Shabbat Word
05/12/2020
Shabbat Shalom!
Covid-19 continues to ravage the world. Every night, I pray this Psalm for the continued well-being, security and prosperity of Yahuah’s people, Yisra`el, His land, Yisra`el, His set apart city Yerushalayim and my family spiritual and physical.
Psalm 91:1-16
91:1) He who dwells in the secret place of Ha`Elyon,
Will rest in the shadow of Shaddai.
91:2) I will say of Yahuah,
“He is my refuge and my fortress; My `Elohiym, in whom I trust.”
91:3) For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler,
And from the deadly pestilence.
91:4) He will cover you with His feathers.
Under His wings you will take refuge.
His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
91:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day;
91:6) Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.
91:7) A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it will not come near you.
91:8) You will only look with your eyes,
And see the recompense of the wicked.
91:9) Because you have made Yahuah your refuge,
And Ha`Elyon your dwelling place,
91:10) No evil shall happen to you,
Neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
91:11) For He will give His angels charge over you,
To guard you in all your ways.
91:12) They will bear you up in their hands,
So that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
91:13) You will tread on the lion and cobra.
You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
91:14) “Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him.
I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
91:15) He will call on me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble.
I will deliver him, and honour him.
91:16) I will satisfy him with long life,
And show him my salvation (yeshu`ah).”
A Word
There is no better qualification than genuine inspiration.
Even as I sit here, writing this message, I have a wood burning stove on warming in my house. It took quite a while to find a Fitter who was qualified and able to issue the require HETAS certificate. This is an UK Government accreditation service and the signing-off of the fitting is a necessity for legal and insurance purposes. As a time-served Marine Engineer, there is nothing about the fitting of the stove that I could not have done myself. I am not keen to climb on roofs but not scared of heights. In my years of engineering I have heard of a couple of quotes, repeated many times over. ‘It is not the falling that kills you; but the stopping!’ and ‘It is the last three feet that really hurt!’. Still, legally I am deemed not competent to fit the stove.
In contrast to this, in my specific field of Marine Engineering, a man could work his way up to the rank of Third Engineer through skill and experience without any formal sea-going qualifications. For the ranks of Second and Chief Engineer, exams had to be sat but only after a required amount of sea-going experience. However, in the 1970s, the IMO (International Maritime Organisation, the governing body overseeing all matters maritime) required all senior engineers to pass a suitable qualification. There were a great many highly gifted Fourth and Third Engineers, known as ‘Professional Fourths and Thirds’, who could never pass a written exam. Fortunately for them, the IMO allowed these to be ‘grandfathered’ a qualification due to their qualifying sea experience. On my first ship as Second Engineer, I sailed with one such engineer. He had more sea-time as Third as I had my entire career to date. However, I was the one with the piece of paper and so qualified for the rank. I relied upon and learnt a great deal from that Engineer, and hopefully from all the other engineers that I sailed with.
A final example of qualification versus experience is in the issuing of driving licenses in the UK. A candidate may take five, ten or even more attempts to pass the driving test. Say they pass on the eleventh attempt, they are given a license and deemed qualified to drive. I find this incredible as, statistically, there must be a time when everything comes together, no matter how bad a driver you are. If it has taken eleven attempts to pass, it would seem more luck than good driving that made the pass possible.
It just goes to show you that a piece of paper is not the be-all and end-all.
“I am indeed a Yehudi, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, brought up in this city at the feet of Gamliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being jealous for Yahuah, even as you all this day. As also the High Priest and all the council of the Zakenim testify, from whom I also received letters to the brothers, and travelled to Dammesek to bring them also who were there to Yerushalayim in bonds to be punished.” (Acts 22:3-5). Rav Sha`ul was highly qualified. His family background and early education made it possible for him to study at the foremost School of Law. That he was entrusted with such an important mission by his superiors showed his level of attainment.
