ZDK Revival Chapel Literature

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Issues of God's Law:

THE ROYAL RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SCRIPTURES

Philosophically, as much as we all may like Freedom and Liberty, the practical facts of life are that, in order to avoid chaos and civil disorder, any Nation or Society MUST have a set of regulations and rules that most of them know reasonably well and are inclined to obey. For, without Law, a Peoples simply degenerate into a struggle of survival of the fittest, where might, alone, makes right. And, if no one heeds the Law, you will lose your Culture and Civilization. So, Law becomes a primary ingredient for any Realm.

Historically, the Middle Ages (from where we like to take much of our Culture) was a time of conflicting Law systems. For much of the time, the Ecclesiastical Law System (based on Divine Law) had the upper hand. However, opposed to this was the Folk Laws (based upon Pagan beliefs). Ecclesiastical Law, held that Law came down from above and was God ordained. Thus, it expressed God's Will for what we should do in our lives, and as such, it was unalterable, even as God, HIMSELF is immutable. (And the story of Moses receiving the Decologue or 10 Commandments from God was central to this teaching.) But, Folk Law held that Law was based upon the Will of the People, and thus could easily be changed to reflect current superstitions or thinking.

Therefore, as we are set on bringing a RETURN of the Vikings, the question now becomes, what did they base their Laws on? Without question, the Pagan Vikings thought that the Folk Ways should rule, and in fact, their groups all too often degenerated into that struggle to determine the fittest (with the might of arms being the determiner of justice). However the GahTSK, or Northern Peoples of God (from whom we like to base Our Ideals) were, also without question, followers of Divine Law. For, their Laws were based on the Holy Scriptures, as the Divine expression of God's Will for what they should do. (And, the story of Mount Sinai was commonly told.)

Correspondingly, the Northern Nations rose in power and influence, until they dominated most of Northern Europe. For we believe the Scriptures, which say:

Righteousness exalts (builds up) a Nation (or Peoples); But Sin (evil deeds) is a reproach (or downfall) to any Peoples! (Proverbs 14:34).

So, as the Northern Nations did good deeds (followed the Laws of God), they prospered and rose in power. But, when they slid away into evil deeds (and fell back into Paganism), their power declined, until they were swepted away and almost forgotten.

In light of this, Our Realm is wholely committed to following Divine Law (and the Laws of God)! For, not only are we calling Northmen to RETURN to God, be we are seeking to bring a resurgence of the prosperity and power of the Northern Nations. And, if we do what God wants, then surely we shall become a rising power. And see the New GahTSK Culture (which we are developing) spread and grow.

Now, while this has been aimed, philosophically, at Nations, Societies, and Realms, in a more practical, down to earth vein, what holds true for Nations also holds true for individuals. Thus, if you take up and adhere to God's Law, then you (and your family) will come to grow and prosper. (And, though you may still have storms and some set-backs, occassionally, the over-all trend is going to be one of rising fame and fortunes.) So, it is any wonder, then, that we encourage Our People to follow God's Laws? Surely, they want God's blessings!

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NOT UNDER THE LAW?

Yes, but (some church-goers may say) we are nolonger under the Law but are under Grace, so we don't need to live by God's Law!

Unfortunately, this is a severe logical falacy! (Even though it is commonly held.) For while it is true that we are nolonger under the Law to SALVATION (for the Law can save no one), we are still under the Law for SANCTIFICATION! For, it is written:

Be ye (you) Holy, for I AM Holy! (Leviticus 19:2)

And, how are you going to expect to be Holy, if you do not do the things that God has told you PLAINLY to do? In fact, the whole thing about the 10 Commandments was that they were so imporatnt to God, that we should do them, that HE, HIMSELF, came down on Mount Sinai and told the People directly what they were suppose to do! (Exodus 20:18-22) However, those who throw all the Law out, are like those who throw the baby out with the bath water! Rather, we must separate our sheep from our goats.

Moreover, Y'Shua or Jesus sternly warned about this immoral attitude of getting rid of God's Law, saying:

Think NOT that I am come to destroy (do away with) the Law, or the Prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill! For, Truly I say unto you: Till Heaven and Earth pass away, one jot or one tittle (dots) shall in no wise pass from the Law (till all be fulfilled). Therefore, whosoever shall break one of the least of these Commandments, and shall teach men to do so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven; But, whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called GREAT in the Kingdom of Heaven! (Matthew 5:17-19)

Moreover, HE directly told HIS followers:

If you Love ME, (then) keep MY Commandments! (John 14:15)

Thus, we believe it to be very clear that God wants you to keep HIS Law, and especially the 10 Commandments (which summarize it). And, while keeping them will not Save you (for that comes only from belief on Christ's sacrifice on the Cross), it will make you more pleasing to HIM (and bestow upon you HIS favor).

