The Obligations of the Student – Part 5

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The Obligations of the Student – Part 5

Consistency

INTRO: With anything in our lives, the key to success in it is consistency. Constancy is the quality of being faithful and dependable. It is the quality of being unchanging or unwavering, as in purpose, love, or loyalty. It is firmness of mind and faithfulness. 

“Messiah Yahshua is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)” 

 “…You remain the same, and Your years will never end. (Hebrews 1:12)” (Click) “I Yahweh do not change. So you, the descendants of Ya’akov, are not destroyed. (Malachi 3:6)” (Click) “But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end. (102:27)” (Click) “Elohim is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil? (Numbers 23:19)”

The Word is telling us that the Creator and the manifestation of his Saving Right Arm (Yahshua) is a constant, forward moving entity. This is good, because in theory it makes Him easy to follow. This eliminates second guessing as he clearly presents His nature in the Torah like a measured pattern of movement. As man climbs his way back into relationship with him he revealed Himself in the form of seven covenants –
The Edenic (Gen. 1:26-31;2:16-17),
Adamic (Genesis 3:16-19),
Noachide (Genesis 9:1-18),
Abrahamic (Genesis 12:1-4;13:14-17; 15:1-7; 17:1-8),
Sinai (Exodus 20:1 - 31:18; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28),
Davidic (2 Samuel 7:4-16; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Psalm 89:3-4, 89.35-37; Daniel 7:14) and
ew Covenant (Deuteronomy 29-30; Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:6-13, Matthew 24:4). Each covenant is a slow forecast, progressive reveal of His desire for mankind’s destiny. 

So the sign of whether we are succeeding in our faith is not prosperity. Anyone can be cheerfully observant in times of plenty. Rather the sign of our success is a steady attachment to Yahweh Elohim in any life situation, whether in times of prosperity or hardship. You’ll know if someone is wavering. They’ll be steady in their observance and as soon there is a bump in the road they fall off the wagon. Religion is futile, if you only do it when you’re in a good mood, are getting your own way or it’s convenient. Yahweh never said He offers you convenience. His yoke is easy, but like anything, the initial stages are hard and even when it gets easier, it’s still a yoke. This means it’s still something you have to choose to carry and it’s still defined as work or effort. The name of this effort is called avodah shebalev, which means “service of the heart.”

In Hebrew, the concept of someone or something that is consistent – that is, behaving in a reliable or predictable manner (i.e., taking steady footsteps) is: עִקְבִי (eek-VEE) in the masculine and עִקְבִית (eek-VEET) in the feminine.

The Hebrew word for heel (the back of the foot) is עֵקֶב (EH-kev). It’s the root of the name Ya’akov – יַעֲקֹב (yah-ah-KOHV), who was born holding onto the עקב of his twin brother, Esau – עֵשָׂו (eh-SAHV).

We learn from this that consistency is the following in the footsteps of someone ahead of you. The act of walking requires consistently measured movements. If the movement isn’t consistent and measured movement is slow and awkward.  “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. (Psalm 119:133)” 

Rabbi Akiva, originally a poor unlearned son of a convert who didn’t begin to become observant until the age of 40, became one of the foremost Sages of Judaism. How? 

One day he was walking past a waterfall and noticed a rock with a hole right through it. He noted that the hole had been caused by the steady drip of water that was falling exactly where the hole was. Seeing that he thought to himself “if water which is soft, can make a hole in a rock, which is hard, then all the more so Torah which is fire can make a hole in the heart of man, which is soft”. He goes to Yeshiva, enrolls into the equivalent of primary school, learns the Aleph Beit, and twenty-four years later returns home with 24,000 thousand students.

What did he see? The drops of water only made a hole in the rock because they feel in the exact same place over and over again.

The obligation of the student of the Torah or of Messiah (both terms are interchangeable because they are one and the same) is to develop and maintain consistency. 

It’s become apparent that some students who have been listening to my teachings for quite a few years are still lacking in basic of the Torah. Some think that by just not attending their place of employment, they are keeping Shabbat. 

Imagine your child’s birthday is coming up and you throw him a party. Only problem is you do the absolute bare minimum. No balloons, no clown, no presents, no decorations and no friends. Just a cupcake in the middle of a table with one candle stuck in it. Do you think your kid will be happy with that? No some impoverished children in the world would, but why would you not try and make the day as special as is within your means? 

A Nazarene Israelite should put into practice what he gleans from his rabbi or teacher. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the Elohim of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)”

The key is to maintain consistent observance. 

Children thrive on consistency, and appreciate uniformity and stability in their lives. They will intuitively discern which standards and values we regard as essential and immutable, and which can be challenged and negated.

The basis of successful parenting is establishing matot--firm, unbending principles through which to guide our children. Matot means “tribes” but it also means “a firm rod.” A rod is straight and can be used as a disciplining tool.  

