Beit Yeshua
2008
September to November
YOM TERUAH
(Rosh Hashanh)
Dance
Tashlich
Ancient
Jewish
Wedding
Drama
Communion
PRAYER
FOR
ISRAEL
at VFI
SUKKOT
Sukka
Construction
SUKKOT
Lulav
& Etrog
Water
Libation
Simchat
Torah
Home
Sukkot
PAUL
WILBUR
CONCERT
Black Mt, NC
Yom Teruah (Day of the Awakening Blast)
Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year)
1 Thessalonians 4 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of G-d: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The Biblical festival of Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah has several themes including:
1) The Resurrection of the Dead
2) The "Catching-Away" of Believers (The Rapture)
3) The Marriage of Messiah Yeshua and His Bride
4) The Coronation of King YeshuaLeviticus 23
1And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.
24Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.As you study the Biblical Festivals of Leviticus 23, there are two Hebrew words we need to take a little closer look at. The Hebrew word "Moed" is translated in most versions of the Bible as "Feast" but actually means "an Appointed Time". The word "Mikrah" is translated as "Convocation" but actually means "A Rehearsal". All the Feasts of Leviticus 23 are God's "Appointed Times" - times of worship, times of remembrance, and in the case of the fall festivals they are also times of rehearsal for the return of Messiah Yeshua. We met as a group on Friday, September 26, 2008 to celebrated the Feast of Yom Teruah. This year we moved our celebration from Doug & Lynda's home in Lincolnton to the Family Life Center of Covenant Bible Church in Lincolnton.
(Below) The Shofar is sounded as the evening begins
(Below) Susan light the festival candles and Paul says the festival blessing
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam,
Shehecheyanu, V’ki’y’ma-nu, v’hig-i-a-nu laz-man ha-zeh.Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has given us life, and has sustained us,
and has brought us to this season.We spend some time in Praise, Worship & Dance as the evening begins
Since the feast of Rosh Hashanah is a rehearsal of the wedding between
Messiah Yeshua and His Bride, guests were encouraged to wear white
Micah 7
18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.After Praise & Worship, Doug led us through Tashlich - a Jewish "object lesson" about "casting off" our sins. Based on Micah 7, scraps of bread (symbolic of those sins) were cast into a lake. Since we were unable to go to a real lake this year, we created one in the Family Life Center at Covenant. There is no forgiveness of sin when we cast bread into a lake, only when we repent of those sins.
(Above) Our "artificial" lake for Tashlich
(Below) Doug passes out the pieces of bread while talking about Tashlich
Isaiah 53
5But He was wounded for our TRANSGRESSIONS, He was bruised for our INIQUITIES: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the INIQUITY of us all.Scripture speaks specifically about three types of sin with our lives: (1) sin, (2) iniquity and (3) transgression. Is there a difference?
(1) The word "Sin" comes from the Hebrew word CHATTA'AH, which is translated as "sin, offense, lead astray and to miss the mark". These are "accidental sins" - or sins committed without our being aware of them.
(2) The word "Iniquity" comes from the Hebrew word AVON, which is translated as "sin, mischief, iniquity, moral evil and perversity". Iniquity is "willful sin" - we knew it was sin and did it anyway. It's a willful violation of Torah - things we can't claim to have done in ignorance. It gives new meaning to the old slogan, "Avon Calling!" (or Sin Calling).
(3) The word "Transgression" comes from the Hebrew word PESHA, which is translated as "sin, transgression and rebellion". It's "Rebellion" against Yahweh Himself.(Below) Taking some time to contemplate those areas of our life where there might be hidden sin
Cindy & Leslie, Carolyn, Victoria, Nancy, Jeremy & Jeanne, and Sheryl
(Below) Casting those sins on Messiah Yeshua is the only way to receive Atonement
Laurie & Steve, Chris, Indira & Edgar, Mike, Beth with Savanna & Ali, Cincy & Leslie, Carolyn, Victoria, Nancy
1 Peter 3
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:How fortunate we are that Messiah Yeshua came "willingly" to Earth to take upon Himself our sins that we might walk in His Righteousness. "THE ANCIENT JEWISH WEDDING" The main focus of our Tom Teruah Celebration was a closer look at the Ancient Jewish Wedding and how Yeshua's relationship with us closely parallels it. These parallels were visualized through an original drama.
