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 issachar.office@gmail.com 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!

When Yeshua said those words, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19), he wasn't talking about Communion as many Christians believe today. In fact, Yeshua wasn't starting a new thing at all. He took an old, well-known event and its commemoration - the Exodus and the Passover Seder - and giving it its full meaning. Passover is a grand picture that reveals God's plan to bring His children back to Himself. When we understand some of the themes of Passover, we'll appreciate what Yeshua did for us in a whole new way. Communion will never be the same!

Pastor Jay is a guest on Larry Kutzler's City Sites podcast and they have a fascinating discussion to share with you. They talk about how safe we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and what might God be saying to us through this very challenging time. Is this a prophetic word for our day? Take a listen. Then take a moment to share your thoughts with Pastor Jay via email: issachar.office@gmail.com.

Well, we are certainly facing intimidating times! Fear from the pandemic has caused people to act crazy and hoard toilet paper and Purell hand sanitizer. Grocery stores have cleared-out shelves. People are worried. Well, Yeshua has an answer to hoarding and holding brought on by fear and insecurity. It's found in the core of His teaching to His disciples regarding how to handle the things of this life and who their Provider is. Be encouraged. Stay well!

 Life has seemingly turned upside down. Just a few short weeks ago, life was going on as usual for most of us. Then...corona virus. Now the questions start. "Do what?" "How long?" "Why?" "What am I going to do?" Yes, what we thought we had figured out was actually just an illusion. Life is a big UNKNOWN. We have no idea what is coming minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, year by year. How do we handle the stress of staring into the abyss of the unknown? The Bible has a clear answer and clear examples. Check this podcast out!

Proverbs 29:18 is one of the most misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misapplied scriptures even though many Christians know it by heart. They focus on "Without revelation people run wild," but ignore the 2nd half of the verse, "but one who follows divine instruction will be happy." This verse has been memorized by many as "Without a vision the people perish" and they use it as a justification to pend a lot of time, energy, and talent wrestling with church "vision-casting" and mission statements. While these things are good things, they have a faint secondary application to this verse. The truth of the verse just might step on your toes. You are forewarned!

Even as forgiven children of God, it is so hard to keep on track with the Lord, especially when we are buffeted by temptations all around us. The key is REPENTANCE. No, this is not the fiery "REPENT!" of the wild-eyed evangelist. It is a simple look at what repentance is and various facets of the hows and whys and whoms, etc. For those of you struggling...this is an encouraging message. For those of you who have never surrender yourselves to the Lord, this message is a great first step home to His arms!

In a sex-saturated society like the U.S. has, how can ANYONE possibly keep themselves morally pure? That's the big question of Pastor Jay's message. Well, as you might guess, God has a lot to say about it. First, Pastor Jay talks about what purity means to the Lord in light of the sacrificial system and why is was so important. Then Pastor Jay goes on to give biblical direction how we can live pure lives before the Lord.

The question many people ask of God is, "Whose side are you on?" That's entirely the WRONG question. The question should be, "Am I on the Lord's side?" This message is an interesting look at Joshua's encounter with the Lord just before the campaign against Jericho is launched (Joshua 5:13-6:5). How many church conflicts and fights between Christians could be solved if the following three principles are adopted - the right perspective, the right attitude, and the right plan? Check it out!

There is a fascinating word in the Hebrew language. According to the text, the word "bara" (create) is used only of God creating. Follow Pastor Jay as he walks through the biblical text to see what things only God can create...and be amazed and encouraged! 

Pastor Jay bases this message on the famous "Writing on the Wall" event of Daniel 5 where King Belshazzar foolishly and sacrilegiously uses God's treasures (from the Temple) for his debauched drinking party. God has allowed the Babylonians to exile the best of Israel to Babylon - people and treasures - for punishment and safe keeping. But the Lord's treasures were abused and provoked the Lord to act against the foolish king. But the message is so much more. What are God's treasures, really? Can we too get into trouble by misusing the Lord's treasures, even unknowingly? This is a really challenging word!

The new coronavirus erupting out of China has many millions of people scared. It won't take long for the numbers in Pastor Jay's message to become outdated, perhaps even pale in comparison to the virus' spread and mortality. HOWEVER, God's word is NEVER outdated. It is just as alive and fresh as the moment He inspired it. So listen to the message, read through Psalm 91, and embrace the Lord's promise of protection during this very uncertain time!

