Hatikva Ministries - The Gates - Newsletter Tevet 5758 / Winter 1998

Jerusalem, very soon, will see
one of the most significant events
in history occur within her
ancient walls, the building of the
Third Temple. From the first
moment construction begins world
politics will not only change, but
will be drastically affected. The
eschatological ramifications alone
can and have been the subject of
many books for years.

For nearly two thousand years
the Jewish people have prayed
daily for the rebuilding of the
Holy Temple. In fact, during the
fourth century C.E., in the reign
of the Roman Emperor Julian the
Apostate, the people went into
extensive preparations and
expectations to rebuild until the
emperor’s untimely death.
Following the return of the Jewish
people back to the ancient land
during the first part of this
century, certain Jewish minds
began to contemplate the
possibility of fulfilling the
dream. When the 1967 Six Day War
saw the return of the Old City and
the Temple Mount into Jewish hands
an actual movement began to
prepare to rebuild. Within days of
the victory however, Moshe Dayan,
Israel’s Defense Minister,
returned the top of the Mount back
into Moslem hands in a gesture of
goodwill.

Nevertheless, several
organizations were established to
work along different lines to
prepare for the day when the
Temple Mount would once again be
in Jewish hands so that
construction could begin. In the
beginning, these fledgling
organizations and their leaders
were viewed by the majority of the
Jewish people, within Israel as
well as out, as hopeless dreamers
and crazy radicals.

The Israeli government, for the
most part, has not been in favor
of the rebuilding of the Temple
due to the political aspects of
war with the Arabs and
overwhelming world opposition to
such an idea.

To the secular and Reform Jews
the Temple had no place in modern
society and represented more a
threat to Israeli society than
anything else. The idea of a
return to sacrifice seemed in
their minds to be a return to
barbaric practices that man had
risen above. If Israel were to
take over the Temple Mount,
destroy the Al Aksa Mosque and the
Dome of the Rock and then rebuild
the Temple, it would certainly
mean war with all the Arab
nations. The majority of the
Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox did
not think that the Temple could be
rebuilt at this time. Many within
this camp even believed that any
Temple was wrong. There is a
belief, based on the teachings of
Moses Maimonides, that G-d had
never desired for the Jewish
people to offer sacrifice but had
allowed it in a limited structure
in order to wean them from this
practice that they had picked up
from paganism. Many people believe
that the Temple referred to in the
book of Ezekiel as well as other
passages such as Isaiah 2.2-4
should be interpreted in a
spiritual and not literal sense.

In addition, another major
theological argument was taking
place among the Orthodox and
Ultra-Orthodox. This group
believed a temple would literally
come, but was not to be built by
man but rather totally rebuilt by
the hand of G-d. There were two
opinions on how this could happen:
some believed that the Third
Temple would be built by the
Messiah according to the
instruction of Ezekiel. This was
based on the prophecy of Zechariah
6.12-13.

The second opinion was that this
same Temple would descend from
heaven during the Millennium. An
excellent article regarding this
belief was recently written by
Rabbi Yisrael Ariel of the Temple
Institute and is available on the
Internet on the site, B’tzedek
Online. The URL for this
article, “A Heaven-Sent
Temple in Halakha” is
http://www.btzedek.co.il/temple.htm.
Rabbi Ariel responds to the
sensitive issue of preparing for a
Temple even though the Temple
Mount is in Moslem hands.

In order for the Holy Temple to
be rebuilt it has become obvious
that not only must all the
articles and materials be prepared
and the Temple Mount secured, but
also the people must be prepared.
One hundred years ago a small
group of Jewish radicals started a
movement to establish a Jewish
homeland in Palestine. They, too,
were viewed as dreamers without a
chance of establishing a Jewish
state. However, within fifty years
their dream was a reality.

This is exactly parallel to the
situation concerning the Temple.
The Rabbis who are spearheading
the move to build the Temple now
contend that there is a standing
commandment from G-d (“And
let them make Me a sanctuary, that
I may dwell among them.”
Exodus 25.8) incumbent upon
every generation of Jews to
rebuild the Temple up to their
greatest ability. Until the
establishment of Israel this was a
total impossibility; however, when
this became fact and Jerusalem was
re-united under Jewish hands in
1967, fact became obligation.

