12. COMMITMENT TO THE BODY OF THE MESSIAH: The Assembly of Yahweh
12.1. By what sign did Yah'shua (Jesus) say all men would know that we are His disciples? (John 13:34)
12.2. What kind of love did Yah'shua (Jesus) say that this is? (John 13:34)
12.3. In defining that love, what does the Scripture say? (1 John 3:16; John 15:13)
12.4. This love also expresses itself in commitment to each other in the following way:
a. (1 Peter 4:8)
b. (Gal.5:15)
c. (Phil.2:3-4)
d. (1 Cor.12:26; Rom.15:1)
e. (Matt.5:44)
f. (James 5:16; 1 Cor.12:25)
g. (1 John 3:17-18)
12.5. What are we to be diligent to preserve? (Eph.4:3)
As we cause division through back-biting and devouring one another, we tear down one another and destroy the work of Yahweh. This is one of Satan's devices and tricks.
12.6. Why does Satan try to cause division? (Luke 11:17)
It is Satan's desire to divide and lay waste Yahweh's Kingdom.
12.7. Therefore, if we know that any brother has anything against us, what are we to do? (Matt.5:23-24)
12.8. What attitude should we have? (Eph.4:32)
12.9. What are we as children of Eloah (God) baptised into? (1 Cor.12:13)
12.10. What is the body of the Messiah (Christ)? (1 Cor.12:14)
12.11. Is it Yahweh's will for us to walk alone in service for Him? (1 Cor.12:15-21)
12.12. Where has Eloah (God) placed each individual member? (1 Cor.12:18)
12.13. If we are like eyes seeing things in the Ruach (Spirit) or like ears hearing the direction in which the Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God) says go, can we function properly on our own? (1 Cor.12:21)
An eye sitting by itself on a table, detached from the rest of the physical body, cannot function. It is no good to itself or to anyone else separated from the physical body. It is also very ugly to look at. Yet an eye connected to the physical body in its proper place is a great asset to the physical body because it gives light and sight to the whole body. The eye is also a very lovely thing to look at in the place where Yahweh has deigned it to be. An eye apart from the body is dead and can do nothing. So it is in the spiritual body of the Messiah (Christ). A member of the body separate and apart from the other members cannot function. It is dead, lifeless, and good for nothing. Yet that member, when attached to the rest of the body, performs its function and blesses the entire body by being useful in the work of Eloah (God). Each member receives its supply from the head of the body, who is Yah'shua (Jesus).
Just as the human body is carefully designed with special organs to do particular jobs, all of which are uniquely connected, so the Body of the Messiah (Christ) -- or Messianic Community (Church) -- is similarly designed. Were we to, for example, take away the lungs, the body would die. Every single part is essential for the maintenance of life. Each organ is in its proper place and is "wired up" with the correct nerves and blood vessels. To alter the design in any way will cause serious illness if not death. Similarly, the body needs certain essential substances to stay alive such as oxygen, water, minerals, sugars, proteins, and fats. Give the body the wrong substances and it will get very ill and die.
The spiritual Body of the Messiah (Christ) is no less complex and sensitive than the human body. It has specially called officers (the organs and limbs) and requires love, hope, and faith (oxygen, water, and food) to stay alive. Moreover, it has a special doctrine or teaching (blood and nervous system) to ensure that everything is properly connected. We will now look at each part in turn.
12.14. Who is the cornerstone (or head) of the Messianic Community (Church)? (1 Pet.2:4-6)
12.15. On what fundamental principle is the Messianic Community (Church) founded? (Matt.16:17-18)
The Messianic Community (Church) is founded on revelation. Each member becomes a part of the spiritual Body of the Messiah (Christ) by having a personal revelation from Yahweh that Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) is the Son of Eloah (God). This is an inner "knowing" that comes only from Yahweh Himself. It does not come from the Bible, from a preacher, or from a Sabbath School lesson. This inner "knowing", upon which the Messianic Community (Church) is built, is called the rock of revelation.