Psalm 46 has some of the most beautiful verses and encouraging words in all the Psalms. It was the Psalm that inspired Martin Luther's great hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. If you're in the middle of the storm, if it feels like the enemy is bearing down on you, take a few moments to be encouraged!

Following the previous message about this marvelous "Child" of Isaiah's prophecy that explore who he is, Pastor Jay gives new insights into what this Child will do. Put both messages together and you will have a beautiful picture our Heavenly Father released through Isaiah.

Pastor Jay takes a famous prophecy from Isaiah and gives us insights into who the amazing "Child" of the prophecy is. This will give you great insights to meditate on about Jesus!

Pastor Jay's message was prompted by a talk with a new disciple. When someone gives their life to the Lord they are frequently unsure of what to do next. There are a LOT of great discipleship resources out there. However, what do you do when you don't have all the audios and videos and print media to help you? Pastor Jay shares some excellent first steps!

Did you know you can minister to the Lord? Yup. The model for it is found in the Tabernacle and Temple priest's duties and operations. This is a great teaching to help you develop a daily discipline for building your relationship with Jesus. Check it out!

A followers of Jesus, we have a LOT to be thankful for! This psalm, although very old and written by King David, gives us a wonderful reason and ways to thank God. Listen through and then take some time to thank God for his many blessings!

Life is not only FULL of expected events, but as we all know life brings us plenty of unexpected ones - a sudden death, an illness, a job change, a relationship - both new and breakups. How do we possibly prepare for being "blindsided"? Well, Proverbs has plenty to say about that, too. Take listen and be encouraged!

Pastor Jay continues the deeper dive into Proverbs on the subject of Biblical Survival Training. Life is FULL of expected events. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. There are plenty of things we need to prepare for and Proverbs has much to say about doing just that.

Wisdom - a sublime gift from God and crucial for biblical survival. Take a quick dive into Proverbs with Pastor Jay and start to discover the richness of wisdom God has for us!

The Bible is VERY clear that deception will run rampant in the Last Days. How do we keep from being deceived? How can we tell the false from the genuine? There are many seemingly spiritual manifestations occurring in church meetings today. How do we know they're from the Holy Spirit or an unholy spirit? This vital message gives us great training to discern what is really of God.

Pastor Jay continues his "Headlines" sermons. This first message in the Biblical Survival Training series focuses on WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW to walk through challenging times. These four things are crucial, yet so good to learn.

One of the BIG themes of the Lord's Feast of Tabernacles is water. Not just any kind of water, but Living Water - water that moves, water that has an inflow and outflow. It is a vibrant picture of the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives. As Israel prays during the Feast of Tabernacles for rain (living water) so this is a perfect time to ask the Lord for a fresh filling by His Holy Spirit!

In this fascinating message, Pastor Jay directs your attention to the Book of Daniel to encourage you to hang in there! God is in absolute control and He is near you to help. Take a listen and be blessed.

Racism is sin! There...we said it. But we hear the word "racism" thrown about with abandon by people trying to win arguments, smear their opponents, and as a political/social media tool. What is racism? When is a word or action actually racist? Most importantly, what does God have to say about racism? Pastor Jay's message is not the last word on Christians and racism, but it WILL give you plenty to think about.

In this final teaching on the subject of Women In Ministry, Pastor Jay recaps the 1 Corinthians "Silence Law" and ends with a brief look at women serving as elders and deacons in the 1st c. Jewish messianic synagogues.

This is a FASCINATING look at the "women must be silent in church" issues. Says who! "Says the Law!" Ah...but what law is Paul referring to? Is there actually a command in the Torah that says women must keep silent or could there be something else being referred to here? You be the judge!

Pastor Jay completes this section of Paul's 1 and 2 Timothy correction regarding an issue in the Ephesian church. Here he addresses the specifics of "No Teaching and No Authority!" Enjoy and be set free!

And now the bombshell topic, the trifecta of oppression - Silence! No Teaching! No Authority! Did Paul REALLY advocate that? Is it for the whole church, the Ephesian church, or one person? Take a listen. You be the judge. If we've been understanding this wrong, the women need to speak up, teach forth, and step into their God-given authority!

Here we go...into the tough scriptures. Paul addressed a problem within the Corinthians Church. But is this specific problem a mandate for the whole church? Does it really have to with authority or is it about something else? Again, you will be surprised. And if you're a woman, you will be set free to be what God wants you to be!