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (Hebrews 12:11-13)” 

King Solomon teaches in Proverbs, "chosech shivto, soneh benoh" which literally means, "he who withholds the rod, hates his child" (hence the popular adage, "spare the rod and spoil the child"). The message of this wisdom for our times is that a loving, caring parent must imbue his child with conceptual rods--firm and unyielding principles to guide him through the bewildering paths of life.

“…in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6)”

We should not be content with just listening to straight things, but doing straight things. The gay community have a word for heterosexuals. You know what that word is? STRAIGHT! 

 

Shabbat

The most important aspect of our faith is the weekly Shabbat. It is one of the best known yet least understood observances within Judaism and the Netzarim faith. Shabbat is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments. It is more holy than Yom Kippur, because congregants are called up to read from the Torah unlike Yom Kippur where the burden of the service is born by the Chazzan. The word "Shabbat" comes from the Hebrew root Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest.

We are commanded to remember Shabbat; but remembering means much more than merely not forgetting to observe Shabbat. It also means to remember the significance of Shabbat, both as a commemoration of creation and as a commemoration of our freedom from slavery in Egypt. 

“Remember the Shabbat day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Shabbat to Yahweh your Elohim. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days Yahweh made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exodus 20:8-11)”

In Deuteronomy 5:15, while Moshe reiterates the Ten Commandments, he notes the second thing that we must remember on Shabbat: “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your Elohim brought you forth from there with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm; therefore Yahweh your Elohim commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”

The problem today is that most people see the English word “work” and they immediately think that the Shabbat is about avoiding any physical effort to do anything. The Torah does not prohibit "work" in the 20th century English sense of the word. The Torah prohibits “melachah.” Melachah generally refers to the kind of work that is creative, or that exercises control or dominion over your environment. The word may be related to "melekh" king.

Going back to the analogy of a party. The idea is that when one throws a party, they prepare the party before the event. They buy food, decorations, presents, send out invites and do everything they can to sustain the events that are required to be held on that day. Generally, a person does not want to be setting up decorations after the guests have arrived or go out during the even to purchase more wine and spirits and leave their guests unattended. 

Shabbat is a weekly practice for the World to Come. In this current world we accrue provisions for our status in the World to Come, where we are rewarded according to our deeds. 

Why do we have to keep Shabbat? If we observe Shabbat, we please the Almighty and receive a blessing. “Blessed is the man… who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me… (Isaiah 56:2, 4)” It is also a sign. “I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. (Ezekiel 20:12)”

So how do we keep that Shabbat? 

At about 2PM or 3PM on Friday afternoon, Orthodox Jews and Netzarim leave their place of work to begin Shabbat preparations. The mood is much like preparing for the arrival of a special, beloved guest: the house is cleaned, the family bathes and dresses up, the best dishes and tableware are set, a festive meal is prepared. This is called Erev Shabbat (The Evening of Shabbat), because a Biblical day starts at Sundown, while the heathen day starts at midnight. 

The Erev (evening) Shabbat Service is extremely important. It is a weekly family orientated event in the home. Children will quickly learn that there is a unique nature to this day. The traditional activities associated with welcoming Shabbat will teach young minds the set-apart and sanctified nature of this time. No longer will it just be words in a book. The Shabbat will come alive. It will have a lasting audible, optical, touchable and ingestible effect on them. The shofar sounds, the candles are lit, wine is tasted and warm fresh Challah bread is shared. A family meal is followed, the Torah is shared and some households sing songs and even dance with their children.

The challenge for parents is to convey how all the “restrictions” actually open up an exciting new dimension of fun. With the right approach, Shabbat becomes the kids’ favorite day, which they anticipate with excitement all week long.

Shabbat should be looked upon as an anticipatory event. A day when the Creator imbues His children with a heightened spiritual awareness. 

By greeting the Shabbat with a formal service in the home around the dining table before the evening meal, the children will begin to note that this is a very special day, different from all the other nights of the week. 

But how do we approach such a day with kids? Here are a few suggestions. 

