NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION, LESSON 5
THE CONGREGATION
"The gifts and calling of G-d are irrevocable." Romans 11:29 
This verse means that when G-d called Abraham and promised to bless his seed, He does not take it back. He will fulfill His promises.
It also tells us that when G-d calls us into His kingdom, He means it, and He means it forever! He gives gifts to the Body to strengthen the congregations. He gives gifts to each one of us to use in building up others and ministering to them.
And it also means that when He calls you to serve Him in a certain congregation or ministry, you should stick with that calling until He specifically calls you to do something else. In that case the congregation should be able to bless you and send you out.
"You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to G-d by Yeshua the Messiah." 1 Peter 2:5 G-d told Israel He would make them a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.. Exodus 19:6 This has been His plan, to create a Body of people in whom His Spirit would dwell and be manifested to the rest of the world.
WHAT IS A CONGREGATION FOR?
The congregation of Israel and the congregations we have in the world today are meant to fulfill the above purposes.
Is worshiping G-d in the congregation really important? Is it really necessary for me as a growing believer? Can I get along without the congregation? Aren't congregations full of hypocrites? In this lesson we want to see why congregational worship is necessary for me, even with its imperfections, so I can continue in my growth in Messiah Yeshua and help others grow by my obedience to His will.
1. What is the temple according to Ephesians 2:19-22 ?
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2. What is the nature of our connection to one another and to the L-rd? Romans 12:4-5
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3. Where is G-d to be praised? Psalm 68:26 , 134:1-2, 150:1
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4. By whom is G-d to be praised? Psalm 30:4 , 150:6
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5. What was Yeshua's habit to do on Shabbat? Luke 4:16
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6. G-d has set aside a special day each week for us to worship Him and not work. What two things do we see in Sh'mot (Exodus) 20:11 concerning the L-rd's day?
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7. If this day is so important, what should we, as G-d's people, do? Sh'mot 31:12-17, Yayikra 23:3 (Hebrew "mikra", something called out, a public meeting, assembly, convocation)
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8. What does Yeshua promise us when we meet together in His name? Mattityahu (Matthew) 18:20
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9. What happens when we pray in agreement with one another? Mattityahu 18:19
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10. How does meeting together help us? What can happen if we abandon our fellowship with other believers? Hebrews 10:23-25
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11. What was the life of the first disciples of Yeshua who lived in Jerusalem, according to Acts 2:42-47 ?
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What does "devoted themselves" indicate?
12. How do we prioritize our benevolence? Galatians 6:10
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13. Where did the psalmist long to be? Psalm 27:4-6 , Psalm 84:1-10
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14. What do we speak about in G-d's temple? Psalm 29:9
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14. As the living Temple of G-d, what is G-d's goal for us? Ephesians 5:25-27
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15. What is one of the functions of the Body? Isaiah 56:7 , Matityahu 21:13, Acts 1:14-15 , 12:5, 12
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Surviving Commitment
Commitment, covenant, and reliability are three words we think of in reference to membership in a congregation..
The congregation is a family.
G-d expects you to be a part of a congregational family.
A believer without a congregational home is like an orphan without a family.
The privileges of membership:
1. It identifies you as a genuine believer (Romans 12:5 )
2. It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage you in your walk with Messiah (Hebrews 10:24-25 )
3. It gives you a place to discover and use your spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-27 )
4. It places you under the spiritual protection of godly leaders (Acts 20:28-29 , Hebrews 13:17 )
5. It gives you the accountability you need to grow (Galatians 6:1-2 , Ephesians 5:21 )
The responsibilities of membership:
1. I will protect the unity of my congregation...
by acting in love toward other members. (1 Peter 1:22 )
...by refusing to gossip. (Ephesians 4:29 )
...by following the leaders. (Hebrews 13:17 )
2. I will share the responsibility of my congregation...
...by praying for its growth. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 )
...by inviting those without a congregational home to attend. (Luke 14:23 )
...by warmly welcoming those who visit and attend. (Romans 15:7 )
3. I will serve the ministry of my congregation...
...by discovering my gifts and talents. (1 Peter 4:10 )
...by being equipped to serve. (Ephesians 4:11-13 )
...by developing a servant's heart. (Philippians 2:1-7 )
