The House of Yahweh is a religious movement based in Abilene, Texas. Its Pastor and Overseer is Yisrayl Hawkins (formerly "Buffalo" Bill Hawkins). The group has had membership of people from around the globe, and welcomes all "who will repent of sin and follow Yahweh's Law." The group has been controversial, and is referred to as a cult by at least one former member. [1]
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The House of Yahweh believes that it is the one true faith, as instituted by the "Creator", Yahweh, according to the Bible.
They believe that the world is now experiencing the tribulation.
The House of Yahweh believes Yahweh is the name of the creator of the world, and that Yahshua is the name of the Son of Yahweh, and that he is their messiah. They teach that many other titles -- such as God (El, Elohim), Lord (Ba'al, Adonai), Jehovah, Jesus and Christ -- are names or titles of pagan beings or idols, or are mistakes, that have been falsely ascribed to Yahweh.
They believe that the Scriptures refer to Satan, not Yahweh, as "the god of this world".
The House of Yahweh believe that the use of the names "Yahweh" and "Yahshua" are essential to salvation, according to Acts 4:12.
The House of Yahweh believes in following the 613 laws.
Like Judaism, the House of Yahweh follows the Torah and the body of 613 laws and rules found in the Pentateuch.
Members adhere to a kosher diet, free of pork, shellfish and blood.
They also wear garments similar to the Jewish yarmulke and tallit in worship services and private prayer.
Members regularly perform ritual ablutions, and are baptized when they join the assembly.
They believe that the keeping of these laws promotes peace and love, and is an answer to many problems in the world.
Like Judaism, the House of Yahweh keeps the seventh-day Sabbath. They also observe the annual feasts of the Old Testament including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and The Feast of Tabernacles.
Once a year on the evening before Passover, members hold a solemn observance they call "Yahshua's Memorial" in memory of Jesus' crucifixion. The assembly shares unleavened bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Yahshua, and members wash one another's feet. The following evening, the assembly celebrates Passover.
The House of Yahweh believes that The House of Yahweh Sanctuary (located in Clyde, Texas) is the only place on earth where celebratory feasts are to be observed, and three times a year they make a pilgrimage to Abilene to celebrate Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.
Christmas, Easter, and birthdays are not celebrated.
The House of Yahweh instructs its members to tithe. Even though it is considered one of the 613 Laws, it is reported that tithing and all other offerings are voluntary.
Unlike Trinitarian Christianity, the House of Yahweh teaches that Yahshua was born a man, and became the son of Yahweh when he was baptized by John the Baptist. They believe that he was framed for insurrection, received an illegal trial, and was then flogged, tormented, nailed to a pole (not a cross) and executed by the civil authorities. Similar to Christianity, they teach that he died for the sins of man as an atonement offering or blood sacrifice, and in so doing he became a Passover Lamb. The House of Yahweh teaches that he was buried at sunset, and three days later, he was resurrected from the dead, subsequently ascending into Heaven 40 days later. They believe that he is waiting until the prophesied "end-time" to return to Earth, establishing Yahweh's Kingdom on Earth and preventing humankind from ultimately destroying themselves.
According to the House of Yahweh, Yahweh is the only one who deserves worship or adoration, and is the sovereign and only creator and ruler of the universe. Yahshua is not believed to be a divine being, and is not thought to preexist before his conception. They believe that the Holy Spirit is Yahweh's creative force, not a personal being.
Unlike either Judaism or Christianity, they make no distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament, claiming the New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament, reaffirming and reestablishing it. In addition, the House of Yahweh rejects religious customs that conflict with their interpretation of the Torah.
In an attempt to purify their religion from pagan elements, all pagan names, words, and concepts are eschewed. They also publish an edition of the Bible (The Book of Yahweh), which removes any and all words or concepts which are thought to be pagan corruptions, including removal of God/Elohim in favor of "Yahweh", as well as changing names to remove these influences (e.g. Yliyah for Elijah, Yechetzqyah for Ezekiel, Riyyah for Ruth, and Yahchanan for John).
September 12, 2006- Hawkins announced in the "House of Yahweh" newsletter (February 2006) that nuclear war would start September 12, 2006.[10] He claimed it is a part of the HoY's commission to warn the nations and the people of the world. Hawkins was interviewed on the Channel 4 web show "thisisaknife" about his apocalyptic predictions. Among other things, he claimed that Abilene, Texas would be saved from the impending destruction and invited the show's presenter to join him there so he would be safe.
June 12, 2007- Hawkins amended his prediction to state that a nuclear war was only conceived on September 12, 2006, and that it would follow the natural birth cycle of a woman, finally being "born" nine months later on June 12, 2007. On May 7, 2007 a new counter was put up on his website, counting down to the June 12 date when supposedly, the "Nuclear Baby" (conceived September 12) would be born.
Whether the entire nuclear event was to take place on that date, or in the months leading up to was never made clear. He also stated that by four months after June 12, October 13, 2007, four-fifths or 80% of the human race would be dead from nuclear war.
June 12, 2008- Most recently, he has stated the nuclear war would begin on Thursday June 12, 2008. Since the passing of this date without incident, Hawkins has yet to predict another date for a nuclear war.
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