1. Buy special Shabbat clothes for the kids – Shabbat shoes, Shabbat hair ribbons, etc.
2. Let the week lead into Shabbat remind the kids with comments like "Only three more days till Shabbat!"... "Tomorrow is Shabbat!"
3. Get the kids involved in Shabbat preparations: cooking, setting the table, tidying, shopping. Let each child "help" make his favorite Shabbat dish and then let him bring it to the table. Or give each child the choice of pre-cutting things like pickles. Even the smallest child can place napkins at each place setting. Find what they like to do and give them a task within their means.
4. If you are having guests, get the kids involved by having them make handmade place-setting cards, making up the guest room with fresh sheets, towels, flowers, etc. Tell the children who is coming and encourage them to learn the guests' names ahead of time so they can greet them properly.
5. Offer to serve fresh challah on Thursday night or Friday, to give them a taste of Shabbat coming.
6. Serve the kids special Shabbat-only treats – e.g. soda, ice cream. (Of course these are only special if they're "only on Shabbat.") Even if you don't normally let the kids eat sugary cereals or junk food during the week, on Shabbat let them have it all. (It’s a good way of avoiding it during the week – "Treats are for Shabbat!")
7. Keep a collection of toys and games that are exclusive for Shabbat. Put away the ones they can't use on Shabbat (musical instruments, crayons, etc.) and take out the new ones.
8. At candle-lighting, small children like to stand beside their mother to help say the blessing and enjoy the whole mitzvah.
9. When you bless each individual child before Kiddush, don’t rush it. Especially if you don’t have guests, you can really take your time and spend a few precious minutes with each child.
10. Children like to imitate by saying their own Kiddush. (They love getting a full cup of grape juice!) Have little inexpensive wine glasses for the kids, so they can feel special and grown-up.
11. If you have guests, remember that your children and family come first. You are not expected to alter your normal Shabbat environment. More than anything, your guests will appreciate joining in the activities, and absorbing the family atmosphere.
12. Encourage children’s involvement by assigning special Shabbat responsibilities. One child can be the "dessert waiter" and help serve the dessert; another can be the "towel person," handing the hand towels to the guests after they wash for bread, etc.
13. Ask the kids if they’ve heard any new jokes. This gets everyone in a good mood.
14. At the Friday night meal, tell personal stories of Divine providence (hashgacha). It adds a very powerful dimension. Guests can tell a story from their whole life, not just the past week. People routinely have amazing stories. Give candy incentives for those who participate. It forces everyone to pay attention during the week to see God’s hand in our lives.
15. Let each child take a turn choosing another song. Sing at least one extra-fast song with rowdy singing, banging on the table, and circle dancing. Kids love it.
16. When singing songs, hold the note at the end for as long as you can, and have a contest to see who can sing it the longest without taking a breath. It becomes a lot of fun and everyone joins in.
17. Show off the any school projects they made that week in school. Each child really looks forward to his turn for “show and tell."
18. Do things on Shabbat that you don't do during the week – play games, cuddle up, have uninterrupted talks.
19. After the meal, tell a long story with a powerful message, either historical, contemporary, or an allegory. The most important part is the end where you discuss the message. 
20. Read special Shabbat books or Bible stories.
21. Ask questions about the parsha, targeted for each child’s specific age. Hand out candies (chocolate chips, jelly beans) for every correct answer.
22. Arrange to have their friends stay over for Shabbat.
23. When Shabbat is over plan a party – with hot cocoa, popcorn, milk shakes and music. Bring out the crayons they couldn't use on Shabbat and let them color to their heart's content. It will prolong your special family time even more.
24. After Shabbat is over, when you're putting them into bed, review all the highlights of Shabbat. "Remember how yummy the challah tasted?"... "Oh, you were so quiet while Daddy made Kiddush!"... "Wasn't our Shabbat outing fun?"
25. Most of all, set a good example. If they see you enjoying the preparation and fulfillment of Shabbat, that will be the greatest influence on them.

Remember, be consistent! 

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The Obligations of the Student - Part 4

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The Obligations of the Student - Part 4

Finding a Teacher

Introduction

A student is obligated to find and study under a teacher. The rise of the Nazarenes is still very much in its infancy, with the enemy suppressing it wherever possible by enumerable obstacles.  

Without the influx of sufficiently trained Yah-fearing teachers, the movement is barren of Yeshivot (houses of study) and so it remains rag-tag with various congregations functioning more like factions rather than sanctuaries that make up the wider body of Moshiach. 

With the advent of internet technology, the frontiers of the movement are both blessed and cursed. The same technology that spreads truth also spreads falsehood.  To many go to the wisdom of Rabbi Google rather than dare start a relationship with a Torah Teacher.

The charge of every mature believer is to train and prepare people for the Coming Kingdom. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)” 

Teacher Shopping

“In the presence of Elohim and of Yahshua HaMoshiach who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)”

When you listen to someone teach Torah, what is it about the teaching that attracts you to it? Chances are, whether you like it or not, there are many factors that arise. Predominantly, if you like it, it will be to do with the depth of knowledge a speaker has on the subject, then this is balanced against the relevancy of that knowledge to your perceived needs. Perhaps it was as if the speaker was talking to you in a direct manner, respectfully instructing and correcting you in something that you struggle with. 

Perhaps a teacher displayed a knowledge of the Scriptures, but presented it in a manner that challenged or even frightened you a little bit. Even though you didn’t like what was said, you knew in your spirit that it was truth and you were grateful for the information and intended on applying it to your life. 

Or a teacher might have a way of preaching that intrigued you, displaying knowledge and presenting it with stories and anecdotes that entertained and brought insight, which allowed you to see how obeying certain commands brings about other beneficial circumstances and blessings. 

