Shalom,
Many have inquired about Passover Dates. The tentative dates are:
- April 12, 2006 (Wednesday) Congregation Family Passover for members & regular attendees of Congregation Beth Ha'Mashiach. Informal gathering with limited music & Messianic Dance.
- April 15, 2006 (Saturday) Joint Congregation Guest Passover. More formal gathering with music & Messianic Dance. Cost is estimated to be 25-30 for adults. Nursery will be available.
For more information and updates, go to our website at www.bethhamashiach.com . If you plan to attend, please RSVP well in advance as we will be holding the Guest Passover with Beth Adonai and seating will be limited.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
New Teaching Series - The Life & Teachings of Messiah
Shalom,
We just began a new teaching series on the Life & Teachings of Messiah that we wanted to share with you. It uses a harmonized Gospel, so elements of all 4 books are covered in a cohesive, linear approach that offers a fresh prospective on the Messiah's life (while on earth). The teaching specifically addresses the correct historical and Jewish cultural elements presented in the Gospels, and removes man-made anti-semitic interpetations added by later translators.
The Life & Teachings of Messiah Part 1
I hope you enjoy this fresh look at scripture. This series will most likely last through Passover.
Blessings - Gavri'el
We just began a new teaching series on the Life & Teachings of Messiah that we wanted to share with you. It uses a harmonized Gospel, so elements of all 4 books are covered in a cohesive, linear approach that offers a fresh prospective on the Messiah's life (while on earth). The teaching specifically addresses the correct historical and Jewish cultural elements presented in the Gospels, and removes man-made anti-semitic interpetations added by later translators.
The Life & Teachings of Messiah Part 1
I hope you enjoy this fresh look at scripture. This series will most likely last through Passover.
Blessings - Gavri'el
Torah Reading - Bo - בא : “Come”
Shalom,
Here is the Torah Readings from (Feb 4 - 10) this week , it is the story of the Exodus, which I hope will inspire you. For a list of other weeks Torah portions, go to Weekly Torah Readings & Commentary
Parashat Hashavuah
Bo - בא : “Come”
Torah : Exodus 10:1–13:16
Haftarah : Jeremiah 46:13–28
Gospel : Mark 4–5
A Memorial
Thought for the Week:
The rituals of the feast find their fulfillment in Yeshua because He fills them full of meaning. Our hearts burn with longing as we read His words, “I will not eat this Pesach again… I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) With all certainty, we agree with the Apostle Paul, saying, “Messiah our Passover lamb also has been sacrificed,” (1 Corinthians 5:7) and we keep the festival in remembrance of Him.
Commentary:
Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance. (Exodus 12:14)
God rescued Israel from Egypt and told her people to keep the festival as a remembrance of their salvation from bondage and slavery. But it was more than just a remembrance. It was also a rehearsal for something wonderful to come, an appointed time on God’s calendar.
Fourteen hundred years after the exodus from Egypt, Yeshua went to Jerusalem with His disciples to keep the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. He always kept the Father’s appointed times.
In Jerusalem, He kept the seder meal with His disciples. He took the unleavened bread and the customary Passover cup and instructed His disciples to do so henceforth in remembrance of Him. According to John’s chronology, on the day of the slaughter of the Passover lambs, He became the Passover Lamb. At the time when Israel slaughtered their Passover lambs in remembrance of their great salvation from Egypt, Yeshua was crucified, and His blood was applied as a mark of salvation on all who would believe in Him. Therefore, when believers keep Passover, we have two things to remember. We remember the historic salvation from Egypt as the Torah commands us. But we also remember the salvation granted us through the sacrifice of Yeshua. The two remembrances are not mutually exclusive. They naturally complement one another.
Every year we keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in remembrance of Yeshua. After all, Messiah Himself told us to keep the festival in remembrance of Him.
Was it just breaking bread and drinking the fruit of the vine that He had in mind? No. There was a specific context, and the context was Passover. In Luke He said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover (pesach) with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15–16)
The commandment to do “this” in remembrance of Yeshua is not a commandment just to take a cup and some bread. The specific “this” to which Yeshua referred was the Passover seder meal. What could be more appropriate for a disciple of Yeshua to do than to keep the festival of Passover in remembrance of Him, just as He told His disciples?
Shavuah Tov! Have a Good Week!
All Torah portions are compliments of First Fruits of Zion and are reproduced by permmission.
Blessings - Gavri'el
Here is the Torah Readings from (Feb 4 - 10) this week , it is the story of the Exodus, which I hope will inspire you. For a list of other weeks Torah portions, go to Weekly Torah Readings & Commentary
Parashat Hashavuah
Bo - בא : “Come”
Torah : Exodus 10:1–13:16
Haftarah : Jeremiah 46:13–28
Gospel : Mark 4–5
A Memorial
Thought for the Week:
The rituals of the feast find their fulfillment in Yeshua because He fills them full of meaning. Our hearts burn with longing as we read His words, “I will not eat this Pesach again… I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) With all certainty, we agree with the Apostle Paul, saying, “Messiah our Passover lamb also has been sacrificed,” (1 Corinthians 5:7) and we keep the festival in remembrance of Him.
Commentary:
Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance. (Exodus 12:14)
God rescued Israel from Egypt and told her people to keep the festival as a remembrance of their salvation from bondage and slavery. But it was more than just a remembrance. It was also a rehearsal for something wonderful to come, an appointed time on God’s calendar.
Fourteen hundred years after the exodus from Egypt, Yeshua went to Jerusalem with His disciples to keep the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. He always kept the Father’s appointed times.
