“Knowledge Puffs Up”

Lew responds to a letter by Paul (Paul’s initial letter in purple):

Hi Paul ~

You wrote:
I am now somewhere in the 90’s in your book and have a couple of questions for you. In your discussion of the true name of God, are you saying that if someone calls on the Name of Jesus they will not be saved? Doesn’t the Lord look on the heart?

My response:
I’m not the judge of people’s hearts, but it’s always better to know YHWH’s heart, than to insist on Him “knowing our hearts”, which Scripture declares are utterly corrupt. Our “hearts” go after whatever we choose to think. In the final analysis, I feel Yahushua will hold those who know and do not act on what they know responsible; those who are ignorant will receive “blows”, but fewer. A friend asked me this week, “Since the letter “J” didn’t exist even 500 years ago, how could the Name “Jesus” possibly have saved anyone before it was invented?”

All scholars acknowledge that no one called Yahushua “Jesus” while He walked the Earth. There were Pagan idols named Esus, Iasus, Iasius, Ieso, and so on; they were sons or daughters of Zeus, whose name became a part of many other words, names, and places such as Dionysus, Pegasus, Odysseus, Ieusus, Tarsus, Peloponnesus, etc.,.

You wrote:
About tithes and offerings, what of Yehoshua having a money bag that they carried, and that they weren’t working at paying jobs? Also after the resurrection, Peter and the apostles sought out men to wait tables while they went about the ministry entrusted to them. What do you make of these things?

My response:
Yahushua worked during His youth and young adulthood, but when He began to proclaim the message of the reign of YHWH, He was supported by a group of wealthy women. Yahudah (Judas) was in charge of the money, and was the group treasurer. “Givers” are one of the gifts to the Body, and sometimes they may support a ministerial need, while other times they help with those who are in temporary need. The “work” of spreading the message and teaching has a cost of essentially zero, unless circumstances are created which cause expenses to exist. In my book’s distribution for example, the press which prints them asks for payment because of ink, paper, labor, overhead, and equipment costs. Then, they have to be mailed. If I clear a few nickels on each book, these are consumed by the free mailings sent to prisoners who regularly ask for books -- yet will never be able to cover the costs. This is not a “tithe”, but simply giving to cover costs of printing and mailing. It doesn’t buy me food, I work for that elsewhere.

When the apostles/talmidim were waiting tables, it took all of their time; they had to be freed from this menial task in order to serve the Body at a higher level. They didn’t grab the funds dedicated to feed the poor so their families could live off of the Natsarim, but rather arranged for others to simply take over the task of seeing to the poor’s needs. They “delegated” the work to someone else.

Lew

Paul’s reply:

Hi Lew,

I received your answers to my questions. I want to preface my reply with some perspective I think could be helpful. No doubt from the sounds of certain comments you make in your book, you have had your run-ins with the mainstream religious. No doubt many of the practices and beliefs you document are condemned by the facts, which brings you conflict into with those practicing them. As a result, you may assume that anyone disagreeing with you is part of the “deceived masses,” and dismiss them accordingly. I want to tell you right now that I am not at all coming from that place of conventional teaching and socialization. And I am not your enemy in the things you have to say concerning the pagan practices; I am not your enemy period.

It is commonly assumed by religious of all types and persuasions that conflict and persecution indicate that they are of God, righteous, and those who differ with them are surely of the devil. Consider Joseph Smith and his death at the hands of a mob. There isn’t a bigger pack of lies than the Mormom religion he introduced, yet his followers considered, and do yet consider, him a martyr of God. Under such deception do people labor .

You, sir, have also been deluded. Your answers to me and your reasonings concerning the Scriptures in your book are carnal, not of God at all. For example, in your book on pages 83 and 84, you state that Paul was trying to make the disciples of Yehoshua blaspheme by saying the “forbidden” Name of YHWH. Not so! Paul considered himself to be “blameless” (Philippians 3:6) in matters of the Law and would certainly have never compelled others to violate the same, which would have made him guilty by knowingly provoking sin against YHWH. It was entirely against his nature. But you, in religious doctrinalism that serves your own kingdom in your mind, are blind to the obvious.