Some people just enjoy listening to a good evangelist. It’s worth noting that even the wicked King Herod enjoyed listening to John the Immerser, even though he never heeded his instructions and rebukes. “Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. (Mark 6:20)”

The Roman Governor Felix was also a man in power who had a fearful fascination with the Word, but never did anything about it. Sha’ul HaShliach’s teachings, coupled with the desire to receive a bribe from him to be set free, caused Felix to send for him often to find out more information (Acts 24:25-26). 

Some hear, especially those with abundant means, but their hearing is the same as listening to a riveting news story or radio drama. 

Some teachers might present good and in-depth lectures, but are not well liked because they come across in a way that is too strict or arrogant. Other teachers might not be well liked because they display little knowledge or are poor speakers.  

Examine what draws you to a particular teacher. Is it because they say what you want to hear or is it because they speak the truth even if it’s a little hard to swallow?

You should like a teacher because he teaches you about what you need, not what you want. What a student needs in Messiah and what a student wants in Messiah can be two totally different things. 

The Command to Have Teachers

The office of teacher isn’t enumerated among the list of Biblical professions in Ephesians 4:11 for nothing. A student of Torah is not a student unless he has a teacher.

“Moshiach himself gave…pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Moshiach may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12)” 

Every Torah centred community, no matter how small, has to appoint leaders and teachers within its ranks.  “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town Yahweh your Elohim is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. (Deuteronomy 16:18)”

Where possible, other elect are to appoint these roles. “Sha’ul and BenNavi (Barnabas) appointed elders for them in each Qahal (Gathering of Called out Ones) and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to Elohim, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23)” 

“…put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. (Titus 1:5)” 

But select capable men from all the people--men who fear Elohim, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. (Exodus 18:21-22)

Torah gives certain people the authority to teach and to make judgments about the law. 

“Go to the Levitical priests or to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. You must act according to the decisions they give you at the place Yahweh will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you to do. Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left. (Deuteronomy 17:9-11)” 

Rabbinical instructions and traditions should never be casually dismissed as merely "manmade decrees.” The application of the Torah can bring with it various other requirements to see that it’s observance is being adhered to in the most practical and effective way. 

Practices that edify the Torah, that is to make it more beautifully and notably observed are venerable.
“Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you. (1 Corinthians 11:2)” 

“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)”

Practices that substitute Elohim’s commands with other man-made ways are absolutely forbidden. “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of Yahweh your Elohim that I give you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)” 

“You have let go of the commands of Elohim and are holding on to human traditions…You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of Elohim in order to observe your own traditions!...Thus you nullify the word of Elohim by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." (Mark 7:8-9,13)

The key when examining a tradition is see whether it smothers the Torah or enables it to be better fulfilled. For example, the Erev Shabbat Service is designed to make the observance of Shabbat to be set-apart from the normative days of the week by imbuing it with a noteworthy array of acknowledging actions. 

The Ethiopian Eunuch’s reaction the Philippos HaShliach (one of the original Hellenistic Elders of the movement) is a fine example of the requirement of a teacher.  “Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard a eunuch of Ethiopia reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:30-31) Notice the Ethiopian’s reply, “How can I (understand what I’m reading) unless someone explains it to me?”

You cannot learn the Word on your own. Sure the Spirit should lead you and sure, Yahshua is your teacher, but shucking a human who is proficient in Torah is like ignoring your field commander and contacting the President for battle orders. There is an order of authority in the heavenly realms that filters down from on High to angels and then onto men. If you ignore certain Biblically ordained offices because you feel uncomfortable, then you and whoever is with you is part of a rogue battalion and while you’re not necessarily against the cause, you’re at the very least a hindrance. 

“If you wish it, my child, you can be taught; apply yourself, and you will become intelligent. If you love listening, you will learn, if you pay attention, you will become wise. Attend the gathering of elders; if there is a wise man there, attach yourself to him. Listen willingly to any discourse coming from Elohim, do not let wise proverbs escape you. If you see a man of understanding, visit him early, let your feet wear out his doorstep.” (Baruch 6:32-36)

The Role of a Teacher

A rabbi is not the Jewish equivalent of a clergyman, acting as a councillor or focal point of religious ritual. A rabbi is someone who continues the charge of the 70 Elders who were appointed by the Prophet Moshe. “Yahweh said to Moshe: ‘Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.’” (Numbers 11:16-17)

Many people refuse to accept a person as a rabbi unless they come from Orthodox Judaism on the grounds that they have not come from the original appointments. This is an unnecessary default view to have as there are many Jews who have received full ordination and who have come to faith in Messiah Yahshua.  

Rather than seeking to resolve the legalities of a matter in Torah, a rabbi’s role is to discern the spirit behind the matter itself. “‘Rabbi, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Yahshua replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” (Luke 12:13-14) Notice here that King Messiah Yahshua rejects the role of arbitrator in order to probe the attitude motivating his questioner while implicitly rejecting his request. 

