The Assemblies of Yahweh

Who are the Assemblies of Yahweh?
Do you know of a group that call themselves the Assemblies of Yahweh?

Such was the question which catalysed Samuel* to write about this particular organization. His findings have been recorded here: Driving alongside Interstate Route 78, it is hard to overlook a large LCD sign lighting the road, the message of the ministry flashing across it. Elder Jacob O. Meyer has been preaching since 1965, proclaiming the Assemblies of Yahweh message for over 45 years. Predominantly, this has taken the form of radio broadcasts, but realistically the message has precipitated in almost every avenue available: internet, television, printed page, book publishing, streaming etc. Irrefutably, the ministry is gaining a self-evident identity in the world as well as admiration among other Sacred Name persons. Elder Jacob O. Meyer, director and scholar, claims that the Assemblies of Yahweh has been a major force for a restored, pure worship of Yahweh in these end times (The Sacred Name Broadcaster. Calling All Pioneers! Who will Step Out for Yahweh’s Truth?. Assemblies of Yahweh, by Jacob Meyer. 10/1987).


A Good Name
Meyer appears self-assured, exhibiting a strong dedication to the ethos of the organisation. Simultaneously, the Assemblies of Yahweh constantly prioritizes heralding the worship of Yahweh in an optimal light. Moreover, the main deduction is thus: The Assemblies of Yahweh upholds a clear form of worship.

This forms a stark contrast against the nebulous Sacred Name Movement whose current groups continue to be divided over doctrine, some groups openly confessing that their policies are diametrically opposed to the Torah. Ironically, though the Assemblies of Yahweh is not part of the SNM or any other Sacred Name group, negative criticism surrounding the ministry seems to be scarred by scandals prominent in other groups which use the sacred names i.e. The House of Yahweh [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Yahweh#Current_events].

In face of such adversity, one is forced to ask himself how a ministry of such meagre beginnings has survived against the waves of agnosticism, ant-Semitism and prejudice which have been prevalent over the years? Members of the ministry tend to respond to this question through a spiritual perspective, giving the praise to Yahweh, but others might say the explanation is structural- grounded in strong leadership from the Directing Elder.


The Queen of Sheba
Last year, Samuel visited the Assemblies of Yahweh headquarters for Sabbath services at Bethel; the objective was to unearth for himself exactly what the ministry was about. He had not previously intended to write a report on his findings as prior to the excursion he had already formulated a basic idea of what to expect.
Encouragingly, the service covered a range of biblical points, all of which were directly based on biblical scripture. From report 1.1: XXii :

"The Biblical message preached from the pulpit was methodical
and harmonious with clear structured explanations of the bible subjects being
addressed. They were at least two main subjects, broken in to mini themes…"

( 1.1: Vi :)

"The main theme was the necessity and importance of keeping bible law."

( 1.1: xxii :)

Services are different from the mainstream Christians services broadcasted today and their framework might be compared to religious services of the early 1940s. The structure of the service goes as follows:

Introduction - Songs, Prayer, Mini sermon, songs, Main sermon, Prayer, Songs– End. Services lasted for two hours approximately, but were a refreshing change from the brief sermons he had heard in Christian denominations. He concluded this from his notes:

"The Assemblies of Yahweh is dissimilar but by no means a cult. It does not believe in any indecency or immorality, it advocates strict obedience to the Law, with less emphasis on faith. This balance is one many religions have failed to achieve."

Christians or Jews
The ministry remains different because it cannot be categorised as purely Christian or Jewish. According to a newspaper article, a term employed to describe the members are “Messianic Israelites”, a possible mixture of the term Messianic Jew and Israelites. It is a befitting expression since the Assemblies of Yahweh believe in the Hebrew Name Yahshua, as Messianic Jews do Yeshua while Israelites were worshipers of Yahweh who kept the Torah Law (A Theology in the New Testament).


Preaching
Though trying to be subservient followers of the Bible, potential converts from Christian groups may feel deterred by the direct style of preaching. Let there be no misconceptions- there is no shouting or waving of hands as is a common sight in Pentecostals’, such informal conduct would not be permitted in these services. However, unless one would feel comfortable with strong convicting, instruction on biblical subjects and a heavy focus on the Word and the law, the AOY might require a second thought. On the other hand, it is most probably down to the determination and patience of the individual. At first, it may be hard to adjust to two-hour-sermons and meticulous Bible readings, but his summary suggests that services do fill a certain unfulfilled need for the basics: clear, concise teachings on what the Bible is, what the Bible means and how its lessons can be applied to better ourselves.

Furthermore, both before and after services he was able to meet some members who kindly greeted Samuel. He also had the opportunity to meet Jacob Meyer and his wife, Mrs Ruth Meyer. It was noted that both individuals seemed to emanate an aura of respect and reverence from the assembly itself. As inaugurators of the ministry who have continued dedicated to the spreading of “Yahweh’s truth” this high regard would not seem particularly misplaced.


Conclusion
In conclusion, services were in every way commendable and logical. By the end of the service, due to the nature of the points explored within the sermon he could find no plausible reason to use substitute titles such as God, Lord or any other title to address Yahweh. Members were polite and his questions were answered satisfactorily.

He said:

"It is a shame that the Assemblies of Yahweh is sometimes passed off as a cult. They believe in keeping the Biblical Law, which in this day and age, does not bring them the popularity vote. But, they are admired for sticking to their guns and the faith which they hold in the authenticity of the Bible is quite inspiring"

see their site at http://assembliesofyahweh.com
and a review at http://religiousviews.webnode.com/ -> http://religiousviews.webnode.com/news/assemblies-of-yahweh/