Articles by Subject

For the Mind, Articles by Subject

This is pretty much the same listing of articles as other places on this site, except that it arranges article titles by subject. So there will be some overlap, and some duplication. For instance, a subject such as circumcision could appear under the heading of Circumcision and also under the heading of Bible Books or Sections, depending on how the issue is represented. Another example is Bruce's article on Headcoverings and Bible Study. Does it go under Head Coverings, or Bible Study? We elected to put it both places.

You might ask why we did this, when you could just use the Search box at the top of each page. Well, we did it because people searching the web might run across an article because of the way we have it listed. This way they don't have to find the site first, then browse through the articles till they find one they want.

If you have an article you've written you'd like to post here, send us an email with the pdf attached. We'll look at it to see if it fits with our mission, and put it up here if it does. Every whole Bible believer has something to contribute, and we try to accommodate all that we can.

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV)

Below is a menu for the subjects on this page. Click on the link to go to a section. Some are duplicates but we put them there to help with finding a subject.

Bible Books or Sections | Bible Study | Feasts or Festivals | Blessing

The church and Leadership or Authority | Clean and Unclean Laws

Communion | Covenant | Crucifixion | Dead Sea Scrolls

 Diet and Food | Head Coverings

Holy Spirit | Law and/or Covenant | Identity

 Mark of the Beast Mark of God | Money or Tithe

Name | One Law | Parables | Prayer | Red Heifer

 Sabbath | Sex and Morality

Tassels | Translation | Tradition

Tithe or Money | Two House/Identity

Whole Bible Christianity

 The Word of God | Word Studies

 

Bible Books or Sections

Psalms

Psalm 22:16 by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 2 pages.
The words "they pierced" in this Psalm have been the center of controversy for quite a while now.  See why, and read about a conclusion based on ancient evidence recently unearthed.

Isaiah

Winking at the Word by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 4 pages.
Don't let the title fool you, Mr. Hegg's article is an excellent discussion of Isaiah 66:2 and what it means to "tremble" at God's Word.  It should be printable in it's current form.

Matthew

The Great Commission, an Inquiry by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 13 pages.
Matthew 28:18-20 is discussed thoroughly by Tim here.  Baptism, authority, the Holy Spirit's ministry and more are included here for your consideration.

Matthew 5 by Bruce Scott Bertram.   PDF version, 16 pages.
Verse by verse comments on Matthew chapter five, showing how Jesus' teachings were not all that new to begin with.

Matthew 5:17-20, Yeshua's View of Torah by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 16 pages.
Tim presents a 'fuller' treatment of the four verses in Matthew 5:17-20.  Enjoy the fruits of his hard work in presenting this for our understanding.

Matthew 6 by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Part two of the Sermon on the Mount.  Verse by verse opinions showing connections to similar concepts in other parts of Scripture.

Matthew 7 by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Third section of Jesus' Sermon from the Mount.  Dogs and pigs, sand and rock, and the difference between working for God and working for self.

John

The Adulterous Woman by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Article from John 8 you might find interesting.  Jesus the lawyer neatly instructs in the proper application of the Law.  Don't miss it.

Acts of the Apostles

Acts 15 by Moshe ben Shaul.  PDF version, about 10 pages.
Here is an article by a good friend who has thoughtful comments on this chapter of Holy Writ.

Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 17 pages.
Extended treatment of the incidents concerning the Jerusalem council and their finding on the issue of circumcision being necessary for salvation.

Romans

Romans 14 and the 4th Commandment by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 4 pages.
A good treatment of the "disputatious matters" issue raised by Paul and misunderstood by many, especially with regard to the Sabbath.

Galatians

Galatians by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 30 pages.
Written in response to questions from a church he attended.  With bibliography.  This article has a quick summary of the historical split between Judaism and the Church, along with hitting some of the highlights in the epistle.  It is not a complete study, but serves to orient the student to the beginnings of a different viewpoint than the Church has traditionally taught.

Ephesians

Dividing Wall in Ephesians 2:14 by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 16 pages.
Covered very well in this article written in 1996.  We find here that Jesus did not abolish the Law at all, but that a wall erected by men is torn down by Him.

