First Century Christianity

Learn Real Christianity from Scratch. This is the first message in a series to help people with little to no education about Christianity or the bible get started. Historically, Christianity is taught by comparing the doctrines of denominations. The reality of the 21st century is that half of the population has no foundation in a church setting at all. This is a great place to be because new believers can learn real Christianity without having to sift through the last 1900 years of bad doctrine! In this message, I explain why Christianity matters at all. This is not a hobby, an academic exercise, or a money making opportunity. Oh, no. Christianity matters because we want to attain eternal life. The only religion that offers this is real Christianity. The key to eternal life is to know Jesus Christ and Him crucified. This is what the Apostle Paul focused on in his evangelistic work throughout the western world in the first century. To attain eternal life, we must know Jesus Christ. Jesus, whom I call by His Hebrew Name Yeshua, is not just a man who showed up in the first century with a bunch of new teachings. He is the ultimate Messiah and Son of God. He was explained and prophesied about throughout the Old Testament, and this is where most of His teachings originate. The Old Testament was the only bible they had in the first century. It was also only available to the general population in synagogues. This message, available above in video and below in print, explains how to begin to learn real Christianity. This is not hard if you choose the right bible and understand what you are reading. I explain some very basic information that will help you on your path to understand who Jesus is, why He came, and how to attain eternal life. This message is available in pdf at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/learn-real-christianity-from-scratch/

Rebutting John MacArthur on his recent comments with respect to mental issues and medication. Frankly, how does a man get this old and believe such nonsense, let alone a minister?

Binary Decisions: The two biggest binary decisions in the history of mankind hinge on a little-known holy day in the Bible. These decisions are also tied to refusing the mark of the beast. Our society struggles with binary decisions to this day. When King Solomon wrote there was nothing new under the sun, this is part of what he was speaking about. Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has wanted to have a magical third option where we get to have our cake and eat it, too. This is just not the case, particularly with matters of salvation. The First Day of Unleavened Bread is the day after the Passover. This holy day is established in Exodus 13 as a remembrance of what Yahweh did for His people when he led them out of Egypt. Observing this day is a sign on one's hand and one's forehead. That's a direct correlation to the mark of the beast. This means if you want to avoid the mark of the beast, obey the commandment. This also associates the mark of the beast with lawlessness. In both cases, the mark represents faith and behavior. Those who believe in Yahweh will obey His commands in deed and in faith. Those who don't will do the deeds of the beast. The First Day of Unleavened Bread is also the first day that Yeshua, aka Jesus, was in the tomb. These two events are tied together in God's plan of salvation, which I explain in the video. The Exodus is a huge illustration that we only have two choices: follow Yahweh into the unknown or remain separated from Him. Continuing to remain faithful to Yeshua even when the future is unknown is key to salvation. Please enjoy this message which showcases how eternal life really does boil down to a binary decision. Please visit https://firstcenturychristianity.net/ for more teachings about the faith once delivered to the saints.

Basic instructions on how to commemorate the Messiah's death and observe the spring 2024 annual Holy Days in a New Covenant context. Please visit https://firstcenturychristianity.net/preparing-for-passover-2024/ for a pdf of the notes of this message. Please visit https://firstcenturychristianity.net/holy-day-dates/ for a modern calendar to show dates and observances.

Introduction video about problems with the Trinity for the page https://firstcenturychristianity.net/problems-with-the-trinity/ For more information about this very important topic, please visit the page above.

We must examine ourselves before taking the bread and wine. Take a step back and examine what just happened with Easter Sunday. Look at the rituals and match them against what the Bible really says to do. Did your Easter services mention anything about examining yourselves? Did you take the bread and wine? This video is part of the ministry located at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/

Following up on “Everyone is Wrong… but Me.” Is God important? How do you love Him? Being devout to a denomination is not the right path! This message is part of the ministry located at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/

The principal historical proof of Jesus the Christ, aka Yeshua the Messiah, existing and being resurrected!

Are believers supposed to observe Passover or Easter to commemorate Yeshua the Messiah aka Jesus the Christ? This message is available in print at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/bible-topics-index/pagan-holidays/easter-is-pagan/ where you will find many more resources about the faith once delivered to the saints.

Yahweh has a project of perfecting the universe. We're a part of that plan but we need to remember to live in our own time. This video is an excerpt of the longer message given on March 9, 2024 which is located here https://firstcenturychristianity.net/putting-in-the-work/

A message given on March 9, 2024 about the differences between coming to the faith once delivered today versus 20 years ago. Some topics covered: Using legitimate sources Reading actual books No following pastors or preachers Respecting people with different perspectives Trigger doctrines that cause us to study deeper Problems in mainstream Christianity Problems in the Hebrew Roots Movement What time frame we should really focus on to get the knowledge of the truth Please visit https://firstcenturychristianity.net/ for more messages like this!

