Shabbat Word
07/08/2021
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).”
Psalm 37:3-41
37:35) Wait for Yahuah, and keep His way,
And He will exalt you to inherit the land.
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
37:36) I have seen the wicked in great power,
Spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
37:37) But he passed away, and, behold, he was not.
Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37:38) Mark the perfect man, and see the upright,
For there is a future for the man of shalom.
37:39) As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together.
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
37:40) But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahuah.
He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
37:41) Yahuah helps them, and rescues them.
He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,
Because they have taken refuge in Him.
.A Word
In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.
There are three views of history: personal, global and universal.
In the personal view according to the world, there are two specific days everyone experiences: the day of birth and the day of death. Some people add a wedding day, birth of children or day of retirement. However, these do not apply to every single human ever to have existed. Nevertheless, there are certain people that can tell of two birth days. “Yahusha answered him, ‘Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the Kingdom of Yahuah.’” (John 3:4). These are people who have had the sins forgiven and are Believers who are born again, turning back to Yahuah knowing the assurance that their sins have been forgiven, the punishment has been taken upon the Messiah Yahusha and entry into Yahuah’s Kingdom secured.
When Benjamin Franklin gave this title quote in the 18th. Century, he was not able to look forward to a time when ‘creative accounting’ could find loopholes in taxation law so that their clients can legally pay zero taxes. He must also not have understood Scripture references to the End Times. FGA believes in the theology of the End Times (eschatology) whereby all living Believers are snatched away to meet the Messiah in the air prior to Ya’akov’s Trouble (the Great Tribulation). “Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last shofar. For the shofar will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, then what is written will happen: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Death, where is your sting? She`ol, where is your victory?’” (1 Cor. 15:51-55). “For the Messiah Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the chief angel, and with Yahuah’s shofar. The dead in the Messiah will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Messiah in the air. So we will be with the Messiah forever.” (1 Thess. 4:16, 17). When writing to the Messianic Assemblies at Corinth and Thessalonika, Rav Sha`ul stated that there will come a specific day when all living Believers will escape death and be instantly transformed from mortal, corrupt bodies and given new immortal, incorrupt bodies.
Scripture clearly warns us that every one of us has sinned and turned away from Yahuah through rebellion and disobedience (Rom. 3:23). The result of this rebellion is every one of us has to pay the cost with our lives. This is not physical death, although our physical, mental, emotional and psychological well-being will be affected. No: the price is our spiritual death. “Yahuah `Elohiym commanded the man saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die’” (Gen.2:16, 17).
It was not the fruit of the tree that proved fatal, but that Adam disobeyed Yahuah `Elohiym and rebelled against His commands.
Upon eating of the fruit, Adam was not struck down dead, although Yahuah `Elohiym was quite within His rights to do so. Yahuah, in His mercy, gives all sinners plenty of opportunities to renounce their rebellious lives and repent and turn back to Him (2 Peter 3:9, 15). Nevertheless, there comes a time when even the patience of Yahuah runs out. After lovingkindness comes wrath.
“For Yahuah did not appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Master Yahusha the Messiah,” (1 Thess. 5:9). The reconciliation of Man to Yahuah can only be accomplished through the acknowledgement and acceptance of the sacrifice of His Son.
“Behold, the Day of Yahuah comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy the sinners of it out of it.” (Isa. 13:9). The prophet Yesha`yahu (Isaiah) warns all Mankind of this day. It is conceivable that billions of people will perish. No matter how much He loves us, there is ultimately a limit on Yahuah’s patience. “‘Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’ says Yahuah `Elohiym, ‘and not rather that he should return from his way, and live’” (Eze. 18:23). This may seem harsh, but when all warnings are repeatedly ignored, what other option is there? A mountain climber or yatchsman who ignores the weather forecast and still goes outusually ends up having to be rescued. Sadly many do not survive. Do we then blame the weather for the death or do we blame the climber/yatchsman for being foolish?
“But Yahuah commends His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, His Son, Yahusha, died for us. Much more then, being now made right in Yahuah’s standing by His Son’s death and shed blood, we will be saved from Yahuah’s wrath through His Son.” (Rom. 5:9).
This is Yahuah’s plan for the rescue of everyone who seeks His mercy.
Anyone and everyone who believes that the Son lived, died and was raised up on the third day to pay the price of our disobedience has the guarantee of eternal life (John 3:36) and will ultimately be given a new, incorruptible body as promised to the Corinthian Assembly..
On a day, some time in the future, a day no man knows when, Yahuah will withdraw His offer of Salvation to all, His grace will be replaced by His wrath. This may be the withdrawal of an individual’s physical life or the return of His Messiah.
The second view is that of the world.
There are many specific days when a great invention or scientific, medical or technological breakthrough has occurred. However, in the vast majority, these dates are not remembered. Nevertheless, there comes some tragedy that cannot be forgotten as it changes the world’s paradigm forever, and can never be undone.
