G-d’s Counterpoise

Rabbi Ken Alpren Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. 11/24/12 Ya’akov (Jacob) had an experience that would forever alter his relationship to G-d and with G-d. Ya’akov was on a mission. He was blessed by his father and he was sent. Genesis 28:10-12, ‘Ya'akov went out from Be'er-Sheva and traveled toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and stayed the night there, because the sun had set. He took a stone from the place, put it under his head and lay down there to sleep. 12 He dreamt that there before him was a ladder resting on the ground with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of ADONAI were going up and down on it.’ When ADONAI spoke to him in the dream, he referred to himself as the G-d of his grandfather Abraham and father Yitz’chak (Isaac). He was not yet truly Ya’akov’s G-d. As recorded later in the chapter, indeed, Ya’akov’s relationship with G-d did become personal and he referred to him as his own. Genesis 28:13-15, ‘Then suddenly ADONAI was standing there next to him; and he said, "I am ADONAI, the God of Avraham your [grand]father and the God of Yitz'chak. The land on which you are lying I will give to you and to your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth. You will expand to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. By you and your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ G-d told him three things. The land would be his and his decedents, that his seed would number the grains of dust of the earth and all the families of the earth would be blessed through him! What a promise! 1 Thessalonians 5:24, ‘The one calling you is faithful, and he will do it.’ G-d blessing us is not an end to itself, but G-d blesses us to be a blessing to the world and to others. Isaiah 49:6, ‘he has said, "It is not enough that you are merely my servant to raise up the tribes of Ya'akov and restore the offspring of Isra'el. I will also make you a light to the nations, so my salvation can spread to the ends of the earth."’ Further is verse 15, G-d assures Ya’akov of three things. He would be with him, that he would keep him wherever he goes and that he would bring him back never abandoning him until what he had promised was accomplished. Genesis 28:15, ‘“Look, I am with you. I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back into this land, because I won't leave you until I have done what I have promised you."’ Philippians 1:6, ‘And I am sure of this: that the One who began a good work among you will keep it growing until it is completed on the Day of the Messiah Yeshua.’ Isaiah 14:24, ‘ADONAI-Tzva'ot has sworn, "Just as I thought it, it will occur; just as I planned it, so it will be.’ G-d doesn’t quit on us! He completes what he starts! We can take that as a promise from him. When Ya’akov awoke, he was astounded at what he had experienced in his dream and made a proclamation. This was none other than the House of G-d and the Gate of Heaven! Genesis 28:16-17, ‘Ya'akov awoke from his sleep and said, "Truly, ADONAI is in this place - and I didn't know it!" 17 Then he became afraid and said, "This place is fearsome! This has to be the house of God! This is the gate of heaven!"’ G-d had revealed himself to Ya’akov! G-d was there all along and he didn’t realize it. Where does G-d reveal himself? The House of G-d should be a place of prophetic revelation. A place where G-d reveals himself; where we meet G-d and he unveils himself and affirms to us his promises. Heaven is a place of constant revelation. Heaven is a revelation of who he is and the veracity of his word! We will constantly be amazed; growing and learning, not static. G-d is outside time and space and interacts with us within time and space; in what may be described as a fifth dimension. We experience this fifth dimension when we meet with him. Once meeting with him, our perception should be forever altered. He dwells in Heaven, but interacts with us in our four dimensional world. Isaiah 57:15, ‘For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.”’ Ya’akov travels further and goes to be with his uncle, falls in love with Rachel but gets tricked to marry Leah. He had deceived his father and then he was deceived by his uncle. Galatians 6:7, ‘Don't delude yourselves: no one makes a fool of God! A person reaps what he sows.’ Genesis 29:30-31, ‘So not only did Ya'akov go in and sleep with Rachel, but he also loved Rachel more than Le'ah. Then he served Lavan another seven years. 31 ADONAI saw that Le'ah was unloved, so he made her fertile, while Rachel remained childless.’ Leah was loved less and left out because Ya’akov loved Rachel more. So what did the L-rd do? He opened her womb. G-d compensates for things. G-d’s counterpoise! Does he do that with us? Does he see how we are passed over or left out? Look at how he marries Isra’el in Ezekiel 16 after he sees her abandoned and he says, “Live!” We are beautiful to him as his people. He counterpoises. He makes up for what we may not receive in the world. Notice how Yeshua reveals himself to Miryam as recorded in John 20. The disciples leave, but Miryam stayed and the L-rd visits her. He signaled her out. Maybe she was overlooked by the disciples. He counterpoises with her! John 20:11-16, ‘but Miryam stood outside crying. As she cried, she bent down, peered into the tomb, 12 and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Yeshua had been, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 "Why are you crying?" they asked her. "They took my Lord," she said to them, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 As she said this, she turned around and saw Yeshua standing there, but she didn't know it was he. 15 Yeshua said to her, "Lady, why are you crying? Whom are you looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you're the one who carried him away, just tell me where you put him; and I'll go and get him myself." 16 Yeshua said to her, "Miryam!" Turning, she cried out to him in Hebrew, "Rabbani!" (that is, "Teacher!")’ There were three there. This reminds us of the visit to Abraham in Genesis! Two angels and the L-rd Yeshua. She didn’t know Yeshua at first, but she realized it was him when he called her name! Hearing his voice; we want to recognize him! 1 Corinthians 12:24, ‘while our attractive parts have no need for such treatment. Indeed, God has put the body together in such a way that he gives greater dignity to the parts that lack it,’ The plan and grace of G-d counterpoises through his purpose and grace. He reveals himself in ways we can’t imagine.

Four Crowns

Rabbi Ken Alpren Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. September 21, 2012 How do we prepare for the Day of Judgement? Moshe knew his time on earth was coming to a close as recorded in Deuteronomy 31. Deuteronomy 31:2,,’"I am 120 years old today. I can't get around any longer; moreover, ADONAI has said to me, 'You will not cross this Yarden.'’ Refer also to his words regarding the length of days in Psalm 90. As recorded in Daniel 7, there is a Day of Judgement and books will be opened. What books? There are two books from G-d, the Tanakh and the Brit Chadasha and there are two books G-d has for us; the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15) and the Book of Remembrance (Malachi 3:16). When the Day of Judgement occurs, there will be consequences for what we have done while in our earthly bodies. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, ‘So we are always confident - we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord; 7 for we live by trust, not by what we see. 8 We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him; 10 for we must all appear before the Messiah's court of judgment, where everyone will receive the good or bad consequences of what he did while he was in the body.’ Good consequences for those things we did that originated ‘in G-d’ and bad consequences for things we did that originated ‘outside of G-d’. What am I doing now that will affect eternity? What foundation am I building upon? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, ‘Using the grace God gave me, I laid a foundation, like a skilled master-builder; and another man is building on it. But let each one be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Yeshua the Messiah. 12 Some will use gold, silver or precious stones in building on this foundation; while others will use wood, grass or straw. 13 But each one's work will be shown for what it is; the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire - the fire will test the quality of each one's work. 14 If the work someone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward; 15 if it is burned up, he will have to bear the loss: he will still escape with his life, but it will be like escaping through a fire.’ Only what we do through the Messiah Yeshua will last! We may even be surprised on the Day of Judgement because people behind the scenes who quietly went about serving the L-rd will get more rewards than people we knew or heard about. Whomever is unknown to us are very well known by G-d. Do we realize that at the Day of Judgement, our entire lives will be made manifest? G-d knows whose are His! 2 Timothy 2:19, ‘Nevertheless, God's firm foundation stands, stamped with these words: "The Lord knows his own," and, "Let everyone who claims he belongs to the Lord stand apart from wrongdoing."’ What will our rewards look like? Firstly, G-d Himself is our reward! Genesis 15:1, ‘After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." NKJV Secondly, we will radiate as described in Philippians 2:15, Matthew 13:43 and Daniel 12:3 and we will rule as described in 1 Corinthians 6:2 and Matthew 19:28. Our rewards will be based upon our motivation! Did we serve our L-rd in love as described in 1 Corinthians 13? Did we serve Him in love? Did our service originate in His Strength? When Yeshua described rewards on the Day of Judgement, He says that we won’t even remember how we served; so much so that our service was out of His Love and working in His Strength! Matthew 25:34-41, ‘"Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you made me your guest, 36 I needed clothes and you provided them, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' 37 Then the people who have done what God wants will reply, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and make you our guest, or needing clothes and provide them? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' 40 The King will say to them, `Yes! I tell you that whenever you did these things for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did them for me!'’ We will be rewarded but what we accomplish in Him! And we do that by abiding in Him. In Him is how G-d sees us. 1 John 2:28, ‘And now, children, remain united with him; so that when he appears, we may have confidence and not shrink back from him in shame at his coming.’ 1 John 4:17, ‘Here is how love has been brought to maturity with us: as the Messiah is, so are we in the world. This gives us confidence for the Day of Judgment.’ There are four crowns described in Scripture we are given as rewards! They are the Crown of Life, the Crown of Righteousness, the Crown of Glory and the Crown of Rejoicing! The Crown of Life is given for those who have remained true through trials and tests. James 1:12, How blessed is the man who perseveres through temptation! For after he has passed the test, he will receive as his crown the Life which God has promised to those who love him.’ The Crown of Righteousness is given to those who finish the race. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, ‘For as for me, I am already being poured out on the altar; yes, the time for my departure has arrived. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 All that awaits me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, "the Righteous Judge," will award to me on that Day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for him to appear.’ The Crown of Glory given to those who serve. 1 Peter 5:1-4, ‘Therefore, I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow-leader and witness to the Messiah's sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm; 3 also not as machers domineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock. 4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown.’ The Crown of Rejoicing will be given to those who have pointed to and lead people to the Messiah. 1 Thessalonians 2:19, ‘For when our Lord Yeshua returns, what will be our hope, our joy, our crown to boast about? Won't it be you? 20 Yes, you are our glory and our joy!’ Let us keep focused on Him in Whose Strength we live so as to hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

