Let's begin here to really make your stomach heave:
https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/snake-pastor-feeds-dog-meat-to-congregants-for-communion-20181016
https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1537025/snakes-pastor-makes-u-turn-claims-tb-joshua-tricked/
https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/look-now-snake-prophet-has-believers-eating-cockroaches-11991137
Pastors are to lay down their lives for their sheep and show them love, not endanger their well-being for their own viewership ratings and enrichment. What is the love that Pastor Penuel should be showing? Yah’ushua founded His ministry on love, instructing all to love YHUH (Yah’uah/God) and each other.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that YHUH has to us. YHUH is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in YHUH, and YHUH in him.
For love to be properly defined it must clearly be stated and understood, that is the purpose of YHUH’s law, especially the Ten Commandments. Yah'ushua said when a lawyer asked Him:
Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Yah'ushua said to him, You shall love YHUH Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like to it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Why do so few people fully understand this? “All the law and the Prophets”, those scriptures we know as the Old Testament, first show us the right way to love, then clearly shows the problems and penalties experienced from lack of love. Why do people think love is only defined in the New Testament? It is in the Old Covenant we read:
Lev 19:18 “love your neighbour as yourself.”
And Moses says:
Deu 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth YHUH your Elohim require of you, but to fear YHUH your Elohim, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve YHUH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul,
10:13 To keep the commandments of YHUH, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good.
Every commandment of YHUH is for our good. Showing love is linked to obeying YHUH’s commandments. The commandments define the love which is needed for all spiritually pure relationships.
As Sha’ul puts it:
Rom 13:9 For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
John states:
2 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
James says it like this:
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbour as yourself, ye do well:
2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted of the law as transgressors.
2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Peter taught scripture of YHUH is the authority, not man’s teaching, do not be a respecter or follower of men.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that YHUH is no respecter of persons:
10:35 But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness is accepted with him.
Sha’ul again clarifies:
Col 2:20 Wherefore if you be dead with Messiah from the rudiments of the world, why, as if living in the world are you subject to ordinances after the commandments and doctrines of men?
2:23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in voluntary piety and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
3:1 If ye then be risen with Messiah, seek those things which are above, where Messiah sits on the right hand of YHUH.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Sin, as opposed to love, is also defined:
1 John 3:4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
So people who do not abide in YHUH’s commandments are sinners. You cannot say Yah'ushua took away the commandments of YHUH and loves us all, as seen in the following verses:
John 3:5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
3:6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him.
3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of YHUH was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
3:9 Whosoever is born of YHUH doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of YHUH.
3:10 In this the children of YHUH are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of YHUH, neither he that loves not his brother.
1John 2:4 He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
2:5 But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of YHUH perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
2:6 He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
And how did Yah'ushua walk?
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said to me, so I speak.
So according to Yah'ushua showing spiritually pure love is inseparable from obedience to YHUH’s commandments and is the ticket to eternal life.
YHUH does not give us liberty to behave as we please. Sha’ul says:
1Cor 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of YHUH.
Once again Sha’ul is pointing out to not follow the doctrines of men above obeying YHUH’s commandments-being circumcised can never be your ticket to eternal life nor your genetic heritage, etc. It is important to remind ourselves that Yah'ushua did not do away with YHUH’s commandments, but He said:
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
The Greek word “pleroo” translated as “fulfil” means “to make full, to fill to the full” Other appropriate meanings for pleroo in this context if “to fill to the brim” or “level up”.
Yah'ushua meant to teach to the fullest the commandments of YHUH, not take them away! He expands as follows in an example what He means:
Mat 5:21 You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement:
5:22 But I say to you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother, empty head, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Yah'ushua was highlighting the destructive effects of anger and bitterness which become the root cause to killing, a step prior to the sin even being committed.
Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery:
5:28 But I say to you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
He amplified and explained required behaviour in order to avoid sin, don’t look at people lustfully thereby avoiding adultery, etc. By highlighting the precursor to sin Yah'ushua amplified the Ten Commandments.
Now, in relation to Penuel “feeding” his congregation unclean things – oh, yes, they are unclean according to YHUH’s law (To’rah). The scriptures list clean (tah’or) things as being food (meats) and unclean (taw’may) things are simply NOT food as they are NOT eaten. Any To’rah obedient believer knows that whatever food (meats) is put before him must be food to start off with and then the question of other things that make food unclean such as being offered to idols or being strangled are additional considerations. Yah’uah declared certain things as non-food at the outset.
Read as follows:
Lev 11:4 Nevertheless these shall you not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof
Lev 11:27 And whatsoever goes upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four (dogs), those are unclean to you:
Lev 11:29 These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
Lev 11:30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole
Lev 11:42 Whatsoever goes upon the belly (snakes), and whatsoever goes upon all four, or whatsoever has more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.
Lev 11:7 And the swine (pig/pork), though he divide the hoof, and be cloven-footed, yet he chews not the cud; he is unclean to you.
11:8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch.
Lev 11:10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination to you: (ie. octopus & squid (calamari), prawns, crab, oyster, mussels etc.)