When a believer makes a formal commitment to study under a rabbi he has an obligation to be a constant recipient of his teachings. It is the student’s responsibility to pursue his rabbi for direction in what to study, how to study and when to study, rather than the other way round. A teacher or a rabbi shouldn’t lord over the student. “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” (2 Corinthians 1:24) A student should imitate his rabbi. “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” (1 Corinthians 4:16) A student should never think himself superior to his rabbi or teacher. “A student is not above his rabbi, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his rabbi.” (Luke 6:40) 

Supporting Teachers and their Ministries

A rabbi should receive pay for his lessons because “…(a) worker deserves his wages...” (Luke 10:7) But a rabbi should not be a burden to his pupils, expecting recompense from the poorer communities. “I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the Full Message of Elohim to you free of charge? I robbed other congregations by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.” (2 Corinthians 11:6-9) The stronger Netzarim communities should support the weaker ones. 

Every regular worshipper to this service has an obligation to help support this ministry. Every time you tithe here you are paying for your place of worship to remain open, paying for the equipment we use, and for good college level Biblical teaching. If you don’t pay tithe after settling in and sussing us out, you’re robbing Yahweh. Tithe is 10% of whatever you receive in the hand, not whatever you have left over after you pay your bills. Those who are tithing should know that this is the very least you can do. There is no special merit for tireless tithing anymore than there is special merit for meeting together as a community every Sabbath. Tithing sits alongside everything else in your walk.

• Yahweh claims the tithe is His. 
• I pay tithe to fulfill the covenant.
• Tithing is worship of Yahweh. 
• Tithing supports Yahweh’s ministry. 
• Tithing is a blessing promised if you do. 
• Tithing reminds us Yahweh is your source. 
• Tithing helps combat selfish materialism. 

Tithing acknowledges Our Heritage.

• Tithing shows our love and affection. 
• Tithing Fulfills our obligation. 
• Tithing causes us to escape condemnation. 
• Tithing finances the Spread of the Full Messianic Kingdom Message. 
• Tithing causes us to avoid a curse. 
• Tithing causes us to enjoy Yahweh’s blessing. 
• Tithing causes us to be consistent. 

Netzarim Antoecie is the oldest Netzarim Community in Australia, commencing in 2004 as Agudat Bris Sydney under Elder Maurie Hollman. At that time there were a few Christian Churches keeping Feasts and doing various Torah observances, but this fellowship was this first Bonified Nazarene Community, meaning that we started without a traditional Christian frame of reference, simply wishing to go back to the ways of the original disciples and followers of Yahshua, before the word “Church” or the concept of Greco-Roman Christianity ever begun. Elder Maurie’s Family Fellowship also can lay claim to this honour, since commencing an additional fellowship centred on family friendly worship and learning out at St Helen’s Park. 

Netzarim Antoecie have many printed resources that are available. Such as Siddurim for the weekly Shabbat and High Holiday Machzorim. We also have a Bat Mitzvah service booklet and additional study resources like the Lost Book of Acts and the Diadochi (The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles).   

We also have a website with many teachings and resources, which is updated weekly. 

We live in an age of the technological marvel that is the internet, which allows one to personally research virtually any Torah related topic at a moment’s notice. Though this resource brings with it many advantages, it’s responsible use is imperative, otherwise a learner may become distracted and even hampered in his personal growth. 

The world’s current technological advancement has risen while the general demeanor and attitude of the common man has declined. The mobile phone, a tool which has become a cross-platform for communication and information sourcing across various social media and applications utilities, has caused the modern believer to develop a somewhat impatient attitude. We are the now generation!

In this day we can acquire knowledge from an armchair, which in days-gone-by would have had to be attained by through much leg-work and effort. As such, we have become slaves to instant gratification. How many video games and various other forms of popular media have sidetracked the lives of potential Biblical scholars and Torah leaders around the world? 

Those who hear and heed the call still feel a sense of disappointment in their walk. This is largely due to impatience. Impatience is basically lack of a desire to endure. 

The Hebrew word for patience is savlanut, which also means "tolerance." The same root gives rise to words that means "suffer" (sevel) and "burdens" (sivlot). We learn from this that patience is not a necessarily a pleasant experience. We should expect patience to be the hard work we usually find it to be. That may mean enduring and tolerating, and the experience may even mean bearing a burden.

