November 2016 eShmooze Letter from Word of Messiah of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States for Monday, 31 October 2016About WMM | Bookstore | Contact Us | Give
November 2016
Thankfully, we Never let a Good Illness go to Waste!Thankfully, We Never Let a Good Illness go to Waste! by Sam Nadler
In God’s Word we are taught, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Messiah Yeshua” (1 Thess. 5:18). Though many situations in life do not seem to be worthy of our thanks, our perspective changes as the grace of God and His Good News are applied. God is short-handed until Yeshua returns, and He will use anyone at any time to share His message… even when the circumstances may not seem ideal, just as Paul discovered:
“but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the Good News to you the first time” (Gal. 4:13)
There’s never a second chance to make a first impression, and though we may want others to see us at our best, God is more concerned with what will give the Good News its best impression. Paul experienced this during his first visit to Galatia when he was compelled by sickness to remain longer than expected. Yet, rather than feel sorry for himself, Paul preached Good News during his enforced sojourn.
Looking back, Paul reminds the Galatians that his physical problems were not merely a visual trial for them (4:14), they were also their spiritual opportunity. In and of itself, an illness is not a help to anyone; however, it often provides the opportunity to share that which can really help all people: the Good News of Messiah! This Good News is not dependent on our strengths nor hindered by our weaknesses (13-15). You may be too strong for God to use, but you can never be too weak! In fact, it is in weakness that God’s strength is made perfect (2 Cor. 12:9).
Following Paul’s example, I often exhort others to thank God for every ministry opportunity, including the “unprayed-for hospital ministries” He brings our way. Recently, God gave me such an opportunity, though it came disguised as an importunity. After battling a persistent cough and fever for over a month, I went to the ER on my doctor’s recommendation, hoping to be able to see a lung specialist there.
While there, I prayed for those around me, and for an “open door” to share with them (1 Cor. 16:9). God granted this request, and I was soon able to share with Christina*, one of the nurses on duty. Christina told me that she used to be part of a Bible study, but explained that she has turned away from God for a “higher power.” I prayerfully shared with her about the Lord’s highest power, and how He loves her and longs for her to return to Him.
God also brought John*, Anna*, Esther*, Richard*, Maureen*, and Laurie* across my path during the day at the hospital. I shared the hope I have in Messiah with each of them, seeking to encourage those who were already believers and exhorting those who have not yet accepted Messiah to come to Him. Though I would never have chosen the circumstances, I thank God for this “disguised opportunity” to share Messiah’s love with those I may otherwise never have met.
Though some suppose others may think less of the Good News when it is brought through weakness, your weakness can actually be your passport into the lives of unbelievers around you. One couple I know, the Friedmans, had real family problems but figured I could never identify with their distressing issues. However, years ago, when I was experiencing terrible cluster headaches, they saw that I knew misery as well, and felt that I could in fact identify with them without despising them. My afflictions and frailty became my opportunity to share Messiah.
Though this may seem backwards, remember, it was through the wretched cross of our Messiah that all Good News came to us. He suffered for our sins. So therefore the very cross we bear –health problems, relationship crises, or financial disasters – can also be God’s instrument of grace to share His message of life with others – if we will faithfully trust God through it all!
Though there are many different spiritual purposes for problems (Psalm 119: 67, 71, 75, etc.), sharing salvation, hope and comfort in Messiah has to be at the top of the list. In a sense, through his weakness, Paul was saying to the Galatians: My life is not about my health (evidently) but about the new life I have in the Good News of Messiah. Everything else you may learn about me will be in context to that of which my life consists: the message of Messiah.
Likewise, our lives are not about doctors who fouled up the works, insurance companies that won’t pay off, diseases that humiliate and debilitate… but about our relationship with God through Messiah. God is the One in charge of our lives, and His open doors may sometimes seem pretty yucky. However, when life isn’t working out according to your own will, remember that as you trust the Lord, it is still working out His will for you in Messiah!
Our importunities are God’s opportunities: By faith, you’re not a victim but a victor in Yeshua!
