Imperatives
Seven Restoration Imperatives for Contenders!
1. Abide 2. Know 3. Recoup 4. Equip 5. Promote 6. Exalt 7. Renew
1. Abide in Him
"Abide in Me..." (John 15:4). This is not a suggestion! It is a commandment.
Part One -- 2.5 minutes
Believers in Messiah Yeshua are exhorted throughout Scripture to keep His words--as a holy possession seated in their hearts...and obey them. In doing so such believers will draw strength from the Holy Spirit and thereby maintain close friendship-fellowship with their blessed Redeemer. In this manner dedicated Spirit-filled believers will be found happily abiding in the Messiah. There are, however, many "professors" of Yeshua today who want liberty (so called) from the Law of the Almighty, preferring carnal license, worldliness, and usually undemanding casual religion instead. Some of them are ignorant and have not been schooled correctly, having been taught that the Law and the Prophets of the Old Covenant have been abolished. This infernal notion is entirely deficient, even non-sensible, but has nonetheless continually undermined the faith of most New Testament saints. Matthew 5:17. Others, pretenders uninterested in seeking truth, prefer to twist and interpret Scripture in such a way that their insubordination seems justified. Despite their lofty claims of allegiance to the risen Messiah these spiritually immature, casual believers--regardless of their education, associations, or works, deny the absolute headship of Yeshua. Yet His command still remains for all those who claim Him as Adonai: "Abide in Me." Next:
A person who truly loves Yeshua as their Savior will also want to keep His blessed instructions and be attached to His prophetic work, that of (a) gathering the exiled House of Israel and (b) uniting with other messianic saints to fulfill the Great Commission. Yahweh's Law is a blessing to them who choose to observe it--all of it that is known, applicable, and doable. But many people of institutional faith organizations avoid any effort to follow all Yeshua's teaching regarding such as "legalistic" and too demanding. That notion is foolishness. These folks are NOT disciples of the Messiah. Recall how He clearly commanded His devoted followers to "...keep my commandments" (John 14:15) and "...go therefore and make disciples" (Mt. 28:18), not converts who remain improperly taught. As a matter of fact Apostle Paul, in His Epistle to the Romans, equates biblical faith with obedience to the teachings of Scripture. Romans 1 and 16. Nazarene Israelite disciples are expected to be (a) diligent students of the Torah--and the entirety of Scripture with it, and (b) fervent doers of the Word (James1) who strive to be conformed to the likeness of their beloved Shepherd, Messiah Yeshua. Lukewarm professors of salvation faith however do not abide in the Messiah nor do His words abide in them as the force of enlightenment, wisdom, and new life for which they are meant. His instructions have increasingly been ignored throughout reweave the warp and woof of American society and the result--the spiritual and moral corruption of the nation...and finally the collapse of the once Christianized culture. But grace abounds and... to be continued with "Whole Truth Revival"
The dissipated [depleted] standards [doctrines] of faith followed by postmodern biblical religion embraced by such Christians are spiritually compromised and unsound, even misleading. They are not entirely compatible with the holiness, sanctification, or righteousness standards of service and life espoused by the resurrected Son. Their skewed spiritual focus is not centered upon recovering vacated Torah truth--the foremost need of the Ecclesia, but is centered such secondary highlights such as--emphasizing dreams, prophetic words, angelic communications, visions, supernaturalism and experiences, self-actualization, and such--all of which are couched comfortably in an attitude tolerating disobedience and casual sin. See John 14:23-24 and Jude 1:14. Still, grace abounds. Here's good news. A "whole truth" awakening is underway as you read. The Holy Spirit is enlightening growing numbers to it. This will prove to be vey good...///Amen!
Consider Yahweh's wonderful exhortation. It is for you personally, blessed reader: "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His terstimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways" (Psalm 119:1-3). Yahweh's sacred truth, His Torah, was the rule of the psalmist's life. The believer's (a) faith and (b) love for Elohim--were expressed by reading, learning, and following His Law, the instructions for His covenant people. We grow in grace and righteousness as His words take root in us, doers of the Law. Abide in Him and you will do well. Shalom.
