Pastor's Corner Archives

Senior Pastor Mark McLellan, Fp.S.

It is apparent to me that many Gentiles within the Messianic Movement are not at peace in their own “skin”. For whatever reason, they want to be “Jewish”. Rather than going through an authentic Rabbinic conversion to change their ethnic status, they simply call themselves Jewish and then attempt to live like Rabbinic Jews. Well, that bird doesn’t fly in Rabbinic or Messianic circles. So what’s a Goy to do? “The Two House ideology will be our answer” they say. “Let’s claim we are Ephraim! Let’s allege we are the lost tribes of the northern kingdom of ancient Israel.” Well, that dog doesn’t hunt. In my estimation, it is all vanity. Verifying you are one of the descendants of the lost tribes is impossible! However, I have found a better path to legitimization. It is actually based on the Scriptures. There is no need whatsoever to become Jewish in order to be chosen and predestined to be adopted as a genuine and legitimate child of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Being chosen is not based on ethnic status but rather on the grace of Him who chooses whomever He wills to become His children. Any and all He chooses to be His children are all equally chosen and equally children of His. Therefore, no one needs to become Jewish in order to be one of His legitimate covenant children. All one needs to do is to respond to His choice to make you one of His children. All of His children are called by Him and chosen to be His children. All of His chosen children can be proud of who they are and comfortable with their ethnic backgrounds.

My Confession
I am a Messianic Gentile (Scott/Irish to be specific)! I am proud of my ethnic status as a Scott/Irishman. I have to repent for sometimes wondering why my Messianic Jewish brothers and sisters would not readily give up their Jewish ethnic status in order to be Scott/Irish. I have to keep reminding myself that legitimacy, as a child of God, is not found in ethnic status but God’s gracious choice. My Messianic Jewish brothers and sisters may be wondering what a Messianic Gentile is. Please allow me to explain.

Defining Some Terms
In my estimation, there are a number of terms that need to be defined first in order to better understand what I am attempting to say. Let’s start with the big one: Messianic

1. From Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
a. of or relating to the Messiah, his awaited deliverance of the Jews, or the new age of peace expected to follow this
b. of or relating to Jesus Christ or the salvation believed to have been brought by him

2. NAU Matthew 1:1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
a. Messiah, Friberg Analytical Greek Lexicon: 28780 strictly one who has been anointed, symbolizing appointment to a task; as a title for Jesus, designating him as the Messiah sent from God (see JN 1.41), Christ, (the) Anointed One (MT 1.16); as a personal name for Jesus, Christ (RO 6.4)
b. Messiah, Barclay-Neuman Greek/English Dictionary: Christ (lit. the Anointed One, equivalent to the Hebrew Messiah)

The term Messianic can and certainly does relate to the Messiah, and in the Apostolic Scriptures, this is none other than Yeshua, Son of David. Therefore, the Messianic Movement today has self-identified with Yeshua the Messiah. It is of the Messiah. As a result of identifying with the Messiah, this movement cannot be (nor is to be) limited to Jewish believers alone for He (Yeshua) has also come to redeem and gather Gentiles to the one flock which He alone is Shepherd (John 3 and 10). That’s right, Jews and Gentiles in Messiah, one flock with one Shepherd. Plainly stated, Gentiles who place their trust in Yeshua the Messiah, are Messianic. They too are of the Messiah. Not as Jews, but as Gentiles! The one flock of Messiah is composed of Messianic Jews and Messianic Gentiles. Both are equally Messianic; both are of the Messiah. For a Gentile to say he/she is Jewish is as painful as Jew saying he/she is Gentile. On the other hand, for anyone to say that the Messianic Movement is somewhat an exclusively Jewish movement is false and agonizing for Messianic Gentiles. This presumption is not only untenable and indefensible from a theological and exegetical basis, it is unbearably divisive and counterproductive to the promises made to Abraham and Sarah. Those promises included an organic unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. The Apostolic Scriptures reveal this organic unity in practical terms and ongoing-shared experiences in life-giving local congregations (Acts 15, Eph 1-3, Rom. 11).

Conclusion
The term Messianic clearly and undeniably includes the meaning, of the Messiah. I am Scott/Irish (and proud of it). The God and Father of Yeshua chose this Irishman from the foundations of the world and predestined him to be adopted as one of His own sons (Eph.1)! Therefore I, an Irishman, am a chosen one. I am a child of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. I am a son of the God of Jacob. I am MESSIANIC…of the Messiah! As a result, I shout with every fiber in my body to those in the Messianic Movement who would keep the Gentiles out: LET MY PEOPLE IN! We too are equally and organically part of the one flock of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob! We are not strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens in the house and city of God. We too are fellow heirs, equal members, and associate partakers of the promises that are yes and amen in Messiah. We are no longer strangers to the covenants of promise made to the forefathers, but co-recipients of the grace, calling, and adoption of God as His chosen children (Eph. 1-3, Rom. 11). In light of this, we will pursue the quest for a practical unity between Messianic Jews and Messianic Gentiles and confront the spiritual racism expressed in the theology of Separate But Equal. Practical unity is expressed in the theology of United And Equal, or as Paul states, “One New Man” NAU Eph. 2:15. Isn’t it time to give up the pretense of Separate but Equal?

In the coming posts I intend to address the hijacking of the term Rabbi.

That’s all for this week; until next week - Shabbat Shalom!

Wicked Agendas Have Gone Too Far!
Health and Human Services wants to force religious people and religious organizations to pay for those who want to rape and kill human life in the womb. It is not enough to snuff out innocent and defenseless human life; the wicked want the religious to help pay for the killing fields that service the abortion industry. This is undeniably a brazen attack on our first amendment liberties. It is not shocking that the lawless would attempt to do this, but it would be tragic to let this go unchallenged.

