Album Review: World Trade (Bavu Blakes & Element 7D) – Channel One

Every once in a while you get to meet quality people and hear good music that’s classic. Mr Bavu Blakes is one of them cats. When he let me check out his as of yet unreleased project “Channel One” which is an album featuring fellow Austinite emcee Element7D, they form the group World Trade. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised this album is brilliant and banging. And if you get a chance to cop it or listen to it, you won’t want to trade it, it is something to play when you wanna vibe out and relax to some good music. With a name like Channel One it conjures up the thought of the all access Channel many saw in school. That is the message that’s ride this albums delivery to your auditory pleasure. With this album you get an all access pass to two emcees who recorded a classic hip hop album that gives a glimpse into their life and faith challenges. According to Mr Blakes the concept is to “Love Not The World” and how does one do that? It’s a question that never leaves your mind.” Once your hear the album you will understand the message and concept. I can guarantee there are beats and hooks that will get stuck in your brain. The album is like a gourmet meal best served fresh, chewed slowly and enjoy the aroma.

World Trade is made up of emcee’s Bavu and Element7D. Most of the production is handled by Element7D except for a couple tracks produced by Obadele Thompson of Barbados. Bavu is a dynamic Up South word smith, who is as comfortable performing with a live band, as The Roots front man, Black Thought. He is also at home with a freestyle flow, having participated in the Red River emcee battle at its inception. He has a solid record in the vibrant Austin music scene and is variably one of the most profound and intelligent southern lyricist. With a gamma of influences from Soul, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop, Gospel to Funk and having performed with many quality artists he is a diverse emcee. His faith has been evident on his records like “My Sacrifice” featuring Chalie Boy among other stand out tracks. Bavu’s ability to spit relevant and eloquent flows is a promising effort to clean up the dirty south. With smooth singles such as “On The Cool,” which is available on iTunes, and classic yet controversial tracks like “Black Gold,” in which he calls out the exploitation of oil exploration, which got snubbed from the Scion emcee search. In 2008 Bavu dropped the 08 Is So Great series in which he dropped an entire 52 records, one every week for the entire year, for free I might add. Bavu has also released few albums along with the Whut It Dew! Wood Grain Collection and projects featuring the Extra Plairs which is a live band experience. Element 7D is a dope artist and producer whose flow reminds me of Tik Tok of Gospel Gangstaz, with that west coast vibe. Regarding the concept for World Trade, Bavu states “I read the book “Love Not The World.” So the concept was ‘What Would You Trade It For? How?” The dou to me is reminiscent of BlackStar and The Roots, the album has that Braille and S1 ‘Cloud Nineteen’ vibe. Its in the vein of Neo Soul and Jazz vibe fused Hip Hop classics. With a flow and feeling like Guru of GangStarr’s Jazzmatazz series. This project is deep and soulful. My wife who isn’t a fan of Hip Hop was vibing to it. Its soulful, with good beats, a dope lyricism. The to the heart, to the point lyrics are on point. The vibe is classic, its an album you should bump. With a spiritual and soulful, social connection.

The World Trade – Channel One run down goes something like this. Tune in now.

The funky beat on ‘I Will’ with its rock sample is one of my favorite tracks. “I’m willing to change” is a dope confession to hear two ill emcees make on a track that bangs with some nice cuts on the wheels of steal which also has some nice horn samples. The flows meet the tracks bounce real nice adding a good texture and mixture like some good Gumbo. Rapping “I believe you can be whoever He made you to be” Bavu’s cadence perfectly syncs with the kick and snare, he fits right into the rhyme pocket. This dynamic duo is a titanic crew, collabing in the lab, I look forward to more collaborative efforts from this team. ‘Mockery (Remix)’ is my favorite track, the Jazz Snap kinda spaced out vibe to the beat is popping. This track was produced by Obadele Thompson. 7D’s flow on this tracks has that grimey Cannabis style pop to it. The is a dope concept track.
On “Mockery we wrote our verses. Then mocked each other’s verses. Then reversed the order,” states Bavu. That’s genius, two emcee’s battling and mocking each other. Roachelle Torrell appears on “Leave Me Here.” She adds a dope flow to the track reminiscent of L Boogie or Tena Jones on Ahmads 4th Avenue crews. Its nice to hear a dope fem-emcee. The funk of the track greets the flow to paint a story of grimey street life. 7D’s lyrics got some punch with lines such as “product smuggala,” “back on the block like I’ve never left,” “call me a commodity,” “I’ve done everything under the sun” reminiscent of the poetry of King Solomon and “I can do bad by myself” which reminds me of that recent Tyler Perry movie. Tyler Perry adds similar true to life story telling component to his movies. “Be Trade,” “Betrayed,” “Trade The World,” wow, the metaphors and multi- layers to the flow is purely sick. The album will leave you speechless and blessed. “Showdown” is freaking ill, the flow is like Will I Am meets the midwest, with some Wyclef dance hall fused over some classic hip hop sampling of the classic Geto Boys sample “I’m not going down without a fight.” This track is freaking bezerk. Sons, school the track and it called them master. Man, Bavu and 7D are making the beat freaking Jealous. My brain loves me for making it listen to this. I think I’m being brain washed, no not brainwashed my brain is getting washed with dopeness. This is sweet talking my brain, I love it. You brain will love you for coping this jurnt when it becomes available. This is the “New Big Idea,” gospel rappers if you wanna be schooled in how to make a classic record you have to put this in repeat play and get your mental conditioning up. This track got me “Eating this scroll,” chanting “Trade It In” because “I can feel God in this studio.” I like the Xilaphone orient bounce feel to the “On my way” track. This is a gospel radio single with lyrics “I receive my breakthrough now” and “when I breathe there’s more air allowed.” “Step Right” is beautiful single. Its creative like “creation itself” reflecting “the most ancient of texts” as Element rapped it so eloquently. The duo interchanged chanting “what you learn in dark you apply in the light, if step left bring it back right” is an infectious hook. The beat to “You Don’t” reminds me of the melody to “another one bites the dust.” The song tells a tale of a “daughter growing up to smoking weed, to coke, to rock, to smoke, too strung out to cope” growing up “looking too old doing dope, one day something stopped her though” over the track they chant the hook “Yes Yes You Don’t.” The concepts on his project a dope. On ‘I Got (Everything)’ I need, Bavu wears his faith on his sleeve. This track has that west coast G Funk feel with a southern laid back Extra Plair twist. Lyrics that stand out to me on this track were “In order to survive you gotta believe,” “so fear and doubt are not for me” and “I know I’m blessed but I still act surprised.” That’s a good way to keepthe Awe in faith. Its a fresh sound. The hook to “Do It” is some good vibe chill music, got me feeling it. You can’t stop vibing as Bavus and 7D rep that Abrahamic faith, clear lyrics about Gods grace, that are clear and thoughtful. Talking about how the journey in this world doesn’t stop and facing your fears and struggles you can do it. It definitely has that Strange Fruit, Erykah Badu kinda vibe. This is a solid single. Good purpose driven message music that’s got life and realness. “What Begins With Why” is a nice jazzy track, which reminds you that you gotta “give it away” and “Just let go of the pain you feel inside” and relax to this soulful symphony.

