The Faith of the Bible

What faith does Scripture teach?

Seriously, stop and think about that for a moment... Is it Judaism? Is it Christianity? Is it some sort of hybrid?

Let's clear something up: Scripture does not advocate for a Jewish faith or for modern Christianity. While they are both based on certain portions of Scripture, neither is the faith taught by the Bible.

I know that sounds hard to believe and really harsh. But YHWH does not call his people "Christians," and he does not call them "Jews." He calls his people Hebrews and he calls them Israel.

Please note: I am not saying that if you identify as Christian or Jewish your faith is not sincere or that you are not saved, etc. Your salvation is between you and YHWH. I don't believe any of us have perfect theology and don't see that as a prerequisite for eternal life. 

In the "Hebrew roots" movement, there is often an emphasis on restoring the 'Jewishness of Jesus.' As you may know, what people typically mean by that is observing the Sabbath day and feasts, as well as not eating pigs or shellfish, and maybe even learning a few Hebrew words. And those are all great things! But saying that the Messiah did these things only because he was 'Jewish' creates a lot of confusion.

Have you ever thought about keeping the Sabbath or another Biblical instruction and then written off doing it because you aren't Jewish? Have you ever shared with someone about following Scripture's instructions and have them reply that they aren't Jewish so they don't have to do that? The misconception that these are "Jewish" things comes from this misnomer of the 'Jewishness of Jesus.' He was from the tribe of Judah, yes, but he is a Hebrew! 

It's important to realize that literally every instruction given to the tribe of Judah was given to all the other tribes of Israel as well. The Bible does not have different commands for different ancestry or family background. (Although many of the commands were given in regards to the Levitical priesthood, which was comprised of only members of the tribe of Levi, specifically of Aaron's family.) So all the tribes of Israel are called to the Scripture's instructions for the set apart times, the Sabbath, clean eating, etc. We also need to note that even if you aren't from the tribes of Israel or don't have family history going back far enough to know that, you are still called to keep the commandments. See Exodus 12:49, and Romans 11 where it talks about being grafted into YHWH's people.

Judaism rose from the Old Testament of Scripture and was in full swing by the time of the Messiah's life. Throughout the Gospels he frequently confronted theological issues he had with Jewish leaders. Though the practice of Judaism has changed somewhat (or a lot, depending on the sect) today from Bible times, Judaism's teachings continue to conflict with what the Bible says in many ways. Obviously with the rejection of Messiah, but also in adding literally thousands of laws that aren't found in Scripture, and often claiming that they are. An example of this would be the traditional Shabbat ritual of lighting candles while saying a blessing that says that God commands this. He does not. There is no verse in Scripture that instructs us to light candles at the start of the Sabbath. It's not wrong to do so, but it is wrong to teach that this is a commandment when it isn't. There are many examples like this. Some proponents of Judaism say that if you tear toilet paper off the role on the Sabbath day it's sin. Does Scripture teach that? Nope. Certain sects of Judaism teach its followers to swing a chicken over their heads on Yom Kippur. Again, does Scripture give this instruction? It does not. Many elements and practices of Judaism not found in Scripture.

Now please hear me: I am not saying that those in Judaism aren't sincere in their faith. I am not saying that every single Jewish person abides by the entire Talmud. I am not passing judgment on anyone's sincerity or relationship with God. But I am not going to turn a blind eye to contradictions between this faith system and what Scripture teaches. It is incorrect to say that Judaism is just the faith of the Old Testament still waiting for the Messiah, when so much has been added to it. It is worth noting that Yahusha never once described himself as Jewish, and that Apostle Paul described Judaism as his former way of life (Galatians 1:13). 

While Judaism tends to add things to Scripture, Christianity often takes things away. Not necessarily by actually removing verses from Bibles (Though that is a problem, and versions of Scripture are actually printed now that have removed all verses on homosexuality, for example.), but by a wholesale writing off of much of what Scripture teaches. Mainstream Christianity teaches that we shouldn't keep many of the commandments found in Scripture, including: not bringing YHWH's name to nothingness, honoring the Sabbath, instructions for how we should eat, laws related to hygiene, and celebrating the set apart times. I understand the argument against these things (and believed it myself for much of my life), but that simply doesn't hold up with a deep examination of Scripture. Furthermore, nowhere in Scripture are we given license to disregard the instructions on how to live.

I attended a Bible study with a couple who were adamantly against the instructions being for today. They believed the commandments are no longer for those who serve the Living God and that the Old Testament is just a history book with a few inspirational stories. They were also convinced that the Holy Spirit was only for those in the book of Acts. Their belief was that God is no longer interested in doing miracles or tangibly expressing his love to his people. It never made sense to me why they would bother bringing a Bible to study, as they believed so little of it. They had every excuse in the world for why 99% of Scripture wasn't applicable to them. They were nice people but they believed the full expression of faith was to ask Jesus into your heart and be somewhat friendly in public.

The Hebrew faith is so much more than this! I wouldn't begrudge anyone of the first small steps of faith, but I promise wherever your faith is right now YHWH has more for you! More learning and an abundant life through his instructions. A better understanding of who he is and what his word says. I can tell you from personal experience in my life and what I've seen from others who have also embraced the Hebrew faith that it brings significantly more fruit of the Spirit to your life! Again, many Christians and Jews are wonderful people and genuine in their faith. I am not passing judgment on them. I'm not writing to try and offend or upset anyone. It's not for me to judge your relationship with the Living God. But it is so important that we get the faith of the Bible right! The Hebrew faith is not a mixture of Judaism and Christianity, because both are flawed. The Hebrew faith is the accurate understanding of the entirety of the word of YHWH.