The Best

Sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. July 21, 2012 Numbers 32:1-2, ‘The descendants of Re'uven and the descendants of Gad had vast quantities of livestock. When they saw that the land of Ya'zer and the land of Gil'ad were good for livestock, 2 the descendants of Gad and of Re'uven came and spoke to Moshe, El'azar the cohen and the community leaders.’ They were influenced by beauty of the land and the fertility of the soil. They made the decision based upon the apparent image of how the land would serve them verses what the L-rd had for them. This is a case of choosing by sight rather than having faith. This same tendency was first demonstrated in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:6, ‘When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it had a pleasing appearance and that the tree was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her; and he ate.’ Their focus was on their livestock even before their own families. Numbers 32:4-5, ‘The country that ADONAI conquered before the community of Isra'el, is livestock country; and your servants have livestock. 5 If you regard us favorably," they went on, "let this land be given to your servants as their possession; and don't have us cross the Yarden."’ They requested to stay on the east side of the Yarden which angered Moshe. He compares their behavior to their ancestors who discouraged the Israelites from taking the Promised Land initially. Numbers 32:7-9, ‘Besides, why are you trying to discourage the people of Isra'el from crossing into the land ADONAI gave them? 8 This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-Barnea to see the land. 9 For when they went up to the Eshkol Valley and saw the land, they disheartened the people of Isra'el, so that they wouldn't enter the land ADONAI had given them.’ They persisted in their argument with Moshe and rationalized away G-d’s will. Numbers 32:16-19, ‘But they came up to him and said, "Here we will build enclosures for our livestock and cities for our little ones, 17 but we ourselves will be armed and ready for action to march at the head of the people of Isra'el, until we have brought them to their place. Our little ones will stay in the fortified cities here because of the people now living in the land. 18 However, we will not return to our own homes until every man in Isra'el has taken possession of his land for inheritance. 19 We will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Yarden, westward; because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Yarden, eastward."’ West of the Yarden was supposed to be jointly inherited by all twelve tribes, but they did not want to wait for that inheritance, they wanted their inheritance now. Moshe cautiously accepts their appeal but with a warning emphasizing they will ‘reap what they sow.’ Numbers 32:23, ‘But if you will not do this, then you have sinned against ADONAI, and you must understand that your sin will find you out.’ Is there a permissive will versus a perfect will of G-d? Romans 12:1-2, ‘I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical "Temple worship" for you. 2 In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the 'olam hazeh. Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.’ Is there a ‘plan A’ which is G-d’s best, ‘plan B’ which is adequate or ‘plan C’ which is the worst? Do we let G-d choose for us or do we choose for G-d? Do I prematurely insist on my own will or am I willing to let G-d and trust in His timing? Psalms 47:4, ‘He chooses our heritage for us, the pride of Ya'akov, whom he loves.’ The pastures were greener east of the Yarden. Their choice based upon appearance symbolizes the choosing of material versus spiritual and riches over relationships and human performance over divine preeminence. When the decision was made to approach Moshe to take possession of the land east of the Yarden, whose interest were they looking out for? Were they not concerned with their own welfare versus the welfare of the community. Moshe conceded. Does G-d acquiesce to our plans? If we insist, will He compromise or even comply? Psalms 37:23-24, ‘ADONAI directs a person's steps, and he delights in his way. 24 He may stumble, but he won't fall headlong, for ADONAI holds him by the hand.’ Notice that even as ADONAI directs our steps, we may stumble! Although Moshe conceded, it was not what G-d really wanted for them and sometimes He acts upon our persistence similarly and allows us to have something we desire outside His perfect will even though it is not what He really wants for us. Consequently, the tribes of Re’uven, Gad and the half-tribe of M’nasheh were the first to be taken into captivity; they were influenced by the nations into idolatry. 1 Chronicles 5:26, ‘So the God of Isra'el stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Ashur and the spirit of Tilgat-Piln'eser king of Ashur; and he carried them away as captives - the Re'uveni, the Gadi and the half-tribe of M'nasheh - and brought them to Halach, Havor, Hara and to the Gozan River, where they are to this day.’ Galatians 6:7-8, ‘Don't delude yourselves: no one makes a fool of God! A person reaps what he sows. 8 Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life.’ Be careful about insisting on my own way with G-d! We don’t want to miss G-d’s best! Even so, He can turn our past for good and if we have blown it, He can turn it around. But we then must trust Him and wait for Him! Psalms 37:34, ‘Put your hope in ADONAI, keep to his way, and he will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.’ We want His best for us so let us put our hand in His and allow His heart to be poured in us! Further Reading: Philippians 2:4-5, 1 John 2:15-17, Isaiah 42:16, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 3:11, Judges 5:16-17

First Love

Sermon by Rabbi Ken Alpren Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. July 14, 2012 Numbers 25:10-13, ‘ADONAI said to Moshe, 11 "Pinchas the son of El'azar, the son of Aharon the cohen, has deflected my anger from the people of Isra'el by being as zealous as I am, so that I didn't destroy them in my own zeal. 12 Therefore say, 'I am giving him my covenant of shalom, 13 making a covenant with him and his descendants after him that the office of cohen will be theirs forever.'This is because he was zealous on behalf of his God and made atonement for the people of Isra'el."’ Pinchas was a champion! He acted on behalf of the L-rd and was an example not to be passive but to be active! We see in events and circumstances of Pinchas’ intervention, how the enemy was unable to defeat the Israelites from without, so the plan was to defeat them from within! The Israelites were intermarrying, committing apostasy and partaking in idolatry. This same seduction occurs with believers when we depart from G-d. We are rendered weak and harmless by Satan. We have no power in prayer and we don’t see miracles. What did Pinchas do? Numbers 25:5-9, ‘Moshe said to the judges of Isra'el, "Each of you is to put to death those in his tribe who have joined themselves to Ba'al-P'or." 6 Just then, in the sight of Moshe and the whole community of Isra'el, as they were weeping at the entrance to the tent of meeting, a man from Isra'el came by, bringing to his family a woman from Midyan. 7 When Pinchas the son of El'azar, the son of Aharon the cohen, saw it, he got up from the middle of the crowd, took a spear in his hand, 8 and pursued the man from Isra'el right into the inner part of the tent, where he thrust his spear through both of them -the man from Isra'el and the woman through her stomach. Thus was the plague among the people of Isra'el stopped; 9 nevertheless, 24,000 died in the plague.’ Pinchas impaled the couple and the plague stopped! Pinchas made atonement for the children of Israel. Numbers 25:12-13, ‘Therefore say, 'I am giving him my covenant of shalom, 13 making a covenant with him and his descendants after him that the office of cohen will be theirs forever.'This is because he was zealous on behalf of his God and made atonement for the people of Isra'el."’ G-d made a b’rit shalom and an everlasting priesthood through Pinchas. G-d fulfilled His promise until the tyranny of Herod. The Hebrew word for zealous in this passage is ‘kana’ which means jealousy, zeal, envy, strong emotion, fervor, excited, and passion. G-d is zealous for us. Are we zealous for Him? 2 Corinthians 11:2, ‘For I am jealous for you with God's kind of jealousy; since I promised to present you as a pure virgin in marriage to your one husband, the Messiah.’ 1 Corinthians 6:17, ‘but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.’ Song of Songs 7:10, ‘I belong to my darling, and his desire is for me.’ We are married to the L-rd and He is zealous for us! When we are unfaithful, we are ripping apart ourselves from the L-rd. Israel had joined herself to idols as recorded in Numbers. What am I intimate with? What is the fruit of my idolatry? Don’t allow the enemy to render us weak and harmless in the L-rd? How do I spend my time? Do I turn on the television or read the Bible? Do I gossip about others or reach out to them in G-d’s love? Do I talk or do I take action? Do I worry or do I pray and praise in my circumstances? Do I put G-d second or first? Do I give Him my first fruits? Where is the love for Him that I had at first? Revelation 2:4, ‘But I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.’ What do I want to be doing INSTEAD of being with the L-rd? 1 John 2:15-17, ‘Do not love the world or the things of the world. If someone loves the world, then love for the Father is not in him; 16 because all the things of the world - the desires of the old nature, the desires of the eyes, and the pretensions of life - are not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God's will remains forever.’ Am I cynical or sarcastic? Could be a sign of sickness and my need for restoration in the L-rd. Jeremiah 2:2-3, ‘"Go and shout in the ears of Yerushalayim that this is what ADONAI says: 'I remember your devotion when you were young; how, as a bride, you loved me; how you followed me through the desert, through a land not sown. 3 "'Isra'el is set aside for ADONAI, the first fruits of his harvest; all who devour him will incur guilt; evil will befall them," says ADONAI.’ Am I attached to an idol? Get rid of it and return to the L-rd! G-d wants intimacy with us and He loves us and wants us to be close to Him. Am I zealous for G-d? Yeshua was furious when He found animals being sold and money exchanged in the Temple. John 2:15-17, ‘He made a whip from cords and drove them all out of the Temple grounds, the sheep and cattle as well. He knocked over the money-changers' tables, scattering their coins; 16 and to the pigeon-sellers he said, "Get these things out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market?" 17 (His talmidim later recalled that the Tanakh says, "Zeal for your house will devour me." )’ Yeshua had zeal! He is our example. 1 Peter 2:21, ‘Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps.’ With zeal and obedience His pleased the Father. John 4:34, ‘Yeshua said to them, "My food is to do what the one who sent me wants and to bring his work to completion.’ Do we have zeal for the L-rd like Ruth? Ruth 1:16-17, ‘But Rut said, "Don't press me to leave you and stop following you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. 17 Where you die, I will die; and there I will be buried. May ADONAI bring terrible curses on me, and worse ones as well, if anything but death separates you and me."’ What about the zeal David had? Psalm 27:4, ‘Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple.’ Remember our First Love!!! That is where our zeal should be placed. 1 John 4:10, ‘Here is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the kapparah for our sins.’ Further Reading: Psalm 106:28-31, James 4:5, Song of Songs 8:6-7, 4:7, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Philippians 3:10, 2:5, John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6, 7:14, Acts 17:11, Psalm 73:25

Too Much for You!

