This page will offer a selection of Mini Studies :

 

1. BODY of Messiah (reference to body of believers)

2. Parable of Lazarus and the Rich man

3. Death (Sleeping) and Resurrection of Lazarus

 

1. Body of the Messiah

Fashioned into Him

Anointed !.

Individual members w/ different talents, gifts, abilities and functions, fulfilling the task so set before them, that they may be beneficial to the entire body. 

This short study on the Body of Messiah will begin with the understanding that it is Spiritual in its complexity, and illustrated by its physicality.

We need to look at this in the Light of Scripture.

So,

Let's start with this one: 1 Cor 12:12-22

                "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Messiah.

                "For indeed by one spirit we were all immersed into one body, whether Yahuwdiym or Greek, whether slave or free, we were all made to drink into one spirit.

                "For indeed the body is not one member, but many.

                "If the foot says, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' therefore does it not belong to the body?

                "And if the ear says, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong in the body,'  does it therefore not belong of the body?

                "If all the body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If all hearing, where would be the smelling?

                "But now 'Elohim has set the members, each one of them, in the body, even as He pleased.

                "And if they had all been one member, where would the body be?

                "And now there are indeed many members, but one body!

                "And an eye is unable to say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' or yet, the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'

                "But much rather, those members of the body which are thought to be weaker are necessary."

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I can easily see that being in the body* is a member oriented union of brothers and sisters, working in their various capacities, according to the gift, or gifts, given by the Set-Apart Spirit as directed by haShaddai 'El YaHuWaH, in and through His Only Brought-forth Son, our Master, the Messiah Yahuwshu'A.

* The body of Anointed Watchmen/Branches, spoken in the Hebrew and known as the Messianic  Natsarim. Remember that Yahuwshu'a is the True Vine and we are the Branches.

I say this also in the understanding, that by the different duty and duties each member has as part of his or her position within the body of the Anointed/Chosen/Set-Apart/Elect. We are therefore fit for every good work that may be so set before us to perform, by the moving of the Spirit in any given circumstance.

2 Tim 3:14 - 2 Tim 4:5

This entire section of Scripture passage is clear on the significance of the Word of 'Elohim, as it pertains to It's different applications, as may be needed, at any given time. And by the use of the appropriate talents, gifts and abilities given us, having been given the commission, it becomes our duty to perform what may be required.

This point is clearly expressed in 2 Tim 4:2, 5 .

                v:2 "Proclaim the Word! Be urgent, in season, out of season. Reprove, warn, and appeal with all patience and teaching."

                v:5 "But, be sober in all matters, suffer hardships, do the work of an evangelist, accomplish your service completely." (KJV: make full proof of your ministry)

 

But exactly what part of the Body is an individual member of the Messianic Natsariym ?

For instance, I actually consider myself to be something in the idea of being an obscure part of the body. Such as a small bone in the foot , or maybe even a certain muscle in the forearm. I do not think of myself to be of any high significance. Yet there are moments when YaHuWaH will use me for some things that are of some significance, and importance, of varying degrees.

Allow me to express it in this way.  I am so set according to YaHuWaH's good pleasure, to serve in the specific capacity He has given me, and yet; He requires me also to be so pliable and fashioned to His immediate use, in any other situation.

We are to spread the Good News (Besorah, Gospel), planting the seed of His Word, Bearing Fruit and providing an amount of increase.

 

Here is where we consider the scriptures as stated by Shaul (Paul),

[ I shall underline certain portions for emphasis. }

Romans 12:1-8

   I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you. 2 In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the world. Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed. 3 For I am telling every single one of you, through the grace that has been given to me, not to have exaggerated ideas about your own importance. Instead, develop a sober estimate of yourself based on the standard which God has given to each of you, namely, trust. 4 For just as there are many parts that compose one body, yet the parts don’t all have the same function; 5 so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others. But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust; 7 if it is serving, use it to serve; if you are a teacher, use your gift in teaching; 8 if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and exhort; if you are someone who gives, do it simply and generously; if you are in a position of leadership, lead with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully.

 

1 Cor 12:11, 27-31

 

11 That One and self same Spirit is at work in all these things, distributing to each person as he chooses.

27 Now you together constitute the body of the Messiah, and individually you are parts of it. 28 And God has placed in the Messianic Community first, emissaries; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those who work miracles; then those with gifts of healing; those with ability to help; those skilled in administration; and those who speak in various tongues. 29 Not all are emissaries, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? or teachers? or miracle-workers? 30 Not all have gifts of healing, not all speak in tongues, not all interpret, do they? 31 Eagerly seek the better gifts.

