2007 Unity Conference Observations

   As we already have a report of the Unity Conference for 2007 already appearing on our website (click here to read), this will simply be some personal observations and reminiscences of the experience.

   The Unity Conference took place August 3-5, 2007, and was hosted by the Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Assembly of Yahweh. Pastor Sam Graham, who always does an outstanding job moderating the meetings, was on his home turf for this year’s meeting.

   It was good to see brethren come together from many areas in the United States. One of the nice things we experience at the conference is to spend time with brethren we don’t get to see during the course of the year. As my wife (who attended her first conference this year) mentioned to me, this is a more relaxed and personal setting than are the feasts. The feasts of Yahweh are given primarily as a unified worship setting for brethren and believers. The Unity Conference, while spending much time discussing Yahweh’s Word and our sometimes divergent perspectives of it, has become more a setting for brethren to connect and get to know one another.

   It is encouraging to witness how these meetings, over the past five to seven years, have begun to develop a strong sense of brotherhood among those who attend. We are beginning to realize that while we may not be in total agreement, we share beliefs much more closely than we had previously thought. This realization is drawing the Body of Yahshua into closer and stronger bonds than in the past.

   It takes someone who thinks “outside the box” to begin questioning the conventional wisdom prevalent in religion today, and follow a path of prayer, Bible Study and Truth. It is that quest which has led us to the Sacred Name Brotherhood. As a result of unconventional thinking, many unconventional beliefs are thrown in the mix for discussion. My characterization of this circumstance would be reminiscent of the Wild West in the 1800’s United States. It took a special breed of individual to have the inquisitive nature, tenacity and courage to step into unknown territory and make it home. Today, the entire nation benefits from the pioneers who led the westward expansion of this great nation.

   I see the same scenario being played out in the world of religion. The old order of organizational controls and human imposition of self will upon others is rapidly giving way to the Holy Spirit powerfully working among seekers of Truth. I believe these meetings, and the Spirit generated as a consequence, will accrue long term benefits for other Truth seekers years down the line. The Holy Spirit cannot work in a controlled environment, because it is itself by definition the control mechanism.

   It is a blessing  to see so many with such great zeal steadfastly maintaining the course of salvation, and fulfilling the Scripture written for us by Malachi, “Then those who feared Yahweh talked with each other, and Yahweh listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared Yahweh and honored His Name,” Malachi 3:16

   A closing observation: Regretfully, there are some using the Sacred Names who believe themselves too important or busy “doing the Work” to talk with others of similar beliefs. This attitude harms only themselves, for they are missing out on participation in the new direction of a vibrant, muscular brotherhood. In this respect I feel sorry for them. While thinking themselves superior to the rest of Sacred Name users, the blessing of inclusion in the scroll of remembrance is lacking on their part, according to Malachi 3. We should all pray that they reconsider their present stance and humble themselves to become part of something bigger than their own human efforts. Speaking from personal experience, they will have no regrets in doing so!

   May Yahweh bless us, His people, and continue to strengthen the bonds of love, unity and fraternal brotherhood among those who seek His face!

Pastor Jacob C.  Meyer
August 20, 2007