Messianic Hebrews MESSIANIC HEBREW INTRODUCTION

MESSIANIC HEBREW INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS AND DEFINITIONS

YAHUAH: GOD, The Creator of ALL.

Yahushua: The only begotten Son of YAHUAH.

Yahmenachem: YAHUAH’S comforter/ Holy Spirit’s, The Ruach HaKodesh.

Beit: means house or house of.

Beit Abraham: House of Abraham, we call this place Beit Abraham, not because we worship Abraham rather because Abraham was the first Hebrew.

Hebrew: A people “ivri” descended of Abraham, either by birth or by becoming a true Believer. Hebrew: Ivrit is Hebrew as in Hebrew language.

Hebrew: “ivri” A Hebrew person.

Jerusalem: Yahrushalayim.

Rabbin: one person, minister, teacher, church leader.

Rabban: two or more ministers, teachers, or church leaders.

Messianic Hebrews = Mashakhim Ivrim

Hebrew and Jews are not synonymous.  Jews are from the tribe of Judah.  Jews as we know today are from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and some of the Levi, and maybe a very few from the other tribes.  The Hebrews are descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin and a number of people from other parts of the world.  Therefore all Jews are Hebrew but not all Hebrews are Jews.

Books of the Messianic Hebrews Holy Bible, no longer in print, though we are working on getting it back in print.

“Torah”: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

“Instructions” Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts,

“Prophets”; Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Revelation of John.

“Writings”; Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Songs of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles, Hebrews, Romans, Corinthians I & II, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians I & II, Philemon, Timothy I & II, Titus, James, Peter I & II, John I & II & III, Jude, Enoch. Jasher, Jubilees, The Maccabees.

Proper greeting or goodbye for Sabbath = Shabbat Shalom

We, Messianic Hebrews, accept The Messiah and the so-called New Testament in such a way that we do not cease to observe the Law /Commandments given in the Torah.

 

 

Doctrine

The Messianic Hebrew Doctrine

The Messianic Hebrews accept the Holy Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Meshichim Ivrim (Messianic Hebrew) Pentateuch. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church’s understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements can be expected at a General Conference session with the High Chief and High Counsel when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Biblical truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of the Word of YAHUAH.

  1. Holy Scriptures:

The Holy Scriptures, the Former and Later Testaments, are the written Word of Yahuah and Yahushua, given by divine inspiration through holy men of Yahuah who spoke and wrote as they were moved by Yahmenachem (the Holy Spirit). In this Word, Yahuah has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Pentateuch is the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of Yahuah and YAHUAH’S acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)

  1. Father: 

Yahuah the eternal Father, is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in Yahushua, the Son, and Yahmenachem, the Holy Spirit, are also revelations of the Father, Yahuah. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)

  1. Son: 

Yahushua the eternal Son of Yahuah, being born on Tishri 15, circumcised and named on Tishri 23. Through Him all things were created, the character of Yahuah is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished. Yahushua became truly man when He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the young woman, a virgin, Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, proving to all believers that we can live the lifestyle he prescribed for us to live. By the miracles He performed, manifested the power of Yahuah and was attested as YAHUAH’S promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross as our Passover lamb, was raised from the dead, and ascended to intercede in the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:1-3.)

  1. Holy Spirit: 

Yahmenachem (the Holy Spirit) inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Yahushua’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings, and those who respond, He renews and transforms into the image of Yahuah. Sent by Yahuah, the Father and Yahushua, the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Yahushua, and in harmony with the Scriptures which leads us into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)

  1. Creation: 

Yahuah is Creator of all things, and has revealed in the Torah the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days Yahuah made “the heaven and the earth” and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first men and women were created in the image of Elohim as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished, it was “very good,” declaring the glory of Yahuah. After some time, Yahuah decided He wanted a man to till the ground, and as of that time, all of mankind were monadic beings, hunters and gatherers. Yahuah formed a man out of the dust of the ground, and that man is known as Adam. Adam was the first man to till the ground. Unto Adam there was no acceptable mate, therefore Yahuah caused a sleep to come on Adam and Yahuah took a side of the man and made the woman known as Eve. This side was not the man’s right side, left side, back side or front side top side or bottom side rather Adams’ feminine side. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)

  1. Nature of Man: 

Men and women are made in the image of YAHUAH with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to create. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon YAHUAH for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed YAHUAH, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under YAHUAH. The image of YAHUAH in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But Yahuah in Yahushua reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of YAHUAH, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)

  1. Great Controversy: 

All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between YAHUAH and Lucifer regarding the character of Yahuah, His law/commandments, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Lucifer, Yahuwah’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of Yahuah in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which Yahuah an Elohim of love, will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Yahushua sends Yahmenachem (the Holy Spirit) and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)