In the past thirty years a great
miracle has occurred among the
Jewish people. To date hundreds of
vessels have been made for the
next Temple, several schools are
established to train priests and
Levites, and a DNA test has been
discovered which identifies those
of priestly decent. Also, many
books have been written on Temple
subjects, models of both
Tabernacle and Temple have been
constructed, and multitudes of
very accurate paintings and
illustrations depicting Temple
ceremonies have been drawn.
Recently a CD on the Third Temple
was produced, which takes you
through the future Temple right
from your home computer. Videos
and documentaries abound as well
as several exhibit rooms in
Jerusalem on the coming Temple.
The Internet provides easy access
to web sites that promote the
building of the Temple.

Another major move towards the
building of the Temple has been
realized in both Rabbinical as
well as archaeological studies.
For example, the location of the
original 500 cubits by 500 cubits
described in the Mishna as being
the original Temple compound have
been discovered as well as the
site of the actual Temple
Building. Over the past few years
the archaeological discoveries
alone have been astounding.

In addition, the subject of the
Jewish right to pray on top of the
Mount has been a growing topic of
the Israeli courts. Without doubt,
the government has changed
recently in favor of supporting
this right. The Israeli newspapers
daily have articles concerning
this topic. In May 1996 Eretz
Magazine which is the National
Geographic of Israel ran a special
issue on the rebuilding of the
Temple.

According to an article from
Ha-Aretz News, an Israeli
daily, dated July 10, 1997, which
reported a poll that indicated 93%
of the Jewish people defined the
Temple Mount as a very important
place to them and 87% believe that
the Temple Mount should be open to
Jewish prayer. Indeed, Temple
awareness is flourishing among the
Jewish people and G-d is preparing
the people for His Holy Temple.

Recently, a new emphasis emerged
among those in the forefront of
rebuilding the Temple. Whereas in
the past they strove to make the
Temple relevant and important to
the Jew, now they seek to do the
same with the non-Jew.

In the Tanach the Temple is
known as the Temple of G-d for
both Jew and non-Jew. Several
scriptural passages stand out in
this regard:

Reaching the non-Jewish
believers in G-d with this message
is no easy task. For over 1600
years Christians have been taught
that the Temple has no relevance
to them. Their hope for the
rebuilding of the Temple, if there
at all, is that it means Messiah
is coming soon. Very few realize
what the Temple is all about. Most
have a concept that the Temple is
the invention of man and condemned
by G-d, and that sacrifice is
pagan and evil. Many have no
desire to learn anything of the
Temple nor have an expectation of
Ezekiel’s Temple.

According to Ezekiel 43.7-12, we
are commanded to learn about the
Temple and its services. Through
the Temple G-d teaches us many
things including His plan of
redemption, how to pray,
eschatology, grace, and much more.
In addition, non-Jews will have
major roles to play in the
rebuilding of the Temple and in
its services once it is rebuilt.

It is time for believers
everywhere to lay down teachings
of the past that are centered in
Replacement Theology and learn in
detail the Temple, its ceremonies,
the priesthood and their
functions, etc. Hatikva Ministries
has several new materials on these
subjects featured in this
newsletter. We plan to continue
research and endeavor to bring to
the non-Jew a new Temple
awareness. Next newsletter will
feature an article on the Role of
the non-Jew in G-d’s Holy
Temple. Meanwhile, study and
learn. Shalom, Joseph Good

At last!!! Evidence confirms the
original 500 cubits by 500 cubits
and its expansions and extensions.
Archaeologists have now
determined, through amazing
discoveries of evidences on the
surface and under the Temple
Mount, where Ezra’s Temple
compound stood. The Hasmoneans not
only repaired the Temple, but also
expanded it. The Hasmonean walls
have been located and confirmed!
Now we are able to define and
understand the massive Herodian
extensions. These discoveries have
now been accepted as fact by the
Israel Exploration Society. In
addition, Dr. Leen Ritmeyer has
produced astonishing evidence that
establishes where the Temple
building actually stood. In fact,
the foundation trenches and the
holy of Holies have been located!

