Seekers of Messiah

06/25/2022

Here's a little follow up on last night's post about the "Vine and Branches".
Concerning the matter knowing how to love, which is abiding in Him so that we are able to keep His commandments; and in the matter of the world hating true followers of Yeshua. Let's read what 1st John 3: 3, says, "And everyone who has this hope (fixed) on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure". You see we have to fix our hope on Him, Yeshua. In other words abide with Him. He us pure, therefore if we abide with Him we purify ourselves.
V4, "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, and sin IS lawlessness". So then shall we continue in sin. Absolutely not! What or who defines sin? The Father's Word, the Holy scriptures. In John and Yeshua's case whrn they refer to lawlessness, they are referring to the Torah. The first 5 books of scripture. The word Torah can better be defined as "instructions or teachings". Everything Yeshua taught came from the Torah.
V5, "And you know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin". Yeshua didn't come to do away with sins. He came to remove them from His followers. In order that He might abide within them (us).
V6, "No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him". Ouch, this should ring out to everyone. If sin is violation of Torah, as defined in V4, then shouldn't we be learning what His definition of sin is. The world can't show us or tell what sin looks like. Why? Because people of the world does not know what sin is. They have not seen, nor do they know the Father or the Son.
V7, "Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous". If we abide in Him and allow Him to abide in us, then we imitate Him and do what is right in His eyes. Remember this verse, Matt. 5:17-18, "Do not think I came to abolish the Law (Torah) or the Prophets; I did NOT come to abide, but to fulfill".
He did not come to 'do away with or change' the Torah. That would make Him a false Prophet if He violated any part of the Torah. Yeshua came to make it clear, or fill it full of meaning.
V18, "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law (Torah) until all is accomplished".
First we know this heaven and earth has NOT passed away. In Hebrew writing, the smallest letter is the Yod, which represents the the Hand of God. If a yod is removed or added to a word the meaning if the word changes. We know God dies not change. It's the same way with a stroke of the Hebrew letters, one stroke misplaced can change the word's complete meaning. Again we know God dies nor change, and His word has not changed. Finally until all is accomplished. Many think all was accomplished on the cross. If so, why are we still struggling with right and wrong. He came to show us the Father. He came to pay the price for our sins. He came to show there is life in Him and through Him. To those who believe upon Him and abide with Him, He has redeemed for a purpose; to show the love of the Father. All will be accomplished at His return, when everyone will know tbe Father, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, that Yeshua is LORD and King of kings. Shalom

06/25/2022

From Lesson 37, Jesus My Rabbi, "Vine and Branches" from Jon 15:1-16:15.
What timing. If we ever need a lesson for this, the time is now.
"If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE in My love: just as I have KEPT My Father's commandments and ABIDE in His love." John 15:10
Notice the ABIDE, which is to dwell within. Also notice that He (Yeshua) KEPT the Father's commandments. By His keeping the Torah in perfect righteousness, Yeshua becomes a conduit for the Father's love and is able to pass it on to His disciples. So for us, as His disciples to receive and remain in the love of the Son, we too must keep the commandments of the Son ( the WORDS of Yeshua). As Yeshua said He and the Father are One, we must become One with the Son. His teaching, His command for His disciples is to love one another.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another." John 13:34
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." John 15:12
"This I command you, that you love one another". John 15:17

Do you get the idea that our love for one another is important to Yeshua, our Master? Paul even repeated the message in Romans 13:9-10, "If there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying,'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbor: therefore love is the fulfillment of the Torah".
Through obedience to the Father and to His Word, we become the conduit for His love to pass on to others. As He is One with the Father, we strive to be One in Him, allowing Him, the Spirit of Truth to abide, or dwell within us.