4. I will support the testimony of my congregation...
...by attending faithfully. (Hebrews 10:25 )
...by living a godly life. (Philippians 1:27 )
...by giving regularly. (Malachi 3:10 , Matityahu 23:23, 1 Corinthians 16:2 )
LEARNING TO GET ALONG WITH OTHERS WHO ARE MORE OR LESS DIFFICULT THAN OURSELVES
Serving and worshiping together creates an environment in which we can learn much about relating to others. Sometimes we are helping others to grow into maturity. Sometimes they are helping us to grow into maturity. We all need to be growing in godliness. 2 Peter 1:3-11 We need each other for that process to continue. We need to love and to be loved.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3 )
"So let us concentrate on the things that make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together." (Romans 14:19 )
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." (1 Peter 3:8 )
Beth T'filah is a family, so we operate on the basis of relationships, not rules.
We are like a building of living stones. If we only had a pile of rocks, one rock can be picked up and moved around from pile to pile. But in a building, the rocks are cemented into connection with the other stones. Our faith and love for G-d and for each other is like the mortar that holds us together. If one is missing, it matters! If one is not doing the service they are called to do, it matters! Each one makes a valuable contribution, by being there, by praying, by smiling, by caring for others, by contributing, by serving, by using their gifts. Can we build on you? Faithfulness and faith come from a root that means "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse, to render firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet, to be true or certain." It has to do with firmness, security, fidelity, stability, and can be translated as steady, truly, truth, verily. This is where the word "Amen" comes from.
Faithfulness = dependability. Can we depend on you? WHAT THE CONGREGATION OFFERS YOU
As a congregation, we have many challenges before us. Our main thrust is to spreading the Good News of Messiah Yeshua and then to train those new in the Faith to live a life according to the Word of G-d. Also high on the list is to provide the right programs that fit the needs of families and singles. Even though we are not a social club, we do recognize the need for socialization and ethnic expression to be emphasized within the Messianic community as well as in the traditional community. The need to couple Messianic training with fun for our young people is a high priority. Children's classes, discipleship for new believers, new members' orientation, Messianic midrash classes, ladies' fellowship meetings, men's fellowship meetings, home groups, Hebrew classes, marriage enrichment, premarital and other biblical counseling, family services such as funerals, weddings, and bar mitzvahs are all offered. We have the beginning of a web page at www.bethtfilah.org. If you are ill, you may call upon the elders of the congregation to anoint you with oil in the name of the L-rd for healing, Ya'akov 5:14-16. Our services and activities are advertised in a weekly bulletin.
The Parable of the Talents
In Matityahu 25:14-30 we have a story which teaches us to use whatever gifts G-d has given us for service to Him. Although the parable only refers to financial investment, G-d has invested in each one of us certain abilities we could call gifts, and we are responsible for honing and developing and using those gifts for His glory. The congregation is an excellent place to develop our talents and to grow in necessary godly character in the process. A gift without godly character is like a crooked arrow. The gift is only the tip. The character is the shaft of the arrow. The Holy Spirit is like the guiding feathers and the bow that launches us. Sometimes G-d nails us down in place until He can straighten us out, all for the purpose of using us eventually.
Gifts to the Body: Ephesians 4
What gifts does G-d give to the Body? vs. 11
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What is His purpose in giving these gifts? vs. 12-15
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Motivational gifts: Romans 12
What different gifts do we have according to the grace given us? (verse 6-8)
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After some of these gifts there is a caution. List the exhortation that accompanies certain gifts. For those that do not have one, look in 1 Corinthians 14:29-33 , Philippians 2:3-4 ,Ya'akov (James) 3:1-2, and Titus 2:15 , which contain specific words of caution which apply to the other gifts.
In meeting other's needs it is most important to expect nothing in return and be rewarded by having done G-d's will. His approval should be our primary goal as mature believers. Matthew 6:1-4 , Yochanan 12:43, Romans 2: 29b
When you invest in others and they fail to respond as you had hoped that they would, the enemy is quick to sow seeds of discord or to discourage you. Expect nothing from man. You are giving all for G-d's glory and His purposes will be accomplished. G-d is a rewarder. B'reishit 15:1, Hebrews 11:6
Meeting the needs of others will mean forgetting about yourself and focusing on G-d's intentions (as His Ruach haKodesh reveals to you). It's G-d's work; we are merely His instruments. 2 Timothy 2:20-21
Being a role model and a true friend can make all the difference in the world to a person without the hope of heaven. Meeting their needs may be as simple as kind or encouraging word, or it could mean something more demanding, like temporary financial support. To win a friend, one must be a friend, and that may require time and effort.