The Hebrew faith is different from both Christianity and Judaism. It's where we take the whole of Scripture seriously, without adding to it. We need to divide it rightly so that we understand what the faith of the Bible really is. While there is common ground to Christianity and Judaism, our faith shouldn't be a hybrid of two flawed religious systems. 

Related posts:
Commandments or Traditions - Understanding the New Testament

Is it Possible to Keep the Torah?

What is a Hebrew?

How to Eat Biblically Clean

You've decided you want to start eating the way that Scripture instructs, now where do you begin? Today I want to talk you through the practical side of how you can eat a diet that is Biblically clean.

What is Biblically clean eating?
If you're not familiar with what Biblically clean eating is then see this post. It's not complicated, it's just making sure we don't consume animals that the Bible calls unclean, such as pigs, shellfish, and fish that don't have fins or scales. On a Biblically clean diet you are free to consume clean meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, and fish with fins and scales, as well as all vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, herbs, nuts, eggs, and dairy products.

Once you are familiar with what foods are considered Biblically clean (really Scripture only calls clean things food - it never refers to pigs, etc. as "food"), it's time to clear the unclean things out of your kitchen, and make a game plan for avoiding them in the future.

Clean out your kitchen.
Go through your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer and look for any products containing unclean animals. This means everything from pork chops and catfish to pepperoni on a frozen pizza or a jar of oyster sauce to a can of pork and beans. Then get rid of these items! Set yourself up for success by getting these things out of your kitchen, and only stocking foods that are Biblically clean.

If you share a kitchen:
If your spouse or roommates or parents are not onboard with Biblically clean eating, then you might not have full control of the kitchen and pantry. In that case, do what you can. Clean out what is yours. Maybe you could designate cupboards or shelves in the fridge that are just for your foods or theirs. You are not obligated to cook or eat meals with unclean things. I know a couple that makes two different sauces each time they have spaghetti. One with pork sausage and one without. If your spouse, parent, or roommate wants to eat something unclean that is their choice, and they can make and purchase those things, but you don't have to be involved in that. You can prepare clean meals, or stick to the clean parts of the meal if someone else cooks.

That said, if it's your kitchen and others in the household aren't on board I don't think you should have to compromise. If you are the homeowner or parent or otherwise in charge, then it's up to you to set the rules for your house. You don't have to let ham or other things forbidden by Scripture live in your fridge or home. Clearly and kindly explain the ground rules for the household. 

Make a plan for moving forward.
How are these changes going to affect you? Depending on what your diet was like before, you may have a lot of adjusting to do. You'll want to find alternatives for products you'll no longer be using and things you especially enjoyed. Did you cook with lard before? You'll want to stock up on olive oil or butter so you can use that instead. Can you start using chicken sausage instead of pork sausage? Do you need to break an addiction to bacon? Consider if going cold-turkey would be best for you, or if trying Biblically clean alternatives would be a better fit. 

While trying substitutes and new things can be fun, I would also make it a point to turn to recipes and snacks that you already enjoy that are Biblically clean. If it helps, make a list of favorites to turn to when cravings kick in or you're not sure what to do for dinner.

Consider how you will handle meals with others.
It's one thing when you're the one making dinner or ordering takeout. It can be quite another when you're invited to someone else's for a meal. How can you follow Scripture's instructions for eating when you're not in charge of the menu? 

You'll want to politely let your host know of your dietary changes. A sentence like, "I'd love to come, but I have to let you know that my diet has changed and there are certain things I don't eat anymore." Or, "I've always loved your barbecue, but my diet has changed. Is there anyway we could do chicken or beef instead? I'd be happy to buy the meat." Offering to chip in and bring part of the meal is always thoughtful, or in some cases you might be better off suggesting going out for dinner or inviting them to your house instead.

Or what if your grandma serves ham at every family get together? Make a game plan that works for you. You could go and plan to just skip the ham and make a meal of the side dishes. Or you could offer to make and bring chicken or roast beef. If you're attending a potluck, take Biblically clean things that you will enjoy eating. If nothing else, you can enjoy the dishes you brought and share a meal with friends and family.

Does your office buy pepperoni pizza every Friday? You can see if they'd order another kind for you, or you could start packing your lunch.

Whatever the situations you may find yourself in: your meals are your responsibility. While some family and friends might be accommodating, it is not the job of everyone else to adjust to your new diet. Come up with your own plan; that could be taking several dishes to a dinner party or paying for your own pizza. That could be sticking to eating side dishes at a barbecue or suggesting a restaurant that you enjoy for lunch with a friend.

Change what you buy.
Don't bring home unclean products anymore! Learn to read labels. Get in the habit of looking at the ingredients list for everything you buy at the grocery store. If you don't know what an ingredient is then don't buy it. If you're buying hot dogs or a similar product make sure they're all beef. Watch out for things like lard in refried beans, and gelatin (which is mostly pork-based) which often shows up in yogurt and marshmallows. 

I know that there can be a lot of weird ingredients in processed foods at the store. If it's overwhelming to figure out what everything is, stick to buying basic whole ingredients (fruit and veggies, rice, lentils, butter, flour, oats, greens, canned beans, etc.), and processed foods made with just a few recognizable ingredients. 

Kosher certification labels can be helpful. Common symbols for kosher certification are a K inside a circle or Torah scroll, or a U inside a circle. If a product is kosher certified it means that there are no unclean animals or byproducts of unclean animals in that product. Keep in mind that there are some differences between eating Biblically clean and eating kosher. 

Biblically clean versus certified kosher.

