- Prayer
- Worship: “Times of Refreshing”, “In Your Presence” by Marty Nystrom, “The Great I Am” by David Elliot, “O God” by Bob Fitts
- Word Study: Pray, prayer
- Worship (continued): “Pray” by Lydia Wiley, “Come Let us Go Up” by Joshua Aaron
- Torah study: Exodus 4-6
TEMPLE TEACHING #6
As we examine this week’s teaching for hints as to how to conduct ourselves as we serve Yehovah and our brethren, let’s remember our human tendencies “to slack off and let someone else do it” or to barge ahead like a “bull in a china shop”. We ARE the Temple of the Holy Spirit and cannot afford to let our “old man” take over at any time. We are new creatures in Yeshua and must act accordingly, time is too short and our time and effectiveness is of utmost importance NOW.
Almost everyone wants to have the most notable positions in every organization. In the Temple in Jerusalem, the greatest numbers of those serving were the Levites (14,000) who were the Priests assistants. They cared for the sacred garments and vessels, the storehouses and their contents, the showbread and the meal offering preparations, and the salt and spices. In general, they were to assist the priests in their work, to clean the sanctuary and be in charge of the treasuries. (1Chronicles 23:28-32, 8:14)
Another lesser known group of the temple team was the gatekeepers. They (4000) were responsible for policing the temple guarding the outer gates and the storehouses, day and night. They were to enforce the cleanliness laws and not allow lepers or any contagious or defiled people into the temple areas or even any priest who came in in a state of uncleanness. If a priest was unable to fulfill his duties due to uncleanness or drunkenness and attempted to enter the temple, he was to be dragged out and stoned. (Leviticus 22:3-4)
These were all lesser but necessary duties for the smooth flow of the worship and operation of the temple 24-7. There was no room for striving to gain better duties or positions. The positions were for service to Yehovah and required a “heart to do so” ,not self seeking or for personal gain.(2 Chronicles 6:14)
Service, whether in the temple or to further the kingdom now, it’s all about serving Yehovah and His Kids while obeying His every command for assemblies, worship, teaching, offerings, Sabbaths, etc. It’s not about position, level of responsibility or degree of labor. It’s all about facilitating the smooth, orderly love and care of the children of our Heavenly Father as they progress through the trials of life to become fully functioning “Sons of Yehovah”.
How do we see ourselves serving Yehovah as His Temple? Are we making sure everything we do and teach is “clean”, orderly, presentable, on time, at the “appointed times” for the glory of the Father, following the example of Yeshua? (Ephesians 4:1-7)
Are we being keepers of the gates of this new temple “not made with hands” which is being guided and grown from heaven? Do we seek peace when conflict arises? Do we control our tongues and quiet those attempting “corrupt communication”? Do we value the items displayed in our homes and businesses with the circumspect of Yehovah’s eyes? Do we evaluate and correct others growing in the faith with gentleness only by Torah? (1 Timothy 3:14-17) Do we protect our tithes and offerings from our perceived needs and direct them in faith to those in need in the “house of faith” ministering to the saints, widows, orphans and poor?
Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our every word to those who inquire of our faith and those who seek more understanding and Torah based answers?
In our positions now, we must become not only priests ,but also assist each other in all these duties and protect each others gates and storehouses to accomplish the needed end result of growing to perfection or completeness which is righteousness. (Ephesians 4:12-16,24, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Be blessed, as you live our your temple experience this week. Seek continually His will for your every deed and desire.
Shalom, your brother in Yeshua,
Ellis
Temple Teaching #10
How can we best prepare for and promote the soon-coming Kingdom of Yehovah ?
The answer is simple yet profound, requires consistent effort, active expectancy and “agape” love. The answer is: Regular weekly Sabbath assembling with your Yehovah respecting, believing brethren.
Leviticus 23:3 says it is to be observed with an “Holy Convocation”, literally a public gathering of “set apart”, holy believers coming before Yehovah as a group to honor and worship Him with singing, prayer, feasting, study of His Word, exposition, teaching and exhortation by all to each other to build up and sustain each other until Yeshua returns. This is impossible to do by choosing to remain alone at home.
The Fourth commandment is not a “suggestion” and it is for all our development individually and as a group. Weekly Sabbath assembly is necessary for:
- Our spiritual health
- Our physical health
- Our mental health
- Our emotional health
- Our family’s health
- Our brethren’s health
- Our readiness for the Kingdom
1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:1-3, 13-15, 32, 5:1-2; Hebrews 10:23-25; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13-16
We are now Yeshua’s MATZAH– the unleavened bread, found, set apart, cooked, and given the titles of the Body of Yeshua, the Temple of the Holy Spirit and Ambassador of Yeshua, the New Covenant and the Kingdom of Yehovah. Let’s all fulfill our callings and rise to the high Calling of the Chosen and Elect of the creator and Sustainer of the universe and “mortar” all the blocks in this new temple, not made with hands, together, with” love and concern“ for each other, each and every Sabbath that we possibly can. New assemblies are starting up all over now and must be taught this part of the 4th commandment to grow and mature to become part of the REMNANT. The time is short and flying by fast. Yeshua’s coming real soon, maybe even sooner than we can imagine. 2Corinthians 6:16, 5:20, 2, 13:11, Ephesians 6:18.
We pray and care for each and every one of you. Please prayerfully read over these scriptures and refresh yourselves in your fantastic calling.
Shalom,
Ellis & Lydia
Tristate Messianic Fellowship 