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a publication of Assemblies of Yahweh An Assemblies of Yahweh publication. Assemblies of Yahweh, The Narrow Way Newsletter, The Sacred Name Broadcaster, The Sacred Name Broadcast, The Sacred Scriptures, The Sacred Name Telecast, and WMLK Radio are Service Marks and Trade‑ marks of Assemblies of Yahweh, Bethel, PA 19507

March 2017 Volume XLVIII, Number 12 CONTENTS

1 The Truth About Easter Some people cling tenaciously to pagan customs, even though they are proven to be of pagan origin. It is imperative, how‑ ever, that we submit ourselves humbly to the Word in order to be an obedient child of Yahweh. Page 1

10 Easter and Passover: Are They New Testament Observances? Since the term Easter never appears in the original texts of the Bible, why, then, is this celebration still popular?

Page 10 17 Recipes for the Feast of Unleavened Bread Each year, we alter our diet to conform to Yahweh's Feast of Unleavened Bread. These recipes give great ideas of unleav‑ ened dishes to prepare.

Page 17 Our Cover: The Sacred Name Broadcaster is published monthly by the Assemblies of Yahweh, Bethel, PA 19507. Your subscription has been paid Yahweh's Word sets the month by the willing co-workers of this ministry who are concerned that this message of salvation should be made available free of charge to all the of Abib as the first month of the world as a witness before the Second Coming of Yahshua the Messiah. While no charge is ever placed upon this publication, CONTRIBUTIONS year. "This month shall be to (all of which are tax deductible) are gratefully accepted to help defray expenses. We hope you will share in making this information you the beginning of months: available to others. it shall be the first month of ______the year to you." (Exodus 12:2). All quotes in The Sacred Name Broadcaster are from The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition, 1981, Assemblies of Yahweh, Bethel, "…For in the month of Abib PA 19507, unless otherwise stated. All translations of the Bible quoted Yahweh your Elohim brought herein have been corrected to be consistent with the oldest available manuscripts. Copies of The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition, you forth out of Egypt by night." are available. For information about purchasing your copy, write to Assemblies of Yahweh. (Deuteronomy 16:1b). ______Watching for the appearance of © Copyright 2017 Assemblies of Yahweh. All rights reserved. Periodical the heads of barley, and the new postage paid at Reading, PA 19612 (ISSN 879320). Telephone (717) 933‑4518. POSTMASTERS: Send form 3579 to Assemblies of Yahweh, moon that follows the appearance PO Box C, Bethel, PA 19507. ______of these heads of barley, is the new moon of green ears—the first month Founder and Author: Elder Jacob O. Meyer of Yahweh's new year. by Elder Jacob O. Meyer

t should be the intention of every sincere Bible student to Isearch the Scriptures daily, to prove all things, and to hold fast to that which is good, 1 Thessa- lonians 5. Ministers exhort their congregations to believe the Bible and to obey what it teaches, but, frequently, they fail to practice what they preach. “For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had to you; and how you turned to Yahweh from idols, to serve a living and true Elohim, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Yahshua, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thes- salonians 1:9-10). When the sincere Bible student begins to search the Scriptures, he, nevertheless, discovers that many things practiced by nominal ch-rchianity are not commanded in the Bible. Conversely, there are a great many doctrines that are clearly commanded in the Word

of Yahweh, but NOT observed by ch-rchianity. "For they themselves report concerning us what Here one encounters a great dilemma. What shall we do: manner of entering in we had to you; and how compromise our conscience, or you turned to Yahweh from idols, to serve a follow the Scriptures totally and completely? We encounter living and true Elohim, and to wait for his a crossroads wherein a choice Son from heaven, whom he raised from the of direction is unavoidable. We dead, Yahshua, who delivers us from the must make the right decision, and this decision will be crucial wrath to come." regarding our eternal salvation. ~ 1 THESSALONIANS 1:9-10 It is imperative that we submit ourselves humbly to the Word, or we will not be truly obedient

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 1 children of the Most High. regulated the true Faith by His there is absolutely no reference Yahshua the Messiah forth- written Word. Yahweh does not to Easter during the life of rightly addressed the issue of change, Malachi 3:6. What He Yahshua the Messiah. Where following the traditions of man commanded in the past is still ap- His death, suffering, and resur- while disregarding the command- plicable for our day and forever. rection would be concerned, we ments of Yahweh. He quoted the Pure and true worship is offered always read that they occurred in prophet Isaiah to support His today by the modern Assembly conjunction with the observance contention that those are in error of the Passover and the Feast who superimpose the traditions What shall of Unleavened Bread—days ob- accumulated by nominal reli- served by Yahshua Himself, His gion upon the commandments we do: disciples, and the Jewish people of Yahweh. In Matthew 15:3 we at that time. read, “And he answered and compromise Don’t you think it’s strange said to them, Why do you also our conscience that such a prominent celebra- transgress the commandment tion as Easter is never once of Elohim because of your tra- or follow the mentioned in the Bible, whereas dition?” In verse 6 He continued, the holy day season of Passover “…And you have made void Scriptures and the Feast of Unleavened the word of Yahweh because totally and Bread that were commanded by of your tradition.” Then, in Almighty Yahweh are never ob- verses 8-9, He quoted Isaiah completely? served generally in Chr-stianity? 29:13, “This people honors me Truly, this inconsistency is baf- with their lips; but their heart fling to say the least. Have you is far from me. But in vain in the name of an unchangeable ever looked at this problem seri- they worship me, teaching as Messiah, Hebrews 13:8. He is the ously? Most people just merely their doctrines the precepts Head of the Body and directs its follow the crowd and do as their activities, as He has since the day of men.” peers. of Pentecost. True Worship is, in Should we continue to fol- Nevertheless, there is a small reality, very stable, unchange- low the traditional teachings of group of people who do not take able, and, in fact, constant and things for granted. They investi- ch‑rchianity after we have plainly consistent. proven from which source they gate the elementary principles of are derived? So many of the No Scriptural Reference life and the sources of the tradi- practices that are scrupulously to Easter tions of the world. Then, they followed in the Chr-stian reli- compare what they have proven Few people realize this, but gion are nowhere to be found in with what the Bible teaches. not one of the major holidays the Bible. Ironically, when we Sincerely, they follow the Lamb of Chr‑stianity is ever once research the texts to uncover wherever He goes, even if it mentioned in the Bible! This the origins of these beliefs, we means having to readjust their statement might surprise you. discover that they are derived entire lifestyle to do so. Why not For example, those who believe accept this challenge to examine ultimately from paganism. Truly, that Easter is mentioned in the such a situation is paradoxical, the source of the Easter “holy Bible will be stunned to learn day” season carefully? but, nevertheless, it can be con- that in the single reference— clusively proven. Acts 12:4—in the Greek text Passover and the In regard to a certain pagan (confirmed also by the Aramaic Feast of Unleavened holiday, Almighty Yahweh in- New Testament texts) it reads Bread—Not Easter spired the prophet Jeremiah pascha. This word is, in turn, to write, “Learn not the way You might be surprised to of the nations….” derived from the Hebrew word (Jeremiah translated Passover. Although learn that the Apostolic Assembly 10:2). A scrutiny of this clause nominal ch-rchianity elevates the of the book of Acts never observed will reinforce the fact that we Easter holiday to a prominent Easter. A very enlightening quote are directed not to learn, or to position on its sacred calendar, from the Encyclopedia Britan- incorporate into our worship, the Bible will not even support nica (11th edition) will confirm the ways, or practices, of the the name given to the celebra- this fact for you from a noted re- “The first pagan people of the nations. tion. What is the reason for this source work. [Messianic Our worship must be pure and puzzle? believers] continued to observe perfect in the sight of Almighty Paradoxically, throughout the the Jewish festivals, though in a Yahweh, Matthew 6:48. He has evangels of the New Testament, new spirit, as commemorations of