Congress Responds to the President
"House Speaker John Boehner today [Feb 8, 2012] called the Obama administration’s move to compel nearly every employer to offer insurance that covers contraceptive services “an unambiguous attack on religious freedom in our country.” In an uncommon floor speech today, Boehner spoke out against the Department of Health and Human Services’ ruling that would require faith-based employers, including Catholic charities, schools, universities, and hospitals, but not the church itself, to provide insurance coverage for services including sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs and devices, and contraception. The speaker, himself a Catholic, said he believes the regulation is unconstitutional. “In imposing this requirement, the federal government is violating a First Amendment right that has stood for more than two centuries, and it is doing so in a manner that affects millions of Americans and harms some of our nation’s most vital institutions,” Boehner, R-Ohio, said. “If the president does not reverse the Department’s attack on religious freedom, then the Congress, acting on behalf of the American people and the Constitution we are sworn to uphold and defend, must.”"
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/boehner-calls-contraception-rule-an-attack-on-religious-freedom-pledges-congressional-action

The Church Responds to the President
Religious people of all different faiths are condemning this assault on life and liberty. The Church itself is rightfully mobilizing to defend and push this beasty agenda right back into hell itself. The executive branch is about to discover the power and authority of the Congress and the Church.

Moses Responds: In the Spirit of the Torah: Mr. President, Thou Shall Not Murder nor force the faithful to fund it! Life, Liberty, and Justice for all shall be proclaimed throughout the land. As the American Liberty Bell has mandated:

"Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" - Moses, KJV Leviticus 25:10

Mr. President, the American (Moses) Liberty Bell mandate is the mandate we want you to champion. Please hear our plea. God bless you and your family. And God bless America!

That’s all for this week; until next week - Shabbat Shalom!




WHO'S YO MAMA! AND DOES IT REALLY MATTER? Part Two January 30, 2012

Jewish Identity
According to Jewish law, a Jew is one who is born to a Jewish mother or is converted to Judaism. Therefore, a child who is born to a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother is not Jewish even if raised with a Jewish identity.
www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org

TNK Genesis 46:20 To Joseph were born in the land of Egypt Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath daughter of Poti-phera priest of On bore to him.

Last week we discovered that based on current Jewish religious laws, Ephraim and Manasseh would not be Jewish if they had been born today. Imagine that. I wonder how many other noteworthy descendants of Jacob (in the writings of Moses) would not pass the current Jewish identity test if these laws were imposed on them?

Ephraim and Manasseh
So how did these Egyptian boys become descendants of Jacob? How did they become tribes of Israel? There were no conversion laws back then. These boys had been born and raised in Egypt by a Gentile mother who had a background permeated with paganism.

Adoption
TNK Genesis 48:5 “Now, your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, shall be mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine no less than Reuben and Simeon.” – Jacob

In this chapter Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh. They become his children equal in every way to Rueben and Simeon. They are no longer Joseph’s sons, they are now his brothers. Why? Adoption changes the very identity of the person. They are now sons of Jacob and thus have a different ethnic status. Their new ethnic identity will be through Jacob and no longer through a Gentile mother whose ethnicity was Egyptian and pagan. Their adoption gave them full status as equal heirs and equal participants in the covenants of promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It no longer mattered that their mother was the Gentile named Asenath, daughter of Poti-phera priest of On, who belonged to (the goddess) Neith. Their adoption changed that and biblical history has vindicated this.

What about Gentiles who are grafted into Israel?
NAS Romans 11:17 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,

In this chapter, the Jewish Apostle illustrates beautifully how the Gentiles are brought into the Olive Tree of covenant Israel. This is a real and practical connection and relationship. The Gentiles now participate in the life giving covenants of promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Further, this Jewish Apostle states that the Gentiles who trust in the Jewish Messiah (Yeshua) were predetermined to be adopted by God and thus become full joint-heirs and full participants with the descendants of Jacob in the covenants of promise. Shema! “ 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,” NAS Ephesians 1:3-5

In the end of Biblical history, Gentiles in Messiah are adopted by God and thus gain equal status with the descendants of Jacob as the Children of God! Together, Jewish and Gentile believers in Messiah comprise redeemed Israel; the Israel of God. So does it really matter who’s yo mamma? Yes! And via the adoption of God and the grafting into the Olive Tree of Israel, the Gentiles in Yeshua the Messiah can shout with great pride, “Our mother also is Sarah, and our father also is Abraham, and we too have been placed into the family clan of Jacob/Israel”. We are Jews and Gentiles, one in Messiah Yeshua, the elect of God. Now, can we all start working towards a real and practical unity, rather than espousing a bilateral ecclesiology which keeps us apart? Let’s not repeat in the Church the mistake made in our civil realm “separate but equal”. That ideology led to a bloody civil rights movement. We are not “separate but equal” in redemption, we are “united and equal”! Let’s strive for a real and practical unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. This is the earmark of the Israel of God. Let’s get it done!

That’s all for this week; until next week - Shabbat Shalom!




WHO'S YO MAMA! AND DOES IT REALLY MATTER? January 15, 2012

According to Jewish law, a Jew is one who is born to a Jewish mother or is converted to Judaism. Therefore, a child who is born to a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother is not Jewish even if raised with a Jewish identity. www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org

Jewish Identity
I have often pondered this Rabbinic law of determining Jewish identity. I find it irresistibly thought-provoking in light of recent Torah portions involving Ephraim and Manasseh. If we were to apply this Rabbinic law to them they would be labeled Gentile rather than Jewish (or Hebrew). Think about it. Who was their mother? Ahhhh…Asenath of Egypt! And she does not appear to be very Jewish. Oy Veh! We’ve got problems! Let’s take a closer look at the reliable record of written tradition of Moses.

TNK Genesis 41:45 Pharaoh then gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him for a wife Asenath daughter of Poti-phera, priest of On. Thus Joseph emerged in charge of the land of Egypt.

NK Genesis 41:50 Before the years of famine came, Joseph became the father of two sons, whom Asenath daughter of Poti-phera, priest of On, bore to him.

TNK Genesis 46:20 To Joseph were born in the land of Egypt Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath daughter of Poti-phera priest of On bore to him.

Mother Asenath
So, who is this Asenath, daughter of Poti-phera priest of On? Her name is of Egyptian origin meaning, “she who belongs to (the goddess) Neith”. Her father was the Priest of On. On was the great center of sun worship in Egypt. Re was the sun-god of Egypt. This made Asenath’s father the Priest of Re, sun-god of all of Egypt! Poti-phera held the title “Greatest of Seers”. This made her father one of the highest and most powerful religious/political figures of the day. In short, Asenath was a very influential pagan aristocrat of Egypt. Her whole life (and way of life) was permeated and immersed in paganism. This was her life experience, culture, and world view.