Sermon Notes Rabbi Ken Alpren by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. Korach was a cousin of Moshe; both descended form Levi. Aviram and Datan were descended from Re’uven, the eldest of the twelve. They were jealous of Moshe regarding the position the L-rd had given him and felt they had been passed over for the prominent position. They accused Moshe and Aharon. Numbers 16:1-3, ‘Now Korach the son of Yitz'har, the son of K'hat, the son of Levi, along with Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eli'av, and On, the son of Pelet, descendants of Re'uven, took men and 2 rebelled against Moshe. Siding with them were 250 men of Isra'el, leaders of the community, key members of the council, men of reputation. 3 They assembled themselves against Moshe and Aharon and said to them, "You take too much on yourselves! After all, the entire community is holy, every one of them, and ADONAI is among them. So why do you lift yourselves up above ADONAI's assembly?"’ Moshe didn’t lift himself up, but notice his response was that he fell on his face! Numbers 12:3, ‘Now this man Moshe was very humble, more so than anyone on earth.’ Moshe was G-d’s Servant as is Yeshua. The purpose of godly leadership is not status but function. We are to serve G-d and then people through G-d. As His servants we are vehicles of His life and His word; not source of them. Korach and his followers were jealous of something that wasn’t even attainable for them! Yeshua’s spoke to this principle. Mark 10:44-45, ‘“and whoever wants to be first among you must become everyone's slave! 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve -- and to give his life as a ransom for many."’ When Korach accused Moshe and Aharon that it was too much for them, Moshe responded with G-d direction by turning the accusation back toward Korach and saying no, that it was too much for him! Numbers 16:7, ‘’The one whom ADONAI chooses will be the one who is holy! It is you, you sons of Levi, who are taking too much on yourselves!"’ How do we respond to false accusations or arrogant confrontations? What did Moshe do? By falling on his face, he demonstrated that he went to G-d first; he didn’t overreact, but kept quiet at first. As well, we can apply this principle ourselves by shutting our mouths, keeping quiet and going to G-d asking Him to help us not to react with emotion as our first response. G-d is trustworthy to defend or vindicate us if we are falsely accused. Proverbs 26:4-5, ‘Don't answer a fool in terms of his folly, or you will be descending to his level; 5 but answer a fool as his folly deserves, so that he won't think he is wise.’ Go to G-d first and then we are able to deal with people. Be lead by the Spirit rather than the flesh and we can deal with ‘fools’ and foolish accusations wisely. Do we wrongfully accuse people of what we are really guilty of ourselves? Korach and his followers were projecting onto Moshe and Aharon what they were guilty of themselves. Numbers 16:8-9, ‘Then Moshe said to Korach, "Listen here, you sons of Levi! 9 Is it for you a mere trifle that the God of Isra'el has separated you from the community of Isra'el to bring you close to himself, so that you can do the work in the tabernacle of ADONAI and stand before the community serving them?’ Are we not grateful for what G-d has already has done or do we want more like Korach? With what are we dissatisfied? When is it enough? Am I satisfied with what He has given me? Korach wanted the priesthood as well and was ungrateful for what G-d had given him! Isn’t this the same sin of Lucifer as described in Isaiah 14? He wasn’t satisfied with being a beautiful angel but wanted to be like the Most High! 1 Timothy 6:6, ‘Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have.’ Psalm 73:25, ‘Whom do I have in heaven but you? And with you, I lack nothing on earth.’ Numbers 16:11, ‘“That's why you and your group have gathered together against ADONAI! After all, what is Aharon that you complain against him?"’ Aharon was a servant. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, ‘After all, what is Apollos? What is Sha'ul? Only servants through whom you came to trust. Indeed, it was the Lord who brought you to trust through one of us or through another. 6 I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 So neither the planter nor the waterer is anything, only God who makes things grow.’ We serve and G-d makes things grow. Further in the passage recorded in Numbers 16, verses 12-14, Korach and his followers demonstrated their skewed perceptions and rebelliousness. And Moshe became angry, rightfully. When G-d wanted to bring judgement upon all the people, Moshe intervened out of concern for the people as well as G-d’s reputation and testimony. So the L-rd brought judgement upon Korach, Avarim and Datan specifically. Numbers 16:20-24, ‘ADONAI said to Moshe and Aharon, 21 "Separate yourselves from this assembly; I'm going to destroy them right now!" 22 They fell on their faces and said, "Oh God, God of the spirits of all humankind, if one person sins, are you going to be angry with the entire assembly?" 23 ADONAI answered Moshe, 24 "Tell the assembly to move away from the homes of Korach, Datan and Aviram."’ There are times we need discernment to separate ourselves from those starting discord and unhealthy influence. Romans 16:17, ‘I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put snares alongside the teaching in which you have been trained - keep away from them.’ 2 Thessalonians 3:6, ‘Now, in the name of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah we command you, brothers, to stay away from any brother who is leading a life of idleness, a life not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.’ Numbers 16:26, ‘There he said to the assembly, "Leave the tents of these wicked men! Don't touch anything that belongs to them, or you may be swept away in all their sins."” We need to disassociate from those who are poor influences and especially among those who claim to be believers. 2 Corinthians 6:14, ‘Do not yoke yourselves together in a team with unbelievers. For how can righteousness and lawlessness be partners? What fellowship does light have with darkness?’ 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, ‘In my earlier letter I wrote you not to associate with people who engage in sexual immorality. 10 I didn't mean the sexually immoral people outside your community, or the greedy, or the thieves or the idol-worshippers - for then you would have to leave the world altogether! 11 No, what I wrote you was not to associate with anyone who is supposedly a brother but who also engages in sexual immorality, is greedy, worships idols, is abusive, gets drunk or steals. With such a person you shouldn't even eat!’ Numbers 16:28-30, ‘Moshe said, "Here is how you will know that ADONAI has sent me to do all these things and that I haven't done them out of my own ambition: 29 if these men die a natural death like other people, only sharing the fate common to all humanity, then ADONAI has not sent me. 30 But if ADONAI does something new - if the ground opens up and swallows them with everything they own, and they go down alive to Sh'ol - then you will understand that these men have had contempt for ADONAI."’ The earth opened up and the guilty as well as their families went down alive! Fire consumed the 250 who had offered the incense and 14,700 were victims of the plague! Moshe posed the question as to how one would know that indeed the L-rd had sent him or if his leadership was on account of his own will. G-d revealed the answer to everyone that Moshe’s commission was G-d ordained! Likewise, how will people know today that Yeshua is the Messiah? What signs reveal the truth? John 6:38, ‘For I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of the One who sent me.’ John 7:16-17, ‘So Yeshua gave them an answer: "My teaching is not my own, it comes from the One who sent me. 17 If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether my teaching is from God or I speak on my own.’ Do we want to know the truth? He knows our hearts and He will reveal Himself to those seeking wholeheartedly. Jeremiah 29:13, ‘When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly.’ 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, ‘For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost; 16 to the latter, we are the smell of death leading only to more death; but to the former, we are the sweet smell of life leading to more life.’ G-d reveals Himself through us! He reveals Himself through His Spirit, His power and His word. How will we know? John 17:23, ‘I united with them and you with me, so that they may be completely one, and the world thus realize that you sent me, and that you have loved them just as you have loved me.’ Oneness in humanity is not natural. When believers from all ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds and former beliefs are united in love for the L-rd, the world will know. Further Reading: Isaiah 14:12-15, 1 Corinthians 3:3-9, 4:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 3 John 9, Luke 10:19, Revelation 12, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 3:10, Colossians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Timothy 6:5, John 5:19, 5:30, 8:28,14:10, Romans 15:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Psalm 119