In Jerusalem, He kept the seder meal with His disciples. He took the unleavened bread and the customary Passover cup and instructed His disciples to do so henceforth in remembrance of Him. According to John’s chronology, on the day of the slaughter of the Passover lambs, He became the Passover Lamb. At the time when Israel slaughtered their Passover lambs in remembrance of their great salvation from Egypt, Yeshua was crucified, and His blood was applied as a mark of salvation on all who would believe in Him. Therefore, when believers keep Passover, we have two things to remember. We remember the historic salvation from Egypt as the Torah commands us. But we also remember the salvation granted us through the sacrifice of Yeshua. The two remembrances are not mutually exclusive. They naturally complement one another.
Every year we keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in remembrance of Yeshua. After all, Messiah Himself told us to keep the festival in remembrance of Him.
Was it just breaking bread and drinking the fruit of the vine that He had in mind? No. There was a specific context, and the context was Passover. In Luke He said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover (pesach) with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15–16)
The commandment to do “this” in remembrance of Yeshua is not a commandment just to take a cup and some bread. The specific “this” to which Yeshua referred was the Passover seder meal. What could be more appropriate for a disciple of Yeshua to do than to keep the festival of Passover in remembrance of Him, just as He told His disciples?
Shavuah Tov! Have a Good Week!
All Torah portions are compliments of First Fruits of Zion and are reproduced by permmission.
Blessings - Gavri'el
Torah Reading - Va’era - וארא: “And I appeared”
Shalom,
Here is the Torah Readings from (Jan 28-Feb 3) 1 week ago, it is the story of the Exodus, which I hope will inspire you. All Torah portions are compliments of First Fruits of Zion and are reproduced by permmission.
Parashat Hashavuah
Va’era - וארא: “And I appeared”
Torah : Exodus 6:2–9:35
Haftarah : Ezekiel 28:25–29:21
Gospel : Mark 3
A Matter of Reputation
Thought for the Week:
In every generation it is incumbent upon the people of God to tell and retell the story of the exodus from Egypt. As followers of the Messiah, we often speak of the appointment of Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread as being fulfilled in Messiah’s first coming. Yeshua came to us like a second Moses, bringing deliverance not from Egypt, but from bondage to sin and death.
Commentary:
In the book of Exodus, God is on the move in human events. He used Egypt as a theater for His great debut. Through the events of the Exodus story, He made His entrance onto the stage of world history and established His Name in the eyes of the world, in the eyes of Israel, and in the eyes of Egypt. He told Pharaoh, “For this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16)
The Exodus from Egypt was God’s opportunity to “proclaim His Name.” In the Semitic sense, to proclaiming one’s name means to broadcast a person’s fame and reputation. It has nothing to do with pronouncing or not pronouncing the Name of God, it has everything to do with revealing God to the world. Too declare His Name is to reveal God.
The LORD used the redemption of Israel to establish His reputation.
The plagues, the signs, the wonders and the great display of power, even the entire contest and redemption of Israel was only to show His power and in order to proclaim His Name through all the earth—a demonstration of His sovereignty. In redeeming Israel, God sent a clear message to the whole world, “I exist, I am God, there is none like Me!” He demonstrated that He alone is God, and there is none other. Israel is the trophy of His victory.
The demonstration was a success. The decimation of Egypt made an impact on the world, and the Name of the LORD has never since been forgotten. The Canaanites were still talking about it in Jericho forty years later. (Joshua 2:10) The Philistines were still talking about it two hundred years later (1 Samuel 4:8). We are still talking about it today.
Perhaps the individual Hebrew slave in the middle of the unfolding drama, concerned only with his own little life, his own personal redemption and his own personal salvation, did not see the bigger picture of what was happening around him. He might not have ever stopped to ask himself, “Why should God Almighty care to redeem us from Egypt anyway? We’ve done nothing to merit His grace and favor. And why should He do it in this manner? Why the plagues? Why the gratuitous display of power?” Though he, as a mere escaping slave, might not have had the wherewithal to ask these questions, we should. Salvation is a matter of reputation. God’s reputation.
We, the redeemed, are tokens of His victory.
Shavuah Tov! Have a Good Week!
For a list of other weeks Torah portions, go to Weekly Torah Readings & Commentary
Blessings - Gavri'el
Here is the Torah Readings from (Jan 28-Feb 3) 1 week ago, it is the story of the Exodus, which I hope will inspire you. All Torah portions are compliments of First Fruits of Zion and are reproduced by permmission.
Parashat Hashavuah
Va’era - וארא: “And I appeared”
Torah : Exodus 6:2–9:35
Haftarah : Ezekiel 28:25–29:21
Gospel : Mark 3
A Matter of Reputation
Thought for the Week:
In every generation it is incumbent upon the people of God to tell and retell the story of the exodus from Egypt. As followers of the Messiah, we often speak of the appointment of Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread as being fulfilled in Messiah’s first coming. Yeshua came to us like a second Moses, bringing deliverance not from Egypt, but from bondage to sin and death.
Commentary:
In the book of Exodus, God is on the move in human events. He used Egypt as a theater for His great debut. Through the events of the Exodus story, He made His entrance onto the stage of world history and established His Name in the eyes of the world, in the eyes of Israel, and in the eyes of Egypt. He told Pharaoh, “For this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16)
The Exodus from Egypt was God’s opportunity to “proclaim His Name.” In the Semitic sense, to proclaiming one’s name means to broadcast a person’s fame and reputation. It has nothing to do with pronouncing or not pronouncing the Name of God, it has everything to do with revealing God to the world. Too declare His Name is to reveal God.
The LORD used the redemption of Israel to establish His reputation.
The plagues, the signs, the wonders and the great display of power, even the entire contest and redemption of Israel was only to show His power and in order to proclaim His Name through all the earth—a demonstration of His sovereignty. In redeeming Israel, God sent a clear message to the whole world, “I exist, I am God, there is none like Me!” He demonstrated that He alone is God, and there is none other. Israel is the trophy of His victory.
