APRIL 2008

  Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Passover on Saturday April 19^th will have a full meal in the middle of Passover teachings and liturgy. Mixed in among them  are Passover songs and Davidic dance that add to the evening.

  Before we can enjoy the Passover Seder, Sue Helle and Mike Evans coordinate the people who are involved in setting up the room and preparing food.  Mike Evans tells us “Passover is a total experience of sights, sounds, activities, smells, textures, and tastes. Part of the experience is sharing a meal with everyone else attending the Passover Seder. Just as Y’shua sent His disciples ahead to prepare the Seder Meal, each year we ask about 25 adults and youth who attend our Seder Service (both congregational members and guests who attend regularly) if they are willing to assist in various parts of the food preparation before the Seder Service, serving the food during the Seder Service, and the cleanup after the Seder Service. Each year, we have had a wonderful response. Through these men and women, we have also learned more efficient ways of serving the meals so our Seder guests spend less time in serving lines each year, and more time fellowshipping and eating. While working together, we have some pretty good fellowship with each other in the kitchen. Because we share the work, we also are all able to spend more time in fellowship with the rest of the congregation during the Seder Service.”

 Pastor Paul Helle leads the people at the Seder in the Passover liturgy in the hagaddah. Pastor Helle also adds insights G-d has given him to teach us how the lessons we study each year at Passover apply in our daily lives.

  We asked Gordon Helle, Temple Shalom Yisrael’s worship leader, how he believes music fits in the Seder

Gordon said, “Every once in a while, something spectacular happens. This is not simply an everyday occurrence, but something so grandiose that it not only is a tale worth talking about but is something more.

In ancient times, news traveled, not through the printed word, but through the voice of a traveler. This traveler couldn’t simply be any ordinary person. His job was to communicate in such a way as to have the memory of the tale live long beyond his coming and going. So the traveling Minstrel was born. With the help of his musical accompaniment, and good wit, he was able to charm the town’s folk with tales of heroes and intrigue and suspense, leaving them with vivid memories of the events he described. And so it is with Passover. A few words can adequately retell the historical events with enough interest to keep the listener from falling asleep, which is a substantial task post-meal. However, it is only with the addition of music, in like manner of that of the Minstrel, that the story truly comes to life and the people are brought back once again to the days long gone of the mystery, intrigue, and triumph of the story of Passover.

  Ann Rothmaler, Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Davidic dance leader said, “One of the things that makes Temple Shalom Yisrael’s congregational Seder a special time is that there is lots of music and dancing interspersed with the liturgy and teaching. This really adds to the sense of celebration and praise for G-d’s victory, both in ancient Egypt and in our lives today. A couple of the dances are specials presented by the dance ministry team. However, most of them are congregational dances that anyone can enjoy participating in. The most popular of these is usually the last one, “Let My People Go”, a real jubilant warfare and victory song.

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

Worship the L-rd Who is there!

In the book of Ezekiel, ADONAI gave the prophet Ezekiel a vision of the future temple that will be in Jerusalem during the Millennial reign of the Messiah. This vision included the measurements of the future temple and its furnishings. ADONAI gave commands for daily, Sabbath, Rosh-Chodesh (New Moon), Pesach (Passover), and Sukkot burnt offerings that will be made in the temple. ADONAI also listed the inheritance each Israelite tribe (and the foreigners who will live among them) will have in the land and stated that the city’s 12 gates will be named after the Israelite tribes.

“And from that day on the name of the city will be ADONAI Shamah (The L-rd is there).” [Ezekiel 48:35]

The word “shamah” used in Ezekiel 48:35 comes from the Hebrew word oa (sham) which can be translated “in it, there, or therein”. Words derived from this root word are found in a number of Bible verses, in a variety of situations. Possibly, the most intriguing use for the word oa (sham) is in Bible verses that tell about people who worshipped G-d or build altars to offer burnt offerings to G-d. Often these Bible verses also tell of G-d’s promise to bless His people when they worship and obey Him.

·        [Genesis 12:6-7] “Avram passed through the land to the place called Sh’khem, to the oak of Moreh…  ADONAI appeared to Avram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land” So he built an altar there to ADONAI, who had appeared to him.”

·        [Genesis 26:23-25]  “From there Yitz’chak (Isaac) went up to Be’er-Sheva. (24) ADONAI appeared to him that same night and said, “I am the G-d of Avraham your father. Don’t be afraid because I am with you. I will bless you and increase your descendants for the sake of my servant Avraham. (25) There Yitz’chak (Isaac) built an altar and called on the name of ADONAI…”

·        [Genesis 35:1-7] G-d said to Ya’akov (Jacob), “Get up, go up to Beit-El and live there and make an altar to G-d… He (Jacob) built there an altar and called the place El-Beit-El (G-d of House of G-d) because it was there that G-d was revealed to him at the time when he was fleeing from his brother.”

·        [Deuteronomy 27:4-8] The Israelites were commanded, “When you have crossed the Jordan… you are to erect an altar to ADONAI your G-d, an altar made of stones… and you are to offer burnt offerings on it to ADONAI your G-d. (7) Also you are to sacrifice peace offerings, eat there and be joyful in the presence of ADONAI your G-d. (8)You are to write on the stones all the words of this Torah very clearly.”