  1. Life, Death, and Resurrection of Yahushua:

In Yahusha’s life of perfect obedience to the will of Yahuah, His suffering, death, and resurrection, Yahuah provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of Yahuah the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the Holiness of the law of Yahuah and the graciousness of His character, for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Yahushua is our Passover Lamb whose blood will cover our sins when we stand before Yahuah to be judged, and provided we have accepted Yahushua as our savior and obeyed His commandments the very best as we possibly can, and eternal death will pass over us. The resurrection of Yahushua proclaims the triumph of Yahuah over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement, assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares Yahushua the Messiah, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)

  1. Experience of Salvation: 

In infinite love and mercy, Yahuah made Yahushua, who knew no sin, so that through Him we might be made the Holiness of Yahuah. Led by the Holy Spirit, we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Yahushua Hamashiach, as an Example. This faith, which receives salvation, comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of the grace of Yahuah. Through Yahushua Hamashiach, we are justified, adopted as the sons and daughters of Yahuwah, and delivered from sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes the law of Yahuwah in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a Holy life. Abiding in Yahushua Hamashiach, we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation at the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)

  1. Growing in The Messiah:

By His death on the cross, Yahushua Hamashiach triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Yahushua Hamashiach’s victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Yahushua Hamashiach as our Savior, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and the meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Yahushua, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Messianic Hebrews. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)

  1. Church: 

The church is the community of believers who confess Yahushua Hamashiach as King and Savior. In continuity with the people of Yahuwah in the Former Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Sabbaths, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the Word. The church derives its authority from Yahushua Hamashiach, who is the Word in the flesh, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is the family of Yahuwah; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the covenant. The church is the body of Yahushua, a community of faith of which Yahushua Hamashiach Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Yahushua died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)

  1. Remnant and Its Mission: 

The Messianic Hebrews is composed of all who truly believe in Yahushua Hamashiach, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of Yahuwah and the faith in Yahushua Hamashiach. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Yahushua Hamashiach, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)

  1. Unity in the Body of The Messiah:

The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Yahushua Hamashiach, we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Yahushua Hamashiach, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Yahushua Hamashiach in the Scriptures, we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of Yahuah, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)

  1. Baptism:

By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Yahushua Hamashiach, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus, we acknowledge Yahushua as King and Savior, become His people, the seed of Abraham, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Yahushua, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in living water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Yahushua and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows the instructions in the Holy Bible and the acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)

  1. Yom Zikhronot (Day of Remembrance):

Yom Zikhronot or The Day of Remembrance is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Yahushua as an expression of faith in Him, our King and Saviour. In this experience of communion, Yahushua is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim Yahushua will come again. Preparation for Yom Zikhronot includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. Yahushua ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another with the same humility which our King Yahushua did, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all women and to all circumcised men followers. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)

  1. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:

Yahuwah bestows upon all of His children in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, speaking in tongues, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of Yahuwah and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries, particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of Yahuwah. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of Yahuwah’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from Yahuwah, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)

  1. Law of YAHUAH: 

The great principles of the law of Yahuwah are embodied in the two Great Commandments and further expounded upon in the Ten Commandments and then expanded for better understanding for His followers in the 619 Commandments and further exemplified in the life of Yahushua. They express the love, will, and purposes of Yahuwah concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of the covenant of Yahuwah with His people and the standard in the judgment of Yahuwah. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Savior. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops the true follower’s character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for Yahushua and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Yahushua to transform lives and, therefore, strengthens the true follower’s witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)

  1. Sabbath:

The Creator, Yahuwah, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth of the Ten Commandments of Yahuwah’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Yahushua, the King of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with Yahuwah and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Yahusha, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in the kingdom of Yahuwah. The Sabbath is a perpetual sign of Yahuah and His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of Yahuah’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)

  1. Stewardship:

We are the stewards of Yahuah, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge the ownership of Yahuah by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by YAHUAH for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)

  1. Messianic Hebrew Behavior: 

We are called to be a holy people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of Yahuah. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our King we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Messiah like purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Yahusha’s taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those who’s true beauty doesn’t consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Yahusha, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)

  1. Marriage and the Family:

What is commonly referred to as Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Yahushua to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Messianic Hebrew, a marriage commitment is to YAHUAH as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between YAHUAH and His church. Regarding divorce, YAHUAH does not recognize divorce, so neither do the Messianic Hebrews. Any man who divorces his woman, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. The man or woman who commits adultery and remarries another commits adultery. If a man divorces his woman because of her adultery and she remarries, she continues. to commit adultery. If a man takes another woman to be his wife and she was single at the time, either never married or a widow, then he is not guilty of adultery; he simply has at least two wives. However, should a man marry or remarry a woman who has a man or is divorced, he too commits adultery.  Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Yahushua may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. Regarding polygamy, neither YAHUAH nor Yahushua condemns a man from having more than one wife at the same time; therefore, the Messianic Hebrews do not condemn it either. Although we do not recommend it, we do accept a man having more than one wife. At the same time the Messianic Hebrews do not accept nor condone a woman having more than one husband. YAHUAH blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Yahuwah and Yahushua. By their example and their words, they are to teach them that Yahushua is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of Yahuwah. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)