The demonstration was a success. The decimation of Egypt made an impact on the world, and the Name of the LORD has never since been forgotten. The Canaanites were still talking about it in Jericho forty years later. (Joshua 2:10) The Philistines were still talking about it two hundred years later (1 Samuel 4:8). We are still talking about it today.
Perhaps the individual Hebrew slave in the middle of the unfolding drama, concerned only with his own little life, his own personal redemption and his own personal salvation, did not see the bigger picture of what was happening around him. He might not have ever stopped to ask himself, “Why should God Almighty care to redeem us from Egypt anyway? We’ve done nothing to merit His grace and favor. And why should He do it in this manner? Why the plagues? Why the gratuitous display of power?” Though he, as a mere escaping slave, might not have had the wherewithal to ask these questions, we should. Salvation is a matter of reputation. God’s reputation.
We, the redeemed, are tokens of His victory.
Shavuah Tov! Have a Good Week!
For a list of other weeks Torah portions, go to Weekly Torah Readings & Commentary
Blessings - Gavri'el
Torah Reading - Shemot - שמות : “Names”
Shalom,
Here is the Torah Readings from (Jan 21-27) 2 weeks ago, it is the story of the Exodus, which I hope will inspire you. All Torah portions are compliments of First Fruits of Zion and are reproduced by permmission.
Parashat Hashavuah
Shemot - שמות : “Names”
Torah : Exodus 1:1–6:1
Haftarah : Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23
Gospel : Mark 1–2
The Good Shepherd
Thought for the Week:
Moses our teacher, peace be upon him, was tending the flock of Jethro in the wilderness when a little kid escaped from him. He ran after it until it reached a shady place … and the kid stopped to drink. When Moses approached it, he said, “I did not know you ran away because of thirst, you must be weary.” So he placed the kid on his shoulder and walked away. Thereupon God said: “Because you have mercy in leading the flock of a mortal, you will surely tend my flock, Israel.” (Shemot Rabbah 2:2)
Commentary:
After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent 40 years shepherding sheep. His years of shepherding sheep prepared him for the task of shepherding God’s people.
Throughout the Bible, Israel is compared to a flock. She is the flock of the LORD. Her leaders are her shepherds, appointed by her ultimate Shepherd, the LORD Himself. Israel’s greatest leaders were shepherds. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were men with flocks. Jacob worked as a shepherd for Laban. David was shepherd over his father’s flocks. Moses shepherded Jethro’s flocks. It is no surprise then that the Messiah of Israel refers to Himself as “the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)
Yeshua saw Himself, like Moses, as the Good Shepherd over the flock of Israel. He was on a mission seeking the lost sheep of Israel: the sinners and backslidden among the Jewish people of His day. In Luke 15:4-6, He says, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’”
In the parables of John 10, Yeshua further illustrates the concept of His shepherd-ship over Israel. He is the shepherd, and Israel is the flock. He speaks of guarding the flock, leading the flock and even laying His life down for the flock. He is speaking of His relationship to His people Israel.
In John 10:16, He introduces sheep from another flock. He says, “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” The sheep being gathered and joined to the already existing flock under one Shepherd are Gentiles. They are sheep that are not part of the flock of Israel and not from the sheep pen (the land) of Israel. Notice that the Master does not say, “There shall be two flocks.” Rather, there will be one flock, and it is the Gentiles who are joined to the flock of Israel, not vice versa. In this parable, Yeshua leads the Gentiles into the flock of Israel.
In 1 Peter 2:25, the disciple Peter writes to his non-Jewish readers, saying, “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” The Shepherd and Guardian of our souls so loved us that He left the other 99, picked up each of us individually and carried us to join His flock: Israel.
Shavuah Tov! Have a Good Week!
For a list of other weeks Torah portions, go to Weekly Torah Readings & Commentary
Blessings - Gavri'el
Here is the Torah Readings from (Jan 21-27) 2 weeks ago, it is the story of the Exodus, which I hope will inspire you. All Torah portions are compliments of First Fruits of Zion and are reproduced by permmission.
Parashat Hashavuah
Shemot - שמות : “Names”
Torah : Exodus 1:1–6:1
Haftarah : Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23
Gospel : Mark 1–2
The Good Shepherd
Thought for the Week:
Moses our teacher, peace be upon him, was tending the flock of Jethro in the wilderness when a little kid escaped from him. He ran after it until it reached a shady place … and the kid stopped to drink. When Moses approached it, he said, “I did not know you ran away because of thirst, you must be weary.” So he placed the kid on his shoulder and walked away. Thereupon God said: “Because you have mercy in leading the flock of a mortal, you will surely tend my flock, Israel.” (Shemot Rabbah 2:2)
Commentary:
After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent 40 years shepherding sheep. His years of shepherding sheep prepared him for the task of shepherding God’s people.
Throughout the Bible, Israel is compared to a flock. She is the flock of the LORD. Her leaders are her shepherds, appointed by her ultimate Shepherd, the LORD Himself. Israel’s greatest leaders were shepherds. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were men with flocks. Jacob worked as a shepherd for Laban. David was shepherd over his father’s flocks. Moses shepherded Jethro’s flocks. It is no surprise then that the Messiah of Israel refers to Himself as “the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)
Yeshua saw Himself, like Moses, as the Good Shepherd over the flock of Israel. He was on a mission seeking the lost sheep of Israel: the sinners and backslidden among the Jewish people of His day. In Luke 15:4-6, He says, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’”
In the parables of John 10, Yeshua further illustrates the concept of His shepherd-ship over Israel. He is the shepherd, and Israel is the flock. He speaks of guarding the flock, leading the flock and even laying His life down for the flock. He is speaking of His relationship to His people Israel.
