The Will of Our Heavenly Father: Chapter 12: Narrow is the Gate

NARROW IS THE GATE

This Thanksgiving I flew home to Oklahoma City via Dallas/Fort Worth to meet my sister Katrina. The last time I had gone home was for my adopted father (Robert's) funeral. This time I was traveling to meet one of my sister's (from another mother) whom I have been corresponding with for about a year. Katrina had wanted to meet last year when I came home; but, circumstances took a turn for the worst; and, Robert (My adoptive father) passed shortly after I arrived. Although Katrina and I have the same birth father; we have different mothers.

We had to maintain a level of secrecy so our father Edward wouldn't know I was making the trek home for Thanksgiving. She wanted it to be a surprise for him; and, I haven't seen him in a year since my father Robert who adopted me passed away.

When I got off the airplane in Dallas Ft Worth; and, began to search for my gate I noticed that there were MANY Gates. If I were to show up at the wrong gate; or, at the wrong time I would most definitely miss my flight. Since the tickets were non-refundable it was vital that I CHOOSE the correct Gate. Thankfully there were Kiosks all along the terminals to help ensure that an individual is able to locate; and, get to the proper gate. There are even shuttles to help those who can't walk long distances get where they needed to go in a reasonable amount of time. Some airports are more customer friendly that others in this regard.

Many years ago I was home on vacation from serving on active duty in the Marine Corps. I served from 1993-1997 so that dates me just a bit. My adoptive father (Robert) had chosen to engage in a lifestyle that EFEI says is abomination to Him (homosexuality). Although Robert was not practicing it openly at the time I had a great deal of suspicion regarding his sexual orientation because of his video collection; and, paraphernalia I had discovered hidden in the house. When I confronted him about it he attempted to dismiss the videos saying he had ordered some movies and they sent him the wrong ones. "Then send them back!" I retorted. This confrontation led to a rift between us that lasted literally up until the last day I saw him.

The last 11 years of his life Robert was entangled in a relationship with another man while still married to my adoptive mother (B.J.). Robert's decision was very clear to me when I met his "friend" at the hospital just before he passed. I cannot say in good faith that he made peace with EFEI before he passed; however, I can say that I pleaded with him to do so. It would be better if he did; however, that is in the hands of EFEI now.

Because of my great concern for Robert I had made an attempt to warn him about the consequences of not following the instructions of EFEI and practicing a lifestyle He calls abomination. My attempt to engage him in direct conversation while home for Thanksgiving some twelve years prior didn't go the way I had hoped. At the time I wasn't even aware of Messianic Judaism; nor, was I following the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; or testimonies of EFEI myself. I only knew that he was engaged in a struggle with his flesh against lust; and, he was losing. Although he managed to hide it for many years it finally caught up with him. My concern was that Revelation indicates there is no place in the Kingdom for homosexuals; or, adulterers (among other things); both of which were the sins that stood out most at the time.

Unfortunately Robert's own sin exposed my sister Keri; and, I to pornography at a young age. Additionally it exposed my sister's two sons when Robert was supposed to be caring for them. His actions which were specifically about fulfilling a sexual desire of his own left lasting consequences that has affected his wife; son; daughter; and, grandchildren. The exposure has been a thorn in my own side as I have struggled with pornography; and, adultery myself. My first marriage was marred by adultery by both parties leaving emotional scars on both my ex-wife; and, my two oldest children who were deprived of my presence on a daily and ongoing basis. Sin is destructive my friends; if you think you are only hurting yourself you are wrong. Dead wrong.

Although Robert never made advances toward anyone in the family; nor, was he abusive physically; or, emotionally his actions have left scars on all of us. He did not make the right choices. It lead to splintered relationships within our family; bred mistrust; and, brought shame to all of us. Some of whom suffered silently; and, more than others. It pains me because as flawed a human being as he was I loved him. I have good memories; and, bad as we all do of our loved ones. There are times when I wish I had more opportunity to discuss the right way to walk with him.

As far as being "fatherly" to my sister Keri and I he was for the most part a good provider. My sister Keri whom Robert; and, B.J. adopted when I was four years old became one of the care givers for Robert the last few years before his death. Keri; B.J.; and my former brother in law Kent deserve a round of applause for how they sacrificed to care for him. As children Keri and I had a roof over our heads; clothes on our backs; food in our stomachs; we lived in a good neighborhood; and, attended local churches. Because he was a principal at a private college preparatory school we had access to an excellent education.