 

Bible Study

Head Coverings and Bible Study by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 18 pages.
A fairly complete article with balancing viewpoints on the subject of Bible study using 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 as an example.  The emphasis is mostly on Bible study methods.  This article is also available in booklet form.  Just email us at info@wholebible.com to request a copy you can print and staple yourself.  Or, email asking for a booklet and we will mail you a printed copy.  We just ask for a couple dollars for paper and postage.

 

Biblical Feasts or Festivals

Atonement by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Has a discussion of fasting in addition to the description of the Feast.  A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Fall Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Cycles by Bruce Scott Bertram, PDF version, 8 pages.
A general teaching or overview of all of the feasts as they relate to cycles in the year, themes, and Yeshua (Jesus). A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Spring Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Passover by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 5 pages.
An overview of all three Spring feasts - Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Spring Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through The Feast of Tabernacles by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages. Party, party, party, all the time party!  Do we have a great God, or what? A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Fall Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through the Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
When was the Sabbath instituted?  Who was the first person to observe the Sabbath?  Is the Sabbath really something that is part of Christian faith and practice?  It seems the Scriptures say so, but men say no.  Which is it?  Or rather, which one do we listen to? A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Christian Faith and Practice through Yom Teruah (feast of Trumpets) by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages. Another in the series of CF&P articles intended to help people who are new to practicing the whole of the Word learn how.  Contains information on how to blow a shofar and where to get them. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice Through the Fall Feasts). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Manger by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version 2 pages. Short article on the inn and the manger of Luke 2. Apparently there is a lot of interest in this judging by the requests for backup from the Tabernacles article. So here it is.

Pentecost by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
A discussion of the giving of the Spirit in Acts as it relates to the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai.

Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Part of the feasts but perhaps better explained under a separate heading, the article takes a look at the day of rest and how we can connect with our Father by observing it. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

The Sabbath in Scripture by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 12 Pages. 
Another article on the Sabbath with an in-depth look as the day combines with the Law and is taught throughout the Scriptures.

Stringing Pearls for Yom Kippur by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
If you would like a little more explanation for Yom Kippur check out the article, which includes a detailed study of affliction and humbling.

Sukkot: The Feast of Tabernacles by Richard Chaimberlin.
We are privileged to be able to include Richard's articles on this site.  Feel free to bop on over to Richard's site Petah Tikvah, if you want.

Blessing

Christian Faith and Practice through Blessing by Bruce Bertram.  PDF version, 7 pages.
Helps to illuminate some of the many ways to bless and be blessed. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

The Priestly Blessing by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 4 pages.
A nice article on his site covering some of the principles involved in the Aaronic or Priestly Blessing.

 

The church and Leadership or Authority

Asses and Elders by Bruce Scott Bertram, about 6 pages.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Starts with the four-legged talking donkey in Numbers and finishes up with the two-legged talking donkeys in our daily lives.  Includes views on super churches and the media, too.  This article is built around the Reformation concept that 'all truth is God's truth.'

The Church Isn't Cutting It Anymore by Bruce Scott Bertram.  4 pages.
Check out our opinion of what other interesting statistics Barna Research has uncovered.  Pastors who rate themselves highly while the Church is falling apart.  Shades of Nero's fiddling!

Who's Running This Place? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 5 pages.
Takes a look at the issues of God's authority along with 'right thinking' as opposed to 'right doing,' and consequently why the Torah is included in the walk of a Christian.

 

Clean and Unclean Laws

Christian Faith and Practice through Cleanliness.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Discussion of issues relating to clean and unclean. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice through Sex, Clean and Unclean). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

 

Communion

The Lord's Table by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 14 pages.
Tim investigates the meaning of the communion in a balanced article from the Torah Resource web site.  As with most articles by Tim, very much worth the study.

 

Crucifixion

Chronology of the week of Yeshua's Crucifixion and Resurrection by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 9 pages.
Another good article from Tim Hegg covers the chronology of the Passion week.

 

Dead Sea Scrolls

Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar by Shari Freeland.

Calendars constructed by Shari from the Dead Sea Scrolls which were authored by the Essenses at Qumran, and cross checked with other historical information such as the books of Enoch and Jubilees.  Each year is broken out into a separate file below.  Shari places the biblical feasts and the Jubilee years in their proper places (according to the Essene tradition) along with other helpful information such as priest schedules from the scrolls and even a little astronomy.  See the Intro for a full explanation and the Footnotes for reference details.

Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar Intro by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 5 pages.
Coming soon, an introduction to a calendar constructed by Shari using information from the Dead Sea Scrolls.  See the companion articles below for the calendar itself and related footnotes.
DSS Calendar Year 1 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.
DSS Calendar Year 2 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.
DSS Calendar Year 3 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.
DSS Calendar Year 4 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.
DSS Calendar Year 5 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.
DSS Calendar Year 6 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.
Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar Footnotes, by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 5 pages.
Footnotes by Shari for the Dead Sea Scrolls calendars (above) constructed by her from documents authored by an Essene sect and found in the cave at Qumran.

 

Diet/Food

Did God change His mind about food? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 13 pages.
Asks (and answers) the question about God and changing.  He looks at Mark 7:19 and Acts 10 (Peter's Vision) to determine if our God changed His everlasting Word or not.

Christian Faith and Practice through Diet by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Explores the teaching and blessings that come from following our Father's ways in the area of food.

 

Head Coverings

Paul and Corinthian Women's Hairstyles by Nancy Carter.  Link to web page.
Companion article to the one below looking more in-depth at the concept that Paul is speaking of hairstyles in 1 Corinthians 11.

Paul and Corinthian Women's Head Coverings by Nancy Carter.  Link to web page.
Good article on some of the cultural aspects for women and head coverings using some archaeological evidence and having a nice bibliography too.

Head covering Customs of the Ancient World by Michael Marlowe.  Link to web site.
Article from a cultural viewpoint on what he thinks Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 11.  We don't agree with his conclusions, but he provides some interesting information.

Head Coverings and Bible Study by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 18 pages.
A fairly complete article with balancing viewpoints on the subject of Bible study using 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 as an example.  The emphasis is mostly on Bible study methods. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Should I Remove My Kippah? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 12 pages.
An article on some different articles of clothing, particularly kippahs (key-paws) and head coverings.   Excellent study of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

The Woman's Head Covering by Michael Marlowe.  Link to web site.
We don't agree with his conclusions, but we include these links because he provides a different perspective and some good cultural information.

Women's Head coverings: A Messianic Viewpoint anonymous author.  PDF file, 6 pages.
We include here an article on head coverings for women, but it has a little bit more extensive review than others because the subject matter seems to get so many people in a passionate uproar.  Apparently it is a woman, though, as evidenced by the last paragraph.  One wonders why she wants to remain anonymous, until the article is read.  Then it is obvious why she doesn’t want to give her name – her arguments are inadequate and incomplete, and she has poor hermeneutics, so she doesn’t want to have to answer for what she says. 
The article should’ve been called something like ‘Women’s Head Coverings, A Traditional Viewpoint’ because not all people of a Messianic viewpoint are the same on this issue.  Secondly, even modifying the title to more accurately depict something to do with traditions wouldn’t exactly cover it, since the article mainly consists of traditional references from select sources rather than a broad sampling.  She claims to represent the ‘Messianic’ view, yet the majority of Messianics do not seem to share her opinion as evidenced by the lack of head coverings among Messianic women.  The author obviously has an ax to grind and carefully selects historical or biblical texts that support the grinding.  So perhaps a better title would be ‘Why I Want Women to Wear a Cloth on the Head.’

The author is trying to get the reader to believe that all cultures everywhere at anytime have had a head covering element.  This is absolutely not the case.  There are many cultures and traditions that do not include a head covering, and she fails to account for other reasons why a head covering might be worn, such as for head or hair protection.  She also overlooks an obvious point: if culture or tradition are good arguments for a cloth on the head, then why wouldn’t the current ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’ (modern practice) tell us that NOT wearing one is okay?
Another problem is that she ignores biblical references that would contradict her idea that a head covering for women is universally ‘good.’  For instance, in Genesis 38 Tamar is recognized as a prostitute by Judah because she has a covered head.  Moses wears a veil to cover the glory of the Messiah (Ex. 34:33-35 – and he’s male to boot) because the people couldn’t bear to look at his face, and death is a covering or veil over the nations in Isaiah 25:7.