G-d Chooses and Uses Who He Wills

Rabbi Ken Alpren Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. 6/9/12 Numbers 11:11-15, ‘Moshe asked ADONAI, "Why are you treating your servant so badly? Why haven't I found favor in your sight, so that you put the burden of this entire people on me? 12 Did I conceive this people? Was I their father, so that you tell me, 'Carry them in your arms, like a nurse carrying a baby, to the land you swore to their ancestors?' 13 Where am I going to get meat to give to this entire people? - because they keep bothering me with their crying and saying, 'Give us meat to eat!' 14 I can't carry this entire people by myself alone - it's too much for me! 15 If you are going to treat me this way, then just kill me outright! - please, if you have any mercy toward me! -and don't let me go on being this miserable!" The Israelites were bored with G-d’s menu! They wanted something different and were complaining about was provided for them and reminiscing about Egypt. They thought the former days were better, but were they? We need to be careful to continue being grateful regardless of our circumstances because with ungratefulness comes darkened hearts. Romans 1:21, ‘because, although they know who God is, they do not glorify him as God or thank him. On the contrary, they have become futile in their thinking; and their undiscerning hearts have become darkened.’ G-d can do work in us through the mundane! This includes our every day lives, our jobs and our marriages. He tells us to be content through the mundane. Moshe wants to quit because he is fed up. Maybe he thought he was supposed to do it all himself. He was wrong because G-d responded by giving him help. Numbers 16:16-17, ‘ADONAI said to Moshe, "Bring me seventy of the leaders of Isra'el, people you recognize as leaders of the people and officers of theirs. Bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit which rests on you and put it on them. Then they will carry the burden of the people along with you, so that you won't carry it yourself alone.’ The objective of leadership is not to make people dependent upon you, but to develop more leaders by giving them guidance and help. The L-rd instructs Moshe to choose seventy elders and that G-d will take some of the Spirit from Moshe and place it upon them. Regarding the Spirit or ‘Ruach’, the L-rd puts ‘'seem’, gives it ‘natan’ to the seventy and it rests ‘nuwach’ on them and then what happens? Numbers 11:25-26, ‘ADONAI came down in the cloud, spoke to him, took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy leaders. When the Spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied -then but not afterwards. 26 There were two men who stayed in the camp, one named Eldad and the other Medad, and the Spirit came to rest on them. They were among those listed to go out to the tent, but they hadn't done so, and they prophesied in the camp.’ The Hebrew word for prophesied is ‘nava'’. The meaning is authorized communication from G-d, pouring forth words, divine revelation, authorized spokesperson and power to communicate from G-d. It’s application can include speaking and managing people by communicating G-d’s words to them as well as speaking praise which would then counter the atmosphere of complaining. Two people of the seventy did not come to the tabernacle but remained in the camp and they still received the impartation of the Spirit as well as the manifestation of prophesying. Numbers 11:27-29, ‘A young man ran and told Moshe, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!" 28 Y'hoshua, the son of Nun, who from his youth up had been Moshe's assistant, answered, "My lord, Moshe, stop them!" 29 But Moshe replied, "Are you so zealous to protect me? I wish all of ADONAI's people were prophets! I wish ADONAI would put his Spirit on all of them!"’ Moshe rebuked Y’hoshua. Y’hoshua was exhibiting a spirit of exclusivity. A similar instance is recorded in Luke. Luke 9:49-50, ‘Yochanan responded, "Rabbi, we saw someone expelling demons in your name; and we stopped him because he doesn't follow you along with us.” Yochanan responded, "Rabbi, we saw someone expelling demons in your name; and we stopped him because he doesn't follow you along with us." 50 Yeshua said to him, "Don't stop such people, because whoever isn't against you is for you."’ G-d chooses and uses who He wills and it may be someone else and not you! Philippians 1:15-18, ‘True, some are proclaiming the Messiah out of jealousy and rivalry, but others are doing it in goodwill. 16 The latter act from love, aware that I am put where I am for defending the Good News; 17 while the former announce the Messiah out of selfish ambition, with impure motives, supposing they can stir up trouble for me in prison. 18 But so what? All that matters is that in every way, whether honestly or in pretense, the Messiah is being proclaimed; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.’ Trust G-d and let Him use who he wills and it really isn’t our business. Whatever our frustration we should give Him praise. We don’t need to try to control or limit G-d. He raises up and uses who He wills. Who are we to stand in the way of G-d? When those chosen to lead with Moshe received the Ruach and began to prophesy, they helped him bring people into the will of G-d. 1 Corinthians 14:3, ‘But someone prophesying is speaking to people, edifying, encouraging and comforting them.’ Others were raised up to assist Moshe. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. As G-d leads we are to delegate, empower, guide and educate others letting go so people can grow. Further Reading: Ephesians 4:12, Romans 12:4-8, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Romans 14:19, Isaiah 49:5-6

Me First!

Rabbi Ken Alpren Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D. 5/19/12 Leviticus 25:1-4, ‘ADONAI spoke to Moshe on Mount Sinai; he said, 2 "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'When you enter the land I am giving you, the land itself is to observe a Shabbat rest for ADONAI. 3 Six years you will sow your field; six years you will prune your grapevines and gather their produce. 4 But in the seventh year is to be a Shabbat of complete rest for the land, a Shabbat for ADONAI; you will neither sow your field nor prune your grapevines.’ G-d cares about the land and how we steward it. He has specific instructions for it’s care. Caring for the land prescribed in this way required self restraint. Although it was harvested for six years, the L-rd commanded it not be harvested or even worked in the seventh year. This was a cause for concern to the people because they were concerned about how they would survive during the seventh year. How would they make it if they obeyed? Leviticus 25:19-21, ‘The land will yield its produce, you will eat until you have enough, and you will live there securely. 20 "'If you ask, "If we aren't allowed to sow seed or harvest what our land produces, what are we going to eat the seventh year?" 21 then I will order my blessing on you during the sixth year, so that the land brings forth enough produce for all three years.’ Wow! No need to worry about obedience! G-d promised them that if they obeyed, He would command a blessing! He would take care of their needs and provide a triple blessing thus giving them enough for the sixth, seventh and even into the eighth year! Isaiah 55:9, ‘"As high as the sky is above the earth are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ G-d ways are not always our ways. He knows better. The Hebrew word used is this passage for higher is ‘gava’ which means exalted and wiser. His ways are not always sensible to us, convenient or understandable. His ways are perfect! Psalm 19:7-10, ‘The Torah of ADONAI is perfect, restoring the inner person. The instruction of ADONAI is sure, making wise the thoughtless. 8 The precepts of ADONAI are right, rejoicing the heart. The mitzvah of ADONAI is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of ADONAI is clean, enduring forever. The rulings of ADONAI are true, they are righteous altogether, 10 more desirable than gold, than much fine gold, also sweeter than honey or drippings from the honeycomb.’ So in all things whether sensible, convenient or understandable, we are instructed to trust Him! Proverbs 3:5-6, ‘Trust in ADONAI with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths.’ This verse tells us to trust towards Him with all of our hearts, to put our face toward Him and go in His direction because if we lean on our own understanding it will collapse! The Sabbath year reminds us that the Earth belongs to the L-rd. The Yovel or Jubilee year occurs every fifty years and reminds us we are but sojourners here. Some of the functions of the Yovel are that it corrects inequality by forgiving debt and giving land back to original owners. It can also alleviate poverty and correct market errors. If one’s lifetime is seventy years and one’s working life spans fifty years, then it is likely that we will experience only one Yovel year per lifetime. G-d is the landlord and we are the tenants; He is the owner and we are the stewards. G-d wants us to live a supernatural life! He gives us instructions and commands which when obeyed will bring about blessings and when disobeyed will bring about curses. Obedience is up to us. Which do we choose? Isaiah 1:19-20, ‘If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you will be eaten by the sword"; for the mouth of ADONAI has spoken.’ If we disobey by refusing and rebelling we are to be eaten by the sword! He is making it clear that our choice should be clear and that we should follow His ways! Haggai 1:5, ‘Therefore here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: 'Think about your life!’ The portion of this scripture ‘Think about your life!’ actually means ‘Put your heart on your ways’. If we put ourselves first and G-d last, then G-d isn’t happy and we arent’ happy. However, if we put G-d first and ourselves last, then G-d is happy and so are we! Malachi 3:10, ‘Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse, so that there will be food in my house, and put me to the test," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. "See if I won't open for you the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you a blessing far beyond your needs.’ Put Him first! As we walk in the Spirit we are blessed and able to trust. Galatians 5:25, ‘Since it is through the Spirit that we have Life, let it also be through the Spirit that we order our lives day by day.’ We shouldn’t worry as we trust Him because He is faithful to take care of us just like He did for the widow as recorded in 1 Kings 17. Although she was despairing, G-d sent Eliyahu to comfort her and assure her that she would be provided for and that she wasn’t forgotten. Put Him first! Matthew 6:31-33, ‘"So don't be anxious, asking, `What will we eat?,' `What will we drink?' or `How will we be clothed?' 32 For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. 33 But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’” As we put Him first let us keep our hearts set on Him and remember there will be a final Yovel yet to come when atonement will be completed. Romans 8:21, Acts 3:21.

Whose to Blame!

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
4/14/12

Whose to blame for the Holocaust? We may ask this question as we remember the Holocaust this time of year on the Day of Remembrance or Yom HaShoah. Were the German people to blame? Was G-d to blame? What about the Red Cross? In 1997 they gave a statement that they knew about the atrocities of the Holocaust and did not report it. What about us, as Jewish people? Do we blame ourselves because we allowed ourselves to become assimilated and weren’t prepared?

Doesn’t the Holocaust attest to Scripture that people act wickedly when they are detached from G-d and His Word?

Amos 3:1-2, “"Listen to this word which ADONAI has spoken against you, people of Isra'el, against the entire family that I brought up from the land of Egypt: 2 "Of all the families on earth, only you have I intimately known. This is why I will punish you for all your crimes."’

The truth is we are all guilty by our actions and by our inactions. The question should not be whose at fault, but how do we find G-d in this?

Romans 3:4, ‘Heaven forbid! God would be true even if everyone were a liar! - as the Tanakh says, "so that you, God, may be proved right in your words and win the verdict when you are put on trial."’

It is easy to affix blame when we generalize and don’t have all the information.

During the time of the Holocaust, Germany was focused on the glorification of man; of themselves.

2 Timothy 4:1-3, ‘I solemnly charge you before God and the Messiah Yeshua, who will judge the living and the dead when he appears and establishes his Kingdom: 2 proclaim the Word! Be on hand with it whether the time seems right or not. Convict, censure and exhort with unfailing patience and with teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not have patience for sound teaching, but will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers who say whatever their ears itch to hear.’

‘Shoah’ in Hebrew means catastrophe. ‘Olah’ means consumed by fire as in a burnt sacrifice. Yeshua was our Sacrifice or ‘olah’ too and He is identified with Israel’s suffering and our suffering too.

David lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan equally even though Saul tried to kill David and Saul may well have been demon possessed. David wrote three times, as recorded in 1Samuel 1:17-25, that ‘the heroes have fallen’. He honored Saul in spite of how he was treated.

G-d loves us in spite of our sin and He will use us in spite of our sin if we will allow Him!