With this in mind, it will become harder to do, as He tells us in John 15:18-19, " If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you OUT of the world, because of this the world hates you." We must recognize that the world cannot see or recognize the Father, because the world does not know Him. The world we live in is a 'temporary state of disorder', waiting on redemption and restoration. The whole earth groans for His coming. This hatred is a spiritual, satanic hatred of the Father, therefore it is a hatred of His disciples. It is a difference of light and darkness, truth and falsehood, love and hatred, children of the Kingdom and children of the devil, between Life and death. They are absolute contrasts. No compromise can exist between the things of the Father, the work of the cross and the things of the world.
These things are coming to fruition, and we must recognize that even in the face of hatred, we are to bear the Light of love, bearing fruit of the vine. If we do not remain attached to the vine (Messiah Yeshua), we cannot bear fruit.
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." John 15:1

Shalom

06/15/2022

The Fellowship of Seekers of Messiah believe that being bound together by the Word of God, we find common ground in holding to certain foundational truths. I want to share with you all, the core foundational truths we work within. I'll do this in a 3 part series as there are a lot of scripture references. Here is part 1.

We believe in one God as revealed in scriptures, "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one." Deut 6:4

We believe Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Eternal One, in whom all deity dwells in bodily form; in His virgin birth; whereas the Word became flesh and dwelt among us living a sinless life; in His atoning death through His shed blood; in His bodily resurrection; in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His literal return to rule and reign as King of kings. Ps 2:7 (Acts 13:32-33), 1st Jn 2:23-24, Jn 1:1,14, Is 7:14 (Lk 1:31), Is 53:7 (Jn 1:29), Ps 16:10-11 (Acts 13:34-35), Is 53:10-12 (1st Cor 15:3-4), Eph 4:8-10, Jn 6:62, (Acts 1:9), Heb 1:3, Acts 2:29-35, (Zec 14:9), Rev 19:11-16.

We believe salvation is by Grace through faith. Rom 3:23, Rom 5:2, Rom 6:23, Gal 2:21, Gal 3:8, Gen 15:6, Heb 4:3, Heb 11:1-2, 16.

His Word is so amazing and can be life changing if you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study. We pray you'll read and study to see what is true.

Look for part 2 in the coming days on the whole of scripture as one book.

Shalom
PS Comments are welcome

06/15/2022

This coming week of June 12-18, on Thursday for Torah Club, a continuation of Jesus My Rabbi, lesson 36, "Show Us the Father" from John 14:7-31. We find it's the end of the Passover seder, but His disciples press Him with many questions. As they ask, show us the Father, He continues to guide and prepare them with encouragement, that they should 'believe in the works', and to freely 'ask in His Name'; but to 'keep His commandments' and they'll have another 'advocate' to give them 'shalom' even as the 'ruler of this world' comes against them. A lot of good stuff packed in this lesson. As His disciples we must remember we are in this world, but not of it. Allow His Shalom to settle within us as we face these daily trials of the enemy.

This Shabatt's Portion for June 18, will be Beha'alotcha, 'when you raise up, or set up'. From Num 8:1-12:16.

Shalom ya'll see you then

05/28/2022

Bechukotai, "In My statues" Lev 26:3-27:34
If you will walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out....Lev 26:3
This portion we catch a glimpse of the Kingdom. In the first few verses we're shown an abundance of blessing for people that keep His commandments. In this book of Leviticus, we've been called to be Holy, shown about purification and learned the ordinances of the priesthood. Now the LORD, in His goodness, and mercy give us the simple choice of blessings or curses. The key, 'If you walk in My statutes'.
He wishes to bring peace to the land; a peace we've not seen or know of.
He wants to confirm or consummate His covenant with His people.
He wants to dwell among His people.
He desires to walk amongst us, His people, so He might be our God. The One true God, God alone; so His loved ones may be set free, as only He can do. These are the promises of obedience.
Shalom and Blessings in His Name
Yeshua the Messiah

05/25/2022

Torah Club Jesus My Rabbi, Lesson 33 notes.
Notice to our Torah Club members, we won't have our Thursday nite meeting this week, as Pat and I have a graduation to attend. Sorry to miss; it is again an excellent lesson.