2 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 "However, the firm foundation of Yahweh stands, having this seal, Yahweh knows them that are his: and, Let everyone that names the name of Yahweh depart from unrighteousness." 2 TIMOTHY 2:19

the events which those festivals death of the Messiah in place of val. The assemblies of the West, had foreshadowed. Thus the the sacrificial system of Israel. descendents of the Greco-Roman Passover, with a new conception The Funk and Wagnall’s civilization celebrated Easter on added to it of [Messiah] as the New Encyclopedia contains a Sunday.” true pascal lamb and the first another very enlightening pas- We now have two very clear fruits from the dead, continued sage. “On the eve of Passover and authoritative witnesses to be observed and became the [Messiah] was [impaled] and that the early Apostolic Assem- Chr‑stian Easter.” shortly afterwards rose from the bly (having had its roots in the Have you ever checked the en- dead. In consequence the Easter Jewish worship) continued to cyclopedias and reference books festival commemorated [Mes- observe the scriptural Passover that you may have in your own siah’s] resurrection. In time, a and related the meaning of home? Few people ever think to serious difference over the date of Passover and the Days of Un- peruse this reference material, the Easter festival arose among leavened Bread to the sacrifice which will cause them to think [Messianic worshipers]. Those of Yahshua the Messiah upon and reflect upon the practices of Jewish origin celebrated the the tree of Calvary. His resur- that they have taken for granted. resurrection immediately fol‑ rection was observed during the You will notice that the reference lowing the Passover festival…. Days of Unleavened Bread. It works quoted in this article are Chr-stians of gentile origin, was the Messianic worshipers widely known and scholarly, however, wished to commemorate of gentile background—those readily available in your local the resurrection ON THE FIRST steeped in the Hellenistic Roman library. DAY OF THE WEEK, SUNDAY; traditions—who sought to change Here we have seen a very by their method, Easter always the celebration of the Messiah’s plain, clear, and concise state- occurred on the same day of the resurrection to the first day of the ment from a renowned reference week, but from year to year it fell week. Since the Church of Rome work. We cannot just shrug it off on different dates. An important eventually took preeminence over as simply a minor item of inter- historic result of the difference the Western world because of its esting information, but we must of reckoning the date of Easter location in Rome (the capital of allow facts like these to direct us was that the Chr-stian churches the known world), its practices into paths of Truth. What good is in the East, which were closer to eventually predominated. Since this information unless we act on the birthplace of the new religion the world looked to Rome for it? The early Apostolic Assembly and in which old traditions were secular government, the same kept the Passover and Days of strong, observed Easter according held true in ecclesiastical mat- Unleavened Bread, upholding the to the date of the Passover festi‑ ters, although Rome certainly did

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 3 took place at the time of the Easter is a later innovation, Jewish Passover, and was part after the influx of gentile converts of the personal experience of the apostles and the first disciples. who introduced pagan traditions There can never have been a time when its anniversary was which were soon superimposed not honored by every Jewish and over the teachings of the Bible. Gentile convert; and we know that, when St. Paul was preach‑ These changes in doctrine ing and writing to the small, eventually predominated, so that, scattered communities which then constituted all Chr‑stendom, it down to our time, the true doctrine was already being celebrated as the supreme holy day. Neverthe‑ of the Bible has been neglected less, in those first years it was and pagan traditions not kept everywhere on the same day. Because Messiah died and substituted for rose again during the Passover period, many observed Easter Yahweh’s Truth. on the festival KEEPING THE PASSOVER AS THEIR ANCES‑ TORS HAD DONE BEFORE not perpetuate the True Worship. of the fast at cock crow. Leavened THEM, BUT SEEING IT NOW The following is a quote from bread had long since replaced ILLUMINATED BY A NEW AND the Theological Dictionary unleavened. Although the rite DIFFERENT LIGHT. Others, of the New Testament, edited itself had been subjected to only ESPECIALLY THE GENTILES by Gerhard Kittel and Ger- minor deviations and develop‑ OF THE WESTERN COMMU‑ hard Friedrich, as translated ments in the second century, it NITIES, kept it on the Sunday by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, Vol. was a more serious matter that following….” (pp. 7-8). (Emphasis V, pp. 902-903. This is a very the FEAST HAD BEEN GIVEN ours.) scholarly, widely circulated, and A NEW MEANING.” Here is yet another histo- acclaimed work in academic and This reference work heavily rian who very straightforwardly religious circles. “Hence the origin underscores the fact that the confirms the fact that the early of Chr‑stian Easter, as we have early Messianic Assembly kept believers kept the Passover and come to know and deduce it from the Passover as the memorial related the events of the passion Quartodeciman sources, shared of the Messiah’s death. Easter week to that biblical sacred fes- with the Jewish Passover not only is a later innovation, after the tival that had been instituted by the time and details of the rite influx of gentile converts who in- the commandment of Almighty but also expectation of the Mes‑ troduced pagan traditions which Yahweh, our Heavenly Father. siah. The difference is that for were soon superimposed over The evidence mounts sharply as it expectation of the PAROUSIA the teachings of the Bible. These our study continues, demanding gave the feast its true meaning, changes in doctrine eventually a decision on the part of all those so that very early a fast conclud‑ predominated, so that, down to who are seeking for Truth. ing with the Eucharist replaced our time, the true doctrine of For some early history on the the Passover meal. A point of the Bible has been neglected and subject, we have the record found particular importance is that pagan traditions substituted for in Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical this primitive pascal celebration Yahweh’s Truth. History. We read that Bishop shows how strongly expectation In the book Easter and its Polycrates sent the following of the parousia controlled the life Customs by Christina Hole, letter to Victor of the Church of the [assembly] in the earliest this very interesting quote may of Rome. period. be found at the beginning of the “We, therefore, observe the “Later in the second century first chapter. genuine day; neither adding the course of the Chr-stian feast “If in the early centuries there thereto nor taking therefrom. For was everywhere changed in es‑ was some doubt about the date in Asia great lights have fallen sence. Lights were now solemnly of the nativity, there was none asleep, which shall rise again kindled at the commencement. about that of the resurrection, in the day of [the Master’s] ap‑ Baptism preceded the breaking because that stupendous event pearing, in which He will come

4 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 The Council of Nicea, over which Constantine presided, inserted a grave error into True Worship. "The decision of the council was unanimous that Easter was to be kept on Sunday… and 'that none should… follow the blindness of the Jews.'"

—ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA

with glory from heaven, and will FAITH. Moreover, I, Polycratea, he resisted the innovations that raise up all the saints; Philip, who am the least of all according were taking place, insisting that one of the twelve apostles, who to the tradition of my relatives, all the evidence is for keeping sleeps in Hierapolis; and his some of whom I have followed. the Passover on the fourteenth two aged virgin daughters. His For there were seven, my relatives of Abib, the day on which the other daughter, also, who having bishops, and I am the eighth; and Jews threw away the leaven, and lived under the influence of the my relatives always observed the this was the original teaching Holy Spirit, now likewise rests day when the people [i.e., the of the early Apostles. He states in Ephesus. Moreover, John, Jews] threw away the leaven.” that the early Apostles taught who rested on the bosom of our (Emphasis ours.) that the memorial was to be ob- [Master]; who also was a priest, If you are looking for sound, served on Abib 14. Easter Sunday and bare the sacerdotal plate. historical evidence that the True resurrection was not observed Both a martyr and a teacher, he Worshipers kept the Passover until the APOSTASY of nominal is buried in Ephesus; also Poly‑ Memorial on the fourteenth of Chr‑stianity several hundred carp of Smyrna, both bishop and Abib in the Apostolic Assembly, years after the Apostles’ days. martyr. Thraseas, also, bishop here it is. You cannot reject its This has been quite conclusively and martyr of Eumenia, who is authenticity, because it is well proven, and the commentators buried at Smyrna. Why should documented. It would be diffi- are in harmonious agreement, I mention Sargaris, bishop and cult to challenge its historicity, since they cannot reject the martyr, who rents at Laodicea? because it was written at a time testimony of Polycrates. Moreover the blessed Papirius; when the fallacious change from The Origin and Melito, the eunuch, whose keeping the Passover to observ- of the Name Easter walk and conversation was al‑ ing Messiah’s resurrection on together under the influence of Sunday was being made. By going back into the histori- the Holy Spirit, who now rests at Polycrates was evidently a cal writings, we should be able Sardis, awaiting the episcopate man who was striving to retain to unearth the true meaning of from heaven, when he shall rise the pure, original doctrines of the word Easter. Where did it from the dead. All these observed the Apostolic Assembly. He was originate? What is its etymo- the FOURTEENTH DAY OF finding it difficult to hold the logical background? Is Easter THE PASSOVER ACCORD‑ line against the more popular an approved term to use for the ING TO THE [GLAD TIDINGS] doctrines of the apostate con- Messiah’s resurrection? Let us DEVIATING IN NO RESPECT, gregation in the capital of the peruse some of the outstanding BUT FOLLWING THE RULE OF Roman Empire. Nevertheless, reference works on the subject to