The Messianic Community (Church) is not built on Peter (Kepha) - or any other person - but on a personal relationship with Yah'shua (Jesus). As soon as a person is born again in the Messiah (Christ) he becomes a member of the universal Messianic Community (Church). This consists of all those who have truly been born again and are walking lives of repentance and obedience to Torah, both the living and the dead. This witness is given by the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit).
12.16. What are nine important principles of salvation?
a. (Heb.11:6)
b. (Mark 1:14-15)
c. (James 5:14-16)
d. (Mark 10:14-16)
e. (Acts 13:2-3)
f. (1 Pet.2:5)
g. (Acts 8:14-17)
h. (John 11:25)
i. (Matt.25:14-30)
j. (Matt.28:19)
12.17. What is an essential part of a Christian's daily life? (1 Peter 4:10; Matt.25:14-30)
12.18. Name, in the order given, the five most important leadership positions in the Messianic Community (Church) (Eph.4:11).
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
12.19. What other ministerial positions are to be found in the Body?
a. (1 Tim.3:1-4; Phil.1:1)
b. (Phil.1:1; 1 Tim.3:8-10)
c. (Rom.16:1; 1 Tim.3:11*)
d. (Luke 2:36; Acts 2:17; 21:8-9)
e. (Jas.5:14; 1 Pet.5:1; Titus 1:5; 1 Tim.5:17)
f. (Tit.2:3-4)
(*Many modern translations of the Bible (like the NIV) correctly render these female servant-officers as "deaconesses")
Under the Old Covenant, the Assembly of Israel was led by ministers from the Tribe of Levi (L'vi), from which Aaron (Aharon) (Ex.4:14), brother of Moses (Moshe), was called to be the first High Priest (Cohen Gadol). This ministry was therefore known as the Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood.
12.20. What order of Priesthood replaced the Aaronic when the Messiah (Christ) became our High Priest (Heb.7:11)?
12.21. Who today is called to be a part of this Royal Melchizedek Priesthood (1 Pet.2:9)?
Whereas ministers in the Old Covenant were exclusively men from the Israelite Tribe of Levi, those in the New Covenant are are from both genders and from every race and tribe.
12.22. What happens to Gentiles (non-Hebrews) who receive the Messiah (Christ) (Rom.11:13-25)?
The Melchizedek Priesthood of the New Covenant Church of God (B'rit Chadashah Assembly of Yahweh) consists of three principle Orders: (1) The Patriarchal (Patriarch-Apostles); (2) The Enochian/Miryamic (Zaqenim - Elders/ Eldresses); and (3) The Zadokian/Marthaic (Shamashim - Deacons/Deaconesses).
Enochian & Miryamic Orders (Elders & Eldresses) |
Divisions & Stewardships |
1. Apostles (12) |
12 International Apostolic Fields |
2. Evangelists (Sub-Apostles) |
Evangelical Regions in an Apostolic Field |
3. Bishops (Metropolitan Pastors) |
Metropolitan Districts in an Evangelical Area |
4. Local Pastors & Pastresses |
Local Areas within a Metropolitan District |
5. Missioners (Missionaries) |
1. International Missioners (under Evangelists) 2. Metropolitan Missioners (under Bishoprics) 3. Local Missioners (under local Pastorates) |
6. Teachers |
1. Priesthood Order School Teacher-Elders 2. School of Israel (adult) Teacher-Elders 3. School of Catechumens Teacher-Elders |
7. Administrators |
1. Assembly Secretaries 2. Assembly Treasurers 3. Assembly Clerks |
Zadokian and Marthaic Orders (Deacons and Deaconesses) |
Divisions and Stewardships |
1. Pastoral Assistants |
Home ministry, preaching & councelling |
2. Teachers |
1. School of Alumim (youth) Teacher-Deacons 2. School of Taphim (children) Teacher-Deacons |
3. Sub-Administrators |
1. Council Secretaries 2. Council Treasurers 3. Council Clerks |
4. Stewards (Servants) |
1. Tithing Collectors 2. Technical Assistants 3. Meeting House Maintainers 4. Cleaners 5. Usshers 6. Meeting House Arrangers 7. Orphanage Fund Raisers 8. Cooks 9. Acommodation organisers 10. Choir directors and assistants 11. Publishing assistants 12. Youth Camp assistants, etc. |
Sub-Deacons and Sub-Deaconesses are trainees for the Deaconate.
