Recommended reading
FOSSILIZED CUSTOMS. It may bring you to tears.
AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK, TORAH ZONE
Look at the big picture, and keep an open mind for several options. Knowing there is some relationship with the word cretin, what if the people of Antioch, at first, called the disciples CRETINS (retards, idiots)? Don't fall for the excuse, "we speak English, not Hebrew". The word "crestos" (or kristos, chreistos) isn't English, it's Greek. If we follow the redemption plan of our Creator, keeping the Torah of Yahuah, we are counted among the citizenship of Israel; not a "Gentile", foreign nation. In fact, we are no longer Gentiles at all (Eph. 2:11-13), although we were at one time strangers to the covenants. After our immersion, there is no distinction, and no dividing wall between us and a native-born Israelite. The main idea that people seem to be steered away from when words like "Christian" are examined closely is that the original word (the Hebrew word, MASHIACH) is not being brought to the table, but is typically kept from the discussion. The word "Christianity" is not found in the Scriptures at all, so there is no such thing in reality. Misdirection is used to convince the listener of supposed facts which are not true, and by simply saying the lie often enough, it will become familiar, and therefore comfortable. In this particular case, the premise is that the original word was this Greek word "Christos", since it is emphasized (by those with an agenda to preserve the error of tradition) that the disciples of Yahushua all spoke and wrote in Greek. We are expected to pay no mind that Greek is a foreign language to the people of Israel. It's a promotion of the Jesuits to believe that the Messiah and His students spoke to one another, and wrote everything down, in Greek. The truth is, Greek was a transitional language, or translation, of the original texts originally written in Hebrew (or the dialect of it, Syraic Aramaic). Remember, all the first "protestants" were Catholics, and they had already been indoctrinated with the Jesuit teachings. What is practically unknown is the fact that there were "Christians" on Earth before Yahushua haMashiach was born - and they were Pagans.
The Greek word "Christos" (kristos) has come to mean anointed, and this corresponds to the Hebrew word Mashiach. What is not commonly known is that Osiris and Mithras were both called "Chreistos", which meant "GOOD". The word was adopted from gnostic Paganism: The inscription "CHRESTOS" can be seen on a Mithras relief in the Vatican. During the time of Marcion, around 150 CE, Justin Martyr said that "Christians" were "Chrestoi", or "good men". Clement of Alexandria said "all who believe in Christ are called "Chrestoi, that is 'good men'". Rome was the center of Chrestos Mithras worship, so the adaptation or revisionism to the new faith for this title should hardly be a huge mystery; but this information has been intentionally buried. The word "Christian" is only used 3 times in the received Greek texts; and if it were in fact what the disciples called themselves as a "sect", it would have seemed very foreign to not only them, but to everyone involved. Of course, every Israelite (and modern orthodox "Jew") believes in a "Mashiach" that is coming at some point. Many of them - in fact most - don't currently believe in the Mashiach portrayed by the "Christian" faith in any of its diverse denominations. However, if we had to adopt a Greek word for these practitioners of "Judaism" that related to them as believers in a coming Mashiach, then they too could be labeled "Christians". But, the word "Christian" is a very non-specific label when you consider that it doesn't specify who the Mashiach is. The true sect that followed Yahushua's teachings did use a term for themselves, and it was NATSARIM (Acts 24:5). Even the "Church father" Epiphanius wrote of the Natsarim, whom he called "heretics", because they observed the Commandments of Yahuah and were indistinguishable from "Jews", except that they believed in the Mashiach.
In relation to the Torah, a Christian might well be considered to be retarded; but the actual word that means "retard" or "idiot" is derived from CHRISTIAN: cretin!
The American Heritage Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary tells us the etymology for the word CRETIN:
cre-tin (kre-tin, kret'n) n. 1. One afflicted with Cretinism. 2. A fool; an idiot. [French, cretin, from Swiss French, crestin, CHRISTIAN,
hence human being (an idiot being nonetheless human).]
Cretinism is dwarfism and or retardation. Cretin is simply the word that is derived from the word CHRISTIAN, crestin.