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 5 get the facts and clearly elucidate Bede it is derived from Eostere or the answers to these questions. Ostara, the Anglo-Saxon mighty In the Funk and Wagnall’s one of spring, to whom the month New Encyclopedia, we find answering to our April and called the following candid statements: Eosturmonath was dedicated. “Easter, a Chr-stian festival, This month, Bede says, was the embodies many pre-Chr-stian same as the mensispaschalis, traditions. The origin of its ‘when the old festival was ob‑ name is unknown. Scholars, served with the gladness of a however, accepting the derivation new solemnity.'” (Vol. 8, p. 828). proposed by the eighth century In the book Easter and Its English scholar St. Bede, believe Customs (which was noted it probably comes from Eastre an earlier), we read the following Anglo-Saxon name of the Teu‑ candid admission. “Even our tonic [mighty one] of spring and English name for the festival fertility, to whom was dedicated seems to show heathen traces, a month corresponding to April for the venerable Bede tells us [Abib is the Hebrew month cor- that it is derived from Eastre [or responding to April]. Here the Eostre], a northern mighty one festival was celebrated on the of spring and the dawn, whose day of the vernal equinox; tradi‑ principal celebrations were held tions associated with the festival about the time of vernal equi‑ survive in the Easter rabbit, a nox. The Anglo-Saxons gave symbol of fertility, and in colored her name to April which they Nowhere in the Easter eggs, originally painted called Eastur-monath. There is, New Testament with gay hues to represent the however, another theory which sunlight of spring, and used in suggests that the word comes text do we ever Easter egg rolling contests or from Oster, ‘to rise.’ The French find approved given as gifts.” (Vol. 8, p. 268). name, Paques, the Spanish and The relationship between the Italian Pascua or Pasqua, Dutch the custom of word Easter and the Teutonic Paach, and Swedish Pask all mighty one of spring is evidently look backwards to the Jewish baking hot cross proven. We have some rather PASSOVER, coming through buns in honor clear statements to this effect Greek and Latin forms from our in other outstanding reference Hebrew word Pasach, meaning of the Queen works on the subject. ‘Passover.’ Our own English ‘Pas‑ From the Britannica Junior chal’ applied to Easter ceremonies of Heaven, nor Encyclopedia comes the follow- and the spring moon, has the ing quote. “Easter, the festival same root, and so has the homely do we find any of the resurrection, is the oldest north country name of ‘Paceeggs’ of the popular and most important of Chr-stian of Easter eggs.” observances. Two earlier festi‑ It is clearly obvious then that customs that vals are associated with it—the the name Easter is derived from are presently in Jewish Passover and the pagan pagan mythology. We can see festival of Eosturmonath.” (Vol. this conñrmed in any dictionary. vogue relating to 7, p. 2135). The following is the etymology The Encyclopedia Britanni- that has been suggested by the the resurrection ca bears the following testimony Second College Edition of of our Savior, in its article on Easter. “Easter, Webster’s New World Dic- the annual festival observed tionary: “ME. ester OE. eastre, Yahshua the throughout Chr-stendom in com‑ pl. eastron, spring Easter; orig., memoration of the resurrection name of pagan vernal festival Messiah. of [Yahshua the Messiah]. The almost coincident in date with name Easter (German Ostern), paschal festival of the church. like the names of the days of the Eastre, dawn g-ddess PGmc. week, is a survival from the old *Austro (whence G. Ostern: see Teutonic mythology. According to East).”

6 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 In addition to the worship of Ostera, the egg was sacred to the worship of Venus.

Further Investigation declaration from Yahweh through pagan practices are denounced Relates Easter His prophet. As we shall discover, by the Word of our Heavenly to Astarte (Ishtar) the original biblical Queen of Father. We must obey what He Heaven was an idol whose wor- instructs, or we will be guilty In his noted work on the ship had been appropriated by of defiance of His authority. We mythological doctrines that Judah in the days of Jeremiah. cannot assimilate pagan prac- have invaded the True Mes- “See you not what they do in tices and then twist Scriptures sianic worship, Dr. Alexander the cities of Judah and in to support what we do. Hislop in his book, The Two the streets of Jerusalem? The We might ask the question, Babylons, discusses the name children gather wood, and “Why is the mother of Yahshua Easter, pages 307-310. He shows the fathers kindle the fire, the Messiah today termed as the on page 103 that the word Eas- and the women knead the Queen of Heaven?” Nowhere in ter is derived from Astarte. The dough, to make cakes to the the New Testament do we ever noted archaeologist, Sir Austen queen of heaven, and to pour find the Apostolic Assembly bak- Henry Layard, found the name out drink-offerings to other ing cakes dedicated to her honor. Eastre or Easter as Ishtar on the elohim, that they may provoke Apparently, these cakes had some Assyrian monuments. The pagan me to anger. Do they provoke significant sign which identified mighty one Astarte is the same me to anger? says Yahweh; Do them with the Queen of Heaven as Ishtar. All of these various they not provoke themselves, worship. (They have been related names relate back to the worship to the confusion of their own to the hot cross buns popular at of Nimrod, whose wife-mother faces? Therefore thus says the Easter.) Clearly, we can see from Semiramis seems to have been Sovereign Yahweh: Behold, my the passage quoted above that the originator of much of the anger and my wrath shall be the prophet seeks to show the pagan worship of Babylon. She poured out upon this place, pagan background of things that took the title “Queen of Heaven.” upon man, and upon beast, have been adopted by the Israel- The mighty ones of mythology, and upon the trees of the ite peoples. As a cross-reference, created in her image and called field, and upon the fruit of turn to Jeremiah 44:17, where by this term, eventually were the ground; and it shall burn, the title “Queen of Heaven” is incorporated into the doctrines and shall not be quenched.” once again mentioned. of the Chr-stian religion. Here, the prophet Jeremiah Quite an enlightening quote Pagan Practices declares that certain pagan is the following: “Eating hot cross buns is one of the few Good Denounced by the Bible customs are abhorrent to the Heavenly Father. Throughout the Friday customs that has taken Let us turn to Jeremiah 7:17- Bible, the ways of the heathen, root in America. Piping hot 20, where we read an electrifying the mythological doctrines, the from the oven, they appear on