Gentile Mother of Ephraim and Manasseh
She is given in marriage to Zaphenath-paneah (Joseph in his forced Egyptian assimilation). This thoroughly pagan Egyptian Gentile woman gives birth to Manasseh and Ephraim in Egypt. The boys are also being raised in Egypt presumably by their mother and her pagan, Gentile court. Based on these facts and applying the current Jewish laws that determine Jewish identity, Manasseh and Ephraim would not pass the Jewish identity test. They would not be Jewish then or today based on current Rabbinic Jewish definitions (see first paragraph). This is ironic in light of the fact that Jacob, the father of the Jewish people, commanded his descendants to, “…invoke blessings, saying: God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh." TNK Genesis 48:20

Adoption: The Solution to This Identity Crisis
Adoption is the key to understanding how two Egyptian boys, from a pagan Gentile Egyptian woman, could become actual, ethnic sons of Jacob and tribes of Israel. Next week we will pick up this concept and explain how adoption changes a person’s identity both as an individual as well as his/her group or ethnic identity. Perhaps adoption is the best way to solve the identity issues that surround Gentiles who have been grafted into the Olive Tree of Covenant Israel.

That’s all for this week; until next week - Shabbat Shalom!

WDJD (What did Jesus do?)
Last week we discovered that there was not one single shred of evidence that Jesus ever once celebrated Christmas (His Birthday) on December 25th, replete with decorated trees and the traditional ham dinner. The reason is profoundly simple. He was radically committed to the Torah and to covenant faithfulness. What He did involve Himself in was a festival called “Hanukkah”. This is found in John 10:22-23. It states,

“22 At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; 23 it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon.”

The Hebrew word for “Dedication” is “Hanukkah”. That’s right, Yeshua made time to make his way down to Jerusalem, in the middle of winter mind you, to be involved in the celebration of Hanukkah. This festival also was known as the “Festival of Lights”. It is interesting to note that the concept of “light” in the Hebrew mindset also can mean spiritual illumination and revelation. Just as natural light reveals natural things, spiritual light can reveal spiritual things. No wonder John stated earlier in his gospel that Jesus not only brought illumination and revelation, He in fact was the very Light (revelation) of God (see John chapter one). Based on this, it makes perfect sense that He would be drawn to the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah – The Festival of Illumination and Revelation
Keeping these things in mind, what would Jesus, the Light of God, be doing in Jerusalem during the Festival of Lights (illumination and revelation)? Let’s see,

“22 At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; 23 it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. 24 The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. 26 But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:22-30 NASB

I and the Father are one!
Wow, this is undeniably one of the most powerful revelations that He had yet given. People were constantly confused as to who this Jesus was and He was not very accommodating, and even hid who He was from many. But, not this time, it was Hanukkah, the very festival of illumination and revelation. In fact, it was a perfect setting and celebration. So at the temple in Jerusalem during Hanukkah, He finally reveals that He and His Father are one! Selah! This would bring new meaning to the name Immanuel (God with us). It would also bring new meaning to the Festival of Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah to One and All!
Thanks to Yeshua (Jesus), Hanukkah reaches its zenith in meaning and purpose. In Him we have a celebration of light, illumination and revelation like never before. Our Hanukkah celebrations are now complete and filled with His brilliance, the very glory of Messiah. The psalmist cried out “…In Your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9); we have come to understand this to mean; in Your Messiah we have illumination and revelation!

Conclusion: Hanukkah or Christmas?
Jesus never once celebrated Christmas (His Birthday) on December 25th replete with decorated trees and the traditional ham dinner. He was Jewish, He was Torah Observant, He was and is the Messiah! No, The pagan mixtures of Christmas disqualified it as a legitimate holy celebration fit for His attention. On the other hand, Hanukkah, rooted in the prophecies of Daniel and fulfilled in the days of the Maccabees, not only caught His attention but also solicited His holy involvement. So if you are caught in the dilemma of which festival to observe, Hanukkah is the sure and safe bet. Why? Because it is what Jesus would do (WWJD). How do I know this? Because this is what Jesus did (WDJD)!

Happy Hanukkah!!!

That’s all for this week. (For more on Hanukkah check out our pod-casts)
Shalom!

OY VEH! GREEN TREES!
Here we are in the middle of yet another holiday season! One would be hard pressed to look anywhere without noticing a green Christmas tree, tinsel, lights, reindeer or a big, jolly Santa Claus. On occasion, one might even catch a glimpse of a Star of David or an eight-branched candelabrum. Hmmm, isn’t Hanukkah around the time of Christmas? What’s a believer to do? As Bob Dylan, once wrote, “The times they are a changing,” and perhaps few things reveal that change more than the holidays and traditions that people choose to celebrate as a vehicle to express and demonstrate their faith and beliefs.

SYNCRETISM
Things are getting somewhat confusing with all the syncretism today. Biblical principles, morals, and standards haven given way to moral relativism and even believers have begun to take an à la carte approach to their faith. For example, Chrismukkah, the mixing of Christmas with Hanukkah, has been somewhat in vogue over the last couple years. For many, this is the answer to the Christmas/Hanukkah dilemma. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly, and political correctness combined with religious syncretism seems to be the best path for those who want to live and let live when it comes to customs and traditions such as these. However, why not apply the very popular Christian motto of, “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) to the question of what a believer in Messiah should do when it comes to celebrating Christmas and/or Hanukkah. Would Jesus celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or a trendy hybrid? A precursor to this question is the less marketable and often neglected question, “What did Jesus do?” (WDJD). By answering the question WDJD, we can begin to build the framework and lay the foundation necessary to answer the question WWJD. So let’s begin.

WHAT DID JESUS DO?
Christmas presupposes the celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25th replete with decorated green trees and a traditional Christmas ham shared with family and friends. Jesus would have probably experienced no less than thirty-one or thirty-two Christmas celebrations on December 25th. If any of this were true then we should be able to find plenty of evidence in the gospels, epistles, and other historical documents that support these concepts and beliefs. In addition, since Jesus was a carpenter later in life, He no doubt cut down His own trees, brought them home to Mary and Joseph, and fastened them in place so that they would not totter. Even after His death, resurrection, and ascension, surely his loyal and devoted apostles safeguarded these traditions and taught their communities these all-important Christmas customs. I am absolutely convinced that there should be ample evidence in the gospels and epistles of Jesus celebrating his birth every year on December 25th with a Christmas tree and honey-baked hams.