I remember him telling me once that he never heard his father tell him that he loved him. Can you imagine that? Never hearing those three words combined with an embrace from your father? That makes my heart ache; and, I wonder if it contributed to his lifestyle decisions in some way. One of the things I personally do is make sure to tell my youngest son Jordan; and, my youngest daughter Kirsten daily that I love them. Hugs; and, snuggling on the couch for movie night are a regular occurrence in our household. I don't ever want my kids to say that about me. My greatest failure as a father is that I was not present enough for the last ten years or so of my two oldest children's lives. If by chance you are reading this I would like to put it into writing for you Austin. I would give every possession I have; I would sacrifice whatever necessary if I could to go back and offer you; and, your sister what your two younger siblings have with my daily presence. I love you both more than you can know. Although we do not see eye to eye about how we are to respond to each other; or, our King nevertheless I do love you.

Robert said something to me that troubled me for many years. He said "all roads lead to God." I agree with Him EXCEPT I add the following caveat; only one road leads to LIFE; the others lead to judgment; and, loss of eternal life. Robert told me it was an interesting conversation; and, he would like to continue it another time. That time never came; he never really wanted to hear what I had to say about his choice of lifestyle. Last year just a day and a half before my father passed I pleaded with him to repent of his sin and beg EFEI to forgive him for the way he had walked. I don't know if he ever did. He passed away that Sunday morning.

My sister Keri; her husband Kent; and, I had all gone to her church that Sunday morning. For the record my wife; children and I keep Sabbath. Keri wanted me there; and, I didn't feel like pressing her that day. You cannot influence another person; or plant a seed; or water it if you are absent. It requires your presence. As the people in her congregation sang I impressed upon her Psalm 22:3

"But tho art holy; O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."

Unfortunately my sister doesn't yet understand who she is. She doesn't realize that her faith in Messiah grafts her into Israel. Most Christians don't understand this either. They believe they are separate and distinct from Israel. They also believe Israel = Jews. They believe they are grafted into Jesus. Yet Paul indicates we are grafted in among "THEM" not "Him" (see Romans 11:17). Who is the "THEM?" I'll cover that in another chapter. For now just know that Messiah is the ROOT of the "THEM" we are grafted into. Keri as many Christians today still refer to themselves as "gentiles;" however, Ephesians 2:11-12 indicates what it means to BE a Gentile:

Gentiles are without Christ (the Messiah)
Gentiles are aliens from the Commonwealth (Citizenship) of Israel
Gentiles are strangers from the covenants of promise
Gentiles have no hope
Gentiles are without God

Our Faith in Messiah changes all of that; and, comes with additional rights and responsibilities we shall discuss later. Back on topic.

Keri's husband Kent had been a rock for my sister; and, for B.J. while Robert was wasting away from West Nile Virus he had contracted two years prior. It took Robert's ability to walk; to bathe himself; to dress himself; and, even to feed himself. He was essentially rendered a quadriplegic; and, as defenseless as an infant. As a result he was as dependent upon others as a newborn; and, needed round the clock care. Initially my sister thought Robert had contracted Aids and was planning on really letting his "friend" have it when she chewed him out. When she discovered it was West Nile she relented; and, never really did have that "conversation."

Before Robert passed I had an opportunity to speak to his "companion" of 11 years. When I entered the hospital room he was dressed in a yellow smock; and, had on blue gloves. Initially I thought he was a doctor. He was leaning over Robert stroking his hair. The proximity to my father suggested to me they shared an intimacy; and, I quickly recognized this wasn't a doctor. He introduced himself as "Jim" and said they were friends. I told him I knew about him. He made pleasant banter; and, shared with me what my father had told him about me. At one point he told me my mother (B.J.) didn't really like him. "I know." I said as I shook my head "yes" in agreement. I can't recall exactly how I broke it to him that I was aware of their "status" but I did tell him I wasn't going to compound his grief by making it any harder than it already was for him.

It was clear to me that he cared for my father; and, as distasteful as the thought of a relationship like that is to me there was a reason Robert chose it. I can't say I understand it; or, condone it. It just is the way it was. Apparently there was something he wasn't getting emotionally; or physically from B.J. that caused him to look elsewhere to begin with. When couples are unhappy sometimes they will leave the monogamous relationship of their marriage; and, seek what is missing elsewhere unless both the husband; and, wife can find a way together to come broken before the King pleading for His healing touch. Sometimes spouses wander; and, other times they simply leave. It was clear that Robert felt some responsibility towards B.J. and stayed out of a sense of obligation to provide financially for her which he did. He did; however, neglect to give her the love a wife needs to feel cherished.

