Issachar Community

It is GREAT that individual Christians, churches, Christian organizations, and denominations are teaming up with other groups to address the social ills of our day! But are all such teams and alliances good from a biblical viewpoint? Paul gave his struggling Corinthian congregation a vital principle to help them stay on track with God's work - "Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Paul calls such a team-up between those who believe and those who don't as being "unequally yoked." This is an interesting principle. What does it mean and why is it so critical at this time of Christians working together with other groups? Take a listen as Pastor Jay reveals the meaning and gives a startling assessment of the well-known Black Lives Matter organization.

The terms "racism" and "racist" are thrown around with abandon today. It's become so common, the words are losing their meaning. What is race? Where did the races come from? What does the Bible have to say about races and racism? Some people have claimed the Bible's teachings as justification for racism, prejudice, and discrimination. Is this true? Does the Bible really justify racism? If not, then how should the disciple of Yeshua live a racism-free life? Take a listen as Pastor Jay tackles this subject head-on!

COVID-19, civil unrest, economic stress - yup, there's a lot of things that cause us worry, right? Those things aside, life in general is a source of concerns and anxiety. Well, this verse from the Apostle Paul is a great antidote to that. Pastor Jay walks us through the word meanings and helps us understand how not to react, how we should respond, and what the result is when we bring our andxieties and concerns to our Heavenly Father.

Evangelism! The word that sparks fear in the hearts of most Christians. Say "evangelism" and the sweat starts, the knees begin to quake, the mouth dries, and the tongue cleaves to the roof of the believer's mouth. But God has a way to tell people about the "Good News of the Kingdom" through you in a way that has nothing to do with sharing the Four Spiritual Laws. In fact, it's as easy as living day to day. Take a listen and see how the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) is far more than you've been taught!

What does it mean to us that Yeshua is our Firstborn elder brother, our High Priest, and our King? A great deal more than just a theological exercise. Our Firstborn Elder brother provides, protects, and redeems us. Our High Priest's work restores us to our Heavenly Father's presence. And our King is a benevolent monarch who loves his subjects and expects them to live according to the laws of his kingdom. Settle in. This is a longer message, but chock-full of scriptures and challenges!

When Christians are asked who has the task of Israel's priesthood, some have no clue, but many answer, "The Levites." Correct! When Christians are asked who has the task of Israel's kingship, more of them know and answer, "The tribe of Judah!" But this was not always so. In fact, from ancient times it was the Patriarch of the family that served as God's kings (family rulers) and priests. And since the patriarchy of the family fell to the firstborn son upon the father's death, the firstborn son served as family "king" and priest. This was the original design from the start and will be at the End and into eternity.

When you mention "firstborns" in families, many often think of the first born son (or daughter) who is destined to follow in their father's footsteps. It's almost an unspoken rule that this is their destiny. It doesn't always happen, but the expectation shows that the firstborn idea is deeply embedded in the human mind and heart. Firstborns are very important! But we can't understand what it means to be a firstborn in a biblical sense unless we go back to ancient Israelite culture and family dynamics. When we understand more fully what it means to be a firstborn in ancient times, it lights up our understanding of what it means for Yeshua and Israel to be God's Firstborn Sons. Intrigued? Special request: If you are not a member of the Issachar Community congregation and are listening in another state or nations, please do this...send your first name, your state or nation of residence to [email protected] and tell us how you found us and what you think of our teaching. All feedback is welcome. We would love to hear from our brothers and sisters around the United States and the World. God Bless You and Thanks!

Let's face it. No one like tough times. Trials and troubles are not just a "pain," they can be downright PAINFUL, even bringing us to the point of despair. We've all been through them. Some of us are in at least one right now! However, James (Ya'akov, Yeshua's half-brother) has a different take on it. In James 1, we aren't to despair when faced with a trial. We are to be full of joy! Yeah, right. Well, take a moment to listen to see why Yaakov/James feels this way and may the Lord bring you encouragement to get through your particular trial...whenever it comes.

Many people ask the Lord, "What is my ministry?" Well, here's one EVERYONE can do - the "ministry" of encouragement! It is one of the most under-rated and most underestimated ways to touch a person's life, and often for great good, even salvation. We greatly ENCOURAGE you to listen to this message, very timely for the discouraging situations many of us find ourselves in!

What does the blood of Yeshua do for us? Sound like a pretty gory thing. Well, it was. But we need to look behind the scene to understand what was going on and what impact it has for a person and humanity. Pastor Jay leads us on a study through the New Covenant scriptures which talk about "the blood of Jesus" to see what Yeshua's blood does for us. It's HUGE! If you like this message, please be sure to pass the link on to others. Thanks!