SHOCK-N-AWE!
After years of careful research, I am still unable to find even the slightest shred of evidence that Jesus or His family ever celebrated His birth on December 25th, let alone with the inclusion of a Christmas tree and a traditional, Christmas ham. I realize and admit that this is an argument from silence, but I’d bet the ranch that Jesus never once celebrated Christmas nor did any of the apostles. This is probably due to biblical laws concerning idolatry (see Deuteronomy12: 28-32, Jeremiah10: 1-5). Even the enigma found in Jeremiah 3:9 most likely relates to our ancestors’ love affair with using trees in spiritual settings and thus, they were severely rebuked. The passage states:

Because of the lightness of her harlotry, she polluted the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.

Some things never change. Another reason may be rooted in the fact that Jesus was Jewish and was passionately committed to the Law of God (see Matt. 5:17-19). Festive, honey-baked hams would not be considered food for a Jew like Jesus. To eat it would be an abomination (see Lev. 11:6 and entire chapter). Deuteronomy 14 lists the pig as a detestable animal, which is not fit for consumption for those in covenant with God. No, Jesus did not embrace nor celebrate Christmas, nor did any of His apostles.

WHAT DID JESUS PARTICIPATE IN?

Hanukkah! That’s right, H-a-n-u-k-k-a-h! You say, “Where’s that in the Bible?” or more pointedly, “Where’s that in the gospels?” I’m glad you asked. Unfortunately, I’m out of space. However, I challenge you to look and find the passage for yourself. I’ll give you a hint; it’s in one of the gospels. Next week, I’ll continue discussing this controversy and begin to share with you the light (no pun intended) about Hanukkah.

God bless you one and all in the Matchless Name of Yeshua HaMashiach!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





COUP D'ÉTAT! November 18, 2011

Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” NAS 1 Kings 1:5

In this weeks Haftarah portion we have the story of a well-planned coup or takeover of King David’s throne. It is replete with skillful intrigue, organization, propaganda, and self-aggrandizement. It is typical of most coups. They are found throughout history in many places. From the home, (Jezebel) to the Church, (Korah), to the Kingdom itself, such as is recorded in this weeks Haftarah (1st Kings 1:1-31). Let’s take a look.

King David is very old and has not yet made good on his vow to Bathsheba to make their son Solomon King in David’s place. Adonijah, David’s oldest living son from a different wife (oy veh!), makes his move to exalt himself and secure the throne. This is done without David’s knowledge. Adonijah seduces a popular and prestigious military commander, some troops, one of the leading priests, and many of the people of Israel. He implements an intriguing strategy to place himself on the throne. Everything comes together and goes smoothly and it looks like Adonijah will be king. However, there was a problem. He made a mistake that would be his undoing. He forgot to bribe a prophet named Nathan (not that Nathan would accept any such enticement). He was the prophet God assigned to serve King David. Nathan discerns the coup and crafts an inspired political response, which would expose Adonijah’s illegitimate grasp for power. In the end Adonijah loses everything in his attempt to exalt himself. Most of the leaders aligned with him also lose everything. It is a sad story of the human condition to grasp for authority that only God can give. One of the morals of this story, do not exalt yourself! As the good book says:

King David did the right thing, he circumvented the coup by immediately installing Solomon on His throne and thereby preventing a take over, which would have taken many years, and perhaps decades, to dismantle.

A word to leaders in the Body of Messiah: when you find yourself in the midst of a coup, listen to the prophets (2nd Chron. 20:20) and be quick, deliberate, and decisive in your response. Overthrow the overthrow or you will be overthrown!

"Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession." – George Washington

God bless you one and all in the Matchless Name of Yeshua HaMashiach!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





November 6, 2011

"The angel of GOD said, "Go back to your mistress. Put up with her abuse." MSG Gen 16:9

"Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority." NAS Gen 16:9

In last weeks Torah Portion we had the story of Sarai and Hagar (Gen. 16).. It is filled with abuse and grief. In Hagar’s experience, the injustices and grievances of her delegated authority were abundant. The text states that “Sarai treated her [Hagar] harshly”. Jewish Scholarship has pointed out that the Hebrew verb used here suggests that Sarai subjected Hagar to physical and psychological abuse. In the end, Hagar decides to run away from the painful maltreatment. For her, this was the solution to her problems. Perhaps she was thinking thoughts like:

Why should I have to put up with her harsh and unfair treatment?
I was not made to be abused by anyone?
I am not her door-mat!
She has no right to be mistreat me!
If I leave without notice I will be free of her callous and rude treatment.
After I leave, I will be free from her lording over me.
Surely the Lord will support me.

So one day, with no apparent notice, she up and runs away from her problems. At least she thinks so. The angel of the Lord finds her out in the wilderness. He clarifies to her that she is Sarai’s maid, and then asks her where she is coming from and where she is planning on going. Hagar explains that she is fleeing from her “mistress”. Now, you would think that she would have the understanding and sympathy of the angel of the Lord. After all, it was truly an abusive context she had been living in. To her dismay the angel commanded her not only to return to her abusive mistress, Sarai, but to even submit herself to her authority! Selah

I have had some experiences that although they do not match the abuse Hagar received nonetheless were trying in similar ways. I worked for nearly 20 years as a blue-collar worker. There were times, due to being treated unjustly by delegated authorities I wanted to just quit and walk off the job. God told me to buck up.

After getting married, there were times I wanted to just walk out of my marriage. God told me to grow up.

After being set in as a senior Pastor approximately 17 years ago, I had times when I wanted to give up and go back to a secular job. God said no…stay the course.

Yes, I too have had times where I loathed and butted heads with my delegated authorities. From parents, teachers, law enforcement, the courts, my employer, to my Elders and my Board of Directors. In the end, like Hagar, I have learned the value and blessing of submitting to my delegated authorities. I thank God for this Sarai/Hagar story. It reminds me of the words of Francis Frangipane, “if you are serious about wanting to be like Christ, He is going to put you in circumstances where your only true choice is to become like Him.” It is in submission to delegated authorities that I have found the grace and blessing of Christ. Baruch HaShem!