Part Two -- 1.5 minutes
" ...call the people [converts] from among all the gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith" ( Rom. 1:5).
Paul's epistle to the Romans equates [equalizes] biblical faith with obedience to Yahweh's commandments. This is today's critical issue that many who profess Yeshua as Adonai need to understand. It is by heartfelt conformance to Elohim's known, applicable, and doable truth that a believer can honestly express love for (a) Yahweh, (b) one's neighbor, and go on to (c) mature spiritually in the likeness of the Messiah. However, submissive compliance to Elohim's commandments and Kingdom principles is pitifully lacking throughout the Ecclesia/Church. The indifference most Americans hold for our blessed foundations of biblical faith is the result of failing to understand Messiah's words. Such is the foul fruit of inadequate teaching that is common in powerless Christendom. has rendered the nation and its institutions bereft of Torah and Holy Spirit ministry. This failure amounts to insubordination. And partial compliance is no better, but also falls short of honest obedience. Such is Yeshua's expectation of those who name His as their Savior and King. The nation's varied, far-reaching secular and religious institutions are corrupted under a cruel infernal force working through human beings and undergirding their antichrist agencies. A large percentage of the general population languishes under a stupor--a demonic urge that has defaced the nation's traditional ethos. Having become estranged from Yahweh's truth, and rejecting His Torah, a roguish citizenry has been given over to reprobate thinking (Romans 1 and 16) along with the many unprincipled, communist leaders they continually put into political and governmental offices.
Part 3 -- 1 Minute
"I don't want your sacrifices--I want your love" (Hosea 6:6).
What is behind this collapse, you ask? From Matthew 11:1 (NASV) we find these words: "When Jesus had finished giving instructions..." This phrase invites our consideration since some words used in the translation of Scriptures can be be somewhat misleading. For instance, the word "instructions" in the verse carries with it a connotation of casual teaching which may suggest to naive readers that Yeshua's instructions may not always carry the full weight of "divine orders." In fact, what He gave the disciples were actually COMMANDMENTS! This clarity should awaken those who call Yeshua King and Adonai. His followers must understand that they/we are under His divine authority and are expected to demonstrate heartfelt compliance to His Torah-based truth--even ALL His words. See Mt. 7:24-27. Consider this. comment: The degree of submission to His commandments is directly related to (1) the measure of wisdom, (2) the reach of faith, and (3) the spiritual and moral rise or fall--of a person, a group, and even a nation. As stated earlier, obedience the the sacred words of Holy Writ is the genuine, biblical expression of love for Yahweh and our fellow man. It is also the bedrock of true worship. See: John14:21. KJV; NKJV; Restoration Scriptures Versions. [Brackets inserted by C.V.]
2. Know and Accept.....
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 12:13).
1.5 Minutes
The Kingdom of God [Yahweh] cannot be separated from its standards--the Creator's sacred Torah instructions. To live in the Kingdom now is to live by Yahweh's teaching now. It is written: "By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2). The Ecclesia, which still does not belief the Law of Yahweh has never been abolished. Hence, the bulk of believers keep only selected, undemanding commandments. But obeying the King of Glory is the paramount duty of every born-again Israelite (believer) even though many equat compliance with Torah truth as legalistic. The error must be addressed and corrected. We are neck deep in trouble. Christendom is spiritually deflated. Twenty-first century believers, in general, disregard the Torah, wrongly thinking its been abolished. But it is written: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17 ESV). In other words, Yeshua is regathering the lost (i.e., exiled) sheep of the House of Israel and bringing to completion the prophetic Scriptures of the Father. Nevertheless, Church people still wander about spiritually, and as a result are becoming increasingly fascinated by demonic deceptions, new age. beliefs, occult practices, supernaturalism, and more. Polls reveal, by examining the standards, habits, and ambitions of most people have succumbed to demonic deception. They have diverted away from the pure teaching of Messiah Yeshua and this vagrancy brought judgment to our door. Believers need to understand that those who are yielded to and truly led by the Holy Spirit glorify Yeshua. Further, they live within the realm God's blessed will, experience friendship-fellowship, enjoy multiple blessings, are regularly inspired, and become spiritually transformed. Wouldn't you, dear reader, love to partake of such heavenly riches? Apostle Paul addresses Timothy concerning this matter: He says, "...be ...constantly nourished on the words of faith and of sound doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:6). His words are for us today.
