The Vision of Beth Shechinah – House of Glory

"Arise and have mercy upon Zion for the time to favor her the appointed time has come… For when the Lord shall build up Zion He shall appear in His glory" Psalm 102: 12,16
Your commitment to a congregation has a direct bearing on your personal relationship with G-d. If you love the L-rd with all of your heart, soul, and might, you will have a natural desire to gather together with fellow believers and be committed to a local body. This is G-d's will for each one of us. — 1 Cor. 12:12-14, 18-20, 24-31

G-d has chosen every local congregation of believers to have a unique calling. To be a light in their community. Every congregation also has a mandate from G-d of what it has been called to do. Each one is unique in it's own way and expresses it's mandate according to the type of people that are gathered together, their calling, their gifts and strengths. As a Messianic Congregation, our calling is unique. Not everyone is called or even willing to identify with a Messianic Congregation. For those who do, we must be willing to work together and be submitted to the vision that the L-rd has given us. The Messianic vision is from G-d and has as its purpose, the spiritual restoration of the Jewish people and of Israel as a nation. Therefore the manner in which we express our vision is different from other congregations.

It is not our purpose to pattern ourselves after other congregations but to develop our own unique identity and fulfill our mandate according to how G-d directs us.

Our congregation has a purpose for existence. Out of this purpose flow our values, priorities, convictions, and practices. All of these have a part in helping us to fulfill our mandate from
G-d. For those who desire to be involved in a messianic congregation, it is important that we understand each one of these areas. We have produced a leaflet that summarizes the essence of this vision.

To see this vision mature in our community, will be determined by how faithful and committed we are to these five elements of Congregational life.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to come together in Covenant relationship. This is understood in two ways:
- To give corporate expression of our love for G-d. We have been chosen and pre-destined to live for the praise and glory of G-d. Isaiah 43:21; Ephesians 1: 5,6. Our purpose is to
- Secondly, to love one another. John 13: 34, 35. The two greatest commandments are found in Matthew 22: 37-40.
To be obedient in fulfilling the mandate that G-d has given to us.
Matthew 28: 19, 20, Mark 16: 15-20; Romans 1: 16
We have a distinct mandate and calling to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Romans 9: 1-5; 10: 1,2; Ezekiel 3: 1-11; 34: 1-8
Our purpose is to train and equip the members of our local body, so that we can have a part in advancing G-d's kingdom by proclaiming the gospel to both Jew and Gentile. This involves reaching out to the poor, healing the sick; mending the broken hearted, delivering those in spiritual bondage's. Isaiah 61: 1-3; Isaiah 58: 10-12
Our purpose is to provide a congregational home that is characterized by an atmosphere of warmth, love and acceptance among the members, a place where peoples needs can be met.
As Jewish followers of Yeshua, we are called to maintain our Jewish biblical heritage and remain part of our people Israel and the universal body of believers. This is part of our identity and witness to the faithfulness of G-d.
To be in unity with the larger body of believers and yet to maintain our own distinct identity as a Messianic congregation. We look upon ourselves as a bridge of understanding between the Jewish and Christian community.
To be involved in planting other Messianic congregations in Canada and beyond as the L-rd enables. To help support the messianic community Israel, in whatever means we can.
To combat Anti-Semitism in it's various forms and to provide a network of people to assist Jewish People in making Aliyah back to Israel.