This album is clearly a holistic approach of two emcee’s filled with Gods love and sharing it through beats and rhymes that reflect their lives. The sampling of beats and rhymes is a refreshing combination. So tune into Channel One where Element 7D’s beats bang like a metronome and runs up your spin and Element and Bavu’s tag team rap tap out ya brain and slaps the dirty out the lame, cleaning up the dirty south. 7D’s beats remind me of Tony Stone or S1 jam infused a with some Dr Dre funk with a live Jazz Soul kinda of sound.

I give this album 4.5 out of 5 and says its a classic that deserves spins again and again.

Coming of “Age”-Maturity-Rite Of Passages Seem To Be Missing In Society.

My Question Was: If there is no coming of age, rite of passage or maturity experience such as a Bar-Bat-B’nei Mitzvah in which you become responsible before God for your choices and make allegiance (Aaliyah) to Gods commandments, how do you learn responsibility and become truly “mature” in society?

My Answer: Whether we come of age or not without teaching and events like Yeshua had at age twelve where around the time of the age his Bat-Mitzvah. As a Jewish child and an observer of Torah, Jesus fulfilled all the Mitzvot (Commands). Even waiting til 30 before taking on his duties to take over his father business and become a man, also taking a bride for himself. In modern culture its kinda gradual with no life events where Gods law or maturity or true man/womanhood is achieved. Many don’t grow up mentally and don’t fully mature as seen in many peoples behavior. Many are of “age” without the discipline, responsibility or accountability. Being of “age” according to Roman or American standards doesn’t equal spiritual maturity and being of “age” is nothing close to what I’m trying to express. Really “aging” physically does equate to maturity and without a “right of passage” there is no intential growth, it ends up being by accident. Many are lacking the fullness of spiritual commitment! They haven’t converted or pledge allegiance to obey Gods commandments completely. They’d rather pledge allegiance to America and just turn 18 by default not by spiritual discipline.

I got my license at 16. Drum roll please. I turned 18, went to college, crossed the border to Tijuana got drunk. At 20 got saved. Maturity as a man I feel came with atleast 10 years as a Christian with the advent of a wife and son. As a man I’ve made the choice to go through the B’nei Miztvah because one day I will ask my son to take the 2-3 years to prepare for his Mitzvah its only right I do first. In the process I was thinking my maturity and western society in general was delayed, lacking and kinda by default. The question was meant to simply cause everyone to think on a deeper walk to personal, socially and most important to spiritual maturity. Actually learning biblical Hebrew and the Torah is a healing experience, I like it.

You need maturity to wait to have sex, or safely drive while not drunk texting, to act responsible. I failed the maturity test though I passed the age default litmus though. Being able to have sex, drive a car or drink are not true “rites of passage.” With 95 % of youth not returning to church after youth. We need something more than kiddie stories and silly songs for the youth spiritual growth thus I support the biblical principle of going through biblical Mitzvah programs and coming of age rites of passage to accountability and maturity.

In the biblical culture, 30 was the age when you left your fathers home, started your own home and took over your fathers business or went from apprentice in a trade to a practicioner. The age of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is one of the first steps its not the end. Modern society we don’t even have the first step down. As much as I’d love to be in a biblical culture, the culture of today isn’t even close. It would be good to have these mile stones.

As for myself at 8 I sought salvation, at 12 I heard God speak to me, accepted Jesus to be God and ended up debating the things of God with the elders of religion, at 18 I started my spiritual quest to find true belief, at 20 I came to saving faith in Yeshua & I quickly got into ministry to lost souls, at 21 I went to bible college, at 25 I became a manager in my trade, at 30 I sought to become married and took for myself a wife, at 31 we had our first born son, at 33 I started my adult B’nei Mitzvah to make Aaliyah to the Torah because I never have & will one day ask my son to so I should have first. So I would say my growth been progressive if tried to follow the text of scripture and follow historical Hebraic norms, from our Jewish wedding, to observing biblical festivals, to becoming members of a Messianic Synagogue. I’ve sought deeper meaning past societal norms. Its transformed me. I believe others should try to as well.

Martial Arts (Lessons Learned Along The Way)

So I’ve been thinking about my Martial Art training and lessons I’ve learned along the way. How it has changed my life and perspective on things. I have trained up to Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and I have also trained in Brazillian Jui Jitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai Boxing and Greco-Roman/Freestyle Wrestling among other styles. I am a ‘Lee Jun Fan’ Bruce Lee fan. I’ve collected and read all his books, watched all movies and TV appearances. He was a very inspiring character in my life. I wrote another article on Bruce Lee’s impact on Martial Arts and my life (that is on this blog). I also bought some Jeet Kune Do dvds and books to teach myself some of the principles of entering, trapping and grappling. The Tao of Jeet Kune Do changed my whole paradigm (world view) drastically. The way of no way as a way. It took all my classical training in TKD, Hapkido, Aikido, Wrestling, Kick Boxing and Brazillian Jui Jitsu, and gave me a framework to become an unlimited fighter, not bound by style. A student of all, master of none.