3. Recoup the Nazarene Faith
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Part One -- 1 Minute
If the foundations [Yahweh's Torah-based standards of faith and justice] are destroyed [rejected, cast away], what can the righteous do?" (Ps.11:2-3).
It must be obvious to just about everyone by now that ever-mounting lawlessness, injustice, moral collapse, and gross un-righteousness prevail throughout America. But among the populace are enlightened people who understand that the powerful and ruinous disorders undermining our nation's secular and religious institutions are undergirded by demonic wickedness and spiritual powers of the unseen realms. Public awareness to the cause of our cultural collapse is critical to renewal. Apostle Paul warns his readers that these dominions and thrones residing within the kingdom of darkness are teeming with rank after rank of sentient beings who manipulate the lives of humans and supervise their corrupt world systems (Ephesians 6:10-12). Our planet--earth, remains engaged in a very real and intensifying spiritual warfare, and its kingdoms/nations lie exposed and imprisoned under the ploy and power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). To rise up and wage effective spiritual warfare the saints must live upon and fight from doctrinal foundations of unadulterated, pure, Torah-based truth...that is, re-establish apostolic biblical faith that has been purged of debasing mix, variance, and errors that leaven and compromise institutional Christendom. In America our strong traditional foundations of biblical truth have been compromised and drastically over the decades. we resistr and our modern backslidden culture is imploding under the untiring antichrist onslaught. We must examine ourselves and assume the responsibility for this colossal spiritual and moral failure. Rebuild!
Part Two -- 1.5 minutes
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What's more, the critically important Torah standards of the original apostolic Nazarene faith have been forgotten and left behind by evolving Christianity, leaving believers today stranded on relativism's foundation of shifting sand, not on the solid rock of the Messiah's words (Mt. 7:24-27). Very poor footing, wouldn't you say? The roots of our trouble are indeed spiritual and the only means of countervailing the darkness is the recovery and practice of unassailable Torah-based faith. The saints must return to YHWH's instructions! We understand that some of the Law of Moses has been suspended until the Millennium, but that which has not been temporarily deferred and is applicable now, and doable--the Sabbaths and Yahweh's Feasts for instance, should be honored by the Christian followers of Messiah Yeshua. (Ezek. 40-47). And concerning this matter, there is good news. A gradual shift of saints relocating from "sand to rock" faith foundations has been occurring, as I'm sure you know, and it is a testimony of Yahweh's compassion and grace responding to a fundamental need! So, as lamentable as our national spiritual condition might be, there is an appropriate messianic revival rising in the midst of Christendom for which visionary saints, like us, can be very optimistic. It looks like many prodigal sons and daughters are coming to their spiritual senses and returning to the Father's house, His instructions, His blessing, and fellowship (Luke 15). Selah. Tamid Kadima-Always Forward. Shalom.