(Please see our leadership if people in the service are hitting you up for money, as we have had con-artists come in from outside, thinking we would be an easy target. Also there are times when bailing someone out of their difficulties is interfering with G-d's discipline, so be led by wisdom, godly counsel, and the Ruach haKodesh.)
No matter what G-d requires of us, He will provide the resources if we are diligent and dedicated to doing His will, and ask Him to guide us. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 , 9:8
It may not always be easy to respond to others in love. Our feelings may get hurt, but we must still exhibit G-d's presence within us. It helps to remember that people sometimes have deeply seated problems and hurts with which they may not have dealt, or they may not have established good manners. We cannot allow ourselves to become offended. We must do our best to overlook such things and allow G-d's Spirit to work. "Great peace have they which love Your law; nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Messiah forgave you, you do the same." Colossians 3:13 If you are having a particular problem with someone in Beth T'filah and require help for conflict resolution, we are there for you. Don't allow someone else's bad conduct or insensitivity hinder you from enjoying fellowship and worship in the Body.
G-d tells us to love each other. Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:17-18, Yochanan 13:34-35. 1 Corinthians 13 describes the kind of love we should have - love never demands its own way or its own rights, is not haughty or proud, thinks the best of others and lifts them up, always desiring G-d's best for them. We must walk in G-d's Spirit (not the flesh), seeing through G-d's eyes and loving with G-d's heart, forgetting about ourselves. Remember, it is G-d's plan, G-d's way, and G-d's timing.
The Spirit of Service to Others - Visiting People and Praying for Them
Micah 6:8 , "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the L-rd require of you, but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your G-d."
Matityahu 25:31-46, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me...Whatever you did for one of the least of these My brothers, you did for Me." (excerpts)
Ya'akov 1:27, "Religion that G-d our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering G-d's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of G-d. If anyone serves, he should do it using the strength that G-d provides, so that in all things G-d may be praised through Yeshua the Messiah." (1 Peter 4:10-11 )
Serving is for everyone. Serving according to your spiritual gifts leads to fruitfulness, faithfulness, and fulfillment. We serve in the power of the Holy Spirit to glorify G-d and build others up.
How will you serve?
1. Let's take a look at B'reishit 18:1-8. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's example of hospitality?
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He didn't want to miss an opportunity to be a blessing.
1. Be prepared, expecting G-d to use you. Yochanan 10:3-4
2. Look for opportunities. We may miss them if we are not watching. Ephesians 5:15-16
3. Eagerly anticipate. G-d blesses us when we allow Him to use us to bless others. Acts 20:35
4. Go the extra mile. Do your best and give to the best of your ability. We don't always know who we're serving. See Hebrews 13:1-2 .
5. Be humble. G-d provided everything that we have. He has requested that we share it with others. "Let nothing be done through strife or pride; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Philippians 2:3
6. Be loving and kind. G-d fills us with His love until it overflows. Let it overflow onto those around us. "He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." Song of Songs 2:4
Who is the greatest in G-d's kingdom? Mark 10:42-45
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Let's look now at the story of the good Samaritan and the man who fell among robbers (Luke 10:25-37 )
Many people pass by the needs that they see, turning their heads away, not wanting to be bothered. In verse 31 we see a Cohen, one dedicated to the spiritual well-being of others, one who has vowed before G-d to lay down his life in G-d's service, ignoring a man in need. In verse 32 we see a Levite, one called by G-d to serve, doing the same.
Then the Samaritan comes along. Samaritans were looked down upon because they were only half Jewish, but this man was moved with compalsssion. He was sympathetic towards the plight of the injured man. He could empathize with someone who was being ignored and treated with disdain.
The Samaritan may not have been acquainted with G-d's laws, but G-d counted him as righteous because he did the right thing. G-d doesn't judge us by where we were born or what we do for a living. G-d is concerned with whether or not we are obedient. (Romans 2:11-15 )
Hearing the law cannot make us righteous. Obedience to the law is what makes us righteous. When we obey, we demonstrate that G-d's law is written in our hearts and is operating there.
What did Yeshua ask in Luke 10:36 ? __________________________________________________
What response did He receive in verse 37? _____________________________________________
What then did Yeshua reply? ________________________________________________________
What did the Samaritan do to serve? verses 33-35
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We are one Body: 1 Corinthians 12
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Rav Shaul mentions various gifts which the Ruach haKodesh gives to build up the Body. What are they?