She consistently confuses the presence of a cloth with hair, but only when it suits her purpose.  For instance, right in the first paragraph, second sentence, she states that a woman’s hair is “unveiled” in places such as Number 5:18, when clearly the text reads ‘unbound hair.’  She quotes Isaiah 3:17 for a second such reference, yet not only does the verse simply refer to a loss of hair but a few verses later the thought of hair removal is reinforced and made even more specific (compare Isaiah 3:17 with Isaiah 3:24).

17Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the Lord will make their foreheads bare.” (Isaiah 3:17 NASB95)
24Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. (Isaiah 3:24 NASB95)

The only Bible reference that she spends much time on is Numbers 5:18, which leads me to believe she has read Tim Hegg’s article ‘Should I Remove My Kippah?’ (above) and is trying to make a translation come out different.  But all she can come up with is a rabbinic interpretation where the unbinding of a woman’s hair is equated to her own idea of ‘uncover.’  This is nothing more than eisegesis and poor hermeneutics.
We find the article to be good at picking out a few cultural practices, but very poor at coming up with anything Scriptural.  The author’s hermeneutics are sloppy, and she reads into the text to support a pre-existing viewpoint.

 

Holy Spirit

Christian Faith and Practice through the Spirit by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Doesn't cover specific Laws as much as it addresses the Biblical teachings on the Spirit and various practices which have arisen from incomplete understandings of the Word.  'Leading' and 'filling' are covered, as well as some of the Spirit's activities in the Tanakh (OT).

 

Law and/or Covenant

The 613 Commands by Moses Maimonides.  PDF version, 16 pages.
List of commands found in the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch) sorted by a rabbi around the 1100's named Maimonides (also called the Rambam from an acronym of his name - Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon).  With references for each and a short description, and grouped under convenient headings.  The web page is also searchable with the search tool at the left of each page.

The 1050 Commands by Finnis Jennings Dake.  PDF version, 19 pages.
List of commands found in the Apostolic Scriptures (NT) by Dake.  Open to interpretation, and we do not agree with everything he taught, but his arguments are pretty convincing that there are over a thousand commands in the NT.  Has subject headings and references, and the web page is searchable with the search tool on the left of each page.

Covenant Reading by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, 15 pages.
An article contrasting the differences between the statements "What must I do to be saved" and "What does God require of me?"  The link to the web site is www.messiahnyc.org, if you need it.

Covenant Thinking by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, 15 pages.
On the differences between Hebrew and Greek thinking.  Web site is www.messiahnyc.org if you want more.

Covenant Hearing, by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, 13 pages.
On assurance and identity.  Browse the site at www.messiahnyc.org; we're sure you will find it helpful and interesting.

Did You Know? by Laura Mayhorn.  PDF file, 2 pages.
Laura visits our site and developed a good list of questions and biblical answers, covering facts related to God's Laws, that should appeal to all seekers of truth.

Dr. Laura by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Our own response to a letter that sometimes circulates through email, concerning a person's concerns who supposedly listens to her radio show.  Dr. Laura Schlessinger speaks positively on her shows concerning the Law, among other things, and it is plain that the alleged listener is not really listening after all.

Law Primer by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version 29 pages.
An attempt to help define terms and concepts, with bibliography.

True Confessions by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, about 10 pages.
A Reformed or Presbyterian minister, and also a Jewish person, Steve puts together a somewhat formal but thorough explanation of some ideas concerning the applicability of the Law to Christians in an article from his congregation's web site www.messiahnyc.org.  We copied it and made it a pdf file because we can't find it on the website anymore. While we don't agree with every single point, he makes a strong case for the Law and how it relates to us Christians.  The article revolves around Galatians 3:28 and various interpretations.

Torah and the Hammer by Rick Taylor.  PDF version, 10 pages.
Mr. Taylor has gone on ahead of us to be with the Lord, but he left us with some good teaching that doesn't need to go by the wayside even so.  This article is a nice look at tools and the different ways to use them.

 

Mark of the Beast, Mark of God

Christian Faith and Practice through the Mark by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 5 pages.
The mark of the beast makes many people shudder.  But did you know the Scriptures teach us about a mark of God?   Offers information giving a possible whole new meaning to the Mark.