My brother in law Kent; and, I had a discussion at some point were I learned Robert had been struggling with this since BEFORE he and my mother B.J. were ever married. Apparently this had come out since I had left home. It seems Robert was making an attempt to fit into society; get married; have children; and, be "normal." After several miscarriages; and, who knows how much emotional scarring he chose to distance himself from B.J. She is a hard woman to love; and, I say that as politely as I can. My heart aches for her knowing that she had to deal with this for the last twenty; thirty; or, forty years instead of having a husband that adored her. I helps me to understand why she may have been so cold; harsh; and, angry with me growing up. I was the safest person for her to lash out at; to direct her frustration; and, anger towards. Unfortunately it left me feeling personally like she never really loved me. I hate that. I wish I was unable to write that sentence; however, it is the truth. God help me to forgive her; and, my father because on my own I am unable.

The Sunday Robert passed the air was crisp; clean; and, cold. Not a stinging cold but just enough to make your cheeks rosy. Keri and I were sitting in her Toyota preparing to leave with her kids. Kent pulled up alongside of us as we prepared to figure out what was next on our agenda for the day in their blue Volkswagen bug with the top down; he motioned for us to stop. Just then Kent's phone rang. I could tell by the way he pulled off his sunglasses quickly glancing at Keri and I saying "when" that the news I dreaded was upon us. Keri; and, I switched cars with Kent driving together alone to the hospital in the Volkswagen; tears streaming down our faces. As we drove she flipped on the radio. It was beginning the first stanza from "Strong Tower" by Cutlass a timely reminder to whom I needed to turn at that moment. Robert's struggle with his flesh was over.

Friends there are many who believe that "all roads lead to God." There are many who believe that they are already "saved" because they have prayed the "sinner's prayer;" yet, they are still in rejection of the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of EFEI. The world (to include most of Christianity) doesn't realize that the way to LIFE is NARROW. Furthermore being "saved" also has a caveat. You aren't saved when you start your journey; you are saved because you endure and finish it. Here is what Messiah himself said:

"But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

"And you will be hated for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be
saved. (Mark 13:13)

In the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4) Messiah identifies four (4) different types of seed:

Seed that fell by the wayside eaten by the birds
Seed which fell on stony ground;
Seed which fell among thorns; and
Seed which yielded a good crop.

Only 1/4th of the seed is good; and, produces a crop. Friends that means only one out of four who hear the Gospel will actually wind up being good seed. These are Messiah's own words; His own statistics. Furthermore he identifies that some do not endure to the end but only for a time. Messiah says that when tribulation and persecution arises for the word's sake that immediately they stumble (Mark 4:17).

This term for stumble is (σκανδαλιζονται) "skandalizontai" the root of which is Strong's G4624 (σκανδαλίζω) "skandalizo" which means to entrap; trip up; stumble; entice to sin or displeasure:-make to offend. This term comes from another term Strong's G4625 that means to snare or "cause of displeasure or sin;" thing that offends; stumbling block.

Friends Messiah doesn't say those who accept Messiah are the ones who are saved. He says those who endure to the end are saved. Anyone can SAY they accept Him. Anyone can SAY they are a Christian; or, a follower of Messiah. Apparently we are expected to behave a certain way until the end of our lives no matter how long; or, short they may be.

The modern definition of what it means to be a Christian isn't narrow at all; in fact it's rather broad. So broad in fact that often in many ways they are no different from the rest of the world except in "creed." Catholics are supposedly Christians; Jehovah's Witnesses; L.D.S. (Mormons); Seventh Day Adventists; Lutherans; Methodists; Episcopalians; Baptists; Presbyterians; Mennonites; Amish; Hussites; Quakers; Pentecostals; Greek Orthodox; Non-Denominational; and, a whole slew of other "brands."