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 7 Rites of was a heathen religious custom we hear of the “World Elm” from exclusively derived from pagan- which the divine Sun bird was the pagan ism.) The cross definitely was a hatched or from the two halves pagan symbol of sun worship. of which heaven and earth were mythological The cross was related to the ris- formed…. festival of the ing and the setting sun. (See any “The custom of coloring eggs truthful work on this subject.) at Easter may well be as old as resurrection Additionally, it was the pagan the festival itself, continuing with sign of the female; today it still only a change of dedication from of the sun are serves as this symbol in biology. the earlier pagan usage. Certainly eagerly observed Pagan mythology was based on it was known in England during the concept of father, mother, and the early middle ages….” (Easter by people today child—a system foreign to the and Its Customs, pp. 6162). teachings of the Bible. Nowhere “The Easter egg, a symbol of who believe that in the New Testament text do we the universe to the pagans, now they faithfully ever find approved the custom of symbolizes the resurrection of baking hot cross buns in honor of [Messiah].” (Britannica Junior serve the the Queen of Heaven, nor do we Encyclopedia, Vol. 8, p. 2136). Heavenly Father find any of the popular customs Obviously, the Easter egg that are presently in vogue re- custom is derived from pagan- and offer true lating to the resurrection of our ism. We might also remember Savior, Yahshua the Messiah. that, in addition to the worship worship to Him. Nevertheless, some people of Ostera, the egg was sacred Nothing could be persist in clinging tenaciously to the worship of Venus (also to these pagan customs, even called Astarte). An egg was said further from the though they are conclusively to have fallen from heaven into proven as derived from mytho- the Euphrates River, where it TRUTH! logical sources by the increased was pushed to the shore by the knowledge being made available fishes and hatched out into this to the people of Yahweh in these innumerable breakfast tables on pagan mighty one (The Two last days. both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, Babylons, p. 109). pleasantly spiced, and with their Easter Eggs Equally After seeing that eggs are not shiny brown tops marked with Abominable mentioned in the Scriptures in a DEEPLY CUT CROSS. Most relation to Messiah’s death and We have already seen in our people believe that this cross is resurrection, nor even in relation study that Easter eggs were at to the Passover, it is truly baf- a purely Chr-stian emblem, con‑ one time a symbol of the Teutonic fling that the Jews today use an nected with the day on which the mighty one Ostera (the Ger- egg with their Passover Seder! cakes were traditionally eaten. man spelling of Astarte, Ishtar, They are unable to explain the It may, however, be far older. Easter). relationship between the Pass- THE CROSS WAS A PAGAN “Easter eggs have a very long over and the egg, except to do SYMBOL LONG BEFORE IT ancestry. In their modern choco‑ as those of other religions, who ACQUIRED EVERLASTING late or cardboard form they date work backwards, holding to an SIGNIFICANCE FROM THE only from the latter years of erroneous traditional practice EVENTS OF THE FIRST GOOD the last century, but the giving and then seeking to support it FRIDAY AND BREAD AND of real eggs, colored or gilded, with a Scripture (proof texting), CAKES WERE SOMETIMES at Easter, and also at the pre- without regard to its meaning. MARKED WITH IT IN PRE- Chr‑stian spring celebrations, Our only conclusion is that, just CHR-STIAN TlMES.” (Easter is infinitely older. Long before as have the Chr-stians, the Jews and its Customs, pp. 43-44). the Chr-stian era, eggs were re‑ have also occasionally incorpo- (Emphasis ours.) garded as symbols of continuing rated pagan customs into their This noted reference work life and resurrection. The ancient worship, sadly. Persians, Greeks, and Chinese appears to present quite straight- Easter Sunrise Services forwardly the candid fact that exchanged them at their spring hot cross buns (Hislop says the festivals, when all things in Many other pagan practices word was originally bouns, and nature revived after the winter; were once associated with the the seasonal partaking of them and in several pagan mythologies religion of Easter. Lent is prob-

8 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 ably an innovation from the ter] had risen from the grave. and sometimes five weeks, apart. “Weeping for Tammuz.” Shrove Those who were up early enough Just exactly why should this time Tuesday and Ash Wednesday could sometimes see it doing so, difference occur? Certainly, the introduce the Lenten season, especially if they climbed to the resurrection should be observed but, in actuality, they were origi- top of a hill where nothing could in conjunction with the scriptural nally derived from mythological obstruct their view of so lovely Passover and the Feast of Un- licentious celebrations held just a light. As late as the middle of leavened Bread one would think. prior to a serious fast. The Mardi the last century, people went in Nevertheless, there is indeed the Gras festival of New Orleans large numbers to hilltops and occasional difference in time that is of similar origin; therefore, open spaces, and watched to see must be somehow explained. we, as True Worshipers, cannot the sun leap and change color We have already seen that the participate in it. or, as some said, swing round observance of Easter is closely at- In the Bible, we have a defi- and round like a wheel. Many tached to the vernal equinox. The nite injunction against Easter declared they did see it, and prob‑ pagan mythological celebration sunrise services. The practice can ably they did, perhaps because of Oestur-monath occurred at the be proven to have originated in of the flickering effect sometimes vernal equinox. Consequently, we Babylonish idolatry. The priest- visible in a sunrise viewed from can readily determine that these hood of the Temple in Jerusalem a high place…. pagan customs were incorporated had incorporated this pagan cer- “A kindred belief, less wide‑ into the Messianic worship as it emony and had begun observing spread than the dancing tradition descended into apostasy. sunrise services by turning their but very firmly held in some The Encyclopedia Britan- “Briefly, it may be backs to the Temple of Yahweh districts, was that the image of nica states, explained here that Easter day and worshiping the sun toward the Lamb and Flag—the Lamb is the first Sunday after the full the east. “And he brought carrying the red cross banner— me into the inner court of appeared in the center of the moon following the vernal equi‑ Yahweh’s house; and behold, sun’s disk on Easter morning. nox.” This rule continues to be at the door of the temple of It was visible only in the first followed by ch-rch authorities Yahweh, between the porch few moments after the sun had in our time. Sadly, some people and the altar, were about risen, and country people used to who believe they are keep- twenty-five men, with their get up early to go and look at it. ing Yahweh’s holy days follow backs toward the temple of Some took pieces of smoked glass this corrupt practice, which is Yahweh, and their faces to- with them, but many declared exclusively derived from the ward the east; and they were that they had seen the image, commandments of men. worshiping the sun toward clearly and distinctly, with their An explanation that is quite clear and concise may be found the east.” (Ezekiel 8:16). unprotected eye.” (Easter and Its in McClintock and Strong’s Certainly, in the Scriptures, Customs, pp. 57-58). Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theo- there is no directive instructing Obviously, the repulsive, pagan logical and Ecclesiastical anyone to go out on a hilltop and customs of the heathen had been adopted by the priests of Literature in their article on face the east to conduct a service Easter. If you have access to this on Easter Sunday morning. The Yahweh’s Temple in Jerusalem in Ezekiel’s time. The 25 men gath- noted work, read the citation relationship, however, is obvious carefully. when you compare the idolatry ered there turned their backs to the worship of Yahweh. They Obviously, few people think of Ezekiel 8:16 to the Easter of researching the Bible and customs of modern times. Rites were incorporating elements of sun worship into True Worship. accepting what it teaches on of the pagan mythological festival the subject of the scriptural of the resurrection of the sun They were worshiping the sun toward the east. Believe it or calendar. Almighty Yahweh, the are eagerly observed by people Heavenly Father, has clearly today who believe that they faith- not, this ancient pagan custom is still practiced in our time on told His people how they are fully serve the Heavenly Father to set the sacred calendar each and offer true worship to Him. Easter Sunday morning when sunrise services are conducted! year. We are commanded to Nothing could be further from begin with the new moon of the TRUTH! Different Times green ears—Abib—which is to “A very old belief, once found for Observing be the first month of the year, in most parts of Great Britain Exodus 12:2. Deuteronomy 16:1, and Ireland, was that the sun Passover and Easter danced at its rising on Easter Occasionally, we see that Eas- Continued on page 21. morning for joy that our [Mas- ter and Passover are a month,

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 9 EASTER PASSOVER Few members of ch-rchianity scriptural Law, since Yahweh is throughout ch-rchianity for actually know that all New Cov- consistent in doctrine, Malachi teaching a no-Law doctrine, or, enant believers are commanded 3:6. (See also Hebrews 13:8.) more specifically, for actually by the Sacred Scriptures to keep At all of the Chr-stian commu- doing away with Yahweh’s com- the Passover and the Feast of nion services, various passages of mandments. But as we have seen Unleavened Bread. Scripture are read. Many times, from 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, nothing The Apostle Paul—usually the ministers of ch-rchianity will could be further from the truth! portrayed as the teacher of a read from New Testament pas- He was certainly urging his read- no-Law doctrine—makes this sages relating to how Yahshua ers to comprehend that the True fact quite clear: “Your glorying the Messiah was betrayed and Worshiper must keep the feast, is not good. Do you not know impaled upon the tree and how, not with the old leaven of malice that a little leaven leavens the beforehand, He instituted the and wickedness, but, conversely, whole lump? Purge out the memorial ceremony of the bread the feast should be observed in a old leaven, that you may be and cup for His disciples at the spiritual atmosphere comprising a new lump, even as you are Last Supper. In these passages, the unleavened bread of sincerity unleavened. For our Passover the term feast, or Feast of Pass‑ and truth. also has been sacrificed, even over, or Feast of Unleavened Paul further instructs his read- the Messiah: therefore let Bread will appear. However, ers that Yahshua the Messiah, on us keep the Feast, not with the average members of the the same night in which He was old leaven, neither with the denominations of ch-rchianity betrayed, took the bread (matzo) leaven of malice and wicked- seem illiterate regarding the un- and the cup, and, after bless- ness, but with the unleavened derstanding of the Old Testament ing them, He distributed these bread of sincerity and truth.” message that they will not no- emblems among His disciples to (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). tice the importance of observing serve as a remembrance of His The term feast occurs almost these feasts. They cannot seem death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 40 times in the New Testa- to grasp the close relationship Let us focus upon verse 26 ment. Thirty of these instances between the doctrines essentially in particular. “For as often refer directly to one of Yahweh’s taught by both of the testaments. as you eat this bread, and holy days that are legislated in Apparently, the listeners do not drink the cup, you proclaim Leviticus chapter 23. Paul’s un- even comprehend the words the Master’s death until he equivocal support of the feasts being spoken. It is regrettable comes.” Something of additional for the Messianic era, appear- that more of these quoted Old importance will emerge from a ing in 1 Corinthians chapter Testament terms do not make a close scrutiny of this passage. 5, contextually is specifically greater impact, since they would By applying the Herman Gunkel intended to instruct the Corin- point people back to the True Bible study methodology, known thian Assembly. Nevertheless, all Worship according to how the as Sitz im Leben (life setting), we Messianic believers are required Old Testament Laws outline its shall obtain some most helpful to keep the Passover and Feast parameters. new insights. Let us understand! of Unleavened Bread, according As previously noted, the Apos- The Faith of the Apostolic to Paul, and be in support of the tle Paul has gained a reputation Assembly was entirely founded