Let me approach each style and discipline. I’m going to list each style and under each heading things I’ve learned. I’m not sure if it will benefit others I do feel like sharing some bullet points because really the teachers and training laid the foundation for many things that can only be realized in experience. Without the actual experience the principle may convey an idea as the experience was transformative to my life.

Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido
I started training in TKD in High School as a method of Self Defense, and I desired to no longer feel intimidated by my abusive father. I grew up in North County, San Diego and live in Oceanside on the border of Libby Lake between the Mesa Loco’s in the Deep Valley Crip territory across the San Luis Rey river from the Deep Valley Bloods. There was a grip of other gangs the Insane Crip Gang, Fruit Town Bloods, Crip Mob Gangstas, etc… Gang fights, driveby and getting jumped where common. So I had been in a lot of fights, more with the few other white kids trying to act hard so the real gangstas wouldn’t mess with them. But I ended up knocking them around and being known as a fighter. I stayed solo didn’t roll with the gangs so I wasn’t a target for them. Had some homies who where who ended up doing time so I figured keep my nose clean and stay out of trouble and I’d be good. For the most part I was I took of TKD just to feel safe and being a Bruce Lee fan. Hapkido, TangSooDo and Tae Kwon Do are branches of the same tree just like Aikido, Judo and JuJitsu share common ancestory. Tae Kwon Do is the style of Korean fighting handed down from the Hwa Rang warriors. Hapkido is a Korean form of Aikido/JuiJitsu that’s more hard style and agressive. TaeKyon in inception was a no hold barred more, Muay Thai style combat, influenced by Okinawan Karate but with an emphasis on powerful kicks and Karate/AkiJustu style attacks. It was more of an agressive form of combate like Savate or Muay Thai with a Karate edge. I learned some basic Korean linguistics through training and regiment, the names of forms. counting, etc… I found a sense of security and discipline in my Martial Arts training. I gained heightened alertiveness and increased physical prowess. I found a way to channel my anger. I found a source of strength in the structure and discipline. I found once I knew how to fight I no longer needed to prove myself. The thug on the block didn’t need me to kick him in the head to prove I could fight. Though I have to admit I did, get in a fight and kick a guy in the head and got the nick name Ninja-Boy and Karate-Kid. Which was humorous but kept “most” people from fighting me. A few kids wanted to test whom I dispatched with very little effort to my glee by slipping punches and redirecting him into a fence and then he tried to kick me and I tossed him down the steps. That wasn’t enough he tried to blindside me while I was talking to some others in PE, I slipped his punch and he busted his hand on the wall as a teacher walked by. I was glad I hadn’t royally beat the crap out of him, and was able to win without really fighting. Ala the “art of fighting without fighting” ~ Bruce Lee. Anyways, this just solidified my Ninja boy status. So I joined the Martial Arts club at school and became the Vice President along with my friend Jo (aka Jo-Blo-Jitsu) a Aikido black belt. During High School I worked at Family Karate (TKD) cleaning up and washjng windows much like Daniel son and Mr Miyagi in the Karate Kid. My instructor would train me the old school way he was taught in Korea, vis-à-vis standing on my hips as I did the splits to help me touch the ground, because I wanted the real training not watered down. I enjoyed competing in tournaments to challenge and grow by interdisciplinary fighting. I was a fast study due to my street fighting experience I was competing with and beating black belts when I was an Orange and Yellow Belt, which was really quick. Faster than most, I love sparring more than anything else. Friday night and Saturday morning sparring where highlights for me. I had some friends who would drive from Escondido and Rancho Bernardo to spar with me because we loved the challenge and had the never die, never quit, never loose, indomitable spirit. I do miss those days. In TKD there is a lot of physical conditioning with forms, cardo, stretching and mental conditioning through one steps and other excersizes. I got so fast in my reflexes I would find myself kicking people in the head before I or they realized I had moved my foot. I hit people before either of us moved and I’d hit people with spinning reverse kicks incessantly. I gained a good foundation in upright and ground combat. Mostly TKD style stricking, with some Hapkido (Aikido/Judo style) grappling. Our head instructors instructor had done some freestyle “Vale Tudo” fighting in Europe and elsewhere so he started introducing mixed martial arts training. I learned Bo Staff, Nunchuka, Kama and Escrima sticks as well. I have to admit though I enjoyed teaching the childrens classes, the special needs Kids and womens self defense. The little kids loved when I taught and helped teach. I spent two hours teaching, and two hours training everyday. On top of that I would run 4-5 miles a day, do weight lifting (I took a year and a half of weight training & a year of sport medicine), then I would work on the heavy bag, do spead drills and katas. I would train a good 6 hours a day, untop of school and part time work. I also enjoyed doing public demonstrations, which was fun, though I enjoyed doing school anti-drug martial art and board breaking demonstrations more. Teaching at different locations was fun and challenging. It was a good stretch. That’s was a good foundation. I trained all the way up to the point that I reviewed for and passed my Black Belt review. So my hands are registered leathal weapons, I guess.

Wrestling (Greco-Roman & Freestyle)
During high school, I joined the wrestling team off season and trained for most of a year. I joined because my father and uncles where from Des Moines, IA a strong wrestling state, they had wrestled and my uncle was a wrestling coach. Being opposed to senslisly smashing into people over a pig skin, I got pretty good at wrestling but decided not to compete because I prefer kicking, punching and martial arts (Judo/Hapkido/Aikido) grappling over wrestling so I quit. I later realized when training in Brazillian Jui Jitsu that the takedowns in wrestling helped my takedown game, plus the Judo style throws from Hapkido made me formidable in BJJ.