4. Equip all Converts
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2 Minutes
Shalom. Spiritual revitalization, prophetic vision, and faith stability are among the rich blessings Torah recovery brings to many Christian crossovers. The Spirit of Truth (John 16) is leading the way of the spiritual restoration phenomenon, and is equipping many Christians of Messiah's sheepfold in messianic truth. In doing so the Holy Spirit is (1) drawing them into closer fellowship with Messiah, and (2) making them ready for the challenging and exciting days of a new era that lies ahead. A countervailing spiritual force--the Hebraic "whole-truth" restoration phenomenon, is underway and it constitutes the truth restoration revival required for (a) "righting" the moral degradation and religious fallacies of this hour and (b) giving conflicted people a heaven-sanctioned alternative to pursue! This movement is an inspired, spiritual regenerative work of providence, and hence lies under divine care, is infused with power and prophetic purpose, and destined to prevail over anti-messiah falsehood and our besetting evils. Consequently, with its various titles, branches, and subsets, and despite much unfriendly opposition, the Hebraic renewal [the Hebrew Roots phenomenon) has grown--especially since the late nineties. Yahweh's Torah centered movement has become a dynamic spiritual power much needed in deviant America, and in other nations in the shadow Christendom as well. Its manifold purpose includes recovering and reinstating the sacred Torah foundations of early N.T. Nazarene Israel--to Yeshua's ill-equipped, modern Christian Ekklesia, or at least a significant remnant thereof. Keep in mind that this transition to following the "ancient foundations" of the Law of Moses--the Torah, should be done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit! These apostolic standards the same reliable, full-fledged foundational truths that composed "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3) and that should be reinstated to modern messianic Christian faith today also. What is your opinion, dear reader? Next: Contenders Voice. Tamid Kadima-Always Forward. Shalom.
5. Promote the Torah
Part One -- 1.5 Minutes
"...a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5).
It is the original, pristine Torah-inclusive, New Covenant Nazarene faith that was sanctioned and taught by our Messiah and honored by the early Jewish apostles and disciples of the first century, C.E.-- and beyond. These messianic "born-again" believers of Yeshua comprised the New Testament Nazarene sect within Israel (John 3:3-8), and were called the "Way" also. They were distinct--being outspoken Jewish followers of the resurrected Messiah, indwelled by and endowed with the power of the Ruach HaKodesh, and who actually inaugurated the beginning of Messianic Judaism. Their orthodoxy encompassed the elementary biblical doctrines of faith listed in Hebrews 6:1-2, but fundamentally their beliefs and practices were based upon the Old Covenant's Torah (Law of Moses--the foundation of Scripture), the Prophets (Nevi'im), and the Writings (Ketubim). These comprised the doctrinal breadth of Messianic Israel, the adherents of which were called Nazarenes--as I mentioned already. Today many Christians are turning from institutional traditional religion--proven to be doctrinally deficient, to embrace the original apostolic, Torah-rooted faith. The disciples of Messiah are multiplying in the earth and becoming members of various messianic congregations--new wineskins we could say. Returning to and promoting unmixed Kingdom of God realities is the necessary, beneficial, and opportune restorative work of Spirit-led visionary followers of Messiah--not Jews only, but now Messianic Christians who have been engrafted into Israel as well. (Matthew 28; Romans 1 and 16). In fact, such is the duty and privilege of all righteous Spirit-born believers who are genuinely concerned with the spiritual integrity and vitality of the New Testament sheepfold, wouldn't you say? Tamid Kadima-Always Forward. Shalom.
Part Two -- 3 Minutes
"And you shall teach them [these words] diligently unto thy children..." (Deut. 6:7 KJV).
In order to teach, one must study! The recovery of unalloyed [unmixed], pure Torah-centered faith is very advantageous for New Covenant Christian believers, those who intend to learn, model and promote their ancient Israelite heritage into which they have been grafted through faith in Yeshua, the Son of God. It provides them with--among other things, (1) expanded and integrated knowledge of their Hebraic/Israelite heritage and responsibilities accorded to all Spirit-born believers trusting in Yeshua. What's more, the Torah opens (2) greater prophetic clarity regarding the needs of the hour, such as--(a) proclaiming the real, Israelite version of Yeshua--not the typical western, Torah-less version (John 14:6). And this is relevant, since the scriptures instruct us to take the Gospel to the Jew first and then to the Greek (Romans 1:16-17; 9:4-5). Further, Torah-based faith facilitates believers (b) identifying with and prioritizing the coming restoration of whole House of Jacob. Also, Torah study will clarify to the student (3) the centrality of Spirit-inspired obedience to all Yahweh's instructions which is necessary for believers who seek to develop true intimate friendship-fellowship with the Savior. What's more, daily study of the Torah will develop for the zealous non-Jewish saint a (4) spiritual affinity with the prophetic and apostolic nature of Messianic Judaism. This historic spiritual movement is indeed the Father's love-generated and prophetically-timed blessing of divine grace which can, for the true follower of Yeshus-- infuse spiritual strength, transplant correct doctrines, renew a sense of purpose, and in many cases remove people from the broad way leading to destruction and place them of the narrow path.