  1. Second Coming of Yahushua:

The second coming of Yahushua is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, first and then with the righteous living will be glorified and taken unto Him, but the unrighteous will die the first death. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Yahushua’s coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)

  1. Death and Resurrection:

The wages of sin is death. However, Yahuwah, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day, death is an unconscious state for all people. When Yahusha, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their King. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)

  1. Millennium and the End of Sin:

The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Yahushua with His saints on this earth between the first and second resurrections. During this time, those who have never heard the word of Yahuwah will live again and get their one chance to make a choice. After this will come the short season when Satan and his followers will be loosed and shall gather together to do battle against Yahushua a battle called Armageddon. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)

  1. New Earth: 

On the new earth, in which Holiness dwells, Yahuwah will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here Yahuwah Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that Yahuwah is love; and He shall reign forever. Amein. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)

ARTICLES OF FAITH, NOVEMBER 8, 1987

ARTICLES OF FAITH

The Messianic Hebrews Faith and Message Adopted by the Messianic Hebrews Organization, NOVEMBER 8, 1987

  1. The Scriptures The Messianic Hebrews Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is YAHUAH’S revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has YAHUAH for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which YAHUAH judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Believer’s union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to the Messiah, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

  1. YAHUAH There is one and only one living and true GOD. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. YAHUAH is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. YAHUAH is all-powerful and all-knowing, and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune YAHUAH reveals Himself to us as YAHUAH/ Father, Yahushua/ Son, and Yahmenachem/ Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
  2. YAHUAH the Father YAHUAH as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-wise. YAHUAH is Father in truth to those who become children of YAHUAH through faith in Yahushua Hamashiach. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

  1. YAHUAH the Messiah is the eternal Son of YAHUAH. In His incarnation as Yahushua Hamashiach, He was conceived of the Holy

Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Yahushua perfectly revealed and did the will of YAHUAH, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of YAHUAH, where He is the One Mediator, fully YAHUAH, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between YAHUAH and man. Yahushua will return in power and glory to redeem His followers of this world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever-present Lord.

Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1

Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7- 9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.

  1. YAHUAH the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of YAHUAH, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination, He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Yahushua. He convicts men of sin, of Holiness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Yahushua. He cultivates Believers’ character, comforts Believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve YAHUAH through His church. He will seal the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Believers is the guarantee that YAHUAH will bring the believer into

the fullness of the stature of Yahushua. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship services.

Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10;

22:17.

III. Man: Man is the special creation of YAHUAH, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of YAHUAH’s creation. In the beginning, man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against YAHUAH and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Lucifer man transgressed the command of YAHUAH, and fell from his original innocence, whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of YAHUAH can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of YAHUAH. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that YAHUAH created man in His own image, and in that Yahuashua died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Believer’s love.

Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.

  1. Salvation: Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Yahushua Hamashiach as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Yahushua Hamashiach as Lord.
  2. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of YAHUAH’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Yahushua. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward YAHUAH and faith in Yahushua Hamashiach. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward YAHUAH. Faith is the acceptance of Yahushua Hamashiach and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
  3. Justification is YAHUAH’S gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His Holiness of all sinners who repent and believe in Yahushua. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with YAHUAH.
  4. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to YAHUAH’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy

Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.

  1. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29- 39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.

V YAHUAH’s Purpose of Grace Election is the gracious purpose of YAHUAH, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of YAHUAH’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom YAHUAH has accepted in Yahushua, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Yahushua and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of YAHUAH through faith unto salvation.

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9- 10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.

  1. The Church: A church of Yahushua Hamashiach is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Yahushua, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Leadership of Yahushua Hamashiach through democratic processes. In such a congregation, each member is responsible and accountable to Yahushua as Lord. Its scriptural officers are Rabbin, Elder, and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of Rabbin is limited to men as qualified by Scripture. The Scripture also speaks of the church as the Body of Yahushua, which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.

Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.

VII. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper Believer’s baptism is the immersion of a believer in living water in the name of YAHUAH/ the Father, Yahushua/ the Son, and Yahmenachem/ Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit). It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Yahushua. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Yahushua’s Supper. The Yahushua’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and Wine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.

VIII. The Sabbath the seventh Day, the last day of the week, is the Sabbath. It is a Believer’s institution for regular observance. It is the keeping and remembrance of YAHUAH’S Commandment  and should include rest, study of Yahuah’s Word and worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Sabbath should be commensurate with the Believer’s conscience under the Leadership of Yahushua Hamashiach.

Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.