In John 10:16, He introduces sheep from another flock. He says, “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” The sheep being gathered and joined to the already existing flock under one Shepherd are Gentiles. They are sheep that are not part of the flock of Israel and not from the sheep pen (the land) of Israel. Notice that the Master does not say, “There shall be two flocks.” Rather, there will be one flock, and it is the Gentiles who are joined to the flock of Israel, not vice versa. In this parable, Yeshua leads the Gentiles into the flock of Israel.
In 1 Peter 2:25, the disciple Peter writes to his non-Jewish readers, saying, “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” The Shepherd and Guardian of our souls so loved us that He left the other 99, picked up each of us individually and carried us to join His flock: Israel.
Shavuah Tov! Have a Good Week!
For a list of other weeks Torah portions, go to Weekly Torah Readings & Commentary
Blessings - Gavri'el
Sunday, January 29, 2006
G-d's Plan for Humanity - Updated
Shalom,
I must apologize for the lateness for this post. Many have asked about the G-d's plan for Humanity teaching. All 3 are now on-line. Teaching 1 has no audio, due to a cd recorder failure, but does have extensive notes. Teachings 2 & 3 have audio and notes. The links are:
- G-d's Plan for Humanity Part 1
- G-d's Plan for Humanity Part 2
- G-d's Plan for Humanity Part 3
I hope yoou enjoy!
More audio teachings are available at Congregation Beth Ha'Mashiach Audio Teachings
Blessings
I must apologize for the lateness for this post. Many have asked about the G-d's plan for Humanity teaching. All 3 are now on-line. Teaching 1 has no audio, due to a cd recorder failure, but does have extensive notes. Teachings 2 & 3 have audio and notes. The links are:
- G-d's Plan for Humanity Part 1
- G-d's Plan for Humanity Part 2
- G-d's Plan for Humanity Part 3
I hope yoou enjoy!
More audio teachings are available at Congregation Beth Ha'Mashiach Audio Teachings
Blessings
Thursday, January 26, 2006
The need for Discipleship
Shalom,
I promised to address the need for discipleship.
First, what is discipleship?
Discipleship – is the need to follow a consistent teaching and mentor for a period of time, to get well grounded in the beliefs and doctrines of the faith. The majority of errors of today and in the past can be tied to this lack of discipleship.
Why is it important?
Many of the earliest errors in the Church can be tied to lack of discipleship. How so, consider that all early believers were Jews, fully grasping the Torah and teachings of the prophets & elders. As Gentiles joined, most at first were G-d-fearers, also grasping the Torah & teachings. Next came a mass influx of former pagan Gentiles. At first they learned from Jews & G-d-fearers, but as rebellions, expulsions, and time took it’s course, these Gentiles were no longer discipled as Jews or G-d-fearers, but were left to be taught by other Gentiles who did not have a understanding of Torah or the teachings of the prophets & elders. Because of this lack of discipleship, error & paganism began to come into the assembly of believers. Customs like Christmas & Easter replaces the Feasts of G-d, and Torah became evil, as did the Jewish people. Many of these beliefs persist even today.
Some people get confused over the statement of Sha’ul (Paul), that one plants, another waters. This statement in context is referring to bringing a person to a saving knowledge of G-d through Messiah, not discipleship. Imagine how confused a person would be come if they were to study under an Orthodox Rabbi, a Baptist Minister, and a Pentecostal Preacher? What would the person understand; would they ever get a complete view from any side? This is a real problem in todays, shop a different synagogue or church a week, world view.
How should a believer be discipled?
The true picture of what G-d teaches is a disciple is the Jewish talmidim. The talmidim is the Hebrew word corresponding to disciple. Many Rabbis’ of Messiahs time had students who went with them, and learned from them. These talmidim did not switch Rabbi’s weekly, monthly, or even yearly, but sat under the Rabbi’s teaching, often for several years. Messiah had many talmidim (not just 12), of which the 12 (and more) where considered emissaries. The talmidim of the Rabbis’ (and the Great Rabbi Messiah) went everywhere their rabbi went, they learned what their rabbi taught, and they did what their rabbi did. Thus a Rabbi was a teacher and mentor rolled into one.
In reading the 4 accounts of the ministry of Messiah Yeshua, we see this very picture. These talmidim walked with Yeshua for 3 or more years. They taught as He taught, they did the works He did, they slept where He slept, and ate what He ate. These men and women, after the resurrection, lived a life exemplified by Messiah, and changed the world.
Now no mere human Rabbi or Pastor can compare to Messiah, but they are given the task of “making disciples of the whole world”. As such, those wishing to follow the Messiah should be willing to invest the time to be discipled. This discipling should be with one person or group who hold like beliefs so a comprehensive Theology can emerge. If the person being discipled goes to question what is being taught, then those questions should be raised (respectfully of course). If the questions are not addressed, and the person then feels they are not learning, growing, or following the right doctrine, then they are free to seek another person to disciple them.
The fact is, every believer should be a disciple, and a discipler. We are all called to fulfill the great commandment of our Master – “Go and make disciples of the whole world”. Note, He did not say believers, He said disciples!
Blessings
I promised to address the need for discipleship.
First, what is discipleship?
Discipleship – is the need to follow a consistent teaching and mentor for a period of time, to get well grounded in the beliefs and doctrines of the faith. The majority of errors of today and in the past can be tied to this lack of discipleship.
Why is it important?
Many of the earliest errors in the Church can be tied to lack of discipleship. How so, consider that all early believers were Jews, fully grasping the Torah and teachings of the prophets & elders. As Gentiles joined, most at first were G-d-fearers, also grasping the Torah & teachings. Next came a mass influx of former pagan Gentiles. At first they learned from Jews & G-d-fearers, but as rebellions, expulsions, and time took it’s course, these Gentiles were no longer discipled as Jews or G-d-fearers, but were left to be taught by other Gentiles who did not have a understanding of Torah or the teachings of the prophets & elders. Because of this lack of discipleship, error & paganism began to come into the assembly of believers. Customs like Christmas & Easter replaces the Feasts of G-d, and Torah became evil, as did the Jewish people. Many of these beliefs persist even today.