Our Convictions

We Affirm With Perfect Faith

We believe that the Bible, Old and New Covenant is the only divinely inspired, authoritative and eternal word of G-d. 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20,21.
We believe that there is one G-d, eternally existent and that He is Echad, that is, a composite unity who revealed Himself to man as: the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of the L-rd Yeshua the Messiah, in His Virgin birth, in His sinless life, His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father. Also, in His Pre-Millennial return personally in power and great glory.
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential.
We believe that the Messiah's death is remembered until He returns by partaking of the L-rd's Seder (communion).
That upon acceptance of Yeshua as L0rd and Messiah, there is the immersion or baptism in water as an outward sign of ones inward salvation experience.
We believe that subsequent to salvation there is the immersion of the Holy Spirit as Yeshua promised in Mt. 3:11; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:38. Whereby, the believer obtains spiritual power to fulfill the Great Commission. Mark 16:15,16.
That the scriptures teach the practice of Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit as outlined in 1 Corinthians. 12-14; Rom. 12:6-8 and Eph. 4:11. These are for the purpose of edifying the body of believers to bring the body to maturity in the Messiah.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the unsaved. There are two resurrections. One for the righteous and one for the unrighteous.
We believe in the unity of all believers.
As Jewish followers of Yeshua, we are called to maintain our Jewish Biblical heritage and remain a part of our people Israel and the universal body of believers. This is part of our identity and witness to the faithfulness of G-d.
We believe that the nation of Israel was chosen by G-d to be a channel of blessing to all the nations, the promises to Israel by G-d are still binding. Gen. 12:1-3; Heb. 6:13-16.

Our Values

The Pursuit of G-d - Our highest value and goal in life is the pursuit of G-d. The SHEMA' in Deut. 6:4,5 expresses this pursuit and is re-affirmed by Yeshua in Mt. 22: 37,38. We are to love the L-rd our G-d with all our heart, with all our sole and with all our might. This is the first and greatest Commandment. The first three commandments in Exodus 20 command us to put G-d first.

Value of the individual - We are to value those whom G-d created in His own image. We have been created in G-d's image and are of infinite value in His eyes. Gen. 1: 26,27. Therefore we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, the second greatest commandment in the law. Mt. 22: 39, 40. As a congregation, we are to work together to build mutual love and respect, to be open and honest with one another, to speak only that which builds up one another. Eph. 4:25-32.

Relationships - are built upon mutual accountability and commitment. We have been called to be a community of believers, who are not to use, exploit, manipulate, deceive, or coerce one another. We are not to use one anothers good will for our own purposes. 1 Cor. 13 is our guide to live by in relation to each other. There are also scriptural guidelines in handling conflict and inappropriate conduct. Mt. 18:15-20

Kingdom of G-d - We are called to be ambassadors of G-d's kingdom to live and proclaim the WHOLE message and COUNSEL of G-d, in both WORD and POWER, 2 Cor. 5:18-21 and Isaiah 61:1-3. As ambassadors we are entitled to exercise authority and power in the name of Yeshua to do the works of God. John 14:12-14; Mark 16:15-18.

Stewardship - We have been entrusted to a stewardship 1 Cor. 9: 17; 1 Pet. 4: 10. We are to be responsible, wise and mature as we exercise our gifts, talents, resources and finances, not for selfish gain but to be generous and willing to share to advance G-d's kingdom 1 Tim. 6: 17-19. Whatever we do, we do it as unto the L-rd and not unto men Col. 3: 17. Our standard of life as believers should be consistent in all walks of life. Titus 1:7-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-7.

Marriage & the Family - A family is the foundation of every society. We desire to help families grow to be strong, and healthy, for husbands and wives to continue to strengthen their covenant relationships with each other, to provide a support system for families and hurting members who are facing trials. Ps. 127:2,3; Pr. 24:3,4; Eph. 5

Children - They are a heritage from the L-rd and great shall be their peace, for they shall be taught of the L-rd. Our children deserve the same quality of nurturing and ministry as we give to the adults.
Isaiah 59:12; Ps. 127:5; Deut. 6:6-8; Deut. 4:9.

Cultural Distinctive - We are a messianic Jewish congregation of both Jewish and non-Jewish believers who share a unique oneness of faith. We are loyal to Jewish heritage but true to New Covenant faith. Romans 9-11; Eph. 2:11-23; 3:1-13

Unity - We aim to maintain unity within the entire body of Messiah. Yet we do not compromise our vision, faith, convictions and calling.

Authority - has a twofold meaning; we believe that the L-rd has given us authority to rule and reign with Him. To exercise authority over all the works of the enemy. Yeshua restored to us our authority as believers; Luke 10: 19; Col. 2: 13-15; Rev. 12: 11. We also recognize that G-d has established an authority structure within His body. We are to be in submission to those who rule over us as well as to govern our relationships with each other. Heb. 13:17; 1 Pe. 5:1-4; Eph. 5:23-24.