  1. The Kingdom: The Kingdom of YAHUAH includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Yahushua Hamashiach. Yahushua’ss ought to pray and to labor that the

ARTICLES OF FAITH, NOVEMBER 8, 2015 PAGE 4

Kingdom may come and YAHUAH’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of

Yahushua Hamashiach and the end of this age.

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-

15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1

Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15;

21-22.

  1. Last Things YAHUAH, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His

promise, Yahushua Hamashiach will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Yahushua will judge all men in Holiness.

The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27- 28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

  1. Evangelism and Missions It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Yahushua and of every church of the Lord Yahushua Hamashiach to endeavor to make disciples of all nations/ people. The new birth of man’s spirit by YAHUAH’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Yahushua. The Lord Yahushua Hamashiach has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of YAHUAH to seek constantly to win the lost to Yahushua by verbal witness undergirded by a Yahushua’s lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Yahushua. Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

XII. Education Yahushua’sity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Yahushua Hamashiach abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Yahushua’s heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Yahushua is ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Yahushua’s education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Yahushua’s people. In Yahushua’s education, there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Yahushua’s school, college, or seminary is limited by the preeminence of Yahushua Hamashiach, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists. Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

XIII. Stewardship YAHUAH is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Yahushua has a spiritual debtor ship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of YAHUAH and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Yahushua should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth. Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

XIV. Cooperation Yahushua’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of YAHUAH. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of Later Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Yahushua’s Kingdom. Yahushua’s unity in the Later Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Yahushua’s people. Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.

  1. Yahushua and the Social Order All Yahushua’s Believers are under an obligation to seek to make the will of Yahushua supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of Holiness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of YAHUAH in Yahushua Hamashiach. In the spirit of Yahushua, Yahushua should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography, we should oppose these things but not to the point where we try to FORCE our will on others. We should work to provide for the widows, orphans, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Believer should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of Holiness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Believers should be ready to work with all men of goodwill in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Yahushua and His truth. Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.

XVI. Peace and War It is the duty of Yahushua’s Believers to seek peace with all men on principles of Holiness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Yahushua, they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Yahushua’s people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.

XVII. Religious Liberty YAHUAH alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of YAHUAH, it is the duty of Yahushua’s Believes to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of YAHUAH. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Yahushua on templates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is Yahushua’s ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to YAHUAH on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power. Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

XVIII. The Family YAHUAH has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by Oath, what we call marriage, blood, or adoption. Marriage is the uniting of one man and at least one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is YAHUAH’s unique gift to reveal the union between Yahushua and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race. The man and wife/wives are of equal worth before YAHUAH, since both are created in YAHUAH’S image. The marriage relationship models the way YAHUAH relates to His people. A husband is to love his woman as Yahushua loved the church. He has the YAHUAH-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A woman is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her man even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Yahushua. She, being in the image of YAHUAH as is her man and thus equal to him, has YAHUAH-given responsibility to respect her man and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from YAHUAH. Parents are to demonstrate to their children YAHUAH’S pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.

XIX Tribes: The Hebrew Tribes are, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin.

The Tribe of Joseph is divided into two half tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim.

The Qualifications and Responsibilities of Messianic Hebrew Officials.

The Qualifications and Responsibilities of the High Chief, High Chief in waiting, Rabban, Chiefs, Elders, and Deacons.

The High Chief and High Chief in waiting:

The Qualifications of the High Chief and High Chief in waiting are that they must have not less than one woman (Married), be knowledgeable of YAHUAH’S LAW and the Messianic Hebrew Holy Bible. Both the High Chief and High Chief in waiting are appointed (elected) by the twelve Chiefs for life.

Council of Chiefs Elders: These Chiefs must have not less than one woman (Married). They must have a good understanding of YAHUAH’S LAW and the Messianic Hebrew Holy Bible. Each Chief shall represent one of the twelve tribes of the Hebrews, which are: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin.

Rabbin. Rabban plural:

There is not a lot of difference between a Rabbi and a Rabbin. The biggest difference is:

The word rabbi means “my master” in Hebrew.

And Rabbin means “Teacher”. In Biblical terms, that makes a huge difference. According to the Bible we are not to call any man “Master” because we have only one Master and that is YAHUAH (YAHUAH).

A Rabbin serves as a spiritual leader, educator, and community guide within the Hebrew tradition, playing a multifaceted role that encompasses various aspects of religious and communal life. Grounded in extensive study and interpretation of Greek and Hebrew texts, a Rabbin provides spiritual guidance to individuals and the community, offering counsel on matters ranging from ethical dilemmas to personal and family issues. Rabban lead religious services, officiate at lifecycle events like weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and funerals, and often deliver sermons that connect ancient teachings to modern contexts. They play a pivotal role in education, teaching the Bible and other Hebrew subjects to both children and adults, often overseeing religious schools and adult education programs. Beyond their religious duties, Rabban frequently engage in community-building activities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among congregants. They may also serve as liaisons between the Hebrew community and broader society, advocating for social justice, representing Hebrew interests in interfaith dialogues, and providing a voice on issues that affect the Hebrew community. In essence, a Rabbin is a custodian of tradition, a moral beacon, and a compassionate leader dedicated to the spiritual and communal well-being of those they serve. The role requires a profound commitment to Hebrew law and ethics, combined with a deep sense of empathy and leadership, making the Rabbin an essential figure in sustaining and nurturing Hebrew life and values.