 

Money or Tithe

Christian Faith and Practice through Money by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Here we talk about some of the general aspects of the Law as they apply to handling money.  Tithing, charity, and loans are covered along with some beginning interpretations.

 

Name

The Name of Jesus by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 2 pages.
Discussion of the differences between Jesus, Yeshua, and Joshua as found in the text.

The Name of The Lord by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 3 pages.
Shari asks, what do the names Yahweh, Jehovah, and Lord all have in common?

 

One Law

One Law Movements, A Challenge to the Messianic Jewish Community by Daniel Juster and Russ Resnik.  PDF file, 9 pages.
Dr. Daniel Juster is Director of Tikkun Ministries International (www.tikkunministries.org) and Russ Resnik is Executive Director of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (www.umjc.org).  This 9-page article describes why they do not like the idea of Torah for everybody.

One Law Movements, A Response to Russ Resnik and Daniel Juster by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 31 pages.
This article describes why Daniel Juster and Russ Resnik are wrong.

 

Parables

The Parable of Feeding the Multitude Part One by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 2 pages.
First of three part article on the implications of Jesus feeding the multitude.

The Parable of Feeding the Multitude Part Two by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 3 pages.
Second of three part article on the implications of Jesus feeding the multitude.

 

Prayer

Christian Faith and Practice through Prayer by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 6 pages.
Goes over much of the Scripture relating to prayer.  Attempts to provide some guidance from our Father's instructions.  Contains a word study on prayer. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice through Blessing and Prayer). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

 

Red Heifer

The Red Heifer Sacrifice by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 6 pages.
Shari does a good job comparing her view of the red heifer sacrifice in Numbers 19 with the crucifixion of Jesus.

 

Sabbath

Some articles are listed on our site in several places. This is one example. The Sabbath is actually part of the God's Feasts or Festivals, but frequently is studied separately. So here are articles on the Sabbath again.

Christian Faith and Practice through the Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
When was the Sabbath instituted?  Who was the first person to observe the Sabbath?  Is the Sabbath really something that is part of Christian faith and practice?  It seems the Scriptures say so, but men say no.  Which is it?  Or rather, which one do we listen to? A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Part of the feasts but perhaps better explained under a separate heading, the article takes a look at the day of rest and how we can connect with our Father by observing it.

The Sabbath in Scripture by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 12 Pages. 
Another article on the Sabbath with an in-depth look as the day combines with the Law and is taught throughout the Scriptures.

 

Sex and Morality

Christian Faith and Practice through Sex by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
An article detailing some of the Laws governing intimate relationships with one another, specifically between married people of opposite genders sufficiently removed. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice through Sex, Clean and Unclean). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

People Husbandry through the Word by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Discussion covering the issues of modesty in relation to nakedness and clothing, written in response to an article in a Gates of Eden publication by a Brother John Robinson.  Is a head covering Scriptural?  Do women have to wear long skirts according to the Bible?  Why don't men have to wear long skirts, too?  What is idolatry, anyway?  These are some of the questions Bruce looks at in an attempt to balance arguments about how women should dress with what the Scriptures say about the subject. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section (Christian Faith and Practice through Modesty). Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Torah Morality by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 4 pages.
Discusses some of the issues of sex outside of marriage, and sex within marriage.  An excellent read, the link is to a copy of the article we downloaded but cannot seem to find in his index at the moment on the Torah Resource web site.  We usually will point to the home site as the source, just in case they want to change the article or something.  Let us know if we need to change the link back to the site instead of linking to our own copy.  The one we have should be printable, but if you have any problems, let me know.

 

Tassels

Christian Faith and Practice through Tzitzit by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
It may seem a little odd, but an important article on tassels can be found by clicking on this link.  Some argue that these are not necessary, but how do we define 'necessary?'  Read and find out just how many of the commands really do apply to Christians.

How to Tie Your Own Tzitzit in one of the Jewish Styles by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF file, 7 pages.
An article with instructions and illustrations on tying one style of the tassel God asks His children to wear on their clothing.  Lots of photos and some other web addresses for purchasing kits, too.