Today as I write this there is a sitting Pope who indicates that having a personal relationship with Jesus is Dangerous! He indicated in a Homily in Rome on May 22nd 2013 that God redeems everyone-not just Christians but atheists as well. Pastors like Crefflo Dollar declare that Christians should have no relationship whatsoever with the law (including the ten commandments). Our President professes to be a Christian yet approves of abortion and is doing everything in his power to assist the growth of Islam which seeks to destroy Christianity. There are Pastors teaching that the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob is the SAME God as Allah of the Qu'ran. Hogwash!!! We have examples everywhere of people who profess to be "Christian" yet look nothing like Messiah. They don't talk like Him; don't walk like Him; don't love what He loves; or, hate what He hates. I tell you the truth they are impostor. They are fraudulent. They are not His apostles but rather are children of HaSatan. If you find yourself in that category it isn't too late. There is still opportunity for repentance as long as you have breath in your body.

Something ALL these flavors of Christianity have in common is the teaching that Messiah did away with the Torah by His death on the Cross and that His followers have no need to walk in Torah. In this regard they are no different than those who follow Islam's Mohammad who also taught that the Torah was set aside. The REASON Christianity sets aside Torah is different than the reason Islam set's it aside; however, they both have the same result; followers who REJECT the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of EFEI.

Now, we DON'T see Christians busily trying to behead each other; or, blowing up nightclubs because THAT ISN'T how Messiah behaved. Mohammad did teach violence; and, was a violent guy so remember this:

"A servant who is perfectly trained is like his Master."

Who is your master? Is your Master someone who Loves EFEI with all His heart; soul; mind; and, strength; or, is it someone who divorces themselves from the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and, testimonies of EFEI? Keep that in the back of your mind beloved.

Before I took to time to really unpack the passages we are going to discuss I thought the narrow path was similar to the "faith walk" that Indiana Jones takes in the film where he is searching for the Holy Grail. You know the one? Indiana (Harrison Ford) is desperate to save his father (Sean Connery) who was just shot. He realizes he is going to have to take a step of faith off the edge of a cliff into what seems to be an uncross-able chasm. He closes his eyes; clutches his chest; extends his foot; and, steps. To his astonishment; and, delight he discovers there is a rock bridge that LOOKS like the chasm it covers. The faith of Ford's character doesn't have to be strong at all because he was "saved" except he was saved by an illusion. Unfortunately getting into Heaven won't be that easy. There is no illusion waiting for us. What is coming is real; and, it will be terrible I fear.

Many today claim that they "believe;" and, think; and, act like that's enough. Their "belief" is more akin to mental ascent in the mind than a "belief" that results in life changing action. The Gospels indicate that even the demons believe; and, they tremble. Yet; they have no place in the world to come. Their path leads only to death. Want the path that that leads to life? With that being said please turn with me to the following passage:

Turn with me to Matthew 7:13-14 please:

¹³Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to
            destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴Because narrow is the gate and
            difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it...²¹Not everyone
            who says to Me 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the
            will of My Father in heaven. ²²Many will say to Me in that day 'Lord, Lord, have we not
            prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in
            Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you
            who practice lawlessness. (NKJV)

εργαζομενοι ^{G2038 [G5740]} την ^G3588 work

ανομιαν ^G458 Lawlessness.

On a side note I find it terribly interesting that Catholicism has within its structure an actual school where priests are sent to Rome to study exorcism (the casting out of demons). Here's one that isn't even associated with Rome: (http://internationalschoolofexorcism.org/course-levels/). Here's a link to an article about Catholic Exorcism:

http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/04/03/vatican-exorcism-course-distinguishes-devilry-from-psychological-illness/

And another on Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=59477

Please stay with me as I pose a few questions for you to chew on while we discuss the will of God; and, the narrow gate. Keep these in the back of your mind.

If those who are told to depart practice lawlessness; then don't we need to define what it means to be "lawless?"
What do those who are allowed to stay practice?
If those who stay practice the law; shouldn't we do the same?
If the narrow gate leads to life, then the broad path leads to what? Death?
What percentage of the world finds the Narrow Gate?
What percentage of the world's population believes in Messiah?
What percentage of those obey Torah?
If those who claim to be "Christians" (while rejecting the Torah) are actually on the broad road; instead of the narrow road, what happens to them?

I tell you the truth; the path with those on it who follow; and, practice the written Torah; because of their faith in Messiah, is much more narrow than you can possibly imagine. The majority of the world today rejects the written instructions of God (יהוה) Elohim who delivered them to His servant Moses. Will you continue on that path? Or will you choose the narrow gate?