This lesson comes from Luke 22:13-38. Generally referred to as the Last Supper, it is evident that it is a formal Passover Seder, consisting of all the elements of a seder. The first cup of wine 'kiddush', the dipping of the vegetable into the red wine vinegar 'karpas', reclining at the table, the second and third cups of wine, breaking of the bread and singing of the hymn.
The Master tells His disciples He will not eat of the Passover with them again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom. Take note, He did not tell them not to eat of it, only that He will not eat again until in the Kingdom; a promise that He will again partake with All His disciples one day.
When He had said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray me", Mathew tells us in 26:22, "Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I Master". What about us? Can we assume that we would not betray the Master or deny our allegiance to Him? Maybe we should all be more aware of our own fickle human nature and tendency to stray. Let us stay focused on Him and truly try to emulate Him.
The very next thing He does is get up from the table and begin washing their feet! This was surely awkward and embarrassing to the disciples. This was beneath their own dignity to wash the Master's feet, much less have Him wash theirs. Peter refused, but the Master insisted, borrowing on the ceremonial imagery of the laver in the Temple court where priests must wash their hands and feet before approaching the altar. Recall how the Master replied, saying, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."
Yeshua our Master humbled Himself even to death to serve you and me. If we will not allow ourselves to be humbled enough to let Him serve us, die for us, and atone for us, then we truly have no part with Him. We must put aside our pride, admit our need for His sacrifice of atonement that He has secured for each of us. Let us be the least, and serve with gratitude for His sake.
"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher". Luke 6:40

Shalom

05/22/2022

Love it! Behar, "on the mountain" was today's Torah portion we discussed. This is so fitting. Thanks, Jackie Taylor for sharing. Let Us go up to the Mountain of the LORD.

Joshua Aaron and Aaron Shust bring you another collaboration from scripture (lyrics below). Single NOW AVAILABLE in ALL DIGITAL STORES! htt...

05/11/2022

This week's Torah club lesson is from John 12:20-50. The past couple of week's we've had great lessons on "Sign of the Times" and "Return of the King". Yeshua is in Jerusalem just a few days before His Passion and He is giving His disciples a cram course before He has to depart.
But this lesson we revert back a few days as He addresses the crowds in Jerusalem. This is just prior to His Olivet Discourse with His disciples.
As He addresses the crowds there is a somewhat unusual request on behalf of some God fearing "Greeks" to meet with Him. He never acknowledges the request, but instead explains to His disciples that the time is coming for Him to be sanctified. He tells of losing one's life, and there's the "Voice from Heaven".
Yeshua prophesies His death, to be lifted up, that is 'crucified'. This confuses the crowd , as they expect that Messiah will reign forever?
He warns them that time is short, and they must walk in the light, and be children of the Light. Some believe, while the majority do not accept Yeshua's message. He warns them that His own words will come to judge everyone who hears Him but does not repent and obey.
Who has believed our (His) report? the "secret believers" of the Prophet like Moses.
A lot of good stuff in this one ya'll. Dig deeper and Seek Him in His Word

05/11/2022

This Shabbat's portion is Emor, or say, from Lev 21:1-24:23. This portion covers the laws of the priests, the high priest; things prohibited of the priesthood and sacrifices prohibited of the priesthood. Recall last week's portion was devoted to "how to be Holy". What a lesson we had on that! Now this week, we move right into the priesthood. Should be interesting.
Also this portion covers God's appointed times. This is His calendar, that He is laying out for His people.
Then He, the Holy One wraps it up with "oil for the lamps, the showbread and His sanctified Name".

Don't know how much we'll get covered, but I think we'll have a good lesson, as we search the scriptures for Messiah and look for Him to join us.

Shalom my friends, see you there.