These are the same, right? Well, not exactly.

Biblically clean means you follow Scripture's instructions about eating. Kosher means you adhere to Jewish dietary laws. These are similar, but you should be aware of a few differences. Jewish law has some added rules, as well as different interpretations to keep in mind. I don't say that to be disrespectful, but we need to be aware of the choices we make about what we eat.

For example, the Bible does not say that a rabbi must be involved in the making of grape juice or wine for it to be acceptable, but kosher law does. By this standard, the wine that the Messiah made from water would not have been "kosher"!

Another added kosher rule would be that milk and meat products need to be separated from each other, even in the refrigerator. Kosher law also stipulates that you must wait several hours after eating meat before eating something with dairy. That is not something the Bible says. Exodus 23:19 says not to boil a goat in its mothers milk. And that's it. Obviously this can be interpreted many different ways, and I'm not here to tell you which interpretation is "right." Search the Scripture for yourself and don't lay unnecessary stumbling blocks in front of someone who is working to follow Scripture's instructions.

Consider why a product is or is not certified kosher before accepting it or ruling it out. Is there shellfish in it? Was the blood not drained from the beef? Was it made by a local company that might not have the customer base to justify the expense of kosher certification? If a food product's only ingredients are Biblically clean, and it's made by a small company I don't see why that isn't fit for consumption. If it's marked as vegetarian or vegan that's added reassurance. You can also feel free to contact the company and ask questions if you're unsure. In an age of food allergies and special diets, most companies are used to inquiries like this and have information to share. However, if it's a large company that sells a lot of certified kosher products, and they have one that is not marked as kosher there is probably a reason, and it would be best to avoid that product.

Again, I'm not saying kosher certification is bad, we just need to keep in mind that it's a little bit different. A kosher stamp on a product is a good start, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a healthy choice, humanely raised, GE/GMO free, fair trade, or organic. Something to be aware of if those qualities are important to you!

Sharing with others.
Pray about how you can best communicate your new dietary choices with others. Work to do so in a way that is gentle and kind, and not demanding or boastful. I find that if I just share that I feel like YHWH has called me to this lifestyle, people are more accepting and less defensive.

If anyone asks or tries to debate, I recommend sticking with a simple "I'm doing this because it's what Scripture says," rather than diving into a debate about how bad pork is for you or whatever. While I have no doubt that there are real benefits to following Scripture's instructions (about food, the Sabbath, and everything else), I don't do these things for the benefits. I live this way because I want to do my best to honor the Creator by following his word.

A few reminders:

-Biblically clean eating is not necessarily associated with other 'clean' diets out there. Many of those permit shellfish or things otherwise forbidden by Scripture. So keep in mind that when you see some sort of clean eating meal plan it isn't necessarily the same as Biblically clean.

-Avoiding blood (even from clean animals) is an important part of Scripture's instructions about how we eat. While it's easy to see blood in chicken, turkey, and fish (because it's red), it can be harder with meats like beef and lamb. People deal with this differently - some salt their meat to draw out the blood, others cook it to well-done, others purchase only Kosher-certified meat, or ask questions about how animals are processed at local butcher shops. I'm not going to tell you how to do this, but I encourage you to consider this and pray about it.

-During the Feast of Unleavened Bread we are not to eat leavened bread, which is bread made with yeast or otherwise fermented with a sourdough starter, etc. It's just for one week and it's a special part of one of the set-apart times. You can learn more about that here.

-A Biblically clean diet is not necessarily synonymous with a healthy diet. You can eat sweets, deep fried foods, and processed foods that are Biblically clean. And that's your choice! You can absolutely have a very healthy diet that is Biblically clean, but you also aren't in trouble for eating dessert or other treats.

-You can do this! The beginning is the hardest part, it gets much easier as you go. Once you're used to these changes you'll barely think of them. Pray for guidance about the changes you need to make and how to best share that with others. Remember that the Creator is honored by you taking these steps of obedience!

Related posts: 

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

What Does Scripture Say About What We Eat?

10 Times Scripture Talks About Clean Eating
Biblically Clean Slow Cooker Meal Ideas

The Truth About 1 Corinthians 14

This post examines the infamous words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:34 that have lead the Christian church to believe that women aren't allowed to teach or speak. We will take a closer look at what this passage actually means and learn the truth about it, as well as come to a better understanding of the role of women in the faith community! 

Have you ever been told, "women should keep silent in the church," or that women can't teach men or be leaders? Much of that belief paradigm comes from this passage:

"Let your women be silent in the assemblies for they aren't allowed to speak; but let them subject themselves, as the law says. And if they wish to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in an assembly." -1 Corinthians 14:34-35

On a cursory reading, this seems black and white doesn't it? Women can't speak in a congregation or church setting. But there is a major problem with this passage...can you spot it?

First let's take a look at some of the minor problems:

-This passage is talking about speaking and not teaching. There's no side note here that it's okay for women to teach other women or children, despite what the church often teaches.

-Does anyone really believe that women can't speak at all like this passage seems to say? Can they greet others? Correct a child? Tell the men the building is on fire?

-Not all women are married. So who are the single ladies supposed to direct their questions to?

-Husbands don't have all the answers to spiritual questions, even if they are believers.

-Sometimes it's improper for men to speak in an assembly too, depending on the circumstances and what's being said.


These are pretty significant flaws but have you spotted the biggest problem of all?

As the law says. As the word says. As it is written.