Greek is a corrupted, polluted language to begin with -- having many Pagan deities' names and titles associated with it. Since Yahuah has told us that one day He would purify the lips of the peoples to call upon His Name and serve Him shoulder-to-shoulder (Zeph. 3:9), it's unlikely that the word "Christian" will be preserved after that purification takes place. Acts 24:5 states that the sect was called "Natsarim", or "branches/watchmen", not anointed ones. It was prophesied that we would be called "NATSARIM". Carefully study the text of Jer. 31. YirmeYahu 31:6 used the word NATSARIM which is translated "watchmen", who will cry on "Mount Ephraim". The Gentiles, also known as "scattered Yisrael", is referred to in this chapter as "Ephraim". Those crying out to go up to Yahuah are called watchmen, from the Hebrew word NATSARIM. The Greek has distorted quite a few things, but to believe that they were called both terms would surely be conflicted thinking. The Natsarim were very specific in their labeling of themselves, since their label referred to the One they were followers of, Yahushua of Natsarith. Chapter 31 of YermeYahu is also significant because it prophecies the re-newed Covenant, which is quoted again in chapters 8 & 10 of the book of Hebrews.
All Israelites were, and are, waiting for the "Mashiach", the anointed One prophesied in Daniel. So by that logic it would be redundant to refer to themselves as a sect of what they all were, even if the label was translated into another tongue, like Greek. The translators simply wanted to separate themselves as far from the Torah and Israel as possible; and it was done by creating labeling that would permanently separate them, and keep "Gentiles" from ever joining the commonwealth of Israel, or even realizing that it was necessary.
Can you stand to hear more? Realize that "Greek" culture was a very powerful influence on the entire civilized world over a long period; "Alexandria" Egypt (named for Alexander, a famous Greek conqueror), became the center or hub of the cultural world. Sophists, orators who refined public speaking to an art, developed the "3-point" speech. They could convince their audiences of things they didn't even believe themselves! Clement and Origen, two "church fathers", promoted their Christian teaching from Alexandria. Everything taught became watered-down into "allegorical" meanings. In every way, words were used as powerful tools. Platonic philosophy steered their whole culture, and Plato is still quoted in modern seminaries! Mithraists, Neoplatonists, Pythagoreans, Therapists, and Magi were all contemporary cults. From Egypt arose the Hermetic religion of the worship of Osiris.
These religions produced the Pagan "fathers" that influenced modern Christianity (Cyprian, Augustine, Marcion, Eusebius, Ambrose, Epiphanius, etc.,) and they quoted from their former Pagan sources virtually constantly, merging what they had been with what they were becoming - a blended religion, with Greek culture as the dominant aspect. There already were "Christians" in Egypt, gnostic sun-worshippers who knelt before huge ankhs (crux ansatas). The Serapis-Isis cult used this symbol at Alexandria. When the Emperor Hadrian wrote from Alexandria, he said:
"Those who worship Serapis are Christians and those who call themselves bishops of Christ are vowed to Serapis". ~~Uh . . . . huh? That's going nowhere good at all.
Ancient Babylonian influences abounded then, and abound now, hidden in plain sight. Alexandria was the primary launching point for the new fusion religion we know as "Christianity" today. The word "Christos" is directly related to Krishna, Crestos, and Chreston. These literally mean "shining", as they refer to the sun. Krishna is the sun deity of the Hindu religion. Even as late as 348 CE, Cyrill said: "Let the heresy be silenced which blasphemes the Messiah, the Son of the Mighty One. Let those be silenced who say that the sun is Messiah, because He is the Creator of the sun, and not the visible sun itself." They were calling the sun "Christ Helios". The Manichaeans worshipped the sun as it passed through the sky ALL DAY, and Augustine came from them. The ancient Crestos of the Serapian Culte was worshipped as "the good god", so the word "Christ" is actually a polluted and forbidden word when you carefully weigh the texts of Exodus 23:13 & Duet. 12:28-32. Great darkness results from not properly understanding Yahuah's Word, or departing from it, thinking it no longer has application. The one verse most cling to in defense of the term "Christian" is at Acts 11:26: "And at first in Antioch the taught ones were called Kristianous." (This is the order of this sentence in the Greek). This sentence doesn't claim that the disciples called themselves this, but were called this "at first". Also, as with the English language, the context determines what is meant. If this meant they were mistaken (at first) for the Pagan believers in Serapis, that's one thing; or this could have been simply the Greek translation distorting the original Hebrew word, Mashiach. Or, what if this Greek word was not a label, and simply meant "good men"? Knowing there is some relationship with the word cretin, what if the people of Antioch, at first, called the disciples CRETINS? Why is the Greek label so important that they had to make this single verse in its translation an all-encompassing issue? Again, what would a bunch of Israelites that practice the Torah of Yahuah and follow a Yahudi Messiah be doing with a Greek term used by Pagans as a label for themselves? A name for a person or thing is a special designation, not a general reference. Is the Name of the Creator Greek? If the Creator has a religion (way), does He refer to it by a Greek term? (This is one of the topics addressed in the book TORAH ZONE). Would the Messiah of Adam, Noach, Mosheh, Daniel, and Eli Yahu have a Greek Name? If we have inherited error, we all need to know about it, and not defend it.