·        [Judges 6:24] “Gideon built an altar there to ADONAI and called it `ADONAI Shalom’.”

·        [1 Samuel 7:17] “Then he (Samuel) would return to Ramah…and he would judge Israel there too. He also built an altar there to ADONAI.”

·        [1 Kings 9:3] ADONAI told Shlomo (Solomon), “I have heard your prayer and your pleas that you made before me. I am consecrating this house (the Temple), which you built and placing my name there forever. My eyes and heart will always be there.”

As G-d’s people, we have a reason to worship Him wherever we go – because G-d is there!

One day, all of G-d’s people will be able to worship G-d in heaven with no distractions or activities that need our attention. Until then, we should make a priority of finding time to worship G-d without failing to meet the needs of the people G-d has called us to serve. G-d gave His people the Sabbath as a day that is set aside to worship G-d and fellowship with Him. G-d also desires each person to be aware of G-d’s presence during his activities in the rest of the week. We can worship G-d (rejoice in His presence) in our homes as we follow our daily routine, or spend time with family and friends. We can also worship G-d as we work, shop, or do errands.

There are many ways to worship G-d.

On the Sabbath, believers are blessed as we worship G-d and study G-d’s Word together. We worship G-d as we sing praises to G-d, dance, or listen to teaching about G-d’s Word. We also worship G-d when we give testimonies about the good things G-d has done for us. During the rest of the week, each believer should make it a priority to find short periods of time to seek G-d in prayer or study G-d’s Word. We can also listen to music or teaching CD’s, or pray during some of our weekly activities, if the activity does not take our full concentration.

Worship the L-rd with the proper attitude.

The only question left to answer is “What is the proper attitude with which a believer should worship G-d?

Yeshua told the Samaritan woman, “The time is coming …when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping Him.”  John 4:23

Several times in the Old Testament, G-d told the Israelites that He did not want their burnt offerings.” The reason for G-d’s statement was that, even though the Israelites were bringing the burnt offerings commanded in the Torah, in their hearts they were worshipping idols and were following their own selfish desires instead of obeying G-d’s commands. As believers today, we need to ask G-d to guard us against this same failing. It is not enough to “do” the commands in the Torah or in Yeshua’s teachings. Our actions that follow G-d’s commands should be the fruit of a faithful, loving relationship with our Savior and L-rd – the giver of the commands. When we worship G-d “in spirit and in truth”, we are strengthening our relationship with our L-rd and allowing Him to direct our lives so that our actions draw other people to Him.

Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright April 2008

MARCH 2008

Trust & Hope

Jackie McCluskey is a member of Temple Shalom Yisrael. She, her husband Tom, and their 4 children (Jeff, Kendall, Sean, and Max) live in Wheaton. We asked Jackie to share with us in what ways several scriptures used as liturgy in our congregation’s Sabbath service speak to her about her relationship with her heavenly Father and Yeshua, her Savior and L-rd.

“You are to love ADONAI your G-d with all your heart, all your being and all your resources.”

Deuteronomy 6:5

Jackie shared that, instead of getting angry that her family doesn’t have more abundant financial resources, these verses teach her that G-d is a fair G-d. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has told Jackie to “TRUST GOD.” The words (in Deuteronomy 6:5) “Love ADONAI your G-d …” teach Jackie that she is to daily pray and keep in touch with G-d. Originally, Jackie spent a half an hour the first thing in the morning to pray with G-d, but she came to realize that wasn’t good enough. When worries about her husband or children come up at other times of the day, Jackie finds it is helpful to go off by herself to pray to G-d for a few minutes. Jackie feels it is important to spend as much time with G-d as needed.  Jackie said, “Let G-d touch you as you touch Him.” Jackie also sees being passionate about worship music as a way to show her love for G-d.

“These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart

and you are to teach them carefully to your children when you lie down and when you get up.

Tie them on your hand as a sign, put them at the front of a headband around your forehead

and write them on the door-frames of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9

These verses give Jackie HOPE during the challenges in raising her children. She is reminded that the Torah has the answers on how to raise her children and what she should teach them about G-d. Jackie brings her children to weekly Sabbath service. She also sees the value of having them watch G-dly TV programs or DVD’s. Jackie has been encouraged when one of her children quotes the Bible as the standard for appropriate behavior. Jackie has seen lots of spiritual growth in herself and in her children.

May ADONAI bless you and keep you. May ADONAI make His face shine on you and show you His favor. May ADONAI lift up His face toward you and give you shalom (peace).”  Numbers 6:24-26

Jackie loves the end of our Sabbath service when the Aaronic Benediction is chanted. Jackie says that she puts her head down and “breathes” in the blessing that comes from the L-rd through the Pastor. Jackie thinks about the peace she received from the Aaronic blessing, and uses it during the entire week. It helps Jackie to know that, even if bad things happen, it will be all right. She can be patient. G-d’s promises – eternal life in heaven and others good things –will come in His timing.

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

ADONAI M’kaddesh – the G-d who sanctifies (sets apart) His people to serve Him

“I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar, likewise I will consecrate Aharon and his sons

to serve me in the office of cohen (priest). Then, I will live with the people of Israel and be their G-d.

