Guest Authors
Lutheran Sukkah
Many of you know that God has placed me in a very strange and unusual ministry. Years ago God called me to bring the message of Torah to the people I was called to serve in the Church. I am allowed to daily live the mitzvah of returning to my neighbor that which he has lost. Mainly, I get the opportunity to teach and live the Torah.
This year I took the bold step to teach a two part sermon series on the Festival of Sukkot and how it related to the birth of the Messiah. One of my members heard about it and even built me a Sukkah to place in the front of our worship area. Now I realize that it should have been outside, but it was indeed a great visual reminder to them to have it right there in front of them at all times while I shared with them the connection between Sukkot and the Word becoming flesh and Tabernacling among us.
I was amazed and humbled by the positive response I recieved from my congregation as we talked about the Sukkah and the birth of the Messiah. One comment that was made to me was, 'Why hasn't anyone ever taught us this before?" I was immediately drawn in my mind to the story in Acts with Philip and the Ethiopian Eunich, "How will I know if someone does not tell me?" (Acts 8:30)
The key to being able to bring this message to my congregation came from the wonderful people that God has placed in my life. My friends at the Torah Club Online Forum have been with me and have encouraged me in my ministry. I value and honor their friendship in all that they teach me. The FFOZ ministry has provided a wonderful opportunity for Torah Club members to be able to gather together.
Paul tells us "Encourage one another, build up one another" (I Thess. 5:11). Over and over again the Torah Club Online Forum has become a place where we can encourage each other, pray for each other, and yes, sometimes struggle with each other as we learn to grow and build the body of Messiah to be strong.
However, like everything else, there is room for more. If you are not yet a Torah Club member there is always time to sign up. Don't hesitate if you have any questions.
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Visitor Feedback:
What a blessing! My husband and I had a similar experience this past Spring. Every year, the ministry where I've worked for many years, hosts an "Easter" brunch for its employees. The comment was made among the planning committee that they would like to bring in a strong spiritual aspect to this year's celebration rather than just getting together to eat. Several members knew that my husband and I have been attending a Torah-observant congregation and asked if we would be willing to speak about Passover. We were only given 1/2 hr. for our presentation and the favor of using the main chapel. I cooked enough lamb for each employee and set out plates with the three basic elements required of Passover and my husband conducted an actual Seder. He showed the connection between the Passover Seder meal that Yeshua celebrated with the disciples and the Christian's Communion thru the Third Cup. Everyone commented on how it gave them such a deepened understanding of the observance of Passover and how Yeshua was truly our living sacrifice. Many made the same comment as to "why doesn't anyone teach this in our churches?" For over a month after the Seder meal, I received very positive feedback from various employees about what a blessing the observance of Passover was to them.
Debbie S. | October 22, 2007 8:51 AM
Thanks for sharing, Bill!
I have a similar ministry with a certain Apostolic Pentecostal church in the Los Angeles area. After being immersed there 11 years ago in Jesus' Name, I've continued to be in fellowship there and am friends with the Pastor. To them, I'm the Jew guy. That's OK.
My wife opens up our home for Tuesday night fellowship (with the Apostolics), and it's a small group of 8-12 that comes over. During Sukkot, only 3 came over and I gave the 'edification' that night about Sukkot. I talked about the real Christmas and the five of us went into the Sukkah, waving the lulav, and our 3 Holy Ghost-filled guests told me that they drifted into the Spirit, waving the lulav and worshiping in spirit and truth. I always expect resistance when speaking to my Apostolic Pentecostal brethren when talking about Torah-based things, but this was well received by these 3 guests. This came on the heels of my 2 messages on consecutive Sunday nights to the 300+ parishioners about Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur.
The Almighty is allowing me to touch these Apostolics 1-4 people at a time, and several have expressed a desire to observe a Kabbalat Shabbat service, as well as a Pesach service with me. Others want me to teach a Hebrew roots class to them. Hello Ha Yesod!
This is our time to be bold for Yeshua and Torah. Thanks for letting me share.
Neubill | October 22, 2007 5:11 PM