NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION LESSON 1
WHAT IS OUR BASIS OF AUTHORITY?
We believe the Bible, both older and newer covenant scriptures, to be the Word of G-d. Its history is accurate, its prophecies come to pass, its commandments are the wisest and safest way to live, its observations are relevant today. Here are some things the Bible says about itself:
D'varim (Deuteronomy 4:1-2 
, Deuteronomy 6-7 ) Now listen, O Israel, to the statutes and to the judgments which I teach you, to do them, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the L-rd G-d of your fathers gives you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the L-rd your G-d which I command you...Keep them and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which will hear all these statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." For what nation is there so great, who has G-d so near to them, as the L-rd our G-d is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
D'varim (Deuteronomy 8:3 ) And He humbled you, and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which was unfamiliar to you and your fathers, that He might teach you that man does not live by bread only, but rather man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the L-rd.
Tehilim (Psalm 19:7-11 ) The law of the L-rd is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the L-rd is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the L-rd are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the L-rd is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the L-rd is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the L-rd are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Also Your servant is warned by them: and there is great reward in keeping them.
Tehilim (Psalm 119:44-45 , Psalm 119:47 , Psalm 119:89 , Psalm 119:97 , Psalm 119:104 ) I will keep your law continually forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Your precepts. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I have loved. Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day...Through Your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Jeremiah 23:29 "Is not My word like a fire," says the L-rd, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock to pieces?" Matityahu (Matthew 5:17-19 ) Do not think that I came to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass, not one 'vav' or 'yud' shall pass from the law until all is fulfilled. So whoever breaks one of the least commandments, and teaches men to do so, he will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever does them and teaches them, that person shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of G-d is alive and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of G-d, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of G-d may be complete, fully furnished for all good works.
In Proverbs 3 we are told to listen to G-d's instructions and to find wisdom for our lives. During the Torah service each week we read Proverbs 3:13-18 . From this chapter we find these basic steps for living the life of a believer in haShem:
1. The Word of G-d is our priority and basis for life.
2. Forgive others and show mercy to them.
3. Be honest and live in G-d's truth.
4. Memorize each principle G-d teaches us.
5. Trust in the L-rd and include Him in every decision.
6. Depart from evil. Don't think it, don't watch it, don't say it, don't do it.
7. Honor G-d with your substance. Put Him first in your finances.
8. G-d will correct and teach you as a son.
What are the benefits we experience when we live this way? See verses 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16-18
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Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Each letter of the Hebrew alef-bet has 8 verses beginning with that letter. Many Bibles give the Hebrew letter names for each section. The entire chapter is about the benefits and blessings of the Word of G-d. At the time it was written, the only Bible they had was the five books of Moses! What are the names of these first 5 books of the Bible?
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In time other sections were added to the Bible. The torah, prophets, writings, and Brit haChadashah or New Testament are the portions we accept as the inspired Scriptures.
T = Torah (law), known as the Chumash or Pentateuch when in printed form.*N = Nevi'im (prophets)Ch = Chetuvim (writings)
Tanach = the combination of these three. In the Tanach these books are divided into those sections. In the Protestant Bible the order of the books is slightly different, but contains the identical material, with the addition of the New Covenant, also called the New Testament, which we call by its Hebrew name, haBrit haChadashah. The Catholic Bible, called the Jerusalem Bible, contains a few other books which we would not consider as authoritative, however can be considered beneficial for their history, such as the books of the Macabbees from which we get the history of the Macabbean period and revolt, commemorated at Chanukah.