They will know that I am ADONAI their G-d, who brought them out of the land of Egypt in order to live with them. I am ADONAI their G-d.” Exodus 29:44-46

[Exodus 25:1-8; 26:30; 31:1-11; 40:17-38] ADONAI commanded that the Israelites were to bring gold, silver

and bronze metals, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat’s hair, tanned ram skins, acacia wood, oil, spices and precious gems. ADONAI commanded, “They are to make me a sanctuary, so that I may live among them.” ADONAI equipped workers to build the tabernacle according to the design ADONAI showed Moshe on Mount Sinai. The completed tabernacle and furnishings were set up on the first day of the first month of the second year (after the Israelites left Egypt). When the tabernacle and its furnishings was dedicated and anointed with holy oil, the glory of G-d filled the tabernacle.

The tabernacle was a visible sign to the nations around them that the Israelites were set apart to worship G-d. The tabernacle with its white curtains stood in the center of the Israelite camp. Here, the cohanim (priests) who had been anointed and set apart to serve G-d made burnt offerings to atone for the people’s sins. When the Israelites followed the cloud or the fire through the desert, the tabernacle and its furnishings traveled in a protected position between the Israelite tribes. The tabernacle was a constant reminder to the people that G-d had led them from slavery in Egypt and provided for their needs in the desert.

[John 17:6-19] (At the last Passover Seder before He was put on the execution stake) Yeshua prayed for His disciples who He had called from their homes and jobs to follow Him. These men knew that Yeshua was G-d’s Son and the Messiah who G-d had promised to send to the Jewish people. The disciples had watched for 3 ½ years while Yeshua taught the Israelite people and healed them.

Yeshua prayed for His disciples, “I made your name known to the people you gave me out of the world. … They have really come to know that I came from you and they have come to trust that you sent me.

Yeshua asked G-d to sanctify (set apart) the disciples to continue with Yeshua’s ministry. It would be the disciples’ responsibility to heal those who were sick and to teach people how to obey G-d.

Yeshua said, “They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth – your word is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness so that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the truth. ”

Yeshua’s disciples today are people who believe that Yeshua is the Messiah and the One who G-d sent to save people from their sins. G-d has sanctified (set apart) us to serve as priests under Yeshua, our High Priest.

1 Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen people, the King’s cohanim (priests), a holy nation, a people for G-d to posses. Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

G-d desires us to continue with the ministry Yeshua gave to His first disciples. It is our responsibility to share with as many people as we can that Yeshua died on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of people’s sins. We are to teach verses from G-d’s Word (the Bible) that show people how to find Yeshua as their personal Savior and L-rd. Once they make that decision, G-d’s desire to live within the people He created and be their

G-d will be fulfilled.

G-d gives spiritual gifts to His cohanim (priests) to meet the needs of G-d’s people. The spiritual gifts are signs that G-d is with His priests.  [Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-30; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 4:11-13]

Another sign that G-d dwells within His people is when they show love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self control in their daily lives. [Galatians 5:22-23] 

Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright March 2008

FEBRUARY 2008

We asked Ann Janicene to tell us how G-d became an important part of her life.

   Years ago, Anne had never seen people come forward during a church service or Christian TV program in response to a challenge from the minister. Then, during a service that Anne was at in a Protestant church, the minister invited people to ask Jesus to be their Savior and L-rd. Anne knew it was right and stood up. This decision started Anne’s personal relationship with her Savior.

   We asked Anne how knowing Yeshua (Jesus) as her Savior has changed her life for the better. Anne said that G-d has blessed her greatly. G-d has given her good worship experiences as she has come closer to Him in her heart and with the words she speaks. G-d has also helped Anne in many circumstances, especially when she travels alone on the road. G-d has sent people to help Anne when she needed it.

   Anne keeps herself strong spiritually by praying to G-d. Often she makes prayer a priority in the morning. Anne also reads the Bible and other Christian materials or view videos on Christian themes. Any weekend that Anne cannot be at Temple Shalom Yisrael’s Sabbath service, she attends another worship service where she is at. When Anne is traveling, she might stop and find a chapel where she can pray.

   Anne serves G-d in a variety of ways. Over the years she has sung in a church choir and worked in a Christian camp. Anne has also volunteered for Evangelist Explosion and the Billy Graham television ministry. From time to time, Anne visits family members or friends in nursing homes. Anne estimates that, over time as G-d leads, she has passed out 5,000 tracts to help people learn how to receive salvation through Yeshua. One of Anne’s favorite Bible verses is 1 John 1:9 which says, “If we acknowledge our sins, then, since He is trustworthy and just, He will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing. Anne knows that what she does for G-d makes a difference because the Bible tells that is true. Anne encourages people to believe that, no matter what happens, G-d is there with a safety net.

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

A Creator who wants to know His creation

The Hebrew word trc (bara) is translated “create” or “creator”. To understand what this word means to each of us, we need to ask “Who is our Creator?” and “What did He create?” We can find answers to these and other questions about the Creator in the Bible

“In the beginning” ohvkt (G-d) created the heavens, the earth. The earth was unformed and void, darkness was on the face of the deep and the Spirit of G-d hovered over the surface of the waters. Then G-d said, `Let there be light’ and there was light.” [Genesis 1:1-3]

(On the 6^th day) “G-d created humankind in his own image…male and female He created them.