10 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 Are They New Testament Observances?

by Elder Jacob O. Meyer upon the religion of Judaism—not Testament passages relating the which He died. Please find this upon pagan traditions. However, account of the resurrection, we statement conclusively proven by the average Chr-stian does not can plainly determine that THE comparing Matthew 28:1, Mark recognize Jewish practices, or BIBLE NEVER TELLS US TO 15:42, Luke 23:54-56, and John traditions, and, therefore, they KEEP EASTER AS THE RES- 19:41-42. cannot truly perceive what Paul URRECTION DAY. The term The Sabbath that is mentioned is trying to tell his readers. Did Easter never even appears in in these passages as following you ever realize that the Jews the original texts of the Bible. the Passover and Yahshua’s regularly conduct a service of Undoubtedly, someone will point entombment is, in reality, the remembrance which they call a out that Acts 12:4 indeed con- annual Sabbath, the High Day, yahrzeit? They annually remem- tains the word Easter. In the the first holy day of the Feast of ber the day on which a relative, 1611 King James Version, this Unleavened Bread. The Passover or friend, died. The Jews offer statement is true. Turn to the throughout the Sacred Scriptures a special prayer in a yahrzeit Greek text, however, and it be- is always designated to fall on or yizkor service on those days, comes very obvious that the term the 14th of Abib. The 15th day of as they remember the day on pascha appears in the text, con- Abib (which is the first month of which their relative or friend firmed by the definition of #3957 the scriptural year) is the High passed on. Furthermore, the in the Greek Lexicon of Strong’s Day (the annual feast day, the annual observance of yahrzeit is Exhaustive Concordance of annual holy day). The Hebrew reckoned on the date appearing the Bible, and it clearly reflects term chag, appears as #2282 on the SCRIPTURAL calendar. the Aramaic term for the Hebrew in the Strong’s Concordance Paul tells us to do exactly the word passover (Aramaic—Pascha, Hebrew Lexicon, where it is same thing, TO REMEMBER the Hebrew—Ha-Pesach). The Greek defined as a festival. The root Messiah’s DEATH. This means text contains the transliterated is #2287, defined as to move in that each year on the very day Aramaic word Pascha. a circle, or to march in sacred He died, Passover day, we shall Nowhere in the Bible are we procession as TO OBSERVE conduct a memorial service, or told to keep the first day of each A FESTIVAL [meaning one of a Yahrzeit, in memory of His week in memory of the Messiah’s Yahweh’s annual holy days]. This death. That service shall include resurrection. Through a careful word indicates the gathering the remembrance emblems of reading of the various passages, around (assembly) to worship the eating of unleavened bread we are forced to conclude that and receive instruction during (which is characterized as a Pass- Messiah Yahshua was not actu- the holy convocations. over symbol) and the drinking of ally resurrected on the first day To summarize, therefore, we the fruit of the vine. of the week, but, as Matthew must conclude that Yahshua the Chr-stians insist that the 28:1 indicates, the resurrec- Messiah ate the Last Supper New Testament tells them to tion occurred at the end of the (which was the Old Testament observe the resurrection of the Sabbath. Yahshua’s body was Passover) with His disciples on Messiah on the first day of the placed in the tomb just before the evening of Passover day, Abib week, which they term Easter. sundown—at the end of Pass- 14 (which occurred at the begin- However, by examining the New over day, Abib 14—the day on ning or evening of the day). See

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 11 this fact proven from Luke 22:8, Him to be the gardener, since members of ch-rchianity have 13, and 15. Then, after observ- He was carrying the last literal LOST THE KEY essential to ing the Israelite Passover with wave sheaf offering, she did not interpret the Bible correctly. the Old Testament symbols, He recognize Him. Many controversial doctrines introduced the renewed symbols Yahshua ascended to His Fa- would immediately become clear of the memorial supper to com- ther and presented Himself as if Chr-stian theologians would memorate the anniversary of only harmonize the Old and His death for this New Testa- New Testaments, as do the ment era. He was taken During brethren of the Assemblies prisoner during that biblical times, the of Yahweh. very night and went Proof of this state- through several method of setting time was ment certainly trials. He was im- emerged in the paled about noon by observation. Witnesses saw year of 1997. on Passover day the new crescent and reported You will find (Abib 14) and that this year died about three their sighting to the Sanhedrin, the Chr‑stians o’clock in the after- observed Easter, noon. His body was which sanctified the the resurrection, on placed in the garden month. March 30, whereas tomb just before sunset, the Jews observed the which was JUST BEFORE Passover beginning with the THE BEGINNING OF THE evening of April 21 (according to FEAST DAY, ABIB 15. He rested the spiritual fulfillment of the their calculated calendar). The in the tomb three days and three wave sheaf offering. The wave question arises quite seriously: nights, 72 hours (to fulfill Jonah sheaf offering (Leviticus 23:9- “Why should the Messiah be 1:17 and Matthew 12:40). At the 16) consisted of several sheaves resurrected ALMOST A WHOLE end of the Sabbath, three full of barley, the first fruits of the MONTH BEFORE HE WAS PUT days and three full nights after barley harvest, which was cut TO DEATH?”What is the answer He was entombed, He was resur- and offered in the Temple. From to this enigma? (Do not neglect to rected from the grave. these sheaves of barley, the grain notice that the Eastern Orthodox The women, who had come to was threshed out. The grain was Ch-rch celebrated their Easter see the tomb where He was laid, then dried (if necessary), ground on April 27, also a month after found it guarded by a cohort of into flour, and sacrificed upon much of Chr-stianity.) Roman soldiers. They returned the altar as a special offering to The difference in dates for to their abodes and, then, re- Almighty Yahweh. As we can see observing Easter and Passover turned early in the morning (or by reading further in Leviticus in 1997 was predicated upon the at early dawn) on the first day 23:15-21, this offering constituted difference resulting from apply- of the week (Luke 24:1). When the starting point for the day on ing the methods of observation they arrived, they found the which the count began toward on the one hand and tradition on tomb EMPTY, and Yahshua the specifying the day on which the the other. In the Assemblies of Messiah was gone. The great Feast of Weeks (Shavuoth or Yahweh, we strive to follow clear stone was rolled away from the Pentecost) was observed. instructions in the Scriptures door of the tomb. The angels Consequently, there is a spe- just as perfectly as we can. The who were there in attendance cific reason why all of these Scriptures teach us the method informed the women, “He is not concepts from the Old Testament of observation in Deuteronomy here; for he has been raised, have been expressed in the New 16:1. We are instructed to watch even as he said. Come, see the Testament Scriptures. We also for the new moon of green ears place where the Master lay.” have the historical record from and keep the Passover to Yahweh (Matthew 28:6). No human eye the Apostolic Assembly explain- (this is a literal translation of saw the Messiah being raised ing how they were fulfilled by the verse). The first new moon from the dead. He was already the Messiah. Nevertheless, by crescent of the month is the rosh resurrected when the women ar- rejecting the Law of Yahweh, and kodesh, when the moon begins rived with the embalming spices. by rejecting the evidence of the its rebuilding cycle. This time Miriam Magdalene, a short time lifesetting of the Jewish religion, period, from one new moon to later, encountered Yahshua in by separating the Old Testament the next, is called a month, or the garden (John 20). Thinking from the New Testament, the a lunation. Although the months