*Names changed to protect the privacy of the individuals
READ MORE
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A Messianic Tree Grows in BrooklynA Messianic Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Tim James
We want to see more healthy Messianic congregations established and developed around the globe. This is the heartbeat of Word of Messiah. More healthy Messianic congregations equates to more long-term effective outreach to the Jewish community surrounding that congregation. This, in turn, allows for a renewal and revival among God’s chosen people. We know biblically that a revival will unleash the King’s return (Zech. 12:10, 14:4). We can’t wait! But how do we hasten that day? How do we encourage more outreach? How can men be empowered to step up in leadership to lead their own hearts, homes, and congregations? How can we help in passing the baton from generation to generation (m’dor l’dor)?
Word of Messiah has been diligent to ensure that these questions do not remain unanswered. In fact, we address these and many more at our regional “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conferences. Over these 2-day conferences, through 15 hours of teaching and breakout sessions focusing on the DNA of a healthy Messianic congregation, interspersed with times of worship and shmoozing over meals, we ache to make sure that each participant leaves the conference equipped for the next step. It wasn’t any different in Brooklyn this past September.
But why would we schedule our Northeast regional conference on 9/11 weekend, 15 years after the fact, and to be held in NYC, nonetheless? Because we believe that God alone is able to bring healing, restoration, and redemption to a lost humanity. Only He can bring light out of darkness, life even from the dead. How? With more people reaching out with the Good News of God’s unchanging love for this world. Our heart’s desire is to see many more Jews and Gentiles come to faith in the Messiah of Israel. And for them to find a place where they can grow and mature as disciples, equipped for every good work. God calls us to unity in the midst of our diversity. We believe the Messianic congregation is the most strategic platform to encourage this unique unity in the Body of Messiah.
Today there is a tremendous need for more sound Messianic congregations in Brooklyn, a community saturated with Jewish people. As our conference took place in the heart of the Orthodox Jewish community, I couldn’t help but pray that this neighborhood would turn to Messiah as their Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace), who alone can bring shalom shalom (perfect peace) in the midst of their lives (Is. 9:6; Is. 26:3). In order to help further this goal, Chosen People Ministries (CPM) graciously opened the Charles Feinberg Center to us for the weekend.
Joseph Ryan, on staff with CPM, stated that the conference was “very helpful.” He expressed that, “It gave me a vision for what could be; a very structured pathway to making members and making disciples”. In fact, Joseph followed up with Word of Messiah after the conference for further support in establishing a discipleship and membership system within the congregation in which he serves, Beth Sar Shalom in Brooklyn NY. He is currently utilizing Sam’s discipleship material (Messianic Discipleship), providing one-on-one discipleship with a man he meets with on a regular basis. Way to go, Joseph! Bring the Word to the whomsoever!
Reb Benzi, elder at Kehilath HaDerekh Messianic Jewish Synagogue, says, “Sam Nadler’s Leadership Conference was helpful for me, and also to the leaders I brought with me, in many areas. I will recommend Sam Nadler’s Leadership Conferences to any current or prospective leaders of Messianic ministries. Additionally, the next time it comes to NYC, I would invite people in Junior leadership as well, such as worship leader, oneg coordinator, and other ministry heads.”
Want to be a part of what God is doing here at Word of Messiah? Join us at our next “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conference. We’re hoping to come to your area in 2017. The places on our radar so far are Florida, the Mid-west, and the West Coast. Spread the word so that more Messianic congregations may be established and more Jewish people may be effectively reached with the Good News of Yeshua. We’re all in this together. Are you in?
READ MORE
Our importunities are God’s opportunities: By faith, you’re not a victim but a victor in Yeshua!
*Names changed to protect the privacy of the individuals
READ MORE
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A Messianic Tree Grows in BrooklynA Messianic Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Tim James
We want to see more healthy Messianic congregations established and developed around the globe. This is the heartbeat of Word of Messiah. More healthy Messianic congregations equates to more long-term effective outreach to the Jewish community surrounding that congregation. This, in turn, allows for a renewal and revival among God’s chosen people. We know biblically that a revival will unleash the King’s return (Zech. 12:10, 14:4). We can’t wait! But how do we hasten that day? How do we encourage more outreach? How can men be empowered to step up in leadership to lead their own hearts, homes, and congregations? How can we help in passing the baton from generation to generation (m’dor l’dor)?