So, what great harm is there in abandoning the Greek title "Christos", and using the same Hebrew word Daniel wrote: Mashiach? The word "MESSIAH" is transliterated TWICE in the received Greek writings, at Jn. 1:41 and Jn. 4:25 (it's used twice in Daniel, at 9:25,26). Even the new age cult is awaiting their "Christ"; so why not give them their word back - maybe they'll stop laughing at believers behind their backs for having adopted so much of their philosophy. Give them their "Sun-day" too. Let's return to the Covenant, shall we? The Gentiles from the ends of the Earth will one day acknowledge that their forefathers have inherited nothing but lies.
An old Yiddish saying says, "The Messiah you're expecting will never come; the Messiah that's coming you've never expected."
How about the term "Messianites", used by some translators at Acts 11:26?
This is a translation back toward the Hebrew form of the idea expressed in the received Greek, “christianos”.
As a label, the real contest would be between the words “Natsarim” (Hebrew) and “christianos” (Greek).
The Hebrew term “Mashiach” was transliterated in at least two places (Yn. 1:41 & 4:25), however it would make very little sense to insert a word that simply denoted that a group of people were “Messiah-followers”, when there were any number of such groups promoting their beliefs (as there are today, i.e., Lubavitchers/ Menachem Schneerson, New Age Messiah Maitreya, Sun Myung Moon, etc.,).
The use of the Greek word “christianos” remains a mystery, and the context seems to imply two other possible intents:
that the followers of Yahushua were “called” or “referred to” collectively by this foreign term that described their behavior, or how they were perceived by those that lived at Antioch. The text does not say they called themselves “christianos”.
There is also a strong likelihood that this term “christianos” was inserted by subsequent Greek translations between the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
The word “christianos” is used a total of 3 times in the whole Greek text of the “NT” (Messianic Writings), once each at:
Acts 11:26
Acts 26:28
1Pet./ Kepha 4:16
Although the term “christianos” seems to be used as a “label” or group-handle today, we know that if one were to search for such a “label” for this sect, it is easily found at Acts 24:5, where Tertullus (an orator, or “sophist”) accused Shaul before the governor Felix. The accusation against Shaul was that he was a “ringleader of the sect of the Natsarim”. If Yahushua’s followers were of the “way” of Torah, it is profoundly idiotic to assume they would be known by a word that is foreign to their own culture, and equally absurd for the “religion” of the Creator of the universe to use a Greek word to describe His “way”, considering that one day we will receive a “pure lip”, restoring our language to the original one (Zeph. 3:9). It is overwhelmingly obvious that the term “christianos” was a promotion done in the centuries following the events, since it is so rarely used in the received texts, and seems to be inserted to supplant the original term, Natsarim. What is not widely known is that there were Pagans that worshipped the false deity “Serapis” who were called “christianos” in Greek. Perhaps the Natsarim, “at first”, were mistaken to be worshippers of Serapis! If they were literally called “christianos” at Antioch, it is likely they were perceived to be either “good men”, worshippers of Serapis, or another form of the Greek word that would mean they were thought to be idiots (perhaps due to the fact that they were claiming that a dead person rose from the dead?). The Greek word chrestoi means “good men”. The deity Mithras was called “Chrestos Mithras”, or Good Mithras. The word “cretin” (fool) is derived from the Greek word “christianos”. We can make any number of assumptions, but to assert that they called themselves by this term is a mishandling of the text, and seems to overly defend a term that is merely found in a transition language. Perhaps this attitude stems from the fact that the Greeks considered themselves to be highly cultured (to the point of arrogance), and they wished to instill their culture on all other cultures. For translators to assume they were called “Messianites” is probably over-reading the text, because this implies that they were followers of a Mashiach, and all Israelites either waited for, or followed one of many “Messiahs”; so this term could serve as no distinctive label at all. The newer translations that use terms like “Messianites” are likely attempting to find a more appropriate term in the Hebrew/Israelite culture, to tone-down the shrill “Gentile” wording which the Catholic institution preferred to promote over the centuries.
In light of the above considerations, I would defer to the use of the term “Natsarim”, which restores the authentic Israelite language, and makes a clearer distinction from the rest of the would-be “Messianic” groups. In the final analysis, the term “Natsarim” will trump the Greek term, even though the effort was made very early to “ethnically cleanse” as many Hebrew words as possible. Today, we are “ethnically restoring” the Hebrew terms and names, rebuilding the ancient ruins, and repairing the breach through the guidance of Yahushua.
