Dear Mishpacha (family),
I just love how I get to start off my letter by addressing it to my family. The Apostle Paul always had a great introduction to his letters to the churches he was a part of. In the letter to the Philippians it starts out with, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ”. (Philippians 1:1-2) I just love how the Apostle Paul identifies himself along with Timotheus as the servants of Jesus Christ.
I believe that I am also writing to the servants of Jesus Christ. It says in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”. (ESV) In the King James the word for “served” is “ministered” and the word for “serve” is minister”. Just think, in order to call yourself a minister you need to be a servant. Here at Beit Tehila we have many servants, myself included. We stack chairs, rearrange rooms for events, vacuum, clean toilets, take out the trash, we do what needs to be done to take care of our church. We all need to be grateful for Beit Tehila and all that God has given us for our community. I invite everyone if you are not already serving, to serve and be a part of this community. There is a job for everyone here and we continue to build a strong community together.
We just had New Jerusalem Christian Academy (NJCA) perform “The Prince of Egypt” for two shows at our church and there was a great turnout. On May 12th we had over three hundred attend and on May 14th we had over four hundred. Our very own Ben Preston played Moses and my daughter Adayah played Miriam. Sam Preston who is a senior graduating from NJCA this week was able to do the lighting for the musical and did a good job. These are great opportunities for people to come to Beit Tehila that normally would not come. I am writing this newsletter, four days before we celebrate the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost). I am anticipating a great move of the Holy Spirit and for lives to be changed. I am excited about gathering with churches all over Tampa Bay on Sunday, May 24th at 10AM.
Remember, Yeshua fulfilled the Spring Feasts and He will fulfill the Fall Feasts. The Fall Feasts are Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles is also called the Feast of Ingathering (Exodus 23:16) and that is what we are witnessing in our very own community with other churches. Are you gathering or scattering?
The month of June is all about Faith and Family. Pastor Tikvah will be sharing a message on this for our Service on May 30th. I would also like to share that Beit Tehila has been called to not only be sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father but His priests as well. We will be continuing to go over the subjects of “Spiritual Warfare in my Tabernacle” and the “Royal Priesthood”.
We are to be overcomers and have the victory in our life. Ask yourself, “What has stolen your praise to our Father and His Son? Why aren’t you reading your bible everyday?” There are good questions that we have to answer at this time. I am also pleased to announce that the Israel Virtual Reality Tour will be on June 20th at 2PM. This event includes the virtual reality tour, worship and a meal. The cost is $60.00 for adults and $50.00 for children ages 7 to 17. Exciting opportunities are happening at Beit Tehila so stay tuned in and be ready. Both Danielle and I love you and are here for you.
~Shalom Pastor Nick