The holy transformation of heart, mind and will, a sublime work which has been placed within the believers' reach, is developed by consistent prayer, study, and heart-felt compliance to the Law of Moses--the Torah--all of it that becomes known, is applicable, and doable. Keep in mind that each saint is a steward and responsible before the eternal Judge of the living and the dead for the truth he or she has been given. Thus the inclusion of the Torah is fundamental for the restoration and stability of a full and un-compromised biblical faith such as demonstrated by the Book-of-Acts Nazarenes of yore. And furthermore, in the wake of this ongoing process of spiritual maturing, the saints will be much better prepared for the demanding latter days of extensive spiritual warfare with which the Good Shepherd's Ecclesia--the Assembly in the Wilderness, will surely be engaged. It is during these latter days that the Bride will make herself ready for her Husband (Rev. 19:7). In fact, she will likely conform to as much of her Beloved's Torah as she is able. This is love and faith in display! What do you think, dear reader? I think its time for messianic Christians to go forward in recovering their Israeli identity, conforming to the original New Testament Nazarene standards, and, as led by the Holy Spirit, put their faith lives back in order, so to speak. This is the kairos moment...the favorable and exciting time to go forward! You are highly blessed. Shalom.
6. Exalt Messiah Yeshua
Part One -- 1.5 Minutes
"You have gone around the mountain long enough; turn northward...:" (see Deut. 2:2-3).
The pure Torah-rooted doctrines and practices of the early apostolic Nazarene followers of Yeshua--those proven doctrinal excellencies and inspirational spiritual traditions--were taught and modeled by the Messiah himself and the initial Jewish apostles, elders, and first-century converts. This unmarred, original Nazarene faith actually provides the Torah and Spirit, Book-of-Acts template for advancing Christians to emulate in reconstructing an un-adulterated, apostolic faith foundation with divinely approved, authentic standards. This is very much needed by the far-flung, multitudinous, denominational Ecclesia. That's us! Such would comprise an unassailable faith foundation spoken of by Messiah-the living Torah having been constructed according to His building code (Mt. 7:24-27), not that of mankind. So it is, in fact, time for Yeshua's followers to turn "truth-ward". Our foundational doctrines must be (a) sustainable for emerging new wineskins, (b) plumbed correctly to Scripture, and (c) secured upon the rock of Yeshua's words-of-life and not upon the shifting, sandy mix of institutionalized modern Christendom's varied orthodoxy. In any case, it is not hard to appreciate the fact that--in this hour of secular and spiritual lawlessness which has eaten away the holy virtues and standards of our nation's historical biblical footing--that restoring the original Torah foundations of biblical faith and earnestly contending for that model "...once for all delivered to the saints" is a paramount necessity. When restoration contenders and prophetic visionaries--those (a) seeking an enduring Torah-centered revival, consider the secular and ecclesiastical impact resulting already from the unfolding "whole truth" movement, and (b) imagining its planetary and the far reaching cosmic consequences (Joel 2; Romans 8:19) yet to come, we can readily see that it is a Holy Spirit inspired, Messiah exalting, and life changing restoration...and Contenders Voice reason for being.
