Join us for a Messianic Purim celebration!
When: This Friday, March 25th at 7:00 pm
Where: Hope of Israel Congregation
11630 Elm Ln. Charlotte, NC 28277
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"March 2016 Newsletter" Word of Messiah Ministries of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States for Monday, 28 February 2o16
March 2016
Newsletter - eShmooze
About Sam Our Bookstore Schedule a Speaker Partner with us
Why Messianic Congregations?
In the believing community today, a Messianic congregation is the exception and not the rule. Though many believers appreciate the existence of Messianic congregations, many others do not understand the purpose of their existence. Therefore, an apologetic is necessary. Why plant Messianic congregations?
Read more...by Sam Nadler
Community Matters: God’s love revealed
The Mystery of Relationships
God, by His very nature, is relational. In Genesis 1, we see that before God created, He communicated! God’s statement, “Let Us make man in Our image,” (Genesis 1:16) reveals that the Triune nature of God was at work in our creation. God’s very nature is meant to help us understand that He is love, and as the Father loves the Son, so we are to love one another. As people created in God’s image, we are not godly if we are not loving. “By this all men will know you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Understanding the fact that we are all created in His image helps us to understand the function of a healthy congregation. We bear witness to the image of God in us as we care for one another in community, not settling to live as “lone rangers.” As we read on through Genesis chapters two and three, we see that the cornerstone of a community is the marriage relationship and, from that, the family. “Congregation” is merely a word we use for families that meet together on the basis of agreed-upon values for the purpose of worship, instruction in the Word, fellowship, and evangelism.
The History of Synagogues
So how did the model of synagogues, or congregations as we know them today, come to be? The word “synagogue” is not found in the Torah. This is because synagogues were not established until the Babylonian captivity. Before that time, there were towns, villages, and cities overseen by elders who led their communities on the basis of the Torah (the Law of Moses). At this time, everyone in each town was under the same regulations and legislation.
The first congregations began as the Jewish people returned from Babylon with little temples which later became our “synagogues.” Though the model of congregations was not established until this point, we see that they were affirmed by Messiah:
“As was His custom, He went to synagogue on the Sabbath.” – Luke 4:16
We follow Yeshua’s custom, even though it is not the custom of many. God’s Word teaches us that congregational fellowship must be a high priority in our lives. We see in Hebrews 10:25 that we are to be, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as we see the day drawing near.”
The Integrity of the Body
“As He is, so are we in the world” – 1 John 4:17
As we seek to have congregations that reveal the Lord, we need to establish God-centered communities, remembering that He is the Head and we are the Body. The living Head is revealed through a healthy Body. Thus, the health of a congregation is vital in order to demonstrate the love of Yeshua to those inside and outside the community. This becomes the congregations’ testimony that God is alive and well, and is in their midst.
Calling Matters: God’s faithfulness revealed
In the believing community today, a Messianic congregation is the exception and not the rule. Though many believers appreciate the existence of Messianic congregations, many others do not understand the purpose of their existence. Therefore, an apologetic is necessary. Why plant Messianic congregations?
We plant Messianic congregations because of our calling: to demonstrate the faithfulness of God “to the Jew first and also to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).
Yeshua is God’s faithfulness to Israel and the nations, the sole fulfillment of the promises made to our fathers (Genesis 12:3, Romans 15:8). Although the greater Jewish community today may strongly disagree with this statement, it is vital that we communicate this biblical truth in a way that is relevant to them. A Messianic congregation, by its very existence, whether small or large, traditional or not so-traditional, is a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to Israel.
Sharing Messiah with unbelieving Jewish people is vitally important. The work, however, must not end there. When a Jewish person comes to faith in Yeshua, but then is not discipled in how to live for the Lord as a Jewish believer, it will appear to the person’s Jewish friends and family that faith in Yeshua removes a person’s Jewish identity. Nothing could be further from the truth (Acts 21:39, Romans 11:1)! In light of the fact that much of the greater Body of Messiah is unprepared to provide discipleship for new Jewish believers, Messianic congregations are necessary, for discipleship is a congregational matter. A community of rooted and grounded Messianic believers clearly communicates God’s faithfulness in Messiah, and provides a living testimony to the greater Jewish community.
The primary concern of the Jewish people today is not, “What does Isaiah 53 mean?” but, “Will there be a Jewish people?” As Messianic congregations, we are the identifiable remnant of Israel. A healthy Messianic congregation testifies, “Yes! Am Yisrael Chai B’Shem Yeshua” (The people of Israel live in the Name of Yeshua).
Messianic congregations are all about Messiah. This is who we are, Who we testify of, and Who we glorify!
Word of Messiah in Israel 2016
On February 2, we set out for Israel with great anticipation and excitement over the opportunity before us. Ten days later, we returned praising God, for our time in the Land was met with blessings far beyond our expectations. This was a strategic trip in many ways as God opened new doors for ministry to Israelis from many different backgrounds and spheres of influence.
Read more... On February 2, we set out for Israel with great anticipation and excitement over the opportunity before us. Ten days later, we returned praising God, for our time in the Land was met with blessings far beyond our expectations. This was a strategic trip in many ways as God opened new doors for ministry to Israelis from many different backgrounds and spheres of influence. In the months leading up to the trip, we received invitations to conduct leadership conferences for three prominent ministries working in the Land: Netivah, Tents of Mercy, and Maoz Ministries. We praise God for these opportunities and for the many Messianic leaders we were privileged to interact with through them. These men and women are our heroes, warriors for Messiah who are sharing His Good News on the front lines of ministry in Israel.
Our trip began with Sam teaching a daylong seminar near Tel Aviv for national youth leaders through Netivah Ministry. At this seminar, 40 Israeli men and women from various backgrounds (Russian, Ethiopian, and South American) gathered to learn about the importance of discipleship for their various congregations and ministries.
Netivah Youth Leaders Conference
The very fact that there is a vibrant ministry among the youth of Israel today is in and of itself a miracle in the making. Israel is a young nation, born in 1948, and today’s Messianic congregations have grown up along with the nation itself. When I lived in Israel in 1971, there were just a few Messianic congregations and no outreach to youth at all. Now, 45 years later, there are several hundred congregations and Messianic home groups throughout the country. Today there are second and third generation believers who serve in the army to defend Israel. In light of this great growth, it stands to reason that there is a need for discipleship among those of all ages in the growing congregations of Israel.
During the seminar, Sam taught on the need for discipleship from Messiah’s great commission in Matthew 28, and then gave guidance on how to practically accomplish this in their congregations. Each person who had registered for the conference received a copy of Sam’s Messianic Discipleship book, whether in Hebrew, Russian or English (the Amharic version is in the final stages of translation and will be available for the Ethiopian believers in the near future). As each leader received a book, Sam took them through the process of one on one discipleship and demonstrated how they can utilize this book to raise up mature believers among the youth they are responsible for.