Aikido & Kendo
I first learned about Aikido through my friend Jo who was the president of the Martial Art club (of which I mentioned I was Vice President), he would teach Aikido and I would teach TKD after school. I picked up some cool techniques, redirecting motion (a further exploration past Hapkido into grappling), break falls, rolls, etc… Jo would teach me at Black Belt level so I went more directly to the fluid motion, I didn’t have to take all the time learning the square patern, to triangle, to circle, so I got to skip a lot of what I felt was a waste anyways and I guess having Hapkido experience it wasn’t completely foriegn. I started to learn some Japanese names and terms as well. I did take a few classes and train officially but never took it serious as an art, outside of the principles of using the opponents forces, joint manipulation, locks and throws. Jo aslo taught me some Kendo bo staff and sword techniques, which enhanced the Korean Bo Staff and sword training I got. I seemed to do a lot of cross training.

Brazillian Jui Jitsu
For me BJJ was easy, I had a foundation in Greco-Roman Wrestling and Hapkido with a little Aikido and Judo training so when I hit the mats, I was putting Blue Belts in leg locks, chokes and holds off the bat, first time out, literally, no joke. I had just been in a car accident and was on pain meds so it was a feet to me. I had some in class teaching and grappled with friends who had won national championships who taught me and I was a quick learner. I have to say my grappling game is solid Blue Belt in BJJ, mounted (bottom-top), rear guard, takedowns, throws, locks, chokes, submission, quiliontine choke, triangle chokes, arms bars, kimura, helicopter throws to armbar, body movement, scissor leg takedowns, etc… If ya know, you know the drill. If not you need to.

Avoid Spitiual Traps
I never accepted spiritual energy, chi in the form of yin or yang or any thing. I did tap into adrenaline in the place of where many channeled spirits (demons). I did have to renounce the involvement of activities that involved demonic ideologies and practices. The physiological principles of pain, nerves, pressure points and adrenaline are powerful enough without inviting reincarnated spirits, channeling them or using their presence to invoke power to defeat opponents. As a believer in Yeshua, I have stood face to face with men with guns and knifes who wanted to rob me, not using a lick of Martial Arts Yeshua caused them to WALK away from me even though I had hundreds of dollars and brand new Nikes on. So with all my training that I don’t need to use God has kept me from death or from having to do anything.

Krav Maga
Martial combat is part of biblical life, spiritual combat is essential to life. The struggle for the people of God rages on. Jesus healed the Centurions daughter but didn’t ask him to stop protecting people. The Old Testament and the people of Israel are used to combat. As the art of Krav Maga developed from combat by the IDF they blended martial arts. The principles of Jeet Kune Do and real combat are the foundation, the ranges of combat, the liveness of real combat, attribute training, weapons defenses and the tools of combat. KM is a very raw, attack, defend, immobolize and move on. Its the bares bones special forces version of Jeet Kune Do without the technical aspects. The uses of adrenaline and realistic training is beneficial. Weapons, mainly knifes and gun defenses are primary. The fighting stances is the strong arm forward, parries, the defences and weapons are primarily the core of Jun Fan JKD. Its like JKD minus Bruce Lee’s philosophy and the teaching of Kali, Jun Fan Gung Fu, Wing Chun. Its a good barebones combat art. If you wanna win a fight, its the place to be, no classical mess, just combat.

Tai Chi
Yes, I took some Tai Chi early in my studies. I studied one of the earliest recorded forms. It was boring, I didn’t like the Chi or Yin-Yang so I quit. I understood the move behind the motion but BORING that and I didn’t want spiritually, I wanted street provable combat skills.

Again the monastatic focus on Chi, Yin-Yang and Toaism is a turn off so I’d rather pratice grappling or full combat martial arts other a aberant spiritual based martial art.

Anyways, these are my experiences and gleamings from the martial art world. I don’t recomend you try all that I tried. I started my martial arts journey when I was unsaved. Even though I choose not to channel spiritual energy or ancestors and used adrenaline instead. I would advise against it. I’m am somewhat retired from training due to a permnant injury to my low back that has mad a lot of things permnant difficult. However, I felt I should share my experiences with those who read my blog to know a little more about me. Maybe unserstand somethings and hopefully learn from my life story.

Alef Bet Hebrew Class – Week Three (Notes & Comments) @Baruch_HaShem

* Class Notes:

Two types of Hebrew dialects, Sephardic & Ashchanazi. Sephardic is influences by Spanish and the Middle East. Ashchanazi is influenced by German and Eastern Europe. Most modern Jews speak Aschanazi.

So far we’ve learned Resh, Dalet, Bet and Vet. Along with the Ts, Uh & Ah vowel markings.

Today we learn the Sheen & Seen.

Sheen = Sh = Shin = e (dagesh to the right)
Sin = Ss = Seen = e (dagesh to the left)

Pnuemonic learning: Seen in the past, sin is never right, its not a sin to be left handed.

{The letters Sheen & Seen sound very oriental when read – to me}

BahSahR = Basar = meat flesh.

* Read “Gods Appointed Customs”

n = Tav = T(h) (with dagesh)
n = Tav = T (without dagesh)

In modern Hebrew Tav is pronounces the samw with or without the dagesh.

T B SH = ShaBaT = means He rested. Used to mean Rest.

* The shepherds who heard the angels sing, who came to see Yeshua in the manger, where the shepherds who raised the lambs for sacrifice.

Bet / Beth = House

Bethlehem comes bet’Lechem which means House of Bread.
* Bet Lahum = House Of Lamb in Arabic

Sukkot = Tent
Sukkoth = Tent

Modern Hebrew is a different dialect than biblical Hebrew.

VR = RaV = Rabbi
TS = SeT(h)

There are 304,840 letters in the Torah.