* The word "law" among orthodox Jews can also refer to the entire body of Jewish law, such as the Mishna (written version of the oral law, which were additions to and explanations of the Torah), Tosafot (another supplementary version with commentaries on the oral law), the gemara (an addition to the Mishna), the Midrash (rabbinic interpretation of the Torah), the Talmud (studies on the Mishna), and rabbinic law (fences to prevent us from breaking the Torah), all of which are considered as binding on Jews worldwide. At Beth T'filah, we do not consider these extra-biblical writings to be authoritative, although they can be beneficial for study and consideration. Some of the New Covenant writings which appear to be negative toward the Torah should be understood according to this definition. Other times the word "law", for example in Hebrews, can be referring to the sacrificial system and Levitical priesthood, which have been fulfilled through Yeshua's atonement and priesthood. We consider the entire Tanach to be relevant for our lives in terms of enriching our understanding of G-d and His eternal character and nature, and for deriving principles to guide our lives.
The New Covenant Scriptures were written by Jewish men about the coming of the Jewish Messiah and His impact in our lives. The first 4 books are called the Gospels or Good News, and contain the story of Yeshua's life on earth, His death, burial, and resurrection. The next book, called the book of Acts, contains history of the life of those who believed in Him and carried His message wherever they went. Following are many letters written by Rav Shaul (Paul), Kefa (Peter), Ya'akov (James), and Yochanan (John) to congregations or individual believers, from which we learn the viewpoint and way of life of the earliest believers in Yeshua. At the end of the whole Bible is a book of Revelation which contains many visions of things in heaven and the future, things which have been taught throughout the rest of the Bible, but are here given with great clarity. At the time the New Covenant was written, the only Scriptures Yeshua and His followers had available was the Tanach, and then only hand-written copies. It was the work of scribes to meticulously copy the scriptures with no mistakes. There were no chapter divisions until the 13th-15th century, and the verses until the 15th century. The Torah scrolls were only found in synagogues, unless a serious student had his own copy. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 17:18-20, Joshua 8:32-35 , Jeremiah 36 , Luke 4:16 --21, Acts 15:21 , 2 Timothy 4:13 . What did Maimonides say about the Bible? In his 13 principles, as expressed in the Artscroll siddur, Maimonides said this:
6. G-d communicates with man.
7. Moses' prophecy is unique.
8. The entire Torah is G-d-given.
9. The Torah is unchangeable.
We at Beth T'filah agree with these principles.
G-d created the world by His word. His word is alive and powerful, like a fire and a hammer. The words of the Bible carry special power and anointing to bring resurrection life and power to our spirits. Get a Bible you can underline in and mark up, so when G-d speaks to you and a particular verse impacts you, you can underline it and find it later. Keep a notebook and pen near your Bible to take notes on what G-d tells you. He will speak to you more when He sees you are taking notes! Spend time each day listening to G-d through His Word. Always begin in prayer, asking His Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit) to enlighten the Word to your understanding, and let Him guide you through exciting study adventures, revelations of His Spirit to you. "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your Torah."
It can help to be systematic. If you read 3 chapters per day, you will cover the entire Bible in one year.
There are a variety of translations of the Bible. Use a version understandable to you. Modern English versions we recommend include New American Standard, New International Version, the Complete Jewish Bible, and the New King James Version. The Bible is made up of 66 books, 39 in the Tanach and 27 in the Brit haChadashah. It covers a history spanning over 4000 years, in locations from Italy to Iraq, and was written by many different authors, and yet there is amazing and supernatural agreement in its message. If a translation has been made by one person without a committee to consult with, it is generally considered less accurate than a scholarly group effort. In some cases translators have started new spin-off religions due to unorthodox methods of translation. The Septuagint, translated from Hebrew (and Aramaic) into Greek before Yeshua's birth, was translated by a group of about 70 scholars and is the Tanach commonly quoted by the writers of the Brit haChadashah. Between the 7th and 10th centuries of the common era at Tiberias the vowel points and system of accents were added by the Masorites.
Occasionally we find what seem to be small mistakes in the grammar or writing of the Hebrew text, however these are extremely small and do not change the impact of what the passage is saying. Some of the meaning of ancient Hebrew words has been lost, or portions of ancient manuscripts are missing, so there may be a variety of translations for the same passage, however these again are rare, and do not in any way change the essential message of the Scripture. The first three of the books in the Brit haChadashah occasionally have small differences in their telling of the same story, none of which change the fundamental meaning. Gleason Archer has published a book called Understanding Bible Difficulties, which deals with apparent contradictions in the text. We highly recommend this book for your reference library.