Some people get confused over the statement of Sha’ul (Paul), that one plants, another waters. This statement in context is referring to bringing a person to a saving knowledge of G-d through Messiah, not discipleship. Imagine how confused a person would be come if they were to study under an Orthodox Rabbi, a Baptist Minister, and a Pentecostal Preacher? What would the person understand; would they ever get a complete view from any side? This is a real problem in todays, shop a different synagogue or church a week, world view.
How should a believer be discipled?
The true picture of what G-d teaches is a disciple is the Jewish talmidim. The talmidim is the Hebrew word corresponding to disciple. Many Rabbis’ of Messiahs time had students who went with them, and learned from them. These talmidim did not switch Rabbi’s weekly, monthly, or even yearly, but sat under the Rabbi’s teaching, often for several years. Messiah had many talmidim (not just 12), of which the 12 (and more) where considered emissaries. The talmidim of the Rabbis’ (and the Great Rabbi Messiah) went everywhere their rabbi went, they learned what their rabbi taught, and they did what their rabbi did. Thus a Rabbi was a teacher and mentor rolled into one.
In reading the 4 accounts of the ministry of Messiah Yeshua, we see this very picture. These talmidim walked with Yeshua for 3 or more years. They taught as He taught, they did the works He did, they slept where He slept, and ate what He ate. These men and women, after the resurrection, lived a life exemplified by Messiah, and changed the world.
Now no mere human Rabbi or Pastor can compare to Messiah, but they are given the task of “making disciples of the whole world”. As such, those wishing to follow the Messiah should be willing to invest the time to be discipled. This discipling should be with one person or group who hold like beliefs so a comprehensive Theology can emerge. If the person being discipled goes to question what is being taught, then those questions should be raised (respectfully of course). If the questions are not addressed, and the person then feels they are not learning, growing, or following the right doctrine, then they are free to seek another person to disciple them.
The fact is, every believer should be a disciple, and a discipler. We are all called to fulfill the great commandment of our Master – “Go and make disciples of the whole world”. Note, He did not say believers, He said disciples!
Blessings
Spiritual Arrogance, Need for Discipleship & Accountability
Shalom,
The directions of the posts are becoming considerably more personal as we discuss issues & concerns in the body of believers. These issues create divisiveness and can grieve the Holy Breath (Spirit).
I’d like to address 3 related items:
- Spiritual Arrogance
- Need for Discipleship
- Accountability.
The three areas are often intertwined, and error in one, is often compounded or expanded by the others.
Spiritual arrogance - is believing the person is the sole hearer of G-d. It manifests itself in an aura of superiority about scripture knowledge, hearing G-d, and believing better of ones-self than others. It is destructive in nature, and totally contrary to the teachings of Messiah & scripture.
Need for Discipleship – is the need to follow a consistent teaching and mentor for a period of time, to get well grounded in the beliefs and doctrines of the faith. The majority of errors of today and in the past can be tied to this lack of discipleship. Discipleship will be addressed more fully in another post.
Accountability – No man (or woman) is an island. It is not G-d’s plan for “lone ranger” believers. The need for the assembly, and accountability are to ensure the proper walk of the believer. We all need G-dly men and women to hold us accountable: doctrinally, financially, spiritually and physically.
We all have probably seen examples of Spiritual Arrogance; we all may have even been guilty of it from time to time. Some of the primary factors in Spiritual Arrogance are lack of accountability & limited or no mentoring or discipleship. At YHMM (Yeshua Ha’Mashiach Ministries) & CBHM (Congregation Beth Ha’Mashiach), we have 2 official levels or accountability (the Board of Directors & MAMA - The Messianic Alliance of Metro Atlanta) & one unofficial (personal mentors) level. Persons without mentors, accountability and discipleship are easy targets for Ha-Satan (the adversary). As the person becomes convinced they “hear from G-d” more clearly than others, it creates a breeding ground for pride and divisive or false doctrine. Since they have limited or no accountability, there is no one to question their direction or hearing, thus error can manifest itself, and go unchecked. These beliefs can then result in issues of authority and submission.
Many local assemblies have been split or destroyed by Spiritual Arrogance. We have personally spoken to many leaders who can each relate personal incidences of being involved in splits or worse, all due to a person with the body becoming Spiritually Arrogant and believing they had a “better word from G-d” than the leader of the assembly. In every sense, this is Rebellion, and by definition, is contrary to G-d.
Guard your hearts beloved, for Ha-Satan is waiting to devour!
Blessings
The directions of the posts are becoming considerably more personal as we discuss issues & concerns in the body of believers. These issues create divisiveness and can grieve the Holy Breath (Spirit).
I’d like to address 3 related items:
- Spiritual Arrogance
- Need for Discipleship
- Accountability.
The three areas are often intertwined, and error in one, is often compounded or expanded by the others.
Spiritual arrogance - is believing the person is the sole hearer of G-d. It manifests itself in an aura of superiority about scripture knowledge, hearing G-d, and believing better of ones-self than others. It is destructive in nature, and totally contrary to the teachings of Messiah & scripture.
Need for Discipleship – is the need to follow a consistent teaching and mentor for a period of time, to get well grounded in the beliefs and doctrines of the faith. The majority of errors of today and in the past can be tied to this lack of discipleship. Discipleship will be addressed more fully in another post.
Accountability – No man (or woman) is an island. It is not G-d’s plan for “lone ranger” believers. The need for the assembly, and accountability are to ensure the proper walk of the believer. We all need G-dly men and women to hold us accountable: doctrinally, financially, spiritually and physically.