The Ritual of Scribing The Torah
A scribal Sofer or Soferiem have rituals they go through everyday before they work on scribing the Torah. They begin each day taking a ritual Mikvah (Bath). The must immerse completely in running (living) water. A Soferiem makes his own ink. The pen must come the feather of a Kosher bird, most commonly a Duck or Goose, thou the Goose is more common. The skin of a Kosher animal, cow or buffalo, more commonly a cow, is to be used for parchment to write on. The thread holding the parchment together must be from the tendons of a Kosher animal. The torah is to be set apart & holy. To write the name of G-d, YHVH, (the Tetragramaton), they use a special pen, that is only used to write the name of G-d. If a mistake is made they can use a special knife to scrape the text off, except for the name of G-d. They must start again after burying the page of errored parchment in a ritual burial. Scraping or erasing the name of G-d is considered blaspheme. They must always end the day with a joyful sentence. As we all know that Numbers and Dueteronomy have few joyous phrases, so it may takes hours upon hours to finish a day. Days can last eight to twelve hours. They must end each day in prayer. They are not allowed to ever copy any text from memory, no matter how many times they’ve done it, they must be copied from an athenticated Torah. They must say a blessing before and after writting the Name of G-d. They take a MikVah before & after writting HaShem YHVH. It can take nine months to a year to complete a Torah.

Talmud states Moshe was given 13 Torot, 1 for each Tribe compared to 12 other authenticated copies. Duet says do not add to or take away, the penalty for adding or removing was death.

We must test and prove words from God. Do not trust all who say “Thus sayeth The Lord.” What God has blessed no man can curse.

That was this weeks notes. Til next week.

Shalom en HaShem,
Jeramiah

Alef Bet Hebrew Class – Week Two (Notes & Comments) @Baruch_HaShem

This is week two into the B’nei Mitzvah Alef Bet Hebrew Class at Baruch HaShem Messianic Synagogue.

* Note: I’m working on a blog on the Hebrew Foundation of Faith chronicling the History of the Apostolic Fathers, their disciples and the journey away from original faith (which historical quotes and sources). I have over two hundred pages of research to condense. I’m debating providing links with a summary or teaching with condensed facts. I’m sure the facts will be enlightening in themselves. We will see how it materializes. That’s in progress and maybe for a while. Keep me in prayer as it seems a mountain to climb. Back to the task at hand.

Class Notes:

Last week we overlooked the third common form of Hebrew, Mishniac Hebrew, used in the Talmud. So there is classic Hebrew, Mishniac and Modern Hebrew. The Mishanic Talmud has Greek and Aramaic influences. Aramaic was the official language of Babylon. The Roman Empire spoke Koine Greek up to and around the time the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE.

The first two consenants we learned today were:
Bet which has a dagesh “piercing” = B
Vet = V

The first vowel we learned was:
.. Tzere which makes the TS sound

When reading Hebrew you read from Right to Left. Its the perfect language for Left handed people. Our teachers calls it the Left Handers revenge.

You always read the consenant and then the vowel from left to right. Every consenant has a vowel. Each vowel has their pronunciation in their name.

An open sylabel ends in a vowel sound. A closed sylabel ends in in consenent sound.

For Example:
Beh, Veh, Beb, Behbeh or BehVehV’et

All Hebrew writting is done in script. Most books are in block font. You should practice atleast 10 minutes a day.

The second two consenants we learned were;
Resh = Reh
Dalet = Deh

The second two vowel sound we learned were:
- = Patach = uh, short
T = Kamatz = ah, long
As in “Sh-uh-bb-ah-t”

Rav as in Rabbi, Bat as in Son.

Shual is Pauls Hebrew name. Paulos is Shual in Greek. Paul didn’t change names he simply used his Greek name when going to court as a Roman citizen.

Jesus spoke Koine Greek and Aramaic, “the Passion” was influenced by Catholicism and Orthodox sources which use latin in their liturgy.
* Note: Possibly Hebrew & Aramaic
* Note: The Passion relied on Catholic prophecies and interpretation to add to the story and embelish, including the stations of the cross and other elements.

Its not acceptable in biblical tradition to make images, idols or portray God in any form. Portraying Yeshua as an actor is forbidden by the ten commandments. Jews contend if Yeshua is God why do people portray him, make movies of him and carry idols of Him on a cross. Images, movies and pictures of God are not acceptable in biblical tradition. Images like the cross have been used in hatred to kills Jews, Muslims and unbelievers.
* Note: The Crusades Flag with Cross, Nero’s broken cross, Hitlers Spider Cross, the Ankh

During Jesus trial many laws where broken. The Jews are not “the killers of Jesus.” Crucifiction is a Roman method. The Roman soldiers carried out the murder, due to Pontius Pilots orders, the crowd cried out and asked for it. We are all guilty of the sin that put Him there. He laid down His own life.

Much anti-semitism has been due to adverse reactions to Jewish hatred.

Around 90 CE at the Council of Yavneh Sanhedrin in which they Pharisee’s added the 19th prayer to the Shomrei Esrei, the Amidah, standing prayer. It was the Heritics curse aimed at the Nazerene Sect and Eboinites who where followers of Yeshua. The Saducees became Greek and where influenced by Hellenism. The Essenes where shrinking in number due to a belief in celibacy. The Jewish Sect of the Nazerene was growing. The Pharisee’s harshly pronounced the Heretics curse against the Nazerene’s and the Eboinite followers of Yeshua.
* Note: Constantine later decreed all converts to Roman Universalism to renouces Judiasm and speak a similar curse to the Heritics curse as a reaction to the Pharisee’s harsh judgement on the early Nazerene’s.

Here are some websites to check out;

http://www.hebrew4christians.com

http://www.akhlah.com

http://www.ffoz.com

And of course

http://www.baruchhashemsynogogue.com

Also, I like

http://www.chadad.org

And

http://www.hebcal.com

Anyways, those are my note for this week. I must practice my Hebrew.

Until next week.

