The Assemblies of Yahweh is a nonprofit religious organization with its international headquarters in Bethel, Pennsylvania, United States. The organization developed independently out of a radio ministry begun by Jacob O. Meyer in 1966.[1][2] The Assemblies of Yahweh is the largest sacred name group,[3] but it is not part of the Sacred Name Movement.
The Assemblies of Yahweh consider themselves to be the reconstituted Apostolic Assembly that went into dormancy in AD 70. The founder, Jacob O. Meyer, learned about the name Yahweh while he was taking a biblical theological course. As a result, he became convinced of the importance of exclusively employing the names Yahweh for God and later, Yahshua for Jesus.[4] Meyer went on to found the Assemblies of Yahweh in 1969.[4] The organization sometimes refers to itself as "Modern Day Elijah", because Hebrew: אֱלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu, means "My El is Yahweh",[5][6] also alluding to Malachi 4[7] and Mark 9:12,[8] concerning the return of the worship of Yahweh in the "latter days".
The Assemblies leaders call their faith 'True Worship', rather than Christianity or Judaism. They are less commonly known as Messianic (or Spiritual) Israelites, possibly based on John 4:23.[9][10]
In 1969 the Assemblies of Yahweh received its charter from Berks County, Pennsylvania. The core of this charter reads:
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.
— Assemblies of Yahweh mission statement[11]
We affirm that as obedient children it is necessary to keep all of the commandments, statutes, and judgments (except the ritual and animal sacrifice Laws) which the Heavenly Father gave to Israel to make them a separate people, Leviticus 20:7–8; Deuteronomy 6:6–9, 25; Deuteronomy 7:6–11; Matthew 5:17–20; Romans 7:12. It is now possible through the Holy Spirit to keep these commandments by faith for our salvation, Ephesians 2:8–10; Jacob 2:17–20. We now keep a spiritual sacrifice rather than animal sacrifices, meal, and drink offerings, Hebrews 13:15–16; 1 Peter 2:5; Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18.
— Statement of Doctrine, point 6[12]
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 or Jewish 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.[13] Members believe it is integral to keep the commandments of Yahweh including the seventh day Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown (Exodus 20:8),[14] the holy days as defined in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16, and a diet of clean foods as defined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
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Further information: Christian eschatology |
The Assemblies of Yahweh believes in a Great Tribulation, a Beast System which is interpreted to mean a world ruling government and synchronistic religion on this earth opposed to Yahweh's commandments[15] (Revelation 12:17)[16] and finally, a millennial 1,000 year Kingdom of Yahweh (Revelation 20:4)[17] on this earth which will usher an era of productivity, miracles, love, peace and tranquillity through the universal keeping of the commandments with Yahshua the Messiah ruling as King over Earth.[18]
Leadership consists of:
The Assemblies of Yahweh is led by a Directing Elder, originally Jacob O. Meyer. In accordance with his will and last testament, the Assemblies of Yahweh has since been led by two followers: Teaching Elder Jonathan S. Meyer and Deacon Nathaniel A. Meyer. They are assisted by a group of individuals called "the Work of the Ministry" who assist in practical matters and provide counsel on questions of doctrine.[4]
The Assemblies of Yahweh has two educational institutions located in Bethel, Pennsylvania, Obadiah School of the Bible[1][19] and Dalet School.[2][20]
Begun in 1973 as Obadiah Assembly, a class concentrating on public speaking, Obadiah School has continued to grow and today has an extensive biblical curriculum. Centered on the Bible class, each course is biblical in nature. Today the graduates form the core of the Assemblies of Yahweh with many of the graduates going on to lead local Assemblies.
From its rudimentary beginnings in 1976, Meyer designed the Dalet School in the reflection of a one-room schoolhouse. The students are given the ability to hear the instruction of underclassmen (as a review) and overclassmen (as a preview). The school today teaches over 40 children and contains classes from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Assemblies of Yahweh witness in nearly every format available to them. They believe that radio station WMLK will be instrumental in reaching people all over the world and especially those countries that censor their networks or resist religious programs. The Assemblies of Yahweh uses many tools to spread their message across the world and contact individuals.