We all have probably seen examples of Spiritual Arrogance; we all may have even been guilty of it from time to time. Some of the primary factors in Spiritual Arrogance are lack of accountability & limited or no mentoring or discipleship. At YHMM (Yeshua Ha’Mashiach Ministries) & CBHM (Congregation Beth Ha’Mashiach), we have 2 official levels or accountability (the Board of Directors & MAMA - The Messianic Alliance of Metro Atlanta) & one unofficial (personal mentors) level. Persons without mentors, accountability and discipleship are easy targets for Ha-Satan (the adversary). As the person becomes convinced they “hear from G-d” more clearly than others, it creates a breeding ground for pride and divisive or false doctrine. Since they have limited or no accountability, there is no one to question their direction or hearing, thus error can manifest itself, and go unchecked. These beliefs can then result in issues of authority and submission.
Many local assemblies have been split or destroyed by Spiritual Arrogance. We have personally spoken to many leaders who can each relate personal incidences of being involved in splits or worse, all due to a person with the body becoming Spiritually Arrogant and believing they had a “better word from G-d” than the leader of the assembly. In every sense, this is Rebellion, and by definition, is contrary to G-d.
Guard your hearts beloved, for Ha-Satan is waiting to devour!
Blessings
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tossed To & Fro
Shalom,
I have been noticing how many people are unstable in their beliefs. Being Messianic often means attracting many Gentiles who do not identifiy with mainline Protestant or Catholic beliefs. These people generally fall into 2 groups:
1. individuals who have legitimate concerns, seeing doctrinal error and elements of pagan practices in both groups. This group legitimately moves out from under those teachings, and seeks a place where they can go to find a closer relationship to G-d.
2. individuals who seem to be doctrinally lost or confused, and like Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) stated, are "being tossed to & fro".
We have seen many who come seeking abstract or esooteric expressions of faith. Examples include:
- those who have been seduced by the so called "Black Hebrew Movement", who claim black American slaves are the real Jews and that the Jewish people are not Jewish at all (easily disproved as these groups follow racist teaching and focus only on European Jews and do not address the Sephardic Jews).
- those who have been enticed by personal "Angels", who teach them to worship the Angel under the guise of worshipping G-d (scripture makes clear we are to worship G-d alone, and that no Angel apart from the Angel of the L-rd accepts worship if they are of G-d).
- those Gentiles who want to become Jewish, feeling it makes them more worthy before G-d.
- those who are unable to submit to any spiritual accountability.
- those who are lost in doctrinal dispute and unable to determine a path.
- those actually wanting to convert to classical Judaism (which in effect, renounces Yeshua as Messiah).
The above is just a sample of the people that come and go. Some have become friends, and it is very difficult to see them move down a path, often towards destruction, and those who care trying desperately to change their path.
The Messianic Movement is not about doctrinal strife, esoteric worship, or lack of accountability. It isn't about requiriing someone to become Jewish. It is a movement that seeks to:
- worship and follow after G-d in a clearly Biblically centered approach.
- Practice as the first followers of Messiah practiced.
- Restore the centraility of Torah as G-d's perfect will for how we conduct or lives.
- Restore the Feasts of the L-rd.
- eliminate pagan practices, rituals & beliefs.
Beloved, guard your hearts, for Ha-Satan is like a lion walking about seeing who he may devour.
If you haven't seen any of the above issues, great, if on the other hand you are struggling with some of those same problems, seek counsel, before it is too late.
Blessings - Gavri'el
I have been noticing how many people are unstable in their beliefs. Being Messianic often means attracting many Gentiles who do not identifiy with mainline Protestant or Catholic beliefs. These people generally fall into 2 groups:
1. individuals who have legitimate concerns, seeing doctrinal error and elements of pagan practices in both groups. This group legitimately moves out from under those teachings, and seeks a place where they can go to find a closer relationship to G-d.
2. individuals who seem to be doctrinally lost or confused, and like Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) stated, are "being tossed to & fro".
We have seen many who come seeking abstract or esooteric expressions of faith. Examples include:
- those who have been seduced by the so called "Black Hebrew Movement", who claim black American slaves are the real Jews and that the Jewish people are not Jewish at all (easily disproved as these groups follow racist teaching and focus only on European Jews and do not address the Sephardic Jews).
- those who have been enticed by personal "Angels", who teach them to worship the Angel under the guise of worshipping G-d (scripture makes clear we are to worship G-d alone, and that no Angel apart from the Angel of the L-rd accepts worship if they are of G-d).
- those Gentiles who want to become Jewish, feeling it makes them more worthy before G-d.
- those who are unable to submit to any spiritual accountability.
- those who are lost in doctrinal dispute and unable to determine a path.
- those actually wanting to convert to classical Judaism (which in effect, renounces Yeshua as Messiah).
The above is just a sample of the people that come and go. Some have become friends, and it is very difficult to see them move down a path, often towards destruction, and those who care trying desperately to change their path.
The Messianic Movement is not about doctrinal strife, esoteric worship, or lack of accountability. It isn't about requiriing someone to become Jewish. It is a movement that seeks to:
- worship and follow after G-d in a clearly Biblically centered approach.
- Practice as the first followers of Messiah practiced.
- Restore the centraility of Torah as G-d's perfect will for how we conduct or lives.
- Restore the Feasts of the L-rd.
- eliminate pagan practices, rituals & beliefs.
Beloved, guard your hearts, for Ha-Satan is like a lion walking about seeing who he may devour.
If you haven't seen any of the above issues, great, if on the other hand you are struggling with some of those same problems, seek counsel, before it is too late.
Blessings - Gavri'el
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The trials of Messianic Ministry
Shalom,
This post is on a more personal note. One of the trials of being a leader in the Messianic Movement is the instability of many believers coming & going in the movement.
