19/06/2021

Shabbat Word

19/06/2021

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 35:1-14

35:1) By David.

35:2) Contend, Yahuah, with those who contend with me.

Fight against those who fight against me.

35:3) Take hold of shield and buckler,

And stand up for my help.

35:4) Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me.

Tell my soul, “I am your yeshu`ah.”

35:5) Let those who seek after my soul be disappointed and brought to dishonour.

Let those who plot my ruin be turned back and confounded.

35:6) Let them be as chaff before the wind,

Yahuah’s angel driving them on.

35:7) Let their way be dark and slippery,

Yahuah’s angel pursuing them.

35:8) For without cause they have hidden their net in a pit for me.

Without cause they have dug a pit for my soul.

35:9) Let destruction come on him unawares.

Let his net that he has hidden catch himself.

Let him fall into that destruction.

35:10) My soul shall be joyful in Yahuah.

It shall rejoice in His yeshu`ah.

35:11) All my bones shall say, “Yahuah, who is like you,

Who delivers the poor from him who is too strong for him,

Yes, the poor and the needy from him who robs him?”

35:12) Unrighteous witnesses rise up.

They ask me about things that I don’t know about.

35:13) They reward me evil for good,

To the bereaving of my soul.

35:14) But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth.

I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom.         (contd.

.A Word

Incey Wincey Spider

When I lived in Canada, our next door neighbour, Bruce, wanted to go away for the weekend. So, he asked me to look after his dog. At the bottom of our street was a small wood that the dog loved to run around. One evening, I took the dog for a walk into the woods. I was not in there long as it was starting to get gloomy as the light faded. By the time I got home, my left hand had started to swell. So much so, that I had to take off my wedding ring. The hand ended up looking like a rubber glove that had been blown into. By the next morning, the swelling had gone down and off I went to work.

A few months later, my mother came to visit us. We took her to see Fort Langley. This was a reconstruction of the early Hudson Bay trading post, complete with wooden fort. To get to it we had to trek through some trees. That evening, friends had invited us all over for a bar-b-que. All was going well until one friend, a fire fighter, asked me what was wrong with my arm. Looking down at my left arm, I was able to see clearly two dark, red lines tracking up my veins. Fortunately, it was a warm evening and I wore a short-sleeved tee shirt. If I had had worn long sleeves, it may have been a different story. I was told to get myself straight off to hospital. There I was given strong anti-histamine and antidote injections to counter the poison.

It was not until another few months had passed that I found out that in the trees lived a tiny wood mite, a spider no larger than a pin-head and that I must have had an allergic reaction to its bite. It is strange that something so small can cause such a problem. If untreated, it may well have proven fatal.

Scripture tells us of something very similar.

“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?” (1 Cor. 5:6). Rav Sha`ul was probably giving this warning during the run-up to Pesach. Jewish thought considers חָמֵץ #H2557 khaw-mates’ – that which is leavened or the leavening agent, yeast – as a symbol of sin.

When Sha`ul gave his warning about the leaven, he was reminded of Chag HaMatzot (Feast of Unleavened Bread) where the commandment was for all leaven to be removed from the home (Exod. 12:15-20). In all probability, he gave this warning in the immediate days before Pesach when all his readers/listeners were mindful of the coming fests of Pesach and Chag Matzot.

Pesach/Passover is where the Yisra`elites were released from the bondage of Egyptian slavery. This inescapable oppression is likened to the burden of sin each and every one of us has to carry in our lives. Nevertheless, like the Yisr`aelites, the Good News is that we, too, can be released from this burden.

On the night of their emancipation, they had to prepare to go on a long journey in a hurry. Part of this preparation was to make bread that had not had the chance for the yeast to raise the dough. As a result of this, future generations were commanded to eat only unleavened bread/matzot. To comply with this commandment, all leavening agents had to be removed from the home.

Like my spider bite, even the slightest amount of sin in a person is fatal for Scripture clearly warns us that, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23a).

We are currently in the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, how is it that such a microscopic virus can be so devastating? Sadly many will not survive an attack and to those grieving families, our prayers and heart-felt condolences go out to you all.

However, unlike the spider bite and Covid-19, the sting of sin is always 100% fatal as warned by Rom. 6:23a.

Jewish tradition has a lovely custom called bedikat chametz whereby all the leaven is symbolically removed from the home. All the children are involved in hunting down,  collecting and throwing out all the leaven followed by a deep cleansing of the home. A small piece of leaven kept is back and symbolically burnt signifying the completion of the commandment to remove all leaven. This is called bi`ur chametz.

If only sin could be removed so easily from our lives!

However, in order to get rid of the sin, one needs to know what it is.

We all know that we are commanded to do no murder (Exod. 20:13; Matt. 5:21) and not to commit adultery (Exod. 20:14; Matt. 5:27). Of course, these are easy to identify.

Or are they?

The Master warns us that if we are angry with a brother (or sister) without cause, then we are guilty of murder. That is, if the anger goes unresolved, then it can escalate into hate then into action (murder). Have you ever been unjustly angry with a brother?

What about the Master’s warning against looking at a woman (or man) lustfully? This, too, can escalate into taking some form of action that would be adulterous.

What about knowing that you should do something but fail to do so? According to Scripture, this is a sin (James 4:17).