10 Audio Tapes – Order Item
Code TTMF – $51.00

This in depth study of the
interpretations of Tractate Middot
from the Talmud compares and
contrasts the thoughts of Rashi,
the Rambam and other Jewish sages
with those of architect Dr. Leen
Ritmeyer. You’ll know about
the Tadi gate before this series
is over!

6 Audio Tapes – Order Item
Code TFP – $31.00

2000 years ago the Holy Temple
was destroyed. The ancients
declared its glory, the whole
world marveled at its majesty.
Join Joseph Good in a tour of the
Porch, Holy Place and Holy of
Holies. Learn of the 38 offices,
upper chambers, and much more in
this informative set. These 2
tapes deal with the building in
detail. Diagrams are included.

2 Audio Tapes – Order Item
Code TMOT – $11.00

2 sets of 10 tapes each
developing the role of sacrifices
in the Bible both in the past and
in the future. A study not only of
the different types of sacrifices
but also how they were performed,
and what they mean. Undoubtedly,
the subject of sacrifices is
hardly understood by most
believers. Study with these tapes
and experience the word of G-d
opening up to you in new and
exciting ways. Papers included.

Volume 1 – 10 Audio Tapes –
Order Item Code TSAC1 – $51.00
Volume
2 – 10 Audio Tapes – Order Item
Code TSAC2 – $51.00
Volumes
1&2 – 20 Audio Tapes – Order
Item Code TSAC – $92.00

A tribe whose very name means to
join the people to their G-d. The
able assistants of the priests,
the Levi’im are often overlooked
in Biblical studies. This is one
of the cornerstones of our Temple
series.

4 Audio Tapes – Order Item
Code TLEV – $21.00

This series provides the
historic overview and background
crucial to understanding the
prophetic significance of
Chanukah, the festival
commemorating the miraculous light
that burned at the cleansing and
rededication of the Temple, and
Purim, the holiday celebrating the
Days of Salvation.

8 Audio Tapes – Order Item
Code CP1 – $33.00

During the first century c.e.
the congregation of Israel was
made up of both Jews and non-Jews.
The non-Jews, otherwise known as
G-dfearers, were not
allowed to be a part of the
services. They simply stayed at
the rear of the congregation and
observed and learned about the G-d
of Israel. This was not to say
that they were shunned by the
Jewish people, it only means that
they were not yet learned enough
to participate in the services.

The service arrangements came
from the Temple services. This
meant that they were preset in
their form and style. Everything
had to be done at a specific time
and in just the right manor. Only
qualified persons could lead in
the services and since the
G-dFearers were only just starting
out in their walk and
understanding of G-d, they were
only allowed to watch and learn
until such a time as they were
ready to convert fully to Judaism,
at which time they would then move
completely into the services just
as though they were born Jewish.

The Scriptures clearly state
that G-d desired that the
G-dFearers be treated equally with
the Jewish people in the
congregation. The services were to
remain the same, but the
G-dFearers could now partake in
the services. In fact they could
even lead the services if they met
the requirements. It was the House
of Shammai that forbade the
non-Jew from the services, it did
not matter to the House of Shammai
if they were G-dFearers or pagans.
The study of Hillel and Shammai
are far from the scope of this
brief article but they play a
crucial part in understanding the
first century congregation and its
services.

The services are called Avodah
in Hebrew and Latreia in
the Greek. Both mean the Services
of G-d. The Thayer’s Greek-English
Lexicon, on the Strong’s #2999,
latreia #2 says:

In Romans 9.3-5 the scriptures
say that the services come from
G-d and He gave them to the Jews…

For I could wish that I myself
were accursed from Messiah for my
brethren, my countrymen according
to the flesh, who are Israelites,
to whom pertain the adoption, the
glory, the covenants, the giving
of the Torah (Law), the
service (latreia) of G-d,
and the promises; of whom are the
fathers and from whom, according
to the flesh, Messiah came, who is
over all, the eternally blessed
G-d. Amen.