Messianic Congregations by definition seems to attract very diverse groups:
1. The curious visitor - come out of curiousity, attend 1-4 services, and never return. Generally attend regularly at a Sunday Church, want to see what the movement is about. Comment - This group is attempting to understand the "root of their faith", so whatever they learned will probably bear some fruit.
2. The wilting visitor - start attending, get rapidly "on fire", want to put the ministry on radio & TV, only to disappear after several weeks. I liken this group to the "seeds amongst rocky soil" in Yeshua's parable of the sower. Comment - this group seems to flit from new doctrine to new doctrine. They are the group of souls that Sha'ul refers to concerning "being tossed about by waves, to and fro". Generally, I have not seen any positive fruit from this group.
3. The "for a season" group - usually Believers who where Gentile, come for a season, learn, and then move on. Comments - generally stay for 6 months to a couple years, this group learns the root, and generally seems to apply it. They usually bring forth fruit.
4. The Adopt the lifestyle group - Believers who where Gentile, come, learn, and adopt the lifestyle. These former Gentiles (we refer to these as Messinaic Hebrews)become fully united to the Messianic Jew and become G-dfearers much as seen in the book of Acts. Comment - along with the Messianic Jews, are the backbone of the movement. They understand that they are there to serve and worship G-d, not only to be ministered too.
5. The Messianic Jew - Jewish Believers in Messiah who are strongly commited to the movement and seek to maintain the the beliefs and culture. Comment - along with the Messianic Hebrews, are the backbone of the movement. They understand that they are there to serve and worship G-d, not only to be ministered too.
6. The assimulating Jew - Jewish Believers in Messiah that seek a Messianic Congregation to reattach to their Jewishness, but later drift away, most often to return to a Sunday Church. Comment - often, but not always part of a interfaith marriage. This group often ceases being Jewish, and is fully assimulated into the gentile culture within 2 generations.
The two groups that create the most concern for me are the wilting visitor & the assimulating Jew:
1. The wilting visitor, because they are seeking emotional highs, not the living G-d. They have no root, often falling away or turning to cults.
2. The assimulating Jew because as they are assimulated, they are not fulfilling G-d's desire for His Chosen people. Over 60% of all Jewish Children are not being raised as Jew's. Do the math, in only 2-3 generations, assimulation will do what Hitler could not, rid the world of G-d's Chosen people.
We believe the Church has not replaced Israel as G-d's chosen. The Church has been grafted into Israel. If the Chosen people of G-d cease to exist, it will be the greatess loss since man fell into sin.
Blessings in Messiah
This post is on a more personal note. One of the trials of being a leader in the Messianic Movement is the instability of many believers coming & going in the movement.
Messianic Congregations by definition seems to attract very diverse groups:
1. The curious visitor - come out of curiousity, attend 1-4 services, and never return. Generally attend regularly at a Sunday Church, want to see what the movement is about. Comment - This group is attempting to understand the "root of their faith", so whatever they learned will probably bear some fruit.
2. The wilting visitor - start attending, get rapidly "on fire", want to put the ministry on radio & TV, only to disappear after several weeks. I liken this group to the "seeds amongst rocky soil" in Yeshua's parable of the sower. Comment - this group seems to flit from new doctrine to new doctrine. They are the group of souls that Sha'ul refers to concerning "being tossed about by waves, to and fro". Generally, I have not seen any positive fruit from this group.
3. The "for a season" group - usually Believers who where Gentile, come for a season, learn, and then move on. Comments - generally stay for 6 months to a couple years, this group learns the root, and generally seems to apply it. They usually bring forth fruit.
4. The Adopt the lifestyle group - Believers who where Gentile, come, learn, and adopt the lifestyle. These former Gentiles (we refer to these as Messinaic Hebrews)become fully united to the Messianic Jew and become G-dfearers much as seen in the book of Acts. Comment - along with the Messianic Jews, are the backbone of the movement. They understand that they are there to serve and worship G-d, not only to be ministered too.
5. The Messianic Jew - Jewish Believers in Messiah who are strongly commited to the movement and seek to maintain the the beliefs and culture. Comment - along with the Messianic Hebrews, are the backbone of the movement. They understand that they are there to serve and worship G-d, not only to be ministered too.
6. The assimulating Jew - Jewish Believers in Messiah that seek a Messianic Congregation to reattach to their Jewishness, but later drift away, most often to return to a Sunday Church. Comment - often, but not always part of a interfaith marriage. This group often ceases being Jewish, and is fully assimulated into the gentile culture within 2 generations.
The two groups that create the most concern for me are the wilting visitor & the assimulating Jew:
1. The wilting visitor, because they are seeking emotional highs, not the living G-d. They have no root, often falling away or turning to cults.
2. The assimulating Jew because as they are assimulated, they are not fulfilling G-d's desire for His Chosen people. Over 60% of all Jewish Children are not being raised as Jew's. Do the math, in only 2-3 generations, assimulation will do what Hitler could not, rid the world of G-d's Chosen people.
We believe the Church has not replaced Israel as G-d's chosen. The Church has been grafted into Israel. If the Chosen people of G-d cease to exist, it will be the greatess loss since man fell into sin.
Blessings in Messiah
Top 25 Books - Updated
Shalom
Here is our updated Top picks for books (more will be added soon). Each has been personally reviewed. We will continue adding as new titles are reviewed.
Messianic
1. Complete Jewish Bible - Dr. David Stern
2. Restoration - D. Thomas Lancaster
3. Jewish New Testament Commentary - Dr. David Stern
4. Jesus didn't have Blue Eyes - Derek Leman
5. Paul Didn't eat Pork - Derek Leman
6. Messianic Jewish Manifesto - Dr. David Stern
7. Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel - Dr. David Stern
8. G-d's Appointed Times
9. G-d's Appointed Customs
10. Our Father Abraham
Most Titles are available at CBHM Bookstore
Traditional Jewish
1. Chumash - Stone
2. Tanakh - Jewish Publication Society
Blessings
Here is our updated Top picks for books (more will be added soon). Each has been personally reviewed. We will continue adding as new titles are reviewed.