The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is another study tool we would not be without. Through this book you can study any subject found in the Bible, track down the original Hebrew or Greek words, and compare scripture with scripture. It is a great way to overcome specific problem areas in your life. He has listed every scripture reference where each word is used. For example, to study the word Shabbat, you would look up Sabbath (the word used in the King James Version) and there you find something like 120 verses on the subject!
Bible encyclopedias, a dictionary, student notes in your Bible, commentaries, and other reference books can help you to learn more and understand more of what you are reading. Devotional books usually take a small passage of scripture and add the author's insights. But without any of these things, the Bible itself is powerful enough to speak to you; you just have to dig in!
At Beth T'filah we often seek to use Hebrew terminologies and pronunciations in our Bible teaching. These translations are meant to restore our study to its original Judaic/Hebrew context, and sometimes bring out deeper meanings which have been lost in the English translation. We do not consider these original Hebrew pronunciations as essential or holier than their modern English pronunciations.
Believers in the Bible, both Jewish and Christian, have willingly spilled their blood defending it. The Scriptures have not been altered, based on historic evidence. Many manuscripts of early copies of the Bible were discovered through the years, and were found to match the text we have now. Here are some of these famous manuscripts:
1. The Sinaitic - It was written in the middle of the fourth century. it contains the whole of the New Testament and a large part of the Old Testament. It is now kept in the British Museum.
2. The Alexandrian - It was written in the early fifth century. It contains the whole Bible, except a few pages that have been lost. It is also kept in the British Museum.
3. The Vatican - It was written in the early fourth century, about 300 years before Islam. It contains the whole Bible. It is now kept in the Vatican Library at Rome.
These and other manuscripts such as Codex Ephraemi and the Dead Sea Scrolls (papyrus texts written 200 years b.c.e., which contain the oldest known manuscripts of the Tanach) and the thousands of other copies or parts of copies of the early Bibles, demonstrate that the Bible has not been altered or corrupted. The Quran and other books cannot make this claim. Many stories of the Bible that have been recorded in the Quran or Book of Mormon were misquoted and are contradictory to the Bible.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
1. The Tanach (Old Covenant - law, prophets, writings) is the inspired Word of G-d. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 31:24-26, Isaiah 8:16-20 , Luke 24:25-48 , Acts 24:14-16 , 1 Corinthians 10:11 , 2 Timothy 3:14-17 , Hebrews 4:12
2. The Brit haChadashah (New Covenant) is the inspired Word of G-d. Isaiah 29:18-19 , 24, Hebrews 1:1-4 , Luke 21:33 , 1 Thessalonians 2:13 ; Revelation 1:3 , 19, 22:18-20
3. Both together make up the inspired Word of G-d. Luke 16:16-17 , John 1:16-18 , Acts 28:23-31 ,
2 Kefa (Peter) 1:19-21, 3:15-16
4. Any seeming contradictions found in the Bible can be resolved through careful study, comparison with other scriptures, looking at the original languages, and acceptance of the human element in remembering events or copying the text. Tehilim (Psalms) 19:7, Proverbs 28:4-5 , 9, 29:18, Matthew 4:6-7 , Matthew 22:29 (Refer to Gleason Archer's book, Understanding Bible Difficulties.)