(Below) Curtis prepares the group for the upcoming drama
The Ancient Jewish Wedding, as well as our Betrothal & Wedding to Yeshua Include: The Betrothal
Hosea 2:19 I will betroth thee unto me for ever.Many times the Bride had not seen the Bridegroom before
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love.
The Bride Price - The Mohar
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price.
The Wedding Contract - the Ketubah
Hebrews 8:6 Now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry,
by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenantThe Bride's Consent
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness
and with the heart confession is made unto salvation.The Cup of the Covenant
Matthew 26:29 I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine,
until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom
Betrothal Gifts
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights.The Mikvah - Ritual washing before the wedding
Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved.
Departure of the Bridegroom
John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions: if (it were) not (so), I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, ye may be also.Day & Hour of the Bridegroom's Return
Mark 13:32 But of that day and hour knoweth no man,
no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
The Chupa - Bridal Canopy
Psalm 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber...Bride walks around the Bridegroom
Jeremiah 31:22 ...A woman shall compass a man.The Bridgroom seen as a King on His Wedding Day
Revelations 19:11-13, 16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.Wedding Feast - Marriage Supper
Revelation 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him; for the marriage of the
Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed (are) they which are called unto the marriage supper
of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.For additional information on
The Ancient Jewish Wedding ParallelsOur Yom Teruah Celebration ended with a time of Communion. Yeshua said in Matthew 26:29 “…I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” What a beautiful picture of the future Wedding Feast with Messiah.
There was also a festive meal at the end of the evening. 
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Messiah Yeshua is coming again. So much is happening in the Earth - severe drought in the east, floods in the mid-west, an increase of hurricanes and their damage in the Gulf Region, gas shortages, abortion on the rise, gay marriage, wars & rumors of wars. All the signs point to it being soon. Be ready! A special thanks to Paul & Duke for all the great photos Monthly Prayer for Israel
at Vision For Israel/The Joseph Storehouse, Charlotte, NCVision For Israel & The Joseph Storehouse sponsors a monthly prayer time on the first Wednesday of each month at their Charlotte location. The meeting is from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM and begins with a time of Praise & Worship. The main emphasis of the prayer time is Israel & the Jewish people. Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (Below) Steve leads the group in praise, worship & prayer (Below) December 3, 2008 (Below) Sounding the Shofar, Praise & Worship, Prayer and some Israeli Folk Dance Leviticus 23
33And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 34Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.(Below) On Sunday afternoon October 12th we gathered at Doug & Lynda's home
to build our community sukka on the brick patio behind their house.(Below) Complete with shofar, screws and electric screw-driver,
Paul, Curtis, Doug & Kelly started the construction.(Below) Duke and Kelly works on the roof construction while Myrl cuts some ivy for the decorations 
(Below) Marcia, Myrl, Susan, Lynda, Carolyn and Doris work on colored-paper-chains
and other decorations
(Below) Doug & the other men add braches from trees in the nearby woods to the roof. (Below) Adding the paper-chains and other decorations 
(Below) Colored leaves from trees & shrubs plus a beautiful Star-of-David decorate the front entrance (Below) The inside looks quite festive (Below) Doug & Lynda with the finished Sukka (Below) Time for a group photo Sukkot - Feast of Booths
CELEBRATIONThanks to Paul Miles for all the great photos Leviticus 23
33And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 34Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.(Below) A beautiful Full Moon lights the sky on the first night of Sukkot
(Below) Chuck begins the festive evening with the sounding of the Shofar (Below) Jane says the blessing over the festival candles and
Andy says the blessing over the bread & wine
The Festival Blessing Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam,
Shehecheyanu, V’ki’i’ma-nu, v’hig-i-a-nu
laz-man ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has given us life, and has sustained us,