The Bible teaches that there are two additional offices in the local synagogue/ church: elders and deacons.

Elder is an office of oversight:

They talk directly to the Rabban about synagogue and church matters.

Deacon is an office of service:

Together, they provide the leadership and ministry that is vital to the health of the local church.

  1. The Institution of the Offices of the Church:
  2. In the beginning, leadership in the church was provided exclusively by the Apostles (Acts 2:42; Acts 4:35).
  3. When the number of Believers began multiplying, the Apostles ordered the institution of other servants (deacons) to help in fulfilling direct ministry to the people (Acts 6:1-6).
  4. The first mention of elders in the local church is at Yerushalayim/ Jerusalem, where they received relief sent from believers in Antioch (Acts 11:30). Elders were also ordained in all the local churches started by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 14:23). Their role of providing primary oversight to the local church emerged in Acts 15 where they participated with the Apostles in making major decisions (Acts 15:2,4,6,22,23; 16:4).
  5. The oversight of the local church was turned over completely to the elders when the Apostles were no longer going to be available, as illustrated by Paul with the Elders in Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38).
  6. Meanwhile, at least one of the first seven deacons became an evangelist and performed great wonders among the people, illustrating that deacons had more to do than wait on tables (Acts 6:8).
  7. Chief Elders and deacons are identified together in the church. Distinct qualifications are listed for Chief Elders and deacons, indicating a distinction in office, but a similarity in spiritual emphasis of responsibilities. Both are to be blameless, the man of not less than one woman, and rule their children well behaved; but the Chief Elders are to “take care of the church of YAHUAH” (I Timothy 3:5), while the deacons in using their office “purchase to themselves a good degree,” [i.e. a step or grade of influence] (I Timothy 3:13). The elders are recognized as the ones who are primarily responsible for the welfare of the church. Deacons are recognized as having ministry responsibilities similar to some of those given to elders, only on a different level, as servants rather than overseers.
  8. The Selection of Men as Chief Elders and Deacons:

The selection of men for the offices of elder and deacon is one of the most significant factors in maintaining stability in the local church. Leadership has much to do with the way a church functions and the direction a church goes.

Many of the problems in today’s local churches can be traced to unqualified leaders. This unfortunate dilemma often results from having a constitution that requires a certain number of offices to be filled, whether or not qualified men are available. As a result, congregations elect available men to serve even though they do not qualify, and these men provide inadequate leadership, resulting in stressful situations in the church.

YAHUAH has outlined both the qualifications and responsibilities of elders and deacons in the Later Testament Scriptures. It is absolutely essential for every local church to carefully consider these matters in selecting those who serve in leadership roles.

The procedure we use at Beit Abraham Synagogue for selecting chief elders and deacons is as follows:

  1. At an Elder Board meeting several months before election time, we identify men whom we think might qualify for the offices of elder and deacon. Each current elder then considers these prospects and makes personal observations about them in light of the list of biblical qualifications. Also considered is whether or not they have been members of our local church for at least one year and how faithfully they attend all the services of our church.
  2. At a later meeting, having given prayerful consideration to each prospect, the Chief Elder Board agrees upon those who are believed to meet the qualifications. These men are then approached and asked if they are willing to consider serving in the respective offices.
  3. Two Chief Elders then make an appointment with each man being considered and interview him.
  4. Reports of the interviews are then shared with the entire Chief Elder Board, and a final decision is made as to who will be presented to the congregation.
  5. At the Annual Congregational meeting, those presented as candidates for elder are voted upon individually so that each man is approved on the merits of his qualification for office and not on the basis of how he compares with someone else. Each man who receives a vote of approval by the congregation (our constitution requires a two-thirds approval rating) then serves as an elder of the church for three years, after which he must be re-approved by the congregation.
  6. Men deemed qualified to serve as deacons are appointed by the Chief Elder Board.
  7. Qualifications for Elders and Deacons:

The Bible has established a very definite set of qualifications for men who would serve in the offices given to the church. The qualifications for elders are listed in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. It is necessary to combine these two passages for a complete list of qualifications for the office of elder. The qualifications for deacons are listed in I Timothy 3:8-13. It is necessary for men to meet all of the qualifications in order to serve in these offices.

These are not comparative qualifications. In other words, a man does not qualify to serve as an elder or deacon because he comes the closest to fulfilling the biblical requirements among the men available. These are absolute qualifications. A man either qualifies, or he does not. If none of the available men in a local church qualify, it is better to have no elders or deacons than to have unqualified men serve.