Word of Messiah has been diligent to ensure that these questions do not remain unanswered. In fact, we address these and many more at our regional “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conferences. Over these 2-day conferences, through 15 hours of teaching and breakout sessions focusing on the DNA of a healthy Messianic congregation, interspersed with times of worship and shmoozing over meals, we ache to make sure that each participant leaves the conference equipped for the next step. It wasn’t any different in Brooklyn this past September.
But why would we schedule our Northeast regional conference on 9/11 weekend, 15 years after the fact, and to be held in NYC, nonetheless? Because we believe that God alone is able to bring healing, restoration, and redemption to a lost humanity. Only He can bring light out of darkness, life even from the dead. How? With more people reaching out with the Good News of God’s unchanging love for this world. Our heart’s desire is to see many more Jews and Gentiles come to faith in the Messiah of Israel. And for them to find a place where they can grow and mature as disciples, equipped for every good work. God calls us to unity in the midst of our diversity. We believe the Messianic congregation is the most strategic platform to encourage this unique unity in the Body of Messiah.
Today there is a tremendous need for more sound Messianic congregations in Brooklyn, a community saturated with Jewish people. As our conference took place in the heart of the Orthodox Jewish community, I couldn’t help but pray that this neighborhood would turn to Messiah as their Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace), who alone can bring shalom shalom (perfect peace) in the midst of their lives (Is. 9:6; Is. 26:3). In order to help further this goal, Chosen People Ministries (CPM) graciously opened the Charles Feinberg Center to us for the weekend.
Joseph Ryan, on staff with CPM, stated that the conference was “very helpful.” He expressed that, “It gave me a vision for what could be; a very structured pathway to making members and making disciples”. In fact, Joseph followed up with Word of Messiah after the conference for further support in establishing a discipleship and membership system within the congregation in which he serves, Beth Sar Shalom in Brooklyn NY. He is currently utilizing Sam’s discipleship material (Messianic Discipleship), providing one-on-one discipleship with a man he meets with on a regular basis. Way to go, Joseph! Bring the Word to the whomsoever!
Reb Benzi, elder at Kehilath HaDerekh Messianic Jewish Synagogue, says, “Sam Nadler’s Leadership Conference was helpful for me, and also to the leaders I brought with me, in many areas. I will recommend Sam Nadler’s Leadership Conferences to any current or prospective leaders of Messianic ministries. Additionally, the next time it comes to NYC, I would invite people in Junior leadership as well, such as worship leader, oneg coordinator, and other ministry heads.”
Want to be a part of what God is doing here at Word of Messiah? Join us at our next “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conference. We’re hoping to come to your area in 2017. The places on our radar so far are Florida, the Mid-west, and the West Coast. Spread the word so that more Messianic congregations may be established and more Jewish people may be effectively reached with the Good News of Yeshua. We’re all in this together. Are you in?
READ MORE
-------
Ministry in EnglandWord of Messiah in England
In mid-September, Sam was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 150th anniversary conference of the oldest Messianic organization in the world, the British Messianic Jewish Alliance (BMJA). Messianic leaders from all over England and Wales gathered to celebrate this milestone and renew their vision for the next 150 years of outreach to the thousands of Jewish people in Great Britain.
Sam spoke at the BMJA’s bi-annual conference in 2011, and was very honored to receive this invitation a second time, viewing this opportunity as strategic in light of our calling at Word of Messiah to reach more Jewish people with the Good News of Yeshua and see healthy Messianic congregations planted across the world. Everything Sam taught at the conference was to further this end, challenging the Messianic community in England to grow strong in their strategic calling to share Good News with Jew and non-Jew alike and disciple believers through healthy, local Messianic congregations.
The conference began Friday evening as Paul Wilbur led in a concert of praise and adoration to the Lord God of Israel. What better way to begin than with a celebration to exalt the Name that is above every name, the Name of Yeshua our Messiah!