 

Translation

The Practical Effects of Translational Bias by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 10 pages.
Looks at some of the practical issues regarding the supposed difficulties of properly translating the Bible.  Some in the 'Hebrew Roots' camp are claiming the Apostolic Writings in particular are 'mistranslated' because some translators had a deliberate bias against Judaism and the Hebrew language.  Is this really true?  Can God be trusted to deliver an uncorrupted version of what He requires from man?

 

Tradition

Christian Faith and Practice through...Tradition by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.
Using some of the principals from the movie Fiddler on the Roof and quotes from his buddy Tevye, Bruce lays out some of his viewpoints on the legitimacy and place of tradition in the believer's life, contrasting the traditions of men with the traditions of God. A free booklet for personal use can be printed by going to Study Helps and going to the Free Whole Bible Booklets section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

Some Thoughts on Traditions in Torah Communities by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 7 pages.
Traditions have their place, but that we need to be careful of judging one another based on practices that are not found in the Word of God.  Well reasoned and gives some excellent guidelines.

 

Two House/Identity

Adoption by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
Few people are as qualified as Bruce to write on the subject of adoption.  In this article he shares some of his insights gained the hard way.  See also Two Into One and One House for some other similar ideas.

Encounters with an Ephraimite: Identity Through A Lost Heritage, by Boaz Michael.  PDF file, 16 pages.
Personal article discussing Mr. Michael's interactions with people who believe in the Two House theories.  Nicely put and meaningful.

Identity Issues by Bruce Scott Bertram.
Short article on the general idea of identity problems within the Messianic Movement, including an analysis of the Two House theories, with links to various articles by Bruce and others.

One House by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.
Long before it became fashionable to speak of 'one house' in the Two House teachings, Bruce in 2003 was writing on the fallacies of those teachings and making pleas for maintaining the unity already given to God's children by the Spirit.  See also Adoption and Two Into One for other articles relating to these issues.

The Two House Theory: Three Fatal Flaws by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 11 pages.
Excellent article on basic flaws exhibited by the Two House theory.  1.  The 10 tribes are not lost.  2.  God's plan is for all Gentiles, not just descendants of the 10 tribes.  3.  The union of Judah and Ephraim is separate from salvation for Gentiles.

Two Into One by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.
A look at the Two House theory.  Written in 2002, before the changeover in the Two House teachings to an emphasis on 'one house.'  See also Adoption (2002) and One House (2003) to read about Bruce's other pleas for those brothers and sisters to read Scripture and maintain the unity already given to us by the Spirit.  Of course, 'one house' is not an original idea at all.

 

Whole Bible Christianity

Whole Bible Christianity by Bruce Scott Bertram. A summary of some of the things Bruce has written in his book 'Hidden In Plain Sight: The Heart of the New Covenant.' Print this free booklet by clicking on the link or going to Study Helps page and the Free Whole Bible Booklet section. Or, send the Word of God Ministries a donation along with a request for adiitional information, tell us which booklet you want, and we'll send you some copies.

 

The Word of God

Absolute Truth by Bruce Scott Bertram.  3 pages. PDF version, 3 pages.
This one might just frost your cookies, but don't blame us, blame the Church's teaching and Barna Research.  What are we to make of the statistic that most people in the Church do not believe in absolute truth?

The Word of God by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 10 pages.
If you like comparing Scripture with Scripture you will like this article.  Be warned, however.  If you are looking for confirmation for what you already believe this article may damage your thinking!

 

Word Studies

Manger and Inn

Manger by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version 2 pages. Short article on the inn and the manger of Luke 2. Apparently there is a lot of interest in this judging by the requests for backup from the Tabernacles article. So here it is.

Plerosai

What Does plerosai Mean in Matthew 5:17? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 18 pages.
This is an in depth, scholarly presentation to the Evangelical Theological Society made by Tim at a meeting in November 2000, so you will need to know at least a little Greek and Hebrew to really get the 'full' meaning, but a novice will be okay if patience is used.

Wine

In Vino, Veritas by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 16 pages.
Bruce presents one of his papers from a Yeshiva class he took on basic Hermeneutics.  'In Vino, Veritas' is Latin for 'In Wine there is Truth' and has footnotes but no bibliography.  He covers everything from how the words for wine are defined and used in the Bible all the way to wine making.  Probably a great cure for insomnia.