The services of G-d are the
Temple services as found in the
Torah (instructions) of
G-d. Ezra, during the time of the
rebuilding of the walls of
Jerusalem and the return to G-d of
the people, started what has come
to be called the synagogue. Ezra
was the first of the Men of the
Great Assembly. These men
restructured Judaism over a period
of time to what it had become in
the time of Yeshua.

Synagogues were set up for the
study and reading of the Torah.
However, after the destruction of
the Second Temple in 70 c.e. the
Synagogue was again forced to go
through a revision and much of the
Temple Services (Avodah)
were integrated into the
Synagogue.

The services that we see today
are a result of that revision. It
is true that some things have been
added through the ages but for the
most part they are still the same.
The reading of the Torah and the
Prophets are the same.

The largest change in the
Synagogue is the way that the
Synagogue is operated today. In
the First Century the Rabbi,
Pastor or Elder was not a paid
member of the congregation. He was
to work outside the congregation
for his income and livelihood. We
can see a good example of this in
the Apostle Paul…

The Elders were called Z’keinim,
or Z’kein for one Elder.
They were to shepherd and protect
the congregation and teach them in
the ways of G-d. In each
congregation there were to be a
minimum of three Z’keinim (Elders).
They were of the same status in
the congregation, that is to say
that one had no more authority
than another. They would appoint a
speaker who would announce a
ruling of the Elders or any other
time that the Elders were to be
heard on any given subject. This
was the role of James (Ya’akov
or Jacob, in Hebrew) the
brother of Yeshua in the book of
Acts…

This judgment made by the Beit
Din (House of Judgment) in
Jerusalem was addressed to the
G-dFearers and the requirements
that they must keep. In essence
the G-dfearers were told that they
did not have to convert to Judaism
to enter the Kingdom of G-d. This
will be in line with the teachings
of Paul throughout the New
Testament.

The only paid officer of the
synagogue was the Chazan
ha-Kanesset. His role was to
care for the synagogue, and
perform certain other functions in
the services. He was paid because
his role was not that of making
decisions. The Elders however,
made very important decisions and
if they were paid then the
congregation would have the
possibility of forcing a decision
that was not righteous, or the
Elders might treat a wealthy man
better than a poor one because he
was a big supporter, in finances,
of the Elders.

If the Elders, Apostles and
congregation of the first century
were to see the congregation of
today they would weep bitterly to
G-d and ask where it went wrong.
The answer to that question is
found in about the first three
centuries after the death and
resurrection of Yeshua. At first,
all the believers were Jewish, the
faith was completely Jewish and
consistent with centuries of Torah
observance. This is not to say
that the first century didn’t have
its share of problems, they most
certainly did, but they were being
dealt with in a Torah observant
fashion.

As the Apostles began to die,
more and more non-Jews began to
move into the congregation. With
this non-Jewish remnant moving
into the faith they brought with
them their pagan rites. In the
first century the believers kept
Passover, Shavuot, Sabbath, etc.,
but shortly after the first
century the non-Jews wanted to
start keeping their old festivals
and worship G-d with them. They
did want to worship G-d, but not
with the Jewish Festivals, for it
was now very unpopular to keep
Jewish ideals. To this G-d answers…

These scriptures never even
imply that the people want to
forsake G-d and worship other
gods, it simply says that the
people want to worship G-d in a
fashion that He does not approve
of. This is where we are today, we
worship G-d but not in a way that
is pleasing to Him. We must repent
and turn from following our own
ways and return to the ways of G-d
that we might please Him. G-d has
very clearly laid out how, when
and where to worship Him. It is
our duty to follow the plan that
He has laid out and worship Him in
truth and do what is pleasing to
Him and forsake ourselves.

Steve
Salter has conducted Bible
studies regularly for the past
several years. He and his wife,
Karen, compiled and wrote the
Sabbath
Seder book which is
available from this ministry. They
reside in Oklahoma.

