Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

I grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere and at night the stars were brilliant. I would sit in the middle of the yard with our collie dog, Squeaky, faithfully sitting near me. I would talk to GOD (or my concept of GOD). Then I would go inside, lay in bed, and read the Bible. Afterward, I would pray for understanding because 99% of what I had just read just didn't make sense. For years I would have to take it on faith that the local church leaders knew what they were talking about.

My religious background was strict Southern baptist. Every time the doors of the church opened, our family was there. We would attend Sunday morning and evening services, Sunday School, Training Union, Wednesday Prayer meetings, and even the monthly business meetings. Talk about dedication! During my teenage years there were accusations against my brother, myself, and a few of our friends which caused my Dad to pull us out of this particular church. On the surface I thought it was great. I could sleep late on Sunday morning and watch World of Disney on Sunday night. Of course, the accusations turned out to be false.

One thing I want to note here is that I would often stay up late on Saturday nights (midnight, the witching hour) after my parents went to bed so I could watch Hebert Armstrong reruns. Even though he and his church was considered a 'cult' by my upbringing, I found his messages interesting and compelling.

It wasn't long after leaving my home church before I began to feel the need to find a place to worship again. I started going to another church with a friend of mine while the rest of my family settled for Billy Graham Crusades James Robinson, and Jimmy Swaggert.

After graduating from high school in 1978 and moving out on my own, I quit going to church. I did feel guilty for not activliy attending any organized religious service, thanks in part to my dad for always asking if I had found a church to attend. But never could bring myself to go. After all, how many times can you hear the same sermons over and over?

In 1992, my friend and co-worker, Dennis, got into a discussion on 'rewards in heaven'. We had conflicting answers and I was tasked to show him in the Bible where I got my answer. I went home determined and that afternoon and night I poured over the Bible only to find that what I had defiantly claimed as truth was not to be found in the Holy Scriptures. This began my search of the Truth. I went back to work the next day and let my friend know my findings. Many discussions on assorted biblical topics would follow for the next several years. My spiritual revolution was in full motion.

Through my friend Dennis, I was introduced to Ross Nichols, who was also very instrumental in my walk with the GOD of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. I was at his home in Zachary, LA when I was first introduced to the weekly Torah readings.

I listened to cassette tapes of Joe Goode courtesy of Ross, read several books, of which a few come to mind: 'In Search of Israel' and 'The Two Olive Trees' by Betya Ruth Wootten. Also 'Our Father Abraham' written by Marvin R. Wilson.

I was curious about the Holy days and found books associated with this subject along with Christian and religious history. The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop was helpful with this subject.

I poured over the early writings of 'Restoring Abrahamic Faith' by Dr. James D Tabor and also listened, via cassettes, to many of his lectures from Noachide conferences in Tennessee. Of these lectures, "The Five Fundamental Flaws of Christianity' was a favorite.

What I have learned: It seems the more I learn the less I know. I've learned Don't ever say 'This is the way it is and that's final!' You WILL recant.
I've learned that no one person, group, etc...has it all right but collectively, we have it all wrong. We should to sift through all main religions and the many denominations to put the pieces together.

It has been a roller coaster of emotions, mixed with both highs and lows. I have seen marriages fail, families broken up over issues related to following or attempting to follow GOD's instructions in following His Holy days or refusing to put up a christmas tree. Oone of the guys wife told him she had rather see him go to a bar rather than him reading the Bible because at least she knew what to expect!

My beliefs at this point in my life:
1)The Bible started to make sense after learning the Bible is all about one family, Israel and how the two houses are divided. That not all Israel is Judah.
2)We have a Bible put together by the 'church'. Many 'books' are missing. The "Tanakh" is the best guide we have filled with instructions from GOD.
3)The 'New Testament' are reference books as is the Talmud.
4)I believe that my ancestors heard GOD speak at Mt Sinai and I am part of that clan of people, Israel.

5)I believe that Jesus was referred to in Deuteronomy 18:18-19. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

...and he completed the tasks given to him by GOD: Luke 4:16-21 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.


6)Jesus' message was strictly to the scattered lost tribes and not necessarily to the Jews:
Luke 5:31-32 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 18:11 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

7) I do not agree with Paul's teachings. He seems to contradict what Jesus says.


It's been a long road from the Southern Baptist beginnings to the current Hebrew (Abrahamic) faith.
I continue to search myself for a way to get closer to GOD. The search never stops for long.

I'm glad to be associated with all of you that are hearing that still, small voice.
1 Kings 19:11-12 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.