“And those from among you shall build the old waste places. You shall raise up the foundations of many generations. And you would be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.” Is./ YeshaYahu 58:12
"Krishna or Chris-na and Christos come from the same root. Kris in Sanskrit means the pure or the sacred, 'the first emanation of the invisible G-dhead, manifesting itself tangibly in spirit' (Isis Unveiled, II, 158), it is the Spiritual Ego (Buddhi-Manas). .... 'The Spiritual, Immortal, Higher Ego in every man is an emanation, like a ray, from the Central Spiritual Sun (Paramatman), of which the visible Sun is the direct manifestation on our physical plane and its visible symbol.'"
The conclusion drawn from this study confirms once again that the faith was "solarized", and our customs and words are rising up to prove it. The prophet YirmeYahu (Jer.) told us:
"O Yahuah, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the Earth, and shall say, 'Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit'.
Shall a man make elohim unto himself, and they are no elohim? Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know Mine hand and My might; and they shall know that My Name is Yahuah." Jer / YirmeYahu 16:19-21
Directly related to this issue of "terms" once used by Pagans, and taking the point-of-view of our Creator Yahuah, we have to consider what He has already spoken on this issue. Remember, even the "terminology" used by Pagans are their "ways" or methods. Here are 3 Scriptures of many that could have relevance:
Exodus / Shemoth 20:2,3: "I am Yahuah your Elohim, Who brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim, out of the house of slavery. You have no other mighty ones against My Face."
Exodus / Shemoth 23:13: "And in all that I have said to you take heed. And make no mention of the name of other mighty ones, let it not be heard from your mouth." Woden'sDay, Thor'sDay, FriggaDay . . . . ?
Deut. / Debarim 12:28-32: "Guard, and obey all these words which I command you, that it might be well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the eyes of Yahuah your Elohim. When Yahuah your Elohim does cut off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying 'How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.' Do not do so to Yahuah your Elohim, for every abomination which Yahuah hates they have done to their mighty ones, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their mighty ones. All the words I am commanding you, guard to do it - do not add to it nor take away from it."
The prodigal son has to come to his senses. Our Messiah's Name isn't the Greek "Jesus", but rather the Hebrew: Yahushua.
"Pentecost"
SHABUOTH(a plural Hebrew word, meaning "weeks". SHABUA means "week")
This annual feast day commemorates the giving of the Covenant (Torah) at Sinai. For many centuries, Christians have referred to it as "Pentecost", which is Greek, and means "count 50". "Pentecostals" should be very interested in this feast day of Israel and Yahuah ~ it's just a little sad they use a Greek word to describe themselves.
Once each year, this anniversary celebration occurs that most people don't know much about. It's a wedding anniversary of a marriage between Yahuah and Israel which occurred at this time of year at a mountain called Sinai (or Horeb),50 days after being delivered from slavery in "Egypt". In fact, this day is a "High Sabbath", one of seven High Sabbaths, that have traditionally been ignored by Constantine's hybrid religion, Christianity. They've been told they're the "bride of Christ", yet don't actually remember the marriage; they have a "Passover Lamb", but no Passover; and so it goes, on and on. Few even know the NAME of their Bridegroom, Yahushua, and so they remain "unwise virgins", having no oil (His Name is as oil poured forth). When they knock to enter the marriage feast, He claims to not know them. Like Passover was turned into a "Sun-day" morning "last supper" every week, so Shabuoth has become a memorial to "speaking in tongues", rather than about the renewal of the Covenant between Yahuah and Israel. You can begin your personal study of this feast at Lev. 23, and see how the "new grain offering to Yahuah" relates to how Israel becomes united to Yahuah through this renewal of the marriage Covenant. Yahuah's redemption plan for Israel has seven parts to it; not the seven "sacraments", but the seven High Sabbaths! When you carefully read the text at Lev. 23, you'll see that this observance is to occur on "the morrow after the seventh Sabbath", so it will always be on the first day of the week. The Yahudim today observe it differently because they count "50 days" from a different beginning point; they use the movable High Sabbath during Unleavened Bread instead of the weekly Sabbath. But, they don't know what the "first fruits" is all about yet - it's about Yahushua, our Bridegroom! Acts 2 clearly shows us that this festival is not a Christian one at all, but rather ALL ISRAEL was gathered together as one man before Yahuah.
COMMITMENT is the defining aspect of any marriage, and our promise to obey Yahuah occurs at our immersion into the Name of Yahushua. We become ISRAEL, joined in a permanent relationship with the Maker of heaven and Earth through the Covenant. The Mediator of this Covenant is Yahushua, Yahuah in human form, now the Bridegroom of ISRAEL (not Christianity). Christians don't understand what Shabuoth really is, nor does most of ISRAEL; but through the workers sent forth into the harvest they are learning. Commitment to the Covenant means commitment to the marriage.