There is a story about a rabbi who gives a very heavy bag to a very poor recently married student. The rabbi says, “I want you to carry this bag full of diamonds to a friend of mine and give it to him. He lives way up in the mountains and when you get there he will give you a single diamond out of the bag as payment and you can use it to make a wedding ring for your wife and make her happy. The student picks up the bag and almost falls over due to its weight. He is a very weak man and seriously wonders if he’ll be able to do this task. He bids his rabbi farewell and only after a mile, he collapses in a heap almost passed out. At that moment his wife rings him and asks him about what he’d like her to cook for dinner this coming Shabbat. He goes berserk. “Can you call me later” he cries, “I’m busy! Why do you always have to ring at the worst times?!” He hangs up and takes a deep breath and heaves the bag over his shoulder and staggers off on his journey. As he walks he becomes even more angry and depressed at his situation. He thinks to himself, all this for a single diamond, which I’ll have to pay to get set in a ring anyway with money I don’t have. He starts thinking bad thoughts about his wife and his rabbi. Finally, his phone rings again and it’s his rabbi. He says, “I got the message wrong. I need you to take the bag to my friend and he is going to take one diamond and the rest of the diamonds in the bag are yours.” At that moment the student throws the bag over his shoulder and starts whistling as he walks with no trouble whatsoever. His wife rings again about the Shabbat meal and this time he greets her with enthusiasm and chats happily to her. What happened? The task never changed. The weight of the bag never changed. His wife’s phone topic never changed. The student’s physical ability never changed. It was his mind! The mind can have a dramatic affect over a person. When we wait for something worthwhile, it’s worth waiting for. If we don’t think it’s worth waiting for we won’t wait. 

In Conclusion

The Obligations of the serious student are to find a teacher, let him teach you. Be teachable! Find a group of believers, begin to integrate your life theirs. Not over the web, in person. Support your teacher and community. You-beaut Torah kid’s programs cost money and require committed people! This will never happen unless we have people and we have money. The only way we are going to have people is if they show up and the only why we are going to have money is if we give money. 

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Shavu'ot Aftermath - Empowered for the Call

Video Teaching

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Study Notes and Slides

Empowered for the Call

Introduction: We have recently spent many teachings demonstrating the progressive transformation of the Disciples that finally led up to Shavuot (Pentecost). This day was the most powerful day in the lives of Yisrael as it was when the Torah was given in the time of Mosheh and we recently celebrated that it was also the most powerful day among the Talmidim (Disciples) as it represented a new thing that YHWH was doing among his people:

YeshiYahu (Isaiah) 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

We see the principle of living water being alluded to when Yahshua speaks to the Woman at the well when he says to her:

Yochanan 4:10 “If you knew the gift of Elohim, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

We also see that what he referred to was clearly expressed in the following:

Yochanan 7:38 He that believes in me as the Scrolls of YHWH have said, out of his inmost parts shall flow rivers of living water. 39 but this he spoke concerning the RUACH whom those believing him would receive for the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) was not yet given because Yahshua was not yet glorified.

Truly with the coming of the RUACH at Shavuot (Pentecost) a new dimension of the power from on high was being released. Since Shavuot was the climax or panicle of what YHWH had spoken through his Prophets I feel that it is imperative to turn our attention to the Aftermath of Shavuot and what we can learn from the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) from that moment on or we will fail to catch the fire that resulted from these ordinary men who came from simple backgrounds generally but that changed the World they lived in and which ultimately spread the “Good News” to the four corners of the Globe.   

From Shavuot to Eternity:

Since we recalled the amazing outpouring of the RUACH HA Kodesh (the Holy spirit) on Shavuot it is important to see how the Sent Ones, the Apostles were significantly transformed because this is important so that we may also partake of that wonderful transformation:

Firstly we read what Yahshua said to his Talmidim (Disciples) before he ascended in:

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Set-apart Spirit has come upon you and you shall be My witnesses in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and in all Yahuḏah (Judea) and Shomeron (Samaria) and to the end of the earth.”

Many conservative Theologians however interpret this promise of power as limited to the 12 Sh’liychiym (Apostles) so a quote from the Macarthur study Bible will be helpful:

Commenting on Mark 16:17 “And these signs shall follow those who believe” 

Quote: These signs were promised to the Apostolic community and not all believers in all ages.

By rationalizing like this, are we not limiting our faith and the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh not to mention the many words of Yahshua so we see Kepha addressing the people witnessing the outpouring of the Spirit with these words:

Acts 2:38-39 And Kĕpha said to them, “Repent and let each one of you be immersed in the Name of Yahshua Messiah for the forgiveness of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Set-apart Spirit. 39“For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as YHWH our Elohim shall call.”

It is imperative that we begin to believe what the Disciples were experiencing in those days was not limited to those days but that we too can experience the presence of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) in the same measure when we live in a state of Teshuvah or repentance, faith & Torah obedience like they did. Therefore we can know forgiveness and expect the gift of the Set-apart Spirit with accompanying signs as we read in Mark 16.  If we can believe that, it will ignite the fire & passion to see the assembly of believers also become the light & demonstration of power that Yahshua wants us to be in a dark world.

If we believe that Yahweh changes not then we can expect him to do the same today or we would believe that much of the writings were alone for the 12 though they were generally written later for succeeding generations:

The Steadfastness of the Sh’liychiym (Apostles):

To fully grasp the lasting power of Shavuot (Pentecost) we need to observe how the Assembly of the Talmidim (Disciples) continued to live as seen in the Scriptures:

1. They Dwelt in True Fellowship: 

One of the great keys to experiencing the increase of the Spirit in the life of all the believers is found in their gathering together as we read:

Acts 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the emissaries and in the fellowship and in the breaking of bread and in prayers.