G-d blessed them and said, `Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it…’” [Genesis 1:27-28]

  Why do people look for answers on how life on the earth began? Whether people believe that G-d created the earth and mankind or that all forms of life came about “naturally” over a period of many years, we want to know where we came from. The best answer is that G-d chose to create mankind because He desires to have a relationship with us.

  G-d had a purpose when He created mankind. G-d commanded Adam and Havah to rule over the animals that G-d had created and placed in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Havah sinned and were driven from the Garden, G-d still desired to have a relationship with mankind. G-d sent His Son Yeshua to die on the execution stake and remove the sin barrier that men had erected between themselves and G-d. Now, once a person acknowledges that only Yeshua’s death and resurrection can bring him close to G-d, the person can truly begin to know who his Creator is. G-d made mankind in His image, but we do not have G-d’s wisdom or strength.

G-d gave us teachings in His Word on how to obey Him, but knowledge of these laws is not enough. If we don’t  let G-d’s Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) guide us in how G-d’s laws apply to our daily lives, we are vulnerable to temptations that haSatan puts in our path. G-d will also help us when we grow weary or discouraged. All we have to do is cry, “HELP!” and G-d will make what seems impossible to do become possible.

Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Haven’t you known, haven’t you heard that the everlasting G-d, ADONAI, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow tired or weary? His understanding cannot be fathomed. He invigorates the exhausted. He gives strength to the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, even the fittest may stumble and fall, but those who hope in ADONAI will renew their strength. They will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings. When they are running, they won’t grow weary. When they are walking, they won’t get tired.”

G-d’s creative work did not end in the first 6 days. G-d continues to refine and recreate people who seek Him so that they become more like Him. Yeshua’s death on the execution stake made it possible for G-d to give believers a “new heart” that becomes the dwelling place for the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit).

In Psalm 51:12(10)–15(13) David said, “Create in me a clean heart, G-d. Renew in me a resolute spirit.

Don’t thrust me away from your presence, don’t take your Ruach Kodesh from me. Restore my joy in

your salvation and let a willing spirit uphold me. Then I will teach the wicked your ways, and sinners will return to you.”

This renewed heart makes it possible for people to know G-d and to become more like Him. We can be faithful servants of G-d and minister to people who are hurt or looking for G-d’s salvation.

“For we are of G-d’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by G-d for us to do.” [Ephesians 2:10]

We can praise and worship G-d on this earth in the same way that our Creator will be worshipped in heaven.

“You are worthy ADONAI Eloheinu to have glory, honor and power, because you created all things.

Yes, because of your will they were created and came into being.” [Revelation 4:11]

Ask yourself – “Do you want to daily spend time with getting to know your Creator?” “Do you desire to develop and strengthen the relationship with G-d that is possible since G-d sent His Son Yeshua to become our sacrifice for sin?” “What do you do to help other people realize that they can get to know their Creator?”

If you believe you have something worthy while, share the Good News with people who are crying for help!

Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright February 2008

JANUARY 2008

“What brought 24 people (adults and children), flags, puppets and a puppet stage, worship hoops and finger ribbons together in the same place and at the same time on December 8th?”

FEASTING AND FASTING IN THE PROMISED LAND

by Shayla Hanson

            The High Holidays just passed, and I'm more homesick for Israel than ever. Celebrations can happen all over the world, but the Feasts are just, somehow, better in Israel. Maybe it's because so many of them began during a time of journey to or longing for the Promised Land. Maybe it's the fact that you are actually easily able to get off work, and everything shuts down to celebrate. Mostly, though, I think it's the multi-sensory, full-community immersion into the festivities that makes them so memorable. I'm lost in some particularly fond memories…

Some feasts are especially meaningful to us as Believers in Yeshua. I arrived in Israel just in time for Passover. My family joined a small group from our congregation in Haifa to celebrate the Seder in a joyful and worshipful way. We went around the room reading portions of our Messianic haggadah in English or Hebrew, depending on the person. The children had decorated; the women had prepared scrumptious, yeast-free food; and we were together with great friends from various parts of the world. The night was complete with a special time of praise and worship in English and Hebrew, led by our host with his guitar. We thanked G-d for His deliverance, not only from Egypt, but also from our sins.

            The people of Israel seem to have a distinctive ability to observe joyful celebration as well as reflective remembrance and repentance. During the days of remembrance of the Holocaust and the fallen soldiers, I remember quiet, neighborhood ceremonies that allow people to express grief. Then there is the minute of silence, during which the traffic stops, and all stand still to remember those who are no longer with us. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is a holiday whose very solemnity makes it great. Coming after the exuberance of Rosh HaShana (Feast of Trumpets), it is an appropriate time to soberly examine your life. In Carmel Center, Haifa, the streets are quiet and still, because driving is forbidden. People are in their homes awaiting the evening times of prayer at the synagogue. There, dressed in white, they finish the evening with prayers for forgiveness. Even the children, who are not required to fast for their sins, participate in the holiday. It is the one day of the year in which they can freely ride bicycles on empty streets.