The very fact that there is a vibrant ministry among the youth of Israel today is in and of itself a miracle in the making. Israel is a young nation, born in 1948, and today’s Messianic congregations have grown up along with the nation itself. When I lived in Israel in 1971, there were just a few Messianic congregations and no outreach to youth at all. Now, 45 years later, there are several hundred congregations and Messianic home groups throughout the country. Today there are second and third generation believers who serve in the army to defend Israel. In light of this great growth, it stands to reason that there is a need for discipleship among those of all ages in the growing congregations of Israel.
During the seminar, Sam taught on the need for discipleship from Messiah’s great commission in Matthew 28, and then gave guidance on how to practically accomplish this in their congregations. Each person who had registered for the conference received a copy of Sam’s Messianic Discipleship book, whether in Hebrew, Russian or English (the Amharic version is in the final stages of translation and will be available for the Ethiopian believers in the near future). As each leader received a book, Sam took them through the process of one on one discipleship and demonstrated how they can utilize this book to raise up mature believers among the youth they are responsible for.
Hebrew Messianic Discipleship book with Headphones for Simultaneous Translation
As the daylong seminar drew to a close, Sam led a time of question and answer. Through the discussion, it was evident that those who attended saw the great need to have effective systematic discipleship in their ministries for men, women, and youth alike.
As the daylong seminar drew to a close, Sam led a time of question and answer. Through the discussion, it was evident that those who attended saw the great need to have effective systematic discipleship in their ministries for men, women, and youth alike.
Lunch with the Youth Leaders
After the youth leaders’ seminar, we received this email from Joel Goldberg, the head of Netivah:
“We were so blessed to be able to have you speak at the youth leaders’ seminar here at Netivah. All together having 40 youth leaders and a few congregation elders we feel that the Seminar was very powerful, informative and practical for the youth (dudes) leaders. We are planning and try and figure out a way of how to do a follow-up, hoping that the discipleship book will be a good tool for them. Again, we are thankful for your willingness and heart to serve and we believe that the youth leaders were challenged by your words.”
As you pray for Israel, keep the youth in prayer that they can remain strong in faith as they shine out as bright lights in a dark land.
Our next wonderful opportunity in the Land came two days later as we travelled to Haifa for a time of teaching at Tents of Mercy, a Messianic ministry in Israel which plants congregations and provides aid to new Jewish immigrants. Approximately 17 elders and their wives travelled to the conference, representing six or seven congregations throughout the Galilee. These leaders were also happy to receive our Messianic Discipleship book in their various languages. During the conference, Sam led in a discussion of several questions which the leaders attending had requested could be addressed. Their questions included:
How can we get the uncommitted attendees of our congregations to commit and serve in the congregation?
How can we instill the need for prayer in our congregations and get people praying?
How can we avoid burnout as we invest in others?
In discussing these important issues, Sam challenged the group to consider that discipleship is key to the commitment, service, prayer, and health of the members of a congregation. In order to avoid burnout, he encouraged each of the leaders to focus on prioritizing their time, focusing on those who are truly serious in their commitment.
Afterwards, we received a note from Avishalom, the leader who organized the event: “Dear Sam and Miriam, We want to thank you from our hearts for your impartation and teaching here with us today. The combination of your humility, Jewish background and experience in leadership made this event very worthwhile for us. Now we will take what we received and prayerfully find wisdom for application. May the Lord yield great fruit and harvest for the time of sowing you have brought through the Word of God. We love and appreciate you.”
Our final day of ministry in Israel was a highlight for us. Several months ago, Maoz Ministries, a large Messianic ministry in Israel, had extended an invitation for Sam to conduct an all-day seminar on developing healthy Messianic congregations. The conference was held in Tel Aviv and was attended by 55 Messianic leaders and their wives from various congregations all over Israel who were also happy to receive our Messianic Discipleship book.
After the youth leaders’ seminar, we received this email from Joel Goldberg, the head of Netivah:
“We were so blessed to be able to have you speak at the youth leaders’ seminar here at Netivah. All together having 40 youth leaders and a few congregation elders we feel that the Seminar was very powerful, informative and practical for the youth (dudes) leaders. We are planning and try and figure out a way of how to do a follow-up, hoping that the discipleship book will be a good tool for them. Again, we are thankful for your willingness and heart to serve and we believe that the youth leaders were challenged by your words.”
As you pray for Israel, keep the youth in prayer that they can remain strong in faith as they shine out as bright lights in a dark land.
Our next wonderful opportunity in the Land came two days later as we travelled to Haifa for a time of teaching at Tents of Mercy, a Messianic ministry in Israel which plants congregations and provides aid to new Jewish immigrants. Approximately 17 elders and their wives travelled to the conference, representing six or seven congregations throughout the Galilee. These leaders were also happy to receive our Messianic Discipleship book in their various languages. During the conference, Sam led in a discussion of several questions which the leaders attending had requested could be addressed. Their questions included:
How can we get the uncommitted attendees of our congregations to commit and serve in the congregation?
How can we instill the need for prayer in our congregations and get people praying?
How can we avoid burnout as we invest in others?
In discussing these important issues, Sam challenged the group to consider that discipleship is key to the commitment, service, prayer, and health of the members of a congregation. In order to avoid burnout, he encouraged each of the leaders to focus on prioritizing their time, focusing on those who are truly serious in their commitment.
Afterwards, we received a note from Avishalom, the leader who organized the event: “Dear Sam and Miriam, We want to thank you from our hearts for your impartation and teaching here with us today. The combination of your humility, Jewish background and experience in leadership made this event very worthwhile for us. Now we will take what we received and prayerfully find wisdom for application. May the Lord yield great fruit and harvest for the time of sowing you have brought through the Word of God. We love and appreciate you.”
Our final day of ministry in Israel was a highlight for us. Several months ago, Maoz Ministries, a large Messianic ministry in Israel, had extended an invitation for Sam to conduct an all-day seminar on developing healthy Messianic congregations. The conference was held in Tel Aviv and was attended by 55 Messianic leaders and their wives from various congregations all over Israel who were also happy to receive our Messianic Discipleship book.
Group Shot with Leaders at the Maoz Conference
The theme of the conference was “4 Major Problems Which Hinder Community Growth.” In any congregation, there are often internal, as well as external, difficulties which can hinder the work of the Spirit. Through the Maoz conference, Sam addressed four common areas of difficulty, training the leaders to use biblical tools to leverage their strengths in addressing these hindrances. Sam focused on the importance of having a strong biblical mission and vision, and gave guidance on how to live these out through biblical values. The conference concluded as Sam equipped the leaders with tools to help them plan to translate their training into action.
The theme of the conference was “4 Major Problems Which Hinder Community Growth.” In any congregation, there are often internal, as well as external, difficulties which can hinder the work of the Spirit. Through the Maoz conference, Sam addressed four common areas of difficulty, training the leaders to use biblical tools to leverage their strengths in addressing these hindrances. Sam focused on the importance of having a strong biblical mission and vision, and gave guidance on how to live these out through biblical values. The conference concluded as Sam equipped the leaders with tools to help them plan to translate their training into action.