Can you find a verse in the Torah that says women aren't allowed to speak in an assembly? Nope, because the Bible doesn't say anything like this! There is nothing in the Old Testament that is consistent with the rest of the above passage. There are no laws from Scripture about women needing to be silent. And we know, from Scripture, that women weren't forbidden to speak or could only seek spiritual counsel from their husband. Women throughout Scripture were outspoken, and leaders. They are seen in the Temple and worshiping YHWH. They served as prophets, gave counsel, lead armies to war. They were queens, mothers of nations, song writers, worship leaders, intercessors. All of these things require speaking.

What does this mean? Is there error in Scripture? Was one of the premier Bible teachers wrong? Paul, the author of Corinthians, was deeply familiar with the Torah. How could he have made an error like this?

Either...

1. This section was added by someone other than Paul, the author. This would be sin as Scripture says that it is wrong to add to or take away from Scripture, so we shouldn't be holding this up as sound doctrine.

or...

2. Paul is quoting someone else's opinion, not making a declaration. 

Paul often used what is called a 'straw man' approach in his writings, basically meaning he would contrast different ideas. A good example of this would be in Romans 7. When we don't catch that he is doing this (either contrasting different beliefs, or quoting someone else's belief), his writings get confusing and, as Peter said, hard to understand.

Either way Paul was not advocating for women to be silent!

It's important to realize that Paul was incredibly familiar with Scripture and would not have incorrectly quoted it. Many scholars believe that he would have memorized the entire Old Testament. He was fully aware that Scripture does not forbid women from speaking in a congregational setting or from roles of ministry. We see that Paul himself didn't feel that way, and frequently mentioned women he worked with in ministry.

We also need to pay attention to the context of these two sentences. At this point in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul has spent more than the last two chapters talking about Spiritual gifts - specifically speaking in tongues. Just a few verses prior he even specified that both genders should speak in tongues, so does it make any sense to go back on that directive a couple of sentences later?

The very next verse cues us in even more.

"Or did the Word of YHWH start with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?" -1 Corinthians 14:36

Paul is calling them out for incorrectly claiming that Scripture says women can't speak in an assembly. It sounds like Paul says, "Nice try. We all know the Bible. And that's not what it says." Or, "Seriously? Do you think you guys are the only ones with a copy of Scripture? Because we all know that's not in it."

And then Paul encourages everyone to desire to prophesy and expressly says not to forbid speaking in tongues. As we can see, he is not forbidding women to speak or teach. He is quoting someone else's false teaching and correcting it by encouraging both genders to practice their spiritual gifts!

Related posts:
The Significance of Sarah in the Bible
Overlooked Truths in Proverbs 31

Why Bible Believers Don't Sacrifice Animals Today

Animal sacrifice often comes up in Christian circles when discussing the Hebrew faith or Torah observant believers. If you don't sacrifice animals you're not keeping the whole law, right? And if you're guilty of breaking part of the law, what's the point in trying to keep the rest? Or if you're keeping the Sabbath and dietary regulations, doesn't that mean you want to sacrifice animals? The arguments go something like that.

Let's be clear here: we don't sacrifice animals. We don't need to sacrifice animals. We don't want to. And we shouldn't.

Hebrews teaches that the old Temple system of the Levitical priesthood is no longer needed thanks to the Messiah's sacrifice. Though the Levitical system was tremendously valuable, it is inferior to the priesthood of the Messiah. That seems fair, right? What could ever top the Messiah himself?

Yahusha the Messiah is our high priest and he operates under the order of Melchizedek. He is not a Levitical priest and doesn't act like one. Scripture tells us that the blood of bulls and goats can't take away our sins. But the Messiah's unchangeable priesthood remains forever and saves completely! (Hebrews 7:24-25)

I like the phrasing there, "saves completely!" Not "mostly saves." Not, "Hey I'm doing all this - can I get a little extra help from a goat?" He saves completely, so no one else needs to do this. If someone has completely cleaned my kitchen, do I need to go wash everything again? Or would that maybe be insulting to the cleaner? Wouldn't I be saying, "I appreciate you doing this an all, but I don't quite trust that you did it right, so I'm going to rewash the dishes"? Unlike how my kitchen will need cleaned again later, Yahusha does not need to sacrifice himself repeatedly.

"He entered into the Most Set-apart place once and for all, not with the blood of goats and bulls, but with His own blood, obtaining everlasting redemption." -Hebrews 9:12

His sacrifice was once and for all. His blood obtained redemption for us that is good for yesterday, today, and forever. It would be an insult to treat his sacrifice the same as the continual animal sacrifices.

-Does this mean that the Levitical priesthood was bad? Not at all. It was created by YHWH for a specific purpose for a specific time (Hebrews 9:10). It was not meant to be a substitute for the true, Heavenly plan for redemption, but was rather a copy and shadow of the Messiah's blood poured out for us (Hebrews 8:5).

-Doesn't Scripture say forever? How does this idea fit with verses like Exodus 40:15, "They shall be an everlasting priesthood"? It's important to note that the word translated as everlasting or forever (olam in Hebrew) does not always mean literally forever. It is necessary to discern if olam is used to mean for all time or for a set time. This is similar to how forever gets used in English. If you have a long shift at work, you might remark to a friend that you'll "be there forever," and of course that doesn't mean you'll be on the job for all eternity. Or if a teacher tells students that they want homework turned in a certain way, "forever," or "for the entire time," they don't mean they want students to do that for the rest of their lives, but the rest of the time they are in their class. Olam is often used to mean for all time (YHWH is the same forever), but in this case olam means a set time. Considering that the Levitical priesthood hasn't operated in close to 2,000 years it is not an everlasting priesthood.