Thus, in direct opposition to HIS own Words, would be those who say that following God's Law (the 10 Commandments) is too RELIGIOUS, and we modern people nolonger need to do so! And, in the same light are those who claim that once they are saved, they will always be saved, no mater what they do (so live it up)! For Christ has a very stern warning for them:

Not everyone who says unto ME, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; But (rather) he that does the Will of MY Father (ie the Commandments) which is in Heaven! (For) Many will say unto ME in that Day (Second Coming) LORD, LORD have we not prophesied in THY (Your) Name? And in THY Name (we) have cast out devils? And in THY Name done many wonderful works? And then I will Profess (Proclaim) to them: I never knew you, DEPART FROM ME, YE (you) WHO WORK INIQUITY! (Matthew 7:21-23)

So, heed the warning. And, if you need to, consider the warning of Moses, as well:

Behold! I set before you, this day, a blessing and a curse: A blessing if ye (you) obey the Commandments, which I command you, this day; And a curse, if ye will not obey the Commandments of the Lord your God...! (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)

And make no mistake about it. Those who obey God, and follow the 10 Commandments will be blessed. But, those who disobey God, and break HIS Commandments (or teach others to) will be accursed!

Now, isn't it clear what you should do?

However, with the pressures of the modern world, many (even People of God) think that they can just live life as they please. And all too many snub God and what HE said HE wanted. Which explains one phenomena that many have observed, but few can explain. When someone gets an Engiftment or the Outpouring of the Holy Ghost (see the previous Article), they are full of energy and zeal for the Lord. But, as the days pass, this fades and disapates. Why? Because, if God is to dwell in you and Manifest HIS Presence there, then you need to be sure that your Temple (body) is clean and wholely sanctified (or HE'll go elsewhere). Thus, many may receive Engiftment, but few retain it, because they do not walk a Holy enough life. They have forgotten to obey God's Law and keep HIS 10 Commandments!

Therefore, it is for these reasons (and many more) that we encourage Our People to obey God, follow HIS Laws, and keep HIS 10 Commandments (which summarize God's Law).

Unfortunately, because of this bad attitude of the world against God's Law, many today do not even know what HIS Law is. Nor do they know exactly what the 10 Commandments are, even if they have heard of them! Truely, God's People perish today through lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). So, let us get it clear in our minds, exactly what God's Law is!

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WILL THE REAL LAW PLEASE STAND UP?

Unfortunately, when you speak of God's Law, you soon find yourself in confusion, comparing apples and oranges (with a few cherries and plums thrown in)! For, there are more than half-a-dozen different definitions for LAW! So, you need to be sure that you understand what is being discussed in each situation. Now, in Hebrew the word is ToRaH or Torah (pronounced toe-raw) and in Greek in is NoMoS or Nomos, both of which have a variety of definitions. So, let us consider them to get a clear picture:

Pentateuch or PeNTaTuKh:
These are the First Five Books of the Bible or Holy Scriptures, which are authored by Moses.

Torah and Navi'im or ToRaH V'NahVeheyM:
Literally, the Law (ToRaH) and the Prophets (NahVeheyM), which includes the PeNTaTuKh and the works of the Major and Minor Prophets. (Matthew 5:17-18, Luke 16:29-31, and John 1:45.)

Tanach or TeNahKh:
The set of Sacred Jewish Scriptures formed by the acronym for Law (T), Prophets (N), and Writings (Kh or Ch), which now compose the 3 main divisions of the Old Testament for the modern Bible. (See Luke 24:44.)

Talmud:
This is refered to as the Oral Law (supposedly from Nehemiah 8:8), the Teachings or Traditions of the Elders (Mark 7:3,5), the Customs of the People (Acts 21:18-24), and the Rabbinic Law. And, this LAW is also composed of two major parts:
- Mikkra, which is the TeNahKh plus various commentaries by famous Rabbis on what the Passages mean. Unfortunately, in interpreting the Passage, many Rabbis actually ended up negating or breaching the orginal Commandment (Matthew 15:1-9).
- Middrash, which is a collection of Jewish myths and legends, mainly from the Babylonian Period. These were soundly condemned by Y'ShuWaH or Jesus (Matthew 15:1-6) and the Apostles (Titus 1:14) and include many idolatrous Babylonian ideas and teachings.
Septuagent or SePTuhaJeNT:
Literally, a translation of the 70, refering to when Alexander the Great conquered the Holy Land and had a translation of the Jewish Scriptureres made into Greek, including the TeNahKh or Tanach and several of the Jewish myths and legends, forming the Apocrypha (and aiding the rise of Hellenistic Judaism).