God bless you one and all in the Matchless Name of Yeshua HaMashiach!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





“IN THE BEGINNING… NAS Gen 1:1a October 24, 2011

“Our beginnings give us perspective for how we are to live our lives today.” Amos ben Michael

Beginnings
The record of our beginnings found in the book of Genesis is vital to our lives. It marks our origins and gives us a context for the meaning of life. I love this book. It is full of beginnings. Nothing is glossed over. We see many victories and failures and we have so much to learn from these stories.

The Harvest Beginnings
Our history as a congregation is filled with many stories too. We have had our failures and we have had our victories. God has been faithful to us at every juncture. It is not easy to commit to a community and build it. It is far easier to stay independent and unaccountable for one’s life. As most of you know, community provides nurture, connection, discipline, and accountability. Over the years we have nurtured many, provided connection through life giving relationships, and brought discipline and accountability when needed. In approximately 17 years of ministry, we as a congregation have only had to disfellowship (remove the unruly and divisive and ask the membership to refrain from fellowshipping with them) 2 couples and 1 single person. The single person had excommunicated herself and we simply acknowledged and upheld it. All in all, only 2 couples in approximately 17 years have been disfellowshipped! Praise God that most believers have chosen to meet in person to resolve issues. Everyone who has been responsive to discipline has gone on to flourish in the Body of Messiah, and everyone who has resisted or run from discipline has rushed headlong into confusion, turmoil, and the realm of bitterness. Out of that place of bitterness comes foul gossip, slander, threats, and bitter root judgments against their delegated authorities who dared to bring some discipline to their lives. It is interesting to note that the basis of congregational disfellowship found in Matt. 18:15-20 is not the initial sin being brought to (or attempting to be brought to) the attention of the respondent(s), it is the on going and stubborn refusal of the respondent to simply meet with the petitioner/witnesses from the congregation they are a part of, to hear the initial concerns. This refusal of the respondent(s) to listen to the concerns of their congregational petitioners is the very spirit of pride and division, which ultimately must be removed for the safety, unity and health of their local community. The goal of the process that Yeshua gave to local congregations (as found in Matt. 18:15-20) is reconciliation, peace, and unity. Unfortunately there will always be some who do not care about the process that Yeshua gave or the outcome of that process: Reconciliation.

Nevertheless, we will continue to implement the process of Yeshua as found in Matt. 18:15-20 when led by Him to do so. We are not called to only nurture and connect people with community, but to disciple them as well. Discipleship involves discipline and accountability. Dawn and I thank all of you who have found the value and rewards of discipleship. I leave you with this Godly, Spirit filled admonishment, “17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” NAS Heb 13:17

No doubt that the rebellious will mock this; but, the righteous will embrace it and flourish in every congregation they serve in.

God bless you one and all in the Matchless Name of Yeshua HaMashiach!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





…FOR THE LAW IS YOUR LIFE… NJB Deuteronomy 32:47 October 7, 2011

The Family Matters! September 30, 2011

The Family Matters. Not just the children, but the family unit as a whole is what is vital to God. Even the extended family comes into view when considering the concept of covenant community. That’s right, grand-parents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins too! The family and its extended relationships matter. In the Harvest, these as well as other relationships are vital to us. So many times in our congregations, we make the mistake of elevating part of the family unit at the exclusion of another. Some make the children the most important person group in their communities (FIC). I have even seen the extremes of children becoming icons of movements that would make all others in the family unit feel somewhat second class. Some parents even border on paying homage to their children. This is not healthy. We need to remind ourselves that before there ever was a Cain and Abel, there was a husband and wife who loved and were committed to each other. This became the basis for a family. And it is the family, as a whole, that is vital and central to the heart of God. That’s why we (The Harvest) take a strong stand for Marriage and the Family.

Dawn and I just returned from spending time with one of our couples who just celebrated their 45th year wedding anniversary. Wow! What a blessing! What an inspiration! One of the reasons they identify with The Harvest is our high value for safeguarding and nurturing our marriages.

In addition to working diligently to support and strengthen the whole family unit, we also invest heavily into our children by producing age appropriate, Torah based teaching materials which is used in our weekly Torah Time for Kids and Torah Time for Children Shabbat classes. During our adult focused Shabbat Service teaching time (1 hour), our Children's Shabbat Classes offer Torah based teachings, crafts, games, dancing, liturgy, etc., etc., all at an age appropriate level designed to engage the hearts and minds of all our children for the Glory of Messiah and His Kingdom. The children absolutely love it! Every week they anticipate when they will be released to go their Torah Time and actually get up and leave before we can announce their release. They are so excited for that which was carefully and prayerfully designed just for them. Seeing the excitement and spiritual growth of our children, the vibrancy of our marriages, the strength of our singles, and the wisdom of our elders makes Pastoring in The Harvest worth it all! Dawn and I are blessed by and proud of all families, our children, our singles, and our elders. In the Harvest, we are one big family and each person matters. Why…because the family matters. Not just part of it but all of it!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA PROPHESIED AT GROUND ZERO ON 9-11-2011 September 19, 2011

Last week I wrote about the speech that President Obama made at ground zero on 9-11-2011. I do not believe the President fully knew what he was saying when he spoke. The text was taken directly from Psalm 46 NKJV. See how he literally spoke forth the Word of the God of Jacob. Keep in mind that the God of Jacob is the God of Israel. He is not the God of Islam. That would be Allah (the moon god). The God of Jacob is undeniably the God of Israel. If you remember, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Gen 32:28). This is what I sense that the God of Israel was communicating to America and the nations:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
MM: America: The God of Israel is your God; Turn to Him and call on His Name. He will rescue you!
Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling, there’s a river whose streams shall make glad the City of God, the holy place of the Tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her. She shall not be moved. God shall help her just at the break of dawn.
MM: America: The God of Israel shall help us at our darkest point in our national history.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved. He uttered his voice. The earth melted. The Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.
MM: America: The God of Israel is your God, He is your safety net.
Come behold the works of the Lord who has made desolations in the Earth.
MM: America: The God of Israel allowed this tragedy to wake us up and call us to return to His Laws and to His ways.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the Earth. He breaks the bough and cuts the spear in two. He burns the chariot in fire. Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the Earth.
MM: America: Stop and listen. The God of Israel is God and there is no other. The God of Israel will be great among all nations. Israel’s God is sovereign over the whole Earth.
The Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.”
MM: America: Return to His laws and ways and you too will be lifted up among the nations! It is not too late! RETURN!