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We see these gifts applied throughout Yeshua's ministry and the book of Acts, and also in the Tanach. Match these scriptures with the gift to which they apply: B'reishit 6:22, 15:2-6, 41:28-40, Sh'mot 4:1-9, 15:23-26, B'Midbar 11:24-29, 21:4-9, 24:15-19, 1 Kings 3:16-28 , Nehemiah 6:1-4 , Isaiah 28:11 , Mark 9:25-27 , 10:21-22, Yochanan 4:15-19, Acts 2:4-8 , 3:1-10, 8:9-23, 9:10-19, 9:33--35, 9:40-42, 10:44-48, 16:16-18, 19:1-7, 19:11, 20:7-12
Who me?
Not being qualified does not stop G-d from calling and using someone. Moshe was not an eloquent speaker, and considered himself to have a speech limitation, Sh'mot 4:10-16. G-d intended to use him anyway, but when he kept declining, G-d allowed Aaron to become his spokesman. Jeremiah also felt inadequate to speak for G-d and too young, Jeremiah 1:4-10 . Isaiah did not feel he was holy enough for his calling, Isaiah 6:5-8 . G-d qualifies the called. He wants our availability, not our ability. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are G-d's workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua to do good works, which G-d prepared in advance for us to do." G-d has good works for you to do, and it depends on His ability, not yours. He will equip you for everything He wants you to do! "Study to show yourself approved unto
G-d, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, correctly sorting out the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 "Let no one look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity....Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." 1 Timothy 4:12-14
1 Corinthians 14 - The Orderly Use of Gifts G-d gives gifts to the Body to build up the Body. verse 12I can expect G-d to use me to edify others in the Body. verse 1Gifts of the Holy Spirit are not given for our entertainment or pleasure. verse 26Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given that we might be built up in our most holy faith. verse 4, Jude 20 "Speaking in tongues" is also referred to as "praying in the Holy Spirit", and is a blessing when used in private prayer, but may not be used loudly in a public meeting without interpretation. verses 13-19, Romans 8:26-27 , Ephesians 6:18 It is more edifying to use only languages which are understood or translated in public meetings. verse 4Although we are filled with joy in the presence of the L-rd, we need to be considerate of others in our expressions of praise, thanksgiving, and happiness. verses 20, 40The message of G-d as revealed through His word, worship of Him, and prayer for one another are our priorities in public meetings. verse 26, Acts 2:42 , see section on "What is a Congregation For?" on pages 1-3
Kneeling, kneeling with the face to the floor or falling on one's face before the L-rd were the supreme postures of worship in the Bible, not the practice of fainting backward. Sh'mot 33:10, "Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all arose and worshiped (prostrated themselves), each at the entrance to his tent." 1 Chronicles 29:20 , "Then David said to the whole assembly, 'Praise the L-rd your G-d.' So they all praised the L-rd, the G-d of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the L-rd and the king." 2 Chronicles 7:1-4 "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the L-rd filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the L-rd because the glory of the L-rd filled it. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the L-rd above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the L-rd, saying, 'He is good; His love endures forever.' Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the L-rd." Nehemiah 8:6 "Ezra praised the L-rd, the great G-d; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, 'Amen! Amen!' Then they bowed down and worshiped the L-rd with their faces to the ground." Daniel 6:10 , "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his G-d, just as he had done before."
Very rarely did people in the Bible lose their ability to stand up because of the glorious presence of the L-rd. This is not meant to be a common part of our worship expression, although on very rare occasions we see it in the scripture. See 1 Kings 8:10-11 , Yochanan 18:4-6, Acts 9:3-4 , 26:13
We believe: Spiritual gifts are given by G-d to every believer for the spiritual edification of the congregation. It is G-d's requirement that every believer discover and use his or her spiritual gift in service to G-d. Questionable manifestations of the Spirit, such as the so-called "Holy Laughter", "being slain in the Spirit", and delivering a message "in an unknown tongue/language" will not be practiced at any function that comes under the sanction of Beth T'filah.
ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT AND AFFILIATIONS
We have a congregational leader, appointed elders, worship teams, and committees for finances, outreach, holidays, and constitutional revision. We have scheduled business meetings for members twice per year, with other members' meetings called as needed. We have a charter, constitution and bylaws, and statement of faith. These state who we are, how we operate, and what we believe.