We humans were created for community, and some feasts just make a point of celebrating that need. There's something special about a holiday that gets people out in their yards with neighbors. That's why I like Sukkot (Feast of Booths). It was fun to gather with a bunch of Russian Jewish Believers beneath a cheerfully decorated Sukkah, eating heaps of food, laughing, and talking (or watching, for us non-Russian-speaking friends). Barbecue smells waft on the late-summer breeze as people all over Israel roam from yard to yard, visiting friends and playing with their children. What a celebration!

Life is filled with G-d-created seasons of laughter and tears that are both to be embraced and remembered.   Celebrating the Feasts in Israel brought that to life, as the whole community laughed and cried as one. These beautiful memories bring a pang of wistful longing as I wish for "next year in Jerusalem."

His Kingdom Coffee House

Thursday November 15, 2007

starting at 7 p.m.

at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows

(2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008)

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

Who are we praising?

[Matthew 21:1-11] Yeshua’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem takes place a few days before the Biblical feasts of Pesach (Passover) and Yom HaBikkurim (Day of First Fruits of the Barley Harvest). When Yeshua entered Jerusalem, riding on the donkey, He was met by many Jews from all over the known world who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate these Biblical holidays.

Yeshua’s actions fulfilled the Messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 which says, “Rejoice with all your heart, greatly, daughter of Tziyon! Shout out loud, daughter of Jerusalem! Your King is coming to you. He is righteous and He is victorious. Yet He is humble. He’s riding on a donkey...”

Many of the Jews who saw Yeshua had heard about His teachings and the miracles He had done. Some of them had followed Yeshua from town to town as He taught and ministered to people. This caused many Jews to believe that Yeshua was the Messiah. Matthew 21:9 says that the people shouted to Yeshua, “Hosanna (Please deliver us)!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of ADONAI! You in the highest heaven! Please, deliver us!”

Matthew 21:9 quotes verses from Psalm 118, which is part of the “Hallel”. Jewish worshippers chanted the “Hallel” (Psalms 113-118) in Jerusalem during the feasts of Pesach, Hanukkah, and Sukkot in anticipation that the Messiah would come soon. 

Luke 19:39-40 tells us that some Pharisees in the crowd told Yeshua, “Rabbi, reprimand your disciples.” Yeshua answered them, “I tell you that if they (the people) keep quiet, the stones will shout!”

The Pharisees’ words imply that they did not believe that Yeshua was truly the Messiah that G-d had promised to send to deliver His people. It is also possible that the Pharisees felt threatened when the people turned to Yeshua to teach them how to obey G-d instead of looking to the Pharisees for answers.

[Luke 19:41-44] When Yeshua rode close enough to Jerusalem to see the city, He wept over it, saying, `If you only knew today what is needed for shalom (peace)! But for now it is hidden from your sight.”

Yeshua continued, “For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will set up a barricade around you, encircle you, hem you on every side and dash you to the ground, you and your children within your walls, leaving not one stone standing on another.”

The reason Yeshua gave for all of the trouble that would come upon Jerusalem was that the people did not recognize their opportunity when G-d offered it.

One implication of the people shouting, “Please deliver us, Son of David” at this time is that the people acknowledged and honored Yeshua as the Messiah. The question is, “What were they expected Yeshua the Messiah to do?” Most people probably saw Yeshua as a victorious conqueror who would replace the tyrannical enemy (Rome) with a loving and benevolent ruler ship. In making this assumption, the people missed the victory Yeshua came to bring. They wanted peace from external enemies but knew nothing of the internal, spiritual peace that was Yeshua’s true purpose to bring them.

  We too need to be careful that we don’t make a similar mistake. Yes, we state clearly that Yeshua is G-d’s Son and that He died on the execution stake to pay for forgiveness of all people’s sins. We have made a decision to receive Yeshua as our personal Savior. Yet, in what areas are we asking Yeshua to bring us deliverance and victory? If we play back the daily prayer requests we make to G-d, most of them will be related to earthly needs. Those requests are not wrong, but our Messiah Yeshua also wants to bring us spiritual victory from attacks brought against us by our spiritual enemy haSatan. Ask G-d to strengthen your defenses against sinful temptations that will weaken your relationship with Yeshua. Ask G-d to help you develop your prayer time with Him so that you won’t think you can live your life without Him. Ask G-d to open your eyes to the truths in His Word so that you will know clearly how to follow the path of service that He has for you. Don’t make the mistake the people in Jerusalem did in failing to know who Yeshua truly is.

OCTOBER 2007

His Kingdom Coffee House

G-d has given Barbara Glauberg (a member of our congregation) a vision to reach out to unsaved people – to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles. To fulfill this vision, Barbara is planning a Coffee House where the primary goal is to encourage unsaved people to find salvation through Yeshua.

 Read the following questions and answers to find how the Coffee House can be a part of your life and ministry.

 Who is His Kingdom Coffee House for?

His Kingdom Coffee House is for you if you are searching for your Jewish Messiah.

His Kingdom Coffee House is for you if you already know Yeshua as your Savior and are looking for a place to bring your unsaved friends and relatives.

 When?