Messianic
1. Complete Jewish Bible - Dr. David Stern
2. Restoration - D. Thomas Lancaster
3. Jewish New Testament Commentary - Dr. David Stern
4. Jesus didn't have Blue Eyes - Derek Leman
5. Paul Didn't eat Pork - Derek Leman
6. Messianic Jewish Manifesto - Dr. David Stern
7. Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel - Dr. David Stern
8. G-d's Appointed Times
9. G-d's Appointed Customs
10. Our Father Abraham
Most Titles are available at CBHM Bookstore
Traditional Jewish
1. Chumash - Stone
2. Tanakh - Jewish Publication Society
Blessings
Thursday, January 12, 2006
End Anti-Semitism Website
Shalom,
Anit-Semitism is on the rise, recent statments by Irans president are just the tip of the iceberg. Jewish worshippers were stabbed in a Moscow synagogue just 2 days ago. Polls reveal over half those under 25 in Europe believe the Holocaust was false, or not as bad as reported.
We are planning to launch a End Anti-semitism website, aimed at all, but espically the Church. Past silence by the Church allowed many to be killed in Europe, and the American Churches still harbor many anti-semitic & false teachings on guilt of the Jews in killing Messiah and replacement theology which teacheds all of G-d's promises to Israel are now only for the Church.
Keep an eye open for the launch of this new site.
Blessings
Anit-Semitism is on the rise, recent statments by Irans president are just the tip of the iceberg. Jewish worshippers were stabbed in a Moscow synagogue just 2 days ago. Polls reveal over half those under 25 in Europe believe the Holocaust was false, or not as bad as reported.
We are planning to launch a End Anti-semitism website, aimed at all, but espically the Church. Past silence by the Church allowed many to be killed in Europe, and the American Churches still harbor many anti-semitic & false teachings on guilt of the Jews in killing Messiah and replacement theology which teacheds all of G-d's promises to Israel are now only for the Church.
Keep an eye open for the launch of this new site.
Blessings
YHMM plans to add online Synagogue service
Shalom,
It is our plan at Yeshua Ha'Mashiach Ministries & Congregation Beth Ha'MAshiach to launch an online Synagogue service which can be then listened to by anyone. Does anybody think this is a good or bad idea? Any ideas what you would like to see in a service?
Teachings would be based on the weekly teaching at Beth Ha'Mashiach, music and Liturgy by our Worship Leader Kevin.
Blessings
It is our plan at Yeshua Ha'Mashiach Ministries & Congregation Beth Ha'MAshiach to launch an online Synagogue service which can be then listened to by anyone. Does anybody think this is a good or bad idea? Any ideas what you would like to see in a service?
Teachings would be based on the weekly teaching at Beth Ha'Mashiach, music and Liturgy by our Worship Leader Kevin.
Blessings
Top Messianic Music
Shalom,
We are also starting to publish lists of favorite Messianic Music.
The short list so far:
1. Kevin (our Messianic Worship Leader) - old Nagila CD's avaialable, plans to create one soon, should be available for a donation.
2. Jonathan Settel - Kol Ba Midbar
3. Paul Wilbur - Watchman - new for 2005
4. Lamb - Sacrifice - new release by Lamb for 2005
Blessings
We are also starting to publish lists of favorite Messianic Music.
The short list so far:
1. Kevin (our Messianic Worship Leader) - old Nagila CD's avaialable, plans to create one soon, should be available for a donation.
2. Jonathan Settel - Kol Ba Midbar
3. Paul Wilbur - Watchman - new for 2005
4. Lamb - Sacrifice - new release by Lamb for 2005
Blessings
Monday, January 09, 2006
Top Messianic Books
Shalom
Here is our Top picks for books (more will be added soon). Each has been personally reviewed.
Messianic
1. Complete Jewish Bible - Dr. David Stern
2. Restoration - D. Thomas Lancaster
3. Jewish New Testament Commentary - Dr. David Stern
4. Jesus didn't have Blue Eyes - Derek Leman
5. Paul Didn't eat Pork - Derek Leman
6. Messianic Jewish Manifesto - Dr. David Stern
7. Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel - Dr. David Stern
Traditional Jewish
1. Chumash - Stone
2. Tanakh - Jewish Publication Society
Blessings
Here is our Top picks for books (more will be added soon). Each has been personally reviewed.
Messianic
1. Complete Jewish Bible - Dr. David Stern
2. Restoration - D. Thomas Lancaster
3. Jewish New Testament Commentary - Dr. David Stern
4. Jesus didn't have Blue Eyes - Derek Leman
5. Paul Didn't eat Pork - Derek Leman
6. Messianic Jewish Manifesto - Dr. David Stern
7. Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel - Dr. David Stern
Traditional Jewish
1. Chumash - Stone
2. Tanakh - Jewish Publication Society
Blessings
Thursday, January 05, 2006
G-d's Master Plan for Humanity
Shalom,
The new teaching series will be on G-d's Master Plan for Humanity, it will last for 2-3 weeks and we will immediately begin "When G-d walked on Earth - the Life of Messiah". This series will use a harmonized version of the Gospel accounts and will demonstrate how Yeshua lived a fully Jewish Life, perfectly kept Torah, and brought reconciliation to G-d for the world!
Blessings
The new teaching series will be on G-d's Master Plan for Humanity, it will last for 2-3 weeks and we will immediately begin "When G-d walked on Earth - the Life of Messiah". This series will use a harmonized version of the Gospel accounts and will demonstrate how Yeshua lived a fully Jewish Life, perfectly kept Torah, and brought reconciliation to G-d for the world!
Blessings
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