Now, from what I’ve seen of Penuel he feeds his followers octopus, snakes, dogs bones, dog meat and blood, all unclean, on purpose, knowing it is against YHUH’s commandments. Have I not shown that Yah'ushua did not do away with His Father’s commandments?
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Eph 5:5 For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and of YHUH.
Penuel is not showing love to his congregation. Is driving over someone with a vehicle and riding them like donkeys showing them love?
I usually get quoted this favourite section in scripture to promote eating of unclean things:
Acts 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
11:3 Saying, You went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them.
11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order to them, saying,
11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from shamayim (heaven) by four corners; and it came even to me:
11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
11:7 And I heard a voice saying to me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
11:8 But I said, Not so, Adonai: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
11:9 But the voice answered me again from shamayim, What YHUH hath cleansed, that call not common.
11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into shamayim.
11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come to the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me.
11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
11:13 And he showed us how he had seen a malak (angel) in his house, which stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
11:14 Who shall tell you words, whereby you and all your house shall be saved.
11:15 And as I began to speak, the Spirit of YHUH fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
11:16 Then remembered I the word of Yah'ushua, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Spirit of YHUH.
11:17 Forasmuch then as YHUH gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on Messiah Yah'ushua; what was I, that I could withstand YHUH?
11:18 When they heard these things, they held silence, and praised YHUH, saying, Then hath YHUH also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life.
11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only.
11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake to the Grecians, preaching Yah'ushua Messiah.
11:21 And the hand of YHUH was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to YHUH.
This is one of the ways in which Scripture came to us, the non-Jews of the world – it has nothing to do with cleansing of unclean animals for food. So often this account of the sheet descending is distorted and quoted to mean we can eat all animals now – no, YHUH was saying, do not call non-Jews common or unclean, preach Scripture to them as well so they too can be saved if they accept Yah'ushua and the Spirit of YHUH.
As Yah'ushua explained it, the Ten Commandments of YHUH were all covered by the instruction to love YHUH first and then love your neighbour. The first four commandments relate to loving YHUH and the next six deal with loving our neighbours. YHUH plainly tells us the commandments are for our good – you can tell they are just by looking at how the world is today where the majority of people do not follow the Ten Commandments. It used to be that children honoured their parents (4th commandment) because their parents had taught them all of YHUH’s commandments as instructed by YHUH to all people, as follows:
Deut 6:5 And you shall love YHUH with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
6:6 And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart:
6:7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in thine house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
An everlasting covenant, not just Old Testament. As parents gave up teaching their children about YHUH’s commandments so too did the children forget to honour their parents and so have most people fallen away from life everlasting.
Now, the last commandment of not coveting is a broad one which applies to what’s under discussion with the false pastors and prophets abounding around every corner.
Mar 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defiles the man.
7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
7:23 All these evil things come from within and defile the man.
Our problems are from the evil within, if we do not conquer all our desires to be spiritually pure we are lost. Coveting means we crave or desire in improper ways, wanting more than our share of what we rightfully deserve, a share which belongs to someone else. This is huge in society today and is the trap false prophets and pastors fall into – they feel they deserve more than their congregation and start milking their congregations for more than they deserve as their lusts for power and wealth increases. If we are spiritually pure our desire should be to contribute to the well-being of others, not use and abuse them.
James describes it thus:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
Sha’ul says it like this
2Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, morally impure,
3:3 Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
3:4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of YHUH;
3:5 Having a form of YHUH likeness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Covetousness is big business – advertising is geared towards inspiring it in all of us – you need to avoid falling into this trap as covetousness can lead to idolatry when our greed and lusts become bigger than YHUH.
Coll 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of YHUH cometh on the children of disobedience:
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Yah'ushua and of YHUH.
Yah'ushua instructs:
Luke 12:15 And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
Also Sha’ul says:
Philip 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.
2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Does it look like Penuel esteems the members of his congregation or does he esteem himself saying his followers must prove their emunah (faith) to him? All’s fair – why doesn’t he then have the followers do the same to him so he too can show his own emunah to them? They should ride him like a donkey and drive over him with a vehicle and have him eat all the things he has them eat.
Yah'ushua states:
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
10:12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.
10:13 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep.
10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
10:15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
The bad shepherds, the false prophets and pastors are warned against as follows:
Eze 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, Thus says YHUH Elohim to the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
34:9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of YHUH;
34:10 Thus says YHUH Elohim; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgement.
34:17 And as for you, O my flock, thus says YHUH; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.
34:18 Seems it a small thing to you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?
34:19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.
34:20 Therefore thus says YHUH Elohim to them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
If people would not eat something normally in their own home why do they do so at Penuel’s gatherings? We are called upon to discern between right and wrong:
Eze 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the set apart and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Mal 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves YHUH and him that serves him not.
Heb 5:14 But Yah'ushua belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
On Judgement Day you cannot say – he made me do it – no, you are judged alone for your actions.
Quote: Penuel emphasises that his followers should consume whatever he gives them “without asking no question” to prove their faith. To justify his strange choice of communion cuisine, Mnguni quoted the New Testament: “Apostle Paul said it clearly; eat without asking no question (1 Corinthians 10). “People who ask questions, before they eat in the Lord’s table, become partakers with demons.”