His Kingdom Coffee House will meet on Thursday October 18, 2007, starting at 7 p.m.

(at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows)

 What ?

At His Kingdom Coffee House, the atmosphere will be quiet and intimate. Snacks and coffee will be available to eat and drink. The songs Barbara and the other musicians sing will range from traditional Jewish songs to mild rock to hymns or contemporary songs. The songs sung will also include original songs written by the musicians. Come to fellowship, enjoy the music, or participate in Davidic Dance.

 Why?

Barbara believes the atmosphere and music at the His Kingdom Coffee House will cause your unbelieving friends or family members to become more curious about the Messiah. The experience will plant seeds that will prompt them to ask questions that you (their believing friend or family member) can answer. Come and enjoy the evening with your friend or family member so that you can talk to him later about what you both heard.

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

Wise man or foolish man?

“So everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock. The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the wind blew and beat against that house and it collapsed – and its collapse was horrendous!”  Matthew 7:24-27

Yeshua’s words in Matthew 7:24-27 are so familiar to us that we often think of them as a lesson meant for children. The story is simple and contrasts 2 men – a wise man who built his house on a rock to keep it safe from the floods and a stupid or foolish man who built his house on sand. The lesson is clear. Hear Yeshua’s words and obey them and all will be well. End of the story – or is it?

O course, all of us who read this Bible story want to believe that we are the “wise man”. We have received Yeshua as our personal Savior and we want to obey Yeshua’s words. Besides, who wants to be called foolish or reap the disaster that the foolish man received. However, if we look at the verses before Yeshua’s words in Matthew 7:24-27, it doesn’t see as easy as we first thought.

Matthew 7:13-14 tells us, “Go in through the narrow gate for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and the road broad and many travel it. But it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life and only a few find it.”

Did Yeshua really say, “The path to life is a hard road and only a few find it?” Suddenly our concept of who is a “wise man” that we received from reading Matthew 7:24-27 out of context is narrowed. “Only a few find the narrow path …” Well, that’s ok because we know that our actions match up to G-d’s Word – most of the time anyway. But, continue reading in Matthew 7 and it gets more confusing.

Yeshua taught His disciples, “Beware of the false prophets! They come to you wearing sheep’s clothing but underneath they are hungry wolves! You will recognize them by their fruit…. Every healthy tree produces good fruit, but a poor tree produces bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, or a poor tree good fruit. Any tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. So you will recognize them by their fruit.” [Matthew 7:15-20]

Then Yeshua said, “Not everyone who says to me, “L-rd, L-rd!” will enter the Kingdom of heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants. On that Day, many will say to me, L-rd, L-rd! Didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we expel demons in your name? Didn’t we perform many miracles in your name?” Then I will tell them to their faces, “I never know you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”  [Matthew 7:21-23]

Yeshua’s words help us realize that a person who looks like he is obeying G-d’s Word might not have the right attitude. Some people (false prophets) are seeking to have others look at them instead of drawing people to worship and know G-d. A self-seeking person who does miracles that benefit people out of pride will not be acknowledged by Yeshua. G-d expects those who are truly His followers to live their lives and minister to others to bring glory to G-d and to draw other people to seek Yeshua as Savior and L-rd.

My comments above are not meant to imply that my readers are not the “wise man” in Yeshua’s teaching, but each person should study all of Matthew 7 and seek G-d to see if there are any things G-d wants him to change before he makes an assumption that he is in rightstanding with G-d. .

Matthew 7:24-27 isn’t a story for children. Yeshua’s words are for all people who want to be a child of G-d.

Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright October 2007

SEPTEMBER 2007

Jim Lellman – A Servant of G-d

We asked Jim Lellman, a member of Temple Shalom Yisrael, to tell us about himself. Jim is the first born of four children. Jim’s next eldest sister is married and lives with her husband and 3 children in Hanover Park. His other sister and his brother are both attending college and will be at NIU in the fall. Jim’s mom works at a nursing home and his dad works with computers. They live in Buffalo Grove.

Jim works for Christian Liberty Academy School Systems. His tasks are many. Jim’s core position is in the Curriculum Department. When students enroll in Christian Liberty Academy’s program, they first take an achievement test. After the test is graded, the results are forwarded to Jim’s department, where they formulate a packing list containing the books for that student. Jim is also responsible for sending out information to potential customers, explaining students scores on course tests, checking into parent's complaints as to the content of course tests, and formatting custom scannable tests for the printstream. 

We asked Jim, “In what ways has G-d blessed you since you became a believer?” Jim’s answer was, “G-d has helped me to find truth in many situations. He has helped me find friends.”

When Jim was asked if he has grown spiritually since he has been at Temple Shalom Yisrael, Jim said, “I feel that I have come to realize a little more how much I need to trust in the Lord for all things. By trusting in Him and trying not to worry about things myself, I am respecting His overwhelming power.”