Consider what Shaul stated in 1 Cor 9:19-22

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Shaul described himself as having several gifts. } 1 Cor 13:1-13   (please read)

And Shaul immediately follows this up with the first two verses in chapter 14.

1 Cor 14:1

Pursue love!

However, keep on eagerly seeking the things of the Spirit; and especially seek to be able to prophesy.

(In this context 'things' are considered as the various gifts and talents given by the Spirit, and ‘prophesy’ means being able to "Profess" your faith and understanding in Spiritual matters to others).

 

Do we not all have the opportunities to do each of these functions as they present themselves. I know that I have been in many places where the Spirit has caused my path to coincide with that of another. Upon any of these unique moments, I have planted the seeds of His word, maybe watered some that has already been planted by another member of the body. Just as there has been times when I have had to trim, nip and scrape at a few things ,,, to help prevent an error from continuing to grow injurious to a specific individual. And in all of these opportunities that have taken place throughout the years. I know that it has all accomplished what YaHuWaH had purposed for it. And, It has also given me more that I can apply in future needs, as they may present themselves.

____________

Acts 20:28

1 Kepha (Peter) 4:7

Heavenly Father, I ask thee YaHuWaH 'Elohim, that you bless those who read and understand your word as it gives them the nourishment and strength to perform the duties you have so set before them. And that we being united in your most Set-Apart Spirit, shall continue to attend upon the work as faithful servants, of our Master and Savior, Yahuwshu'a the Messiah. Amein.

1 Kepha 4:10-11

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2. The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich man

In this short study we will be considering its timing with regards to the real Lazarus' death n resurrection.

First,

Let us take a look at the approximate sequence of events surrounding the Story of Lazarus.

This particular Parable concerning a man named Lazarus and his subsequent death, is a direct explanation of a soon to take place event in the life of a real man by the name Lazarus.

This portion of the study will bring certain points and factors into view as it relates to the power structures in and around the Land of Judea, and their fear of losing that power.

Here is a view of the passage with the specific parallel event underlined for its specific content in context.

 

Luke 16:19 - 31

19 Once there was a rich man who used to dress in the most expensive clothing and spent his days in magnificent luxury.

20 "At his gate had been laid a beggar named Lazarus who was covered with sores.

21 "He would have been glad to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table; but instead, even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 In time the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side; the rich man also died and was buried.

23 In Sheol, where he was in torment, the rich man looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus at his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus just to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I’m in agony in this fire!’ 25 However, Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that when you were alive, you got the good things while he got the bad; but now he gets his consolation here, while you are the one in agony. 26 Yet that isn’t all: between you and us a deep rift has been established, so that those who would like to pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

27 He answered, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house, 28 where I have five brothers, to warn them; so that they may be spared having to come to this place of torment too.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moshe and the Prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 However, he said, ‘No, father Abraham, they need more. If someone from the dead goes to them, they’ll repent!’ 31 But he replied, If they won’t listen to Moshe and the Prophets, they won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead!’”

WE NOTICE IN THE LAST VERSE :31 , THAT IT IS A DIRECT REFERENCE TO Yohannan (John) 11:1-48 and Yohannan (John) 12:1-19 (9-10)

The specific point in this parable is, that the "Rich Man" already had the knowledge of the Scriptures and yet ignored them.

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In the following study, we shall see the comparison in the lives of the territorial hierarchy (the rich man/men [aka. the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees]) and their rejection of the Real Man Named Lazarus.

Because, we notice in verse :31 , that it is a direct Prophetic reference by Yahuwshu'a, to what will soon take place and is described in the book of Yohannan (John) 11 and 12:1-18.

Let's go on to the Death ( sleeping*) and Resurrection of Lazarus.

*When I state "sleeping", I am referencing { Yohanan (John) 11:11-14 , 1 Cor 15:51)

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3. The Death (Sleeping) and Resurrection of Lazarus

The real Lazarus is found in Yohannan (John) 11: 1-48 and Yohannan (John) 12: 1 - 19 (9 - 10){37-43]

(Lazarus' proper Hebrew name was El'azar

and will be fully utilized near the end of this study.)

 

We saw in the last study the Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus. And the point regarding, "They won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead!"

But first, in this portion I wish to give a brief History, of those who had been risen from the dead by the early Qodesh Priests (Prophets) of the Hebrew Nation of Yisra'el, up to Our Savior Himself and then for a time extended to the Apostles.

In remembrance > Hebrews 11:35

(RNV) Women recieved back their dead by resurrection.