Part Two -- 2 Minutes
"...thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations ..." (Isaiah 58:13)
It is a privilege to participate in the Hebraic Truth restoration movement. And there are other titles, such as the Hebrew Roots and so on. In any case, the restoration underway is a work of Yahweh's grace. Let us remember, believers are born-again saints, grafted into Israel, and partakers of its covenants. We really are no longer Gentiles but equal members of Redeemed Israel. Hence, along with a new, divinely given identity we--spiritual migrants and crossovers, also have a new obligation--It is a duty and a calling to support the Jewish people, assimilate that which is needed and appropriate of the messianic Israelite/Jewish faith--which is in fact more genuinely prophetic and apostolic in nature than charismatic-prophetic Christianity, since the Messianic Torah rooted faith springs forth from, is supported, and directed by an un-compromised, a solid rock, 3000 year old, proven doctrinal foundation. We all come into redeemed Israel through the Blood of the Lamb of God, Yeshua. Let us go forward and serve by living as disciples and serving to gradually develop a trustworthy, genuine fellowship between the Houses of Judah and Ephraim. Though some criticize and reject the "Hebrew Roots Movement" and others might actually feel minor anaphylactic tremors hearing about neophyte believers working to understand, follow, and restore Torah's foundations of faith to their lives and fellowships also...and follow its relevant, applicable, and doable instructions. Nevertheless, Yeshua will complete the regathering and re-unification of all His people into one united flock.
7. Renew your Mind
Part One -- 3 Minutes
"...be renewed in the spirit of you minds, and put on the new self..." (Ephesians 4:22-24).
A fundamental explanation of the hebraically rooted, spiritual truth movement currently underway in the nation is set forth in this compendium for the edification of those common Christian believers attracted to or actually involved in the ascending Torah awakening. The foundational issues our report deals with are (1) the current Messianic Movement's impact upon western Christendom and its adherents, (2) the broad Hebrew Roots truth renewal phenomenon, which is now comprised of varied but related branches, and (3) the New Testament, Nazarene Torah-based faith as a viable restoration paradigm for the migrating denominational saints rebuilding their fallen apostolic foundations. Thus, the intention of Contenders Voice is to clarify the importance and pertinence of these three concurrent, inter-woven realities to restoring unadulterated biblical truth and stable spiritual life to New Testament "crossover" persons and groups today. Prominent among their multiple needs are, for starters, the recognition of and compliance to:
(a) the Lordship of the Son of God, Messiah Yeshua (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46-49) and the believers' need and responsibility to conform to His will;
(b) the centrality of Torah-based doctrinal integrity for the emerging messianic Ecclesia/Church--His "Called-out Assembly." (Matthew 5:17-20; Acrs 7:38);
(c) the importance of developing Torah-oriented fellowship between the Houses of Judah and Ephraim (Ezekiel 38; Galatians 3:28);
(d) the full, unabridged ministry and leadership of the Holy Spirit (John 16; 1 Corinthians 12);
(e) the Great Commission's apostolic mandate to make true Israelite disciples of converts to Messiah Yeshua, and teach them to obey all the accorded and applicable instructions of the holy Scriptures (Matthew 28:20; Romans 1 and 16).
(f) the obedience of faith to all known, applicable, and doable commandments. Heart-felt observance to His words is the bedrock of personal and corporate messianic praise and worship for YHWH, and the ultimate proof and demonstration of love for Messiah and people. (John 14:15-24)
Part Two -- 1 Minute
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The objectives of Contenders Voice also include encouraging those Spirit-inspired, individual messianic believers--the start-ups and those advancing also--who are making their spiritual aliyah to their Hebraic-Israelite heritage into which they have been graphed (Romans 11), and hence equipping these stalwart souls to fulfill Yahweh's purpose for their challenging end-time service. Will you, dear reader, be part of the faithful Bride who is preparing herself during these latter days for His appearing (Daniel 10:14; 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 19:7)? I would think so. Who or what can stop you? After all, Paul's words-of-old relate to all Yeshua's true followers: "I can do all things through [in] Him [Messiah Yeshua] who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Therefore saint, make His words of life become your impregnable habitation, and be ye blessed. Now, with these memorable points in mind, let's continue into our Introduction with the following exhortation from the epistle of Jude.
Conclusion
You are invited to examine our Contenders Voice site presentation--one paragraph at a time. .........Tamid Kadima-Always Forward is our motto. May His shalom be your portion. Amen. See our Prologue comments on Messianism next.
You are invited to proceed to Overview.