1Cor 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles (markets), that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
10:26 For the earth is YHUH’s, and the fullness thereof.
10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; *whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
10:28 But if any man say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake:
10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
10:30 For if I by loving kindness be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the splendour of our Creator.
10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the assembly of YHUH:
10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Let’s put this in context. * whatsoever does not mean unclean things – the context is set in Israel where feasts would only be serving what can be considered edible food to Jews. They would not have a Christmas suckling pig laid out on the table which would have caused a huge offence. The shambles (markets) are in Israel selling clean edible goods according to YHUH’s law (as they still do today) – you would not find such things as pork in the first place, therefore you could buy with clean conscience. If the people selling or entertaining others were breaking YHUH’s law and selling/offering food dedicated to idols you are unaware of it and it is on their heads, not yours. But if you are a righteous follower of Yah'ushua and know YHUH’s law and commandments you will not let the person you are visiting sin without pointing out what you know to be wrong. If you are offered food dedicated to idols, and non-food things that you know are unclean according to YHUH’s law, then you would point this out and refuse to partake. You wouldn’t know unless they offer up the information themselves in which case you must instruct them in what is right as now they are offending you in what you know to be a sin. That’s the thick and thin of it, communal responsibility towards fellow men. As follows:
Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
3:18 When I say to the wicked, You shall surely die; and you give him not warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Communion cuisine is mentioned – this custom of having communion regularly is also not right. Yah'ushua’s supper is commemorated once a year, not every Sunday (Yah'ushua himself observed seventh day Sabbath as a Jew, not Sunday). Nowhere in Scripture is it commanded to have communion every Sunday – that is once again man’s traditions and YHUH is no respecter of men and their pagan traditions.
Penuel Quote: “In fact people who ask where is this meat coming from … It’s a sign that they have never believed in God. Jesus Christ said, it is not what you eat that makes you unclean, rather it is because of your heart.”
Penuel refers to the following:
Mat 15:2 Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
15:3 But he answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of YHUH by your tradition?
15:4 For YHUH commanded, saying, Honour your father and mother: and, He that curses father or mother, let him die the death.
15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me;
15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have you made the commandment of YHUH of none effect by your tradition.
15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
15:8 This people draws nigh to me with their mouth, and honours me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
15:10 And he called the multitude, and said to them, Hear, and understand:
15:11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
15:12 Then came his disciples, and said to him, Know you that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my Father in Shamayim hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15:15 Then answered Peter and said to him, Declare to us this parable.
15:16 And Yah'ushua said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man.
Mar 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashed, hands, they found fault.
7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brass vessels, and of tables.
The point is not the food but washing hand rituals, etc. of Pharisaical men, which Rabbis still do today. The bread was clean, it was not an unclean thing like pork or dog meat. Yah'ushua was merely pointing out that people would rather follow traditions of men even more so than YHUH’s law, which was becoming a burden to the people. YHUH never instructed us to wash our hands a certain way before we eat and Yah'ushua let them know this.
Quote: “It started when I was teaching the word of YHUH, Mark 16: 16 – 18, where it says: ‘He that believes in me, these signs shall follow them; they shall pick up snakes, they will even drink deadly poison, and it shall not harm them. And also Romans 14, where it says to those who believe, to those who have a strong faith, they can eat anything. And to those who have weak faith, they can only eat vegetables.
Mar 16:14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
16:15 And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mat 28:18 And Yah'ushua came and spake to them, saying, All power is given to me in shamayim and in earth.
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Pure Spirit:
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amein.
The eleven would not have been teaching anything other than what Yah'ushua had been teaching, pure Torah, not lawlessness.
Okay, context is everything in the above verses – this is known as The Great Commission given by Yah'ushua to the remaining eleven Apostles prior to His ascension. YHUH imparted the Ruach Ha’kodesh (Pure Spirit) to the eleven Apostles to enable them to do as instructed by Yah'ushua. No-one is an Apostle today as the requirement would be to actually see or be in the presence of Yah'ushua in person and this is not possible at present. Ordinary men and women should not try to do the above-mentioned things as they are not of the eleven nor has Yah'ushua instructed them to do so nor has YHUH imparted the Ruach Ha’kodesh to them in the same manner as to the eleven (in great measure due to persecution and great dangers at that time). To try to do these things is a sin of presumption.
When Yah'ushua was tempted of Satan to commit this sin of presumption His response was as follows:
Mat 4:6 And says to him, If you be the Son of YHUH, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his malakim (angels) charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.
4:7 Yah'ushua said to him, It is written again, You shall not tempt YHUH your Elohim.
Context again with the other verses following:
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the emunah (faith) receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
14:2 For one believes that he may eat all foods: another, who is weak, eats herbs.
14:3 Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for YHUH hath received him.
Abstinence from clean animal meat versus non-abstinence is being discussed here. Just as Daniel did not want to defile himself with unclean Chaldean things he did not consider food and rather ate pulses like beans, lentils, split peas, so some people were following the same example in Sha’ul’s day, abstaining from animal meats altogether as they had no confidence in how the clean animals perhaps are being slaughtered, perhaps strangled, without draining of blood, or if they had been offered to idols prior without their knowledge.
Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
So what is “weak”? Perhaps a “weak” person has a stronger sense of conscience towards YHUH and are sensitive (have sharp awareness) to what is good and evil in this world, are aware of consequences for choices made, etc. in light of YHUH’s written word, Torah.
Heb 5:14 But Yah'ushua belongs to them that are of full age (spiritually mature), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Believers who remain sensitive to sin over a long period of time have had their senses exercised and then have become spiritually mature to discern between good and evil and thus through “weakness” they have become strong against sin.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that YHUH has to us. YHUH is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in YHUH, and YHUH in him.
For love to be properly defined it must clearly be stated and understood, that is the purpose of YHUH’s law, especially the Ten Commandments. Yah'ushua said when a lawyer asked Him:
Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Yah'ushua said to him, You shall love YHUH Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like to it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Why do so few people fully understand this? “All the law and the Prophets”, those scriptures we know as the Old Testament, first show us the right way to love, then clearly shows the problems and penalties experienced from lack of love. Why do people think love is only defined in the New Testament? It is in the Old Covenant we read:
Lev 19:18 “love your neighbour as yourself.”
And Moses says:
Deu 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth YHUH your Elohim require of you, but to fear YHUH your Elohim, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve YHUH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul,
10:13 To keep the commandments of YHUH, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good.
Every commandment of YHUH is for our good. Showing love is linked to obeying YHUH’s commandments. The commandments define the love which is needed for all spiritually pure relationships.
As Sha’ul puts it:
Rom 13:9 For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
John states:
2 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
James says it like this:
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbour as yourself, ye do well:
2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted of the law as transgressors.
2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Peter taught scripture of YHUH is the authority, not man’s teaching, do not be a respecter or follower of men.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that YHUH is no respecter of persons:
10:35 But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness is accepted with him.
Sha’ul again clarifies:
Col 2:20 Wherefore if you be dead with Messiah from the rudiments of the world, why, as if living in the world are you subject to ordinances after the commandments and doctrines of men?
2:23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in voluntary piety and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
3:1 If ye then be risen with Messiah, seek those things which are above, where Messiah sits on the right hand of YHUH.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Sin, as opposed to love, is also defined:
1 John 3:4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
So people who do not abide in YHUH’s commandments are sinners. You cannot say Yah'ushua took away the commandments of YHUH and loves us all, as seen in the following verses:
John 3:5 And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
3:6 Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him.
3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of YHUH was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
3:9 Whosoever is born of YHUH doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of YHUH.
3:10 In this the children of YHUH are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of YHUH, neither he that loves not his brother.
1John 2:4 He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
2:5 But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of YHUH perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
2:6 He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
And how did Yah'ushua walk?
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said to me, so I speak.
So according to Yah'ushua showing spiritually pure love is inseparable from obedience to YHUH’s commandments and is the ticket to eternal life.
YHUH does not give us liberty to behave as we please. Sha’ul says:
1Cor 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of YHUH.
Once again Sha’ul is pointing out to not follow the doctrines of men above obeying YHUH’s commandments-being circumcised can never be your ticket to eternal life nor your genetic heritage, etc. It is important to remind ourselves that Yah'ushua did not do away with YHUH’s commandments, but He said:
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
The Greek word “pleroo” translated as “fulfil” means “to make full, to fill to the full” Other appropriate meanings for pleroo in this context if “to fill to the brim” or “level up”.
Yah'ushua meant to teach to the fullest the commandments of YHUH, not take them away! He expands as follows in an example what He means:
Mat 5:21 You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement:
5:22 But I say to you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother, empty head, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Yah'ushua was highlighting the destructive effects of anger and bitterness which become the root cause to killing, a step prior to the sin even being committed.
Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery:
5:28 But I say to you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
He amplified and explained required behaviour in order to avoid sin, don’t look at people lustfully thereby avoiding adultery, etc. By highlighting the precursor to sin Yah'ushua amplified the Ten Commandments.
Now, in relation to Penuel “feeding” his congregation unclean things – oh, yes, they are unclean according to YHUH’s law (To’rah). The scriptures list clean (tah’or) things as being food (meats) and unclean (taw’may) things are simply NOT food as they are NOT eaten. Any To’rah obedient believer knows that whatever food (meats) is put before him must be food to start off with and then the question of other things that make food unclean such as being offered to idols or being strangled are additional considerations. Yah’uah declared certain things as non-food at the outset.
Read as follows:
Lev 11:4 Nevertheless these shall you not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof
Lev 11:27 And whatsoever goes upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four (dogs), those are unclean to you:
Lev 11:29 These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
Lev 11:30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole
Lev 11:42 Whatsoever goes upon the belly (snakes), and whatsoever goes upon all four, or whatsoever has more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.
Lev 11:7 And the swine (pig/pork), though he divide the hoof, and be cloven-footed, yet he chews not the cud; he is unclean to you.
11:8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch.
Lev 11:10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination to you: (ie. octopus & squid (calamari), prawns, crab, oyster, mussels etc.)
Now, from what I’ve seen of Penuel he feeds his followers octopus, snakes, dogs bones, dog meat and blood, all unclean, on purpose, knowing it is against YHUH’s commandments. Have I not shown that Yah'ushua did not do away with His Father’s commandments?