The promise was given of the
redemption through the Messiah and
the coming of the Kingdom of
Heaven. This set develops the
ancient view of an empowered
eschatological congregation once
the Messiah had accomplished the
redemption.

Ten Audio Tapes – Order item
code KTP – $41.00

This covers both the Jewish and
non-Jewish believers of the 1st
century and is a blue print for
our respective roles in modern
times.

Eight Audio Tapes – Order
item code KFCB – $33.00

The governmental structure of
the congregations of the 1st
century were intended to be models
for congregations through the
ages.

Six Audio Tapes – Order item
code KST – $25.00

This set provides new avenues to
explore in developing worship in
line with Biblical models.

Twelve Audio Tapes – Order
item code KWS – $49.00

An examination of the many
aspects of immersion that answers
questions and adds new insights
into the spiritual life of the
believer. Also discussed are the
methods of immersion used by first
century believers, including the
manner of Yeshua’s immersion.

Ten Audio Tapes – Order item
code KIM – $41.00

One of the most ancient rituals
of the Bible is examined. G-d gave
this ceremonial dinner to teach on
the Messianic redemption and the
coming of His Kingdom in power and
glory. These tapes will enhance
every aspect of one’s walk
with G-d.

Six Audio Tapes – Order item
code KLS – $25.00

Study the giving of believers of
the first century, dispelling
myths concerning tithing, but
dealing directly with what G-d
would desire of us in offerings.

Four Audio Tapes – Order
item code KTH – $17.00

Study what are sometimes known
as the charismatic gifts,
scripturally called manifestations
of the spirit, with this set. This
is practical information which the
listener may apply in his daily
walk or congregational life with
G-d.

Eight Audio Tapes – Order
item code KMS – $33.00

Galatians is possibly the most
misunderstood epistle of the Bible
because of the lack of knowledge
among believers concerning the
events and expectations of these
people during the first century.
The latest addition to the study
of Shaul’s (Paul’s) writings
explores the background of events
in Galatia. This tape set will
give you the opportunity to
examine the evidence from a first
century perspective. Against this
backdrop, Ephesians and First
Thessalonians are also studied.

6 Audio Tapes – Order item
code GET – $25.00

Explore the Gospel of John in
this extensive study taken from a
radio series aired earlier. Joseph
Good teaches as wells as answers
questions on the fourth Gospel.

Volume 1, 8 Audio Tapes –
Order item code YO1 – $33.00
Volume
2, 8 Audio Tapes – Order item code
YO2 – $33.00
Volume 1&2,
16 Audio Tapes – Order item code
YO – $61.00

All three of the Epistles of
Yochanan are explored in this tape
set. This sh’liach (apostle) whom
Yeshua loved wrote these three
letters to believers, extensively
exhorting them in their walk in
Messiah.

4 Audio Tapes – Order item
code EOY – $17.00

Each year during the Festival of
Purim many families take
opportunity to bless those who are
in need of a special blessing.
Just as the Jewish people were
spared death and granted favor in
the Persian kingdom, it is
honorable to bless G-d and thank
Him appropriately by giving gifts
to others. Many families save
canned foods or staples and
present to a family in need. More
commonly observed is the
preparation of a fruit basket
given to loved ones or neighbors.
Purim begins on the evening of
March 11 this year, so it is not
too soon to begin planning a
special treat for your own family
as well as someone else. Perhaps a
weekly gesture of stocking a box
of canned goods by the children in
preparation for Purim could
enhance and beautify home
teachings and observance. By all
means, the gift should be kept
confidential. The best blessing
comes from an anonymous or unknown
human source! Try something new
this year! Bless someone on earth
and receive a special blessing
from above.

NEWSLETTERS

Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Hatikva Ministries, All Rights
Reserved.

No portion of this web site or files contained herein may be

copied or reproduced in any form, or displayed on or from another website or server

without written permission.

Building Stones

THE TEMPLE

Bridge the Gap
Between Festivals!

