The topics and times of our next class will be announced here and in one of the upcoming weekly Shabbat service bulletins. Our plan is to structure a series of Yeshiva studies to address key issues that relate to a Messianic community. If we are a Messianic Congregation that believes in the Torah, what is a Torah observant community supposed to look like? The following topics of study will help us understand these truths.

 

Topics of Study

 

1. Defining the true meaning of Community

The reality of building a Torah Community has its challenges. We will study some of the hindrances in building community, positive ways of participating, as well as essential characteristics of a Believing Community. We will study the five different scriptural names of a Believing Community (i.e., called out community, redeemed, holy, covenant and Torah Community).

 

2. A Study of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is an important element of a Torah Community. How should we observe, honour and keep the Sabbath day holy as the Torah commands? · What was Yeshua’s view of the Sabbath? Those who argue that the Sabbath is no longer relative for Believers today often point to the fact that Yeshua was accused of breaking the Sabbath, proving it is no longer considered necessary. A look at the Scriptures tells a different story. We will study why the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday?

 

3. What was Yeshua’s view of the Torah?

Matthew 5:17-20 gives us the clear teaching of Yeshua’s view regarding the Torah.

 

4. The place of traditions in a Torah observant community.

We will address the issue of “tradition” in a Torah

 

5. A study of the Lord’s Table.

Should this practice be observed only once a year at Passover, as some Believers claim, or throughout the year? What did Shaul mean when he said, “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes?”

10. Does the Kippot contradict 1 Corinthians 11 regarding Head Coverings? We often hear the argument that men who wear a Kippah (yarmulke) are observing a practice that is contrary to Apostolic teaching? We will examine the meaning of this often misunderstood text and trace the history of this Jewish symbol.

 

6. Is divorce and remarriage scriptural?

This particular subject has been the source of much conflict, misunderstanding and confusion in the Body of Messiah today. We will examine some of the difficult scriptures that address this subject. How do we reconcile Yeshua’s words about marriage and divorce with the Torah and the rest of New Covenant scriptures?

 

7. The ‘Two House’ view

We will examine the various views of this false teaching that is becoming more widespread in the Messianic movement today. How do we respond to those who hold to the House of Judah and the Ephraimite view that they represent the 10 lost tribes, or to the House of Judah and Israel view?

 

8. The Sacred Names

There are those who claim that the sacred names of God are a requirement for true worship. Any other names i.e. (Jesus, Christ, God are pagan). We will examine this position and determine a biblical understanding of the Names of ADONAI and their meaning.

 

9. Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council

The standard teaching of the Church today is that the Torah is no longer relevant for Believers in Yeshua. Acts 15 is often the text used to substantiate this claim. What did the Jerusalem Council actually decide? We will examine this historical perspective to help us understand the proper interpretation.

 

10. The growing split between Synagogue and the Church in the 1st Century

What were some of the factors that caused one of the greatest schisms between the Synagogue and the Body of Messiah?

 

11. Planning for the future

Are we destined to be a ‘one generation’ Congregation and movement? Will our youth pick up the Torch of the Torah and run with it? There is a great call and need to raise up new leaders.

 

12. Effective bridge building

If we claim to be a bridge to the Christian and Jewish Community, what are we doing to make our outreach more of a reality in our community? What are some practical ways that we can begin to have a greater impact on our community?

18. Are we prepared for the coming of the Messiah?

Do we believe we are living in the last days? If so, what should we be doing as a Messianic Congregation to prepare for the coming of the Messiah?

 

13. Who is God? Is God Jewish?

What is the true meaning of salvation? How are we saved and what are we saved from? How can we have a meaningful and personal relationship with the God of the Universe?