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Eph 5:5 For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and of YHUH.
Penuel is not showing love to his congregation. Is driving over someone with a vehicle and riding them like donkeys showing them love?
I usually get quoted this favourite section in scripture to promote eating of unclean things:
Acts 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
11:3 Saying, You went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them.
11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order to them, saying,
11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from shamayim (heaven) by four corners; and it came even to me:
11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
11:7 And I heard a voice saying to me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
11:8 But I said, Not so, Adonai: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
11:9 But the voice answered me again from shamayim, What YHUH hath cleansed, that call not common.
11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into shamayim.
11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come to the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me.
11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
11:13 And he showed us how he had seen a malak (angel) in his house, which stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
11:14 Who shall tell you words, whereby you and all your house shall be saved.
11:15 And as I began to speak, the Spirit of YHUH fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
11:16 Then remembered I the word of Yah'ushua, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Spirit of YHUH.
11:17 Forasmuch then as YHUH gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on Messiah Yah'ushua; what was I, that I could withstand YHUH?
11:18 When they heard these things, they held silence, and praised YHUH, saying, Then hath YHUH also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life.
11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only.
11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake to the Grecians, preaching Yah'ushua Messiah.
11:21 And the hand of YHUH was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to YHUH.
This is one of the ways in which Scripture came to us, the non-Jews of the world – it has nothing to do with cleansing of unclean animals for food. So often this account of the sheet descending is distorted and quoted to mean we can eat all animals now – no, YHUH was saying, do not call non-Jews common or unclean, preach Scripture to them as well so they too can be saved if they accept Yah'ushua and the Spirit of YHUH.
As Yah'ushua explained it, the Ten Commandments of YHUH were all covered by the instruction to love YHUH first and then love your neighbour. The first four commandments relate to loving YHUH and the next six deal with loving our neighbours. YHUH plainly tells us the commandments are for our good – you can tell they are just by looking at how the world is today where the majority of people do not follow the Ten Commandments. It used to be that children honoured their parents (4th commandment) because their parents had taught them all of YHUH’s commandments as instructed by YHUH to all people, as follows:
Deut 6:5 And you shall love YHUH with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
6:6 And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart:
6:7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in thine house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
An everlasting covenant, not just Old Testament. As parents gave up teaching their children about YHUH’s commandments so too did the children forget to honour their parents and so have most people fallen away from life everlasting.
Now, the last commandment of not coveting is a broad one which applies to what’s under discussion with the false pastors and prophets abounding around every corner.
Mar 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defiles the man.
7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
7:23 All these evil things come from within and defile the man.
Our problems are from the evil within, if we do not conquer all our desires to be spiritually pure we are lost. Coveting means we crave or desire in improper ways, wanting more than our share of what we rightfully deserve, a share which belongs to someone else. This is huge in society today and is the trap false prophets and pastors fall into – they feel they deserve more than their congregation and start milking their congregations for more than they deserve as their lusts for power and wealth increases. If we are spiritually pure our desire should be to contribute to the well-being of others, not use and abuse them.
James describes it thus:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
Sha’ul says it like this
2Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, morally impure,
3:3 Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
3:4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of YHUH;
3:5 Having a form of YHUH likeness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Covetousness is big business – advertising is geared towards inspiring it in all of us – you need to avoid falling into this trap as covetousness can lead to idolatry when our greed and lusts become bigger than YHUH.
Coll 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of YHUH cometh on the children of disobedience:
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Yah'ushua and of YHUH.
Yah'ushua instructs:
Luke 12:15 And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
Also Sha’ul says:
Philip 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.
2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Does it look like Penuel esteems the members of his congregation or does he esteem himself saying his followers must prove their emunah (faith) to him? All’s fair – why doesn’t he then have the followers do the same to him so he too can show his own emunah to them? They should ride him like a donkey and drive over him with a vehicle and have him eat all the things he has them eat.
Yah'ushua states:
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
10:12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.
10:13 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep.
10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
10:15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
The bad shepherds, the false prophets and pastors are warned against as follows:
Eze 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, Thus says YHUH Elohim to the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
34:9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of YHUH;
34:10 Thus says YHUH Elohim; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgement.
34:17 And as for you, O my flock, thus says YHUH; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.
34:18 Seems it a small thing to you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?
34:19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.
34:20 Therefore thus says YHUH Elohim to them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
If people would not eat something normally in their own home why do they do so at Penuel’s gatherings? We are called upon to discern between right and wrong:
Eze 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the set apart and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Mal 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves YHUH and him that serves him not.
Heb 5:14 But Yah'ushua belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
On Judgement Day you cannot say – he made me do it – no, you are judged alone for your actions.
Quote: Penuel emphasises that his followers should consume whatever he gives them “without asking no question” to prove their faith. To justify his strange choice of communion cuisine, Mnguni quoted the New Testament: “Apostle Paul said it clearly; eat without asking no question (1 Corinthians 10). “People who ask questions, before they eat in the Lord’s table, become partakers with demons.”
1Cor 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles (markets), that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
10:26 For the earth is YHUH’s, and the fullness thereof.