The New Testament depends on the Law. We need it for our identity and, in addition to the Messiah, for our salvation. The video above and its companion pdf below show in absolute terms that the Torah is a requirement for salvation when Yeshua, aka Jesus, returns. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' (Mat 7:21-23) These verses show that there will be Christians, believers in Yeshua, who will be rejected when He returns for lawlessness. This lawlessness is exactly what it sounds like: The rejection of the Torah. This verse should put terror in all who have been taught that the Law was ended at the cross. That's clearly not true. Those who teach this will be the ones rejected. This will be an absolute shock as they think He is coming back to receive them, but their rejection of the Torah makes them actual enemies. The accusation that the first century Christians taught against Moses starts very early in the faith. Stephen was accused of this in Acts 6. In Acts 7, he gives a speech that proves he did not reject the Torah or his heritage at all. It ends with him convicting the council of breaking Torah and they murder him, breaking it again. Paul was also accused of breaking Torah. Not only does he refute this in word, but he did it in deed. In Acts 24, Paul tells that he brought the alms from the congregations to the temple. He had been purified and was following Torah by bringing the offerings into the storehouse. Paul makes it clear in his testimony that he believed all of the Torah and the prophets, thus rebuking the lawless claim. The New Testament depends on the Law. We would not understand the Messiah at all without the Torah and the prophets. The apostles continue in Torah their whole lives. And those who claim to be Christians at the return of Yeshua who don't follow the Law will be in for a horrible surprise. This message and its pdf are available at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/the-law-and-the-new-testament/

This is the introduction video for the content located at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/problems-with-the-trinity/

Here's what we can do about it.

Explaining the Spring Holy Days When we put the traditional observances of Christianity to the test, well, they often fail. The Bible doesn’t support any observance remotely similar to Easter. The apostles never gathered on a Sunday in honor of the resurrection, they never had anything to do with eggs or bunnies, and none of them at pork at any point in their lives. The reality is that Jesus, aka Yeshua, commanded a specific observance on a specific annual date to be added to the Holy Days the disciples were already observing. On the night He was betrayed, He washed the feet of the disciples, and shared bread and wine. He said the bread and wine were symbolic of His body and blood. After washing the feet of the disciples, he said that they (we) should do to each other as He had done for them. And He specifically said to have that bread and wine in remembrance of Him. These commandments are added to the Spring Holy Days the apostles already kept. The Passover, which can refer to the entire week-long observance, continued to be kept by the disciples once they became Apostles. Paul was taught to keep the Night He was Betrayed directly from the resurrected Messiah. He then commanded the congregations he either started or visited do as was done on the night Yeshua was betrayed. This included observing not just that night, but also the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. The message above in video, and below in print, is titled Explaining the Spring Holy Days. With comments from our congregation, I explain when to observe each day of this week-long celebration. I explain what to do as well, and support it all with easy to follow scripture. It would be best to watch the video, but the notes are there for easy searching. If you’re seeing this message on a social media site, the printed version is available at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/explaining-the-spring-holy-days/

Reaction to the Super Bowl ad where people wash each other's feet.

Nobody lights a lamp and puts it under a basket means that you matter. Jesus Christ, aka Yeshua, died for you because you have worth and can be righteous. The mainstream Christian doctrines surrounding works being somehow bad force a conclusion that believers are worthless. If there are none righteous, and you are going to stay unrighteous, then the Messiah died for nothing. This teaching unravels these destructive and evil doctrines. These wrong teachings, called the doctrines of men, must be refuted because you matter. Yeshua taught expressly against these concepts, and I explain why people believe the opposite of plain scripture in the message. Nearly every page of the Gospels contains parables, teachings, or stories about righteous deeds versus unrighteous deeds. Christ clearly expressed that the disciples, prior to His death and resurrection, were the light of the world. They needed to live so that their righteous deeds could be seen by men and thus draw men closer to Yahweh. The book after the Gospels is not called Acts because it is fashioned after a play. It's called Acts because it records the righteous deeds of the first century believers. Their righteousness was based upon the Torah and they lived their lives precisely so mankind could follow their lead and learn righteousness. This teaching is provided in pdf and video format because you matter and it is Yahweh's desire that you be saved and learn to be righteous. The pdf is located here https://firstcenturychristianity.net/you-matter/. Please sign up for our newsletter while at the website and enjoy other teachings about first century Christianity.

