Dear fellow believers:
Paul wrote, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the following:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so complete the Torah of Messiah." (Galatians 6:2 The Scriptures)
Torah is the instructions of Yah. The Messiah, as the Word of Yah, gave us instructions. One of those instructions is the following:
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:12-14 KJV)
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:14-18 KJV)
- Please understand if we don't learn how to love each other as Messiah loved His disciples and the entire world (John 3:16), then we are not considered a friend of the Messiah.
Not only is the above scriptures instruction, it is also a commandment from the Messiah, the Word of Yah. The Word of Yah reveals the following:
"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
- The Father commands us to listen to the Messiah, who is the Word of Yah (Matthew 17:5; John 1:1-3, 14). The way we listen to the Messiah is by studying the Apostolic Scriptures. The Apostolic Scriptures were written by His disciples who were under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit-the Apostolic Scriptures is a part of the Word of Yah and part of the foundation of the assembly of believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 2:20). Yeshua Messiah is an Apostle (Hebrews 3:1).
- Despite what some erroneously believe (that Paul's writings are not scripture), Paul's epistles are considered scripture along with the other Apostolic Scriptures and they are instruction for all believers (2 Peter 3:15-16). Remember, the Messiah said we must live by EVERY word of Yah-not some of them (Matthew 4:4).
Additionally and equally, we also study the Tanakh (The Old Testament) for it is also the words of Yah and part of the foundation of the assembly of believers.
- Remember, no one has seen the Father, so the the prophets were speaking to and saw the Messiah, the Word of Yah, the Creator of the Universe (John 1:18, John 5:37, 1 Corinthians 10:2-4, 9). The prophets, including Moses, had the spirit of Messiah in them and the spirit of Messiah inspired them to write the Tanakh (1 Peter 1:10-11; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
- The Apostolic Scriptures and the Tanakh are the words of the Father given to us by Messiah (John 12:49-50; John 15:15; John 17:8). The Messiah inspired men to write the Tanakh and the Apostolic Scriptures. So, all the commandments and teachings of the Messiah are ultimately the Father's commandments and teachings.
"All scripture (this includes the Apostolic Scriptures - emphasis mine) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)
Brethren, as Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote, we must be willing to bear one another's burdens. Additionally, we must take up our cross and suffer.
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23 KJV)
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27 KJV)
- I know this is the part of the Torah of the Messiah that is not pleasant. However, we must be willing to live a life of sacrifice and service following the Messiah's example.
- We are simply fooling ourselves if we consider ourselves believers and are not willing to bear our cross.
I know from 28 years of experience, the TRUE Way of Life is not easy (Matthew 7:14). I have kept the Shabbat and Holy Days with the help of the Holy Spirit for 28 years. I have been persecuted, oppressed, hated, and have gone through much suffering during this difficult walk as the Messiah promised those who would follow Him would experience much difficulty (Luke 6:22-23; John 17:14; Hebrews 11:36-38). It is so true that we must experience much tribulation to enter the Kingdom of Yah (Acts 14:22).
When I was forced out of my family's house without the resources to take care of myself at age 20 (27 years ago) because of keeping the Shabbat, I really learned to trust in Yah. Since then, Yah has miraculously provided me with food, shelter and clothes. I know from experience that if you seek first the Kingdom of Yah, He will give you what you need to survive spiritually and physically (Matthew 6:31-34).
In our Messianic communities, we must learn to, "have the same care for one another." (1 Corinthians 12:25 KJV). Plus, we must learn how to, "speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV).
If we don't learn to bear one another burdens, equally care for one another and speak the same thing, then we will continue to have division in the Messianic communities.
Some people wonder why don't we have more miracles and healings like the 1st century assembly? The answer is recorded in the scritpures.
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:41-47 KJV)
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 4:31-37 KJV)
Notice the 1st century believers were of one mind. They really cared about each other and proved it by giving and sharing resources with each other. They lived a life of fruits worthy of TRUE repentance (Luke 3:8). Living of life of sharing your resources is a good way to get Yah's attention (Acts 10:1-4). They clearly understood that you should help someone help themselves.
"If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 KJV)
The 1st century believers really believed the Messiah and they proved it by their works.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12 KJV)
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:14-17 KJV)
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." (Isaiah 58:6-11 KJV)
- Notice in the above scripture that Yah will respond to suffering (fasting is certainly an example of suffering) and quickly provide healing and our necessities if we learn to care about others' needs.
Despite Cain's opinion and those who have the attitude of Cain: We ARE our brother's keeper (Genesis 4:9).
"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." (1 John 3:10-12 KJV)
- If some people reading this letter are tired of hearing about giving, then you need to seriously reevaluate your relationship with Yah because we are to live a life of sacrifice, sharing and caring. This is the life Messiah lived and we are to follow His example (John 14:6; Romans 12:1; 1 John 2:6; Mark 10:44-45).
We all work to give to those in need.
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." (Ephesians 4:28 KJV)
“All this I did show you, by labouring like this, that you ought to help the weak. And remember the words of the Master יהושע, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35 The Scriptures)
"Their only request was that we should remember the poor — which very thing I have spared no pains to do." (Galatians 2:10 CJB)
"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Proverbs 21:13 KJV)
Yah inspired the prophet Zachariah to write the following about how to live a righteous life:
“Thus said יהוה of hosts, ‘Execute true right-ruling, show kindness and compassion everyone to his brother. “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the stranger or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ “But they refused to listen, and they shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears from hearing. “And they made their hearts like flint against hearing the Torah, and the words, which יהוה of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from יהוה of hosts. “And it came to be: as He called and they did not hear, so let them call, but I shall not hear,” said יהוה of hosts." (Zechariah 7:9-13 The Scriptures)
- I follow the prophets example and I will preach about taking care of the poor, the widow, the fatherless and the stranger. All the prophets preached about the less fortunate including the greatest prophet who ever lived-Yeshua Messiah. And, just like the prophets, I know I will get persecuted for it (Matthew 23:34-35). However, I am not concerned because I know I will receive a prophet's reward in the Kingdom of Yah. And, anyone who receives the prophets' messages in the Bible will also receive a prophet's reward in the Kingdom of Yah.
"He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward;
and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man
shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to
drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name
of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his
reward." (Matthew 10:40-42 KJV) If we desire to purely worship Yah, then we must care about the less fortunate and the poor. "The religious observance that God the Father considers pure and faultless is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being contaminated by the world." (James 1:27 CJB) "Wash yourselves clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing evil, learn to do good! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend orphans, plead for the widow. "Come now," says Adonai, "let's talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be eaten by the sword"; for the mouth of Adonai has spoken." (Isaiah 1:16-20 CJB) One of the reasons Messiah is coming to rule this earth is to end the tremendous poverty and oppression of the poor: "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. "He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness. "Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. "Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me," says the LORD of hosts. "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." (Malachi 3:1-6 NASB)
"Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. Don't be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Share what you have with God's people, and practice hospitality." (Romans 12:10-13 CJB)
"But don't forget doing good and sharing with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16 CJB)
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10 KJV)
"Also I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, the emissary whom you sent to take care of my needs; since he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, close to death; but God had mercy on him — and not only on him, but also on me — otherwise I would have had sorrow piled on sorrow. Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him, so that you may rejoice when you see him again; and I, for my part, may be less sad. So give him a joyful welcome in the Lord; honor such people. For he risked his life and nearly died working for the Messiah, in order to give me the help you were not in a position to give." (Philippians 2:25-30 CJB)
Let's all have the same care for one another, bear our burdens and be willing to sacrifice our lives for each other.
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