CONSCIENCE
EXPLANATION IS REQUESTED: "Please help us understand a certain Scripture referred to on page 117 of the 4th printing of Fossilized Customs, under Beware the Doctrine of Demons, wherein it refers to Paul stating that '...men will forbid marriage', as was done by Catholicism. The food we eat that has been 'consecrated' (meaning approved) by the Word (at Lev.11) is all good. What is Paul saying? Thank you."
EXPLANATION: Our conscience operates as a moral warning system within us, similar to an "alarm system". If it's wired correctly, we'll know when we begin to think or act out-of-bounds. Paul informed us that in "latter times" there would be a falling-away from the belief (or correct way), paying attention to misleading spirits and holding to the teachings of demons. This doesn't mean these people who have fallen-away are knowingly rebellious, they are deceived by teachings that replace or eliminate the things we are supposed to live by. Often it's misunderstanding Paul's writings that causes this "lawlessness", because they refused to receive a love for the Truth, the Torah. For example, what Paul was saying at 1 Tim. 4:3-5 about foods was very simple; the lies and false teachings that were to come in the latter times would brand (ruin) the consciences of the listeners, because they would be led to believe errors. You see, the conscience in each of us is designed to WARN us when we are doing anything offensive to our Creator, but if we are programmed incorrectly, it won't warn us any longer. The teachings of the Roman Catholic Church established days (every preparation day, called "Friday") when no meat could be eaten. They also practiced various types of severe ascetism, denying themselves food, and many other comforts and even necessities, thinking this was pleasing to Yahuah. This means they were literally making up their own form of worship. Cain (or Kain, Qayin) invented his own style too, by offering veggies instead of what Yahuah demanded. The golden calf was another man-made offering, as was the "strange fire" offering when Aharon's sons burnt incense that Yahuah did not ask for. The foods from animal flesh which Yahuah declared to be suitable (at Lev. 11) are "created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the Truth. ["Truth" is Torah, Yahuah's Word, which we are expected to obey.] Because every creature [animal] of Alahim is good, and none is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is set apart by the Word of Alahim and prayer." (1 Tim. 4:3-5). So, what has not been set apart by the Word of Alahim is NOT suitable, but is as He said, an abomination to us (for food), such as pigs, lobsters, shrimp, monkeys, snakes, squirrels, turtles, and so on.
The reference in FC concerning the men who would forbid marriage that Paul mentions (1 Tim. 4:3) points to the corrupt teachings of celibacy or asceticism that would become entangled in the faith, as we see happened with Catholicism; the Roman, not the Eastern Orthodox "priesthood". As we know, we are all priests, men and women, after the order of Melckizedek, with Yahusha as our High Priest (Kohen Gadol). There was a change in the priesthood, not the Covenant, as you will see from correctly reading Hebrews 8; and Paul tried to explain it, but translators tripped us up.
Lew White
The Ten Commandments display was removed from the Alabama Supreme Court building. There was a good reason for the move: You can't post Thou Shalt Not Steal, Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery and Thou Shall Not Lie, in a building full of politicians and lawyers without creating a hostile work environment. ---- from anonymous Email
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