05/03/2022

This week's lesson for Torah Club, Jesu My Rabbi, "The Return of the King", is taken from Mat. 24:36- 25:46. A lot of content in this lesson. Catch up to date. Recall the Passover is fast approaching and Yeshua is trying to prepare His disciples for what is to take place. He is steadily feeding them vital information they will need during His departure. Last week we looked at the "Signs of the Times". This week He is using 6 parables to help understand His return. As He explained in last week's lesson, "no one knows the hour or day" only the Father knows of His return. He will appear 'suddenly', like a thief in the night! But, there may be a long delay. His disciples , as we also, must be faithful servants, always prepared and stay alert for His coming. The parable's He uses are, "The Thief in the Night", "The Unfaithful Servant", "The Ten Virgins", "The Parable of the Talents", "Parable of Sheep and Goats", and the "The King in Disguise". -- We likewise need to be filling our hearts and minds with His words, to keep us informed, faithful and alert. Ready for His return.
Shalom, May the grace of the Master, Yeshua the Messiah, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abound in us.

04/29/2022

Tidbits from Torah Club Lesson 'Signs of the Times'.
With Passover and His day of Passion rapidly approaching, Yeshua is trying to prepare His disciples for 'what is to come'. Mat. 24:1- 2, He points out that the Temple will be destroyed, not one stone will be left upon another. The disciples ask 2 questions in verse 3, when will the destruction happen? and what will be the sign of His return?
He proceeds to tell them that many false messiahs would come and mislead the people. His warning was stern, advising them NOT follow after the deceptions and to not seek after the signs. There will be wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, famines and earthquakes, but 'all these things are the beginning of birth pains'. He says, in verse 8, "They must take place, but that is not the end". He wants us to be aware, but not deceived. As His disciples we should not engage in end time sensationalism, but be steadfast and secure in our faith and trust in Him. He warned His disciples, when lawlessness is increased, love will grow cold. Love of God and love of neighbor, the 2 greatest commandments. But we, His disciples, must endure to the end, even in persecution.
Verse 15-16 Yeshua pulls from the prophet Daniel, the sign of abomination of desolation. These prophecies came to fruition during the Hanukkah revolt, our Master implies it will happen again. Has it been fulfilled? are we still waiting for this sign? I believe yes to each. In 70 AD Israel was ransacked and Jerusalem was destroyed and trampled under foot by the gentiles (Luke 21:24) But we still are looking for the 'fullness of the gentiles' referred to by Paul in Rom 11:25. That is yet to come. Jerusalem will remain under subjugation of the gentiles until the 'day of the Lord' as described in 2nd Thes. 2:3-4, "the day of the Lord... will not come unless the man of lawlessness is revealed,....exalts himself above every so-called god... so that he takes his seat in the temple of God."
So when is His return? He assures His disciples in Mat. 24:36, "of that day and hour no one knows... but the Father alone."
What is the sign of His coming? We won't know until we see it . Possibly the 'Son of Man' coming in the clouds... Mat 24:30, in parallel to Daniel 7:13 "And behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming."
Also in Rev 1:7, "Behold He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him."
It seems to me the only thing that has to take place is 'His coming'; any time, any day. God has allowed a 'fullness of the gentiles' for how long? Only the Father knows.
Rom.11:1-27, seems to allow an opportunity for the nations to repent before the final redemption. Judgement and redemption are dependent on the actions of human beings. Repentance brings forgiveness and mercy.
Let us keep our eyes toward the sky and ears open to the sounding of the great shofar while awaiting His coming.

Shalom
My hope is you'll find food for thought here.

04/22/2022

Here we are just about to enter into day 7 of the Passover, day 6 of counting the Omer. We're reminded each day of counting that there is something greater coming. What could be greater than leaving Egypt (the sin of this world), and gaining our freedom? Maybe the chance to receive the good Word of our Creator, be filled with His Holy Spirit. And then maybe we can live according to His way, full of life and expectation that He, our Creator, has bigger plans for us. We can see in His Word that one day we will see the return of our Messiah as King of kings. We'll see a time of peace, a time of understanding, a true time of prosperity under His reign. We'll see full redemption as He has promised. The enemy destroyed and His Torah will flow forth from Zion and all will know He is King. Let us count the days in anticipation of His return.