-Aren't we just waiting for a Temple to restart sacrifices? Animal sacrifice and the Levitical system was instated long before the Temple was ever built, so no a Temple is not a prerequisite to animal sacrifices. While it's true that Judaism (a religion that does not love or accept the Messiah) is making plans to rebuild the Temple, we need to strongly consider if we should align ourselves with another religion on this matter.

-What about Ezekiel? Many people believe that Temple sacrifices and Levitical priesthood will continue into the Millennial reign because of Ezekiel 43. It is imperative that we understand that the book of Ezekiel is actually a collection of thirteen scrolls and that the book does not place these in chronological order. According to the dates found in the book, chapter 43 and the vision for Temple service actually predates chapters 1-7 by five years! If we read the book chronologically, we see that this chapter was a conditional offer for Israel at that time, and that it is not regarding the Millennial reign, or any time after the Messiah came. Which is why John didn't see any kind of Temple in his vision of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:22).

-What about Daniel? Contrary to popular belief, Daniel doesn't prophecy of Temple sacrifice getting taken away in the end times. It's actually about sacrifice being reinstated! The literal translation of Daniel 8:11 would be, "He was magnified before the prince of host and the daily sacrifice was exalted, the exalted cornerstone of the Holy Place (the Messiah) was cast down." Daniel's abomination of desolation is the exaltation of the daily animal sacrifices instead of Yahusha's. Let's take note that animal sacrifice isn't just unnecessary thanks to the Messiah's sacrifice, but it's actually an abomination according to Scripture!

-Does this change in priesthood mean a change in the rest of Scripture as well? Not at all. The regulations for the Levitical system are not the same thing as the commandments given by YHWH to the people as to how to live. Nowhere does Scripture say instructions on eating, Sabbath observance, keeping the feasts, the ten commandments, etc. are done away with or changed, or that those commandments were intended only for the members of the Levitical priesthood. A change in priesthood doesn't mean everything else is changed too. If it seems like your Scripture says this, chances are you have a poor translation mixed with man made beliefs. Hebrews tells us that Sabbath keeping remains and that YHWH promises to write the Torah on our hearts.

Yahusha's death firmly entrenched him as our Melchizedek priest forever. Melchizedek is a different system than the Levitical priesthood, and thus operates differently. And the Messiah is much, much greater than any earthly high priest. His sacrifice was once and for all. If we believe his blood covers our sins, why would we need extra help from an animal? While his words remain forever, we need to make sure we know what priesthood our high priest operates under.

Related posts:
Comparing the Melchizedek and Levitical Priesthoods
Understanding Hebrews
A Hebraic Perspective on Galatians

Sabbath Prep and the Idol of Cleanliness

Can we talk about 'prep day' and this notion of 'getting ready for Sabbath'? 

When I first started observing the Sabbath, I think about 90% of the related internet content consisted of cleaning checklists. Long ones too: vacuum the floors, straighten up the house, take out the trash, wash the dishes, make the beds, set the table, clean the bathrooms. And don't forget about making a fancy dinner, and then tons of food for tomorrow, empty your inbox, bathe the kids, and plan a special activity. It's not surprising that much of the Hebrew community refers to Friday as prep day, because that's how long all of this takes.

There are a few problems with this system. Firstly, Scripture does not teach that this thorough cleaning is required of us for the Sabbath day. But also, keeping Sabbath is meant for all of YHWH's children, not just the retirees and the stay-at-home-mom families. When we (unintentionally or otherwise) present to others this enormous checklist of things to do before Shabbat we are telling them that if you can't juggle in this extra load of work then they can't keep the Sabbath day. That is a tragedy! When we make the Sabbath more about having a clean house than about relationship with YHWH, it becomes an idol. May he forgive us if we make having a prep day for Shabbat a requirement, because he didn't.

Friends, I know that none of you want to place a stumbling block before others or to make Sabbath keeping seem like a burden. But can you see how this pervasive mentality of Friday as a house cleaning day can be a hindrance to those that work or have other commitments before the Sabbath? I also know that many of you feel overwhelmed with getting ready for the Sabbath each week. And honestly when I would put my effort into those checklists it did not leave me with an attitude that loved the set apart day. Why are we clinging to this tradition of near impossible standards if it causes frustration and resentment with one of YHWH's commandments? What does that do to our relationship with him, or to our spirits?

Is it nice to have a clean home? Yes...but it's not a commandment, nor is it a prerequisite to having a day of rest. A clean house is nice but it should never come before our relationship with YHWH, and it shouldn't come at the cost of discouraging others from honoring the Sabbath. It really is both possible and permissible to have a day of rest, even if you don't have a day to dedicate to preparing for it. What if you just stopped to rest on the seventh day, even if the laundry wasn't done and the beds hadn't been made? What if we showed others that Shabbat keeping is doable even if you work full-time or juggle a hundred things each week?

Yes, keeping Shabbat calls for intention. But I think most of the time spent preparing should be working to keep ourselves free of other commitments on the Sabbath, not on having an immaculate house. There is no shame in eating simple foods like sandwiches, green salads, veggies with hummus, cheese and crackers, fruit, or other snack items that don't require prep work the day before. Don't forget that in Genesis 1, YHWH himself rests on the Sabbath day. Please note, he did not spend day six cleaning up his work from the rest of the week. He just rests. Give yourself and others permission to do the same. 

More on the Sabbath:
Why I'm Still Keeping the Sabbath
Tips for Resting on the Sabbath
Sabbath in the New Testament

1 Corinthians 8:13 and Not Eating What Causes to Stumble

Paul wrote very plainly that he would not eat something if it caused someone else to stumble in their faith. Are believers today following his example?