Lifestyle - We have been called to be a holy and sanctified people, to be holy even as He is holy. Our lifestyle and habits should demonstrate a life that is pleasing to G-d in word and deed, Mt. 5:16. We are to be a light and salt in our community. Ex. 19:6; 1

Our Practices

Ultimately we would like to see each member in our congregation to be able to confidently and effectively do the following:

Pray effectively.
Worship freely.
To rightly divide the word of truth.
To be filled with the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit).
To know their spiritual gift(s) and know their place as a member in the body.
To know how to heal the sick (physically, emotionally & spiritually).
To know how to lead people to the Messiah.
To understand how to relate to a Messianic Jewish lifestyle.
To have a Biblical understanding of our calling as Jews and to know how to effectively communicate the Messianic Vision.
For non-Jewish believers to understand their role in the messianic movement and their place in a messianic congregation.
To enjoy healthy social relationships.
To enjoy healthy and intimate marriage, family & personal relationships.
To be able to counsel others biblically.
To understand and practice the principle of giving. To also be able to be a good steward and manage your resources and gifts.
To have a sober and balanced view of the prophetic days in which we now live. That we are very likely the generation that will witness the coming of the Mashiach.

Our Priorities

Worship - Our highest priority is expressing our love for G-d. One way we do this is through worship. We desire Spirit-led worship to be in a style that is intimate, dynamic, messianic and most of all life changing, to draw people into G-d's presence.

Fellowship - flows out of the attitude we experience in worship. As we are touched by G-d, we have a greater freedom to share our love with others. As we find acceptance, affirmation and healing from G-d, we have a basis to relate honestly to one another. We are commanded to not forsake our assembling together. To encourage, minister, bear one another burdens. As we do this we are able to reach out into our community and touch other lives.

Word of G-d - our next priority is teaching and responding to the word of G-d. Yeshua said, "The words that I speak to you are Spirit and they are life". G-d's word alone has the power to transform lives. Our aim is to present solid Biblical truth with an emphasis on doing and experiencing truth in our lives.

Ministry - all believers have been chosen and called to do the work of the ministry. The L-rd has provided His people with gifts to accomplish this purpose. Every believer has the same opportunity to receive and exercise any of these gifts according to the will of the Father. Our congregation has a unique ministry, to reach the lost sheep of the house of Israel. We have a specific mandate from the L-rd though we are commanded to reach out to ALL people, Jew and Gentile alike. Rom. 1: 16, Eph. 4: 9-16

Training & Equipping - it is the purpose of every local congregation to help train and equip men and women to go forth and fulfill the mandate the L-rd has commissioned to us. As we help each member discover their spiritual gifting, they can then begin to develop that gift to further G-d's kingdom. We are admonished to counsel those in need of G-d's wisdom, and direction, to help nurture believers through teaching, exhortation, to present every man and woman mature in Messiah. "It is for this reason that we labor and strive according to His working which works in us mightily". Col. 1: 28, 29.

Messianic Identity - as Jewish followers of Yeshua, we are called to maintain our Jewish biblical heritage and remain part of our people Israel, and the universal body of believers. This is part of our identity and witness to the faithfulness of G-d to His people.

Congregational Planting - it is our priority to be involved in planting new messianic congregations wherever the L-rd leads. It is our purpose to have a part in seeing strong messianic congregations established in every major city in Canada.

Ministry to the Body - as part of our vision, G-d is using messianic congregations to have a ministry to the Christian community.

Seven-fold purpose of this ministry outreach:

To create an awareness among believers of the responsibility to G-d's Covenant people, Israel. Psalm 102: 13, Romans 11: 29-32.
To teach believers regarding the Jewish roots of their faith.
To encourage prayer, love and practical support to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.
To equip believers to share there faith with Jewish people through a Jewish understanding.
To combat Anti-Semitism in it's various forms.
To correct misconceptions and wrong thinking regarding "Israel" and the "Church".
A prophetic "Last Days Ministry", to awaken believers regarding the closeness of the hour in which we live.