Being #1 in The Kingdom

2015-05-13

Being #1 in The Kingdom Being #1 in The Kingdom Vision and Mission Founded In Truth Fellowship's vision is to be the region's number one Hebrew Roots Christian-based family fellowship. This vision encompasses impacting the world by understanding the Abrahamic covenant as the foundation of faith and serving the community while showing the compassion and love of Christ in daily life. Matthew Vander Els clarifies that while it might be unconventional in the Messianic movement to identify as Christian-based, he...

Being #1 in The Kingdom Being #1 in The Kingdom
Vision and Mission

Founded In Truth Fellowship's vision is to be the region's number one Hebrew Roots Christian-based family fellowship. This vision encompasses impacting the world by understanding the Abrahamic covenant as the foundation of faith and serving the community while showing the compassion and love of Christ in daily life. Matthew Vander Els clarifies that while it might be unconventional in the Messianic movement to identify as Christian-based, he embraces the term, explaining that "Christ" is Greek for "anointed one," reflecting the recognition and legal status of a changed position.

The Abrahamic Covenant

Abraham is considered the father of faith because God chose him and made a covenant with him. Despite growing up in a pagan culture, Abraham chose to believe and follow Yahweh, which is similar to how Yeshua began his ministry. This covenant extends to followers of the Anointed One, who are considered Abraham's seed and grafted into God's family. Genesis 12:3 highlights that through Abraham, all peoples on earth will be blessed or, more accurately, grafted in. Rabbi Ezra, a medieval rabbi, emphasized the grammatical analysis of scripture, noting that "they shall bless themselves by you" means grafting other nations into Abraham's stock.

Compassion and Community

The teaching emphasizes the importance of compassion, which is lacking in contemporary society. Yeshua felt pity for the crowds because they were like sheep without a shepherd, needing God’s love and compassion. The vision includes teaching people to be genuinely compassionate, countering the tendency to ignore the needs of others. Generosity is an attribute of a believer, and showing compassion involves actively doing something to help others. It starts with small acts of kindness and extends to larger commitments, such as sponsoring children in need.

Kingdom Protocol vs. Worldly Ways

The principles of God's Kingdom often contradict worldly norms. Instead of seeking revenge, believers are called to leave room for God's wrath and treat their enemies with kindness. Romans 12:19-20 advises feeding and giving water to enemies, heaping burning coals on their heads through compassion. Zechariah 7:10 calls for justice for the vulnerable and warns against devising evil in one's heart.

Being Number One in God's Kingdom

The pursuit of being number one in God's Kingdom requires a different approach than worldly standards. It is not about financial success or attendance numbers but about following God's protocol. The Zealots, who sought to usher in the Kingdom by force, exemplify the wrong approach. The disciples argued about who was the greatest, missing the point of Yeshua's teachings.

Yeshua taught that to be first, one must be last and a servant to all. John 13 illustrates this when Yeshua, knowing his power and destiny, washed his disciples' feet, setting an example of humility and service. This act demonstrated that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking personal status.

Practical Application for Everyday Life

Practice Generosity: Actively seek opportunities to give and support those in need.
Show Compassion: Be aware of the needs of others and offer help, even in small ways.
Reject Revenge: Instead of seeking revenge, extend kindness to enemies.
Serve Others: Follow Yeshua’s example by serving others, embodying humility and selflessness.
Embrace Kingdom Protocol: Recognize that God’s ways often differ from worldly values and act accordingly.
Prioritize Community: Focus on the well-being of the community rather than personal gain.

Conclusion

The vision of Founded In Truth is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, the practice of compassion, and the understanding that true greatness in God's Kingdom comes from serving others. By embracing these principles, believers can reestablish the foundation of their faith, train the next generation in compassion, and become MVPs in the Kingdom by following the example of Yeshua.

To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.

References