10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; *whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
10:28 But if any man say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake:
10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
10:30 For if I by loving kindness be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the splendour of our Creator.
10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the assembly of YHUH:
10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Let’s put this in context. * whatsoever does not mean unclean things – the context is set in Israel where feasts would only be serving what can be considered edible food to Jews. They would not have a Christmas suckling pig laid out on the table which would have caused a huge offence. The shambles (markets) are in Israel selling clean edible goods according to YHUH’s law (as they still do today) – you would not find such things as pork in the first place, therefore you could buy with clean conscience. If the people selling or entertaining others were breaking YHUH’s law and selling/offering food dedicated to idols you are unaware of it and it is on their heads, not yours. But if you are a righteous follower of Yah'ushua and know YHUH’s law and commandments you will not let the person you are visiting sin without pointing out what you know to be wrong. If you are offered food dedicated to idols, and non-food things that you know are unclean according to YHUH’s law, then you would point this out and refuse to partake. You wouldn’t know unless they offer up the information themselves in which case you must instruct them in what is right as now they are offending you in what you know to be a sin. That’s the thick and thin of it, communal responsibility towards fellow men. As follows:
Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
3:18 When I say to the wicked, You shall surely die; and you give him not warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Communion cuisine is mentioned – this custom of having communion regularly is also not right. Yah'ushua’s supper is commemorated once a year, not every Sunday (Yah'ushua himself observed seventh day Sabbath as a Jew, not Sunday). Nowhere in Scripture is it commanded to have communion every Sunday – that is once again man’s traditions and YHUH is no respecter of men and their pagan traditions.
Penuel Quote: “In fact people who ask where is this meat coming from … It’s a sign that they have never believed in God. Jesus Christ said, it is not what you eat that makes you unclean, rather it is because of your heart.”
Penuel refers to the following:
Mat 15:2 Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
15:3 But he answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of YHUH by your tradition?
15:4 For YHUH commanded, saying, Honour your father and mother: and, He that curses father or mother, let him die the death.
15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me;
15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have you made the commandment of YHUH of none effect by your tradition.
15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
15:8 This people draws nigh to me with their mouth, and honours me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
15:10 And he called the multitude, and said to them, Hear, and understand:
15:11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
15:12 Then came his disciples, and said to him, Know you that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my Father in Shamayim hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15:15 Then answered Peter and said to him, Declare to us this parable.
15:16 And Yah'ushua said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man.
Mar 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashed, hands, they found fault.
7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brass vessels, and of tables.
The point is not the food but washing hand rituals, etc. of Pharisaical men, which Rabbis still do today. The bread was clean, it was not an unclean thing like pork or dog meat. Yah'ushua was merely pointing out that people would rather follow traditions of men even more so than YHUH’s law, which was becoming a burden to the people. YHUH never instructed us to wash our hands a certain way before we eat and Yah'ushua let them know this.
Quote: “It started when I was teaching the word of YHUH, Mark 16: 16 – 18, where it says: ‘He that believes in me, these signs shall follow them; they shall pick up snakes, they will even drink deadly poison, and it shall not harm them. And also Romans 14, where it says to those who believe, to those who have a strong faith, they can eat anything. And to those who have weak faith, they can only eat vegetables.
Mar 16:14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
16:15 And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mat 28:18 And Yah'ushua came and spake to them, saying, All power is given to me in shamayim and in earth.
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Pure Spirit:
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amein.
The eleven would not have been teaching anything other than what Yah'ushua had been teaching, pure Torah, not lawlessness.
Okay, context is everything in the above verses – this is known as The Great Commission given by Yah'ushua to the remaining eleven Apostles prior to His ascension. YHUH imparted the Ruach Ha’kodesh (Pure Spirit) to the eleven Apostles to enable them to do as instructed by Yah'ushua. No-one is an Apostle today as the requirement would be to actually see or be in the presence of Yah'ushua in person and this is not possible at present. Ordinary men and women should not try to do the above-mentioned things as they are not of the eleven nor has Yah'ushua instructed them to do so nor has YHUH imparted the Ruach Ha’kodesh to them in the same manner as to the eleven (in great measure due to persecution and great dangers at that time). To try to do these things is a sin of presumption.
When Yah'ushua was tempted of Satan to commit this sin of presumption His response was as follows:
Mat 4:6 And says to him, If you be the Son of YHUH, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his malakim (angels) charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.
4:7 Yah'ushua said to him, It is written again, You shall not tempt YHUH your Elohim.
Context again with the other verses following:
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the emunah (faith) receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
14:2 For one believes that he may eat all foods: another, who is weak, eats herbs.
14:3 Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for YHUH hath received him.
Abstinence from clean animal meat versus non-abstinence is being discussed here. Just as Daniel did not want to defile himself with unclean Chaldean things he did not consider food and rather ate pulses like beans, lentils, split peas, so some people were following the same example in Sha’ul’s day, abstaining from animal meats altogether as they had no confidence in how the clean animals perhaps are being slaughtered, perhaps strangled, without draining of blood, or if they had been offered to idols prior without their knowledge.
Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
So what is “weak”? Perhaps a “weak” person has a stronger sense of conscience towards YHUH and are sensitive (have sharp awareness) to what is good and evil in this world, are aware of consequences for choices made, etc. in light of YHUH’s written word, Torah.
Heb 5:14 But Yah'ushua belongs to them that are of full age (spiritually mature), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Believers who remain sensitive to sin over a long period of time have had their senses exercised and then have become spiritually mature to discern between good and evil and thus through “weakness” they have become strong against sin.
Daniel was not “weak” in emunah (faith), rather fully aware and sensitive to YHUH’s Torah, thus YHUH baruched (blessed) him with added wisdom and knowledge above his fellow men as follows:
Dan 1:16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse (lentils).
1:17 As for these four children, YHUH gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
1:18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
1:19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king enquired of them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
2Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Mesiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Now this can be seen in another way:
Dan 1:16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse (lentils).
1:17 As for these four children, YHUH gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
1:18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
1:19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king enquired of them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
2Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Mesiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Now this can be seen in another way:
Sin abounds when we have weak moral conviction and our consciences are seared and thus we go around breaking the law and do not blink whilst others are doing the same, without moral compass. Everyone’s compass differs so we must not put stumbling blocks in the way of others finding true North.
Penuel:
He said no food should be thought of as unclean. “They do not know that it is because of their evil hearts,” he said.
“So if Christ died for us why should we choose certain meat for food and begin to abstain from other food? Then it means Christ died in vain for the law is still bringing/raising questions in your heart.”
He promised a bumper sermon for church, adding: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God.”
Penuel:
He said no food should be thought of as unclean. “They do not know that it is because of their evil hearts,” he said.
“So if Christ died for us why should we choose certain meat for food and begin to abstain from other food? Then it means Christ died in vain for the law is still bringing/raising questions in your heart.”
He promised a bumper sermon for church, adding: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God.”
As follows:
1Cor 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the splendour of YHUH.
10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of YHUH:
Sha’ul was having to explain to people proper conduct when visiting each other as Jews and Gentiles – as fellow believers now the Jews and Gentiles were beginning to commune together but they were offending each other as the old Jewish tradition had taught Jews to view Gentiles as unclean. There was a time of adjustment where the Gentiles needed to learn how to prepare meats in a way acceptable to Jews and if there was doubt the Jews would perhaps rather ask only for simpler meals without animal meat to avoid error. The point here is that everyone needed to learn to tolerate the other’s level of emunah (faith). Specific laws were issued to Gentiles for Jews to be able to accept them as fellow believers:
Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago YHUH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the good news and believe.
15:8 And YHUH, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Pure Spirit, even as he did to us;
15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by emunah (faith).
15:10 Now therefore why tempt you YHUH, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
15:11 But we believe that through the loving kindness of Yah'ushua we shall be saved, even as they.
15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders YHUH had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
15:13 And after they had held their silence, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken to me:
15:14 Simeon hath declared how YHUH at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
15:17 That the residue of men might seek after Yah'ushua, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, says YHUH, who does all these things.
15:18 Known to YHUH are all his works from the beginning of the world.
15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YHUH:
15:20 But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the assembly every Sabbath day.
Doubt is sin, a defiled conscience. Everyone is to give their own account to YHUH on Judgement Day, we stand alone, you can’t say you were forced into anything. Likewise you are not showing love to others if you put pressure on them to eat something unclean, to defile someone’s conscience. Peer pressure is a terrible thing not of YHUH and should not be given into.
You are not to offend others in foods and put stumbling blocks in front of people, and Penuel is doing just this.
14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by Yah'ushua Messiah that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteems any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14:15 But if your brother be grieved with your meat, now walk you not charitably. Destroy not him with your meat, for whom Messiah died.
14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17 For the kingdom of YHUH is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and shalom and gladness in the Pure Spirit.
14:18 For he that in these things serves Messiah is acceptable to YHUH, and approved of men.
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for shalom, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of YHUH. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eats with offence.
14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.
14:22 Have you emunah (faith)? have it to yourself before YHUH. Glad is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he allows.
14:23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of emunah (moral conviction): for whatsoever is not of emunah is sin.
1Cor 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the splendour of YHUH.
10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of YHUH:
Sha’ul was having to explain to people proper conduct when visiting each other as Jews and Gentiles – as fellow believers now the Jews and Gentiles were beginning to commune together but they were offending each other as the old Jewish tradition had taught Jews to view Gentiles as unclean. There was a time of adjustment where the Gentiles needed to learn how to prepare meats in a way acceptable to Jews and if there was doubt the Jews would perhaps rather ask only for simpler meals without animal meat to avoid error. The point here is that everyone needed to learn to tolerate the other’s level of emunah (faith). Specific laws were issued to Gentiles for Jews to be able to accept them as fellow believers:
Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago YHUH made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the good news and believe.
15:8 And YHUH, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Pure Spirit, even as he did to us;
15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by emunah (faith).
15:10 Now therefore why tempt you YHUH, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
15:11 But we believe that through the loving kindness of Yah'ushua we shall be saved, even as they.
15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders YHUH had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
15:13 And after they had held their silence, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken to me:
15:14 Simeon hath declared how YHUH at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
15:17 That the residue of men might seek after Yah'ushua, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, says YHUH, who does all these things.