12.23. Must ministers be married (1 Tim.3:2,12; Titus 1:5-6)?
12.24. What are eleven fruits of spiritual power that will be found in the true Body of the Messiah (Christ)? (1 Cor.12:1-10; Acts 2:16-17)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
12.25. What will seventeen changes and fruits be in the lives of believers as a result of these spiritual gifts? (Gal.5:22; 2 Peter 1:5-7)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
n.
o.
p.
q.
12.26. What will the true Body of the Messiah (Christ) be guided by? (Matt.24:35)
12.27. What is the greatest commandment to, and fruit of, the Body of the Messiah (Christ)? (2 Peter 1:7)
12.28. What is the evidence of this love (Jn.14:15; 15:10; Mt.19:17; 1 Jn.5:2-3; 2 Jn.6)?
Love is the end result of the expression of all of Yahweh's gifts to the Body of the Messiah (Christ) and is evidenced by obedience to Torah (the commandments).
There are very few Messianic Assemblies or Christian Churches in the world today that are built according to the correct pattern. Can you name any assemblies or churches which have apostles, prophets, prophetesses, evangelists, teachers, bishops, pastors, elders, eldresses, deacons, and deaconesses? How many of these are manifesting the spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing (spiritual and physical), deliverance from demons, miracles, prophecy, the discerning of spirits, and supernaturally speaking in, and interpreting, foreign languages (tongues)? How many of these are raising up disciples of Yah'shua (Jesus) who are full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
To find such an Assembly or Church is very difficult nowadays yet such was the Assembly of Yahweh (Church of God) in the days of the apostles. Yahweh is seeking a people willing to follow the whole pattern and obey all the commandments. The New Covenant Church of God (B'rit Chadashah Assembly of Yahweh) seeks to perform that commission.
12.29. Why is the manifestation of the Ruach (Spirit) or gifts and operations of the Ruach (Spirit) given to each individual believer? (1 Cor.12:7)
12.30. What is it that the saints are expecting through the operation of the gifts? (1 Cor.13:10)
12.31. What is it that will disappear when perfection comes? (1 Cor.13:10)
12.32. What does Paul say these three imperfections are? (1 Cor.13:8-9)
a.
b.
c.
Note that our prophecy and knowledge is imperfect now but will one day become perfect. That means we will be able to know all things past (history), present (knowledge) and future (prophecy).
12.33. Which of the three "imperfections" will not be needed any more? (1 Cor.13:8-11)
Languages (tongues) will not be needed any more because they cannot be "perfected". Therefore they are not required for perfection. In heaven there is no verbal language because communication is instant and telepathic.
Perfection is the state to which Yahweh calls all believers.
12.34. Who is it who strengthens the believer and makes his way perfect? (2 Sam.22:33; Ps.18:30,32)
12.35. What is it that Yahweh has given man to make him wise? (Ps.19:7)
12.36. What is the community of believers called where Yahweh's perfection shines out? (Ps.50:2)
12.37. Who is the "perfect daughter" in the allegory of the Song of Solomon? (Song 6:9)
The Messianic Community (Church) or Bride of the Messiah (Christ) is the perfect daughter.
12.38. What are two of the essential qualities of Yahweh's perfection that can also belong to the Bride? (Isa.25:1)
a.
b.
12.39. What is Yahweh's command to His people? (Matt.5:48; 19:21)
12.40. What is the first stage in becoming perfect? (2 Cor.13:11)
There must be a target to aim for if perfection is to be sought. There are many Christians who teach that perfection is not important. Such Christians have no target to aim at and cannot therefore hit it. Are they likely to be living Yahweh's commandments? What sort of excuses do people make not to seek for perfection? What do you think Yahweh feels about such people?
12.41. What are the first two things believers must do in order to aim at the target of perfection? (2 Cor.13:11)
a.
b.