Sam teaching and Josh translating into Hebrew
In regards to this conference, Kati, one of the conference organizers, remarked, “I’m glad to report that the conference with Sam last Thursday was GREAT! The leaders who came were right in to his teaching, took lots of notes, were enthusiastic about it. Everything went smoothly, and we praise God for it! May the teachings received bring forth eternal fruit to the Kingdom of God.”
Jacob, also from the Maoz conference added: “It was so good to see you, to be reminded of our time together evangelizing in the streets of Tel Aviv way back in 1991 and to see all that the Lord is doing in your life! Great teaching, great truth, great blessing!!! We need to see more of you in Israel.”
Praise God for these blessings in Israel! Please continue to pray for open doors for Word of Messiah in Israel in order that more Yeshua-glorifying Messianic congregations may be established and developed for the furtherance of the Good News in this Land where Yeshua once lived and to which He will return.
Announcing our First Publication of 2016!
Word of Messiah is pleased to announce the publication of Sam's newly revised and expanded book:
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. This hands-on guidebook includes practical training on vital leadership matters such as: how to make strong disciples and raise godly leaders, how to prayerfully assess and address problems, and how to strategically plan for growth and health.
Here, Dr. Raymond Gannon,Vice President for Academic Affairs, Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, shares his perspective of the book:
Read more... Word of Messiah is pleased to announce the publication of Sam’s newly revised and expanded book: Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. This hands-on guidebook includes practical training on vital leadership matters such as: how to make strong disciples and raise godly leaders, how to prayerfully assess and address problems, and how to strategically plan for growth and health. Though designed for Messianic leaders and congregation planters, the applications are also relevant for pastors, church planters, and even parents in their God-ordained leadership roles. Here, Dr. Raymond Gannon,Vice President for Academic Affairs, Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, shares his perspective of the book:
“As an early pioneer in the Messianic Congregational movement myself, I was very eager to review Sam Nadler’s manual on Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. I reviewed his earlier version for The King’s University course I was teaching a few years ago and found this first version very usable, balanced, detailed, practical, etc. So, when Sam planned to offer his highly spiritual yet practically down-to-earth seminar in Phoenix, Arizona in January, I was pleased to not only invite the entire Phoenix Minyan of Messianic Jewish leaders to participate, but to also pay my own as well as a rabbinic staff member’s registration for a meaningful refresher.
One of the special features for our January seminar was the use of the revamped and highly upgraded manual Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. This book seems to have nearly double the content of the original version, is incredibly well-organized, filled with wisely chosen practical counsel, and chock full of pragmatic advice on what are invaluable insights into Messianic Congregation planting. While I sat the weekend listening to Sam Nadler offer a room full of Messianic start-ups incredibly sound instruction, I recognized that his seminar carefully punctuated the manual and that the two combined to afford the aspiring Messianic Congregation planter rock solid spiritual and practical guidelines for success.
Not all can attend one of Sam Nadler’s vital seminars. But for anyone planting or intending to plant a Messianic Congregation,Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations is a critically important acquisition. And in its new and extended format, it has proven to be of even greater value.”
To order a copy of Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations visit our bookstore.
Sam will be Speaking:
March 6, 9:00 am - Pitts Baptist Church, Concord, NC
March 9, 6:00 pm - Lower Creek Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC
March 13, 11:00 am - Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Southern Pines, NC
March 13, 6:00 pm - Parkwood Baptist Church, Concord, NC
March 15, 11:00 am - Columbia International University, Columbia, SC
March 16, 7:00 pm - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Gastonia, NC
March 20, 9:30 am - Calvary Baptist Church, New York, NY
March 20, 6:30 pm - St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC
March 23, 6:00 pm - First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir, NC
March 24, 5:00 pm - Resurrection Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC
March 27, 11:00 am - Grace Bible Church, Charlotte, NC
To schedule a speaker click here or call 704.544.1948
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations
Has God called you to Messianic leadership? If you are in the midst of planting a Messianic congregation, or just beginning to consider the idea, this book will provide assistance and direction, outlining a solid biblical foundation on which to establish your congregation. If you are already involved in an established congregation, you will find practical tools for use in evaluating the health and function of your congregation, and receive encouragement and direction as you move forward in ministry.
In this practical congregational development guide, Sam Nadler comes alongside leaders, walking through the steps it takes to build a healthy and functional congregation that will serve to proclaim God's faithfulness in Messiah to Israel and the nations. At whatever stage of the process you may be, this book is designed to support you in your vital work!
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"February 2016 Newsletter" Word of Messiah Ministries of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States for Saturday, 30 January 2016
February 2016
Newsletter - eShmooze
About Sam Our Bookstore Schedule a Speaker Partner with us
God's Everlasting Love
God chose Israel by His sovereign love, and by this love He continues to keep Israel today. Likewise, by this same love, He also chooses and keeps you. It seems so simple: God loves you. However, this is perhaps the most profound reality of the Bible. The God of the universe is not indifferent to who you are, but rather, He infinitely wills your good.
Read more...“Thus says the Lord, “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when it went to find its rest.” The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”[Jeremiah 31:2-3]
(The following excerpt is taken from my book, Messianic Foundations)
God’s Love is Personal: “I have loved you”
God chose Israel by His sovereign love, and by this love He continues to keep Israel today. Likewise, by this same love, He also chooses and keeps you. It seems so simple: God loves you. However, this is perhaps the most profound reality of the Bible. The God of the universe is not indifferent to who you are, but rather, He infinitely wills your good. He has a personal concern for you and for each person in this world. This is the entire significance of the Good News of the New Covenant, and the only explanation for the sacrificial death of Messiah Yeshua. God did not send out some messenger boy to tell us of His love; rather, He came in the flesh to sacrificially demonstrate it Himself (John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8). He understands our suffering, not as a doctor, but as a fellow sufferer, for on this earth He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He endured these sorrows because He loves you.
To God, love is a personal matter. The Hebrew word for love is ahavah: a deep desire which reflects God’s heart. Since He demonstrated this love personally, we need to respond personally to Him by trusting in Yeshua and personally receiving His love. This is also why we share Him with others. We personally share the Good News with Jewish people because God’s love is a personal matter.
But does God still personally care about the welfare of the Jewish people? Paul, quoting Isaiah, writes regarding Israel that, “All the day long I (God) have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” (Romans 10:21) God continues to reach out, refusing to “take the hint.” How are His hands seen today? They are your hands and my hands. As our hearts are yielded to His heart, our hands reach out on His behalf to those He loves.
Yeshua wept over Jerusalem because of the lost spiritual state of so many of His people (Luke 19:41). Today, He continues to weep. But, if He weeps and we remain unconcerned, then it is not the Jewish people with whom we are out of touch. Rather, we are not walking closely with our God, for He personally loves and cares for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
God’s Love is Perpetual: “with an everlasting love”
When God loves, it is forever. Experience shows us that everybody has a breaking point at which they give up. This however, is far from the nature of God. The word “everlasting” in Hebrew is olam (which also means “world”). Olam comes from a root word meaning “secret” or “hidden.” This gives us a clue as to the unique way in which God loves. Our everyday experience teaches us one thing, but the “eternal” is, by definition, hidden from our experience. In fact, most things of God are beyond our natural experience. This is how we can have a “peace that surpasses comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).