Beth T'filah is affiliated with the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, the Gulf Stream Baptist Association (in Broward County), the Florida Baptist Convention (in the state of Florida), and the Southern Baptist Convention.
"The last decades of the twentieth century saw a prophetic movement for Yeshua among Jewish people around the world. Tens of thousands of Jewish people became believers in Yeshua. Many of these new believers joined together to form Messianic Jewish congregations that preserved a connection to Jewish life and tradition, and provided a special outreach to other Jewish people.
"The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations was formed in 1979 to provide support and accountability for this expanding Messianic Jewish congregational movement, through the following five objectives:
* To further the initiation, establishment, and growth of Messianic Jewish congregations worldwide.
* To be a voice for Messianic Jewish congregations and Messianic Judaism worldwide.
* To provide a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Messianic Judaism and Messianic Jewish congregations.
* To aid in the causes of our Jewish people worldwide, especially in Israel.
* To support the training of Messianic leaders.
"Since 1979, our membership has quadrupled; we have developed an annual international conference, leadership training and ordination programs, educational materials for children and adults, a congregational planting program, and other resources. Many Jewish people around the world have found the Messiah through our congregations and conferences. The UMJC has become a major bridge between the Messianic Jewish community and the larger Body of Messiah." (from the website umjc.org)
The Messianic movement has been in existence since Adam and Eve were promised a seed who would be the Messiah. This is not a new religion. It is not an arm of Judaism or an arm of the church. It is faith in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However culturally we identify ourselves with biblical Jewish faith and those Jewish traditions which enhance our expression of that faith and our ability to pass it on to our children. Theologically we are connected with all believers everywhere who name the name of Yeshua as Moshia (Savior) and Adon (L-rd) regardless of their ethnic background. Relationally it is our goal to demonstrate His resurrection life in our lives, and in lifting Him up, that others will be drawn to Him.
The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest association of evangelical congregations in America. One out of every ten churches in the United States is affiliated with the SBC. There are over 40,000 churches with over 15 million members. The Southern Baptist Convention is not only the largest, but also the most diverse. SBC churches include every race nationality, and ethnic group. It is one of the fastest growing groups as well. Every day, SBC churches immerse about 1,000 new believers and start 5 new congregations in the United States alone.
Every Southern Baptist congregation is independent, and chooses its own congregational leader. The congregation can own its own building, and is self-governed.
Care Groups
We are developing a network of small groups, called care groups, within our congregation.
1. Small groups are an efficient way to care for people. (Exodus 18:13-26 )
2. Small groups are a great way to develop people. (2 Timothy 2:2 )
3. Small groups are a friendly way to reach people. (Acts 2:46-47 )
We will be asking every member and adherent of Beth T'filah to be a part of a care group. This will involve meeting with others in your area in one of your homes, up to once per week, and praying specifically for the others in your group. Sometimes it will include practical helps.
What about Giving?
"And now brothers, we want you to know about the grace that G-d has given the Macedonian congregations. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to G-d's people. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the L-rd and then to us in keeping with G-d's will...But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you excel in this grace of giving."