Mature believers do not engage in battles over whose right and whose wrong, but we are called to mollify not exacerbate wounds.

1 Peter 4:8, ‘More than anything, keep loving each other actively; because love covers many sins.’

Ephesians 5:2, ‘and live a life of love, just as also the Messiah loved us, indeed, on our behalf gave himself up as an offering, as a slaughtered sacrifice to God with a pleasing fragrance.’

We are called to not judge by appearances, but to see clearly we should evaluate through the lens of the Spirit. All will err in life, people get hurt, we fail, we sin and disappoint.

1 Corinthians 2:15, ‘But the person who has the Spirit can evaluate everything, while no one is in a position to evaluate him. For who has known the mind of ADONAI? Who will counsel him? But we have the mind of the Messiah!’

How should be respond when we are failed and disappointed or even when we have failed or disappointed ourselves and others?

Do you want to become bitter or more tender?

Romans 8:35-39, ‘Who will separate us from the love of the Messiah? Trouble? Hardship? Persecution? Hunger? Poverty? Danger? War? 36 As the Tanakh puts it, "For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we are considered sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.’

Notice the wording. That it is in all these things; that is, trouble, hardship, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, war, that we are super-conquerors! Not outside of these things or because of these things, but in these things!

Immediately following this portion of Scripture, Paul writes this next passage:

Romans 9:1-5, ‘I am speaking the truth - as one who belongs to the Messiah, I do not lie; and also bearing witness is my conscience, governed by the Ruach HaKodesh: 2 my grief is so great, the pain in my heart so constant, 3 that I could wish myself actually under God's curse and separated from the Messiah, if it would help my brothers, my own flesh and blood, 4 the people of Isra'el! They were made God's children, the Sh'khinah has been with them, the covenants are theirs, likewise the giving of the Torah, the Temple service and the promises; 5 the Patriarchs are theirs; and from them, as far as his physical descent is concerned, came the Messiah, who is over all. Praised be ADONAI for ever! Amen.’

Take victory and compassion to those who hurt us!

“If we allow the memory of the Nazis to keep us from Messiah, we give Hitler the power to reach beyond the grave and destroy us in an awful way that even his evil mind could not imagine.” - Vera Schlamm, Survivor

Further Reading: Deuteronomy 28:67, Judges 6:13, Esther 3:13, Ezekiel 37:1-4, 6, Hosea 6:1-3, Romans 1:20, Galatians 4:6, Proverbs 10:12, 15:1, John 7:24, Isaiah 11:3

Whenever, Whatever, Wherever

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
3/31/12

Leviticus 8:22-24, ‘Then the other ram was presented, the ram of consecration; Aharon and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 After it had been slaughtered, Moshe took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aharon's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Next Aharon's sons were brought, and Moshe put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet; then Moshe splashed the blood on all sides of the altar.’

Notice it is the ram’s blood that was utilized here for consecration. Remember the substitute of the ram in the thicket described in Genesis 22 and Whom was the Substitute!

Hebrews 9:22, ‘In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.’

What does the blood mean?

The blood signifies we are purified and set apart, sanctified in Hebrew, ‘kadosh’. G-d is other than everything else! He is the infinite personal G-d and creator. We are sanctified or set apart by the blood.

We are set apart from the culture of this age where the superficial Christian culture is only ‘ankle deep’ rather than immersed in the Word of G-d.

We are set apart from the sterile culture that compromises the Word of G-d by following the Word selectively to suit convenience.

We are set apart from a world that chooses political correctness over the truth of G-d’s Word without compromise; rather we walk in His Word.

We are set apart from the academic culture where the number of books written becomes more important than the number of lives impacted.

We are set apart from the materialistic world where stuff is greater than substance, prestige greater than service and what is passing away is greater than the eternal.

Let’s concern ourselves with serving G-d in ways that impact eternity and honor Him!

Hebrews 9:14, ‘then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!’

It is interesting what parts of the body G-d directed Moses to place the blood of the ram upon Aharon and his sons. He directed him to place it on the right ear, right thumb and right big toe.

Placing the blood of the ram upon the right ear can signify that whenever He speaks to us, we listen!

Our ears can perceive the softest sounds. But what about our inner ear that hears the voice of the L-rd? We should be so quick to listen!

James 1:19, ‘Therefore, my dear brothers, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry.’

Placing the blood of the ram upon the right thumb can signify that whatever He tells us to do, we will do!

Our thumbs are our most important finger providing forty percent of the function of our hands including the ability to grasp and hold allowing us to do many things.

We can do whatever He asks us to do because He empowers us to do it!

Deuteronomy 30:14, ‘On the contrary, the word is very close to you - in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore, you can do it!’

Whatever He empowers us to do has eternal consequences.

1John 2:17, ‘And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God's will remains forever.’

And whatever He asks us to do, we keep pushing forward so as to attain the goal.

Philippians 3:12, ‘It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal - no, I keep pursuing it in the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yeshua took hold of me.’

Placing the blood of the ram upon the right big toe can signify that wherever He leads us to go, we will go!

Our big toes are necessary for balance and stability as well as for propelling us forward so as to walk and run.

Wherever He is, is where we want to be!

John 12:26, ‘If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. My Father will honor anyone who serves me.’

Look at how Phillip went wherever the L-rd lead him. He was in the midst of a fruitful revival when and angel of ADONAI spoke to him.

Acts 8:26, ‘An angel of ADONAI said to Philip, "Get up, and go southward on the road that goes down from Yerushalayim to 'Azah, the desert road."’

As Phillip obeyed the Spirit’s leading, he met the Ethiopian and was instrumental in bringing him to the knowledge of the L-rd and salvation as he was reading the scroll of Isaiah in chapter 53. Imagine had Phillip not gone!

Praise the L-rd that Phillip obeyed and went!

John 5:24, ‘“Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever hears what I am saying and trusts the One who sent me has eternal life -- that is, he will not come up for judgment but has already crossed over from death to life!”’

Similarly, as described in Acts 16, Sha’ul was given a vision and obeyed, which eventually opened up the Gospel to Europe.

Acts 16:6-10, ‘They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they had been prevented by the Ruach HaKodesh from speaking the message in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the frontier of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Yeshua would not let them. 8 So, after passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 There a vision appeared to Sha'ul at night. A man from Macedonia was standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" 10 As soon as he had seen the vision, we lost no time getting ready to leave for Macedonia; for we concluded that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.’

We want to be like Yeshua, who prayed and listened to G-d the Father. He heard from the Him every morning.

Isaiah 50:4, ‘Adonai ELOHIM has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.’

We too can listen and hear whenever He speaks!

Psalm 40:6, ‘Sacrifices and grain offerings you don't want; burnt offerings and sin offerings you don't demand. Instead, you have given me open ears.’

We can do whatever He says!

John 8:29, ‘Also, the One who sent me is still with me; he did not leave me to myself, because I always do what pleases him.’

We can go wherever He sends us!

Psalm 40:8-9, ‘Doing your will, my God, is my joy; your Torah is in my inmost being. 9 I have proclaimed what is right in the great assembly; I did not restrain my lips, ADONAI, as you know.’

Further Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, John 6:38-40, Hebrews 10:10, 14, 13:12, Deuteronomy 6:4, Ecclesiastes 5:2, 9:10, Jeremiah 15:16, Luke 15:10, Proverbs 11:30, Colossians 1:13, 1Kings 17:3-7, 1Corinthians 9:24, Revelation 14:4

Salvation and Sanctification

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
3/24/12

In our modern society we have become unfamiliar with what is necessary for the provision of meat; namely, slaughter. That may sound graphic and it is. In the Temple sacrifices, slaughter was a daily occurrence and involved the very graphic display of animal death and processing.

Leviticus 17:11, ‘For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for yourselves; for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life.’

After the destruction of the Temple, Judaism has been redefined to replace animal and other sacrifices with prayer, repentance and good deeds as a means for atonement.

Leviticus chapters one through five delineate five types of sacrifices acceptable to the L-RD, including the voluntary offerings burnt (olah), grain (mincha) and peace (shlamin) as well as the obligatory offerings of sin (chetat) and guilt (asham).

The Cohen was the mediator between G-d and men for the sacrifices. Today our mediator is Yeshua the Messiah!

1 Timothy 2:5, ‘For God is one;a and there is but one Mediator between God and humanity, Yeshua the Messiah, himself human.’

The sin and guilt offerings can be viewed as a parallel to our salvation. At the point of our salvation we know that we are forgiven, brought near to G-d and our debt is paid and ‘it is finished’.

Hebrews 10:18, ‘Now where there is forgiveness for these, an offering for sins is no longer needed.’

The burnt, grain and peace offerings can be viewed as a parallel to our sanctification. As we progress in our sanctification we know that we are growing in our faith, staying close to the L-rd and not only is our debt paid but we are ‘being finished’ in him.

What evidence can we have regarding our salvation?

Ezekiel 36:25-27, ‘Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you; I will take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my Spirit inside you and cause you to live by my laws, respect my rulings and obey them.’
2 Corinthians 5:17, ‘Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation - the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new!’

Evidence of salvation is clearly defined through the two Scriptures here. We have been cleansed of sin, we receive a new heart and also receive the Ruach HaKodesh which enables us to obey G-d. As well, all things are made new; we are a new creation in Messiah!

What evidence accompanies our sanctification?

The first evidence is a hunger for the Word of G-d.

1Peter 2:2, ‘and be like newborn babies, thirsty for the pure milk of the Word; so that by it, you may grow up into deliverance.’

Isaiah 66:2, ‘Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.’

Secondly, evidence of sanctification includes conviction regarding sin. We aren’t happy doing something displeasing to G-d.

Thirdly, we desire to please G-d. We aren’t perfect, but we desire to please Him by obeying Him; we have a real desire to please Him.