This kind of love is far beyond our understanding. I have two sons, neither of whom I would ever consider giving up. God, however, “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). His love for us is based on His character, and His character never changes.
Our hearts yearn for and need an eternal love. Eventually, all people are tempted to give up. Have others given up on you? Have you given up on others, or even on yourself? God will never, ever even think about giving up on you!
This faithful and perpetual love is seen today through you as you continue to pray and reach out to the Jewish people and to all people (Romans 10:1). God has two witnesses to His faithful love. We see this in Paul’s writings. In Romans 11:1-6, Paul proves that God has not forsaken His people through the witness of Jewish believers who live out a present-tense Jewish testimony. Then, in Romans 11:11-31, Paul explains how God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through the witness of Gentile believers who love Jewish people, acting on their calling to make Israel jealous for Messiah by ministering His mercy to them. Whether Jewish or Gentile, as God’s perpetual love in Messiah constrains your heart (2 Corinthians 5:14), you too will reveal His faithful love to Israel.
We must never give up on the Jewish people, for God will never give up on us. His call upon Israel is as sure as his faithfulness to His Word. It is this faithfulness that is at stake. Together, let us be a living demonstration to the Jewish community of the eternal love of God that will just not give up.
God’s Love is Powerful: “therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”
The fact that God loves personally and perpetually is wonderful, but His love also changes lives. This is because His love is powerful. God continues to draw us to Himself with His lovingkindness; chesed in Hebrew. Chesed is a word that speaks of a relational commitment to another, a covenantal love and kindness (1 Samuel 20:8, Psalm 89:28).
This helps to explain why Yeshua initially sent His disciples only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5), for they were the inheritors of the covenant God made with Abraham. Yeshua’s reticence in ministering to non-Jews during His earthly ministry was because they were outside of this Abrahamic covenant (Matthew 15:26), and the only redemptive covenants God has ever made have only been made with Israel (Romans 9:4). Today, however, through Messiah’s atonement, non-Jews can accept God’s gracious invitation and enter into covenant with the God of Israel, receiving God’schesed in Messiah (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:12).
Thus, through a covenant relationship, God is faithfully drawing us to Himself, continuing His lovingkindness toward us, and never letting us go. Why? Because His character is love, He therefore has the constant conduct of love (1 John 4:8). He loves you personally, perpetually, and powerfully! Have you responded to His love?
December Follow-up in Feb. & Beyond!
As 2015 has drawn to a close and a new year has begun, we have had many opportunities to rejoice! God has graciously given the increase, and we are still following up with those who responded to the message of salvation communicated through our outreaches during the month of December. Though some may think that December, with the dual celebrations of Hanukkah and Messiah's birth, is an 'either/or' month, we have always handled it as a 'both/and' opportunity.
Read more... As 2015 has drawn to a close and a new year has begun, we have had many opportunities to rejoice! God has graciously given the increase, and we are still following up with those who responded to the message of salvation communicated through our outreaches during the month of December. Though some may think that December, with the dual celebrations of Hanukkah and Messiah’s birth, is an ‘either/or’ month, we have always handled it as a ‘both/and’ opportunity.
Hanukkah, which began in early December, opened the door for numerous occasions on which to teach about this Feast of Dedication. Many people in Bible-believing churches do not realize that Hanukkah is a New Testament Feast, spoken of in John 10:22-30, where Yeshua personally identified with this feast and used it in His teaching. In light of this lack of awareness, some may think that churches could care less about Hanukkah; however, this assumption is wrong! Besides our own Hanukkah outreaches, we had amazing responses in every church where I brought the message. With its theme of dedication, Hanukkah became a natural opportunity to proclaim Messiah as the “Greater Maccabee” who can change lives. Many hunger for this kind of change in their life, and numerous people who heard this message responded to Messiah’s love and placed their faith in Yeshua as their Lord and Savior.
As always, at out Messianic outreaches, we were privileged to see the Lord give the increase to the teaching and add to the Body. Hanukkah became an unusual opportunity for believers to invite their Jewish neighbors and friends to hear the message of Messiah in the context of this feast. For many people, Hanukkah can seem like a rather minor holiday. However, nothing is ever minor when the Messiah is proclaimed. The message of Hanukkah is life-changing as people realize just how much more Yeshua can do for them than the religious heroes of the past.
These Hanukkah outreaches were just the beginning of a month of blessing. Though we do not celebrate Messiah’s birth according to the customary Christmas traditions of trees, Santa, or mistletoe, we are continually blessed by the 3-fold miracle that historically took place when Yeshua came to this earth: He was miraculously born of a virgin, was God Himself come in the flesh, and was the marvelous confirmation of God’s faithful promises given to Israel (see Romans 15:8-9). So, though our celebration may look different than that of most people, we do take the occasion to help people understand Yeshua’s birth through Jewish eyes. As we do this, it becomes a wonderful and clarifying opportunity to share with pre-believing Jewish people that the Messiah has come. We also take this time of year to share with nominal Christians about the vital importance of personal faith, uncluttered by the traditional wrapping paper of snowmen and reindeer.
We do this by looking at the roots of our faith, the Messianic prophecies of Yeshua’s birth. In several churches, I taught a message entitled, “Christmas Thru Jewish Eyes,” from Isaiah 9:1-7. The truths of this 700-year advance birth announcement so astounded some of the listeners that they chose to let the Light of Messiah impact their lives and relationships, and publically surrendered themselves to Him. Some of these new believers testify that they felt “compelled” by the Holy Spirit to turn their lives over to the Lord!
At our Messianic outreaches surrounding the celebration of Messiah’s birth, we took an in-depth look at Micah 4:8, which speaks of Migdal Eder, a region outside the town of Bethlehem called the “Tower of the flock.” When studied by the ancient Jewish sages, this section of Scripture was traditionally recognized as a Messianic prophecy. A careful study reveals that the area of Migdal Eder was the very area where the shepherds “watching over their flocks by night” were suddenly met by a multitude of angels praising God and speaking of the birth of the Messiah (Luke 2). The background and testimony of those who first testified of Messiah is so stunning that people responded to the prophecy of Messiah’s birth with their own new birth in Him!
At a subsequent outreach, we had the opportunity to speak of the uniqueness of the divinity of Messiah from Micah 5:2. As our humble King, Yeshua came from eternity in order to rule in humility, providing a unique testimony of how true, godly leadership is God’s light of grace into the disgraceful darkness of this world. Once again, numerous people responded, and two more Jewish individuals became b’nai Elohim, children of God!
Please continue to pray for us as we follow up with these new believers (As I write this article, Miriam is speaking with one of them, a Jewish woman). Pray also that we will continue to utilize all that the Bible teaches in order to reach out to all with ears to hear, even “to the Jew first and also to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).
And, if by His grace, we can testify of God’s love throughout December, just imagine the opportunities we will have to proclaim His everlasting love surrounding St. Valentine’s Day! Keep praying and praising!