1. Giving is for everyone.
2. Giving is a joy.
3. You will never out-give G-d.
4. Giving is an act of faith.
5. Giving is a privilege.
6. We give to the L-rd.
"But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for G-d loves a cheerful giver. And G-d is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work....Now He that gives seed to the sower both give bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to G-d." 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
HOW IS THIS WORK SUPPORTED? In the beginning of time the sons of Adam, Cain and Abel, brought sacrifices to G-d. Cain brought some of his produce. Abel brought the best, the fattest, the first. Abel's offering was accepted. He brought the best he had to the L-rd, the firstborn from his flock. Cain's offering was not accepted. He did not bring the best or the first.1 Later in Genesis Abraham is celebrating a military victory. Melchizedek meets him, brings bread and wine, and blesses him. Melchizedek means My King of Righteousness, and he was the whole, entire, or perfect king. Abraham gives Melchizedek ten percent of everything.2 Two generations after Abraham we meet Jacob as he is fleeing from his brother Esau. Jacob promises that if the G-d of Abraham will take care of him, provide for him, and bring him back in safety, then he will accept the G-d of Abraham and Isaac as his G-d as well, and Jacob promises to pay ten percent of his increase to the L-rd.3 When G-d established the tabernacle in the wilderness, the Torah, and later the Temple in Jerusalem, He set up a system of tithing which would provide for the needs of the priesthood, the poor and widows, and told Moses to ask for donations of materials needed for construction.4 Later when Israel became reprobate G-d accused them of stealing from Him because they were not paying this tithe, and not giving Him the best or the first fruits. He challenged them to be that careless and disrespectful with their giving to earthly authorities and see what the response would be. He promised them that if they would be faithful in tithing that He would bless them and meet their needs.5 In the New Covenant Yeshua was rebuking the Pharisees for ignoring weightier matters of the Torah, but commended them because they were so careful to tithe on even the spices from their gardens, and confirmed that this was something they should do.6 He taught that giving needs to be a private matter between a person and G-d alone, not something done in order to gain praise from men.7 Rav Shaul explained the principle that when we sow sparingly, we reap sparingly, but if we sow generously, we will reap generously, and that G-d loves someone who is happy to be able to give to Him, and gives with an attitude of praise.8
Here at Beth T'filah we keep giving as a personal matter between the person and G-d alone. We have a box for donations near the door, and there are envelopes to fill out in case someone wants giving credit for income tax purposes. Everything that we have belongs to the L-rd, and the way we acknowledge that is by returning to Him the first ten percent of what He gives us, and giving special offerings of gratitude at holidays or special times.9 When a specific need arises, we let people know, and trust the Ruach haKodesh to lead in people's hearts to direct their giving.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the L-rd Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the L-rd Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the L-rd Almighty.5 "Now I bring the first fruits of the soil that You, O L-rd, have given me."10
1Genesis 4:1-12 ; 214:17-24; 328:20-22; 4Exodus 25:1-9 ; 4Deuteronomy 12:4-19 ; 14:22-29; 15; 23:18-25; 5Malachi 1:6-14 ; 3:6-18; 6Matthew 23:23-24 ; 7Matthew 6:1-4 ; 81 Corinthians 9 ; 82 Corinthians 8-9 ; 9Deuteronomy 16:16-17 ; 10Deuteronomy 26 ; See also 1 Kings 17:7-16 ; Luke 18:9-14 ; Luke 21:11-4 ;
John 6:5-13 ; Acts 4:32-37 ; Philippians 4:10-19
CAN I LOSE MY MEMBERSHIP IN BETH T'FILAH?
Yes, you can. According to our constitution and bylaws, we have a pattern for removal from membership in the congregation. If you were to be continuing in sin in certain areas of your life, someone in the congregation, probably the leader or an elder, but it could be anyone who observed the problem and cares, would confront you privately. If you receive the rebuke and forsake the sin, you will be forgiven and encouraged to remain pure. If you reject the rebuke and remain in the sin, you will be confronted by 2 or 3 people, including someone in leadership. If you receive the rebuke and forsake the sin, you will be forgiven and encouraged to remain pure. If you reject the rebuke and remain in the sin, the matter will be brought up before the entire membership in a regular business meeting or in a special meeting called for that purpose. If you receive the rebuke and forsake the sin, you will be forgiven and encouraged to remain pure. If you reject the rebuke and remain in the sin, you will be dismissed from membership in the congregation.
This procedure is based on Leviticus 19:15-18 , Psalm 119:75 , Proverbs 3:12 , Ezekiel 33:8-9 , Matthew 6:14-15 , 18:15-24, Luke 17:3 , 1 Yochanan (John) 1:7-9, 1 Corinthians 5:11 , 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 , 6:3, 11:29, Galatians 6:1 , Ephesians 4:26-32 , Hebrews 12:6 , 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ,14, Titus 3:10-11 , Revelation 3:19
Cohabitation without marriage, homosexuality, adultery, fornication, incest, sodomy, swindling, drunkenness, lasciviousness, divisiveness, stalking, pornography, voyeurism, prostitution, compulsive gambling, illegal drugs, other illegal conduct, slander, abusiveness, suing other members, idolatry, witchcraft, astrology, necromancy, divination, sorcery, and spiritism, are basis for dismissal. This list does not exclude other possibilities which may present themselves and be deemed equally harmful to the Body. 1 Corinthians 5:11 , 6:1-11, Deuteronomy 18:10-11 , Proverbs 6:16-19 , Galatians 5:19-21 , Colossians 3:5-10 , Titus 3:10
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