1John 2:3, ‘The way we can be sure we know him is if we are obeying his commands.’

James 1:22, ‘Don't deceive yourselves by only hearing what the Word says, but do it!’

Additionally, one being sanctified has a desire for fellowship and has love for fellow believers.

1John 3:14, ‘We, for our part, know that we have passed from death to life because we keep loving the brothers. The person who fails to keep on loving is still under the power of death.’

Further, one being sanctified has the witness of the Ruach HaKodesh that we are a Child of G-d.

Romans 8:15-16, ‘For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to bring you back again into fear; on the contrary, you received the Spirit, who makes us sons and by whose power we cry out, "Abba!" (that is, "Dear Father!"). 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our own spirits that we are children of God.’

Also, those being sanctified believe in Yeshua as Divine and Messiah.

1John 4:2, ‘Here is how you recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges that Yeshua the Messiah came as a human being is from God.’

Micah 5:2, ‘But you, Beit-Lechem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Y'hudah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Isra'el, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times.’

Isaiah 9:6, ‘For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name Pele-Yo'etz El Gibbor Avi-'Ad Sar-Shalom [Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace].’

Sanctification also brings a love for all people!

1John 4:7-9. ‘Beloved friends, let us love one another; because love is from God; and everyone who loves has God as his Father and knows God. 8 Those who do not love, do not know God; because God is love. 9 Here is how God showed his love among us: God sent his only Son into the world, so that through him we might have life.’

Our salvation and sanctification are similar to the sacrifices in the Temple in that the process creates a sweet fragrance and sweet aroma pleasing to the L-rd. We press on yielding and growing in Him.

Philippians 1:9-11, ‘And this is my prayer: that your love may more and more overflow in fullness of knowledge and depth of discernment, 10 so that you will be able to determine what is best and thus be pure and without blame for the Day of the Messiah, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Yeshua the Messiah - to the glory and praise of God.’

Further Reading: Ezra 6:9-10, Isaiah 53:10-11, Ezekiel 20:40-42, 2Corinthians 2:15-16, 5:9, 5:21, Ephesians 5:1-2, 4:29-30, Hebrews 6:9, Psalm 27:4, 119:11, James 1:21, 1Peter 1:22, 3:18, 1John 4:20, 4:2, 5:21, 3:20, 2Timothy 2:19, Genesis 3:15, Hosea 6:3, Amos 5:4-6a, John 8:31-32, Colossians 1:6, Ecclesiastes 7:10,

What is Your Gift?

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
3/17/12

Caution is recommended when evaluating the gifts the L-rd has given us so that we may not be swayed to focus on weighing value more toward spiritual gifts as compared to physical gifts. Physical gifts can be equally valuable.

Exodus 35:29-35, ‘Thus every man and woman of the people of Isra'el whose heart impelled him to contribute to any of the work ADONAI had ordered through Moshe brought it to ADONAI as a voluntary offering. 30 Moshe said to the people of Isra'el, "See, ADONAI has singled out B'tzal'el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y'hudah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God -with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry. 32 He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze, 33 cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft. 34 [ADONAI] has also given him and Oholi'av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with the skill needed for every kind of work, whether done by an artisan, a designer, an embroiderer using blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, or a weaver - they have the skill for every kind of work and design.’

It is interesting that in this chapter of Scripture, thirteen times it is mentioned how the people’s hearts were stirred. Seven of the mentions were ‘wise heart’ or ‘chacham lev’ which can be translated as ‘divine intelligence’, three mentions were ‘nasa lev’ or ‘uplifted heart’ which can be translated as ‘divine enthusiasm’ and three additional mentions were ‘nadav lev’ or ‘willing heart’ which can be translated ‘availability to G-d’.

What constitutes a wise heart?

Proverbs 11:30, ‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.’

Do we have a wise heart? Are we leading people to the L-rd?

G-d uses people and He wants to use you! We are all in a ministry of some sort and are called to serve Him.

1 Peter 4:10, ‘As each one has received some spiritual gift, he should use it to serve others, like good managers of God's many-sided grace.’

As expressed in Hebrews 5, we can lead if we are willing to b taught. We should also be disciplining others in some capacity because we all have been given different gifts.

If we are willing, He will enable us to do what He has for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10, ‘For we are of God's making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.’

What is your gift?

Your gift is not from you but from G-d. Your gift is not for you but for G-d’s glory through Yeshua and for His Body to edify and build each other up. As we give ourselves to G-d, He reveals the gifts He has given us.

Nehemiah gave himself to G-d’s work and he enlisted help.

Nehemiah 2:17,18, ‘Afterwards, I said to them, "You see what a sad state we are in, how Yerushalayim lies in ruins, with it gates burned up. Come, let's rebuild the wall of Yerushalayim, so that we won't continue in disgrace." 18 I also told them of the gracious hand of my God that had been on me, also what the king had said to me. They said, "Let's start building at once," and energetically set out to do this good work.’

In the very next chapter of Nehemiah, it is recorded the men who worked together to build the wall around Jerusalem. Twelve times the Hebrew word, ‘al yad’ was used to describe how the men were aligned next to one another building the wall. ‘Al yad’ means ‘upon his hand’. They were united and joined together for the purposed G-d had placed in their hearts to build the wall together. Additionally, sixteen times the word ‘achar’ was used which means ‘behind, defer’. They were behind each other; building each other up as they built the wall.

Thirty times the word ‘chazak’ was used which means ‘repair, strengthen’. Their work was strong; but their strength was derived from the L-rd!

We are called to strengthen each other too!

1 Corinthians 3:5-7, ‘After all, what is Apollos? What is Sha'ul? Only servants through whom you came to trust. Indeed, it was the Lord who brought you to trust through one of us or through another. 6 I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 So neither the planter nor the waterer is anything, only God who makes things grow.’

Man is not the issue, but rather the agent by which G-d works His will and way.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15, ‘Some will use gold, silver or precious stones in building on this foundation; while others will use wood, grass or straw. 13 But each one's work will be shown for what it is; the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire - the fire will test the quality of each one's work. 14 If the work someone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward; 15 if it is burned up, he will have to bear the loss: he will still escape with his life, but it will be like escaping through a fire.’
The quality of our work will be revealed through the test of fire! What kind of work am I building and what am I putting into it? Am I giving my best to G-d or am I giving Him the leftovers?

If what we are doing it through Him and in Him, it will last and be eternal. How can we know? By giving ourselves to Him, He will show us!

Further Reading: 1 Timothy 4:8, Philippians 2:3, Ephesians 4:15,29, Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 4:15, 2 Corinthians 6:1, 8:6, Romans 14:12, Matthew 25:23

Where Do We Meet with G-d?

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
2/25/12

The Mishkan was the portable Tabernacle or tent built by the Israelites in the desert and was a place for G-d’s presence to dwell. It was divided by curtains into an inner and outer court. The inner court held the Ark which contained the two Stone Tablets and the outer court contained the Bread of the Presence, the Menorah and the Golden Altar of Incense.

The focus of the Tabernacle was to worship and to enter into His Presence and manifest His Divine Forgiveness.

Exodus 25:22, ‘There I will meet with you. I will speak with you from above the ark-cover, from between the two k'ruvim which are on the ark for the testimony, about all the orders I am giving you for the people of Isra'el.’

Later Solomon’s Temple was built as a permanent structure but was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and then later, Herod’s Temple was built but was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. It was at that time the centrality of Jewish life was shifted to the synagogues.

The Tabernacle was not very large; measuring approximately 30 by 15 feet in the outer court and 15 by 15 feet in the inner court. The Ark or ‘arown in Hebrew was about 45 inches wide, and 27 inches high and deep.

The primary purpose of the Mishkan was to provide a place where man might meet with G-d. It was not intended to be a place for horizontal interaction among people, but a vertical intersection with G-d Himself!

The Ark Cover or Lid above the Ark is the Kaporet; the place of atonement! This is misinterpreted as the Mercy Seat. The correct word is Kaporet or Place of Atonement.

It is where the cherubim were looking down at the blood shed and placed by the High Priest once yearly on Yom Kippur. G-d would look down and sins would be forgiven!

G-d said He would meet with us there. The word for ‘meet’ in Hebrew is ‘ya’ad’ which is the root word from which ‘moadim’ is derived and is used in Leviticus 23 when the festivals of the L-rd are described as appointed times when G-d meets with us. In meeting Him we transcend time and space and really enter in what may be conveyed as a fifth dimension.

Ya’ad reversed is Yada which the word for knowing, intimate union and knowledge as was described with Adam and Eve; we know the L-rd as He speaks to us and reveals Himself to us.
In Exodus 25:22, G-d says not only will He meet with us but He will also speak to us. The word used is ‘davar’. Davar means the real thing! He only speaks the real thing or He doesn’t speak! When G-d speaks we are changed.

The Kaporet was the supreme feature of the Mishkan; the true meeting place from where He would speak.

‘Aron represents G-d’s holiness with the Torah (tablets) or Law inside. The Kaporet or lid represents G-d’s grace, forgiveness and atonement. We don’t meet with Him in our sins or our own righteousness! We only meet with Him is in His finished work where the blood has been placed on the Kaporet.

Romans 3:25, ‘God put Yeshua forward as the kaparah for sin through his faithfulness in respect to his bloody sacrificial death. This vindicated God's righteousness; because, in his forbearance, he had passed over [with neither punishment nor remission] the sins people had committed in the past.’

The Greek word for kaporah is ‘hilastērion’; the place of propitiation. Atonement provided by offering a substitute.

Numbers 7:89, ‘When Moshe went into the tent of meeting in order to speak with ADONAI, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the ark-cover on the ark for the testimony, from between the two k'ruvim; and he spoke to him.’