WHAT IF YOU GAINED THE WHOLE WORLD, YET MISSED A FREE ETERNAL GIFT YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER?
NOT A BIRTHDAY
Often, we hear that "Pentecost" as recorded in Acts 2 is the "birthday of the Church". This is because they realize something very important happened, but their "Hebrew roots" to what that is have never been connected properly. It's not a birthday, but rather an anniversary. It's true that the Spirit of Yahushua was first given to the 120 Natsarim gathered together for this annual feast day at Yerushaliyim. A "renewal" of the marriage Covenant came to the early Natsarim with "power" because Yahushua took up His dwelling-place in His people for the first time, and circumcised our hearts with a LOVE for the marriage, the Covenant. This was the first fulfillment of the prophecy of the “NEW” Covenant, given at Jer./YermeYahu 31, quoted at Hebrews chapters 8 & 10. Our Creator literally inscribes His Torah on our hearts! What a wedding gift He has given to His bride, Israel! We love to obey Him when we have entered the Covenant through immersion into His Name. We take our Husband's Name upon us at our immersion, and become ONE with Him when He enters into us. We become His TEMPLE, living stones that together make up this dwelling-place. These were the "first fruits" of many to come; they are the early harvest. We Natsarim work the fields so that the great harvest will be overflowing. Acts 2 informs us that 3000 were immersed into the Covenant, renewing their vows to obey the Covenant with their Husband, and called on Him: YAHUSHUA!
The Bridegroom says,"Love Me, and keep My Commandments!"
We say,"All that you command, we will do and obey!"("We" means ISRAEL)
What do we obey? The TORAH of YAHUAH - that is our "way", where we "walk".
"How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you. Although Yahuah gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way ; walk in it.'"
Isa/YeshaYahu: 30:19-21 (Our "teachers" are His Commandments, which define SIN - the Torah of Yahuah. See also 1 Jn./Yoch 3:4).
So, Yahushua, have a wonderful anniversary, and thank you for allowing us to be the BRIDE You formed for yourself. Help us to become everything you expect in the perfect wife you so richly deserve, You Who are the King of kings!
Nazarene Israel is a special group within Israel; with Yahushua, they are the first fruits. Israel's primary objective is to obey the Covenant (Brith), or 10 Declarations, and teach these instructions to the rest of mankind, so there will be knowledge of the true Creator (Yahuah). Israel is the "wife" or "bride" of Yahuah, and the 10 Declarations represent the Covenant between Yahuah and Israel; this makes the relationship a marriage between them. This Covenant is referred to as the "TORAH", a Hebrew word meaning instruction.
No other nation but Israel has any Covenant relationship with Yahuah, so in order to enter into one, the outsider or foreigner must obey the same Covenant, and join or "engraft" into Israel. The Mediator of the re-newed Covenant with Israel is Yahushua ha'Mashiach.
"And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. And it shall come to pass, when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says Yahuah, they shall say no more, 'the Ark of the Covenant of Yahuah: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Yahuah; and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the Name of Yahuah, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. In those days the house of Yahudah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance to your fathers."
YermeYahu/Jer 3:15-18
Israel is the bride or wife of Yahuah -
And a nation of priests. Those that observe the Torah, or Covenant, determine who is Israel, and those who do not observe the Torah of Yahuah are not Israel. If you stop observing Torah, you are no longer Israel. But if a stranger down the street begins to observe the Torah, then they become Israel, even if they were formerly a circumambulating snake-tail-rattling moon-dancing witch doctor.
The 10 Declarations of YHWH are to be taught to all the nations through the priesthood of Israel. We who keep that Covenant (a marriage) are those priests, and we are all on level ground - only Yahushua is above us all, our High Priest, the Kohen Gadol.
Joke line seen on Internet: "Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband."
HAVE YOU BEEN PROGRAMMED BY SOUND-BYTES?
WORDS NOT FOUND IN SCRIPTURE:
CHRISTIANITY, BIBLE, HOLY WATER, SACRAMENTS, POPES, MONKS, NUNS, LAST SUPPER, EASTER, CHRISTMAS, HALLOWEEN, SUN-DAY, CATHOLIC, PROTESTANT, KIPPAH/YARMULKE, TRANSUBSTANTIATION, WEDDING RING, GOOD FRIDAY, TRINITY, CROSS, LORD (EVEN AS A NAME), GOD, OR JESUS.