On 6th. August, 1945, with the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, the destruction of the planet by Man became a possibility. Over 146,000 people died as a result of the explosion in the first few months with many more succumbing to the effects of radiation in subsequent years. Limited news coverage at the time showed the horrors of world war. Many people lived under the threat of nuclear annihilation during the Cold War. Although traditional enemies may no longer pose such a threat, extreme factions may not have the same fear of mutual annihilation and consider death a victory.
On 11th. September, 2001, terrorism went from a relatively localised event to an outrage that could strike anywhere in the world and at any time. Many people no longer felt safe going about their normal lives. 2,996 people died in the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York City but the horror was beamed live into our homes throughout the world.
On 26th. December, 2014, an earthquake off Sumatra in Indonesia caused a tsunami (tidal wave) that spread as fast as a commercial aeroplane causing over 230,000 deaths. Again, events were shown live on television. Many people became aware of the tenuous existence of humanity in comparison with Nature.
At the time of writing, Covid-19 is still ravaging the world. November 2019 is considered the general time of the outbreak in China. History will probably determine the exact date. Nevertheless, things will never be the same again; the ‘New Normal’ as it is being described.
Whether it is war, terrorism, earthquake or pestilence, these events show just how fragile life is really. No one knows when physical death will strike. Nevertheless, Scripture clearly states that after physical death there is a judgement followed by a second death that is eternal punishment in hell.
“I charge you, therefore, before Yahuah and Master Yahusha the Messiah, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom.” (2 Tim. 4:1). Now many will mock this idea of a Day of Judgement but, “Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of Yahuah comes on the sons of disobedience.” (Eph. 5:6).
The third view is that of the Universe.
There are incidences that have an effect on all of Creation. “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit of it and ate and she gave some to her husband with her and he ate.” (Gen. 3:6). The first of these was the day Adam disobeyed Yahuah `Elohiym and all of Creation suffered as sin, and hence death and corruption, came into the existence and the need for a Saviour, someone to rescue us from our own sin.
“It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth.” (Luke 2:6). Another such daywas this lowly birth that was of the Saviour and Redeemer, not only of Mankind but of all of Creation (Rom. 8:20, 21).
The consequences of sin and death entering the world required the death of all who have sinned. “When Yahusha therefore received the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished.’ He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.” (John 19:30). The Saviour-Redeemer Messiah Yahusha was Yahuah’s way for all of Creation to be brought back to Him: but only after the sacrificial death of His beloved Son.
Mockers say that many were crucified so what made this one special? “Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living amongst the dead? He is not here, but has been raised up. Remember what he told you when he was still in the Galil, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day be raised up again?’” (Luke 24:5-7).
Again, many scoffers would have it that there have been other tales of dead people coming back to life. Even in Scripture there are several other accounts of resurrections. “Whom Yahuah raised up, having freed Him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:24). Unlike every other account, both scriptural and secular, not only did Yahuah raise Messiah Yahusha up, but the Messiah would never see death again.
“Blessed be the Yah and Father of our Master Yahusha the Messiah, who according to His great mercy, became our Father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Yahusha the Messiah from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3).
In order for the sacrificial death to have been effectual for the rescuing of all of Creation it must be received and accepted by Yahuah. “When He had said these things, as they were looking, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9). The day of the Messiah’s ascension proved that this was so.
Another specific day is Judgement Day. “I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne and they opened books. Another book was opened which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged out of the things written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev.20:12).
Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life along with all Believers? Are you sure?
If not, repent and turn right now back to Father Yahuah. Accept the salvation won for you by His Son, our Saviour the Messiah Yahusha. Believe that not only all of Creation was redeemed but you also, if only you would believe.
Does Judgement Day hold any horrors for you? If you have not accepted Yahuah’s Salvation, it should do!
“If anyone was not found written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15).
I have given just a few details of events that changed the world. The victims of Hiroshima, the Twin Towers and the Boxing Day tsunami did not wake up that specific day and knew that they would not see the day out.
Have you any guarantee that you will see tomorrow?
No?
I pray by now that you will have seen that there is only one thing guaranteed: not death, not taxes but Judgement Day.
There is one final specific day. “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.” (Rev. 21:1). This is the day when all Believers take up their eternal residence in the new heaven with their new, incorruptible bodies as promised to the Corinthian Assembly.
You, too, can partake of this wonderful guarantee if you turn back to Yahuah and believe that His Son, the Messiah Yahusha, has paid the price in full for your sin.
If you are not destined for eternal peace in the new heaven and the new earth, you are destined for eternal punishment in hell.
Ameyn.
HalleluYah
Father, we thank you for the power of your Word and that Word was made flesh in Messiah Yahusha 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.
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.” (Prov. 11:4).
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
09/09/2021 – Rosh Chodesh 7th. New Moon
09/09/2021 – Yom Teruah
17/09/2021 – Yom HaKippurim
23/09/2021 to 29/09/2021 – Sukkot
30/09/2021 – Shemeni Atzeret
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 