(KJV) Women recieved their dead raised to life again :

Let us take a look at that timeline:

It was after EliYahuw (Elijah) was instructed by YaHuWaH to go to the widow of Zarephath, of which the miracle of her last handful of meal and a little oil diminished not (1 Kings 17:1-16). Then...

"And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.

"And she said unto EliYahuw, 'What have I to do with you, O thou man of 'Elohim?, art thou come to me to bring my sin into remembrance, and to slay my son?'

"And he said unto her, 'Give me your son'. And he took him out from her bosom and carried him up into the loft where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.

"And he cried unto YaHuWaH, saying, 'O YaHuWaH my 'Elohim, have you also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?'

"And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto YaHuWaH, saying, 'O YaHuWaH my 'Elohim, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again'.

"And YaHuWaH heard the voice of 'EliYahuw; and the soul of the child returned unto him again, and he revived.

"And EliYahuw took the child and brought him out of the chamber, and delivered him unto his mother: and EliYahuw said, 'See, your son lives'.

"And the woman said to EliYahuw, 'Now by this I know that you are a man of 'Elohim, and that the word of YaHuWaH in your mouth is truth.' "

1 Kings 17:17-24

~~~

And this one regarding Elisha, who by the leading of the Spirit of YaHuWaH, was sent to a "Certain woman of the wives of the Prophets"...

"And he said, 'About this time next year you shall embrace a son', And she said, 'No my master, man of 'Elohim, do not lie to your female servant!'.

"And the woman concieved, and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had spoken to her.

"And the child grew. And it came to be on a day the he went out to his father, to the reapers.

"And he said to his father, 'My head, my head!' And he said to a servant, 'Take him to his mother.'

"So he took him and brought him to his mother, and he sat on her knees till noon, and died.

"And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man fron 'Elohim, and shut the door on him, and went out.

"And she called to her husband, and said, 'Please send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, so that I hurry to to the man of 'Elohim and return.'

"And he said, 'Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath.' And she said,'It is well!'

"And she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, 'Drive and go, do not slow down, except I speak to you.'

"And she went, and came to the man of 'Elohim at Mount Karmel. And it came to be, when the man of 'Elohim saw her at a distance, that he said to his servant Gehazi, 'Shee, the Shunammite women.'

"Please run now to meet her, and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?' And she answered, 'It is well.'

"And she came to the man of 'Elohim at the hill, and she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of 'Elohim said, 'Leave her alone, for her being is bitter in her, and YaHuWaH has hidden it from me, and has not revealed it to me.'

"And she said, 'Did I ask a son of my master? Did I not say, 'Do not decieve me '?

"And he said to Gehazi, 'Gird up your loins, and take my staff in your hand, and go. When you meet anyone, do not greet him, and when anyone greet you, do not answer him. And you shall lay my staff on the face of the child.'

"And the mother of the child said, 'As YaHuWaH lives, and as your being lives, I do not leave you.' And he rose and followed her.

"And Gehazi went on ahead of them, and laid his staff on the face of the child. But there was no voice and there was no hearing, so he went back to meet him, and reported to him, saying, 'The child has not awakened.'

And Elisha came into the house and saw the child was dead, lying on his bed.

"And he went in, and shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to YaHuWaH.

"And he went up and laid on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, and his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands, and stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm.

"And he returned and walked back and forth in the house, then went up and stretched himself out on him. And the child opened his eyes.

"And he called Gehazi, and said, 'Call this Shunammite.' So he called her. And she came to him, and he said, 'Pick up your son.'

"Then she went in and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and picked up her son and went out."

2 Kings 4:16-37

~~~

So we see that in these two instances, recorded in the Torah, that the Pharisees, Sadducees, teachers, scribes, and other political / religeous leaders; were well aware of the fact that there was prior example and proof within their knowledge that the raising of the dead was by the hand and gift of YaHuWaH, for the truth concerning the resurrection. And was performed by Accepted Hebrew Prophets !!!

Therefore they were without excuse in the denile of Yahuwshu'a having raised the real life Lazarus. And with this proof, their posistion and power on the people became threatened. So they were now denying the Power of YaHuWaH 'Elohim working through His Only Brought-forth Son in the raising/resurrection of El'azar (Lazarus) from the dead.

From this point forward ,I will be using Lazarus' proper and correct Hebrew Name El'azar .

Let us again read of that Miracle that was performed right before their eyes!

Yohannan (John) 11:1-48 (v:53)

(( v:41-44 "So they took away the stone where the dead man was laid. And YaHuWSHu'a lifted up his eyes and said, 'Father, I thank you that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the crowd standing by I said this, in order that they believe that You sent Me.' And when he had said this, He cried with a load voice, "El'azar come out".'