NoMoS or Law of Moses:
While one would expect that the Greek use of this would refer to the PeNTaTuKh, only, in fact, it was just as often used to refer to the Talmud, and even (occassionally) to the SePTuhaJeNT! (Adding to the confusion!)

Brit Chadashah or B'ReyT QahDaShaH:
The New Covenant or New Testament, composed of the Gospels (or Stories about The Messiah or Christ) and the writings or Teachings (T) of the main Apostles.

Now, as you can see, there are a lot of different meanings ascribed to the term LAW of God (or as we say NoMoSeL or ToReL). So, you need to read carefully to find out which one is really being talked about. And, one of the cues to help, is to understand who is speaking (or to which group are they talking).

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LAWYERS: FACTIONS OF THE LAW

As you have seen, there are a variety of definitions for the term LAW of God. And, down through history, there have been various groups or sects that attempted to maintain their view and definition. So, let us look at them, to understand what they are meaning when they speak of the LAW in the Scriptures:

SAMARATIANS:
These were transplanted Peoples (Gentiles), moved to Samaria by by the Assyrians when the Israelites were conquered and carried away captive (thus Gentile Believers), who held that only the PeNTaTuKh was sacred Scripture or the LAW of God.

SCRIBES:
The Scribes were the recorders or secretaries of Divine Revelation, thus they held that the Law and the Prophets was the only sacred Scripture (and that contemportary revelation was superior to any previous writing)--and tended to debate what was a real revelation and what wasn't.

SONS OF ZADOK or SADUCEES (Shaddox):
Orginally, these Chief Priests (literally, Sons-of-Righteousness) upheld and promoted the TeNahKh as the only sacred Scripture (and facilitated its translation into the SePTuhaJeNT)--Ezekiel 44:15. But, as time passed, their intellectual pursuits eventually led them captive to Greek Philosphies (and promoted the rise of Hellenistic Judaism--with its noted site of Dura-Europus), so that Y'Shua or Jesus rebuked them for their secular materialism (and their Syncretistic heresey--mixing Greek gods and idolatry with Judaism)!

PHARISEES or FayRaSheyM:
While the Saducees were sliding away to the Greeks, the Jews of Babylon were developing the Talmud (under heavy Babylonian influence and Pagan impact). Thus, these became the Talmidic scholars dedicated to teaching and upholding the Talmud as the only sacred Jewish Scripture. Needlless to say, they were soundly condemned by Y'Shua or Jesus and the Apostles (for their Babylonian Syncretism--mixing Pagan gods with Judaism).

GahTSK or GOTHS:
At the time of the Samaritans, the People of the Northern Kingdom of Israel were carried away captive to around Ninevah, where they mixed with the Descendants of Keturah (Abraham's concubine). Later they migrated into Eastern Europe (Western Russia) and then the Baltic Region (Scandinavia). They appear to have then followed in the footsteps of the Sons of Zadok, holding to the TeNahKh for centuries (and then incorperating the New Testament) as their sacred Scriptures and Law of God. (A copy of these Scriptures in runes was found by St. Cyril in the late 850s A.D.)

CATHOLICS:
As Barbarian or Gothic Europe gave way to Feudal Europe, the Latin Church rose in power, so that the Roman Catholics came to adopt the Greek SePTuhaJeNT as their sacred Scripture (for the Old Testament) and took up a Jewish Scribe attitude that current revelations of Church Fathers (especially the Pope) are superior to any written Passage. Thus, their Law of God is the current teachings of the Catholic Church (and not always Scripture).

KARARITES or FRIENDS OF GOD:
As the Saducees slid off to the Greeks and the Pharisees (or Rabbinics) slid off to the Babylonians, there arose a new group following in the footsteps of the Sons of Zadok, which held to the TeNahKh and meticulously copied and preserved it, forming what is called the Masoretic Text, even all the way down though history to modern times.

PROTESTANTS:
As the Renaissance transformed Feudal Europe into the modern world, there arose Church Reformers in Northern Europe, who followed in the line of the Sons of Zadok, the GahTSK, and the Kararites, so that they held to the TeNahKhT as sacred Scriptures, which is composed of the Law (T), the Prophets (N), the Writings (Kh or ch), with the inclusion of the New Testament (T), which is now our modern Bible, as the Law (Teachings) of God. (And, they insist that these ancient written Passages are superior to any current revelation or teaching!)