Elders (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9):

With Regard To Their Reputation:

  1. The word blameless means to be above reproach. It does not require that a person be absolutely sinless, but it does require two very important things. (1) In his daily walk with YAHUAH, a man must know how to deal with sin immediately and keep current in his confession of sins, maintaining a healthy fellowship with YAHUAH the Father, and not grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit. (2) He must never be guilty of serious sins after he accepts Yahushua as his Savior and has been baptized, which can cause embarrassment to Yahushua, His Church, or His work. No one must ever be able to point their finger at this man and say, “Look what he did. And he is an elder in the local church. Shame! Shame!” Blamelessness provides no opportunity for this to happen.
  2. Good report of them who are without. The man who provides leadership within the church must have a good reputation outside the church as well. This suggests that he obeys man’s law and YAHUAH’S LAW, gets along well with his neighbors, is polite to strangers, and conducts himself honestly in business. There must be no possibility that his behavior in the community at large might cause embarrassment to Yahushua and His Church.

With Regard To Their Experience

  1. Not a novice. The word novice refers to someone who is just starting out, a person newly planted in his faith like a seedling tree that is still in the nursery. While this characterizes the condition of new Believes, it may also be true of some who have been a Believer for a very long time but have never grown. The point being made by this qualification is that spiritual maturity is absolutely essential for providing leadership in the church. This maturity should not be measured simply by how long one has been a Believer, but by how far he has progressed in his Believer growth.

With Regard To Their Marriage

  1. A man of not less than one woman. An elder must set an example in his own marriage relationship as to what Yahushua meant when He said, “Man, love your women, even as Yahshua also loved the church….” (Ephesians 5:25). Yahshua has promised never to leave nor forsake the church, no matter what. An elder should be a living illustration of this truth in his relationship with his woman, loving her and remaining committed to her in the same way that Yahushua maintains his unconditional relationship with the church.

With Regard To Their Family Life

  1. Ruling well his own house. The Scripture explains the importance of this qualification in I Timothy 3:5: “If a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the House of YAHUAH?” The home is a proving ground for men who aspire to leadership in the church.

There, he learns how to deal with all kinds of situations similar to those he will encounter by working with people in the church. If he has managed his home well through such circumstances, he is a good prospect to provide oversight to the church. If he has failed at home, he will likely fail in the church.

  1. Having his children in subjection with all gravity. In managing his home well, a father will develop within his children the tendency to be obedient and respectful in their demeanor. By doing so, he provides evidence that he is able to be a positive influence on the lives of church members.
  2. Having faithful children not guilty of riot or unruly. A father cannot force his children to be saved. Therefore, this faithfulness refers not to salvation, but to a child’s response to what he has been taught by his father. If a child constantly resists his father’s instructions and is known for riotous and unruly behavior at home, at school, at church, and in the neighborhood, this is evidence that a man has not managed his home well and will do poorly in managing the lives of people in the church. On the other hand, if a man’s children are known to be obedient, respectful and faithful to what they have been taught at home wherever they go, this man is a good prospect for providing leadership in the church. [This qualification would appear not to pertain to children who are grown and no longer living at home.]

With Regard To Their Spiritual Qualities

  1. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught. This statement first of all implies that the man has been taught the Word of YAHUAH. He is familiar with the Scriptures and has learned them well. By holding them fast, he demonstrates by his life that he not only knows what the Bible says, but also has been able to apply its principles to his daily life. The effect of this relationship with the Word of YAHUAH enables him “by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the naysayers” (Titus 1:9). In other words, he knows the Bible and is skilled in using it.
  2. Vigilant. This word describes the ability to be cautious and watchful, guarding against trouble. This kind of man is not taken by surprise nor easily shaken in his leadership. He is well prepared to face difficult situations.
  3. Patient. This word describes the ability to be equitable, fair, and gentle with people. A patient man has carried the principle of Romans 12:18 to its furthest extreme, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
  4. Just. This word describes the consistent pursuit of holiness. This kind of man is meticulously concerned about knowing what YAHUAH has said to be right and about upholding that in his personal conduct and in his relationship with others.
  5. Holy. This word describes the condition of a man’s life who has cooperated with the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification. The characteristics of the old man have been put off and the characteristics of the new man have been put on. He lives a clean, moral, ethical life that truly glorifies YAHUAH.

With Regard To Their Personal Character

  1. Sober. This word describes the soundness of a man’s mind. A sober man is one who takes life seriously and is conscientious in all he does.
  2. Given to hospitality. Hospitality is the willingness to share one’s personal possessions with someone else who needs them. It is also the willingness to receive strangers and to be helpful to them. Being given to hospitality, a man demonstrates that he is not selfish or a respecter of persons. As he is hospitable toward the needy and strangers, he sets an example of benevolence before all the people of the church.
  3. Lover of good men. This is not suggesting a man be a respecter of persons, but that he exhibit proper values. If he demonstrates a tendency to respect those who are characterized by low morals or questionable behavior, he will provide poor direction for the church. On the other hand, if he demonstrates respect only for truly respectable people, he will lead the church toward excellent values.