Another example is this issue of tithing. You tap dance all around the fact that the Scriptures clearly teach that those who minister in spiritual things are entitled to reap in the physical things of their hearers, those who benefit both physically and spiritually from the ministry of Yehoshua. There is no Scriptural testimony, including Paul’s, that contradicts this.

Lew, you set yourself up as someone and something you are not, seeking greatness after your fleshly mind. In your spirit is bitterness towards others, which is manifest as you speak and write. So the words of Yehoshua apply to you in your condemnation of others, “You know not what manner of spirit you are of” (Luke 9:55). You don’t have His Spirit as you suppose. And you aren’t sent of Him, either, as you liken yourself to Paul, who was.

This could be the most wonderful thing for you to hear because it is the truth, and you could, therefore, repent of setting yourself up as something you are not and take your rightful place before Yahweh. You could desist from eating of the Tree of Knowledge, which has you puffed up, and instead eat from the Tree of Life, which would bring life to you and which would proceed forth from you. Your knowledge, true as some of it may be, does not bring life to your hearers.

But I fear you are as the rich man in your knowledge, who Yehoshua said would hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. You are secure and confident in your riches, the riches which do not bring eternal peace or life. Until you are willing to become poor for His sake, you will resist the words of grace and truth. I testify truly in the Name of the Only Lord and God, Yehoshua. It is only by being in His Name, in His Nature, and not by words alone, that a man will be saved. You have words, Lew, but not Reality.

Paul

Lew’s response:

Shalom Paul ~

Perhaps Paul was saying he was blameless, yes, but at the same time he considered himself the ‘chief of sinners’. Paul conscience was pure when he was arresting the Natsarim, and in this sense he was blameless. We can all be deluded, because we’re so much like sheep. I’m sure there are areas that I’m out in left field on, but I doubt my sharing of what the New Covenant is will harm anyone. Teaching the Commandments hasn’t been too harmful for anyone who took a second look at them because I recommended it -- but as far as my being “somebody” or “something”, I never intended for anyone to think anything about me at all. It’s only the message of the Kingdom that matters. If I live another week, or another 50 years, there’s nothing I could do that’s more important eternally than do what I was put on this Earth to do; and I’m doing it. If others believe I’m working for myself, or doing the bidding of the adversary because I’m deceived, all I can do is hope the deception ends for one of us.

As far as the tithing thing, the ones who steal the tithe and have set themselves up as Levites or whatever they believe they are, when they are on their deathbed it will be they who will have to re-evaluate. I’m not stealing the tithe intended for others, but I am pointing out Scriptural tithing -- and if I’m deceived about this, then there’s no harm done. YHWH has no interest in money, it’s Caesar’s. This system of error we have all around us is perpetuated by the money. Yahushua “busted up” the money-mongers, and He was dead within days. Follow the money, and you’ll find the evil. If I’m rich, it’s not noticable. I have to work, and if I stopped for a couple of weeks, I’d be out on the streets -- just as anyone would.

The only ones who find themselves resisting the message I bring out are those who are engaged in plundering the flock -- the savage wolves described by br. Paul. The Jesuits are anxious because their lies are being exposed, and they find their “Greek” excuses can’t stand up to the real thing. I’m not puffed-up about my “knowledge” as you may suppose, and I’m very into reality -- tonight at sunset we’ll be observing Pesach, which reminds us of Yahushua’s death. Whenever I think of being treated unfairly, misjudged, or hear about someone else sulking in bitterness or responding with suspended rage, I think of Yahushua. He was sinless, guiltless, and perfect in very way. In spite of this, the “establishment” sought to kill Him, just to silence Him. Finally, the circumstances developed such that the government nailed Him to wood, and hung Him up naked to die. Was He bitter or mean-spirited? No, He just said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

YHWH bless you and your family this Pesach & Unleavened Bread,
br. Lew

Paul’s reply:

Hi Lew,

I’ve written back by answering your letter a sentence or paragraph at a time. It seems to help keep clear on what is being replied to and how.

You write:

“Shalom Paul ~

Perhaps Paul was saying he was blameless, yes, but at the same time he considered himself the ‘chief of sinners’.”