Now, with all of these factions battling to establish their view of what the Law of God or NoMoSeL (ToReL) is, is there any wonder that there is so much confusion over what the LAW really is?

And, to set the record straight, and clear up any confusion here, Our Realm holds to the Protestant view, and maintains that the TeNahKhT or modern Protestant Bible is the only sacred Scripture. This is the only valid Law of God here, among us. (And we, like the Sons of Zadok or Saducees, the Kararites, and the GahTSK or Ancient Goths will fight to preserve it!) Consequently, though we hold to the Hebrew Heritage of the Northern Nations, we do not teach nor uphold the Talmud (though occassionally references to some of its teachings may be made). It is just not viewed by us as being sacred enough to be focused on. Whereas the Holy Scriptures of the TeNahKhT or Protestant Bible are!

Now, don't lose hope! I know grasping the whole Bible is no small task! (And beyond the scope of most average members.) And, luckily, God is aware of this, too! For, HE has given us a short summary of the LAW of God or NoMoSeL, for most of HIS basic Laws can be summed up in the Ten Commandments or Decalogue.

[God's LAW Shield]

DECALOGUE: the Ten Commandments

Unfortunately, with the modern world's attitude of ignoring God's Law, plus the hot religious debate over what God's Law really is, has made the average person lose track of what the Ten Commandments are. So, let us enumerate them here for you, plus give you a few related Scriptures that help explain what the Commandment actually means (so that you can look them up and see what it is that God wants you to do, or not do). Here they are:

THOU (you) SHALL LOVE THE LORD THY (your) GOD!
For this is the First and Greatest Commandment, as in the Sh'MaH (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Matthew 22:36-38); And, its corolary, to Love your neighbor as yourself, summarizes all the Law and the Prophets (Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39-40). Moreover, it gives rise to the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Consequently, it serves as Our Realm's PRIME DIRECTIVE!

THOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME!
For Idolatry is a MAJOR Sin (Exodus 20:3-6 and Deuteronomy 5:7-10) and we are sternly admonished to keep ourselves free from the pollution of idols, images, or symbols of false-gods (Deuteronomy 7:2-5, Acts 15:20-21, and I Corinthians 10:14). Neither are you to participate in their practices: Dark Arts, Psychic Sciences, or the Occult (Deuteronomy 18:9-14); Nor the desecrations of drunkenness (Hosea 4:11 and Ephesians 5:18) and sorcery, or the use of hallucinogenic drugs (Isaiah 47:9, 12 and Revelations 9:20-21). (For more details, see Our Article: THE IDOLACLASTIC CALL, under the Current Messages section.)

THOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN!
Keep the Name(s) of God sacred and do not use God (and the sacred Name YHVH or YaHaVayH), Christ, or Jesus (Y'ShuWaH) in profanity (Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11). Especially do not blasphme (belittle or speak evil of) God (Leviticus 24:11-16) and most especially, not to blasphme the Holy Ghost--which is the only unpardonable Sin (Matthew 12:24-32). And, in general, control your mouth to avoid cussing and swearing, as much as you can (Matthew 5:33-37 and James 3:2-13).

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY!
We are to rest from our labors every seventh day (Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15) and to especially attend the worship services and Congregational gatherings (Hebrews 10:25). Moreover, we should observe the other Holy Days and Sacred Celebrations, especially the Scriptural ones of God's Calendar (see Leviticus ch. 23 and Deuteronomy ch.16).

HONOR THY FATHER (and thy mother)!
Children, no matter their age, are to be obedient to their Fathers as their Family Ruler--Patriarchy (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16), and to show proper care and respect for their mother, that it may go well with them (Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20). Correspondingly, to maintain Family Order, the wife is to be obedient to her own husband (Genesis 3:16, Esther 1:22, Ephesians 5:22-24 and I Peter 3:1-6) in all things. And, the God Ordained Chain of Command is to be respected so that all authorities are obeyed (Romans 13:1-7 and I Peter 2:13-17). Never-the-less, no authority has the Right to command you to do things against God's Laws (Daniel 3:8-18 and Acts 4:19 and 5:29).