“I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Sha`ul, Sha`ul, why are you persecuting me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, Master? He said to me, ‘I am Yeshua of Natzeret, whom you persecute.” (Acts 22:7, 8). In spite of all his education, knowledge and training, when it really mattered, it all failed him. “For who among men knows the things of man, except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of Yahuah, except Yahuah’s Spirit.” (1 Cor. 2:11). Sha`ul knew all the Scriptures (as does haSatan and its demons) but without Ruach haKodesh, they were just lifeless words. Yet, we come to rely on Sha`ul’s teachings for most of the Renewed Covenant. How is this possible?
Sha`ul tells us how in his own words when he penned his First Letter to the Corinthian Assembly. Only by Ruach haKodesh can the true mystery of Yahuah be known; and this is only possible after a personal encounter with Messiah Yeshua.
Beloved, how many times have you listened to a sermon and thought that there was no life in the words? “It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit and are life.” (John 6:63). The Master warns us that without the Ruachai’s leading, all preaching and teaching is lifeless. Two people may give the same message; one with and one without the Ruach. However, only the one with the Ruach will bring forth life.
I have studied Scripture virtually every day since being saved in May 1989. Like the Beoreans (Acts 17:10, 11), I would not, nor will I ever, take any person’s message without weighing it carefully and prayerfully against Scripture. No matter what the person’s pedigree is, in written commentary or spoken sermon, I always compare it to Scripture.
WARNING! I take it as a personal slight that in reading this message or any message or teaching of mine, you do not test it against Yahuah’s Word.
Over the years, I have had continuous opposition to what I say. The disappointing aspect of this is that I always ask for those criticising me to show me, from Scripture, were I have gone wrong. This has never been taken up in all my years of teaching. In my teaching notes, I always give the Bible references and bibliography for non-Scriptural references, so that I hope to be transparent in my notes. This is both to help those who follow my thoughts and those who disagree, able to counter my arguments.
The main criticism levelled at me is that I never went to Bible College. I have studied Theology at degree level and Torah to an equally high level. Nevertheless, because I do not regurgitate a certain doctrine or dogma, it is deemed of no import. As I challenge traditional thought, all what I say is frowned upon by the ‘establishment’.
I am not arrogant to think that only I have the true interpretation and meaning of Scripture and I am certainly not presumptuous to believe that Ruach haKodesh only reveals the truth to me. However, I do believe that what I say and write is from the Ruach. I have always said that the leading of Ruach haKodesh is infallible; but my following is not. I am human and liable to make mistakes. When I do, I pray that you, in love and through the Ruach, show me my error. Blessings will be upon us both when you do.
Therefore, Beloved, when you are moved to find your personal ministry, let no man try to dissuade you by saying that you are not qualified. Seek Yahuah’s will for you through His Ruach as it is probably His prompting that has moved you in the first place. Indeed, seek guidance from more mature Believers, especially your Pastors/Elders/Leaders as these have a Yahuah-given duty to raise up Believers into new ministry and they will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement.
All you non-Believers may think that all this is just so much gobble-de-gook. However, there is one qualification that we all must obtain. That is the right to be called a son (or daughter) of the Most High `Elohiym. “For you are all sons of Yahuah, through faith in Messiah Yeshua.” (Gal. 3:26). Scripture tells us, whether you believe it or not, that everyone has sinned (Rom. 3:23). Having sinned, all come under the judgement and wrath of Yahuah (John 3:36, Rom. 5:9) and the righteousness of Yahuah demands our eternal punishment in Hell (Luke 12:5).
And there is not a thing we can do about it!
“and brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved? They said, ‘Believe in the Master Messiah Yeshua, and you will be saved, you and your household.’” (Acts 16:30, 31). Surprisingly, you are not the first to ask this question. The Philippian gaoler of Sha`ul and Sila ask this very same question. You must believe that you are a sinner, destined for an eternity in hell. However, a loving Father has made a way back to Him.
“One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of Yahuah remains on him.” (John 3:36). “Much more then, being justified by His blood, we will be saved from Yahuah’s wrath through Him.” (Rom 5:9). Hallelu-yah! Those same verses that speak of our condemnation also speak of our salvation. It is true that we can do nothing about our desperate situation but Father has already done everything that is required. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). All that is needed from us is that we turn back to Father and confess our sins and believe that Messiah Yeshua has taken our punishment upon Himself.
