Is a physical act of submission and cleansing, symbolizing a greater submission and spiritual cleaning where one's sin, uncleanness, and separation from Yahweh is removed as far as the east is from the west (compare Numbers 19:1-22, Psalm 103:12). Mikva or immersion in Ruach haKodesh (the Set-Apart Spirit), is that which is necessary for Yahshua (the return of salvation), for it is the outpouring of Yahweh's power upon his people, granting the power to heal, prophesy, cast out demons, and turn the nations to repentance. Atonement itself and the subsequent "outpouring of Yahweh's Nature or Spirit upon one's life" results from a sincere heart and immersing one's self under the covering of Yahweh's Name or Authority (1Sam.16:7, Lk.8:15) as pictured by the physical action of cleansing and submission. Scriptural mikvah is not into a religious organization, but into the kehillat or assembly of those believing or placing their trust upon Israel's Mashiyach (see Mt 16:18).
To establish an age, before which one is not accountable for their sins, runs contrary to the teachings of the Tanakh(Ezek 18:20,21, Prov 20:11), the same as to establish an age before which one is not permitted to mikvah or immerse for their remission. Once a youth understands the concept of sin, repentance, and Yahshua's atonement, one MUST NOT discourage mikvah, or deny them this opportunity (see Acts 16:29-34, Matt 18:3-6).
Redemption And Restoration With
YHWH
Is dependant on reciprocal love and belief, as evidenced by our submission to Yahweh's instruction or Torah, also known as "good works" (James 1:14-26). Yahweh made literal bodily atonement for sins committed in ignorance through his own blood at the stake (Zech 12:10), but to accept the atonement, we must repent, and turn from all willful transgression or disobeying of His commands (Num 15:28-31, Heb 10:26). Yahweh made atonement for sin committed in ignorance, out of his mercy, favor, and lovingkindness (see Acts 17:30), yet this by no means "un-does" any part of His commands (see Matthew 5:17). When we remain within the guidelines which Yahweh has ordained, keeping them out of love from a pure heart (1 Tim 1:5), we are securely rooted in Him. If we trust in our own righteous, however, and overstep Yahweh's guidelines, willfully committing wrong, our former righteousness is not counted, and we must then reap the consequences (i.e. death) resulting from of our choice (Ezekiel 33:13-19, Php. 3:11-14).
The call of Yahweh to repent and turn to Him is not only to the sons of Jacob, but to all nationalities, people groups, and individuals across the earth. Physical Israel is not limited to Judah, but to all twelve historical tribes, ten of which were dispersed and assimilated to become the "multitude or entirety of gentiles and christians" after the Assyrian captivity (Gen 48:16-19) and are now being regathered and awakened to their identity in fulfillment of Hebraic prophecy. The Nazarene Hebrews are those who have heeded the call to keep the Torah and accept Yahshua's blood-atonement, thereby becoming partakers of the renewed covenant. Notwithstanding, we are still a minority of earth's human population, for while many are called by YHWH (Mt. 20:16, Jer 31:31-33, Isa 49:6, Lk 2:32, Heb 8:8-10, Jn 3:16) few have accepted his invitation (Mt 22:2-14).
The final ingathering will occur at the time when Yahshua establishes the Messianic Kingdom on the renewed earth (Zech 14:4,9), and those attaining the resurrection of righteousness rise to accompany Him along with the remnant who are still alive (Psa 104:29,301, Jer 32:37, Thes.4:16,17), as a "renewed city of Jerusalem from the Father, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev 21:10) while He descends to the Mount of Olives, declaring war on the opponents of Nazarene-Yisra'el (Zech 14:4). At this point in time, the prince of demons will be bound for one-thousand-years (Zech 13:1,2, Rev 20:2) and the reign of the Messiah will commence "to put an end to transgression, and to seal up sins, and to cover crookedness, and to bring in everlasting righteousness," (Dan 9:24, cf. Testament of Levi 5:13-26)
Organizationalism, Religious Tyranny, And Spiritual Abuse
We believe that government has its proper place, and that we are to obey the laws of the land provided they do not conflict with the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures (1Tim 2:1,2, Titus 3:1). The purpose of a governing body is to maintain morality and order, and to protect against enslavement of the people. However, when human beings establish unscriptural laws (dogma), we must obey YHWH (Acts 5:29). As such, we encourage order in the assemblies (1Cor.14:40) and respect of the elders or older members for their blameless conduct and wise example (1Tim 3:1-13), yet are opposed to an organizational mind-set, monetary pledge, sequental loyalty, associated spiritual abuse, and religious tyranny (see Matt. 23:8-12, 1Cor 1:13-15,27-29,31)
Patriotism and Self-Defense
We take the stand of non-combatant in the realms of war, as it occurs in our day, seeing that we are sojourners and strangers in this world; and citizens of a greater kingdom which is not from hence. Throughout the Tanakh, we will not deny that YHWH's will was for Israel to drive out the heathen nations, but only when Israel was on right standing before Him as a nation. In our day and age, we know of no nation which, as a whole, stands justified in her actions before YHWH. Were we to partake in battle and weapons of mass destruction, we would be supporting a cause and a country whose steps are turned aside, and would therefore be fighting against our Elohim, YHWH, whose "kingdom is not of this world: if His kingdom were of this world, then would His servants fight... but now is His reign not from hence." (Jn.18:36)
Protection of one's family and brethren in the belief, on
the other hand, is acceptable, and even a Scriptural command,
for "Greater love no man has than this,
that he lays down his life for his friends" (Jn 15:13), "He who does not provide for (or protect) his own is worse
than an unbeliever" (1 Tim 5:8), and again, "Inasmuch as we have done unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Mt 25:40) We believe
that we MUST oppose powers and
principalities; resisting shatan so that he flees from before our
face (James 4:7), yet we must also first be
right before Elohim, or He will stand as an adversary against us.