Tag: holiness

FAQ

Frequently Asked – And Not So Frequently Asked – Questions

Where are you located? I’d like to meet for fellowship.

Actually, we are not a church or a fellowship. We seek to join people together in committing to restore the Bride of Messiah and to restore holiness. It is a purpose which knows no borders or region. In this we can work together no matter where we are and will keep in contact with you and put you in contact with other members.

God willing, if enough people are inspired work for restoration in one area, we desire to establish self-sustaining communities with their own land, property and businesses. These communities could be anywhere.

If you would like to meet for fellowship though, we’d love to have you. For the time being we are in the Philadelphia area but may have to move. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to meet personally. kodeshkallah@yahoo.com

Are you one of those crazy Messianics?

This is kind of a necessary question. There are a lot of dodgy Messianic and Hebrew doctrines going around. In fact, I am used to being asked a few Jewish-related questions when I first meet another believer.

So just to let you know, I respect the core doctrines of the faith, and renounce the oddball views and heresies that float through the movement. I do not believe that I or anyone else is under the Covenant of Moses, or that Gentiles are the lost ten tribes, or that Gentiles must all keep ritual Torah, or that my Jewish kin can all be saved under the Mosaic Covenant, nor do I have anything to do with Kabballah or the Sacred Name movement.

I keep Jewish days and traditions as best I can since I am Jewish and it is our calling. Those traditions are also full of spiritual meaning, can uplift the Savior and are a blessing to us. I believe Jews ought to live a uniquely Jewish life, though it is not a true mandate.

Do you want to cloister yourself away from the world?

Sadly, many people assume the moment you start speaking about a community, that you mean to separate yourself off from the world. It appears to be a knee-jerk reaction. You don’t have to say anything of the sort, and people will assume that’s what you mean anyway.

I do not promote nor have I ever promoted separating from the greater community so as to have minimal or no connection to it. In fact, there have been a variety of religious communities throughout the centuries, including monastics, which both sought to live in their own community and ALSO had regular interaction with the greater community. I believe in being a part of the great community, especially through evangelism and service of all kinds.

In fact I see forming a community, as well as potentially forming our own institutions, as a MUCH more outgoing practice than the alternative. This is firstly because living with a commitment to holiness would provide a better witness to who Mashiach is and what we become in Him. It is also more outgoing because it would encourage Christians to follow their faith and conscience in their jobs. This is something typically impossible in the secular world, where Christians regularly promote moral evil and live in near complete silence regarding their faith.

To give you a stark example, please tell me which one is more outgoing:

A Christian who works in a secular school and teaches children that evil is good and that godless naturalism is true and never shares the truths of the faith with them, OR a Christian who invites children of poor families into their community, to be homeschooled by our wives in Bible-based Christian education and also to see a good witness of a holy Christian home and community?

Which one is truly more of an outward witness?

By the way, I do not see that forming a community is any more in danger of “cloistering” than owning a home is, In fact countless Christians who own a home practically cloister themselves off from others. This is a tragedy. Our faith is by nature outgoing.

Are you ecumenical?

This word can be used to describe both good and bad things. Exactly how people of varying beliefs about Yeshua or from different religions interact is a very complex one. Let me say this to capture a few key points:

  • While I would certainly show friendship and kindness to neighbors who did not know Yeshua, I would naturally share the Gospel with them because without Yeshua they are lost.
  • I would enjoy the chance to have Buddhists, Hindus or Humanists as coworkers. Often, I like their company. I would also take that opportunity to tell them about our Maker, our fallen situation before Him and our need to believe on His Son.
  • I would not aim to share charity work or other ministries with those who are outside of the pale of central biblical beliefs, except in needed logistics behind the scenes. A part of charity work and similar projects is sharing the Gospel and revealing Yeshua. It is not merely helping people physically. There may be times in life where various partnerships are truly necessary, but I would never aim for that. Believers have done great aid work for years without ever linking up with Hindus, Muslims or others to accomplish it.
  • I believe in partial fellowship with other believers who have serious differences with us. For example, in the pro-life movement, I have no problem praying with Catholics, so long as it’s understood that I do not pray to human beings in heaven. When I have Charismatic friends over, I ask them to pray in actual languages, and not in any other way.
  • We should show kindness and help to our neighbor, no matter what religion they belong to. Our first responsibility in aid, however, is within our own community. We should be able to take care of ourselves.