12 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 in our current common calendar do not follow the phases of the The Scriptures teach us the method of moon, nevertheless, the desig- nation of a period of about 30 observation in Deuteronomy 16:1. days is called a “month.” The word month means moon. The lunar phases (new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last "Observe the quarter) are sometimes noted on calendars, however. But the month of Abib, common months on today’s calendars are not predicated upon and keep the observation of the first lunar passover to crescent, which is the new moon or first day of the month in the Yahweh your Bible. Nevertheless, Almighty Yahweh tells us that the MOON Elohim…." is meant to establish the sacred seasons (Genesis 1:14 and Psalm 104:19). During biblical times, the method of setting time was by observation. Witnesses saw the new crescent and reported We are instructed to watch for the new moon of their sighting to the Sanhedrin, green ears and keep the Passover to Yahweh. which sanctified the month. It seems, however, that today the major religions base their holy day observances upon tradi- that the ch-rches of Syria and was no new determination, but tions and calculations. The Jews, Mesopotamia continued to follow an apostolic tradition. Accord‑ today, calculate the new moons the custom of the Jews, and cel‑ ingly, no date is given to this rather than setting them from ebrated Easter on the fourteenth decision, neither the day nor the visual evidence—in order to keep day of the moon, whether falling year being mentioned. But with the Diaspora together in feast on Sunday or not. All the other regard to Easter, it is said, 'we observance, they explain. There- ch-rches observed that solemnity have resolved as follows,’ in order fore, the Assemblies of Yahweh on Sunday only, viz. those of to show that all were expected to calendar frequently specifies the Rome, Italy, Africa, Lybia, Egypt, obey. Easter day was fixed on the feast days a day later than the Spain, Gaul and Britain; and all Sunday immediately following Jewish observances—because Greece, Asia, and Pontus. It was the new moon which was nearest we follow the Sacred Scriptures considered indecorous, and as after the vernal equinox, because and verify the new moon by affording occasion of scandal to it is certain that our Saviour rose observation, rather than setting unbelievers, that while some were from the dead on the Sunday the month by calculation and engaged in fasting and penitence, which next succeeded the passover tradition. others should be indulging in of the Jews. In order to find more Chr-stians also specify the festivity and relaxation. readily the first day of the moon, date of their Easter by tradition “This subject having been dis‑ and consequently the fourteenth, and calculation, as we can see cussed, it was decreed to celebrate the council ordained that the from the following discussion. Easter on the same day, and the cycle of nineteen years should be “The question relating to the oriental prelates promised to made use of, because at the end observance of Easter, which was conform to the practice of Rome, of this period, the new moons agitated in the time of Anicetus of Egypt, and of all the West. St. return very nearly to the same and Polycarp, and afterwards in Athanasius remarks a difference days of the solar year. This cycle, that of Victor, was still undecided. of language, in pronouncing on which is denominated, in Greek, It was one of the principal rea‑ this subject, from that which was +<

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 13 If you have not studied Yahweh’s inspired method for calculating time and the annual calendar, you need to read this article. Write today for this in-depth study of Yahweh’s Calendar in the Heavens. It is free of charge! Do not delay. Write to:

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number, because it was customary was treated with considerable len‑ to determine] the 14th of Nisan to mark in the calendar with let‑ ity—more, it was thought, than had always been after the spring ters of gold, the days of the new he deserved. He was permitted to equinox, and that it was only in moon. It has been thought that continue in Lycopolis, the city of consequence of a miscalculation the synod assigned the task of his residence, but was deprived of the LATER JEWS that the this calculation to Eusebius of of his ecclesiastical powers and [count to determine the] 14th of Cesarea. It is certain, however, authority, being merely permit‑ Nisan occasionally fell before the that he had composed a paschal ted to retain the title of bishop. equinox. They therefore insisted canon of nineteen years, and But the reader is referred to the that the 14th of Nisan, which for that he had explained the na‑ synodical epistle for the particu‑ both parties within the Ch-rch ture and origin of this question lars in relation to Meletius; and determined the time of Easter, in a treatise dedicated to the those who had received ordina‑ should always be after the equi‑ emperor Constantine, who gave tion at his hands.” (Eusebius’ nox. As the year of the Jews is a him thanks for it in a letter. But Ecclesiastical History, Isaac lunar year, and the 14th of Nisan notwithstanding the decision of Boyle, “A Historical View of the always a full-moon day (sic), the the council there were some quar‑ Council of Nice,” Grand Rapids: Chr-stians who adopted the above todecimans, as they were termed, Baker Book House, 1973, pp. astronomical view, wherever the who remained pertinaciously 22-24 [Emphasis ours]). [count to specify the] 14th of attached to the celebration of “Thus far the controversy be‑ Nisan fell before the equinox, Easter on the fourteenth of the tween the Asiatic and the Western would celebrate the death of moon, and among others the ch-rches had only concerned two [Yahshua] one month later. As the Audeans, schismatics of Mesopo‑ points, namely, (1) whether the Chr-stians could now no longer tamia. They found fault with the day of the week or the day of rely on the Jewish calendar, they council, reproachfully remarking, the month on which the death had to make their own calcula‑ that this was the first time that of [Yahshua] occurred should tions of the time of Easter. These the ancient tradition, through be commemorated; (2) when the calculations frequently differed, complaisance for Constantine, fasting ought to be terminated. partly from reasons already set had been departed from. Now a third point of dispute forth, and partly because the date “The Synod was also desir‑ arose, as to the time when the of the equinox was fixed by some ous of applying a remedy to the 14th day of Nisan really occurred. at the 18th of March, by others schism of the Meletians, who had Many of the Ch-rch fathers are at the 19th, by others at the 21st occasioned a division in Egypt of opinion that, according to the of March. The Council of Arles for twenty-four years, and who original calculation of the Jews in 314 endeavored to establish encouraged the Arians by their up to the time of the destruc‑ uniformity, but its decrees do union with the party. Meletius tion of Jerusalem, [the count not appear to have had great