Jim’s response when asked how he sees his role in the Body of Messiah was, “I come and help put stuff up before service and put stuff away after service. I also serve in the position of service leader frequently, and sometimes lead songs during worship.” We asked Jim how being a member of Temple Shalom Yisrael’s worship team has impacted him.” Jim told us, “Based on the close observation of our leadership, this has helped me to realize that we all need to depend on G-d. We are all as small children before him.  From the members all the way up to the pastor, we (as individuals) can't go too far without G-d. Even though Jim is involved in many areas of Temple Shalom Yisrael’s ministry, he told us, “I have yet to understand all the gifts G-d has given me and how they apply to my responsibilities. Jim’s advice to people about serving G-d is “ Find something to do and stick with it.”

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

“Turn from your sins…”

“It was during those days that Yochanan (John) the Baptist arrived in the desert of Judah and began

proclaiming the message, `Turn from your sins to G-d, for the Kingdom of Heave is near!’”   [Matthew 3:1-2]

John’s words, “The Kingdom of Heaven is near” warned sinners that they soon would come before G-d’s throne where they would be judged for the sinful actions they had committed during their lives. G-d desired that, when the people heard John’s warning, they would confess and repent of their sins before they faced G-d’s judgment.

It is likely that John’s challenge for the people to repent of their sins came in the days before the fall Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah (also called Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur. This, traditionally, is a time when Jews repent of the sins they have committed in the previous year and seek to come closer to G-d.

In modern times, a 40-day period for repenting of sins (called the “Days of Awe”) occurs during the 30 days prior to Rosh HaShanah and the 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

John’s call for people to turn from a life of sin to a life of obedience to G-d was similar to the words of G-d’s prophets in the Old Testament.  The prophets promised that G-d would guide and bless those who returned to Him. [Isaiah 31:6; 45:22-23; 55:7; Jeremiah 18:11; 24:6-7; Ezekiel 14:6; Zechariah 1:3-4; Malachi 3:7]

“This is the man Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) was talking about when he said, `The voice of someone crying out in the desert, prepare the way of ADONAI! Make the straight paths for him!’”  [Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3]

“People went out to him (John) from Jerusalem, from all Judah and from the whole region around the Jordan.

Confessing their sins, they were immersed by him in the Jordan River.” [Matthew 3:5-6]

Many people responded to John’s words by repenting of their sins. John told the people [in Matthew 3:11-12] 

“I am immersing you in water so that you might turn from sin to G-d, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I… He will immerse you in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and in fire.” John was preparing the people to hear the “words of life” that would soon be spoken by Yeshua during His 3 ½ year ministry of teaching and healing.

“When Yochanan (John) saw many of the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Tz’dukim (Sadducees) coming to be

immersed by him, he said to them, `You snakes! Who warned you to escape the coming punishment?

If you have really turned from your sins to G-d, produce fruit that will prove it!’” [Matthew 3:7-8]

Many of the people who came to be immersed in water truly repented of their sins and desired to live in obedience to G-d. However, from John’s response to the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Tz’dukim (Sadducees), it seemed that they were coming to be immersed in water because they wanted to be seen as righteous. John told them that if they were truly repenting of their sins, G-d would expect to see a change in their actions. It is not enough to know G-d’s Word. G-d’s people are also to obey His Word.

Put yourself in the place of the people in Israel who heard John give the challenge, “Turn from your sins to G-d, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Ask yourself, “Have you given up the self-seeking life that leads to sin?” “Have you become a “new creature” who lets G-d’s Word guide your life?” If you have done this, look at your life and ask yourself [as John asked the P’rushim (Pharisees) and Tz’dukim (Sadducees)], “Does the fruit in my life show that I have repented of my sins and let Yeshua be the L-rd of my life?”

Yeshua said, “Do everything righteousness requires.”

Matthew 3:13-17 teaches that (in response to John’s message) Yeshua came to the Jordan River to be immersed in water. John knew that Yeshua, the Son of G-d, had not sinned and did not need to be immersed as a sign of repentance of sins. Yeshua was immersed in water as an example to people (then and now) who have sinned and do need to repent of their sins. Immersion in water does not bring forgiveness of sins or eternal life, but it is a public way of showing that a person has repented of his sins and started a new life with Yeshua as his Savior and L-rd. (When John said that Yeshua should be immersing John), Yeshua told John, “Let it be this way now, because we should do everything righteousness requires.” (After Yeshua was immersed), G-d confirmed that Yeshua’s actions were according to G-d’s plan when the Spirit of G-d came down upon Yeshua like a dove and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I love. I am well pleased with Him.”

Ask yourself how Yeshua’s immersion in water impacted the Israelites who had come to the Jordan River to repent of their sins and be immersed? Did it encourage them or did it frighten them? Yeshua’s example in this (and in the other teachings He gave us) should not be frighten or discourage us. Instead, Yeshua wants to encourage and challenge us to make decisions in our lives based on the examples He gave us during His 3 ½ year ministry. As we do this, we will bear fruit that will show Yeshua is our Savior and L-rd.

Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright September 2007

Update From Israel

by Beth Helle

Greetings to one and all. For those of you who have been following my time in Israel, I regret to inform you that my time of going to school in Israel has come to an end. It has been a great time and I would extend it if I could, but all seasons come to a close. I graduated in June from Israel College of the Bible. This month, I will be getting married and moving to Seattle. Being in Israel has given me many opportunities to do many things. I have had experiences here that will always be with me. I recently had the opportunity to revisit Qumran and to visit Masada for the first time.                   [part 2 of 2]

    Masada was an interesting experience because of what happened there. In the revolt of the Jews against the Romans around 70C.E., the last of the Jewish rebels fled to Masada to be sheltered from the Roman armies. Masada is set at the top of a large mountain. The mountain is almost straight up. A snake path takes tourists up the mountain and also took people up in the early 1st C. The Romans besieged the mountain with the rebels and their families on the mountain. At the top of Masada, it is not merely a flat mountain. A city was built upon the top of the mountain with cisterns and synagogues, and even one of Herod's palaces. There was storage for food so that the besieged Jews were neither lacking in food or water. The Romans built a siege ramp up the hill for several months. Day after day, the people watched the Romans get closer and closer. So the men decided it would be better to kill their families than have them taken as slaves. The last 11 men drew names so to see who would kill the other 10 and then kill himself. When the Romans broke through, they only found 2 women and 5 children alive who had hidden in a cistern. These were the only survivors of Masada.

    I loved going to school in Israel because history is so close at hand. Masada and Qumran are only a couple of hours from Jerusalem. Many other places are within reach as well. It has been an experience I would recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to study in Israel. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. Blessings!

INSIGHTS FROM THE WORD

Know and follow your Shepherd’s voice

In John 10:1-18, Yeshua again used sheep and those who care for the sheep to teach how Yeshua will care for and protect His followers.

 “The person who doesn’t enter the sheep pen through the door, but climbs in some other way,

is a thief and a robber. But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd.

This is the one the gatekeeper admits and the sheep hear his voice.

He calls his own sheep, each one by name and leads them out.

After taking out all that are his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him

because they recognize his voice. They never follow a stranger but will run away from him

because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.” John 10:1-5

Families who owned only a few sheep might pen them in the courtyard of their house, but the sheep pen in Yeshua’s teaching was, most likely, a larger enclosure where several sheep owners kept their sheep together.

The gatekeeper (or watchman) was possibly a servant who was hired to guard the gate and protect the sheep. The gatekeeper was to keep out everyone except the owners of the sheep or the shepherds who took the sheep to eat in the pasture. Any person who desired to steal or harm the sheep would want to avoid the gatekeeper and would have to climb over the fence to get into the sheep pen.

Yeshua said a thief or robber was a person who entered the sheep pen by climbing over the wall. The watchman did not know the thief and would stop him from entering the sheep pen if he came to the gate. The thief was only seeking his own gain and was willing to harm the sheep to get what he wanted. In the Body of Messiah, a thief is anyone who seeks to harm Yeshua’s “sheep” or lead them from obeying G-d’s Word. In John 10:10, Yeshua said, “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.”

When several flocks were kept together in a pasture or a sheep pen, the shepherd would gather his own sheep by calling to them by name.  Yeshua contrasted the shepherd with the hired man, saying, “The hired hand sees the wolf coming, abandons the sheep and runs away.” Yeshua was not saying the hired man wanted to harm the sheep as the thief did, but the hired man was more committed to his own well being than to the well being of the sheep. A shepherd was willing to defend his sheep from wolves or bears, but, deep down, he likely did not expect to die. In contrast, Yeshua was willing to die for His “sheep”. In John 10:11, Yeshua said, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” When Yeshua died on the execution stake He became owner and shepherd of His “sheep”. As our Good Shepherd, Yeshua is committed to welfare of His “sheep”.

The gate was the proper way to get in and out of the sheep pen. In the same way, receiving salvation through Yeshua’s atoning death on the execution stake is the only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Yeshua said in John 10:7-10, “I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep… If someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture… I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.”  Yeshua repeated this theme in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one will come to the Father except through me.”

Yeshua said that the sheep would run away from a person whose voice they didn’t recognize, but they listened to their shepherd’s voice and came when he called. The shepherd would then guide the sheep to safe pastures and protect them from danger. This example teaches us how Yeshua meets our greatest need. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, went astray. We turned, each one, to his own way; yet ADONAI laid on Him the guilt of all of us.” Our Messiah Yeshua was beaten and died on the execution stake to set us free from the thief haSatan and the spiritual death haSatan tries to put on people. We turn away from the thief haSatan when we ask Yeshua to be our personal Savior. Then, as Yeshua’s “sheep”, believers are to listen only to Yeshua’s voice. As we spend time praising G-d and in prayer, we will more easily recognize Yeshua’s voice as He guides us in how to obey G-d’s Word in our daily lives.

Temple Shalom Yisrael Copyright August 2007

JULY 2007

Update From Israel

by Beth Helle

Greetings to one and all. For those of you who have been following my time in Israel, I regret to inform you that my time of going to school in Israel has come to an end. It has been a great time and I would extend it if I could, but all seasons come to a close. I graduated in June from Israel College of the Bible. In a few weeks, I will be getting married and moving to Seattle. Being in Israel has given me many opportunities to do many things. I have had experiences here that will always be with me. I recently had the opportunity to revisit Qumran and to visit Masada for the first time.                   [part 1 of 2]

    Qumran was discovered after the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the late 1940's. There is only so much that we know about the inhabitants of Qumran, but I will try to give you a brief history of what we do know. The