"If food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." -1 Corinthians 8:13

My friend Christopher wanted to show others that all things are truly possible with YHWH. So he became a vegetarian. People were floored that he was able to give up eating meat, and that he did so joyfully. His choice to forgo meat eating was a powerful example to his friends and family who felt they couldn't give up the thing that was keeping them back from the Messiah. His vegetarian diet was the spark that ignited freedom from drugs, addiction, sinful relationships, and lies in the lives of many people. Does Scripture teach that you have to be a vegetarian? No, many passages make it clear which animals are permissible for eating. But Chris's choice to not eat those animals helped many encounter the truth and love of YHWH.

I don't share this to say that you have to become a vegetarian, because you don't. Scripture gives you the right not to. But as Paul said, "Watch out that this right of yours doesn't become a stumbling block."

Scripture gives us certain instructions regarding what we are to eat. Mainly we are to avoid unclean animals (pigs and shellfish, as well as other creatures like bats, camels, and ostriches). You can see more on this here or in Leviticus 11.

We are not going to get into the debate of if YHWH's word still stands today or not. So regardless of if you are eating clean or unclean animals and foods, let's look at this verse again: I will not eat what causes my brother to stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:13)

When my husband and I started making changes away from the mainstream Christian faith, many people started working very hard to explain why following Scripture's dietary instructions was unnecessary. To this day, we are regularly questioned, teased, or told we are wrong by well-meaning believers. Even if this were true, how is this a good use of anyone's time? I would so much rather they would spend that time and energy to share the Gospel with the masses who desperately need it, than to to try and give me more dinner options.

The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 8 explains that people have different sensitivities when it comes to what they eat. It's worth noting that this is in regards to Biblically clean animals that have been offered to idols, not if unclean animals are acceptable to eat. Many translations use the word 'weak' but sensitive better encompasses the meaning of this passage. This entire chapter of Scripture tells us, "Not everyone is going to agree with you on this, be respectful anyway." You know what is not in this passage? Some sort of clause that says if someone is more sensitive than you are about what they eat, just go ahead and explain why they are wrong. Or belittle them until they agree with you or try to trick them into eating bacon. Be kind to those who are sensitive, their faith is on the line.

Is what you're eating causing someone to stumble? Let's look at who your dietary choices can impact:

-The roughly thirteen million Jewish people in the world who have not accepted the Messiah. One of the major set backs is that Jews see Christians representing the Messiah as someone who did not keep the commandments. Additionally many Jewish people are uncomfortable or unwilling to sit at a table with someone who is eating something that Scripture says not to, which obviously hinders relationship development and a chance to share truth. 

-Those frustrated by the confusion and hypocrisy of the faith. While Christians are used to how they do or don't apply certain passages of Scripture, this is truly confusing for someone new or outside the faith. I've been in churches where before the sermon everyone holds up their Bible and says that it is the inerrant word of God, and then the pastor's sermon explains that well, actually a good chunk of it is out of date. We can all think of people who have left the faith because of hypocrisy in others. 

-People who have decided not to eat meat for ethical reasons. In the mass food system there are many horrible things that happen during the factory production of meat. Many believe that the Messiah would not take part in this system, and therefore they choose not to as well. Does anyone benefit by debating this decision? Why try to convince them that the one whose eye is on the sparrow doesn't care about the welfare of his creatures? 

-Those who need to see a demonstration of love and power. Like Christopher's friends and family, who doesn't want a tangible example to point to of the transformation that happens through the Holy Spirit? Who doesn't need to see that change is possible? Being respectful of someone's dietary choices is a great way to show that person love. It is so meaningful to go to a friend's for dinner knowing that they have gone out of their way to make sure the meal is something I am comfortable with. There are too many believers claiming to love others, but aren't willing to give up any of their own rights to support another's faith.

Pick up any cookbook or flip on any food related show and you will hear how food has an amazing power to connect people of different cultures, ages, nationalities, lifestyles, etc. But the quickest way to break that connection is to be disrespectful of someone's dietary restrictions. Don't let your food choices cause someone else to stumble. Make sure your table is one you can invite them to.

More about eating the Bible's way: 

What is Biblically Clean Eating?
Did the Messiah "make all foods clean"?
What Scripture Teaches About Peter's Vision
Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:27

Some Great Thing and Health

"If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it?" -2 Kings 5:13

This is from the story of Naaman seeking healing for leprosy. From a servant, he had heard that there was a prophet in another land who could possibly heal him. If you've gathered that Naaman must have been pretty desperate to travel so far based on a suggestion from someone so low in rank, you're right. Leprosy is a disease that can be so contagious that you can no longer live with your family. If you were dealing with something that nearly cuts you off from your community, you would try about anything to cure yourself, right? Imagine the expensive doctor consultations and bizarre therapies sufferers like Naaman must have undergone in an attempt to regain their lives. It seems too familiar.

As I'm sure the rest of you do, I know way too many people who have been given a life changing diagnosis. I think of my friend's mom who died of cancer before seeing her daughters get married or meeting her grandchildren. I think of a friend my age who is preparing for a double mastectomy. I think of my grandmother who passed away after multiple rounds of chemotherapy. I think of community members still working to pay off the massive debts accumulated for treatment, long after their loved one is gone.

In my community, cancer diagnoses are met with heroic resolve. Families put on a brave face, and seek out the most aggressive treatment for their loved one while hoping for the best. Top oncologists and clinics are sought out and no expense (stacking up well over the six figure mark) is spared. Communities rally with meal deliveries and prayer meetings and fundraisers. In high school the entire basketball team and most of the boys in school shaved their heads in support of a classmate who was losing his beloved long hair to chemotherapy. I just watched a video of a college student who dropped out of school to help a leukemia-diagnosed friend fulfill his bucket list. Those diagnosed with cancer are willing to undergo horrendous chemotherapy and a slew of nasty side effects in hopes of clinging to life. We are willing to do the big things.