Pastor Jay continues his series on Women in Ministry with a look at women in the New Testament and then a dive into the head covering/"authority" issue of 1 Corinthians. YOU WILL BE VERY SURPRISED! (Pastor Jay would like to acknowledge the fine work of Cathy Shatz "Women In Ministry: Silenced or Set Free?" and Dr. John Garr's materials that went into the making of this series. Pastor Jay highly recommends these resources!)

Pastor Jay continues with his series on Women in Ministry. In pt 1a, Pastor Jay revealed God's Original Design as seen in humanity's creation. In this part, he shows that even though the Fall affected Man/Woman relationships and authority, God still used women to minister to and lead His people. These two parts are foundational to understanding the "problem scriptures" about women in spiritual leadership and how they "should" act in church.

Should women minister? To what extent? Even in authority over men? These are long debated questions and the right place to start in answering them properly is by going back to the BEGINNING - GENESIS. WARNING! You may not like what you hear. But then again, God doesn't really care what we feel or think. It's our job to line up with His design! Enjoy!

Elders and Deacons are not a new invention by Yeshua. They fully functioned in the 1st c. synagogue. So where do we go to learn about the proper function of elders and deacons? Right! The 1st c. synagogue and the Bible. Enjoy this fun and challenging message.

Many Christians are aware of what Yeshua's Great Commission is - "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you." Ifyou ask them what it is, they will often say it's all about evangelism. True...in part. It's about making disciples. In fact, if we were to evaluate the modern church against the Great Commission, we might think Christians think it's the Great Option. Join Pastor Jay in this very challenging message and a REMARKABLE insight at the end of the message!

You can't keep a good man down! How true for Yeshua. This is the seminal moment in human history. Join Pastor Jay as he unlocks the context surrounding Yeshua's resurrection and the amazing mystery of Joseph of Ramah's Tomb!

The Trial and Torture have passed. The Crucifixion has finished its gruesome work. The earthquake and darkness are beginning to fade away and the curtain of the Temple waves placidly in two vertical torn panels. As the weekly Sabbath approaches, a small group of people approach Pilate and ask for Yeshua's body. Time is short. He must be buried before sundown. What they are about to do sets the stage for the most cosmos-changing event in human history! But for now...quiet.

When you read about death in the Old Testament and the New Testament, you'll soon notice something strange. In the OT, people go to their "fathers," they go to Sheol. Sheol? What's a Sheol? And in the NT, when people die, Paul says they go to be with God in heaven. WAIT? Is the Bible inconsistent? Is there a mistake? Nope! At one point in time, people went "down" and at another point people go "up." There is a pivotal moment in history when things changed and that's the point of Pastor Jay's message. Check it out. You will be amazed!

The Gospel account has reached the pivotal moment - Yeshua's crucifixion. The fate of all humanity rests on 6 hours during a long planned-for-by-the-Father Passover. Genesis 3:15 is about to be fulfilled - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This ancient prophecy was given to Satan to let him know his inevitable doom at the hands of God's Messiah, a human descendant of Adam and Eve. At the crucifixion, Satan strikes Yeshua's "heel," bringing him death. And simultaneously, Yeshua crushes Satan's head, i.e. conquers his tyrannical dominion over mankind. Listen to Pastor Jay as he describes the events, the process, and prophecies of Yeshua's crucifixion in this gripping end to Satan's rule and our freedom!

The Gospel account has reached the pivotal moment - Yeshua's crucifixion. The fate of all humanity rests on 6 hours during a long planned-for-by-the-Father Passover. Genesis 3:15 is about to be fulfilled - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This ancient prophecy was given to Satan to let him know his inevitable doom at the hands of God's Messiah, a human descendant of Adam and Eve. At the crucifixion, Satan strikes Yeshua's "heel," bringing him death. And simultaneously, Yeshua crushes Satan's head, i.e. conquers his tyrannical dominion over mankind. Listen to Pastor Jay as he describes the events, the process, and prophecies of Yeshua's crucifixion!

Jesus'/Yeshua's trial before the Sadducean leadership is over and they now deliver him to Pilate for Roman execution. But Pilate is not convinced of Yeshua's guilt. Too often we gloss over the subtleties of the back and forth questions and Jesus' silence. Pastor Jay unpacks this dramatic moment as it leads up to Yeshua's crucifixion.