Messiah says the gate we must choose; if we want "life" is "narrow" and "difficult;" furthermore He says "few" find it. The Greek term used in this passage for "narrow" is Strong's # G4728 (στενός) stenos pronounced "sten-os" here is what Strong's has to say about it.

                        Probably from the base of G2476; narrow (from obstacles standing close about): -
                        strait. (ἵστημι) histēmi pronounced "his'-tay-mee" A prolonged form of a primary
                        word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses);
                        to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or
                        figuratively): - abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up,
                        lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare G5087.

Because Matthew was originally written in Hebrew; NOT Greek we MUST look at how this Greek term is used in the LXX (Septuagint) version of the Old Testament and then examine the underlying Hebrew meaning of the term to get a more accurate meaning. It appears (17) times in the text of the LXX; yet only (3) times in the New Testament. These are clearly the most intriguing and eye catching.

Numbers 22:26 (NKJV)

Then the angel of the LORD went and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to
turn either to the right or to the left.

The underlying Hebrew term used for this passage is Strong's # 6862 (צר) tsar pronounced "tsar" or "tsawr" meaning the following:

                        From H6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, that is,
                        trouble); also a pebble (as in H6864); (transitively) an opponent (as crowding): -
                        adversary, afflicted (-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow,
                        small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.

Turn with me to 2 Samuel 24:14 where David said to Gad:

"I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are
great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man." (NKJV)

The underlying Hebrew term used for this passage is also Strong's # 6862. Please turn with me to the prophet Isaiah 8:22. (NKJV)

            "And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble ^H6869 [(צרה): tsârâh tsaw-raw' ]
            and darkness ^H2825 [(וחשׁכה): chăshêykâh khash-ay-kaw' (misery)]
            dimness ^H4588 [(מעוף): mâ‛ûph maw-oof'] of anguish ^H6695 [(צוקה): tsûqâh tsoo-kaw']
            and they shall be driven ^H5080 [(מנדח): nâdach naw-dakh' ]

to darkness ^H653 [(ואפלה): 'ăphêlâh af-ay-law'].

The Next follow along with me in Isaiah 49:20. (NJKV)

The children you will have, after you have lost the others, will say again in your ears,
"The place is too small for me; Give me a place where I may dwell."

The underlying Hebrew term used for this passage is again Strong's # 6862. Turn with me now to the prophet Jeremiah 30:7.

"Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob's trouble,
but he shall be saved out of it." (NKJV)

The underlying Hebrew term used in this passage is Strong's # 6869 which is the feminine version of 6862. The term is (צרה) tsârâh pronounced "tsaw-raw'"and means the following:

tightness (that is, figuratively trouble); transitively a female rival: - adversary, adversity,
affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble.

What strikes me is that all of the uses of the Greek term which appears in Matthew are used to translate Hebrew terms that speak of trouble, tribulation, adversity, and distress. What people group in the Bible are the recipients of such things in the future fulfillment of prophecy?

ISRAEL!!!

Israel I tell you; those who are the offspring of Jacob; which includes the house of JUDAH; the House of ISRAEL; and those grafted into the Commonwealth of Israel. I'll let that just marinate for a bit. For now please turn with me to Luke 13:24:

                        "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you will seek to enter
                        and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the
                        door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door saying, 'Lord, Lord,
                        open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where
                        are you from. Then you will begin to say 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and
                        you taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where are

you from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity."......

(εργαται^G2040 της^G3588 αδικιας^G93)

Workers of Iniquity

If we suspend what we THINK we know about the New Testament for a moment at this point; and simply go with what the totality of Scripture given up to this point says (Genesis-Malachi) and consider what Messiah is saying in light of it; we need to see how this term is used in the Old Testament. We should not fail to recognize that when Messiah spoke these words there was no New Testament to refer to; therefore we should consider the TaNaK very carefully and not ignore the foundation. First let's look at "workers":

G2040 (εργαται) ergatēs pronounced "er-gat'-ace" meaning a toiler; figuratively a
teacher: - labourer, worker (-men).

This term appears 17 times in the New Testament and 7 times in the LXX. What is more important is the second term "iniquity":

            G93 (αδικιας) adikia pronounced "ad-ee-kee'-ah" From G94; (legal) injustice (properly the
            quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of charater, life or act): - iniquity,
            unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.