And that's basically where Naaman was. Something difficult, sure. Something impressive sounding, absolutely. Remove body parts, endure radiation, yes. Do something so small it seems to lack significance? Not so much.

In the past few months I have been able to watch the documentary series The Truth About Cancer and that's been incredibly eye opening. The premise of the series is that cancer is a curable with a variety of nontoxic treatments found all over the world. There are nine episodes and you hear from dozens of people who were given scary diagnoses and conquered cancer. And what was surprising to me is how simple some of these things are.

"One of the most unfortunate detox memes that has emerged over the past few decades is the idea that detox must be "heroic" to be effective. This idea says, essentially, that an effective detox can only be achieved through tremendous suffering and pain." -Mike Adams

Who hasn't felt this way before? I've heard from many friends who gave up on their health goals because, "it wasn't worth it." Isn't this the idea that leads us to believe that a scary disease must be met with a state-of-the-art, high-risk, big deal plan for treatment? It seems like this was Naaman's belief too. After dealing with the physical pain and social stigma of leprosy for who knows how long, Elisha told him that all he needed to do was wash in the Jordan River seven times for restoration. And what was his response to the news of how to get his life and health back? Naaman was angry. He expected something bigger.

"I thought surely that he would come out to me and stand before me and call upon the name of YHWH Elohim, and he would wave his hands and cure the leprosy." -2 Kings 5:11

Naaman was offended with how simple the path to healing was. Imagine him saying, What does bathing have to do with anything? That's never helped me before or The water quality is higher at my home so I would have seen a difference there if that was going to work or Does he seriously think I haven't tried bathing? And honestly, that completely echoes with what I hear from others, not only about cancer treatment but healthy living in general. Small changes don't lead to big differences. Simple things don't work.

But a little thing worked for Naaman.

"So he went and washed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the prophet, and his flesh was restored and became like the skin of a child; and he became clean." -2 Kings 5:14

Are you willing to do a small thing for the sake of your health? Whether you are facing a life-threatening illness, dealing with allergies, feeling sluggish and tired, or simply want to be around as long as possible for your family, there are straightforward steps you can take to better your health that are truly doable. If you believe your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit then you should believe that it's worth it to invest time, finances, and effort into caring for it. The following are simple things that anyone can do, you don't need to be an expert, a millionaire, or a fitness fiend to incorporate these steps into your life. I am not a doctor so of course seek specific advice for you and your family from a qualified holistic professional.

Simple changes for a healthier lifestyle:

Drinking more water. Your body needs to be well hydrated to eliminate water-soluble toxins. Therefore, a simple (and free) way to support your body's detoxification abilities is to drink plenty of water. If you replace pop or sugary processed drinks with water, all the better.

Going for walks. Exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle, we've all heard this before, but you don't have to be a P90Xer or bodybuilder to be active. Seriously, if a hardcore workout regimen is intimidating just start with walking. In addition to the physical benefits of activity, exercise is a great way to manage stress. So walk around the block after dinner, catch up with a friend via a walk instead of a coffee shop, and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Letting fresh air in the house. It's -3° outside as I write this so I get that there are days when you don't want to open up the windows, but unfortunately homes can be filled with with pollutants from building materials, carpet, and furniture; not to mention toxic air fresheners, carpet cleaners, fumes from the garage, etc. Even in winter I open my windows for a few minutes a week to help air these out. In the summer I try to have them open as much as possible but I keep them shut on days nearby farmers are spraying fields.

Taking time to rest. I can't speak enough what a difference making it a point to rest on the Sabbath day has made in my emotional health and well being and I feel like I physically have more energy! Many others have told me the same thing. Make sure you are leaving adequate amounts of blank spaces in your calendar so that you have plenty of time for sleep and restoration.

Earthing. This is really just being barefoot while touching the ground. Since the earth carries a negative charge it works as a powerful antioxidant to our bodies. Earthing or grounding has been shown to relieve pain, reduce stress, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, speed wound healing, and more. You can ground by walking through your yard barefoot, laying on the beach, or kicking off your shoes when you sit at a picnic table or bench.

Getting a houseplant or two. Plants help to purify the air and emit oxygen in their environments. They are also shown to bring joy to people. There are plenty of low maintenance choices that can do both. Who knew that a few plants could significantly improve the air quality of your home?

Buying organic instead of conventional. While this will typically cost more upfront, making the change is pretty straightforward. You won't have to learn new recipes or techniques and you'll be greatly cutting back on nasty chemicals. While you remove herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides from your diet you're supporting jobs for farm workers to keep them out of those poisons as well.

Cleaning out your cleaning supplies. Do you want to be "cleaning" your home with things that require warning labels? The internet is filled with recipes for homemade cleaners using common and safe household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Dr. Bronner's soaps are a good alternative to most and can be found at major retailers.

Switching deodorant with a non toxic one. Studies have shown that aluminum from antiperspirants can get lodged in breast tissue. Studies also show that aluminum can cause cancer. Unfortunately, many popular antiperspirants and deodorants contain aluminum, among many other substances of questionable safety. Health stores have various replacements from sticks to pastes to sprays. I use a spray that works better than the conventional deodorant I was using before, and it sells for the same price.