Why are you so mean and unloving?

I do not believe I am mean and unloving. I do rebuke the Kahol (Church) for much of its bold, shameless disobedience. I call evil deeds evil, and evil teachings evil. If I did not love I would not take the time to do that. I would instead sit back, avoid risks and watch the utter corruption of the Kahol saying nothing. It is love which motivates me to take action. Moreover, the idea that strong rebuke is not loving would be refuted by more than a mere one or two examples from scripture. Yeshua, Sha’ul and Kefa (Peter) spoke out strongly against evil and heresy. So did the prophets of Tanach (Old Testament). Were they being unloving too?

I might add it has been truly crippling to the Kahol that it cannot hold standards, practice discipline or care a whit about good doctrine. This inability to be strong (what you call “unloving” here) has left the Bride of Messiah in a corrupt and unrecognizable state. We do not need to hear sweet words all the time. There are times we need rebuke. We do not need liberality all the time. We also need discipline, and to shoot for the mark. The desire for a constant stream of niceness has been a deadly cancer on us.

If you are sincerely upset about hearing a strong rebuke, please write me. But more than that, take those same critical energies, and use them to better your own walk in Messiah. Take that same desire for change, and bring it to your congregation, use it to better the walk in Yeshua and restore good doctrine and discipline. Because if you’re upset by hearing a few harsh words about backsliders, you should be exponentially more upset by the destruction of the Church by false teachers and disobedience. It should light a fire beneath you. You should be stirred by the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Ghost).

What do you believe?

You can see our group’s beliefs as well as my own broader beliefs at our Faith Statement. It includes the basic tenets necessary to join us formally, as well as a broader and more detailed view of my faith.

Why do you hate women?

To say that women ought to be in their rightful place according to God is not a form of hatred. It is a form of love. I promote the teachings the Word of God gives us regarding men and women. This naturally includes the submissive attitude that women are to have as well as their submissive position in the home and congregation. None of that is my opinion. It is the Word of God. Moreover, it is a great blessing to both men and women, since God’s way for us is beautiful and blessed. Women are not the same as men. They have their own role.

Are you a legalist?

The common use of this word today is an attack against people who believe we ought to actually try and live as the Word of God instructs. Of course we should, and it gets tiresome hearing people claim that God Almighty is a legalist. One can look at the words of Yeshua, Sha’ul (Paul), the apostles and the prophets and deem all of them legalistic by the modern standard. I believe we should try and live as the Lord teaches us, which means shooting for the mark.

There are other uses for the word “legalist” however, which I will answer. Some use it to describe the belief that one must keep a certain prescribed regimen of behavior to be saved. I do not believe this. However, I must add, if a believer is living shamelessly in sin, he should not presume that he is saved to begin with. He is showing the fruit of damnation.

Some would also use the word to describe the practice of calling what are obviously traditions of men the Word of God. While I believe it is important to have good traditions, and some rightfully come from men, they do not amount to the Word of God.

Are you a cult leader?

Like the term legalist, the term cult in contemporary times is just a ministry insult to deride people you don’t like. Moreover, since in recent times the same word has been used to describe manipulative, immoral, murderous psychopaths, I find it’s better not to call someone a cult unless you really mean it. I do not even call the Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult, although they are outside of the faith.

What I intend to do is join people together in making commitments to reform and holiness, and do it in an organized way. That’s what I say on my main page and I really can’t be more descriptive than that. Moreover, even for those who do not wish to work with me, I hope to inspire them and inform them in seeking change on their own.

We need to change the way we are living, and lead holy lives.

I notice you encourage people to live to high standards of holiness. Do you believe in “complete sanctification” (that the believer can become truly sinless in this life)?

No.

What is all this stuff about? I’m not even a Christian?

This stuff is my own attempt to inspire repentance among those who are disciples of Yeshua (Jesus). As you might know, even if you are not a believer, many Christians do not try to lead life according to their faith. Even if they do try, it is often in absence of certain principles they find unpopular or too hard. If you recognize that people ought to do what they sincerely believe is right, then certainly Christians ought to live according to their faith. It’s that simple. They are not.