Although five (5) variances of this term "adikia" appear 25 times in the New Testament; they appear (207) times in the Greek Concordance to the Scriptures which covers both the LXX and the New Testament. In the LXX (Septuagint) they appear (180) times. The specific tense used in Luke 13 appears (65) times in the LXX (Septuagint) and it is these 65 occurrences that I suggest should matter to you the most. It is VITAL that we understand Messiah before we attempt to tackle Paul; or, the rest of the New Testament. If we come to the wrong conclusions about the Law (Written Torah); and, the Prophets of Old; believing it to be set aside, and teaching others the same, we will stand accused and finding ourselves guilty as liars, barring us from entry into the Kingdom. In Matthew 7:23 Messiah indicates that a specific group is to depart from His presence.

εργαζομενοι ^{G2038 [G5740]} την ^{G3588 WORK}ανομιαν ^{G458 LAWLESSNESS.}

The term used here for "practice;" or, "work" depending on your version of Scripture is G2038 (ergazomai) and is pronounced "er-gad'-zom-ahee" and means the following:

Middle voice from G2041; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be
engaged in or with, etc.: - commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.

The term used for "lawlessness" is G458 (anomia) and is pronounced "an-om-ee'-ah" meaning:

From G459; illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness: - iniquity,
X transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.

Up to this point a thorough examination of the Bible spanning from Genesis to John reveals that (anomia) or lawlessness is wickedness; or, iniquity. Subsequently it is committed by those who reject the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and, testimonies of God. This Greek term has six (6) different forms and appears a total of 200 times in the LXX.

Here is just a little something for you to think about; please keep this in the back of your mind as you read. Of all the religions of the world how many are teaching mankind to OBEY the commandments; statutes; judgments; and ordinances of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

This is usually the question where I get a blank stare from Christians; or, they will say "Judaism" teaches people to obey the Torah. BUUUUUUUZZZZZ Wrong Answer.

Because most Christians are woefully ignorant about what is actually taught in Judaism by the Rabbi's of today I will assert that the majority (like I did) would immediately assume that Judaism is busily teaching its followers to obey the Written Torah of Moses. This would be a monumental blunder on your behalf just as it was on my own. Please don't take offense at my statement it's simply a fact and not a judgment on your level of intelligence.

The statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and, testimonies contained in the
Written Torah were NOT Moses' invention. Moses didn't come up with them. EFEI told Moses to write them down; not once, but TWICE. AND BOTH TIMES EFEI WROTE THEM DOWN WITH HIS OWN FINGER!!! These are NOT the Laws of Men; they come DIRECTLY from the Mouth of EFEI DIRECTLY FROM HIS OWN HAND!!! (See: Exodus 31:18; 32:15-16; Deuteronomy 9:10; and 10:2-4)

Turn with me to Exodus 31:18 please:

                        "And when He had made and end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave
                        Moses two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone written with the finger of
                        God."

Now turn to Exodus 32:15-16 if you would:

                        "And Moses turned and went down from the mountain, and the two tables of the
                        Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both sides; on one side
                        and on the other they were written. Now the tablets were the work of God, and the
                        writing was the writing of God engraved on the tablets."

Next follow me to Deuteronomy 9:10 please:

                        "Then the LORD delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of
                        God, and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken to you on the
                        mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly."

Now turn to Deuteronomy 10:2-4:

                        "And I will write on the tablets the words that were one the first tablets, which
                        you broke; and, you shall put them in the ark." So I made an ark of acacia wood,
                        hewed two tablets of stone like the first, and went up the mountain having the two
                        tablets in my hand. And He wrote on the tablets according to the first writing, the
                        Ten Commandments, which the LORD had spoken to you in the mountain from
                        the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly; and the LORD gave them to me."

Friends Elohim Speaks (the invisible God the Father); then the Finger of God writes. Moses SAW someone on the mountain. I would like to point out something to you in the New Testament you may have never caught. Turn with me to Luke 11:20 please:

"But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has
come upon you."

My friends Messiah IS the finger of God. He IS the strong right arm which was outstretched. He is the one before He was flesh that WROTE the commandments because He IS Elohim. He is a part of the plurality of God; and, is united in thought; and, deed with the Father. He cannot do away with the instructions because that is the epitome of a house divided against itself. Even the Hebrew text of Genesis attests to an aspect of Elohim speaking; and, the Elohim ET (TA) that DOES (action). The New Testament attests in John 1:1-3 that Yeshua (the WORD) IS the agent of creation; that He was present with Elohim in the beginning and that everything was made by him and through him.

