Shabbat Word
14/11/2020
Shabbat Shalom!
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
He profits most who serves best
A few years back, my wife and I lived in a seaside town. Many of the ‘Christian Churches’ were continually looking for larger premises for their increasing congregations. However, it got to the stage where the leaders were almost bragging about how well they had done. ‘Come and look at our new church’ seemed the new catchphrase. Halleluyah that more people were hearing the Good News. Nevertheless, the increase could have been taken up by multiple services. However, this meant more work for the leaders and but it was much easier to gather all the people into one large service. Multiple services would mean that the building was used more and that more opportunities would arise for training up and releasing into ministry of up-and-coming worship leaders and preachers.
At the height of this expansion, my wife had a word from Yahuah through His Spirit:
“There were several pastors up in Heaven talking about their churches. ‘Mine had a million bricks in it,’ said one. ‘Mine had two million,’ and a third boasted, ‘Mine had three million in it.’ Along came Messiah Yeshua and quietly asked, ‘And how many souls did you lead to me?’
Who were they serving; Yahuah `Elohiym or themselves?
Beloved, can you see the problem? So much time and effort was spent on finding and funding new buildings that less and less time was spent on Yahuah’s work. “Yeshua said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?’” (Luke 2:49). Even at the early age of twelve or thirteen, the Master knew what was important and what His priorities were. Just what was ‘the Father’s business’?
“and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of Yahuah is at hand. Repent! And believe in the Good News’” (Mark 1:15).
“The Ruach haQodesh is upon me,
Because Yahuah has anointed me to preach the Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted,
To proclaim release to the captives,
Recovering of sight to the blind,
To deliver those who are crushed,
And proclaim the acceptable Year of Yahuah.” (Luke 4:18, 19). When the Master quoted these words from Yesha`yahu, they, like His subsequent ministry, were not well received. This is what the Master preached and His ministry.
Now, in order to pay for the upkeep of the buildings, churches have to be creative in how to raise money. More often than not, this will include bringing in secular activities, many of which are occultic in nature. Take a close look at yoga and pilates; these are not simply good exercises. Certainly all martial arts (Kung Fu, Karate, Tai Chi) have demonic influences behind them. Not only are they using the buildings for ungodly sessions, there is usually a financial outlay in order to have the proper facilities in place. All this diverts much needed funds away from ministries.
It is sad that churches have to look elsewhere for the funds, other than Father’s provision. I am not advocating a ‘name it and claim it/ prosperity ministry’ but I am absolutely certain that Father will provide all that is necessary to carry out His work.
Another means of raising cash is to sell books, CDs and DVDs before and after the worship meetings. “Yeshua entered into the Temple of Yahuah and drove out all those who sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the money-changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, ‘It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers!’” (Matt. 21:12, 13). Yes, the dealers were charging exorbitant prices for sacrificial animals acceptable to the priests and for exchanging currency into Temple shekels. However, the Master’s wrath was vented against ALL who sold AND bought in the Temple. There is no doubt that the sellers were making large sums of money and robbing the people. Nevertheless, the main theft was of the right place the Temple (and by implication, Yahuah) had in society. The Temple was Yahuah’s house and as such was unique in all the world. It was a place to meet specifically with Yahuah, for praise, prayer, sacrifice and worship, not a place of commerce. There is nothing wrong with trade or in making a profit. However, it seems that the emphasis was on the trade and not on Yahuah.
“Yeshua spoke a parable to them saying, ‘The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I do not have room to store my crops?’ He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. I will tell my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for years. Take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’ But Yahuah said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul will be required of you. The things which you have prepared; whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward Yahuah.” (Luke 12:16-21). What does this sound like? If you replace crops for congregation, does it make it easier? Some of these churches are now struggling as the congregation has fallen apart. It is my belief that Yahuah has disciplined the pastors, humbling them before the people as a punishment for the pride they took in how they, and not the Ruach, have grown the church.
According to the grace of Yahuah which is given to me, as a wise master builder, I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Messiah Yeshua. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or stubble; each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire will test what sort of work each man’s is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.” (1 Cor. 3:10-14). Rav Sha`ul knew that everything a person does in this life will be judged against that which Yahuah has required of them. Whether it is of gold, straw or bricks everything will be tested. It has been said that the only thing we can take into Heaven is other people.
Compare this passage with that word that my wife received. You will not be able to take one brick into Heaven, let alone three million.
If you have not yet accepted Father’s salvation in Messiah Yeshua, does this parable remind you of anyone? What is your priority? Ease and security in this world (like the rich man above) for a short while or are there greater needs? At any moment, Yahuah may end your life. What then of your security?
Before another moment passes you by (if Yahuah lets you have another moment!) take stock of where you are at. Those who have acknowledged their sin and their total inability to do anything about it, have turned back to Father Yahuah. We have asked for forgiveness of our sins and accepted that Messiah Yeshua has taken upon Himself the eternal punishment due to all sinners. For all who have asked for forgiveness, Yahuah is faithful and just to look upon the sacrifice of His Son, Messiah Yeshua, as full satisfaction of His justice.
This may not guarantee ease in this world; in fact, it is a guarantee that persecution will come (John 15:20). What it does guarantee is that should you die at any moment, you are assured a place with Yahuah in Heaven.
What better security can you get!
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.
“Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And serve justice to the poor and needy.” (Prov. 31:9).
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
17/11/2020 – Rosh Chodesh 9th. 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 