With Regard To Their communication skills

  1. Apt to teach. Not all Chief Elders will be teaching Chief Elders. I Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.” By specifying “especially they who labor in the word”, there is a clear indication that not all Chief Elders will labor in the word. But all Chief Elders should be ready and able to share with others the things they know about the Word. Some may be able to do this with a group of people, while others may only be able to do this one-on-one.
  2. Able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the naysayers. A naysayer is one who speaks against the truth and offers objections to what the Word of YAHUAH teaches. To qualify to be an Elder, a man must demonstrate that his faith is unshakeable because he is able to support what he believes from the Scriptures. He will not be carried away because he is capable of defending sound doctrine against those who would contradict it.

With Regard To Their Financial Integrity

  1. Not greedy of filthy lucre. This describes a man who understands the purpose of money and uses it wisely. He is not in love with money nor in danger of doing questionable things in order to obtain it.
  2. Not covetous. This describes a man who is content with what he has. He has learned both how to be abased and how to abound. In whatsoever state he is, he has learned therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11-12). He is not constantly wishing he had something new, or different, or more that he presently has.

With Regard To Their Personal Discipline

  1. Temperate. This is not simply a man who has developed self control. This is the quality of control developed as a result of a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Lust and all of its companions (such as lasciviousness, wantonness, concupiscence, etc.) are held in check by the power of YAHUAH. Consequently, a temperate man is one who is not given to yielding to temptation.

  1. Of good behavior. This describes the qualities of modesty and respectability. A man of good behavior is one who is willing to do good things without being recognized for them. He does them simply because they are right.
  2. Not given to wine. This phrase, not given to wine, means that a man is not interested in alcoholic beverages to an extent that would affect his judgment and possibly lead to irresponsible behavior, causing embarrassment to Yahushua or his Church. Not given to wine does not mean a person totally abstains from the use of alcoholic beverages in any form.
  3. Not a striker. This describes a person who is not contentious. Argumentativeness would cast a shadow on the quality of a man who leads the church, especially the kind of argumentativeness that causes a man to lose control of his emotions. This does not mean one can not get mad about something. YAHUAH has never had use of a man who could not get mad/ angry. Even HIS Son Yahushua got angry/ mad.
  4. Not a brawler. This describes an unwillingness to get into a fight. It is characteristic of a reasonable, thoughtful man who seeks a more rational solution to difficult situations. However, he should be willing to fight should the need arise.
  5. Not self-willed. This describes a man who is not arrogant and does not insist on having his own way. He is instead able to accept the rejection of his own ideas and to listen respectfully to the ideas of others as he shares responsibility with them.
  6. Not soon angry. This describes a man who has a very long fuse and is not given to explosive reactions. Instead, he remains calm even in the midst of very stressful circumstances.

Deacons

(I Timothy 3:8-13)

With Regard To Their Reputation

  1. Blameless. Same as Elders.

With Regard To His Experience

  1. Proved. Deacons are to be proved. This is the positive reciprocal of not being a novice.

One who is proved has been examined and found to be worthy of the responsibilities to be handled.

With Regard To Their Marriage

  1. Man of not less than one woman. Same as Elders.
  2. Even so must their women be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. By prescribing qualifications for deacons’ wives, the Scripture clearly implies that there is a partnership between man and woman in the work of the Lord. A man whose woman has a poor spiritual reputation will be hindered in his ability to serve effectively. To do so he needs the support and cooperation of his partner(s). (Though specified under qualifications for deacons, one would think that elders’ women should also meet these same qualifications.)

With Regard To Their Family Life

  1. Ruling their children and their own houses well. Same as Elders.

With Regard To Their Spiritual Qualities

  1. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. The mystery of the faith is the truth of the Word of YAHUAH and the doctrines of the church as revealed in the Later Testament. To be a deacon, a man must show consistency in his doctrinal beliefs and not harbor any private beliefs which, if discovered, would make him guilty of following false doctrine.

With Regard To Their Personal Character

  1. Grave. This is a general term which describes a man deserving of respect.

With Regard To Their Communication Skills

  1. Not Double Tongued. A double tongued man says one thing to one person and another thing to a another person. A deacon must not be a man who tells people what they want to hear, but always speaks the truth in love.

With Regard To Their Financial Integrity

  1. Not greedy of filthy lucre. Same as Elders.

With Regard To Their Personal Discipline

  1. Not given to much wine. The word wine may mean alcoholic beverage The emphasis in this statement is on the word much.

Responsibilities of Elders and Deacons

The spiritual nature of the responsibilities of elders and deacons is the reason men are

required to meet such extensive qualifications in order to hold these offices. In these roles, men

become the instruments of YAHUAH in managing the lives of people and the affairs of the local

church. They must, therefore, be clean vessels, well fitted for the Master’s use.