14 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 effect. The subject was therefore not properly occur in Scripture, the determination of Easter was again discussed and acted upon although AV has it in Acts 12:4 needed. By some it was kept as by the Ecumenical Council of where it stands for Passover, early as March 21, and by others Nice, which decreed that Easter as it is rightly rendered in RV. as late as April 25, and others should be celebrated throughout THERE IS NO TRACE OF EAS‑ followed dates between. The rule the Ch-rch [counting] after the TER CELEBRATION IN THE was finally adopted, in the 7th equinox, on the Friday following NT, though some would see an cent., to celebrate Easter on the the 14th of Nisan. It was also intimation of it in 1 Cor. 5:7. The Sunday following the 14th day of provided that the Ch-rch of Alex‑ Jewish Chr-stians in the early the calendar moon which comes andria, as being distinguished in ch-rch continued to celebrate the on, or after, the vernal equinox astronomical science, should an‑ Passover, regarding [Yahshua] which was fixed for March 21. nually inform the Ch-rch of Rome as the true paschal lamb, and This is not always the astro‑ on what day of the calends or ides this naturally passed over into a nomical moon, but near enough Easter should be celebrated, and commemoration of the death and for practical purposes, and is the Ch-rch of Rome should notify resurrection of [Yahshua], or an determined without astronomical all the ch-rches of the world. But Easter feast. This was preceded calculation by certain intricate even these decrees of the Council by a fast, which was considered rules adopted by ecclesiastical of Nice did not put a stop to all by one party as ending at the authority. These rules involve differences, and it was reserved hour of the [impalement], i.e. at the Dominical Letters, or the to the calculation of Dionysius 3 o’clock on Friday, by another first seven of the alphabet,‑ rep Exiguus (q. v.) to gradually intro‑ as continuing until the hour of resenting the days of the week, duce uniformity of practice into the resurrection before dawn on A standing for the first day of the whole Ch-rch. Some countries, Easter morning. Differences arose the year and the one on which like Great Britain, did not aban‑ as to the time of the Easter cel‑ Sunday falls being called the don their ancient practice until ebration, the Jewish Chr-stians Dominical for the year. There after a long resistance. At the naturally fixing it at the time are also involved the Golden time of Charlemagne uniformity of the Passover feast which was Numbers and the Epacts, the first seems to have been established, regulated by the paschal moon. being the numbers from 1 to 19, and no trace is to be found of the According to this reckoning it the cycle of the moon when its Quartodecimani. The revision began on the evening of the 14th phases recur on the same days of the calendar by Pope Gregory day of the moon of the month of of the year, the first of the cycle XIII, on the whole, retained the Nisan [Abib] without regarding being that in which the new moon Dionysian era, but determined to the day of the week, while the falls on January 1. The Epacts more accurately the Easter full gentile Chr‑stians identified it indicate the moon’s age at the moon, and made careful provi‑ with the first day of the week, beginning of each year. Easter sion for avoiding any future i.e. the Sunday of the resurrec‑ was thus fixed by these rules, but deviation of the calendar from tion, irrespective of the day of another difficulty arose when the the astronomical time. By these the month. This latter practice Gregorian calendar was adopted minute calculations, however, finally prevailed in the ch-rch, in 1582, the difference between the Chr-stian Easter some times, and those who followed the other it and the Julian being then 10 contrary to the decrees of the reckoning were stigmatized as days. This of course affected the Nicene Council, coincides with heretics. But differences arose determination of Easter, and its the Jewish Passover. This, for as to the proper Sunday for the celebration by the [Greek] ch‑rch, instance, was the case in 1825. Easter celebration which led to which has never admitted the (John McClintock and James long and bitter controversies. Gregorian calendar, occurs usu‑ Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, The Council of Nice, 325 [C.E.], ally at the different time from Theological, and Ecclesiastical decreed that it should be on Sun‑ that followed by the western Literature , Vol. III, “Easter,” day, but did not fix the particular ch‑rches. This difference may be Grand Rapids: Baker Book Sunday. It was left to the bishop as much as five weeks and it may House, 1969, pp. 13-14 [Empha- of Alexandria to determine, since occur as late as April 30, while sis ours]). that city was regarded as the au‑ in the West it cannot occur later “The Eng. word comes from the thority in astronomical matters than April 25 nor earlier than AS Eastre or Estera, a Teutonic and he was to communicate the March 22. Occasionally the two [mighty one (female)] to whom result of his determination to the come together but this is rare, sacrifice was offered in April, other bishops. But this was not since the difference between the so the name was transferred to satisfactory, esp. to the western two calendars is now 13 days. the paschal feast. The word does ch-rches, and a definite rule for The Easter feast has been and

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 15 still is regarded as the greatest in the Chr-stian ch-rch, since it com‑ memorates the most important event in the life of its Founder.” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. II, H. Porter, “Easter,” Wilmington: As- sociated Publishers and Authors, reprinted, p. 889). The Time to Watch for Passover New Moon What is the season like in Israel? When must we add the 13th (intercalary) month? From an extended period of personal, on-site observation, we have seen that the spring season in Israel does not begin until sometime in March. It is only the middle of March, or thereafter, that the first heads of barley will usually appear. Therefore, we should never calculate the annual holy year, but we are instructed by the commandments of Yahweh to observe it. Watching for the appearance of the heads of barley and the new moon that follows the appearance of these heads of green barley from the boot stage, will be the new moon of green ears, or the new moon of spring. Thereafter, the barley harvest will develop until the first ripe The author, Elder Jacob O. Meyer, inspecting the barley crop in Israel, 2009. Continued on page 21.

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16 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 for the Days of Recipes Unleavened Bread The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a very special time of year. Dur- ing the holy days, our diet must be changed to fulfill all of the scriptural requirements of this Feast. We must eliminate all leavening (Hebrew— se’or and chametz, meaning yeast, barm, to swell up or corrupt) from our everyday lives. This includes all food sources and all products we use in our homes and on our bodies such as deodorants, toothpaste, vitamins, soap, beer, sodas, even dog food, etc. These are our dwellings, and no leavening agent may be seen in all our quarters (Exodus 12:15-19). Grain alcohol (sometimes used in extracts like vanilla) and distilled vinegar are also prohibited. These leavening agents appear under such names as yeast (both Passover Bread baker’s and brewer’s), baking 3 pints milk powder, baking soda (sodium 1 pound butter bicarbonate), sourdough, barm flour (yeast), cream of tartar, or other names. These ingredients can possibly Using a food processor, mix milk and butter, then add as emerge in such things as soap much flour as needed to give it a body similar to pie dough. powder used for detergent, soup Divide into four parts and work each (canned, dry, or bouillon), angel until it blisters; then roll out to the food cake, table salt, vitamins, thickness of pie dough. Cut into bread, crackers, cookies, cakes, soda pop, beer, and so on. This 2´´ x 4´´ pieces. Score or prick with list is large, but it is important fork (like a pie shell). Bake at 350°F that we as True Worshipers get until lightly browned at the edges. ALL of the leavening out (Exodus 12:15, 19 and Deuteronomy 16:4). Don’t forget the crumbs in the toaster or the vacuum cleaner bag (after all the clean-up)! Be sure to read every label on all Wheat Crisps product containers in your home. All these things have to be 1/2 cup sugar removed from your quarters (property). See Exodus 13:7 and 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour Corinthians 5:8—you cannot save 1/2 cup wheat germ them for later use. Remember to 1/2 cup powdered milk start early, checking all ingredi- 3/4 cup margarine ents on every purchase that you make, and every item in your Place all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Blend in margarine house. (Why not be a year-round with a pastry blender. Knead with hands until smooth and a label reader so that you can obey soft dough forms. Form into small balls and flatten with fork on Yahweh’s dietary Laws?) ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 350°F oven until edges are To make the Feast of Unleav- slightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Makes 2 to 2 1/2 dozen. ened Bread a special time, the following recipes are included in this publication. Joyous eating!

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 17 Potato Filling Mashed potatoes Potato Filling is a 1 small onion delicious and hearty 2 to 3 cups crushed matzo Pennsylvania Dutch Broth or water specialty that can be 3 to 4 eggs enjoyed year-round. Salt and pepper to taste Especially delicious served with baked Make 6-8 servings of mashed potatoes and set aside. Chop onion chicken and turkey! and saute until translucent. Pour enough warm broth or water over the crushed matzo and set aside. Beat eggs until frothy. Drain extra broth off matzo. Stir the onions, matzo, eggs, salt and pepper into the mashed potatoes. Bake in a greased baking dish at 375°F for 30-40 minutes or until brown on top.

Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes 1/2 cup smooth nut butter of choice 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup These brownies are best 1/4 cup cocoa powder kept in the refrigerator Optional: Handful of chocolate chips and eaten cold. They may also be made ahead Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a small cake pan or loaf pan and of time and frozen to set aside. In the microwave or on the stovetop, melt the nut butter serve at a later date. with the maple syrup. In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed sweet potatoes, nut butter, maple syrup, and cocoa powder. Mix very well. (If adding chocolate chips, stir them in now.) Pour mixture into the greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing into bars. Cornmeal Dumplings 2 cups cornmeal Be sure to check the 1 teaspoon sea salt ingredients on your bag 1 egg, beaten of cornmeal and use Boiling water only regular (not self- 1/4 cup rice flour rising) cornmeal during Mix the cornmeal and salt. Stir in beaten egg. Pour enough the Feast of Unleavened water over mixtures to make a thick paste. Stir thoroughly and Bread. form into small balls. Roll each ball in rice flour. Drop dumplings into simmering soup or stew. Cover and continue to cook for 10-15 minutes. Variation: These dumplings make a tasty addition when added to the liquid from a simmering pot of greens, such as turnip greens or collard greens.