When all those of the faith understood the joy of the salvation they had received & that in Yahshua many things that were prophesied had come to pass they had a deep desire for fellowship & the constant immersion in the word of Yahweh through the teachings of the Emissaries who taught by the revelation and power of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit). We also receive a wonderful picture of oneness as we read how all the believers remained together eating and in constant petitions to the one who alone is Elohim. 

The challenge for us today is how desperate are we for fellowship and seeking the depths of the riches that can be found in the study of Scripture and the coming together for prayer. This surely was one of the central reasons that the believers remained steadfast and made such an impact on Yerushalayim at that time.

1. They had all things in Common:

Amazingly when the believers had intimate fellowship we find that their hearts were joined together in care for one another since we read the following:

Acts 2:44- 45 And all those who believed were together and had all in common, 45 and sold their possessions and property and divided them among all, as anyone might have need.

One of the great signs of the fellowship of the set-apart Spirit is always the unity of minds and hearts so we see that now, as people had needs those with more would share since the Kingdom of Elohim is a Kingdom of love and fellowship since we read the words that Yahshua gave to his Disciples at a most crucial time before his suffering:

Yochanan (John) 13:34- 35 A renewed commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In a world where “I” is central the image of a people that love and care for each other may seem foreign but it is to the world a sign that we are the Talmidim (Disciples) of our Master Yahshua who truly demonstrated what love really means by giving his perfect life for the World.

1. They Gathered Daily:

Rather than thinking that all the Disciples were gathering in some private apartment we receive the revelation that they were in constant daily assembling in the Beyth Ha Mikdash courts therefore the Temple Courts. This was where they would come daily as the number of disciples grew and where they would continue in the teaching and the understanding of the renewed covenant the Brit Chadashah prophesied through all the Tanakh (the Old Testament) and finally finding fulfilment in the sacrificial blood of the Master Yahshua the promised seed of David, the Messiah, the son of Elohim through whom all have redemption and access to the “Chesed” the Mercy and favour of Yahweh as revealed from the beginning.  

We find this gathering of all the believers revealed clearly in the following:

Acts 2:46 And they (the Disciples or taught ones) continued daily to meet together with one accord in the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Set Apart House of Yahweh- The Temple)and of breaking of Lekhem (bread) from House to House and did eat their food with gladness and singleness of Heart.

From these verses we see a fellowship of people in total unity and dwelling in that place where the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) could truly find residence. 

I pray it is truly our desire to be in this sort of environment because if we are then we too will experience that same sense of gladness and singleness of Heart that will draw us together in that place of unity where the RUACH (the Spirit) of Yahweh will move with perfect Shalom (peace).

1. The Empowerment that comes from Oneness:

From this powerful sense of oneness where the Ruach (the Spirit) is able to move we find a true sense of purpose but even more than that we find the Disciples coming to a place of confidence & faith where the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) is able to move with power. This is most aptly seen when Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) are coming to the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Holy Temple) in the following:

Acts 3:1-2 Now Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) went up together into the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple) at the hour of petition, the ninth hour. 2 and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the Temple which is called beautiful (the Yapho Gate or today the Jaffa Gate) to ask alms of them that entered into the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple);

This incident is rather amazing since more than likely this man was placed at this very place most of his life. This means Yahshua would have passed by him many times and he had not been healed but surely his healing at this time was the perfect timing of Yahweh who had him right there at the Temple gate awaiting this exact time that would esteem the Master Yahshua and be a miracle not only for this man but that would be so great that it would even trigger a greater revival than that of Shavuot bringing a large crowd of Yisraelites to faith in name of Yahshua the righteous one:

We now find Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) filled with the Spirit of Yahweh walking in such joy and faith in the name of the Master that they completely take the words of the Master to heart when he said these Words:

Yochanan (John) 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  

I am sure that Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) were in a place of true fellowship not only with all the Assembly of the faithful but also in Echad or unity with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) which is powerfully displayed by their confidence and sure knowledge that this was the hour that would see the Master greatly esteemed through them by this supernatural miracle of a man born lame who had sat at the Temple gates for decades:

Acts 3:4- 7 And Kepha (Peter) fastening his eyes upon him with Yochanan (John) said “look on us”. 5 and he gave heed to them expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Kepha (Peter) said “Silver and Gold have I none but such as I have give I you; In the name of Yahshua the Messiah of Netzereth rise up & walk. 7 and he (Kepha) took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

This is now a most wonderful transformation in the lives of his called ones in that only a short while ago they were in unbelief but through the work of the RUACH (Spirit) their faith had grown and also their understanding but at Shavuot a new dimension of that faith had emerged with the coming of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) giving them boldness to speak and with that step of faith came authority & power from on high that saw the mighty works of Yahweh revealed both through the word and power, that those repenting and believing numbering about 5,000 men. What is amazing in the actions of Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) is that they were so full of faith that it says that Kepha took the man by the right hand and lifted him up. This is a picture of faith in action!