Shalom En HaShem,
Jeramiah

Some Must See Messianic Christian & Hebraic Roots DVD’s from Dick Rueben

Garments of the Priesthood (MP3)

$3.00

Part 1 of 5 in The Pattern for Revival Fire series

There is much to be revealed in the pattern for the priestly garments. These patterns pertain to who we are in Christ and our Kingdom service to God. Every garment, every color, every precious jewel in the breastplate of the High Priest contains hidden secrets of great revelation. This teaching will reveal those secrets and God’s patterns for Glory, Beauty, and Holiness. This teaching experience is a must for preparing your wedding garments and meeting your Bridegroom- Jesus.

Purchase the Pattern for Revival Study Guide to accompany this series.

Other teachings in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series include:

• Our Great High Priest
• The Anointing and Trespass Offering
• The Golden Altar
• Covenant Meal: The Lord’s Table

Our Great High Priest (MP3)

$3.00

Part 2 of 5 in The Pattern for Revival Fire series

It is quite shocking to realize that many Christians today have completely lost their focus on Jesus and His Priesthood. This teaching will once again focus on that which is eternal and not that which is temporal. We are no longer our own, we have been bought with a price by Jesus, our Great High Priest.

Purchase the Pattern for Revival Study Guide to accompany this series.

Other teachings in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series include:

• Garments of the Priesthood
• The Anointing and Trespass Offering
• The Golden Alter
• Covenant Meal: The Lord’s Table

The Anointing and Trespass Offering (MP3)

Part 3 of 5 in The Pattern of Revival Series

Of all the subject matter contained in God’s Word, there is none more important than that of forgiveness.

Unforgiveness can hinder our personal walk with God. The unfeigned truth of the matter concerning unforgiveness is that it is no always easy to forgive those that have hurt you. However Jesus never gave us the option of harboring resentment towards others. Contained in this video are the revelations revealed to Dick Reuben in his own life on forgiving those that abuse you. Through the blood of Jesus Christ there can be forgiveness, no matter how great the hurt.

Purchase the Pattern for Revival Fire Study Guide to accompany this series.

Other teachings in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series include:

• Garments of the Priesthood
• Our Great High Priest
• The Golden Altar
• Covenant Meal: The Lord’s Table

The Golden Altar (MP3)

$3.00

Part 4 of 5 in the Pattern for Revival Fire series

In this beautiful replica of the golden altar, Dick Reuben explains the process of prayer and intercession and how God receives this act as sweet incense unto Himself. Through this teaching your worship and prayer life will be both dramatically and dynamically changed, while revealing the essential ingredients that produce revival. The intensity of the lessons contained in this teaching have taken believers to a new level of awareness of the power of worship.

Purchase the Pattern for Revival Fire Study Guide to accompany this series.

Other teachings in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series include:

• Garments of the Priesthood
• Our Great High Priest
• The Anointing and Trespass Offering
• Covenant Meal: The Lord’s Table

Covenant Meal: The Lord’s Table (MP3)

$3.00

Part 5 of 5 in The Pattern for Revival Fire series

Many Christians today have only a shallow knowledge of the Lord’s table. Through this teaching you will learn what true intimacy with the Messiah really is, and the hidden secret the early church knew and practiced on a daily and weekly basis. The COVENANT  given to the saints of God as a holy remembrance of Jesus Christ. We have received many letters from around the world by believers who have been stirred by this message. Pastors and parishioners alike have told us the change that this teaching has brought to their congregation and homes.

Purchase the Pattern for Revival Fire Study Guide to accompany this series.

Other teachings in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series include:

• Garments of the Priesthood
• Our Great High Priest
• The Anointing and Trespass Offering
• The Golden Altar

The Living Tabernacle (MP3)

$15.00

This Powerful 5 Message Series Includes:

• The Brazen Altar and the Laver
• Table of Shewbread
• Golden Altar of Insense
• The Return of the Ark – 2 Parts

“There has been no greater experience during my ministry that I desire more to share with you than The Living Tabernacle.”    – Dick Reuben

This series on The Living Tabernacle will take you on a journey like none other. From the Brazen Altar, to the table of God’s presence, to the return of His glory and the Ark of the Covenant, you will experience the patterns of Heaven. And as we know, in your church, in your family, and in your life, “When the Pattern is Right the Glory Will Fall”.

To fully experience this series, Dick Reuben Ministries encourages you to purchase the The Living Tabernacle 5 Part DVD Set which will allow you to fully experience the recreated elements of The Living Tabernacle.

The Ephod (MP3)

$3.00

A Pattern for Powerful Faith

Through our salvation experience, we understand that it is by grace that we have been saved. As believers, we desire to move into a deeper understanding of God’s heart. But as we journey down the path that we refer to as our Christian walk, we come to know that it is by faith that we become stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled in our relationship with our Lord.

By studying the patterns of the tabernacle given to us by heaven, we are shown that God has moved His dwelling place from a temple made with hands, to now dwelling in His people through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The robe of the ephod worn by the high priest speaks of the power and majesty of the Holy Spirit. Through the pattern of the ephod we can understand the power of the Holy Spirit in us and then begin to move in the fullness of our faith.

In this inspirational teaching, you will learn about the believer’s blessing for sowing into God’s kingdom, the power of following the Father’s commandments, peace from relying on the Bible for answers and confirmation, our Holy Spirit strength and how to use it, plus how to maintain a spotless and righteous lifestyle according to the principals of God. During this message Dick Reuben will take you through a priesthood pattern and reveal through the inspired Word of God that, “Faith is not just knowing that the Lord can do it, but that He will do it.”

This teaching is one among several brought forth from March 1993 to April 1995 by Dick Reuben to the congregation of Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida. This church was to soon become the host to the now, well known Pensacola Outpouring Revival and would see over four million people touched by God’s Holy Spirit. The leadership of Brownville Assembly attributes these very teachings with laying the foundation for this mighty move of God.