When death comes and you ‘graduateai’ from this school of life, your earthly academy, where will you take up you eternal abode? Will you be able to pass Yahuah’s examination or have you flunked the test?
Make sure you pass first time as there is no possibility of a re-sit!
Ameyn.
Halleluyah
Father, we thank you for the power of your Word and that Word was made flesh in the Messiah Yeshua so that in believing in His life, death and resurrection we may have eternal life with you.
If you want to accept Father’s offer of salvation through the Messiah Yeshua, you need to ask Him in prayer along these lines. You may use these or your own words but they must be genuine as Father knows our very hearts and nothing is hidden from Him.
“Father, I am a sinner who needs forgiveness of my sins through your Son, the Messiah Yeshua. Please forgive me of all my past sins as I accept that, Messiah Yeshua my Saviour, has taken upon Himself my punishment. By your Spirit, help me to live a life worthy of His sacrifice. Thank you, Father, for making the perfect way back to you.”
Remember, the Judge looks into your heart, mind and future.
If you have honestly said such a prayer as this, and truly renounced the sin in your life and accepted Father’s salvation through the Messiah Yeshua, then please drop us an e-mail or call us at FGA to let us know. This helps build up our faith and offers an opportunity to prayerfully support you. Even if you have Believing friends or family, we at FGA would be privileged to pray for you. Please contact us at ezra710@firstgenerationassembly.com. Having believed and prayed, now please find a local faith-based church to attend. Drop FGA an e-mail or call us so that we can rejoice with you and pray and support you over the coming weeks.
If you have sincerely called out to Father for forgiveness, then eternal life is assured. Salvation does not take away the day-to-day questions of life, nor is it a short-cut away from trials or tribulations. Nevertheless, knowing your eternal life is secure, any temporary trial can be overcome by looking at the completed work of Messiah Yeshua.
All blessings to you.
“For Yahuah gives wisdom.
Out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
He lays up sound wisdom for the upright.
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity;” (Prov. 2:6, 7).
Breaking Matzah
Our Saviour welcomes all His Family to join in this memorial. If you have accepted Messiah Yeshua as your Master and Saviour please take the next few moments to seek Father and to ensure that all is right between Him and you and between you and your Brothers and Sisters. If not, please put this right before continuing.
If you have not yet accepted Him into your life, then we encourage you to seek Him while it is still possible, as time is running out. When He returns or if you pass away then it will be too late. Please do not partake of the matzah and wine as in doing so, it gives thanks for the broken body (matzah) and shed blood (wine) for and a witness of salvation.
On the night of the Master’s betrayal, He took the matzah, blessed it and broke it saying ‘This is my Body broken for you; take and eat it as a memorial to Me.’
Bless the matzah saying: Blessed are you, O Yahuah our `Elohiym, King of the Universe, who brings forth matzah from the earth.
Break and eat the matzah (sharing it if within a group setting):
After the meal He took the Cup, blessed it saying ‘This is my Blood poured out for you for the remission of sins; take and drink it as a memorial to me.’
Bless the wine saying: Blessed are you, O Yahuah our `Elohiym, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Drink the wine (sharing it if within a group setting):
Thanksgiving prayer: Blessed are you, O Yahuah our `Elohiym, King of the universe, who gives us, in Yeshua, all that we will ever need. In your lovingkindness and mercy, you rebuild broken lives. You bless us, in Yeshua, with a perfect blessing. Ameyn.
Dates to remember
15/12/2020 – Rosh Chodesh 10th. New Moon
Father willing, we will meet again next Shabbat.
“Y’varekh’kha Yahuah v’yishmerekha,
Ya’er Yahuah panav eleikha vichunekka,
Yissa Yahuah panav eleikha v’yasem l’kha shalom.”
(May Yahuah bless you and keep you)
(May Yahuah make His face to shine upon you and show you His favour)
(May Yahuah lift up His face toward you and give you peace.).
First Generation Assembly 