1. Priesthood of all believers - With the Adonai Yeshua HaMashiach as the

Kohen HaGadol (Great High Priest), every believer is a priest to exercise his holy priesthood in offering up spiritual sacrifices, through fruits of our lips, etc (1 Peter 2:5, Heb 13:15,16) and every believer is to exercise his royal priesthood in proclaiming His praises (1 Pet 2:9), thus pleasing the heart of G_d and manifesting His worthiness to be worshipped and served. The worship service of Adonai is not left to a privileged few.

e) Ruach HaKodesh in the Kehillah (Church) - Who, when given His proper place,

would glorify the Messiah. Only through submission to His leading and depending on His power could Messiah be qlorified in the assembly.

f) Assembly leadership under elders and deacons Scriptural leadership with qualities stated in His Word (1 Tim 3, Titus 2) would provide examples for His flock, feeding and safeguarding of His sheep. It demonstrates His love, care, nurture for His own.

g) by immersion - Scriptural practice of immersion portrays a Talmidim's identification with his Master in His death burial and resurrection to live in the newness of life, thus giving an effective pictorial public proclamation of his faith in his new Master.

h) Women's part in the assembly -Through the submission of women in silence and head covering in the assembly, the beauty of His order is displayed (1 Cor 11:3-16; 14:34,35; 1 Tim 2:9-15).

i) Giving - Through the joyful, generous, and sacrificial giving

of His people, Adonay's grace (2 Cor 8:9) and faithfulnes to the needs of His children are demonstrated.

j) Discipline in the house of God - Through appropriate discipline within the house-hold of G_d, His holiness and purity are defended and seen.

The above Messianic assembly principles and practices are important because they were given by Adonay and Builder of the assembly (Mt 16: in). They are important for effective functioning and healthy growth of the assembly.

Dangers to Assembly Testimony

Although the above Messianic assembly principles and practices are important, it would become an empty observance of the form if the life of Messiah is not being lived and seen in the believers so gathered. How could an assembly testify for her L_rd if the life of love, joy, peace... (fruit of the Spirit, which is fully manifested in Messiah) is absent in most of the people present?

Examples of failures:

  1. The Kehillah (congregation) of Ephesus was in danger of having its lampstand of testimony in moved from its place because it had lost its first love. Though it might maintain its works and labour and had hatred for evil, there was no substitute for love.
  2. The Kehillah of Pergamos and Thyatira had accepted the presence of false doctrine and false teachers. Then, idolatry and immorality were introduced. They lacked the Light of, and faithfulness to Adonay and His truth.
  3. The Kehillah (Congregation) of Sardis had lost the life itself, though having the name of being alive. This began with the loss of love and light.
  4. When we come to Laodicea, there is no more need of Adonay. He is outside knocking at the door of the individuals who hears. The world has come into the church with its riches and wisdom (or ways) and glory. There was total loss of everything Scriptural and spiritual. In fact they had lost Adonay Himself! (Rev 3 :16,20)

Such assemblies would be hindered in the effectiveness of their testimony for Adonay.

In contrast, the Thessalonian church was a testimony through its:

love resulting in labour,

faith resulting in work,

hope resulting in steadfastness through suffering (1 Thes 1:3).

They "became an example (model, JND) to all Macedonia and Achaia who believe." And from them "the word of Adonay has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out?1 Thes 1:6-8).Their testimony for Adonay is both in their assembly life and in their preaching/teaching of the Word of God, both to the saved and the unsaved.

The assemblies in Macedonia were also an example to others in giving, and The Philippians were a joy to Paul because of their fellowship in the gospel (2 Cor 8:1 6,Ph 1:5,7).

Assembly Testimony and the Individual

An assembly is made up of individual believers.

  1. Can an assembly be a testimony if the individuals are not daily bearing testimony for Adonay?
  2. Can an assembly be said to love Adonay if individuals love the world or themselves more than Adonay'?

Similarly for obedience, leading of the Holy Spirit, etc.

In Rev 2-3, when Adonay spoke to each assembly, He also spoke to the individual:

"He who has an ear to hear, let him hear? Therefore, if we love Adonay, and His assembly, everyone must check himself and do his part to ensure a bright testimony for Adonay, both individually and as a member of the Body of the Messiah

Messianic Believer Bible Resources and links

Assembly Testimony : Introduction of Church Truth

Back to Assembly Testimony Index page