Founder’s Blog
Our Mission, Our Vision
Torah life is not a difficult life. To say that the Torah is a burden, or that it is simply impossible to do, diminishes the work of the Messiah1 and stands opposed to the assertion in Deuteronomy 30:11–14. In addition to the biblical declarations, there are literally tens of thousands of people throughout the world that are living lives submitted to the Torah and fully-centered on the Messiah. They will testify that a life lived in obedience to commandments of God establishes identity, creates biblical boundaries and most importantly, sets them apart as a people who display God's will and wisdom to a lost world. It is to these Torah pioneers that I write. I want to encourage you from Hebrews 10:19�25.
Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, v.22
Our position and place in the kingdom of God both now and in the world to come is predicated on the eternal work of the Messiah and is fully centered on His death, burial, resurrection, ascension and intercession. Remain faithful to the One that called you by name and took your sins upon Himself.2 He made you a member of the New Covenant3 in that He Himself inaugurated the New Covenant through His flesh.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, v.23
Stand firm in faith-based righteousness.4 There are many out there that will attempt to draw you away from your faith in the Master. Remain steadfast—do not waver. Be prepared to make an argument for your faith; understand your Scriptures and be prepared. There is an assault on the nature of the Messiah and there are attempts by many to diminish His divinity. There are also those that teach that works of the Law establish and secure your salvation. Remember that salvation is God�s grace and your faith alone, which results in good deeds.
Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, v.24
Keep the commandments of God—they are the very means in which we live out the full life of the Messiah. Understand that through the complete work of the Messiah you are no longer a slave to sin.5 Rather you are a slave to righteousness. Therefore, know that sin is no longer a natural part of your life, it is now a choice that you make. You will be held accountable for every violation of God's Law. Therefore it is with love that I exhort you to good deeds, to the mitzvot of God.
With this said, I would like to introduce you to the new mission statement of First Fruits of Zion. We have spent a great amount of time on it, and I would appreciate your feedback. This statement best captures our heart and vision,
First Fruits of Zion: Proclaiming the Torah and its way of life, fully centered on Messiah, to today's People of God
We believe this statement speaks of our passion to live and teach Torah6 while remaining firm about our conviction on the Messiah. The tone in the delivery of this message through all of our resources will continue to be confident and forthright; gracious and fair; and accessible and reliable. Our updated mission statement has given our staff a renewed passion for this message as we realize the importance of this work. We are excited for the work the Father has put before us�we know that we are making a difference in His kingdom.
Many of you have assisted us in this work. You have generously contributed the needed funds which go directly toward the proclamation of this message of restoration, hope and holiness. Thank you for being an important part of First Fruits of Zion. Together we have an important mission: So, let us move forward and proclaim the Torah and its way of life to today�s people of God.
Thank you for your partnership with us in this work.
Endnotes
1) See Romans 3:31; 6:1�7:25; 8:5�10 and Titus 2:11�15
2) Galatians 1:2�5
3) Jeremiah 31:31ff, Note: members of the New Covenant are Torah-keepers. 4) Ephesians 2:8–10
5) 1 John 3:4b, clearly states that ��sin is violation of the Law (Torah).�
6) Matthew 5:19
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