My wife and I used to watch boxing. We would even set our alarm clock to wake us up in the middle of the night to watch a bout live from America. However, the Ruach convicted us both that we should not be watching two men batter each other in a ring. Now, of itself, I do not think boxing is a sin. Nevertheless, the Ruach has told us not to do it, so we do not. It is not the watching that is a sin, but the disobedience to the Ruach is.

This might seem a little draconian, but consider Moshe. He was commanded to speak to the rock, but hit it with his staff. For this ‘slight’ disobedience, Yahuah forbade Moshe to lead the Yisra`elites into the Promised Land. (Num. 20:7-12). For those who have been called to leadership are to be judged more stringently than others (James 3:1).

What is acceptable thought or conduct today may not be so tomorrow as we are called to become more Messiah-like in our lives, moving from glory to glory (one standard to a higher standard – 2 Cor. 10:23).

So, now that we have a rough idea what sin is, how do we get rid of it?

This is the greatest paradox in all of Scripture. For it is at once and the same time that which is impossible to do and yet the easiest thing to do.

How so?

Scripture tells us that the result of sin in our lives is death (Rom. 6:23a). To be forgiven of our sins, requires the shedding of the blood of a Substitute that must be without spot or blemish. Unfortunately, the very sin that requires removal is the very same sin that makes it impossible for us to remove it ourselves.

We are morally destitute; our righteous bank account is overdrawn. That is, no amount of good works, prayers, church attendance or worshipping on our behalf can take away our sin, let alone anyone else’s.

So, if it is impossible for us to do anything, how is sin dealt with?

The first thing to do is to acknowledge that we are sinners and accept this position of moral destitution.

“Avraham said, ‘Yahuah will provide Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they both went together.’” (Gen. 22:8).

“For Yahuah so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

“The next day, he saw Yahusha coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of Yahuah, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29). “…in whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,” (Eph. 1:7).

The only way for sin to be removed is by the shed blood of Yahusha and, by faith, to appropriate the sacrifice in taking away sin. This is the belief that is required in John 3:16.

Although we cannot do anything about sin, Yahuah through His Son has done everything. That is the solution of the paradox above.

Have you appropriated the antidote to the sting of sin and death (1 Cor. 15:56)?

Has the blood paid the price of your sin?

“that if you will confess with your mouth Master Yahusha, and believe in your heart that Yahuah raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9).

It is that easy!

Now, it is the grace of Yahuah that we are forgiven. Not by anything we can do lest we should boast (Eph. 2:9). So the only way for sin to be removed is by the shed Blood of Yahusha. He was born according to prophecy, lived a completely sinless life, but went to that Cross as that perfect Substitute, that Lamb without spot or blemish. When, and only when, that Blood is applied to our lives, does it take away the sin. This, and only this, is all-sufficient. Although we cannot do anything about the sin in our lives, Yahuah, through His Son has done everything.

That is the solution of the paradox. It is impossible for Mankind to do anything because Yahuah has already done all that is necessary.

The final words of the Master Yahusha on the Cross declared, “It was finished.” (John 19:30). That is, not only was His life finished, but His ministry and His atonement, the work that was required of Him for our sins to be forgiven was completed.

Nothing else is needed.

However, although the Blood was shed, it is still up to us to apply that Blood to our lives. We must turn back to Yahuah with heart-felt repentance. We must go back to Him and call upon His forgiveness, upon His mercy. We are to call upon Him and say that we are sorry for the lives that we have led, so sorry for the things that we have committed that are in disobedience to your will. We must acknowledge that there is nothing we can ever do about it.

So, fall at the feet of our heavenly Father and ask Him to take away our sin through the shed Blood of His dear Son.

That alone is what is required of each and every one of us.

Now, can I ask you, “Have you appropriated the antidote to the sting of sin and death?”

I was given injections in the hospital. The injections worked fine. For that time. If I were to be bitten again I would have to have further injections. The anti-histamine and poison antidote injections could have stayed in those needles for ever more and would not have done a single thing for me. If I had no faith in the doctor and his treatment and ignored his advice, I may well have died.

Not so with the Blood of Yahusha that was shed two thousand years ago!

His Blood was shed once and for all. In other words, the sins that you and I have committed in the past, present and future have all been dealt with.

Has that Blood paid the price for your sin as it has mine?

Scripture tells us that after death comes judgement where we will have to face a righteous God. The judgement will divide those who have applied the Blood and are now sin-free, from those who have rejected the Blood and still have sin in their lives.

In these days of Covid-19, who knows what will happen. Many will get a mild dose but a few will, sadly succumb to the virus.

Are you one of the many or one of the few?

Are you sure?

There is only one price to pay for those found with sin, and that is eternal punishment in Hell. Hell is a real place; a place of everlasting torment and terror.

A loving, heavenly Father does not want anyone to go to Hell. Hell was not may for you. I ask you right now, “Will you apply that Blood to your life, now before it is too late. Confess with your mouth and believe with your heart and you shall be saved.

You will have been saved from eternal punishment.

Where will you go after judgement? Will you be sent to eternal peace with the Father or will you be sent to Hell and eternal punishment, forever away from the mercy of Yahuah?

So, if you want to apply that Blood right now, look into your heart and cry out to Yahuah for mercy through His Son.

He is waiting there right now, to welcome you into His everlasting embrace.

It is that easy.

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.

“I love those who love me.

Those who seek me diligently will find me.” (Prov. 8:17).

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

10/07/2021 – Rosh Chodesh 5^th. 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.).