Adding more vegetables to your diet. Obviously the healthier your diet, the better, but even if you aren't willing to consume less processed foods or switch to organic, adding veggies to what you already eat is a great starting point to a healthier you. Add an extra side of veggies with whatever you are having for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's especially easy to finely chop greens and add them to pasta, casseroles, scrambled eggs, enchiladas, soup, etc. Even picky eaters won't mind.

Consuming probiotics. Most of us were not taught that health issues like chronic fatigue, thyroid imbalances, joint pain, and even autism originate in the gut. A healthy gut is critical to having a healthy immune system to fight off sickness and infection. Benefits of probiotics include everything from help with battling cancer, to fewer colds, to clearing acne, to reducing depression, to preventing cavities! Increasing your probiotic consumption can be done inexpensively by fermenting some veggies yourself, or conveniently by taking a probiotic capsule. 

Filtering your water. This goes for drinking water and your shower. It's crazy what sorts of heavy metals can be found in public drinking water and the crisis in Flint, Michigan a few years ago showed us that. Installing a filter on your shower or sink is a one time project that can greatly cut down on the load of toxins in your home.

Adding a few essential oils to your life. This could mean rolling on oil when you have a headache, replacing a toxic air freshener with an oil spray, diffusing oil to lift your mood, or adding a few drops to up the potency of your homemade cleaners. For years, I dealt with multiple sinus infections and tried all sorts of things to get them under control with little success. The first time I used an essential oil blend for sinuses I felt 60% better within a minute! While there are some very expensive essential oils, many are very affordable. Inexpensive oils to start with include, clove, grapefruit, cedar wood, lemon, tangerine, and rosemary.

Increase your consumption of B17.  One theory on why cancer rates have risen so much in the past 100 years is that we have greatly decreased our consumption of B17. Before hybridization and genetic engineering most grains contained large amounts of the vitamin. Good sources of B17 include buckwheat, millet, lentils, alfalfa, sorghum, peas, berries, and apricot and apple seeds.

Replace plastic storage containers with glass ones. If you've ever seen a plastic container that has picked up some red or orange coloring, you're seeing the food get into the plastic. That means that plastic is also getting into your food. Pyrex and mason jars are affordable ways to switch to a better option.

Swapping out regular candles with beeswax. So those scented candles at the stores contain tons of iffy stuff. Rather than burning one of these and filling your home with the chemicals, light up a candle made from beeswax. By releasing negative ions into the air, beeswax candles reduce indoor pollution and allergens. Burning these can be especially helpful for people with asthma or allergies.

Start dry brushing. This is believed to stimulate your lymphatic system, which is responsible for the elimination of cellular waste. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease, and taking a few moments a day to stimulate can help your system to function better. Dry brushing also exfoliates your skin, improves digestive function, and increases circulation.

Reheat food in the oven instead of the microwave. Microwaving is known to have some pretty powerful effects on what we eat, greatly diminishing the nutrition of our meals. Consider eating leftovers at room temperature (just take them out of the fridge or your lunch bag an hour or so before you plan to eat), or heating them up on the stove or in the oven. I have found that most meal portions heat up within about five minutes in my oven. Replacing your microwave with a toaster oven would be a convenient option. If you opt to microwave food, don't do so in plastic. A better choice would be in a glass container or ceramic plate. 

Take your shoes off at home. Slip off your shoes when you walk in the door as a way to keep germs on your footwear and off your flooring. Particularly if you have small children, you don't want the sludge and grime of what you may have walked in on your carpet. Mop wood and tile floors regularly.

Change out of sweaty clothing. Your body uses sweat to eliminate toxins through your skin. These toxins are absorbed by your clothing when it gets wet from sweat. Make it a point to change after a workout or manual labor and then wash those clothes so you don't give your skin a chance to reabsorb the toxins.

Stop using plastic water bottles. Bottled water is not necessarily any better than tap water, plus the plastic is known to be able to leach into the water, more so when it's heated. Glass or stainless steel is a better choice, plus you'll be cutting back on trash. My transportation for beverages on the go is a large mason jar, which fits in most car cup holders.

Swap traditional laundry detergent with a natural one. You know how it can be hard to breathe in the detergent aisle at the store? Do you really want that lingering on you and in your home 24/7? Detergent stays in your clothing and sheets after washing, so your skin is constantly touching those chemicals. I spend about 10 minutes a year making laundry soap using Kelly Barry's method and have found it works very well. It also only costs about $1 a gallon! If you don't want to make it yourself, Ecos is a brand recommend by Mike Adams that isn't terribly expensive.

Wash your hands. This is an easy way to prevent infectious disease. The germs that cause colds, influenza, pneumonia, stomach infections, and other illnesses can be killed by simply washing your hands. Use warm water and soap and wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, and when you get home - these are all opportunities to cut back considerably on the germs that get into our bodies and environments.

Stretch. Stretching increases our flexibility, helps prevent injuries, and generally helps us to feel better. Feeling better means we are more likely to make healthy choices for ourselves, like getting exercise or preparing a homemade meal. Especially after a day on your feet or doing unusual activity, spend a few minutes stretching that night and you'll be less sore the next day! 

There are many, many more things you can do to increase your health, both great and small. Naaman almost missed out on healing because he didn't see the point in such a small, low-key step. I hope you see that as a Temple of the Holy Spirit these adjustments are absolutely worth taking! Yes, some of these steps have a cost to them, but there is a greater cost to not caring for your health. That cost can be increased risk of disease and physical discomfort, expensive medical bills, loss of cognitive function, and so on. Don't wait until you need to take a huge step, small changes today make a big difference later on. Pick a few of these things to incorporate into your life and add more as you get used to the changes.

May the Messiah heal us of every disease.