What made up the early Messianic community‘s membership? Former fornicators, idolaters, adulterers,
effeminate, homosexuals, thieves, the covetous, revilers, swindlers, etc. (1 Cor 6:9-11). Y‘shua went to the
oppressed, suppressed, depressed, and distressed. We are to do the same! He reached out to the riffraff,
the pagans, the Samaritans and the ―uncouth‖. The Assembly (His Body) is to do likewise. In that first
Messianic community, everyone was involved in some way. Some prayed for those who worked actively in
the ministry. Others provided what still others lacked, etc. There were NO LONE RANGERS! The power of
the Gospel, the power of the Ruach that we read about in Acts, is best seen in their ―group-action‖!
Today we need to learn how to minister in, with and through this same dynamic social structure...the
Assembly of Messiah. We need to grasp the fact that we are called to not only promote the Gospel, but to
become intentionally involved in the lives of others as well. Look at Acts. What drew the people – the
―individuals‖ or their ―community‖? I say it was their community. Before His death, resurrection, and
ascension Y‘shua said, ―By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another"
(John 13:35.). Their display of love for one another, their oneness along with the Gospel message and their
faith in action (their works) drew people to Messiah like a moth to a light!
And, it all started with one, small, unified Assembly. It was one small Assembly of about 120 people who
were of one heart and one mind about doing the work of Messiah...as the ―Body of Messiah‖.
So, what‘s wrong with our message today? Nothing. The problem lies with us. We‘ve embraced individualism
instead of solidarity with those within our fellowships. We‘re self-centered. We‘re too selective about who we
hang out with. We are too concerned about our own reputations.
Lastly, do you know why the Jerusalem Assembly was persecuted bodily? Because it ministered bodily.
They invaded their world – and they did so with an ―all for one, and one for all‖ attitude...in Y‘shua‘s Name!
They didn‘t avoid it. They moved as a team from the bleachers to the field. They became a mighty force, both
for and with Messiah in the pockets of sin, vice and poverty. They found themselves knee deep in new
discoveries and developments! They worked the works of YHWH in and through Messiah; thereby showed
their faith! Unified individuals, zealous for good works (!)...―Worthy to inherit the Kingdom prepared for them
from the foundation of the world.‖ ―Wheat‖ among the tares; ―Sheep‖ among the goats.
From the parable, Y‘shua quotes that if you have done it to one of my brothers you have done it to me. The
brethren are the children of Israel; and those Gentiles adopted into the faith of Israel who accepted the
Messiah. They are those who trust in Him and keep His Torah (1 John 2:3-4; 3:22-24; 5:2-3; 2 John 1:6; Rev
12:17; 14:12; 22:14).
As we have seen in the section above, "works" are an integral part of "faith".
―Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.‖ (James 2:24)
This is the same in Judaism. It can thus be said that those persecuting Torah-observant followers of Y‘shua,
are in fact persecuting Him.
On the Eschatological theme – A brief layout of the Second Coming:
―Come in His glory‖ = Second Coming – at the return of the Battle of Armageddon
―Throne of Glory‖ = judgment seat
―Gather nations‖ = nations will be called to judgment
―Sheep nations‖ = those who supported the believing Israel
―Right hand‖ = place of authority – protected side
―Goat nations‖ = wicked nations who sided with the Antichrist against the Believers
―Left side‖ = place of judgment
―Everlasting fire‖ = Gehenna – the Lake of Fire