Over the next two days, Sam taught a series of messages from the Book of Romans beginning with Romans 1:16 and then walking verse by verse through Romans chapter 11. Sam challenged this group of Jewish and Gentile believers as to how the Apostle Paul saw the Gospel effectively going forth. To the Gentiles attending, he expounded on Paul’s warning for them not to become arrogant against the natural “olive branches” (the greater Jewish community who have rejected Yeshua as Messiah), but rather to use their liberty in the Lord to make unbelieving Jewish people jealous for Messiah (Romans 11:11). His exhortation to the many Jewish believers there was to encourage them that as the “remnant according to God’s gracious choice” (Romans 11:5), each of them must renew their commitment to keep proclaiming the Good News with an even stronger voice as we see the coming of Messiah rapidly approaching.
Though some may think that Messianic congregations are only for Jewish people and that Gentiles should not attend, Scripture is very clear on this matter. The fact that there are so many Gentiles in Messianic congregations around the world is a valuable witness to Israel, for as Gentiles worship Yeshua in a Jewish frame of reference, it makes Jewish people curious as to why they are doing this, bringing them to jealousy for their own Messiah!
After listening to Sam’s teaching at the conference, some who had previously thought that Messianic congregations were not for Gentiles realized how wrong their position was and are seeking now to move forward in discipling both Jews and Gentiles to testify of God’s faithfulness in Messiah, the “light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel.” (Luke 2:32) Sound teaching on these matters is vital in the Messianic world if we are to be a unified testimony of God’s faithfulness in Messiah to all people.
On Monday following the conference, we had the privilege of working with several leaders from a Messianic Congregation who meet in the Golders Green area of London, the section of the city with the largest Jewish population. Here, Sam spent a day of teaching and training regarding the basics of congregational planting and healthy growth. His teaching was so well received that we are praying about returning to England to conduct a “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conference in this strategic area.
Following the conference, we received helpful feedback as to the impact the teaching made on the leaders and communities represented:
“Thank you for taking the time to come to the BMJA conference and the Leadership day on Monday. You have provided much needed clarity on a number of matters that I feel the British Messianic community (and the wider Gentile church) so needs. It has empowered me and inspired me so that I am clear about many matters for the coming season.” – Anthony
“This truly was a life changing experience for me and I am still chewing over the riches of the deposits you have made into my life. I never understood until now how crucial mentoring is and also how to approach God’s chosen people. This weekend has changed my view completely.” – Kumar
Thank you for praying for our trip and for those in England who are reaching their Jewish communities with the Good News of Messiah and planting Messianic congregations in these areas of great need. Please pray with us about the possibility of conducting a future conference in London as the Lord provides His opportunities and His resources.
READ MORE
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Nov 11, 7:00 pm: Miriam speaking at Fellowship Baptist, Rock Hill, SC
Nov 20, 10:30 am: The Journey at Lake Wylie, Clover, SC
Nov 27, 8:30 am: Mt. Harmony Baptist, Matthews, NC
SCHEDULE A SPEAKER
On Sale for $10 + s/h
Joseph: From dreams to prison to palace
Dig deeper into the dramatic and fascinating story of the favored son of Jacob, and learn how his life was meant to illustrate Messiah's relationship with Israel.
VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE
Word of Messiah Podcast
Check out our new podcast - Just another avenue to proclaim the faithfulness of the God of Israel!
-------
SUBSCRIBE
Your prayers and support are invaluable as we share the Good News, establish healthy Messianic congregations, and equip the Body of Messiah around the world in our shared calling to bring the Good News of Yeshua "to the Jew 1st and also to the Gentile."
GIVE TODAY
-------
Word of Messiah Ministries
Ministry in EnglandWord of Messiah in England
In mid-September, Sam was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 150th anniversary conference of the oldest Messianic organization in the world, the British Messianic Jewish Alliance (BMJA). Messianic leaders from all over England and Wales gathered to celebrate this milestone and renew their vision for the next 150 years of outreach to the thousands of Jewish people in Great Britain.
Sam spoke at the BMJA’s bi-annual conference in 2011, and was very honored to receive this invitation a second time, viewing this opportunity as strategic in light of our calling at Word of Messiah to reach more Jewish people with the Good News of Yeshua and see healthy Messianic congregations planted across the world. Everything Sam taught at the conference was to further this end, challenging the Messianic community in England to grow strong in their strategic calling to share Good News with Jew and non-Jew alike and disciple believers through healthy, local Messianic congregations.