Shaul (Paul) writes it this way in:

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of Yahweh is not in word but in power.

What we see from the early assembly surely should be instructional for us but just like in this story the exhibition of a powerful miracle led to the people looking to the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) as we read:

Acts 3:11- 12 And as the lame man which was healed held Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) all the people ran together to them in the covered walkway that is called Shelomoh’s (Solomon’s) portico, greatly amazed. 12 And when Kepha saw it he answered the people. “You men of Yisrael why marvel you at this? Or why do you stare at us as though by our own power or our Torah or Shabbat piety we had made this man walk.

The Elohim of Abraham and of Yitzchak (Isaac) and of Yaacov (Jacob), the Elohim of our fathers has esteemed his son Yahshua;

16 through belief in his name has made this man strong whom you see and know; yes the belief which through Yahshua’s name has given him this complete health in the presence of all. 

The Mighty miracle that was done in this man was the means by which Yahweh was drawing his people to himself and it was a grand opportunity for the emissaries to speak the wonderful words of the Salvation found only in Yahshua as they further expounded the truth of the Mashiach (Messiah) as revealed through the Scriptures of the Torah, the Nevim (Prophets) & the Ketuvim (the Wisdom Writings). Therefore through the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) we see the assembly of believers supernaturally multiplying. 

A Message for Today:

The challenge for us today is whether we believe that the message & story that we read is for today. When we take the words of Yahshua and begin believing them as relating to us then we can begin to see the hand of Yahweh moving through his RUACH (Spirit). 

We read in the Brit Chadashah (the Nazarene Writings) in the book to the Hebrews the following:

Ibrim (Hebrews) 13:8 Yahshua the Messiah the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.   

We also read the following:

Tehillim (Psalms) 102:27 But you are the same and your years have no end.

Malaki (Malachi) 3:6 For I am Yahweh, I shall not change.

If we can believe that the power of the Spirit of Yahweh was seen in the Assembly of the aftermath of Shavuot we need to take careful note of all the instructional teachings that we see and if we then apply them, surely we will see an increase in the move of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) within us and our gatherings that will see the honour & love of our Master revealed drawing people into true fellowship, a hope we should always strive for. We need to be a people Zealous for all that Yahweh has called us to be. 

Empowered for defence of the Truth:

With this great display of the power of the Ruach came also the arrest of Kepha & Yochanan by the religious leaders and brought them before the Sanhedrin the next morning as we read:

Acts 4:18- 21 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor to teach in the Name of Yahshua. 19But Kĕpha and Yoḥanan answering them, said, “Whether it is right in the sight of Elohim to listen to you more than to Elohim, you judge. 20“For it is impossible for us not to speak of what we saw and heard.” 21And having threatened them further, they released them, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, because they were allpraising Elohim for what had been done.

It was the Empowerment that came from the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) that enabled them to see this great Miracle but it was also necessary for them to be filled with the Spirit that they could speak the word od Elohim that his Ruach would give them. Yahshua in his wisdom had also prepared them for this in the following:

Mark 13:11 But when they lead you and hand you over take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither decide what to say but whatever shall be given to you in that hour that you speak: for it is not you that speaks but the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the set-apart Spirit). 

These examples should be for us a great encouragement that should stir up our desire to be filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) who can empower all of us to be his true vessel exhibiting all the aspects of Torah observance, authority & power that will stand strong when the hour of testing comes but we need to desire it passionately and be faithful to our calling.

The Significance that this Story gives:

1. The Master promised that we would receive Power when the “Ruach Ha Kodesh” has come upon us and that was not just the Apostolic Era.

2. The steadfastness of the Disciples was subject to:

1. Dwelling in true Constant Fellowship.

2. Having Hearts joined together in love & care for each other.

3. Gathering in the Beyth Ha Mikdash or the house of Yahweh wherever that may be for the honour of Yahweh and study of his Kadosh (Holy) word.

4. Having oneness of heart & mind resulting in the power of the Spirit moving. 

We see that again demonstrated when Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) have been released from prison & we find repeated the same principles that we have seen with a theme of oneness knowing that King David had prophesied of the persecution in Tehillim (Psalms) 2 we read:

Acts 4:29 And now Master behold their threats and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word.30 by stretching forth your hand to heal and that signs & wonders maybe done by the name of your set-apart son Yahshua. 31 And when they had petitioned the place was shaken where they were assembled together & they were all filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) and they spoke the Word of Elohim with Boldness. 

1. That all the faithful will be empowered when faced with defending the Truth.

2. Since Yahweh is the same yesterday, today & tomorrow we can expect the same as we have experienced was the result of the aftermath of Shavuot (Pentecost) if we remain steadfast and faint not. 

Shabbat Shalom

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Thanking you.