18 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 Spinach Meat Pie “Therefore 4 matzos 1 teaspoon salt let us keep the 1 lb. fresh spinach Pinch of allspice Feast, not with 1 medium onion, chopped 1 cup mashed potatoes 6 tablespoons oil 3 eggs old leaven, neither 1 lb. chopped beef with the leaven of Soak whole matzos in cold water until soft. Drain well on paper malice and wick- towel. Wash spinach, then chop lightly. Saute onion in 2 tablespoons edness, but with of oil, add meat. Cook until brown. Drain oil. Season with salt and the unleavened allspice. Mix spinach and potatoes into meat mixture. Beat 2 eggs very well. Pour over mixture and mix well. Preheat oven to 400°F. bread of sincerity Great square pan with 2 tablespoons of oil, then cover bottom of and truth.” pan with 2 soaked matzos. Spread mixture over top and cover (1 Corinthians 5:8) with remaining matzos. Brush with oil, then spread remaining egg over all. Bake 50 minutes. Popovers Popovers are quick to 1 egg make and can be filled 2 egg whites with tuna or chicken 1 cup flour 1 cup milk salad for a delicious 1/2 teaspoon salt unleavened lunch or snack. You can try add- Heat oven to 450°F. Grease six custard cups. Place all ingredients ing cheese or herbs to in blender and blend on medium speed for 15 seconds. Fill custard the batter before baking cups about 1/2 full. Bake 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature for savory side, or add to 350°F and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until golden nuts and orange peel brown. Immediately remove from cups. For crisper popovers, for a sweet breakfast remove from cups and place on their sides on a baking pan and treat. bake an additional 4 minutes. Serve hot.

"Graham" Pie Crust 1 cup unbleached flour 1/2 cup margarine or butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar Fill this delicious pie 1 cup finely ground pecans crust with fresh fruit or Cut margarine into the flour. Mix in brown sugar and finely ground instant pudding for a pecan meal. (You may also use a food processor to mix all of these cool dessert. ingredients.) Form crust in an 8-inch pie pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for a crispier toasted crust. Delicious filled with cheesecake!

Creamy Lemon Filling: Combine 8 oz. softened cream cheese and 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice, then pour into cooled pie crust

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 19 If you don't want to add nuts to your brown- Fudge Brownies 1/2 cup margarine or butter ies, try adding white 2 squares unsweetened chocolate chocolate chips or but- 1 cup sugar terscotch chips. 2 eggs These are delicious 1 teaspoon vanilla served warm with va- 3/4 cup flour nilla ice cream. 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour and half of the nuts. Spread batter into greased square pan. Sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack and cuts into squares. Makes 24 brownies.

1 egg Mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon each dry mustard, sugar, salt When preparing recipes 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar that contain vinegar, be 1 cup vegetable oil certain that the vinegar dash of cayenne pepper is approved for use during the Feast of Unleav- Put eggs, seasoning, vinegar, and 1/4 cup of oil into blender. ened Bread. Apple cider Cover and process at blend. Immediately drizzle remaining oil in vinegar is acceptable, a steady stream while blending at medium speed. (If necessary, but distilled vinegar is stop the blender and use a rubber spatula to keep mixture around not. processing blades. Cover and continue to process.) Mixture will thicken. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Egg Roll Wrappers 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon sugar Egg rolls may be filled 1 large egg Cornstarch with any combination 1 teaspoon salt of cooked meat and/or 1/2 cup ice water vegetables, then deep fried until golden brown. Mix flour and sugar in large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat egg You may also use fruit with the salt, then add 1/4 cup water. Add liquid mixture to flour pie filling and dust with mixture, stir in as much of the remaining water as needed to make powdered sugar for a a sticky batter. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes, dessert. then cover dough and rest for 30 minutes. Divide dough into 24 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a 3 1/2 inch square. Lightly dust each square with cornstarch and stack as you roll them out. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

20 The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 reasons which led Constantine than continuing pagan practices to summon the Council of Nicea common all around us, is the in 325 [C.E.]. At that time the fact that the people have been Syrians and the Antiochenes walking in darkness for centu- were the solitary champions of Continued from page 9. ries. However, a great light is the observance of the fourteenth now shining! Yahweh’s Truth day. The decision of the Council is going forth to the world with translated literally, directs that was unanimous that Easter was increasing power and authority. we “watch for the new moon to be kept on Sunday, and on You are hearing it proclaimed of green ears.” (We do not rely the same Sunday throughout daily over The Sacred Name upon the vernal equinox in order the world, and ‘that none should Broadcast and on Radio Sta- to set the holy days.) We watch hereafter follow the blindness of tion WMLK. The Sacred Name for the green ears, or heads of de- the Jews.’ (Socrates. H.E.I. 9).... Broadcaster magazine, each veloping barley, and, when they The few who afterward separated month, is diligently publishing are seen, we then watch for the themselves from the unity of the and boldly declaring these Truths first month of the scriptural year. church, and continued to keep to the world. The first month begins when we the fourteenth day, were called We urge the restoration of see the first small crescent moon Quartodecimini, and the dispute the scripturally pure worship that makes its appearance in the itself is known as the Quarto- of the Apostolic Assembly. What western heaven after dark during deciman controversy.” (Vol. 8. p. will be your decision? Will you the time when green heads of 828-829). allow yourself to be motivated barley are on the stalk. Fourteen What Will Be by the facts we have presented, days later is Yahweh’s Passover. Your Decision? or will you continue to cling In the articles on the history to pagan traditions? You must of how the date of Easter was In Daniel 12:4, the prophet personally make the choice. You established, we encounter the declares that in the last days cannot avoid this confrontation. term quartodeciman. The En- knowledge would be increased. Come down squarely on the side cyclopedia Britannica, 11th Perhaps the reason why so few of Truth, and you will never be edition, has an outstanding have seen the importance of sorry, because you will receive comment explaining this term. observing the Passover Memo- the blessing from Yahweh as “A final settlement of the dis‑ rial each year in honor of the you bring your life into faithful pute was one among the other death of the Messiah, rather obedience to Him.

EASTER—PASSOVER will occur. occur from the very last few days Are They New Testament Consequently, we know that of March through the first weeks by observing the agricultural of April. OTHERWISE, THERE Observances? cycle, the development of the WILL BE NO RIPE BARLEY plants in the field is associated TO OFFER TO YAHWEH AS Continued from page 16. with the rotation of the heavenly HIS LAW REQUIRES. bodies. We need not resort to Surely, we must make our stalks can be cut during the calculation to determine when decision to follow the Sacred Feast of Unleavened Bread as the Passover and Feast of Un- Scriptures and seek, to the the wave sheaf offering, or first leavened Bread should occur, best of our ability, to please our fruits to Yahweh, of the harvest as does Chr-stianity. Rather, it Heavenly Father Yahweh and season. will be set naturally as Almighty His Messiah Yahshua. By read- Our scouting mission to Israel Yahweh intended by His instruc- ing the Scriptures and studying over the years has proven to us tions. When there are no green its directives, we may come to that the spring feast days are ears of barley evident in Israel, please Almighty Yahweh. quite correct. A few days after we then another month must be We must diligently seek to ob- arrive in Israel, the first heads of added automatically, and this serve Yahweh’s holy days on the barley, only then, are beginning becomes the 13th month of the correct days which were specified to push out of the boot. With the year, or second Adar. The follow- in the commandments of our Fa- new moon about two weeks later, ing month will then be the new ther in Heaven. Remember, the it is then that the Passover and moon of green ears—New Year’s Holy Spirit will guide us into all the Feast of Unleavened Bread Day. The Passover will regularly Truth (John 16:13).

The Sacred Name Broadcaster, 3/2017 21 The Sacred Name Broadcaster PERIODICAL Bethel, PA 19507 Reading, PA

The Seven Lamps of Yahweh by Elder Jacob O. Meyer

“Declaring the end from the beginning.” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

The book of Revelation is an unveiling of events that will occur at the end of the age. Its 22 chapters, containing only 404 verses, need not terrify the Bible student with de‑ scriptions of beasts, major wars, martyrdoms, famines, and destructive earthquakes.

Will you familiarize yourself with the Author of the book of Revelation? A bless‑ ing awaits each Bible student who reads, hears, and does the words of the prophecy of this book! Write for more information on this first volume of Commentary on the Book of Revelation by Elder Jacob O. Meyer. Write to: Assemblies of Yahweh PO Box C Bethel, PA 19507

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