The conference began Friday evening as Paul Wilbur led in a concert of praise and adoration to the Lord God of Israel. What better way to begin than with a celebration to exalt the Name that is above every name, the Name of Yeshua our Messiah!
Over the next two days, Sam taught a series of messages from the Book of Romans beginning with Romans 1:16 and then walking verse by verse through Romans chapter 11. Sam challenged this group of Jewish and Gentile believers as to how the Apostle Paul saw the Gospel effectively going forth. To the Gentiles attending, he expounded on Paul’s warning for them not to become arrogant against the natural “olive branches” (the greater Jewish community who have rejected Yeshua as Messiah), but rather to use their liberty in the Lord to make unbelieving Jewish people jealous for Messiah (Romans 11:11). His exhortation to the many Jewish believers there was to encourage them that as the “remnant according to God’s gracious choice” (Romans 11:5), each of them must renew their commitment to keep proclaiming the Good News with an even stronger voice as we see the coming of Messiah rapidly approaching.
Though some may think that Messianic congregations are only for Jewish people and that Gentiles should not attend, Scripture is very clear on this matter. The fact that there are so many Gentiles in Messianic congregations around the world is a valuable witness to Israel, for as Gentiles worship Yeshua in a Jewish frame of reference, it makes Jewish people curious as to why they are doing this, bringing them to jealousy for their own Messiah!
After listening to Sam’s teaching at the conference, some who had previously thought that Messianic congregations were not for Gentiles realized how wrong their position was and are seeking now to move forward in discipling both Jews and Gentiles to testify of God’s faithfulness in Messiah, the “light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel.” (Luke 2:32) Sound teaching on these matters is vital in the Messianic world if we are to be a unified testimony of God’s faithfulness in Messiah to all people.
On Monday following the conference, we had the privilege of working with several leaders from a Messianic Congregation who meet in the Golders Green area of London, the section of the city with the largest Jewish population. Here, Sam spent a day of teaching and training regarding the basics of congregational planting and healthy growth. His teaching was so well received that we are praying about returning to England to conduct a “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” conference in this strategic area.
Following the conference, we received helpful feedback as to the impact the teaching made on the leaders and communities represented:
“Thank you for taking the time to come to the BMJA conference and the Leadership day on Monday. You have provided much needed clarity on a number of matters that I feel the British Messianic community (and the wider Gentile church) so needs. It has empowered me and inspired me so that I am clear about many matters for the coming season.” – Anthony
“This truly was a life changing experience for me and I am still chewing over the riches of the deposits you have made into my life. I never understood until now how crucial mentoring is and also how to approach God’s chosen people. This weekend has changed my view completely.” – Kumar
Thank you for praying for our trip and for those in England who are reaching their Jewish communities with the Good News of Messiah and planting Messianic congregations in these areas of great need. Please pray with us about the possibility of conducting a future conference in London as the Lord provides His opportunities and His resources.
READ MORE
-------
Sam Nadler
Upcoming Speaking EventsNov 11, 7:00 pm: Miriam speaking at Fellowship Baptist, Rock Hill, SC
Nov 20, 10:30 am: The Journey at Lake Wylie, Clover, SC
Nov 27, 8:30 am: Mt. Harmony Baptist, Matthews, NC
SCHEDULE A SPEAKER
On Sale for $10 + s/h
Joseph: From dreams to prison to palace
Dig deeper into the dramatic and fascinating story of the favored son of Jacob, and learn how his life was meant to illustrate Messiah's relationship with Israel.
VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE
Word of Messiah Podcast
Check out our new podcast - Just another avenue to proclaim the faithfulness of the God of Israel!
-------
SUBSCRIBE
Your prayers and support are invaluable as we share the Good News, establish healthy Messianic congregations, and equip the Body of Messiah around the world in our shared calling to bring the Good News of Yeshua "to the Jew 1st and also to the Gentile."
GIVE TODAY
-------
Word of Messiah Ministries
P.O Box 79238
Charlotte, North Carolina 28271, United States
www.wordofmessiah.org
Click here to view the online version.
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www.wordofmessiah.org
Click here to view the online version.
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