Elders

A list of duties for elders can be compiled from Later Testament texts, which refer directly to elders and the things for which they are said to be responsible. These observations can be organized in the following way.

Take the Oversight

  1. Oversee the particular flock to which the Holy Spirit assigns them. (Acts 20:28) 2. Take the oversight of the flock willingly, and of a ready mind: not by constraint, for filthy lucre, or as being lords. (I Peter 5:2-3)
  2. Take care of the church. (I Timothy 3:5)
  3. Rule. (Hebrews 13:7)
  4. Rule well. (I Timothy 5:17)
  5. Consider matters – including doctrinal matters. (Acts 15:6)
  6. Send chosen men to answer matters. (Acts 15:22)
  7. Ordain decrees – establish policy. (Acts 16:4)

Be Available

  1. Labor among the people. (I Thessalonians 5:12)
  2. Take heed unto all the flock. (Acts 20:28)

Feed

  1. Feed the flock of YAHUAH. (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2)
  2. Speak the word of YAHUAH. (Hebrews 13:7)
  3. Labor in the word and doctrine. (I Timothy 5:17)

Exhort

  1. Watch for the souls of the people. (Hebrews 13:17)
  2. Admonish the people. (I Thessalonians 5:12)
  3. Warn the flock. (Acts 20:31)
  4. Give account for the people either with joy or with grief. (Hebrews 13:17)
  5. Hold fast the faithful word to exhort and to convince the gainsayers by sound doctrine. (Titus 1:9)

Minister

  1. Support the weak. (Acts 20:34)
  2. Pray over the sick when called. (James 5:14)
  3. Direct the sick to proper medical treatment. (James 5:14)

Monitor Your Own Life

  1. Take heed unto themselves. (Acts 20:28)
  2. Watch for wolves and for perverse speakers among themselves. (Acts 20:31)
  3. Labor, using their own hands to minister unto their own needs and the needs of those who are with them. (Acts 20:33,34)
  4. Remember Yahushua’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:34)
  5. Be an example. (I Peter 5:3)
  6. Maintain a faith that can be followed, demonstrating the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)

Deacons

Deacons in the Later Testament included Epaphrus (Colossians 1:7), Tychichus (Ephesians 6:21), Timothy (I Thessalonians 3:2), Mark (II Timothy 4:11), Stephanas (I Corinthians 16:15), Onesiphorous (II Timothy 1:18), Archippus (Colossians 4:17), among others. It is interesting to note also, that even though Paul had the authoritative position of Apostle, he identified himself as fulfilling the role of a deacon in many ministry contexts. The implication of this is that the role of primary leadership in the church includes many deacon type responsibilities. The basic distinction between the offices of elder and deacon is that elders rule and deacons do not. Otherwise, there are many similarities between the two offices. A list of duties for deacons can be compiled by observing the biblical references to the things men did in the role of deaconing.

  1. Labor in the Word of YAHUAH, preaching Yahushua. (I Thessalonians 3:2; Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23; II Corinthians 4:1,5)
  2. Edify the saints. (II Corinthians 3:3; I Thessalonians 3:2)
  3. Distribute financial aid (benevolence).

(Romans 15:25; II Corinthians 8 and 9)

  1. Carry messages of spiritual concern from one believer to another. (Colossians 1:8; Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:22)
  2. Labor fervently in prayer for the spiritual welfare of other believers. (Colossians 4:12)
  3. Be zealous toward other believers. (Colossians 4:13; II Timothy 1:17)
  4. Comfort the hearts of believers. (Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 4:7)
  5. Comfort believers concerning their faith. (I Thessalonians 3:2)
  6. Help and labor. (I Corinthians 16:15-16; Hebrews 6:10)
  7. Refresh the imprisoned. (II Timothy 1:16)
  8. Seek to reconcile the lost. (II Corinthians 5:18)
  9. Express spiritual gifts to one another. (I Peter 4:10)

Conclusion

Yahushua Hamashiach is the Head of the Church. It is from Him that all the body, by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of YAHUAH. This can only be achieved when qualified men serve as Yahushua’s instruments in the offices of elder and deacon. When unqualified men are allowed to fill these offices, they tend to lord it over YAHUAH’s heritage (I Peter 5:3) or impose the traditions of men in place of the Word of YAHUAH (Mark 7:13). However, when qualified men serve as elders and deacons, they will serve with a willing heart and ready mind (I Peter 5:2; I Chronicles 28:9) and emphasize ministry to people (II Corinthians 1:6) through gentleness, patience, meek instruction, and a sense of responsibility to the Chief Shepherd (II Timothy 2:24-25; Hebrews 13:17). The importance of selecting only qualified men to bear the responsibilities of the offices of elder and deacon cannot be emphasized too much.