5. The Bible makes sense for our lives today. Yochanan (John) 6:63, 68, 8:31-32, Romans 15:4
6. We need to spend time daily in the Scriptures. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 17:18-20, Joshua 1:7-9 , Psalm 1 , Psalm 119:97 , 147, 148, 164
7. The Scriptures are our daily bread for the survival of our spiritual life. 2 Chronicles 15:12-15 , Matthew 4:3-4 , D'varim (Deuteronomy) 8:3, Yochanan (John) 20:31
8. G-d has revealed Himself to us through the Bible. Psalm 40:7-10 , Micah 4:1-2 , Yochanan (John) 8:26, 47, Romans 1:1-5 , 3:1-2, 16:25-27, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
9. Any seeming contradictions between science and the Bible will be resolved as more complete information is obtained, and in the end, the Bible will prove to be true in every case. B'reshit (Genesis) 41:38-40, 1 Kings 4:29-34 , 2 Chronicles 9 , Psalm 119:104 , 128, Daniel 1:3-4 , 17-20, Romans 1:18-32 , 2 Corinthians 10:5 , 1 Timothy 4:7-8 , 6:20-21
10. The Bible's truth will never be done away with. Psalm 119:89 , 152, 160, Luke 16:17 , 21:33
11. Extra-biblical spiritual books such as the Book of Mormon, the Quran, the apocraphal books, books of Hindu tradition, etc. are not the anointed words of G-d, and in some cases contain demonic inspiration which is harmful to our spirits. Sh'mot (Exodus) 23:33, 34:12-17, D'varim (Deuteronomy) 7:25-26, 12:30-32, 2 Kefa (Peter) 2:1-2
12. Books with false spiritual teaching, such as books on witchcraft, spiritism, reincarnation, transcendental meditation, etc. which were part of our lives before salvation, need to be destroyed when we come to the L-rd. Joshua 7:11-13 , 2 Kings 18:1-8 , Acts 19:18-20
13. If a scripture is given to me to correct an area of my life, I need to pray seriously, determine whether the Holy Spirit is indeed speaking to me and this scripture is being applied to me truthfully, repent of any sin, and be grateful for the correction. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 8:5-6, Ya'akov (James) 1:21-25
14. Decisions and policies of Beth T'filah need to be made according to biblical principles and the revealed character of G-d. D'varim 1:15-18, 16:18-20, Acts 1:20 , 15:13-17, 1 Corinthians 7:10 ,19, 23
15. I cannot rely solely on what I learn from the Bible in services, but also need to study the Scriptures on my own. Psalm 199:99 , John 5:39 , 13:16, Yochanan (John) 14:15-17, 21, 23-26, Acts 17:2-13 , 18:24-28, 2 Timothy 2:15
16. Memorizing scripture will help me in times of trouble and temptation. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 4:9-13, 6:6-7, Psalm 119:11 , Isaiah 26:3-4 , Malachi 4:4
17. The Holy Scriptures, comprised of the Tanach (Old Covenant) and the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant) is the complete, verbal, plenary, Word of G-d--without error. Psalm 119:100 , Proverbs 30:5-6 , Matthew 5:17-20 , 2 Kefa (Peter) 1:20-21
18. The Bible is the foundation for my faith and life. Psalm 19:7-14 , Ephesians 6:17
19. The New Covenant "regeneration" experience implies that G-d writes His laws on our hearts so that we are enabled by His grace to walk in obedience to His Word. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 29:29, 30:6-14, Jeremiah 31:31-34 , Ezekiel 36:25-27 , Yochanan (John) 1:17, Ya'akov (James 2:14-26 )
20. The great revivals of the Bible were characterized by restoration to the Word of G-d. 2 Kings 22:1-23:28 , 2 Chronicles 14:1-5 , 2 Chronicles 17:1-9 , 31:1-4, 34:14-33, Nehemiah 8:1-9:3 , Acts 2 ff
We believe that: The Holy Scriptures, comprised of the Tanach (Old Covenant) and the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant) is the complete, verbal, plenary, Word of G-d--without error. GETTING INTO THE WORD
1. Is it likely we will always understand everything we read in the Word? 2 Kefa (Peter) 3:15-16
2. Take heart! Those closest to Yeshua had their difficulties with the Word. When Yeshua predicted His own suffering and betrayal, what was His disciples' response? Luke 9:44-45
3. If some passages of Scripture are difficult for us to understand, then who will guide us? Yochanan (John) 16:13, Psalm 119:18
4. Can we trust G-d's Word (Scripture)? Titus 1:2 , 2 Timothy 3:16 _______________________
5. Will G-d's Word change? Hebrews 6:17-18 , 13:8 ________________________________
6. Infants and children need milk in order to grow. What does the Word tell us that young believers need? Why? 1 Kefa (Peter) 2:2-3
7. D'varim (Deuteronomy) 8:3 says, "Man does not live on _______________ alone but by every ______________ that comes from the mouth of the L-rd." 8. Getting into G-d's Word has many benefits. What are four ways it will benefit me?