Text Taken on 9-12-2011from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/11/remarks-president-september-11th-10th-anniversary-commemoration

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA PROPHESIED AT GROUND ZERO ON 9-11-2011 September 12, 2011

It is the early morning of September 12, 2011. I am sitting at my kitchen table sipping some hot coffee while, prayerfully, watching our President, Barack Obama, give His remarks to the Nation from Ground Zero at yesterday’s memorial to 9/11. I am overwhelmed and something deep within my spirit is stirred. As I continued to watch and listen, I began to sense the God of Israel involving Himself once again in the affairs of men. This is not the first time that God has spoken through the mouths of national leaders. The gospel of John states:

49-52Then one of them—it was Caiaphas, the designated Chief Priest that year—spoke up, "Don't you know anything? Can't you see that it's to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed?" He didn't say this of his own accord, but as Chief Priest that year he unwittingly prophesied that Jesus was about to die sacrificially for the nation, and not only for the nation but so that all God's exile-scattered children might be gathered together into one people. John 11:49-52 The Message [emphasis mine]

I, wholeheartedly, believe that God moved in the hearts and minds of those who contributed to the selection of the following text, which was read by our President yesterday. The nation was listening. The world was watching. Our enemies were conspiring. Then came these words ringing through the halls of world history, from the lips of U.S. President Barack Obama, who represents the mightiest nation that has ever existed on this earth:



REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT:
8:47 A.M. EDT

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling, there’s a river whose streams shall make glad the City of God, the holy place of the Tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her. She shall not be moved. God shall help her just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved. He uttered his voice. The earth melted. The Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Come behold the works of the Lord who has made desolations in the Earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the Earth. He breaks the bough and cuts the spear in two. He burns the chariot in fire. Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the Earths. The Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.”

END
8:49 A.M. EDT

Taken on 9-12-2011from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/11/remarks-president-september-11th-10th-anniversary-commemoration

In the weeks ahead, I will share what I believe our President “unwittingly prophesied”. Baruch HaShem! Blessed be The Name of the God of Jacob!!!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





AMERICA – IT IS NOT TOO LATE! September 2, 2011

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

America, wake up! The day is far spent and the dark night of judgment is at hand. Repent and humbly return to the Law of God, before it is too late and your children are dashed against the rocks.

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





Ekev "Consequence " August 19, 2011

“There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.”

1. Ripping up a speeding ticket it in the face of the policeman who gave it.
2. Telling your boss to take this job and …
3. Joining the military to get away from parental authority
4. Refusing to meet with your pastor when summoned etc., etc.

1. The traffic court giving you the maximum fine for speeding (due to your audacity in ripping up your ticket)
2. Losing your job and being evicted from your home because you cannot pay your bills
3. Waking up to an angry Drill Sergeant who loves to control every aspect of your life.
4. Being told by the Elders that you are no longer welcome in the community you built relations in.

People of God, lets learn to think through the consequences of our decisions before we make them. I am convinced that we will save ourselves much heartache. We are like the 2nd generation that Moses was preparing to go into the Promised Land. Remembering that every decision has a corresponding effect (either blessing or curse) will help us to be wise in our choices as we go forward into our blessings. This is our corporate destiny and we shall, by the grace of God, enter in! Blessings!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





WHERE HAVE ALL THE WOMEN GONE? August 5, 2011

For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 1 Peter 3:5-7 (NAS)

It is almost impossible for a woman to be a daughter of Sarah in our society today. It is perhaps the most radical thing a woman can do in light of the overwhelming feminism, which has permeated our nation. As one feminist activist has stated, “Being a house wife is an illegitimate profession… The choice to serve and be protected and plan towards being a family-maker is a choice that shouldn’t be. The heart of radical feminism is to change that.” (Vivian Gornick, university of Illinois, The Daily Ilini, April 25, 1981).

Radical feminism has changed that to a large extent, but it cannot sustain it due to the inherent femininity deep within women. As another campaigner admitted, “No woman should be authorized to stay at home to raise her children. Society should be totally different. Women should not have that choice, precisely because if there is such a choice, too any women will make that one.” (Simone de Beauvoir, in her famous 1974 interview in The Saturday Review.

Feminism is destined to fail because it strikes at the heart and essence of all women, their femininity. Like a auto-immune disease, feminism sets out to destroy the one it was designed to protect.

Another reason it will ultimately crash is that the attack is not only against God’s design of a woman but against God himself. As the goddess of feminism so arrogantly stated, “By the year 2000 we will, I hope, raise our children to believe in human potential, not God.” (Gloria Steinem, editor of Ms, magazine.)

Feminism is anti feminine, anti women, anti men, anti marriage, anti family, and anti God. It is rooted in rebellion and finds its nutrients in the soil of paganism. It boldly declares, “We must go back to ancient female religions like witchcraft.” (“The declaration of Feminism,” November 1971.) Feminism’s true champion and icon is none other than Jezebel. This much is true.

The choice for women today is identifying with Sarah or Jezebel. I want to encourage our women to continue their pursuit of becoming the daughters of Sarah. In so doing you will be the driving force in changing our society for the benefit of all women and thus for the gain of society itself. I leave you with this inspirational thought:

The Godly Woman recognizes that "the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man..." She willingly and joyfully submits to him in everything as she would unto Christ. What other women view as a burden and degradation, she views as an honor and a blessing.

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.” Matthew 24:11 (NAS) July 29, 2011

"But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess…" Revelation 2:20ff (NAS)

Pastors and Elders, at some point in your call you will encounter the spirit of Jezebel in one or more members of your flock. It is a seducing spirit and will normally assert itself in and through a woman. The main motivation of a Jezebel spirit is to usurp your authority and take control of the congregation. It wants to lead, direct, correct, and ultimately govern the congregation it is in. It is one of the most seductive and powerful spirits you will ever encounter. She will try and seduce you to implement her agendas. If that does not work she will try and bargain with you. If that fails she will threaten you. If you stand your ground and confront her she will ultimately flee and take as many of her children (sympathizers) with her as she can. Those who do not initially leave with her will later go their own way realizing that their Jezebel covering is no longer there to protect them. As the say goes: "Move out the mother and the children will depart."