15:18 Known to YHUH are all his works from the beginning of the world.
15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YHUH:
15:20 But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the assembly every Sabbath day.
Doubt is sin, a defiled conscience. Everyone is to give their own account to YHUH on Judgement Day, we stand alone, you can’t say you were forced into anything. Likewise you are not showing love to others if you put pressure on them to eat something unclean, to defile someone’s conscience. Peer pressure is a terrible thing not of YHUH and should not be given into.
You are not to offend others in foods and put stumbling blocks in front of people, and Penuel is doing just this.
14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by Yah'ushua Messiah that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteems any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14:15 But if your brother be grieved with your meat, now walk you not charitably. Destroy not him with your meat, for whom Messiah died.
14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17 For the kingdom of YHUH is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and shalom and gladness in the Pure Spirit.
14:18 For he that in these things serves Messiah is acceptable to YHUH, and approved of men.
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for shalom, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of YHUH. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eats with offence.
14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.
14:22 Have you emunah (faith)? have it to yourself before YHUH. Glad is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he allows.
14:23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of emunah (moral conviction): for whatsoever is not of emunah is sin.
Okay – there is the verse where it appears nothing is unclean of itself – context meaning food which is of clean animals. Even if offered to idols the food has no power over you as YHUH is all in all, creator of everything, the only living Elohim, and Messiah has overcome the world through shedding His blood for us – we should not fear anything other than YHUH’s wrath on this earth. Conscience, however dictates. If you are weak in emunah it is best to abstain or else you will sin if any doubt creeps into your mind regarding any idol having any power. You need full moral conviction to be able to avoid doubt so you need to be mature as Sha’ul illustrated. If you know it was offered to idols you need to be a source of strength to the one who offered it and teach him the error of his ways, refusing it and teaching them in the hopes of saving him/her from the wrath to come from YHUH.
Verse 14:22 to 23. If you have emunah it is between you and YHUH, not for you to prove to Penuel in front of others. Also, you are not to condemn yourself in what you allow others to do to you – don’t let peer pressure get to you – only you will suffer for it in the end. Penuel is claiming power and authority to disregard Yah’uah’s law without consequences. This is power that he does not have and those who submit to him make him an idol which has fake power above YHUH. His followers become idolators, preferring Penuel’s law to Yah’uah’s. This will lead to their destruction. It seems they prefer to be driven over with a vehicle, defiled and humiliated rather than to be keeping To’rah which leads to eternal life.
An illustration of what is not of true emunah is the example of Simon Magus (who is the originator of many false doctrines where signs and wonders are sought after more than YHUH’s true ways):
Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of YHUH, they sent to them Peter and John:
8:15 Who, when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the Pure Spirit:
8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of Yah'ushua.)
8:17 Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Pure Spirit.
8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Pure Spirit was given, he offered them money,
8:19 Saying, Give me also this power that on whomsoever I lay hands he may receive the Pure Spirit.
8:20 But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of YHUH may be purchased with money.
8:21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of YHUH.
8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray YHUH, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven you.
8:23 For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray you to YHUH for me that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Don’t let Penuel pull you into sin in public to please him with his signs and wonders, dog bones and octopus show – what you do is ultimately seen by YHUH and you are judged by it. Penuel will not help you on Judgement Day, you will be damned for doing sinful things under the wrong motivations, allowing things you should not. Eating unclean things is not showing respect to YHUH, our creator, it is just making an ass of yourself in order to please Penuel and enrich him.
Verse 14:22 to 23. If you have emunah it is between you and YHUH, not for you to prove to Penuel in front of others. Also, you are not to condemn yourself in what you allow others to do to you – don’t let peer pressure get to you – only you will suffer for it in the end. Penuel is claiming power and authority to disregard Yah’uah’s law without consequences. This is power that he does not have and those who submit to him make him an idol which has fake power above YHUH. His followers become idolators, preferring Penuel’s law to Yah’uah’s. This will lead to their destruction. It seems they prefer to be driven over with a vehicle, defiled and humiliated rather than to be keeping To’rah which leads to eternal life.
An illustration of what is not of true emunah is the example of Simon Magus (who is the originator of many false doctrines where signs and wonders are sought after more than YHUH’s true ways):
Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of YHUH, they sent to them Peter and John:
8:15 Who, when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the Pure Spirit:
8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of Yah'ushua.)
8:17 Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Pure Spirit.
8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Pure Spirit was given, he offered them money,
8:19 Saying, Give me also this power that on whomsoever I lay hands he may receive the Pure Spirit.
8:20 But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of YHUH may be purchased with money.
8:21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of YHUH.
8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray YHUH, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven you.
8:23 For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray you to YHUH for me that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Don’t let Penuel pull you into sin in public to please him with his signs and wonders, dog bones and octopus show – what you do is ultimately seen by YHUH and you are judged by it. Penuel will not help you on Judgement Day, you will be damned for doing sinful things under the wrong motivations, allowing things you should not. Eating unclean things is not showing respect to YHUH, our creator, it is just making an ass of yourself in order to please Penuel and enrich him.
Here is a short video explaining a few points made above.
