The Feast Days, or the Moedim, are an essential part of the biblical calendar

 
The Feast Days, or the Moedim, are an essential part of the biblical calendar.
As we have moved past the major chunk of these holy days, we may find ourselves entering a season of diligence and endurance, as there are no holidays until the next appointed times. Even Hanukkah, a significant celebration in Jewish tradition, doesn’t offer a break from work, leaving us to engage in a kind of spiritual and physical marathon until the holidays return. But it is during these in-between times that the true test of our devotion comes to light. It’s a reminder that Elohim made us for eternity, and our ability to connect with Him now is essential for the eternal connection we will have with Him.
 
Elohim is already tabernacling with us.
Through Yeshua, He speaks to us daily, offering us guidance, wisdom, and comfort. Yet, challenges are ever-present, and we must not forsake the gathering together of believers. This gathering, often referred to as the Kehilah, is not simply a building. It is a community of faith, a body of people unified in worship, service, and love for Elohim and one another.
What is a Kehilah?
 
A Kehilah is far more than a congregation. It is a community, a family, where believers come together to pursue their shared faith in Yeshua. The Kehilah is rooted in the Torah, the teachings of the prophets, and the realization that through Yeshua, all things are fulfilled. It is a body of believers that exists to fulfill three key purposes:
 
To Worship and Glorify Elohim: Yeshua said in Matthew 16:18-19, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Kehilah; and the gates of Sheol shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Here, Yeshua emphasizes that the Kehilah is built on the foundation of faith, and it has the power and authority to carry out Elohim’s will on earth.
 
Sheol has gates, but the Kehilah—the body of believers—is not defenseless.
It is equipped with the wisdom and power from above, to overcome spiritual darkness and proclaim the Kingdom of Elohim. This is echoed in Ephesians 3:10, which states, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Kehilah the manifold wisdom of Elohim.”
 
To Be a Family of Believers:
We are all servants of Yeshua, sons and daughters of Abraham, heirs and co-heirs with Him in the Kingdom of Elohim. The Kehilah is not just a gathering of individuals; it is a community that is unified in Him. It is where we grow together, encourage one another, and support each other through life’s challenges. The early Kehilah was entirely composed of Jewish believers, and they initially struggled to comprehend that Elohim’s plan also included the gentiles.
Yet, through visions and divine encounters, it became clear that the Kehilah was to be a diverse body, united under the Messiah.
 
To Spread the Gospel and Perform Acts of Service:
The Kehilah is a lighthouse, a beacon of truth and hope to the world. As believers, we are called to spread the Good News of Yeshua to the ends of the earth, just as the early apostles did. The book of Acts, as its name suggests, is full of the actions that the early Kehilah undertook to grow and spread the message of salvation.
We are reminded of Acts 1:8-9, where Yeshua says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Ruach Hakodesh is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
 
The Role of Leadership and Gifts in the Kehilah
Elohim, in His wisdom, has structured the Kehilah with various roles and gifts. As stated in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, “Now ye are the body of Messiah, and members in particular. And Elohim hath set some in the Kehilah, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
These gifts are not meant to elevate one believer over another but to serve the body and advance the mission of the Kehilah. It is through these gifts that we minister to one another and to Elohim, offering worship, praise, and thanksgiving.
 
While our spiritual journey may sometimes feel like a solitary marathon, akin to climbing a mountain, we are never truly alone. The Kehilah is like an army, and in an army, you never leave a teammate behind. That is the essence of community, the essence of the Kehilah—a family united in purpose and love, growing stronger together.
 
The Unity of the Kehilah in Acts
The early Kehilah grew rapidly because of their unity and commitment to one another. They shared everything they had, ensuring no one was in need. This radical unity is demonstrated in Acts, where 3,000 people were added to the Kehilah in a single day, and the numbers only grew from there.
Paul and Barnabas were key figures in the early Kehilah, sent by Elohim and anointed for the task of spreading the Gospel to the gentiles.

Even though Peter and Paul had disagreements over how to approach the gentile believers, their shared mission and love for Yeshua united them. Through their dedication, all of Asia heard the word of Elohim, and many people cast aside their idols and turned to Elohim. This is a powerful reminder that the Kehilah is not about individual names or titles, but about serving Elohim and advancing His Kingdom.
 
The Challenge of Replacement Theology
Throughout history, there have been theological movements that have sought to replace Israel with the Kehilah, known as Replacement Theology or supersessionism. This belief system claims that the Kehilah has replaced Israel in Elohim’s plan, and therefore, the promises made to Israel now apply exclusively to the Kehilah. This idea has been propagated by notable figures throughout history, such as Augustine of Hippo, John Calvin, and Martin Luther.
However, it is essential to remember that Elohim’s covenant with Israel is eternal, and the Kehilah has been grafted into the promises made to the children of Abraham. Israel and the Kehilah are not in opposition but are both part of Elohim’s redemptive plan for the world.
 
The Foundation of Truth
The Kehilah is described in 1 Timothy 3:15 as “the pillar and ground of the truth.” As believers, we are called to uphold and defend the truth of Elohim’s word. In Luke 19:40, Yeshua says, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” This illustrates the urgency of our mission. If we do not proclaim the truth, the very creation will testify to Elohim’s glory. The Kehilah must be bold in its witness, standing firm on the foundation of truth.
Serving Together in the Kehilah
 
The Kehilah is not without its challenges.
Just as in any family, there will be disagreements and moments of frustration. Yet, we are called to love one another and to serve together. In Luke 22:22-29, Yeshua teaches that the greatest among us are those who serve. As the Kehilah, we must embody this principle, putting the needs of others before our own and serving Elohim with humility and grace.
 
Paul’s example of service is particularly inspiring. Despite facing intense persecution, he remained faithful to his calling and never wavered in his mission. He did not seek a “Christian” name or identity separate from his Jewish roots, but embraced his heritage while spreading the message of Yeshua. The Kehilah must follow in his footsteps, serving as a lighthouse of hope and truth to the world.
 
Reflecting on Our Journey
As we reflect on our own journey of faith, we must ask ourselves, “Are we all that we should be?” The Kehilah is not just a place to gather once a week, but a vibrant, living body that must be actively engaged in the world.
Do we reach out to those in need? Do we have the ability to engage with those of different faiths, like Muslims, and share the love of Yeshua? The story of Musab Yussef, a former Hamas member who came to faith in Yeshua, is a powerful testimony of how Elohim can reach even the hardest of hearts.
 
In conclusion, the Kehilah is the embodiment of Elohim’s plan for His people. It is a family, a community, and a lighthouse to the world. As we continue to serve together, let us remember that we are the body of Messiah, called to love one another, proclaim the truth, and fulfill the mission that Elohim has set before us. Let us not grow weary in well-doing
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