The wings of the cherubim formed a canopy approximately 30-40 inches across with the angel’s faces looking downward at the kaporet; looking at the blood having been placed there. They were looking at the forgiveness of sin!

1Peter 1:12, ‘It was revealed to them that their service when they spoke about these things was not for their own benefit, but for yours. And these same things have now been proclaimed to you by those who communicated the Good News to you through the Ruach HaKodesh sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things!’

It is as if the angels long to understand the amazing finished work of the Messiah. Have you come to the realization that your sins are truly forgiven in Him? It is almost incomprehensible how much He loves us and it is by His Mercy He has forgiven us not by our works.

1 John 4:10, ‘Here is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the kapparah for our sins.’

Romans 3:24-25, ‘By God's grace, without earning it, all are granted the status of being considered righteous before him, through the act redeeming us from our enslavement to sin that was accomplished by the Messiah Yeshua. 25 God put Yeshua forward as the kaparah for sin through his faithfulness in respect to his bloody sacrificial death. This vindicated God's righteousness; because, in his forbearance, he had passed over [with neither punishment nor remission] the sins people had committed in the past.’

We meet the L-rd in His finished work!

How did Eliyahu (Elijah) meet and hear from the L-rd?

As recorded in 1 Kings 19, Eliyahu was full of self-pity. Ironically, the events recorded in 1Kings 19 were immediately after an amazing victory against the prophets of Ba’al. What happened to make Eliyahu loose confidence in the L-rd so much so that he wanted to die?

1 Kings 19:2, ‘Then Izevel sent a messenger to say to Eliyahu, "May the gods do terrible things to me and worse ones besides if by this time tomorrow I haven't taken your life, just as you took theirs!"’

The words of a powerful woman greatly affected him!

1 Kings 19:4b ‘"Enough!" he said. "Now, ADONAI, take my life. I'm no better than my ancestors."’

This passage could also be translated: ‘Too much, now, L-RD. Take my life. I’m no good.’

Twice in this chapter an angel ‘jolted’ him to get up and eat! He did eat and drink what was provided him by the angel and was able to travel for forty days and nights on that provision until he came to a cave and then the L-rd spoke to him.

1 Kings 19:9, ‘There he went into a cave and spent the night. Then the word of ADONAI came to him; he said to him, "What are you doing here, Eliyahu?"’

G-d was questioning him getting him to look at himself! He was disheartened, cynical, hard-hearted and judgmental.

The passage continues as the L-rd takes him out of the cave to see the mighty blast of wind, an earthquake, fire and then he hears a quiet subdued voice!

1 Kings 19:12-13, ‘After the earthquake, fire broke out; but ADONAI was not in the fire. And after the fire came a quiet, subdued voice. 13 When Eliyahu heard it, he covered his face with his cloak, stepped out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Eliyahu?"’

It was in the still silent sound which can also be interpreted as the voice of crushed silence that the L-rd spoke!

Even so, he laments that he is the only one left. He was self absorbed! But G-d has no part of his complaint. Gives him an assignment as well as instructions to raise up Elisha!

As with Eliyahu, G-d makes the point that it isn’t all about us and that we are not indispensable. We need to get busy serving G-d and raising up others!

Further Reading: Psalm 80:1, 99:1, John 19:30, Galatians 2:16, 1 Chronicles 28:11, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 4:2, 1 John 4:19, Revelation 1:5, 13:8, John 3:14-15, 17, Daniel 10:19-20, Psalm 62:11-12

Not Good

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes: Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
2/11/12

Yitro, commonly known as Jethro, was Moses’ father in law.

Exodus 18:1, ‘Now Yitro the priest of Midyan, Moshe's father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for Moshe and for Isra'el his people, how ADONAI had brought Isra'el out of Egypt.’

Yitro heard what G-d had done and went to find them! He was compelled to go find Moses and the Israelites because he was a seeker of truth.

Exodus 18:5, ‘Yitro Moshe's father-in-law brought Moshe's sons and wife to him in the desert where he was encamped, at the mountain of God.’

Notice how Moses greets Yitro.

Exodus 18:7, ‘Moshe went out to meet his father-in-law, prostrated himself and kissed him. Then, after inquiring of each other's welfare, they entered the tent.’

Here is Moses right after leading the Israelites out of Egypt and witnessing all the miracles there, but he submits to Yitro out of respect, honor and gratitude.

Moses tells Yitro all G-d had done. Notice Moses was not focused on all he had done or what happened to Moses, but his focus was on the L-rd and what He had done!

Exodus 18:8, ‘Moshe told his father-in-law all that ADONAI had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Isra'el's sake, all the hardships they had suffered while traveling and how ADONAI had rescued them.’

Yitro listened to Moses’ account and then responding in praise!

Exodus 18:9-10, ‘Moshe told his father-in-law all that ADONAI had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Isra'el's sake, all the hardships they had suffered while traveling and how ADONAI had rescued them. 9 Yitro rejoiced over all the good that ADONAI had done for Isra'el by rescuing them from the Egyptians.’

It is at this point we see a remarkable confession! Yitro puts his trust in the G-d of Israel! Now he knows!

Exodus 18:11, ‘“Now I know that ADONAI is greater than all other gods, because he rescued those who were treated so arrogantly."’

He then demonstrates his faith by his works.
Exodus 18:12, ‘Yitro Moshe's father-in-law brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aharon came with all the leaders of Isra'el to share the meal before God with Moshe's father-in-law.’

The Hebrew word for burnt offering is ‘olah’; a sacrifice in which the entire offering was burnt to a crisp with nothing left. This word is related to ‘aliyah’ which means to ascend or go up.

Because Yitro was a seeker of truth, a good listener, one who responded to the L-rd’s word and work, confessed in Whom he placed his trust and was a doer of the word or acted upon it, he had discernment and was able to give Moses valuable advice.

Yitro watches at Moses judges the people.

Exodus 18:13-17, ‘The following day Moshe sat to settle disputes for the people, while the people stood around Moshe from morning till evening. 14 When Moshe's father-in-law saw all that he was doing to the people, he said, "What is this that you are doing to the people? Why do you sit there alone, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?" 15 Moshe answered his father-in-law, "It's because the people come to me seeking God's guidance. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me; I judge between one person and another, and I explain to them God's laws and teachings."’

Yitro announces ‘Lo tov’ or not good! And he tells him why it isn’t good.

Exodus 18:18-19, ‘Moshe's father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing isn't good. 18 You will certainly wear yourself out - and not only yourself, but these people here with you as well. It's too much for you - you can't do it alone, by yourself.’

Why do we wear out and experience fatigue? Do we insist on doing everything ourselves? Maybe we have a ‘savior complex’ thinking we are the only ones who can do whatever it is we are doing. We will wear ourselves out!

Maybe we tend to be like Marta as recorded in Luke 10 rather than like her sister Miryam who sat at the feet of Yeshua. Maybe we are going about ‘nervous service’ trying to do it all ourselves. A good leader delegates to other people things that need to be done so the leader can better do all the things only he can do.

Another reason for burning out is that we tend not to wait on the L-rd. We attempt to do His service in our strength! However, if we wait on the L-rd He promises to renew us!

Isaiah 40:28-31, ‘Haven't you known, haven't you heard that the everlasting God, ADONAI, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow tired or weary? His understanding cannot be fathomed. 29 He invigorates the exhausted, he gives strength to the powerless. 30 Young men may grow tired and weary, even the fittest may stumble and fall; 31 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.’

Another reason for burn out is getting discouraged as we can loose sight of the reward.

Galatians 6:9, ‘So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don't give up, we will in due time reap the harvest.’

When we obey Him and draw strength from Him, He calls us His special treasure or ‘segullah’.

Exodus 19:5-6, ‘“Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.'These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra'el.’"’

In order to avoid ‘lo tov’ or ‘not good’, we must learn to delegate properly. We must pray before picking as Yeshua did recorded in Luke 6. He prayed and was given wisdom and discernment and prophetic insight before choosing His talmidim.

Delegate to those who are people of competence and character; who have been given gifts and have demonstrated wisely the fruits of their gifts. Those who are fearers of G-d, mighty men who are honest and firm men who are faithful.

Moses was humble and took Yitro’s advice!

Exodus 18:24, ‘Moshe paid attention to his father-in-law's counsel and did everything he said.’

Following these examples, wise delegation was recorded in Acts 6 and the Gospel spread.

Acts 6:7, ‘So the word of God continued to spread. The number of talmidim in Yerushalayim increased rapidly, and a large crowd of cohanim were becoming obedient to the faith.’

Let us take heed to this wise counsel.

Further Reading: James 1:21-22, John 9:25, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Malachi 3:17, Revelation 22:12, Proverbs 29:25

When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
2/4/2012

Just three short days after experiencing the miracle of deliverance from the Egyptians by passing through the Sea on dry ground, the Israelites began complaining.

Exodus 15:24, ‘The people grumbled against Moshe and asked, "What are we to drink?"’

How quickly we forget what He has done for us! How can we keep from sinning? Treasuring the Word in our hearts, persevering through trials, singing the Word to Him and even dancing like Miryam did in Exodus 15 can help us keep from sinning.

Psalm 119:11, ‘I treasure your word in my heart, so that I won't sin against you.’

Revelation 3:10, ‘Because you did obey my message about persevering, I will keep you from the time of trial coming upon the whole world to put the people living on earth to the test.’

Colossians 3:16, ‘let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.’

What we celebrate in our victories we often forget in our difficulties! This was clearly demonstrated by the Israelites when they complained to Moses about the lack of water just three days after their deliverance.

Three days before, the Israelites were trapped at the Sea and were overwhelmed in fear as the Egyptians approached. They were certain they would all die. But our end is His beginning if we turn ourselves over to Him!