The Passover Seder (MP3)

$3.00

In this teaching you will view the celebration of the Feast of Passover. It has been long overlooked by the Christian church, thinking its observance was for the Jew only. This is a full presentation of a Messianic Passover Seder that was celebrated at Brownsville Assembly of God, 15 months before the now famous Father’s Day Outpouring.

Share with us this rich heritage of “Our Passover Lamb, who takes away the sin of the world”. If you have desired to understand or participate in a Messianic Passover celebration, this teaching will provide that ability for you. Follow along with Dick Reuben as he ministers though the Passover Seder. The relevance of the Passover teaching is far greater than a once a year celebration. You will desire to partake of precious feast as you realize the truth it holds in our Messiah Jesus Christ.

Also available from Dick Reuben Ministries: Messianic Passover Haggadah. The Haggadah is the companion book for any Passover Feast. Contained in the Haggadah are instructions, prayers, and explanations for your Passover celebration.

Hanakkah: Festival of Lights – Feast of Dedication (VHS)

$10.00

The word Hanukkah means “dedication.” The story of Hanukkah is about establishing a pattern of reclaiming worship for the Glory of God. In this video, you will find Biblical evidence of Jesus coming to the Temple for this Feast of Dedication. This teaching will establish in you the importance of letting your own light shine in this sin-darkened world. You will be challenged to a rededication of holiness and holy living, without which, no man will see God.

Christmas has become the season for pulling us back into the world as a commercial event for profit. True Hanukkah celebration is a message that pulls us back to God. Regularly Christians seeking a fulfilled path of obedience during the holiday season ask, “Do I celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?” The answer to that lies in not which one, but how. And the how is with complete dedication to our Father in heaven and by sharing the light of His son Jesus.

This Is The Reason I Started Studying The Jewish Foundations Of Christianity

Have you heard of the Brownsville Revival or Pensacola Outpouring? Check out this teaching Biblical Foundation taught by Dick Reuben that Pastor Kilpatrick credits for laying the foundation for the great awakening in Pensacola. It was Dick Ruebens teaching on the Hebraic Roots and Tommy Tenneys teaching on the Tabernacle, along with personal study into the early church, that got me into study the Hebraic Foundation of Christianity.

* Note: I’m working on a blog on the Hebrew Foundation of Faith chronicling the History of the Apostolic Fathers, their disciples and the journey away from original biblival faith (which historical quotes and sources). I have over two hundred pages of research to condense. I’m debating providing links with a summary or teaching with condensed facts. I’m sure the facts will be enlightening in themselves. We will see how it materializes. That’s in progress and maybe for a while. Keep me in prayer as it seems a mountain to climb.

So with no further ado here is some selected text from Dick Rueben, PastorJohn Kilpatrick and the Brownsville Revival regarding the Biblical Hebraic Foundation for the revival:

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The Great Pensacola Outpouring

Posted on October 14^th, 2009 at 8:46am

Many people have asked about my relationship with the Brownsville Assembly of God revival and how that came about and my personal involvement. In March of 1993, Pastor John Kilpatrick of Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida invited me to teach five days of “JEWISH ROOTS” messages to the Brownsville congregation. Little did he or anyone else know at the time that this series of messages would be the corporate foundation for the mightiest outpouring of Holy Spirit power in America in the last 100 years.

Pastor John Kilpatrick writes in his first book, Feast of Fire, that it was this series of teachings that were the corporate foundation for the Brownsville outpouring of the Holy Spirit on June 18, 1995 in Pensacola.

“Dick Reuben brought a series of important messages that were instrumental for laying a corporate foundation for what was to come. Dick Reuben phrophesied just before Easter that revival would fall in our church, and that as a result, we would have an opportunity to touch the entire world.”

I may have brought the blueprint, Pastor Kilpatrick did the wiring, Evangelist Steve Hill flipped the light switch, and the Glory of God fell upon Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola. I am pleased to offer the authentic video teachings of those services that are now part of church history. Please avail yourself of the Pattern for Revival Fire Series to hear these messages.

Source: http://www.dickreuben.org/store/worship/study-guide-companion-pattern-revival-series

Source: http://www.dickreuben.org/story/great-pensacola-outpouring

Biblical Patterns

“When the pattern is right the glory will fall”

A number of years ago while in a time of prayer God spoke those words to my spirit and from that day until the present it has changed the way I’ve taught and thought about God and His master plan of revelation of His word contained in the “Pattern” of the “Tabernacle of Moses”. God and His patterns never change. He is same yesterday, today and forever.

What is a Pattern?

Simply a pattern is a model for imitation for making or duplicating something. A pattern’s purpose is for a duplication of exactness of the originators intent. Pattern is the theme of Biblical principle. Best example of this is found in the writings of Paul the Apostle.

Romans 1:20
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”.

Even though there is a thought in one’s mind, invisible to others if a pattern is given to that would convey this to our external senses for duplication (i.e.)Taste, touch, hear ,see or smell we have a copy method then for exactness of the original. The containment of all things in the invisible spiritual realm becomes clear when a natural pattern gives us the ability to duplicate with exactness. Therefore God’s revelation is; “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made” Pattern is a failsafe method of supernatural exactness or duplication so that knowing even his eternal power and Godhead; is possible so that they (God’s revelations) are without excuse”.

Why was God so explicit in giving Moses a pattern for building a place for God to dwell on the earth.

Exodus 25:9
“According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it”

Because that Tabernacle would be the pattern for Jesus and His Church.

Hebrews 9:24
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us”.

There was a pattern given to Moses for the purpose of perfect duplication of the pattern of Heaven’s domain that He Jesus would build His Church on. Moses could not change the pattern because it was the pattern for the triumph eternal Church of Jesus church.

Hebrews 8:5
“Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount”.

Moses was given by God a copy of the pattern that it might be a perfect duplication on Earth the same as in Heaven.

When the pattern is right …the Glory of thy Kingdom shall come.

What is the purpose of a pattern?