                        "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was
                        God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and
                        without Him nothing was made that was made."

The New Testament attests in Colossians 1:15-18 this:

                        "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him
                        all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and
                        invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things
                        were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him
                        all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the
                        beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the
                        preeminence."

Friends Modern Judaism is fractured; not unlike Christianity; and, today teaches man's laws. They are NOT directing the attention to what God SAID or what God WROTE but instead to Rabbinic Doctrines. Orthodox Rabbis study the Mishna; the Talmud; the Zohar; the Shulchan Aruch; and, many, many, other texts. When they cite or quote the Talmud (Jerusalem or Babylonian) they often will say "Torah says" however these books are NOT the Written Torah of Moses the Commandments; statues; judgments and ordinances of The LORD (HFHi) that HE SPOKE. However they DO teach that they are!!!

A good friend of mine (David Otero) from our Congregation moved to Florida a few years ago after meeting his wife to be. He was smitten with her from the first meeting. David had done a study in the Targums (the Aramaic versions of the Old Testament) regarding the teachings in Judaism about the Memra (Aramiac term for "Word") of God. If you study what Judaism says about the Memra and you have read the New Testament you will IMMEDIATELY recognize this is speaking about Yeshua. Unfortunately the reason most Jews reject Yeshua is because of the exhaustive false doctrine about Him where they have heard He taught the Law was done away with and no longer needed to be kept.

Meanwhile Many Reform Jews even have lesbian Rabbi's leading them! Abomination! I tell you the truth; most Jews are not actually taught to obey the Written Torah! Most are taught to read and do what is contained in the Mishna and Talmud because those sources both indicate that to be obedient to Mishna and Talmud is better or more important than even the Written Torah.

Of all the "Christian" denominations what percentage of them are teaching their followers to obey the commandments; statutes; judgments; ordinances; and, testimonies of EFEI?

I know for the ten years I belonged to Calvary Chapel we weren't taught to. We were taught the knee jerk Romans 3:10 response and mimicked "we aren't under law; we are under grace" all the while not really knowing what Paul really meant because of false teaching.

Catholics make up approximately 50% of the world's population of "Christians" and I know they aren't taught to keep Torah because I went to Catholic School for four years.

Have you ever met a Lutheran who kept the Feasts of the LORD; or honored the Biblical Sabbath?

Have you ever met a Baptist who understood that they were actually grafted into Israel?

Notice I didn't say REPLACED I said GRAFTED IN.

Have you ever spoken to an Episcopalian who preferred to walk as Messiah; and, keep the LORD'S Passover; Feast of Unleavened Bread; First Fruits instead of "Easter" or "Resurrection Sunday; Shavout (Pentacost); The Feast of Trumpets; The Day of Atonement; or Sukkot the Feast of Tabernacles?"

Seventh Day Adventists will actually keep the Sabbath; yet, because of the founders false teachings don't recognize what the Bible calls "truth" and fail to come completely out of false doctrine. When I was at Calvary Chapel they called Seventh Day Adventists a cult; yet, they are closer to the truth because they at least recognize the true Sabbath.

Have you ever met a Jehovah's Witness who actually believed that Yeshua was God? What about the L.D.S.? Do Mormon's teach their followers to OBEY the spoken words of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob written by His servant Moses? I tell you the truth the ADVERSARY HIMSELF has planted his own prophets; his own ministers; his own followers within the congregations; and, various denominations; and, have taught men to reject it. Most preachers today teach the Torah doesn't apply to the Christian; in fact it has been that way for quite some time.

Islam is the fastest growing religion on the planet. Are they teaching their followers to obey the commandments; statutes; judgments; and ordinances of (HFHI)? Of course not; they are taught Mohammad did away with them. The story line and reason may not be the same across each faith; however stop; and, consider what all these groups have in common.

They all reject the commandments; statutes; judgments; and ordinances of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob (HFHI).

Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents,

ChartsBin.com, viewed 7th January, 2016.

Source:

The Office of International Religious Freedom 2008, International Religious Freedom, 2008, The U.S. State Department, United States, viewed 16th September, 2009, <http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/index.htm>.
The Association of Religion Data Archives 2006, National Profiles, Department of Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, viewed 16th September, 2009, <http://www.thearda.com/internationalData/>.
Central Intelligence Agency 2009, The World Factbook 2009, ISSN 1553-8133, Washington, DC, viewed 16th September, 2009, <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>.