However, it is not my intention to give teaching about salvation in Jesus on this forum. I do have a handful of links like that, and I do give one of my own Gospel presentations as part of a larger one in my video Only a Monster, but the primary purpose of this website is holiness and reform in the Church.

If you would like to hear about who Jesus is and why we need Him to deliver us from sin and death, provide us a new heart, and bring eternal life, please check out this, this and this.

You can also see an Orthodox presentation right here. I do not agree entirely with it because it leaves out the working of justice, but it beautifully captures the transformation of man from darkness to light, death to life.

Garments of Glory

Kohen

View this Page Introduction on Video

From nearly the beginning of Torah, Elohim (God) provides man with clothing to wear. These are the animal skins He gives Adam and Eve after the Fall. The animal skins are obviously an early expression of atonement, but they are also an early expression of modesty. I find it fascinating that the modesty taught in scripture is an echo of the Gospel itself, and even seems an important element in the likeness of God. From the modesty of our Jewish priests, who ascended a ramp to the altar instead of steps so as to conceal their nakedness, to the garments of glory promised by the prophet Isaiah to the modesty of apparel and modesty of heart as expressed in the Epistles for godly women, covering up our body is a deep and rich expression of salvation. Even Elohim is covered and clothed according to Holy Scriptures; He is covered in light; He is clothed in majesty. Is it any wonder that He promises His Kallah (Bride) fine linen, white clothing when they finally are to wed?

That fine clothing our Lord promises us represents our righteousness. Scripture clearly tells us that as well. Being covered up is in contrast to our nakedness, which represents our sin, our guilt, our shame. It’s furthermore in contrast to theJerusalem_Destruction nakedness of the land, the barren ruined Israel that remained after Elohim brought punishment on His wicked people. The word of God repeatedly shows us the shame of nakedness. When the Assyrians led the Egyptians and Ethiopians captive, their soldiers uncovered the captives’ buttocks to shame them on their long walk into captivity. When King David sought to humble himself greatly before Elohim, he worshipped in only little clothing, little enough that his wife was ashamed and ceased to desire him. Revealing nakedness as an expression is used over and over for revealing sin. The Lord God uncovers the nakedness of His sinful people. Then He brings them justice.

For these reasons and more, our modesty is a picture of Elohim’s saving process. A picture of His plan. An image of one of its final expressions. So strange then, that the holy practice of modesty and even the word “modesty” itself have become nearly alien to the Kallah that our Lord is to marry. Bring it up in your community and you’ll either get some puzzled looks, or you’ll get some souls who agree there’s too much skin floating around, but have no idea what to do about it. However, scripture itself, and pious men throughout the centuries, have ALWAYS known that there is something to do about it. It’s called covering our nakedness.

That is a difficult thought for many in the Body of Messiah today. We have been taught in recent years that having standards as such is Pharisaic or legalistic. We’ve been taught that grace will just lead souls the way to figure it out themselves. But you see, that’s a false Christian philosophy. It is also one of the reasons for the abandonment of modesty in general. You might call it an ideology of lawlessness and it’s a major cause of the half-naked Bride we see around us. It’s a lie that’s been repeated over and over and so often that now believers across the globe accept it. But beloved. It is not true.

We can be lovers of Messiah, true children of His grace, and ALSO live with standards. Here, let me show you. I’m going to say a standard of modesty, and you can repeat after me. Are you ready? Good. Here it goes….NECK. Did you get that? N-E-C-K NECK. Let me hear you say it loud and clear. Wonderful! Now I’m going to say another standard, and believe me, I’m still loving Messiah just as much when I say it. Here it goes….ANKLE. That’s right just one word. Ankle. Now I’m not even finished yet with a thorough expression of modesty, but I’ve already set a few strong fixed points in our godly standard, our illustration of our Lord’s glory.