THOU SHALL NOT MURDER!
Man was made in God's Image, so any unjust attempt to destroy Man is a veiled attempt to destroy God (Genesis 1:26-27 and 9:6). Therefore, murder is a Serious Sin (Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17), and it, like all Captial Crimes or Mortal Sins, should be punished with forfeiture of life: either Captial Punishment Exodus 21:12-14 and Numbers 35:31-33) or a life-time term of slavery (Leviticus 25:44-46 and Ezekiel 18:23, 32 and 33:11). Moreover, human life is sacred, so we must take care not to cause the death of people through carelessness nor negligence (Exodus 21:22-36 and Deuteronomy 22:8). Nor are we to ignore the adaquate care for the lives of the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and Proverbs 19:17).

THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY!
Marriage is holy and sacred (Proverbs 5:18-19 and Hebrews 13:4), so the defilement of the wife by another man has long been an abomination among the Hebrew Peoples for century after century (Genesis 38:24, Leviticus 18:20 and 20:10, and Deuteronomy 22:22) and thus a Serious Sin (Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18), primarily because it results in miscegenates or ill-conceived children, who are born demented or with an over-powering drive to do evil (Deuteronomy 23:2, Isaiah 57:3-5, Hosea 2:4-5). Moreover, this Taboo gives rise to a ban on several other sexual practices as being perverted and thus forbidden to engage in. (For more details on this, see Our article on MOSAIC TABOOS under the Family Issues (Adultery) Section in the LAW Library or look them up in the Noahic Rules of Fellowship (PG Rated) in Our EMUSPATEL Section.)

THOU SHALL NOT STEAL!
God has called us to honest labor and hard work (Genesis 3:19, Ephesians 4:28, and II Thessalonians 3:7-12), so we must not take from others things that do not belong to us (Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19). For, God's warning is upon those who attempt to live by thievery (Exodus 22:2-4, Proverbs 29:24, John 10:10, and I Corinthians 6:9-10)! And we are admonished to be careful with other people's things (Exodus 22:5-15 and Deuteronomy 22:1-4), not stealing from them in business (Leviticus 19:35-36 and Proverbs 11:1 and 20:14) nor in the witholding of wages (Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Jeremiah 22:13, and James 5:1-4). For, we must be careful not to steal from the poor and needy (Leviticus 19:9-10 and 23:22, Proverbs 6:30 and 28:27, and Matthew 12:1-4) nor committ sacrilege and rob from God (Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:7-12, Luke 6:38, I Corinthians 9:13-14, and II Corinthians 9:6-7).

THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS!
While this Commandment is aimed at perjury (and legal matters), its practical application is that we are not to lie nor deceive one another (Leviticus 19:11, John 8:44-45, Revelations 22:8 and 22:15). Neither are we to lower ourselves to vulgar gossip nor the spreading of malicious tales (Leviticus 19:16, Psalms 64:2-8, I Timothy 5:13, and I Peter 4:15). Rather, we are to pursue TRUTH and follow the DUE PROCESS OF LAW, with its: Right to speak in defense (John 7:51), to be heard by your peers (Matthew 18:15-17), to have an Advocate (I John 2:1), to examin witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15-20), to collect information on your behalf (Proverbs 25:2), and to receive fair and impartial judgement (Deuteronomy 16:18-20), with the punishment to fit the crime (Leviticus 24:19-21), and if need be, the right to appeal (Exodus 18:19-23 and Deuteronomy 17:8-13). And, of course, do not committ perjury or lie in Court--or to the Police (Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 5:20)! Lest the Curse overtake you (Zechariah 5:1-4).

THOU SHALL NOT COVET!
This is not about simple envy nor keeping up with the Jones. Rather, it speaks of an intense materialism (Matthew 6:19-33 and Mark 4:18-19) that replaces the Believer's dependence on God with a reliance on things, rejecting God as in Idolatry (Colossians 3:5-6). Thus, such sinners will stoop to taking away from others what God has given them, in an attempt to satisfy their own material cravings (James 4:1-3)! We are not to do this! Moreover, this Commandment also means that those who give in to this sinful desire, so as to stoop to plotting, conspiring, or scheming to do evil are as guilty as those who actually go ahead and commit the crime (James 1:14-15 also Matthew 5:21-22 and 5:27-28). Therefore, do not yield to temptation and fall into pursuing evil (even just a little)!

Here, then, have been the Ten Commandments. They so strongly and clearly express what God's Will is (and what HE wants you to do), that HE even came down from Heaven and spoke these things directly to HIS People. And, we have also listed related Scriptures which help to explain the full meaning of each Commandmment, so that you will have a good understanding of exactly what God wants.

Moreover, if you should like to contact us (as you should), we have lots of other things that can help you in the Faith (just as this teaching was of great help to you, here). So be sure to get in touch with us!

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Dated: Apr '97 . . . Up-dated 7-29-99

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Advised)