“…touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil 3:6). There are levels of perfection. Job was perfect in his generation, yet he needed a great change, which God initiated for him. Being illumined by the Spirit of YWHW, Paul later understood things that he was ignorant of before he was converted (I Timothy 1:13). But there is no question from his own testimony that he never knowingly broke the commandments of YHWH before his conversion, which he would have been doing had he compelled others to sin.

Therefore, what he was referring to was something entirely different than what you conclude. What he was saying was that he, in his ignorance, was trying to make the disciples of Yehoshua renounce Him. It was the relationship with the living Savior that was at stake, not a matter of words. To unbelievers it is a matter of words and names (Acts 18:15), but in reality it is about the response to the living God and Savior of all men, Who comes in those whom He sends. Paul was, unknowingly, attempting to sever the relationship between Yahushua and those He was being formed in by His Spirit.

You write:

“Paul conscience was pure when he was arresting the Natsarim, and in this sense he was blameless.”

Perhaps you use a figure of speech loosely here, Lew, but if Paul’s conscience was pure, how could Yehoshua say to him, “it is hard for you to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5)? Paul was zealous to serve YHWH, but he was conflicted by things he witnessed, such as Stephen’s testimony of Yehoshua. His conscience was not pure, nor can anyone’s be until they are brought into the real Passover (not the shadow one), as is written in Hebrews concerning the Holy of Holies, “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience...” (Hebrews 9:9).

“We can all be deluded, because we’re so much like sheep.”

Yes, we all can and have been. “For you were as sheep going astray; but now are returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (I Peter 2:25). But there is a difference between those who are led and those who lead. “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation (judgment)” (James 3:1).

“I’m sure there are areas that I’m out in left field on, but I doubt my sharing of what the New Covenant is will harm anyone.”

I have to be careful here. A servant of YHWH will grow in wisdom and understanding. But I don’t believe he will be flippantly assuming he may be “out in left field” on things he publishes at large, because he will know of Whom he is apprehended and His faithfulness in all matters. And on the foundational precepts of the faith, the man of YHWH will not be in doubt at all. I know this may appear to be hair splitting with you, Lew, but your spirit reveals that you don’t have that assurance. I say this for your benefit, that you might obtain the eternal prize.

“Teaching the Commandments hasn’t been too harmful for anyone who took a second look at them because I recommended it...”

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm” (I Timothy 1:5-7).

“-- but as far as my being “somebody” or something”, I never intended for anyone to think anything about me at all. It’s only the message of the Kingdom that matters.”

What you have intended and what is happening are two different things. It sounds good to say, “It’s only the message of the Kingdom that matters.” But the first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and you have placed another god above Him, Lew. Your idea of the message and the importance you place on it is of your own making (and is an idol you are serving). They are not of Yehoshua; they never entered His mind nor did He command you to take up this burden.

You continue:

“If I live another week, or another 50 years, there’s nothing I could do that’s more important eternally than do what I was put on this Earth to do; and I’m doing it. If others believe I’m working for myself, or doing the bidding of the adversary because I’m deceived, all I can do is hope the deception ends for one of us.”

The deception is being exposed now; will you maintain your righteousness?

“As far as the tithing thing, the ones who steal the tithe and have set themselves up as Levites or whatever they believe they are, when they are on their deathbed it will be they who will have to re-evaluate.”

Hirelings by definition get paid; they have been hired for a job, just as a bricklayer or chef or CEO agrees to terms of employment for pay. Why do you waste your time and breath on the false religious systems of men, Lew? Those are the tares Yehoshua spoke of, “let the dead bury the dead.” If there are any of His people in there His call is to come out, and they will come out in due time. Their offerings unto Him while captive will be honored as such. He sees the heart and rewards accordingly.

“I’m not stealing the tithe intended for others, but I am pointing out Scriptural tithing -- and if I’m deceived about this, then there’s no harm done.”

Oh yes, there is harm done. By your counsel I would never have made offerings to YHWH in the person He sent to minister to me. Herein you would have caused both harm and theft. Firstly, I was greatly blessed within and without in my giving. It caused me to put my heart and sight on YHWH and His Kingdom, blessing me within. In turn, Yehoshua opened the gates of heaven and blessed me to receive in wonderful ways, meeting my earthly needs. Most certainly heeding your counsel would have harmed me. Secondly, the man of YHWH would have been robbed of those offerings that Yehoshua directed me to give (Malachi 3:7-12).