If I want I could continue, but I’ll let the information on this page do that for me later. I hope and pray it helps you wade into, swim into and embrace the practice of modesty. I also hope it encourages you to be bold, and seek to bring real standards to your congregations and broader communities. And please don’t give up. You know, the first time you talk about it to a church leader, there’s an excellent chance you’ll get absolutely nowhere at all. You might get some smoke-blowing. You might get some double-talk. Some excuses. Some accusations, just as you would expect from the Adversary himself. But DO NOT give up. Keep persuading your community. Keep practicing modesty yourself.

We are the holy Bride of Messiah and we must not live like the world around us, which puts the human soul in the place of God and is enamored with nakedness. We are not like that. We are like the virgin, keeping her lamp ready, preparing for when her bridegroom comes. We submit the human soul to God and are enamored with His radiant garments.

Transfiguration 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Rev 3:5-6)

To the Restoration of the Bride:
A Biblical Review of Modesty — By Scott T. Brown. This audio sermon on modesty is one of the best you will find. It discusses modesty, primarily for women, centered on six main biblical texts. It’s aptly titled — Wearing the Robes of Righteousness.
One or Two articles on Amish Plain Dress — The Amish and other traditional Mennonites have a standard of covering which covers most of the body. The Amish and some others also have a “plain” style, which does not allow clothes which have bright colors or patterns.
My Journey into Modesty — This is an overview of how I took on modesty in my life and offeres a few pieces of advice for other believers.
Early Church — Here is some but not all of the commentary by early Church leaders about modesty. They are very clear about covering up the body, and equally on avoiding adornment.I appreciate their overall spirit of seeking holiness as well as their plain talk against evil.
Advice on Respecting Modesty in this Fallen Age — Article by the author.
Incorruptible Beauty vs. Cosmetics — I wrote this to explain how the Christian staying away from makeup, jewelry, and similar “beauty” rituals is in line with Scripture. It is a letter in response to a pastor’s comment calling this “extreme.”
A Catholic standard of modesty based on the holiness of Miriam
A Short Video on Modesty — A man’s man tells it like it is.
 — By Paul Nilson.
The Traditional Jewish Standard — Notice how clear cut this explanation is. Modesty is not nearly as difficult as some people would like to make it. If you care you can easily do it. 
LGBT or MNPS? — Modest Natural Plain and Simple: This letter to a brother in Messiah begins by answering the question of why I wear a beard, and continues by explaining the simple application of biblical principles to our life. We practice modesty and we respect the way that God made us. I wish all other Christians did.
Authority on Her Head: This article on the Christian headcovering is also on the Articles Menu on the right. The headcovering is not specifically about modesty, but I place a link here also as it interweaves with the meaning and the practice of modesty.

 Propose Modesty in Your Community
Sample Modesty Proposal for a Congregation — This is packed with observations, so if you use it you may want to remove a few things.
Sample Modesty Proposal for a Christian Event
Sample Modesty Proposal for an Organization — This is aimed at a large church, denomination or religious umbrella organization. It comes with a sample advert which briefly announces and explains the standards alongside relevant scripture.

America, Let’s Put on Some Clothes 
Katies Mercantile  — This online shop sells mostly traditional Mennonite clothing and accessories. We’ve ordered handmade dresses from them and appreciate their work.
Quaker Jane — This website is a hub for Quaker Plain Dress
Modest Clothes — This appears to be multi-ethnic and multi-religious modest clothing.
Hannahlise — This appears to be mostly contemporary modest clothes, and looks much better than most contemporary shops which call themselves modest.
Gehman’s County Fabrics — You can find modest skirts and dresses along with fabrics and other goods. Much of the apparel is made to order.
Modest Apparel USA
Shukr — This is an Islamic modest clothes shop. We’ve ordered from them before and like their work.

Modest Sportswear
Ah— A Christian athlete defending her dignity? Nope, a Muslim again!
Meant to be Modest — This modest swimwear website is run by Christians.
A Muslim shop for modest swimwear.
An article by Catholics which lists many modest clothing shops, including modest sports wear. I don’t know how good all the resources are.
Another modest sportswear website. Again, NOT by Christians.
A short video promo for modest swimwear. You know, a lot of people think covering up like this is silly. But isn’t it worse than silly to have your mother, sister, daughter trot around mostly naked for everyone to see?