First Century Congregation

THE KEHILAT
SERIES

New Testament
Teachings

Preparing for a
Purim Custom

Tevet 5758 /
Winter 1998

Our Study of The
Temple Continues With New Series

The Temple – Theory Made Fact

Temple Floor Plans

Magnificence of the Temple

The Temple Sacrifices

The Levi’im

Chanukah and Purim

A STUDY ON
CONGREGATIONS

Some people want to study
first-century congregations for
their historical value. Others hope
to duplicate the services and
structure of first-century
congregations. One thing is certain
– in order to understand much of the
New Testament, it is necessary to
retrace the foundations of the
First- Century congregation, or
Kehilat. Hatikva Ministries has
researched several areas of study on
this fascinating topic, and this
research has, in turn, inspired
several books and theses. Each tape
set is able to bring new insight to
every believer!

The Promise

First Century Believers

Structure

Worship Service

Immersion

The L-rd’s Supper

Tithing

Manifestations of the Spirit

Teachings of Shaul – Galatians

The Book of Yochanan

Epistles of Yochanan

Quick Ministry
Notes:

Isa. 56.7

Mic 4.1-2

Isa 66.23)

BY
STEVE
SALTER

Acts 18.3

Acts
20.34-35

Acts
15.12-20

Deuteronomy
12.30-31

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“Behold, the Man
whose name is the BRANCH! From His
place He shall branch out, and He
shall build the temple of the
L-rd; Yes, He shall build the
temple of the L-rd. He shall bear
the glory, and shall sit and rule
on His throne; so He shall be a
priest on His throne, and the
counsel of peace shall be between
them both.”’

“Even them I will
bring to My holy mountain, and
make them joyful in My house of
prayer. Their burnt offerings and
their sacrifices will be accepted
on My altar; for My house shall be
called a house of prayer for all
nations.”

Now it shall come to
pass in the latter days that the
mountain of the L-rd’s house
shall be established on the top of
the mountains, and shall be
exalted above the hills; and
peoples shall flow to it. Many
nations shall come and say, “Come,
and let us go up to the mountain
of the L-rd, to the house of the
G-d of Jacob; He will teach us His
ways, and we shall walk in His
paths.” For out of Zion the
law shall go forth, and the work
of the L-rd from Jerusalem.

And it shall come to
pass that from one New Moon to
another, all flesh shall come to
worship before Me,” says the
L-rd.

in the Greek Bible,
the service or worship
of G-d acc. to the requirements of
the levitical law (Hebr. Avodah,
Ex. xii.25 sq., etc.) …

“So, because he
was of the same trade, he stayed
with them and worked; for by
occupation they were tent makers.”

“Yes, you
yourselves know that these hands
have provided for my necessities,
and for those who were with me. I
have shown you in every way, by
laboring like this, that you must
support the weak. And remember the
words of the lord Yeshua, that He
said, ‘It is more blessed to give
than to receive.”

Then all the multitude
kept silent and listened to
Barnabas and Paul declaring how
many miracles and wonders G-d had
worked through them among the
Gentiles. And after they had
become silent, James answered,
saying, “Men and brethren,
listen to me: Simon has declared
how G-d at the first visited the
Gentiles to take out of them a
people for His name, and with this
the words of the prophets agree,
just as it is written: ‘After this
I will return and will rebuild the
tabernacle of David, which has
fallen down; I will rebuild its
ruins, and I will set it up; So
that the rest of mankind may seek
the L-rd, even all the Gentiles
who are called by My Name, says
the L-rd who does all these
things.’ Known to G-d from
eternity are all His works.
Therefore I judge that we should
not trouble those from among the
Gentiles who are turning to G-d,
but that we write to them to
abstain from things polluted by
idols, from sexual immorality,
from things strangled, and from
blood.

“take heed to
yourself that you are not ensnared
to follow them, after they are
destroyed from before you, and
that you do not inquire after
their gods, saying, ‘How did these
nations serve their gods? I also
will do likewise.’ You shall not
worship the L-rd your G-d in that
way; for every abomination to the
L-rd which He hates they have done
to their gods; for they burn even
their sons and daughters in the
fire to their gods.”