The bible chapter Acts 2 records the most important moment in history to date. The events from Creation through the Gospels all point to this moment in time when salvation is offered to all mankind. This message explains how the significant events in history connect to Acts 2. The Creation of the earth displays how YHVH is a God of order. The Torah outlines a culture. It is not just a law but a comprehensive way of life. The prophets and history offer remarkably accurate prophesies. They also show us how to appreciate the structure of biblical literature. The Gospels show us what God expects of us through His Son. The remarkable culmination of prophecies and the emotional pain the Mesiah experienced illustrate YHVH's plan for mankind. From Acts 2, we see the Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) given directly to the common man. This enabled the apostles to communicate to people in their native languages so there is no confusion about the The Most Important Moment in History. The people who participated in the Messiah's murder are humbled. They publicly profess their sins and repent. They, and we, learn the recipe for salvation: repent of your sins, accept Yeshua as the Messiah, and be baptized for forgiveness. Then Peter explains this message is for all whom God will call to Himself, which is why it matters to us. Please enjoy this video on The Most Important Moment in History as we explain an overview of God's plan of salvation for mankind. This message and it’s pdf notes are available at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/the-most-important-moment-in-history/

Arguments against the Trinity are necessary because this doctrine has been made mandatory for salvation when it is not. This comprehensive and thorough study shows who Jesus aka Yeshua really is from both the Old and New Testaments. The message is written out in pdf at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/arguments-against-the-trinity/ for easy reference The Trinity and its related doctrines (such as Oness) are not found in the scriptures. These doctrines are absolutely not required for salvation. There isn’t a single scripture mandating these beliefs and there are more verses that refute the Trinity and its variations than one can count. What we must believe for salvation is expressed plainly and frequently in the New Testament. I begin the message with a brief note on how to be saved. Arguments against the Trinity span history as well as scripture. This doctrine is supremely entrenched into Christianity as a precept of men. It was created over time and codified in the 400s AD. I go into the history of the Nicene Creed in a different message called “God is not a Trinity”, but in short, the Trinity is 100% a precept of men. Yeshua was specifically adamant against making doctrines out of the precepts of men. He is recorded as saying this in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7. He was citing the Old Testament when He admonished the Pharisees about this practice. The prophet Isaiah uttered this in Isaiah 29:13 as a comprehensive refutation against those who make traditions and the ideas of men out to be doctrines equal to the commandments. The Trinity is a documented doctrine of mankind. It's history is traced starting with the council of Chalcedon in 451 and working backward. With this doctrine, Christianity hasn’t just taught a precept of men as a commandment, it has made this false doctrine a requirement for salvation. Arguments against the Trinity are abundant. The New Testament seems to contradict this doctrine on each page in some fashion. I made this study to be a comprehensive and understandable as I could. Understanding the Yeshua is the Son of God who took on a mission from Yahweh to save mankind from eternal death is the most important information in history.

What will happen to those who never believed and when is Judgment Day? Christianity has a skewed vision of end time events. The day of Judgment is almost always scrunched in with the return of Jesus, whom we call Yeshua. However, the Judgment is actually 1000 years after His return. The period of time between his return and the judgment is called the millennium. Revelation 20 explains this gap of time clearly. Unfortunately, modern Christian teachings about the end of days ignores this period of time. When the Messiah returns, those who accepted Him as the Son of God are resurrected. They, along with the believers alive at that time, rise and meet Him in the air. He then descends to rule from Jerusalem for this 1000-year period of time. At the end of the 1000 years, unrepentant sinners and those who had never heard of Jesus, aka Yeshua, in their lifetimes are resurrected and judged against the context of their lives. Yeshua speaks of two resurrections in John 5. The first is a resurrection of life, which is generically called "the first resurrection." Revelation 20 and Matthew 25 speak directly to the requirements for salvation at the resurrection of judgment. The Greek words for judgment in the relevant verses are either krisis or krino, both of which mean, effectively, "decision time". When all the nations are gathered before Yeshua's throne, they are judged according to the deeds they did in their lifetimes. The text clearly states that some of the people present at the second resurrection are written in the Book of Life and are granted eternal life, which runs contrary to most Christian teaching today. The video above is a message explaining all the relevant verses about the topics summarized. It includes good insight from a few of our congregants as well. Understanding that Yahweh (God) has provided an opportunity for the bulk of mankind to enter eternal life is a blessing. The pdf below is a written-out study in case you want to be able to look these things up without listening and pausing. The relevant verses are quite easy to understand, so please enjoy this teaching and please give a share if it blesses you. A written version of this message is at the link below. Please subscribe to our newsletter while at the site. Shalom! https://firstcenturychristianity.net/judgment-day/

