Assemblies of Yahweh

The Assemblies of Yahweh is a nonprofit religious organization with its international headquarters in Bethel, Pennsylvania. The organization developed independently out of a radio ministry begun by Elder Jacob O. Meyer in 1966.^[1] The headquarters of the Assemblies of Yahweh is based on 51 acres (210,000 m²) outside of Bethel and contains a large meeting hall, a motel converted into office space, its two schools, and a converted gas station that serves as its radio station.^[2][3] As of 2006 the group claimed about 3,000 members.^[2][2][3]

Origin

The Assemblies of Yahweh consider themselves to be the reconstituted Apostolic Assembly that went in to dormancy in 70 C.E. Elder Jacob O. Meyer (November 11, 1934 - April 9, 2010), its founder, left the religion^[which?] of his youth and began to seek the truth encountering various religious organizations, including some Sacred Name groups. Through that experience and his studies of the Bible, he was led to realize the importance of exclusively employing the revealed personal name of the heavenly Father Yahweh and of his Son, Yahshua Messiah. In his search, Elder Meyer^[4] encountered widespread disorganization and confusion ^[5] within the body of nominal religion, specifically, the Sacred Name Movement. Consequently, he rejected them and sought to return as closely as possible to the true doctrines and teachings of the Bible. He soon was laying the groundwork for the founding of what was to become the Assemblies of Yahweh. Governing doctrines, based on strict adherence to Biblical principles were worked out and published, and the organization was officially chartered in 1969.^[4] The organisation is sometimes referred to as Modern Day Elijah, both by adherents and others, because of the prophesy found in Malachi 4 and Mark 9:12 about a Elijah (meaning "My El is Yahweh") returning in the Last Days.

Mission statement

“	Our purpose is to teach and preach the word and sacred Name of our Heavenly Father and the truth of the inspired scriptures, to promote the interest of religion and the spread of spiritual holiness throughout the world.	”
— Elder Jacob O. Meyer, Statement of Doctrine, Preamble per 1969 Charter

To be a member of the Assemblies of Yahweh an individual must profess a dedication to Yahweh, be baptized by submersion in water in Yahshuas name, have had the hands of the Elders laid on them to receive the Holy Spirit, maintain a life of total dedication to Yahweh and agree with the group's "Statement of Doctrine" described as a concise summary of what the Bible teaches. ^[5]

Doctrinal beliefs

The Assemblies of Yahweh profess to follow the Old and New Testaments as closely as possible.^[2] This causes the group to be viewed as an admixture of Judaism and Christianity although they do not actually mix Christian doctrines with the teachings of the Scriptures.^[4] They believe that in order to understand the will of Yahweh, the Bible must be harmonized and adhered to as infallible.^[5] Members agree that the Hebrew Scriptures be used to interpret the New Testament. This hermeneutical position toward the dominance of the Old Testament in biblical interpretation is related to the basic Israelite faith and Judaism.^[4] The Assemblies of Yahweh professes that the name of Elohim is Yahweh and the name of the Messiah is Yahshua. The group adheres to the dietary guidelines laid out in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 and practices tithing.^[5] They proclaim the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath and a period of rest and worship is observed. In addition to the weekly Sabbath the Assemblies observe a number of annual holy days including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Pentecost (Shavuot), the Feast of Trumpets, the Fast of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.^[3] Conclusively, their position can be seen in their Statement of Doctrine, point 6: "It is necessary to keep all the commandments, statutes and judgments (except the ritual and animal sacrifices)". The Assemblies of Yahweh believe in Government and "law, order and rule from the top down". The Assemblies of Yahweh reject as unbiblical the Trinity, infant baptism, homosexuality, polygamy, female ministers and eternal hell.

They are less familiarly known as Messianic, as well as Spiritual Israelites, possibly based on John 4:23.

Organizational structure and outreach

The Assemblies of Yahweh is led by a "Directing Elder", and since their inception this post was held by Elder Jacob O. Meyer. In accordance with his will, the Assemblies of Yahweh has since been led by three faithful leaders, the Three Fold Cord administration, consisting of three of his faithful children, the Teaching Elder being Jonathan S. Meyer. He is assisted by a group of individuals called "the Work of the Ministry" who assist in practical matters and provide council on questions of doctrine. There are also "Teaching Elders" ordained to serve as instructional leaders, deacons ordained to serve the needs of the assemblies and missionaries to help spread the faith.^[4] The Assemblies of Yahweh conducts outreach through periodicals, radio and television broadcasts, literature, magazines (The Sacred Name Broadcaster & The Narrow Way) and books.^[6] Among several of the self-published books is the Sacred Scriptures Bethel Edition.^[7] There is a shortwave radio broadcast via its WMLK radio station and an internet webcast.^[8]

Educational

The Assemblies of Yahweh has two educational institutions located in Bethel Pennsylvania.

• Obadiah School of the Bible ^[3][9]
• Dalet School^{[2] [10]}

References

1. ^ History of Bethel and Tulpehocken Townships pg 227 Published by Bethel and Tulpehocken Townships, Berks County PA c1976 Boyer Printing Co. Lebanon PA
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Reading Eagle Newspaper"]. http://activearchive.readingeagle.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=UkVHLzIwMDYvMTAvMDgjQXIwMDEwMQ==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} History of Bethel and Tulpehocken Townships pg 227 Published by Bethel and Tulpehocken Townships, Berks County PA c1976 Boyer Printing Co. Lebanon PA
4. ^ ^{a b c d e} Encyclopedia of American Religions 6th edition page 553 Melton, J. Gordon Detroit: Gale Research c1999 ISSN 10661212 ISBN 0810384175 LCCN: 00702484
5. ^ ^{a b c d} "Statement of Doctrine". Assemblies of Yahweh. http://assembliesofyahweh.com/sod.htm. 
6. ^ Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices pg. 88 J. Gordon Melton and Martin Baumann Santa Barbara, CA c2002 ISBN 1576077616
7. ^ Bible Review at Tyndale
8. ^ "On-Demand Topics"
9. ^ DNB Company Report on Dalet School
10. ^ Private Schools Report

External links

• Assemblies of Yahweh Homepage - Official Site of the Organization
• Sacred Name Broadcaster