It is sad but most Pastors and Elders acquiesce and sometimes even submit to a Jezebel agenda. They think appeasement is the strategy to successfully deal with this type of challenge. While this might bring a measure of peace with her, it will ultimately bring God’s judgment on the congregation. Shema! 22 Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with pestilence…

Pastors and Elders, if you tolerate Jezebel, you can expect “GREAT tribulation” to come upon your families and congregation. It is just a matter of time. On the other hand, if you lovingly resist and overcome her, you will be astonishingly rewarded. Shema! 26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; 27 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.

“Overcoming” has the specific and immediate context of confronting Jezebel. In the end, dealing with and overcoming Jezebels in your ministries and congregations is the proving ground for receiving power and authority to take dominion over the nations and of ruling and reigning with Messiah! Be men and overcome! This is your destiny!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





Courage is reckoned the greatest of all virtues; because, unless a man has that virtue, he has no security for preserving any other. ~ Samuel Johnson July 17, 2011

This week’s Haftorah portion is Jeremiah 1-2:3. It records the call and commissioning of the great Prophet Jeremiah. He was given the arduous task of bringing reproof and correction to the people of God as well as the nations. The reluctance of Jeremiah is understandable. Who would want those responsibilities? Correcting and rebuking is not exactly the way to win friends and influence enemies! In fact, you will turn many against yourself if you dare to discipline. Jeremiah knew this and feared the reprisal of his brothers and sisters. That’s right, the underlying motivation to resist God’s call on his life was FEAR! Pastors, Ministers, and Elders, can you relate to this? You too were, and are, called to these same responsibilities, which include bringing discipline to a rebellious generation. Most of us are unwilling to enter the zone of bringing correction to our congregants. No one wants reprisals, especially from our brothers and sisters. The promise of our God is that He will protect and deliver us from their anger and bitter responses. HaShem States, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. Jer. 1:8 (NASB).

However, if we are unwilling to assume these holy tasks and shrink back in fear, we will have bigger problems to face. In order to fulfill his call, Jeremiah surely needed both negative motivation as well as the affirmation that God would be with him to deliver him. Notice what God tells him later, "But you—up on your feet and get dressed for work! Stand up and say your piece. Say exactly what I tell you to say. Don't pull your punches or I'll pull you out of the lineup.” Jer. 1:17 (the Message). Wow, sounds like our call and not we ourselves is vital to God’s agenda. If we cower in our mandates, he will “bench” us and raise up others to fulfill the call. I say all of this in order to encourage us to fear nothing but God Himself! The fear of the Lord and His faithful promises are more than enough to stand up against the threats and reprisals of rebellious sheep that refuse and react against the discipline of the Lord brought via the hands of His Pastors, Ministers, and Elders! Stay the course you Servants of the Lord! Be courageous, He will see you through!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





FROM CURSE TO BLESSING! July 6, 2011

5 Nevertheless, the LORD your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you.

This week’s Torah portion is Balak. It is found in Numbers 22:2-25:9. This portion records the story of Balak, the enemy of Israel and Balaam, master of manipulation. Both met the judgment of our God for seeking to curse His people. Balak’s intent was to marginalize, weaken, diminish, and ultimately, destroy Israel. He employed the Prophet Balaam to implement his agenda through curses.

Curses usually contain half-truths and are often brought to fruition via the spoken word. The aim of the one who is cursing is to cripple and hopefully destroy whoever or whatever happens to be the object of their disdain – whether that is an individual or their endeavors.

Pastors and Elders, from time to time you will encounter unforgiving and bitter people. Often, they will be within your own communities. They will fall into “bitter root” judgments against you. They will cultivate and promulgate curses against you. They will even prophesy (falsely) your demise. These saints are following the ways of Balak and emulating the teaching of Balaam. Do not fear them nor try to appease them. Stand your ground and appeal to the King of Heaven. He is sovereign and will involve Himself in these matters. He is trustworthy and will see you through. He may even turn the curse into a blessing as he did when Balak and Balaam conspired to diminish Israel. The Torah says, “Nevertheless, the LORD your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you.” Deuteronomy 23:5 (NASB)

Be strengthened and know that “He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.” Psalm 101:7 (NASB)

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





Korah, Chieftain of Rebels, Champion of Malcontents, and Demagogue of Demagogues June 20, 2011

23 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get back from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.’”

7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.
Psalm 101:7 NASB

Let’s be people who honor and respect our delegated authorities and, thus, demonstrate what it means to honor our God who appointed them to govern us in the first place!

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





DO YOU LOVE DISCIPLINE? June 13, 2011

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.

That’s all for this week.
Shalom!





OH YUMMY, IT’S KRISPY KREME AGAIN! May 29, 2011

2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,

Shalom Pastors and Elders in the Ekklesia of Yeshua! I want to encourage you to stand strong and true to the high call of the Pastorate and office of Elder. This is a very challenging vocation and is neither for the weak nor the insecure. We are called to preach the word with conviction, authority, and without compromise. We are commanded to reprove our congregants, which involves showing them their errors and correcting them of their faults. We are even directed to rebuke them when needed. This entails straight talk, warnings, and practical discipline to address the unruly or erring one.

In addition we are called to exhort and encourage our people to walk in covenant faithfulness. Notice it says to do this with great patience and instruction. Why, because most people are neither open to nor receptive of correction. Take note of vs. 3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,” We are an arrogant generation and prone to rebellion. The spirit of our time is…anarchy. Like earlier generations, everyone has become his or her own prophet, priest and king. Every one is doing what is right in THEIR own opinion. Objective doctrine has no place in the matter. This is why we, as Pastors and Elders, are commanded to stay the course, preaching, teaching, exhorting, reproving and correcting. We are the part of the restraining force in the Kingdom of God, which keeps the sheep from “going off the deep end” into areas that bring nothing but curses and death.

The biggest threat to fulfilling your mandate is that the sheep will clamor for teachers who offer them spiritual fast food rather then sound doctrine. It looks and tastes so good, but has little if any nutrition. Your temptation will be to give in and offer them some Krispy Krème teachings that can only titillate but hopefully will keep them happy and in the fold. Forget ever addressing any behavior that is detrimental to themselves, others, and the Name of our God. Rebel sheep will never tolerate that!

Your choice is to stay true to your call and watch your numbers dwindle, or compromise and start tickling rebellious ears so that you can boost your numbers. I do not have to tell what you already know and are committed to. I just want to let you know that you are not alone. We are standing with you. Together we will govern the congregations, which God has given to us.