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
9. What is the purpose of G-d's Word in our lives? 2 Timothy 3:17
10. What will the Word of G-d do for me? Tehilim (Psalms) 19:7-8
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________
11. The following verses contain one common thought concerning the Word. What is it?
Tehilim (Psalm) 119:105, 130; Mishlei (Proverbs) 6:23; 2 Kefa (Peter) 1:19
12. HaSatan (Satan) does not want us to get into the Word. If he has his way, he can keep us from growing. What are some of the things that might keep us from getting into G-d's Word? Yohanan (John) 3:19-21
13. The following verses mention four reasons the Word was given us. What are they?
1. Yohanan (John) 20:31 ________________________________________________________
2. Romans 15:4 _______________________________________________________________
3. 1 Corinthians 10:11 __________________________________________________________
4. 1 Yohanan (John) 5:13 ________________________________________________________
14. The Word was so important to the nation of Israel that G-d told His people to teach this Word to whom? D'varim (Deuteronomy) 4:10, 6:6-7, 11:19
How often were they to do this? (implied)
15. Do we have the right to add or take away anything from the Word of G-d? ______________
D'varim (Deuteronomy) 4:2, 12:32, Revelation 22:18-19
16. What may ignorance of the Word cause us to do? Mattityahu (Matthew) 22:29
17. A good way to keep from sinning is to _____________________________________________ Tehilim (Psalms) 119:11
LET'S SEE WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED (true or false)
1. ____________ We will always fully understand the Word.
2. ____________ G-d will help us understand the Word by His Spirit.
3. ____________ G-d can lie if He wants to.
4. ____________ The Word of G-d will bring us out of darkness.
5. ____________ We need to teach the Word to our children.
6. ____________ Memorizing the Word is of very little benefit.
MY COMMITMENT
Desiring to be a growing believer, by G-d's help I will (check each line)
________ Get into G-d's Word daily.
________ Teach my children the Word of G-d.
________ Learn more of G-d's Word from other believers.
________ Share the Word of G-d with my family.
________ Share the Word of G-d with my friends.
________ Share the Word of G-d with my neighbors.
________ Be a blessing to others.
THE BIBLE IS OUR AUTHORITY
Extra sources:
God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Stories like The Queen's Smuggler by Dave and Netta Jackson, about William Tyndale, who in 1526 published his English translation of the New Testament and began work on the Old Testament, and then was martyred in 1536 for translating and distributing his Bible; Martin Luthor, who, in spite of gross anti-semitism, believed lay people should be able to read the Bible themselves and while fleeing for his life translated the Bible from Latin into German; John Wycliffe who translated the Bible into English for the first time in 1384; and Johannes Gutenberg who produced the first printed Bible in 1456.
The Gideons International, 2900 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214
100% of people's contributions go to paying for Bibles. They have distributed over 1 billion scriptures. There are chapters in over 175 countries. During a recent distribution in Colombia 70,000 people made decisions to follow Messiah. Within the US they distribute to prisons, military recruits, hospitals, doctors' offices, hotel rooms, schools. www.gideons.org
American Bible Society. They have a Hebrew/English version of the entire Bible. www.americanbible.org
Wycliffe Bible Translators - Their goal is to translate the Bible into every language. www.wycliffe.org
Understanding Bible Difficulties by Gleason Archer
www.comereason.org, www.carm.org, www.str.org/free/solid_ground/sg0303.htm
International Bible Society, www.ibs.org
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
Wordsearch 5 (Thompson Chain Reference Bible) software
Libronics Bible software
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