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations in Phoenix
If the Good News is to the Jew 1st, then this will be the first point of attack from the enemy. Messianic ministry is not easy, and like any leader, Messianic leaders need to be equipped and encouraged as they fulfill their calling, leading congregations that effectively testify of Yeshua as God's faithfulness to Jewish people and to all people. In order to help Messianic congregations to succeed, grow, and reproduce, reaching out with the Good News to Jewish people, Word of Messiah regularly holds "Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations" conferences for Messianic leaders in communities across the country and around the world.
Read more... If the Good News is to the Jew 1st, then this will be the first point of attack from the enemy. Messianic ministry is not easy, and like any leader, Messianic leaders need to be equipped and encouraged as they fulfill their calling, leading congregations that effectively testify of Yeshua as God’s faithfulness to Jewish people and to all people. In order to help Messianic congregations to succeed, grow, and reproduce, reaching out with the Good News to Jewish people, Word of Messiah regularly holds “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conferences for Messianic leaders in communities across the country and around the world.
During the weekend of January 22-24, we held our first conference of 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. It was a first for us to hold a conference in this area and we were so thankful for how the Lord blessed the weekend. The 27 leaders who attended represented various congregations in cities throughout the Southwest including Albuquerque NM, Anaheim CA, Phoenix AZ, and more from the areas surrounding Phoenix.
A highlight of this conference is that the leaders who attended were able to make practical use of Sam’s new revised and expanded book: “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations,” a hands-on guidebook designed for Messianic leaders and congregation planters, though the principles can be used by pastors and church planters as well. (Stay tuned for more information on how you can get a copy of this one of a kind book!)
During the opening session of the conference, Sam asked for the participants to share their reasons for attending and what they hoped to learn from the conference. The reasons expressed were as varied as the group gathered. Every congregation experiences trials, and in our conferences, we aim to address specific areas of need and encourage each of the leaders in their vital ministry, whether they are new congregation planters or seasoned leaders.
At this time, several of the leaders expressed their desire to strengthen their infrastructure in order to develop and be able to meet the needs of their growing congregations. Some had been facing issues of miscommunication amongst their leadership, and so were struggling with issues of disunity and mistrust in their congregations. For these, Sam focused on the key matters of unifying vision and values, and encouraged the leaders of each ministry within the congregation to develop a mission statement that would lend itself to fulfilling the overall mission of the congregation, so building unity and trust.
Another team came to the conference wanting to learn how to restart and renew their vision for a congregation in their area. For this group, Sam went over what he calls the “Iceberg Principle:” a congregation must be grounded on a firm foundation of the person and work of Messiah, and build on this the various ministries through which the congregation serves as the “WIFE” of Messiah (a Worship center, Instruction center, Fellowship center, and Evangelistic center.) Only on this foundation is a congregation able to present an effective testimony of Messiah “above the water line.”
After the first session, one of the leaders from this congregation expressed: “We are beginning again and we need to understand our DNA before we proceed. This is powerful teaching and I know the training we receive this weekend will enable us to understand how to begin again.”
Another seasoned leader of a long standing Messianic synagogue expressed his desire to better understand how to transition and develop his leadership while maintaining their congregation’s strong legacy. Throughout the conference, Sam gave instruction concerning how a paradigm shift, such as that brought on by a change of leadership, is a test of love which gives leaders an opportunity to communicate what things have changed and what things will never change (a congregation’s core mission, vision, and values), in order to re-stabilize the group.
Though diverse as the group was in regards to their outreach, some geared to reaching a secular Jewish community, while others working in a more orthodox setting, camaraderie developed as we had opportunity to fellowship around those things we have in common. Because of the great emphasis in Scripture on God wanting any congregation to be “a house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7), we spent a good deal of time in prayer and worship, which brought unity as we exalted Messiah together.
During breaks, Sam spent time with the leaders discussing more personal questions one on one, and was able, by God’s grace, to help them tailor the principles taught in the conference to help in their particular circumstances.
After the conference, several of the leaders remarked:
“This conference was very helpful and the material interesting. I appreciated that Sam set aside plenty of time for questions and was readily available to address each of them. I also am glad to see that much of the information covered in the conference is available in Sam’s new book, Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations.”[Lonnie Bradshaw, International Academic Coordinator, Messianic Jewish Bible Institute]
“This conference was excellent and very comprehensive. I’ve been in Messianic ministry since 1982, and wish I had the opportunity to go through a course like this 20 years ago, as it would have prevented a lot of things that we’ve done wrong. I see this conference as being very helpful for leaders starting out, as it details every area of ministry they will encounter. Training on establishing and developing healthy congregations is invaluable. I have not seen this kind of training before in the Messianic movement, and wish I had known about your ministry earlier.”[James Shapiro, Congregational Leader, Adat Yeshua Messianic Synagogue]
“All of my leaders who attended were ecstatic after this conference. They each received information that was very useful and helpful for them and are already implementing the ideas they learned. Sam’s teaching is excellent, he knows the material well, and you can tell that he has a passion and love for Messianic Congregations and a desire to help them succeed. The information about discipleship and follow-up was particularly valuable, as was Sam’s new book, Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations.”[Allan Moorhead, Congregational Leader, Arrowhead Messianic Congregation]
“The most helpful idea from the conference for me is the systematic approach of building a congregation and its members. From the admonitions of ‘no sheep stealing’ and fulfilling the Great Commission in order to add to the ranks, to the discipleship/membership process and everything beyond and in between, this structure will be very helpful to us. It provides a very logical and orderly process and with the help of the Ruach haKodesh and faithfulness on our part, God will be faithful!”[ Esther Butler, Beth Yeshua Messianic Synagogue]
Sam will be Speaking:
February 14, 10:00 am - Pleasant Valley Baptist, Indian Land, SC
February 21, 11:00 am - Benton Heights Presbyterian, Monroe, NC
February 27, 4:00 pm - Springvale Baptist, Lugoff, SC
February 28, 10:30 am - Springvale Baptist, Lugoff, SC
February 28, 5:00 pm - David Baptist, Kings Mountain, NC
To schedule a speaker click here or call 704.544.1948
Messianic Foundations
Fulfill Your Calling in the Jewish Messiah
Around four millennia ago, the Creator of the Universe brought a particular people into existence, and His calling upon this people remains for His Name's sake. Embedded in this calling from the beginning was God's plan to redeem all the nations as well. Whether Jewish or Gentile, you are called to represent God's character and faithfulness in the world. Why are Messianic congregations necessary? Why must the Good News be "to the Jew first?" What does the "fullness of the Gentiles" mean?... This book explores foundational matters which clarify what it means to be faithful to the God of Israel.
Buy Now
On Sale for $12
+ $3 Shipping & Handling
Check out our new website!
www.wordofmessiah.org
704-544-1948
shmooze@wordofmessiah.org
Word of Messiah Ministries
In regards to this conference, Kati, one of the conference organizers, remarked, “I’m glad to report that the conference with Sam last Thursday was GREAT! The leaders who came were right in to his teaching, took lots of notes, were enthusiastic about it. Everything went smoothly, and we praise God for it! May the teachings received bring forth eternal fruit to the Kingdom of God.”