We will preach the truth,
We will exhort,
We will reprove,
We will correct, and
We will rebuke!

Why…because we are called and commanded to by God, and because our love for our people and their welfare compels us to. Baruch HaShem!

That’s all for this week.
Hag Sameach!





THE COMMAND TO ASSEMBLE WEEKLY ON SHABBAT May 11, 2011

1 The LORD spoke again to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'The LORD'S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations--My appointed times are these: 3 'For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

That’s all for this week.
Hag Sameach!





FROM PASSOVER TO SHAVUOT May 1, 2011

'You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh sabbath; then you shall present a new grain offering to the LORD." Lev 23:16

Hag Sameach! Happy Omer Counting! Many times I am asked what the significance is in counting 50 days to Shavuot? We do not count between other festivals, so why this one? I am not sure, but I have a few thoughts I would like to encourage you with. Passover is all about deliverance from the misery of slavery. We most often refer to Passover as the Season of our Freedom. In fact, we find the story of the Passover in the book called The Exodus. This is the very book which portrays Passover as the event which God takes us “out” of the house of bondage. The phrase, He brought us out captures the essence of the Passover story. But, bringing us out of Egypt has no long-term purpose in and of itself. Coming out of Egypt was the immediate and urgent need of our ancestors, but soon after their exit, the question became, "Where are we going?" Today, we have the advantage of looking back to see that God was bringing them into an expansion of the covenants he had made with their forefathers. They were on a journey to encounter the Living God at Sinai, where He would offer them a majestic covenant of nationhood and becoming unto Him a kingdom of priests. It is at Sinai, that those He redeemed from Egypt would become His chosen people (corporately). On the mountain of the Lord, they would receive the glory of the Law so that their newfound freedom would be safeguarded, as they became witnesses of His grace filled redemption. Thus we have the rite of the Counting of the Omer. The command to count 50 days inextricably ties the event of the Passover with the event of the giving of the Law at Sinai. It seems as if God is helping us to discover the eternal truth that there is no true freedom without the Law. The essence of the 50-day count is found in the celebrated statement, “He brought us out in order to bring us in.” Out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Out of bondage and into liberty. Out of lawlessness and into lawfulness. As you and your family count the 50 days, may God’s blessings overwhelm each of you. As you celebrate your newfound freedom in Yeshua our Passover lamb, may the blessings made in the covenants of Promise overtake you. For in Him, the Lamb of God, all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen. To the Jew first as well as the Gentile! Happy Omer Counting!





BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD! April 12, 2011

23 "For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. 24 "And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. 25 "When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite. 26 "And when your children say to you, 'What does this rite mean to you?' 27 you shall say, 'It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORD who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spared our homes '" And the people bowed low and worshiped. Exodus 12:23-27 NAS

Hag Sameach! Happy Passover! This is the season of our freedom! Halleluiah! We have true liberty and an enduring peace, all because of the blood of the lamb. That’s right. There is no redemption without a price tag. In terms of redeeming us from sin and shame, it would and did cost more than all the silver and gold that the world contains. The asking price was the precious blood (life) of Yeshua, the very Lamb of God. The beauty of it all is that He (Yeshua) most gladly gave up His life to pay for our redemption. He who knew no sin became Sin and suffered the wrath of God for us that we might experience the extravagant love of God, now and forever! Selah!

Hear O Israel! If God is for you who can stand against you? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Rom 8:32 (NAS). Be encouraged and know that your breakthroughs are coming during this coming week of Passover! Stay the course! Baruch HaShem!





TAKE DOMINION April 4, 2011

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Gen 1:26 NKJV

Shalom Pastors and Elders in the Ekklesia of Yeshua! Do not let the world over take you by its seductions and assaults, but rather, rise up and take over the realms of this world! This is your original God given mandate and Yeshua, the second Adam, is making it possible for us to be transformed and to overcome this world. Think about it, Yeshua has already come, lived, died, and rose on the third day to render him (the god of this world) powerless (Heb 2:14). He is coming again to fully bind and throw the ruler of this world into the pit and to rule the nations with a rod of iron for a thousand years! I say, between now and then, let’s begin to take dominion with Him who is already ruling and reigning at the right hand of power (Heb 1). We are not alone! We have each other, we have the Word, we have Yeshua, and we have the out-poured Spirit. Nothing else is needed. In your lives, families, congregations and communities in which you live, rise up and take dominion over this world for the Glory of Him who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is counting on you. Your families and communities are counting on you. The world is counting on you! Be strengthened, be strengthened, and may you be strengthened! In Yeshua’s Name!





GOSSIP? March 21, 2011

- Shalom Pastors and Elders in the Ekklesia of Yeshua! Are you challenged by or confronted with gossipers and slanderers? Do you have wolves who would like to divide and ravish the Congregation that God has appointed you in? Be encouraged today with the inspiring prophetic words of our great ancestor King David, son of Jesse. Like King David, rise up and find your strength in the God who hears your prayers and answers from His holy mountain. Call on Yeshua, The Chief Shepherd, who strikes the wolves with the rod of His fury. Pastors and Elders of God, rise up, rise up, rise up, and stand your ground. Protect, feed, comfort and lead the sheep that God has given to you to care for! The blessing of God be upon you, your calling, and your loved ones for a thousand generations!

Psalm 3:1-8
1-2 God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: "Hah! No help for him from God!" 3-4 But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. 5-6 I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I'm up again—rested, tall and steady, Fearless before the enemy mobs Coming at me from all sides. 7 Up, God! My God, help me! Slap their faces, First this cheek, then the other, Your fist hard in their teeth! 8 Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people!





HAPPY PURIM! March 15, 2011

- Shalom Pastors and Elders in the Ekklesia of Yeshua! Hag Sameach! Purim is upon us. Listen to the admonishment that Mordechai gave Esther who had the position to help the Jewish people but was wanting to play it safe, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14. The glory of Esther was in her decision to use her position of influence to help the Jewish people. She stated, "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4: 16. She discovered that there were things more important than her own life. This was her greatness. Pastors and Elders, the people whom the Lord has given us to care for should be more important than own lives. May we like Mordechai and Esther find courage in the providence of God as we stand up to protect our people from threats within and outside of our congregations! Be strengthened as you lead and May God bless His people everywhere this Purim!