It is impossible to aim for perfection if the people are not of one mind and one heart. Why do you think that is so? How important do you think correct doctrine is to achieve this oneness? Why?
12.42. What is the responsibility of apostles in the Messianic Community (Body of Christ)? (Col.1:28)
12.43. With whom must they work to achieve this? (Col.1:25-29)
Whilst the apostles have a specific call to bring the believers to perfection, they cannot do it alone. All must work together as one Body.
12.44. What did Yah'shua (Jesus) have to endure in order to be perfect? (Heb.2:10)
12.45. What other quality is required for perfection and how did Yah'shua (Jesus), who is our example, learn it? (Heb.5:8-9)
a.
b.
12.46. What Priesthood Order was perfection not possible through? (Heb.7:11)
12.47. What Priesthood Order does perfection come through? (Heb.7:11)
12.48. Who is the High Priest of that Priesthood Order? (Heb.7:24)
12.49. What happened to the Law of Moses (the Old Covenant) when the Melchizedek Priesthood was instituted? (Heb.7:12)
The change in the Torah (Law) is principally in connection with the Levitical Priesthood and the sacrificial system which, now being fulfilled in the Messiah (Christ), have therefore been abolished.
Yah'shua (Jesus) made some changes (e.g. Mt.5:22,28,32,34,44) as did the apostles (e.g. 1 Cor.7:19). The Old Testament (Tanakh) records one change in Torah in the Old Covenant with the addition of the festival of Purim (Esther 9:29-32).
Thus the basic structure of Torah has been retained - it, and the commandments (mitzvot) have not, as some bad Greek New Testament translations suggest, been 'abolished' or 'nailed to the cross'. We are still required to obey that part of the Old Testament which has not been changed.
12.50. Of what Covenant is Yah'shua (Jesus) the High Priest (Cohen Gadol)? (Heb.8:13; Jer.31:31-34)
12.51. Does the New Covenant nullify everything in the Old Covenant? What does it do? (Matt.5:17)
The old Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood was confined to the tribe of Levi and was passed from father to son but the new Melchizedek Priesthood is received on the basis of an "indestructible life" (Heb.7:16).
12.52. What is another name for this New Priesthood (the Melchizedek Priesthood)? Why does it have this name? Who is eligible to receive it today? (1 Pet.2:9; Matt.27:11)
a.
b.
12.53. What was the Old Covenant Law and Priesthood unable to do that the New Covenant Law and Priesthood can? (Heb.7:18-19)
In the Old Covenant, the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood was appointed by the Torah (Law). Those of the House of Levi automatically received ordination because that was what was appointed to them by the Torah (Law).
12.54. How is the Priesthood appointed in the New Covenant dispensation? (Heb.7:28)
The word "oath" means a "promise" or a "covenant". The New Priesthood is entered into by covenant or promise. The Priesthood is received inwardly by faith and by covenant and is dispensed by the Great High Priest (Cohen Gadol), Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ).
12.55. How does Yah'shua (Jesus) make Christians perfect? (Heb.10:14)
12.56. What is a fruit of perfection? (Heb.10:14)
The Body is made perfect only as each individual member is made perfect. The fruit of perfection is holiness. It is achieved through receiving the sacrifice of the Messiah (Christ) through faith by entering the New Priesthood Covenant, and by obedience to the commandments of the completed New Covenant Torah (Law).
Write down and memorise the following verse: James 1:25
12.57. What is the most important Christian virtue that we are to bring to perfection, and what is its main obstacle? (1 John 4:18)
a.
b.
12.58. What are the three cardinal qualities of perfection, and which is the chief? (1 Cor.13:13)
a.
b.
c.