Jacob, also from the Maoz conference added: “It was so good to see you, to be reminded of our time together evangelizing in the streets of Tel Aviv way back in 1991 and to see all that the Lord is doing in your life! Great teaching, great truth, great blessing!!! We need to see more of you in Israel.”
Praise God for these blessings in Israel! Please continue to pray for open doors for Word of Messiah in Israel in order that more Yeshua-glorifying Messianic congregations may be established and developed for the furtherance of the Good News in this Land where Yeshua once lived and to which He will return.
Announcing our First Publication of 2016!
Word of Messiah is pleased to announce the publication of Sam's newly revised and expanded book:
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. This hands-on guidebook includes practical training on vital leadership matters such as: how to make strong disciples and raise godly leaders, how to prayerfully assess and address problems, and how to strategically plan for growth and health.
Here, Dr. Raymond Gannon,Vice President for Academic Affairs, Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, shares his perspective of the book:
Read more... Word of Messiah is pleased to announce the publication of Sam’s newly revised and expanded book: Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. This hands-on guidebook includes practical training on vital leadership matters such as: how to make strong disciples and raise godly leaders, how to prayerfully assess and address problems, and how to strategically plan for growth and health. Though designed for Messianic leaders and congregation planters, the applications are also relevant for pastors, church planters, and even parents in their God-ordained leadership roles. Here, Dr. Raymond Gannon,Vice President for Academic Affairs, Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, shares his perspective of the book:
“As an early pioneer in the Messianic Congregational movement myself, I was very eager to review Sam Nadler’s manual on Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. I reviewed his earlier version for The King’s University course I was teaching a few years ago and found this first version very usable, balanced, detailed, practical, etc. So, when Sam planned to offer his highly spiritual yet practically down-to-earth seminar in Phoenix, Arizona in January, I was pleased to not only invite the entire Phoenix Minyan of Messianic Jewish leaders to participate, but to also pay my own as well as a rabbinic staff member’s registration for a meaningful refresher.
One of the special features for our January seminar was the use of the revamped and highly upgraded manual Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations. This book seems to have nearly double the content of the original version, is incredibly well-organized, filled with wisely chosen practical counsel, and chock full of pragmatic advice on what are invaluable insights into Messianic Congregation planting. While I sat the weekend listening to Sam Nadler offer a room full of Messianic start-ups incredibly sound instruction, I recognized that his seminar carefully punctuated the manual and that the two combined to afford the aspiring Messianic Congregation planter rock solid spiritual and practical guidelines for success.
Not all can attend one of Sam Nadler’s vital seminars. But for anyone planting or intending to plant a Messianic Congregation,Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations is a critically important acquisition. And in its new and extended format, it has proven to be of even greater value.”
To order a copy of Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations visit our bookstore.
Sam will be Speaking:
March 6, 9:00 am - Pitts Baptist Church, Concord, NC
March 9, 6:00 pm - Lower Creek Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC
March 13, 11:00 am - Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Southern Pines, NC
March 13, 6:00 pm - Parkwood Baptist Church, Concord, NC
March 15, 11:00 am - Columbia International University, Columbia, SC
March 16, 7:00 pm - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Gastonia, NC
March 20, 9:30 am - Calvary Baptist Church, New York, NY
March 20, 6:30 pm - St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC
March 23, 6:00 pm - First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir, NC
March 24, 5:00 pm - Resurrection Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC
March 27, 11:00 am - Grace Bible Church, Charlotte, NC
To schedule a speaker click here or call 704.544.1948
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations
Has God called you to Messianic leadership? If you are in the midst of planting a Messianic congregation, or just beginning to consider the idea, this book will provide assistance and direction, outlining a solid biblical foundation on which to establish your congregation. If you are already involved in an established congregation, you will find practical tools for use in evaluating the health and function of your congregation, and receive encouragement and direction as you move forward in ministry.
In this practical congregational development guide, Sam Nadler comes alongside leaders, walking through the steps it takes to build a healthy and functional congregation that will serve to proclaim God's faithfulness in Messiah to Israel and the nations. At whatever stage of the process you may be, this book is designed to support you in your vital work!
Buy Now
On Sale for $20
+ $3 Shipping & Handling
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"February 2016 Newsletter" Word of Messiah Ministries of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States for Saturday, 30 January 2016
February 2016
Newsletter - eShmooze
About Sam Our Bookstore Schedule a Speaker Partner with us
God's Everlasting Love
God chose Israel by His sovereign love, and by this love He continues to keep Israel today. Likewise, by this same love, He also chooses and keeps you. It seems so simple: God loves you. However, this is perhaps the most profound reality of the Bible. The God of the universe is not indifferent to who you are, but rather, He infinitely wills your good.
Read more...“Thus says the Lord, “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when it went to find its rest.” The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”[Jeremiah 31:2-3]
(The following excerpt is taken from my book, Messianic Foundations)
God’s Love is Personal: “I have loved you”
God chose Israel by His sovereign love, and by this love He continues to keep Israel today. Likewise, by this same love, He also chooses and keeps you. It seems so simple: God loves you. However, this is perhaps the most profound reality of the Bible. The God of the universe is not indifferent to who you are, but rather, He infinitely wills your good. He has a personal concern for you and for each person in this world. This is the entire significance of the Good News of the New Covenant, and the only explanation for the sacrificial death of Messiah Yeshua. God did not send out some messenger boy to tell us of His love; rather, He came in the flesh to sacrificially demonstrate it Himself (John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8). He understands our suffering, not as a doctor, but as a fellow sufferer, for on this earth He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He endured these sorrows because He loves you.
To God, love is a personal matter. The Hebrew word for love is ahavah: a deep desire which reflects God’s heart. Since He demonstrated this love personally, we need to respond personally to Him by trusting in Yeshua and personally receiving His love. This is also why we share Him with others. We personally share the Good News with Jewish people because God’s love is a personal matter.
But does God still personally care about the welfare of the Jewish people? Paul, quoting Isaiah, writes regarding Israel that, “All the day long I (God) have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” (Romans 10:21) God continues to reach out, refusing to “take the hint.” How are His hands seen today? They are your hands and my hands. As our hearts are yielded to His heart, our hands reach out on His behalf to those He loves.
Yeshua wept over Jerusalem because of the lost spiritual state of so many of His people (Luke 19:41). Today, He continues to weep. But, if He weeps and we remain unconcerned, then it is not the Jewish people with whom we are out of touch. Rather, we are not walking closely with our God, for He personally loves and cares for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
God’s Love is Perpetual: “with an everlasting love”
When God loves, it is forever. Experience shows us that everybody has a breaking point at which they give up. This however, is far from the nature of God. The word “everlasting” in Hebrew is olam (which also means “world”). Olam comes from a root word meaning “secret” or “hidden.” This gives us a clue as to the unique way in which God loves. Our everyday experience teaches us one thing, but the “eternal” is, by definition, hidden from our experience. In fact, most things of God are beyond our natural experience. This is how we can have a “peace that surpasses comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).