“YHWH has no interest in money, it’s Caesar’s.”

Again, this sounds right but is wrong. YHWH is after the heart, and with mammon representative of the things of this world and our power to have them (which is where our hearts are before conversion and until transformation), you better believe that money is an issue and therefore He is interested.

“This system of error we have all around us is perpetuated by the money.”

“For the love of money is the root of all evil...” (I Timothy 6:10). Money is not the problem, nor of itself can it perpetuate anything; the problem is within. There is something driving you in this matter, Lew, bitterness and unresolved conflict related to money.

“Yahushua ‘busted up’ the money-mongers, and He was dead within days. Follow the money, and you’ll find the evil.”

Your statements reveal that you see money as more powerful than YHWH Himself. Yehoshua was given over to men by the predetermined counsel of YHWH, for the salvation of the world. And He gave Himself over willingly, despising the shame but seeing the reward (Hebrews 12:2). Otherwise, except it was the express will of YHWH, nothing could be done against Him (John 18:36 and 19:11).

“If I’m rich, it’s not noticable. I have to work, and if I stopped for a couple of weeks, I’d be out on the streets -- just as anyone would.”

And what is wrong if someone is rich? Abraham was, as was Solomon and Zacchaeus; did Yehoshua condemn him for being rich? But it is not right, Lew, that you see your job or work as your source. YHWH is the Provider and whether you are on the street or in a palace is up to Him, and He is equally capable of both regardless of how things appear to you.

“The only ones who find themselves resisting the message I bring out are those who are engaged in plundering the flock -- the savage wolves described by br. Paul.”

From now on you can scrap that notion, because I am declaring your message wrong and I haven’t taken a nickel from anyone. And as I mentioned before concerning my giving to a man of YHWH, you are maligning Yehoshua by condemning the man He sent with the accusation of “plundering the flock” while I honored the Almighty with the giving of my substance.

As for the “savage wolves,” are you talking about the flock of God that is being plundered, or the tares that gathered for burning? What have believers to do with unbelievers? YHWH judges those without (I Corinthians 5:12-13). Make no mistake, strong is the judgment upon Mystery Babylon, and in one hour she will fall (Revelation 18:10,19).

“The Jesuits are anxious because their lies are being exposed, and they find their ‘Greek’ excuses can’t stand up to the real thing. I’m not puffed-up about my ‘knowledge’ as you may suppose, and I’m very Into reality -- tonight at sunset we’ll be observing Pesach, which reminds us of Yahushua’s death.”

“Knowledge puffs up”; it’s a law at work over which you have no control. If I am wrong that you are eating from the Tree of Knowledge then your focus would have to be on the Tree of Life, and you would be walking in the Spirit of YHWH. But I’m not wrong. You are dispensing knowledge, even special knowledge that is required to become “sealed” or “admitted to the wedding feast” in your own words. Your doctrine and teaching place such importance on the form that it even takes precedence over YHWH Himself, though you would certainly say otherwise.

As for reality, your statement contradicts you. If you were “very into reality” you wouldn’t be celebrating a shadow feast, and going on about it, but keeping the real one that is ever present. The real feast is the one Paul wrote of; “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Yehoshua Adonai, that the life of Yehoshua might be made manifest in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10).

Finally, you write:

“Whenever I think of being treated unfairly, misjudged, or hear about someone else sulking in bitterness or responding with suspended rage, I think of Yahushua. He was sinless, guiltless, and perfect in every way. In spite of this, the ‘establishment’ sought to kill Him, just to silence Him. Finally, the circumstances developed such that the government nailed Him to wood, and hung Him up naked to die. Was He bitter or mean-spirited? No, He just said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’”

I am thankful that you have responded to my letter without rancor, Lew. However, you are not being treated unfairly or being misjudged. The things that are being said are truth, for your benefit. Maybe it’s better after all to react angrily, than to react ala Don Quixote. Who can tell? Nevertheless, at length, even Don was disabused of his delusions.

“YHWH bless you and your family this Pesach & Unleavened Bread,
br. Lew”

Paul Cohen