B. Christianity

Spirit burn… burn right through. We want to glorify Your name and let Your kingdom rule over our hearts. Deep reflection before Brandon summarized Lech Lecha, Go Forth, Genesis 12:1 – 17:27. Chapter 12 discusses Abraham being called, while 13 talks about Abraham and Lot. Tithes are given and God makes a covenant, then we meet Sarah and Haggar. The covenant of circumcision rounds out this portion but the big question is; “why are we here”? We are here to go forth and seek God’s will, when called. After praising God for new members, and praying for health, we welcomed Rabbi Jonathan back from Israel. Hearing Rabbi share his life with us is a treat, and his pictures make him relatable. The message was on the third part of our mission and vision… showing people how to love Messiah (John 14:15). May we keep the commandments, be cultural aware, not idolize our traditions, strengthen our testimony, and unite! And the slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20-Oct-2018-Slides.pdf

As Rabbi Jonathan cycled with veterans in the Northeast, and a few technical difficulties arose during services, this recording came out a bit faint, but the insights will speak loudly into your life. Pastor Harry covered Emor, Say, Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23. Despite our desire as ministers to be relatable and relevant, we must remain Holy, because God is Holy. Also, and especially in this modern world, do we spend the same energy on secular holidays, as we do God’s Holy Days? Hmm. After praise reports of vehicles, and prayers for surgeries, we were blessed to hear from our guest, Reverend Kurt Hein. The exegesis was from John 15:1-8, where we read about the Vine and the branches. Right before being betrayed, Yeshua invited us to abide with Him, and be fruitful. God wants to give life; do not run from Him. Abide, and pray.

Brother Chris did an excellent job with his double torah portion, After The Death and Holy Ones,  Leviticus 16:1-20:27. There are many parallels in this section with the New Testament. One goat was sacrificed while another carried away our sins into the wilderness; Yeshua (Jesus) justifies us with His blood, and then takes away our sins. Further, we are called to be holy, and must be careful to avoid such things as lying or perverting justice, which defile our bodies. Praise reports included new jobs and fellowship, after which we prayed for medical healings. In the sermon, Rabbi Jonathan connected his 400 mile bicycle journey to the meaning of being a “Christian” or “Messianic Jew”. Do we do greater works that Jesus? Have you openly shared (confessed )your sins? Will you discard the past, and embrace life’s mistakes, as you go into the future. Lots to learn; Shabbat Shalom. And the slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/21-Apr-2018-Slides.pdf

Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You, and Yours is the name above all Names. Yeshua (Jesus) is a powerful name, and You are Messiah (Christ) our King. With Rabbi Jonathan out, Pastor Duane covered Vayigash, And He Came Near, Genesis 44:18 – 47:27. Joseph’s family learned he was alive, and his dreams came true, in this parsha. If you live in fear or dismay from your sins, confess, and if you are angered by sinners, let it go, as did Joseph. Praise reports were for sponsors and prayer was for provisions, then Watchman Alexander went back to the basics. After accepting Yeshua (Jesus), it would not be wise to traitorously reject Him. Yeshua is the only door that leads to eternal life, and your salvation with Him is fluid, so guard it closely. Lastly, 30 Dec. is monthly oneg, so make sure to bring a dish.

Imagine us in the heavenly throne room, before our Father, worshipping. What would it mean if they stood, and rose their hands back to us? Wow! Wonderful praise and worship, as always. In the parsha, Rabbi Jonathan summarized Chukat, Statute, Numbers 19:1 – 22:1. The Lord spoke to Israel about the red heifer sacrifice, not touching dead people, not complaining, and not rebelling against God. So in applying the gleanings to our modern world, is our spiritual cleanliness still affected by our physical actions, can a priest intercede on your behalf for your sins, and do we maintain the ability to conquer giants? Then after praise reports and prayer requests, Royce Linsey from the Gideons blessed us with amazing testimonies, detailing how one Bible can have multiplicative, transformative implications. Amen. And the slides are http://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/01-Jul-2017-Slides.pdf