This kind of love is far beyond our understanding. I have two sons, neither of whom I would ever consider giving up. God, however, “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). His love for us is based on His character, and His character never changes.
Our hearts yearn for and need an eternal love. Eventually, all people are tempted to give up. Have others given up on you? Have you given up on others, or even on yourself? God will never, ever even think about giving up on you!
This faithful and perpetual love is seen today through you as you continue to pray and reach out to the Jewish people and to all people (Romans 10:1). God has two witnesses to His faithful love. We see this in Paul’s writings. In Romans 11:1-6, Paul proves that God has not forsaken His people through the witness of Jewish believers who live out a present-tense Jewish testimony. Then, in Romans 11:11-31, Paul explains how God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through the witness of Gentile believers who love Jewish people, acting on their calling to make Israel jealous for Messiah by ministering His mercy to them. Whether Jewish or Gentile, as God’s perpetual love in Messiah constrains your heart (2 Corinthians 5:14), you too will reveal His faithful love to Israel.
We must never give up on the Jewish people, for God will never give up on us. His call upon Israel is as sure as his faithfulness to His Word. It is this faithfulness that is at stake. Together, let us be a living demonstration to the Jewish community of the eternal love of God that will just not give up.
God’s Love is Powerful: “therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”
The fact that God loves personally and perpetually is wonderful, but His love also changes lives. This is because His love is powerful. God continues to draw us to Himself with His lovingkindness; chesed in Hebrew. Chesed is a word that speaks of a relational commitment to another, a covenantal love and kindness (1 Samuel 20:8, Psalm 89:28).
This helps to explain why Yeshua initially sent His disciples only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5), for they were the inheritors of the covenant God made with Abraham. Yeshua’s reticence in ministering to non-Jews during His earthly ministry was because they were outside of this Abrahamic covenant (Matthew 15:26), and the only redemptive covenants God has ever made have only been made with Israel (Romans 9:4). Today, however, through Messiah’s atonement, non-Jews can accept God’s gracious invitation and enter into covenant with the God of Israel, receiving God’schesed in Messiah (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:12).
Thus, through a covenant relationship, God is faithfully drawing us to Himself, continuing His lovingkindness toward us, and never letting us go. Why? Because His character is love, He therefore has the constant conduct of love (1 John 4:8). He loves you personally, perpetually, and powerfully! Have you responded to His love?
December Follow-up in Feb. & Beyond!
As 2015 has drawn to a close and a new year has begun, we have had many opportunities to rejoice! God has graciously given the increase, and we are still following up with those who responded to the message of salvation communicated through our outreaches during the month of December. Though some may think that December, with the dual celebrations of Hanukkah and Messiah's birth, is an 'either/or' month, we have always handled it as a 'both/and' opportunity.
Read more... As 2015 has drawn to a close and a new year has begun, we have had many opportunities to rejoice! God has graciously given the increase, and we are still following up with those who responded to the message of salvation communicated through our outreaches during the month of December. Though some may think that December, with the dual celebrations of Hanukkah and Messiah’s birth, is an ‘either/or’ month, we have always handled it as a ‘both/and’ opportunity.
Hanukkah, which began in early December, opened the door for numerous occasions on which to teach about this Feast of Dedication. Many people in Bible-believing churches do not realize that Hanukkah is a New Testament Feast, spoken of in John 10:22-30, where Yeshua personally identified with this feast and used it in His teaching. In light of this lack of awareness, some may think that churches could care less about Hanukkah; however, this assumption is wrong! Besides our own Hanukkah outreaches, we had amazing responses in every church where I brought the message. With its theme of dedication, Hanukkah became a natural opportunity to proclaim Messiah as the “Greater Maccabee” who can change lives. Many hunger for this kind of change in their life, and numerous people who heard this message responded to Messiah’s love and placed their faith in Yeshua as their Lord and Savior.
As always, at out Messianic outreaches, we were privileged to see the Lord give the increase to the teaching and add to the Body. Hanukkah became an unusual opportunity for believers to invite their Jewish neighbors and friends to hear the message of Messiah in the context of this feast. For many people, Hanukkah can seem like a rather minor holiday. However, nothing is ever minor when the Messiah is proclaimed. The message of Hanukkah is life-changing as people realize just how much more Yeshua can do for them than the religious heroes of the past.
These Hanukkah outreaches were just the beginning of a month of blessing. Though we do not celebrate Messiah’s birth according to the customary Christmas traditions of trees, Santa, or mistletoe, we are continually blessed by the 3-fold miracle that historically took place when Yeshua came to this earth: He was miraculously born of a virgin, was God Himself come in the flesh, and was the marvelous confirmation of God’s faithful promises given to Israel (see Romans 15:8-9). So, though our celebration may look different than that of most people, we do take the occasion to help people understand Yeshua’s birth through Jewish eyes. As we do this, it becomes a wonderful and clarifying opportunity to share with pre-believing Jewish people that the Messiah has come. We also take this time of year to share with nominal Christians about the vital importance of personal faith, uncluttered by the traditional wrapping paper of snowmen and reindeer.
We do this by looking at the roots of our faith, the Messianic prophecies of Yeshua’s birth. In several churches, I taught a message entitled, “Christmas Thru Jewish Eyes,” from Isaiah 9:1-7. The truths of this 700-year advance birth announcement so astounded some of the listeners that they chose to let the Light of Messiah impact their lives and relationships, and publically surrendered themselves to Him. Some of these new believers testify that they felt “compelled” by the Holy Spirit to turn their lives over to the Lord!
At our Messianic outreaches surrounding the celebration of Messiah’s birth, we took an in-depth look at Micah 4:8, which speaks of Migdal Eder, a region outside the town of Bethlehem called the “Tower of the flock.” When studied by the ancient Jewish sages, this section of Scripture was traditionally recognized as a Messianic prophecy. A careful study reveals that the area of Migdal Eder was the very area where the shepherds “watching over their flocks by night” were suddenly met by a multitude of angels praising God and speaking of the birth of the Messiah (Luke 2). The background and testimony of those who first testified of Messiah is so stunning that people responded to the prophecy of Messiah’s birth with their own new birth in Him!
At a subsequent outreach, we had the opportunity to speak of the uniqueness of the divinity of Messiah from Micah 5:2. As our humble King, Yeshua came from eternity in order to rule in humility, providing a unique testimony of how true, godly leadership is God’s light of grace into the disgraceful darkness of this world. Once again, numerous people responded, and two more Jewish individuals became b’nai Elohim, children of God!
Please continue to pray for us as we follow up with these new believers (As I write this article, Miriam is speaking with one of them, a Jewish woman). Pray also that we will continue to utilize all that the Bible teaches in order to reach out to all with ears to hear, even “to the Jew first and also to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).