The phrase "If My People" is used to reference scripture about humbling ourselves. The context of these verses shows us how to obtain humility. Most of Christianity uses these verses properly, to show believers that if we bumble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and seek the face of God then He will hear us. However, the context is when Solomon had finished the first Temple and the entire nation of Israel was keeping Torah properly. In fact, the Temple completion took place during Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a holy day from Leviticus 23. The Israelites were at the pinnacle of faithfulness and blessings and they were warned, just as Moses warned them prior to his passing, that they would fall away. When they fell away, Yahweh would communicate this to them by having bad things happen, which needed to drive repentance. Repentance is only possible when we follow the Commandments, the Torah. As Paul wrote, we only know of sin if we know the Law. This message explains the scripture surrounding the phrase "If My People" and then connects it to First Century Christianity. These verses only apply to us if we are His People. The New Testament explains how those who accept Yeshua as the Messiah become adopted children of Yahweh. We, who were not a people, become His people through His Son, and then we learn repentance. The inauguration of the Temple when these scriptures were recorded is also a foreshadowing of the return of the Messiah. The first temple was filled with Yahweh's presence so much that the priests could not enter. This was a baptism by fire. When Yeshua returns, He is brining a temple not made with hands. He will rule from Jerusalem and all mankind will need to go there for Sukkot. If you want to be part of that, click here to learn how to seek His Face and have "If My People" apply to you! More at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/if-my-people/

Humility and Respect James 3:1 says we must be careful and mindful to only teach what is true and to treat the Word of God with the utmost respect. This ministry is about First Century Christianity which is also called The Way. I’m more of a generalist and only study things out as needed. The goal here is to provide a solid resource for those coming out of Babylon. The brethren need to be able to learn what to retain from mainstream Christianity, what to discard, and what to learn about the faith once delivered. But it’s more than just learning. We must learn then do. Knowledge must drive action or else it is meaningless. This ministry is a resource to teach you HOW to walk out the faith once delivered, not just what to believe. Now a little history and why I’m talking about humility and respect. More at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/about-us/

When the Spirit came upon the Apostles in acts two, Peter was inspired to explain the recipe for salvation with power and authority. The video below is a group discussion about the requirement for water baptism in detail. We cover the origins of baptism, who is authorized to baptize another, when it's appropriate to be re-baptized, and the theological/spiritual meanings of this outward sign of faith. Tagore Kota visited this week. He is studied on Koine Greek and explained in great detail the meaning of the Greek words behind baptism. He also gives a remarkable correlation between Noah's Ark and the blood of Messiah. Other contributors to the discussion are Everett Leisure, Tim Roberson, and Tiffany Flores. Acts 2 is the dividing line between the Old Covenant and the New. The Spirit guided Peter's words and allowed the message to be heard in all the languages present. Peter was inspired to preach, just as Yeshua prophesied. Most of his sermon were direct citations of the Old Testament. But the new information included the recipe for salvation: Repent of your sins, accept Yeshua as the Messiah/Son of God, and be baptized. This is the Gospel that was preached to the known world from that moment on. Theologically and spiritually, the fulcrum point between the Old and New Covenant is the death and resurrection of Yeshua. But the 50 days after His resurrection go on the left side of the dividing line because He was teaching them without parables and explaining everything, starting with Moses. The Ruach, aka the Holy Spirit, was yet to come, as well. Once the Ruach came, the New Covenant kicked off and the word went forth from Zion. The final, and perhaps most important topic covered, is what exactly the Jews who didn't accept Yeshua rejected. The recipe for salvation is defined above but is a starting point. After one is baptized, one must learn the Torah. This is because the remnant, those who are Messiah's at His return, are those who believe in Him and who keep the Torah. The Jews believe in Yahweh and keep the Torah. Mainstream Christianity believe in Yeshua (they call Him Jesus), but they do not keep the commandments. Please enjoy the discussion! Please visit https://firstcenturychristianity.net/ for more messages on First Century Christianity!

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. (1Ti 2:5-6) God cannot be a Trinity because Jesus, the Son, is always subordinate to the Father, who is God. "You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (Joh 14:28) This is a very clear example of Yeshua (Jesus) being lesser than His Father (Yahweh), and it just makes sense. Most people who say they believe in the Trinity actually believe this, too. When it comes down to it, they don’t actually believe in the Trinity at all, but think they do because the word is rather ambiguous and it’s a requirement for baptism in 99.9% of churches. One must say they are Trinitarian to be members in the club. There’s a reason the doctrine of the Trinity is ambiguous. It was created to allow a whole lot of people with varying beliefs about the relationship between Yahweh and Yeshua to claim to believe the same doctrine. This is the net result here 1700 years later. Two people sitting in pews in the same church who say they are Trinitarian don’t believe the Trinity the same. The shocking truth is the Trinity doctrine is actually a political dogma built to solve a political problem. Disputes about the nature of Yeshua and His relationship to Yahweh created full blown physical conflicts back in the third and early fourth centuries. Doctrine wars were literally wars. You can’t have a universal church (Catholic really means universal) when people are openly disagreeing to the point of violence. So they came up with a doctrine that satiated almost everyone. And those who refused to believe, well, at a minimum they got disfellowshipped. A minimum. This message can be found in print at https://firstcenturychristianity.net/god-is-not-a-trinity/

The bible was meant to be read normally, not hyper-literally!