12.59. How is the Body of the Messiah (Christ) fitted and held together? (Eph.4:16)
12.60. In order for the joints to fit and hold the body of Christ together, in what type of "working" order must each individual part be? (Eph.4:16)
12.61. As each joint is supplying that which it has to give, what will happen? (Eph.4:16)
12.62. A beautiful parable of this corporate working of the body is found in Joel (Yo'el). What concept does this parable put across? (Joel 2:7-11)
12.63. What are we, and what are we corporately being built into? (1 Pet.2:5; Eph.2:21-22)
12.64. What is Yah'shua (Jesus) building, and what type of victory will it have? (Matt.16:18)
12.65. For what is Yah'shua (Jesus) coming? (Eph.5:25-27)
Notice that Yah'shua (Jesus) is not coming for a superstar individual, but He is coming for a glorious community of believers (church) without spot or wrinkle -- a community (church) that is walking together in unity and love.
12.66. As your ministry develops, where has Yahweh appointed it to operate? (1 Cor.12:28)
12.67. How is the manifold wisdom of Yahweh going to be revealed? (Eph.3:10)
12.68. What does Yah'shua (Jesus) call Himself? (John 15:5)
12.69. What does He call the members of His body? (John 15:5)
It is interesting to note that Yah'shua (Jesus) did not call Himself a tree, but He called Himself a vine. A tree has a main trunk with the branches directly connected and branching off from that main trunk. A vine, however, has no main trunk. It is composed of many branches connected together. In order to have a vine, you must have the branches. Each branch receives its life from the other by drinking that life-giving sap that flows from its roots. As Yah'shua (Jesus) speaks of Himself as the head and His sons as the body, so also Yah'shua (Jesus) speaks of Himself as the vine -- the whole thing -- and we as branches of it. Just as the head is inseparable from the body so also the branches are inseparable from the vine. That is why He compares His relationship to the saved as a marriage, since in a marriage husbands and wives are one flesh or inseparable units (Eph.5:22-33).
12.70. In order to bear fruit, what must we do? (John 15:5-6)
As we have discussed, the body of the Messiah (the community of the saved) or Church, we have found that it is not a building with a steeple on top, or a meeting hall, but a living, active organism.
There are several words we translate into our English word 'church' (which is unfortunately derived from the Latin circe meaning a 'circus'). The primary word is the Hebrew kalal meaning 'assembly', 'congregation', or 'community'. This is translated into the Greek ekklêsia which means 'called out ones' or koinônia meaning 'fellowship'.
Those who make up a New Covenant Church or B'rit Chadashah Assembly according to the New Testament definition are true believers of Yah'shua (Jesus), who have repented, turned from the ways of the world and of sin, been baptised in water and fire, have received the laying on of hands for the gift of the Ruach haQadesh (Holy Spirit) and the New Priesthood, believe in the resurrection and eternal judgment (Heb.6:1-2) and are obeying the commandments of Torah (Rev.12:17; 14:12; 22:14). As they are joined together into a local expression of the Messiah (Christ) in the earth, they bring forth fruit.
12.71. Describe the Messianic Community (Church) in its infancy. (Acts 2:40-47)
As we look at Christendom two thousand years on, how many examples do we find today of New Testament assemblies even in their infancy? Write any that you have experienced.
12.72. What did Paul prophecy would happen to the Messianic Community (Church) on a worldwide basis before Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) returned? (2 Thes.2:1-3)?
12.73. How many true believers will there be in the Messianic Community (Church) when Yah'shua (Jesus) returns (Lk.18:8; Mt.24:37-44)?
12.74. What kind of people will it largely be composed of (Lk.14:15-24)?
The end-time gathering will not be as it was in New Testament times. There will not be mass conversions to the true Gospel as before because the world will have become a "dwelling place of demons" (Rev.18:2).
Instead, the end-time Messianic Community (Church) will be a tiny remnant and in proportion to the wicked world the same as that in Noah's day when only eight souls were saved. These true believers will not have "itching ears" (2 Tim.4:3) for 'new' teachings but will follow the "old paths, where the good way is" (Jer.6:16). They will "keep the commandments of Eloah (God) and have the testimony of Yah'shua (Jesus)" (Rev.12:17).
This end-time Body will be strong, deep, pure, loving, mature and wise, seeking the perfection of Yah'shua (Jesus). The mission of the New Covenant Church of God (B'rit Chadashah Assembly of Yahweh) is to build such a Body.
Write down and memorise the following verses: Ephesians 4:11-12
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