And, if by His grace, we can testify of God’s love throughout December, just imagine the opportunities we will have to proclaim His everlasting love surrounding St. Valentine’s Day! Keep praying and praising!
Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations in Phoenix
If the Good News is to the Jew 1st, then this will be the first point of attack from the enemy. Messianic ministry is not easy, and like any leader, Messianic leaders need to be equipped and encouraged as they fulfill their calling, leading congregations that effectively testify of Yeshua as God's faithfulness to Jewish people and to all people. In order to help Messianic congregations to succeed, grow, and reproduce, reaching out with the Good News to Jewish people, Word of Messiah regularly holds "Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations" conferences for Messianic leaders in communities across the country and around the world.
Read more... If the Good News is to the Jew 1st, then this will be the first point of attack from the enemy. Messianic ministry is not easy, and like any leader, Messianic leaders need to be equipped and encouraged as they fulfill their calling, leading congregations that effectively testify of Yeshua as God’s faithfulness to Jewish people and to all people. In order to help Messianic congregations to succeed, grow, and reproduce, reaching out with the Good News to Jewish people, Word of Messiah regularly holds “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conferences for Messianic leaders in communities across the country and around the world.
During the weekend of January 22-24, we held our first conference of 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. It was a first for us to hold a conference in this area and we were so thankful for how the Lord blessed the weekend. The 27 leaders who attended represented various congregations in cities throughout the Southwest including Albuquerque NM, Anaheim CA, Phoenix AZ, and more from the areas surrounding Phoenix.
A highlight of this conference is that the leaders who attended were able to make practical use of Sam’s new revised and expanded book: “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations,” a hands-on guidebook designed for Messianic leaders and congregation planters, though the principles can be used by pastors and church planters as well. (Stay tuned for more information on how you can get a copy of this one of a kind book!)
During the opening session of the conference, Sam asked for the participants to share their reasons for attending and what they hoped to learn from the conference. The reasons expressed were as varied as the group gathered. Every congregation experiences trials, and in our conferences, we aim to address specific areas of need and encourage each of the leaders in their vital ministry, whether they are new congregation planters or seasoned leaders.
At this time, several of the leaders expressed their desire to strengthen their infrastructure in order to develop and be able to meet the needs of their growing congregations. Some had been facing issues of miscommunication amongst their leadership, and so were struggling with issues of disunity and mistrust in their congregations. For these, Sam focused on the key matters of unifying vision and values, and encouraged the leaders of each ministry within the congregation to develop a mission statement that would lend itself to fulfilling the overall mission of the congregation, so building unity and trust.
Another team came to the conference wanting to learn how to restart and renew their vision for a congregation in their area. For this group, Sam went over what he calls the “Iceberg Principle:” a congregation must be grounded on a firm foundation of the person and work of Messiah, and build on this the various ministries through which the congregation serves as the “WIFE” of Messiah (a Worship center, Instruction center, Fellowship center, and Evangelistic center.) Only on this foundation is a congregation able to present an effective testimony of Messiah “above the water line.”
After the first session, one of the leaders from this congregation expressed: “We are beginning again and we need to understand our DNA before we proceed. This is powerful teaching and I know the training we receive this weekend will enable us to understand how to begin again.”
Another seasoned leader of a long standing Messianic synagogue expressed his desire to better understand how to transition and develop his leadership while maintaining their congregation’s strong legacy. Throughout the conference, Sam gave instruction concerning how a paradigm shift, such as that brought on by a change of leadership, is a test of love which gives leaders an opportunity to communicate what things have changed and what things will never change (a congregation’s core mission, vision, and values), in order to re-stabilize the group.
Though diverse as the group was in regards to their outreach, some geared to reaching a secular Jewish community, while others working in a more orthodox setting, camaraderie developed as we had opportunity to fellowship around those things we have in common. Because of the great emphasis in Scripture on God wanting any congregation to be “a house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7), we spent a good deal of time in prayer and worship, which brought unity as we exalted Messiah together.
During breaks, Sam spent time with the leaders discussing more personal questions one on one, and was able, by God’s grace, to help them tailor the principles taught in the conference to help in their particular circumstances.
After the conference, several of the leaders remarked:
“This conference was very helpful and the material interesting. I appreciated that Sam set aside plenty of time for questions and was readily available to address each of them. I also am glad to see that much of the information covered in the conference is available in Sam’s new book, Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations.”[Lonnie Bradshaw, International Academic Coordinator, Messianic Jewish Bible Institute]
“This conference was excellent and very comprehensive. I’ve been in Messianic ministry since 1982, and wish I had the opportunity to go through a course like this 20 years ago, as it would have prevented a lot of things that we’ve done wrong. I see this conference as being very helpful for leaders starting out, as it details every area of ministry they will encounter. Training on establishing and developing healthy congregations is invaluable. I have not seen this kind of training before in the Messianic movement, and wish I had known about your ministry earlier.”[James Shapiro, Congregational Leader, Adat Yeshua Messianic Synagogue]
“All of my leaders who attended were ecstatic after this conference. They each received information that was very useful and helpful for them and are already implementing the ideas they learned. Sam’s teaching is excellent, he knows the material well, and you can tell that he has a passion and love for Messianic Congregations and a desire to help them succeed. The information about discipleship and follow-up was particularly valuable, as was Sam’s new book, Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations.”[Allan Moorhead, Congregational Leader, Arrowhead Messianic Congregation]
“The most helpful idea from the conference for me is the systematic approach of building a congregation and its members. From the admonitions of ‘no sheep stealing’ and fulfilling the Great Commission in order to add to the ranks, to the discipleship/membership process and everything beyond and in between, this structure will be very helpful to us. It provides a very logical and orderly process and with the help of the Ruach haKodesh and faithfulness on our part, God will be faithful!”[ Esther Butler, Beth Yeshua Messianic Synagogue]
Sam will be Speaking:
February 14, 10:00 am - Pleasant Valley Baptist, Indian Land, SC
February 21, 11:00 am - Benton Heights Presbyterian, Monroe, NC
February 27, 4:00 pm - Springvale Baptist, Lugoff, SC
February 28, 10:30 am - Springvale Baptist, Lugoff, SC
February 28, 5:00 pm - David Baptist, Kings Mountain, NC
To schedule a speaker click here or call 704.544.1948
Messianic Foundations
Fulfill Your Calling in the Jewish Messiah
Around four millennia ago, the Creator of the Universe brought a particular people into existence, and His calling upon this people remains for His Name's sake. Embedded in this calling from the beginning was God's plan to redeem all the nations as well. Whether Jewish or Gentile, you are called to represent God's character and faithfulness in the world. Why are Messianic congregations necessary? Why must the Good News be "to the Jew first?" What does the "fullness of the Gentiles" mean?... This book explores foundational matters which clarify what it means to be faithful to the God of Israel.
Buy Now
On Sale for $12
+ $3 Shipping & Handling
Check out our new website!
www.wordofmessiah.org
704-544-1948
shmooze@wordofmessiah.org
Word of Messiah Ministries
PO Box 79238
Charlotte, North Carolina 28271, United States
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