2 Corinthians 1:9, ‘In our hearts we felt we were under sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead!’

When the Israelites were crying out in fear, Moses lifted up the Standard!

Exodus 14:11-13, ‘and said to Moshe, "Was it because there weren't enough graves in Egypt that you brought us out to die in the desert? Why have you done this to us, bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we tell you in Egypt to let us alone, we'll just go on being slaves for the Egyptians? It would be better for us to be the Egyptians' slaves than to die in the desert!" 13 Moshe answered the people, "Stop being so fearful! Remain steady, and you will see how ADONAI is going to save you. He will do it today - today you have seen the Egyptians, but you will never see them again!’

When the enemy comes in like a flood, lift up Yeshua; He is the Standard!

Isaiah 59:19, (New King James Version), ‘So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.’

Philippians 1:20, ‘It all accords with my earnest expectation and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of; but rather, now, as always, the Messiah will be honored by my body, whether it is alive or dead.’

As we lift up Yeshua, G-d takes care of the enemy!

Learn from Messiah! What did He do every day?

Isaiah 50:4-5, ‘Adonai ELOHIM has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught. 5 Adonai ELOHIM has opened my ear, and I neither rebelled nor turned away.’

He listened before He spoke as should we! Weigh your words because words are weighty!

Matthew 12:36, ‘“Moreover, I tell you this: on the Day of Judgment people will have to give account for every careless word they have spoken.”’

The Israelites spoke out of their own flesh and fear and Moses spoke out of the L-rd’s leading and Life.

Moses said five things to the people and then the L-rd said something to Moses.

Do not fear, ‘yarah’, stand yourselves up, ‘yatsav’, see His salvation/deliverance , ‘ra’ah yeshu’ah’, the L-rd will fight for you, ‘lacham’ and you will be quiet, ‘charaysh’.

Just as the the L-rd saw to the deliverance of the people at the Sea, He did so as recorded in Genesis 22 at the provision of the Ram in place of Isaac! The Hebrew word used in this passage is also ‘yarah’.

The word ‘lacham’ is similar to ‘lechem’ or bread in Hebrew, and in this passage can be translated, ‘He will eat the enemy up’; so don’t fear!

When Moses said, ‘charaysh’, he was telling them not to speak or hear; not to communicate at all!

What did the L-rd say to Moses?

Exodus 14:15, ‘“ADONAI asked Moshe, "Why are you crying to me? Tell the people of Isra'el to go forward!”’

The Hebrew word to go forward is ‘nasa’, which means to pull out (tent pegs) and set forward.

There is a time to stand still and a time to go forward. In this case, the L-rd was directing them to go forward so they would not be stuck or paralyzed as they witnessed the great miracle.

The Israelites did go forward; their crossing may have taken the entire night. Notice how they were protected.

Exodus 14:19-20, ‘Next, the angel of God, who was going ahead of the camp of Isra'el, moved away and went behind them; and the column of cloud moved away from in front of them and stood behind them. 20 It stationed itself between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Isra'el - there was cloud and darkness here, but light by night there; so that the one did not come near the other all night long.’

Isaiah 52:12, ‘You need not leave in haste, you do not have to flee; for ADONAI will go ahead of you, and the God of Isra'el will also be behind you.’

When the enemy comes in like a flood, we know that G-d will protect us! Raise up the Standard, pray and go forward as His Body of Believers, in the calling He has for you and in service to Him and to others.

Further Reading: Psalm 27:1-3, 2 Chronicles 20:2-3, 6, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 2:14-15, 2 Corinthians 7:5, Proverbs 21:1, Revelation 12:9-10,14,17, Isaiah 49:2, John 5:30, 6:63, 12:48-49, Proverbs 10:19, 17:27, 2 Peter 3:16

It’s God and Not Us

Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
1/21/12

Exodus 6:6-8, ‘"Therefore, say to the people of Isra'el: 'I am ADONAI. I will free you from the forced labor of the Egyptians, rescue you from their oppression, and redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am ADONAI your God, who freed you from the forced labor of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov - I will give it to you as your inheritance. I am ADONAI.'"

Traditionally, this passage is remembered during Passover as the four statements or expressions of redemption. When looking more closely at this Scripture, we see there are really seven statements.

He will bring them out ‘yatsa’, deliver them ‘natsal’, redeem them ‘gaal’, and acquire them ‘laqach’ are the four statements and continuing, He says He will be their God ‘haya’, bring them into the land ‘bo’ and give the land as their possession ‘natan’.

Similarly, these statements of redemption signify what God does with those who have put their trust in Messiah! He brings us out of captivity, sin, death and slavery and brings us into Himself.

Colossians 1:13, ‘He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.’ See also Romans 8:15, 17, 29-30.

Before the Israelites were freed from Egypt, the plagues occurred beginning with the Nile being turned to blood and the plague of frogs.

Exodus 8:13-15, ‘ADONAI did as Moshe had asked -the frogs died in the houses, courtyards and fields; 14 they gathered them in heaps till the land stank. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that he had been given some relief, he made himself hardhearted and would not listen to them, just as ADONAI had said would happen.’

Can you imagine the smell in Egypt after the Nile had turned to blood and the frogs were gathered in heaps?

Pharaoh promised under duress to allow the Israelites to be freed, but when the plagues were relented, he didn’t follow through.

The same can be true for us. The principle is that making a promise under duress usually results in a promise broken. We need to be careful what we promise so that we do not attempt to make promises under duress or in our flesh.

Ecclesiastes 5:4, ‘If you make a vow to God, don't delay in discharging it. For God takes no pleasure in fools, so discharge your vow!’

How do we get victory over sin? By being made aware of sin or something more?

1 Corinthians 15:56, ‘The sting of death is sin; and sin draws its power from the Torah.’

Romans 7:8, ‘But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, worked in me all kinds of evil desires - for apart from Torah, sin is dead.’

Colossians 2:20-23, ‘If, along with the Messiah, you died to the elemental spirits of the world, then why, as if you still belonged to the world, are you letting yourselves be bothered by its rules? - 21 "Don't touch this!" "Don't eat that!" "Don't handle the other!" 22 Such prohibitions are concerned with things meant to perish by being used [not by being avoided!], and they are based on man-made rules and teachings.b 23 They do indeed have the outward appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed religious observances, false humility and asceticism; but they have no value at all in restraining people from indulging their old nature.’

The power to say ‘no’ to the wrong thing comes from being around the right thing, including the Word of God and fellowship of believers. Doing the right thing can never be accomplished through the power of the flesh. Being told not to do something or what is wrong does not stop you from doing it.

We want to be infused by Life rather than eliciting guilt!

Victory comes through the Power of the Spirit of God and His Grace! Being around pure and holy love will give you the strength to avoid sin. The flesh is not the answer!

Who hardened Pharaoh’s heart? Did God harden Pharaoh’s heart or did Pharaoh harden his own heart?

It was mentioned that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened nineteen times. It is really not clear whether the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart outright or did God respond by hardening his heart based upon Pharaoh’s decision to harden his own heart?

The question really posed here is the question of Predestination versus Free Will. Volumes upon volumes are written on this subject.

Many Scriptures can be cited on this subject including one that should give us great comfort:

Ephesians 1:4-5, ‘In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. 5 He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons - in keeping with his pleasure and purpose.’

Both His choosing us and us choosing to obey are taught in Scripture.

Deuteronomy 30:14-15, ‘"Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil - 16 in that I am ordering you today to love ADONAI your God, to follow his ways, and to obey his mitzvot, regulations and rulings ; for if you do, you will live and increase your numbers; and ADONAI your God will bless you in the land you are entering in order to take possession of it.’

Revelation 22:17, ‘The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!' Let anyone who hears say, 'Come!' And let anyone who is thirsty come - let anyone who wishes, take the water of life free of charge.’

Both Predestination and Free Will are juxtaposed in Scripture!

2 Thessalonians 2:9-14, ‘When this man who avoids Torah comes, the Adversary will give him the power to work all kinds of false miracles, signs and wonders. 10 He will enable him to deceive, in all kinds of wicked ways, those who are headed for destruction because they would not receive the love of the truth that could have saved them. 11 This is why God is causing them to go astray, so that they will believe the Lie. 12 The result will be that all who have not believed the truth, but have taken their pleasure in wickedness, will be condemned. 13 But we have to keep thanking God for you always, brothers whom the Lord loves, because God chose you as firstfruits for deliverance by giving you the holiness that has its origin in the Spirit and the faithfulness that has its origin in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our Good News, so that you could have the glory of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.’

Free Will and Predestination can be compared to a railroad track. Where we stand now, each track is separate, but in eternity, they are together. Also, we can view this issue as passing through a door. The entrance of the door would say, ‘Whosever will may come’ and then once through the door the backside of the door would say, ‘Chosen before the foundation of the world’. It is a mystery.

In conclusion, did Israel get delivered because of their faith? No!

2 Corinthians 1:8-10, ‘For, brothers, we want you to know about the trials we have undergone in the province of Asia. The burden laid on us was so far beyond what we could bear that we even despaired of living through it. 9 In our hearts we felt we were under sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead! 10 He rescued us from such deadly peril, and he will rescue us again! The one in whom we have placed our hope will indeed continue to rescue us.’

God had to teach the Jews that He did not need their faith in Him. God breaks our faith in Him, so that we will know what He does is not based upon our faith in Him but His power and will and Spirit.

The end of us is the beginning of God
Further Reading: Isaiah 42:9, 46:9-10, John 1:12-13, 1Peter 1:2, Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3-4, Colossians 1:13, Romans 8:29, John 15:16, Acts 4:29, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 1:20, Psalm 40:7-8, Exodus 19:4-5, Joshua 24:15, Genesis 2:17, John 1:12-13, 2 Timothy 2:13, Zechariah 4:6