And he who died came out bound feet and hands with wrappings, and his face was wrapped with a cloth, YaHuWSHu'a said to them, 'Loosen him and let him go'." ))

((v:53 "So, from that day forward they plotted to kill Him." ))

 

And then we read further...

Yohannan (John) 12:1-19 (9-10) > And of primary focus{ Yohannan (John) 12:37-43 )

((v:9-10 "Then a great crowd of the Yahudiym learned that He was there. And they came, not on account of YaHuWSHu'a only, but also to see El'azar, whom He had raised from the dead. And the cheif priests resolved to kill El'azar as well, ))

((v.37 "But though He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him." ))

And of-course the Ultimate Miracle of YaHuWaH the Father raising His Son ( YaHuWSHu'a our Savior ) from the dead :

Matt 28:1-7

Mark 16:1-16

Luke 24:1-34

Yohannan (John) 20:1-31

~~~

Furthermore, this well known record in Acts 20:9-12 of Sha'ul raising up Eutycus from the dead after Eutycus fell from a third story window.

"And a certain young man by the name of Eutycus,was sitting in a window, being overpowered by sleep. As Sha'ul kept on reasoning, he (Eutycus) was overcome by deep sleep and fell from third story window, and was picked up dead.

"And Sha'ul having gone down, fell on him, and embracing him, said, 'Do not be upset, his life is in him.'

"Then going up again, and having broke bread and eaten, he talked a long while, even until daybreak, and then went forth.

"And they brought the young man in alive, and were encouraged greatly."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

But remember that the beginning of this portion of the study was concerning the statement by YaHuWSHu'a wherein He said at Luke 16:31, "They wont be convinced even if someone rises from the dead."

Let us read now where the cheif priests and elders had immediately concocted the following lie in order to discredit the Messiah's having been raised from the dead by His Father; YaHuWaH 'Elohim !!!

Matt 28:11-15

"And while they were yet going, see, some of the watch having gone into the city, reported to the chief priests all that took place. And when they came together with the elders and taken counsel, they gave enough silver to the soldiers, saying, 'Say that His taught ones came at night and stole Him away while we slept. And if this shall be reported to the governor, we shall win him over and keep you out of trouble'. And having taken the silver, they did as they were instructed. And this account was widely spread among the Yahuwdim, even to this day."

So , for a final note:

Not only did the many religious leaders and elders during the Ministry of Yahuwshu'a choose not to believe that there were those who had been raised from the dead (i.e. 1 Kings 17:1-23 ; Matt 11:4-5 ).

They even rejected the proof of the Resurrection of our Savior.

And taking into account the statement by the chief priests at Matt 28:13-15, we see also that the LIE has been continued and even tweeked some, by the founder of "Isalm"; the Muslim False Prophet, Mohammed.

As found in the Quran ( According to Mohammed ), Islam teaches that it was not "Christ" that was crucified, but rather that it was someone who was made to look like YaHuWSHu'a, ( namely JUDAS ISCARIOT ).

Quran Surah 4:157 "They that said boasting, "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah"; but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it was made so to appear to them, and those who differ therein, are full of doubts, with no certain knowledge, but only conjecture and falshoods to follow. For it is a surety, they killed him not." [Yusif Ali]

Another rendering states it this way:

Quran Surah 4:157 "And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah." But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but another was made to resemble him. And indeed, those who differ over this, are in doubt about it. For they have no knowledge of it except for their following of an assumption. It is true, they did not kill him, for a certainty."

Qur'an 3:54 - "They deceived and Allah deceived. And Allah is the best deceiver."

Qur'an 3:54 - "Allah is the best deceiver."

By the above quote alone (at Qur'an 3:54), we can plainly see that the Islamic god "Allah", is haShatan (Satan).

Revelation 12:9 "The great dragon was thrown out, that ancient serpent, also known as the Devil and Satan [the Adversary], the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him."

Therefore, that is why we still see the continued ongoing attempt by haShatan (Satan) to disavow the "Death and Resurrection" of our Savior YaHuWSHu'a, trying to nullify the Truth of His Work and Sacrifice for our Salvation.

To this I say and repeat the Scripture in which it is stated;

"They wont be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." (Luke 16:31)

And to the Muslim's I state... "REPENT", turn to YaHuWaH and ask His forgiveness, that you may receive His grace and forgiveness, so that you may gain more of the blessings and the knowledge of The Truth that is in His Only Brought-forth Son, the Messiah, Yahuwshu'a! Amein!