It gives us the ability to duplicate with exactness a dwelling place for the Creator God of Heaven. What is God doing in this hour? In my opinion He’s re-building His Spiritual church according to the pattern given in the natural conforming it to His eternal pattern.

Source: https://www.dickreuben.org/biblical-patterns

Pattern for Revival Fire Series (DVD)

This set contains all 5 DVDs in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series at a $15 discount!

Includes:
Garments of the Priesthood
Our Great High Priest
The Anointing & Trespass Offering
The Golden Altar
Covenant Meal

Partner this complete series with the Pattern for Revival Fire Study Guide.

Source: https://www.dickreuben.org/store/worship/pattern-revival-fire-series

Price: $15.00

Pattern for Revival Fire Series (VHS) – Price: $45.00

Also Available

Study Guide – Companion to The Pattern for Revival series (Book)

$15.00

This complete study guide has been developed to be used in conjunction with the dynamic Pattern for Revival Fire series. Written for use with individual study, small group settings, and entire congregations.  The Pattern for Revival Fire series is in depth and full of revelation. The Study Guide used in tandem while viewing the series teaching, combines to create one of the most impacting studies ever offered. Home groups, church education departments, and Bible colleges have utilized the Study Guide and the teaching series with grand success.

Teachings in the Pattern for Revival Fire Series include:

• Garments of the Priesthood
• Our Great High Priest
• The Anointing and Trespass Offering
• The Golden Alter

Covenant Meal: The Lord’s Table

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…
On Father’s Day in June 1995, God visited Brownsville with a mighty outpouring of His presence. Over four million hungry people from the nations of the world have come to receive from God. God established an “open heaven” and today His awesome presence continues. Hundreds of thousands have professed salvation, and numerous healings, deliverances, and miracles have taken place. There have been multiple accounts of transformed lives, and homes restored.

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The Brownsville Revival

Revival!

Little marked Father’s Day 1995 as more than routine. Families filed into the Brownsville sanctuary to celebrate dad’s special day. Visiting missionary-evangelist Steve Hill approached the pulpit to detail his recent Holy Spirit encounter at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, England, his contagious enthusiasm sparking anticipation. Soon Hill invited attendees for prayer, but Father God revealed a different agenda. As members surged forward, God intervened to pour out His Spirit in an amazing visitation that continues today.

The following months featured service followed by service, attendees leaving in the wee hours to glean a little sleep, work a few hours, then return to this powerful deposit of God’s presence. Nightly, Rev. Hill shared fresh, anointed messages and cast his nets, drawing in souls touched by God’s convicting power as teen Charity James sang with urgent appeal the summons, Mercy Seat. Word spread, beckoning the hungry and the desperate from nearby communities, then surrounding states, the nation, and finally the world. Worshipers from nearly every continent flocked to the West Pensacola suburb of Brownsville to receive a touch from the Father.

Rocked by the sudden visitor inflow and awed by this Holy Visitation, Pastor Kilpatrick, Rev. Hill, Pastor’s assistant, Rose Compton, and church leaders strategized to accommodate the sudden response. Leadership scheduled four weekly revival services. Brownsville Prayer, Usher, and Personal Ministry teams, supported by other community churches, mobilized to host the guests. For more than eight years, visitors arrived, hungry, to leave powerfully changed.

Over ten years later, God continues to meet visitors from the nations. Millions have come, hungry to hear from God. Hundreds of thousands have responded to His call to salvation and a commitment to holiness, and a fresh charge has issued throughout the world for holiness and fresh intimacy with God.

Revival Foretold

Prior to revival, several key prophecies foretold of revival coming to America, including the following from Dr. David Yonggi Cho of Korea and Rev. Ken Sumrall, founder of Liberty Fellowship.

Groundwork

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Prior to God’s visitation, He began laying the groundwork at Brownsville. Throughout the Revival, Pastor Kilpatrick has identified several key areas to preparing the soil for revival, including teaching by Rev. Dick Reuben, a deeper prayer focus, weekly communion services, and ministry by the McGregor’s from South Africa.

Prayer Initiative

Two-and-one-half years prior to revival, Pastor Kilpatrick responded to God’s prompting to make Brownsville a house of prayer in an even deeper sense. He promptly set aside tradition to designate the Sunday evening service as a prayer service, with members responding in true Brownsville commitment. Soon, the concept of a banner ministry became an integral part of the Sunday prayer meetings.

Ten beautiful prayer banners, each serving solely as a contact point for focused prayer for major prayer needs, were beautifully prepared under the direction of member Jennifer Colley. These banners included the categories of Spiritual Warfare, Revival, Souls, Family, Our Country, Healing, Pastors, Schools, Ministries, and The Peace of Jerusalem. The Children’s banner and the Catastrophic Events banner were added later

Appointed banner leaders for each banner topic solicited prayer needs during each prayer meeting and led prayer around the banners. After banner prayer time, Pastor Kilpatrick then led the congregation in corporate prayer. God’s power and Presence were so strong in these Sunday night prayer meetings that Brownsville’s Sunday evening attendance began to increase.

When revival broke out, an Intercessory Prayer Team was formed to undergird each service with focused prayer. Their prayers, coupled with the weekly intercessory prayer meetings, now on Thursday evenings, prepared and continue to prepare the way for revival.

Weekly Communion & The Pastoral Blessing

Rev. Dick Reuben, had sown into Brownsville rich teachings throughout the years. As the time for God’s visitation approached, He too played a key role.

Although Brownsville had celebrated a monthly Lord’s Supper service for many years, Brother Reuben’s teaching led Brownsville into a much deeper revelation and appreciation for Holy Communion. His Golden Altar service so profoundly affected the church that a Weekly Communion Service was instituted and became a vital, meaningful part of each Sunday morning service.

In conjunction with the Weekly Communion, Pastor Kilpatrick shared teaching about the power and mystery of a blessing, opening up from the Word the power found in a blessing. He then prepared and began to pronounce a weekly blessing over the entire congregation. The Council of Deacons also pronounces a blessing over the pastoral staff.