and has brought us to this season.The Sukka Blessing Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam,
Asher kidshanu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tze-va-noo,
L’i-shev ba-sukka.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has sanctified us with Your commandments,
and commanded us to dwell in the Sukka.(Below) A time of Praise, Worship and Dance (Below) Dancing "Od Lo Ahavti Dai" to the song "Latter Days" by Barry & Batya Segal (Below) Dancing "Im HuPalNu" to the song "Tabernacle" by Jonathan Settle 
(Below) Chuck talks to the group about the festival of Sukkot ... (Below) ... while the group listens attentively (Below) Curtis teaches about the 4 Species - the Lulav & the Etrog 
The Blessing Concerning the Taking of the Lulav Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam,
Asher kidshanu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tze-va-noo,
Ahl n’tee-lat Lulav.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has sanctified us with Your commandments,
And has commanded us concerning the taking of the Lulav.The Blessing Concerning the Waving of the Lulav Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam,
Asher kidshanu b’Yeshua,
Asher bish-mo not-lim anachnu Lulav.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has sanctified us in Yeshua,
In Whose Name we wave the Lulav.(Below) The Lulav & Etrog are waved to the North, South, East, West, Up & Down
signifying that God is everywhere
Hodu L’ Adonai Kee Tov, Kee L’ Olam Chasdo
Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures foreverDancing "Ma'NaVu" to the song "Hodu L'Adonai Kee Tov" by Barry & Batya Segal 
(Below) Paul talks about the ancient Water Libation Ceremony ... ... and prays for physical & spiritual rain
on the US & Israel(Below) Dancing "Mayim Mayim" to the song "Mayim Mayim" by Barry & Batya Segal
Even in limited space, we managed to have two groups dancing to the beloved song(Below) Doug shares about Simchat Torah - Rejoicing in the Torah
and how we, as Believers in Messiah Yeshua, should "rejoice" in His WordSimchat Torah is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. On this occasion in Synagogues around the world, when the ark is opened and the Torah Scrolls are taken out of the ark, all the worshippers leave their seats to dance and sing with the Torah scrolls in a joyous celebration that often lasts for several hours.
Those of us who are Believers in Yeshua the Messiah embrace not only the Torah and the Original Covenant writings, but also the Brit Hadasha (the New Covenant).
We concluded this portion of the evening by singing the song "Simchat Torah" by Lenny & Varda Harris and danced with our Bibles in a circle. Do we like to dance and rejoice before the Lord? We certainly do!The Feast of Sukkot will be observed during the Millennial Reign of Messiah Yeshua Zechariah 14
9The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.16Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). 17If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain.(Below) The evening concluded with Oneg - a time of food and fellowship Thanks to all those who helped make our Sukkot Celebration a success. Sukkot - Feast of Booths
Sukkot at Other Homes in Our FellowshipLeviticus 23
42Ye shall dwell in booths seven days(Below) Duke & Myrl's Sukka (Below) Paul & Susan's Sukka (Below) Susan spends time study time in the Sukka (Below) The entire framework of Paul & Susan's Sukka was constructed from bamboo (Below) A view through the top of their bamboo Sukka (Below) Curtis & Carolyn's Sukka (Below) Carolyn & I enjoy our first meal together in our sukka on the first night of Sukkot (Below) Having Rita join us for dinner on the 3rd night of Sukkot was a blessing (Below) Having our family in the sukka gives us an opportunity to talk to our granddaughters about God's faithfulness - and how even our bodies are just sukkot (temporary) while we live on earth 
C.B.U. (Christian Believers United) sponsored "The Winds of God" Conference at Ridgecrest in Black Mountain, NC, on November 7-9, 2008. Thirteen of us went to the Saturday evening Praise & Worship Celebration for the Paul Wilbur Concert. Paul is a Hosanna Music Worship Leader and Messianic singer. The evening turned out to be a truly awesome move of the Lord. It's been years since I've been in a meeting that was so electrically charged with the Ruach - the Spirit of God. Baruch Atah Adonai! (Below) Doors opened at 6:45 PM and seats were selected (Below) At the beginning of the service, the Shofar blowers were called up to the front -
including Paul, Bill, Chuck & Doug from our group(Below) Paul Wilbur leads us in several hours of Praise & Worship 
(Below) We managed to find an area in the room where we could dance ... ... but also danced around the entire auditorium Go to 2008, Page 1 - January to April
Go to 2008, Page 2 - April to June
Go to 2008, Page 3 - June to August
Go to 2008, Page 5 - December
