Dear Supporters of Aliyat Simcha Seminars,

We thank you for your patience. We were unable to send a newsletter until now. Our finances have taken a temporary down-turn since we moved to El Paso. However, a few faithful people have encouraged us to keep the letters coming. Thanks to those who hear from the Lord and act upon it. You are storing up treasures in heaven. Deut 28:12; Matt 6:20-21.

We are making progress with our video series of the Mishkan/Tabernacle. Robert, our producer, is preparing all of the digitized architectural models, so we will be able to present state of the art videos. I am busy preparing the scripts so that we’ll have a concise and relevant narrative. Together we should be able to present a series such as has never been made before. Please keep us in your prayers daily. Thank you – intercessory prayer is one of the most important aspects of any ministry.

We have already celebrated the Purim festival. This powerful story of God’s deliverance of our Jewish people in Persia describes how Esther was put in a place of authority. The wicked Haman, descended from Agag, the Amalekite king, tried to destroy the whole Jewish race. I Sam. 15:8-9.

Although God’s name is never mentioned, we see His providential act of Redemption in the Book of Esther 3:1-2; 10; 8:3,5; 9:26. The continual mention above is pointing out not just the ancient situation, but also describes how these animosities continued down through the generations. Ex 20:5; Num 14:18. When you read this last reference, it is obvious that although God forgives, He also expects us to be forgiving.

FORGIVENESS

Before looking at the important Festival of Pesach/Passover, is the need to address the reason that God brings redemption – namely, forgiveness.
Rabbis often discount the New Testament scriptures which command forgiving our enemies Matt 6:14-15; Matt 18:21-22; Mk 11:25-26; Lk 6:36-37; 17:3-4; 23:34; II Cor 2:10. Another New Testament statement, Matt 5:39, is that we "turn the other cheek" – not easy to do is it? Yet Messiah is always quoting from the mitzvot/ commandments.

Back to Num 14:18 – God says, " The Lord is slow to anger, and plenteous in loving-kindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression …….. In verses 19 and 20, God grants pardon and forgiveness. It is important also to remember, even though we are willing or able to forgive, God still requires repentance on both our and our "enemies" part.

PESACH/PASSOVER

Most of us are familiar with the basic history and ordinances of this unique and original Festival of Freedom.

Exodus Ch 12; Lev 23:5-15
The account describes how the Egyptian Pharaoh would not acknowledge his sinfulness or recognize God or His servants Aaron and Moses. As a matter of fact, our Jewish people are also referred as "stiff-necked." Ex 32:9; Acts 7:51 and Rom 11:11, 18 refers to the Christians and exhorts them not to boast or brag about their status, and becoming "stiff-necked" in their attitudes. So we see Pesach is a time for freedom from bondage to sinfulness, and from our own selfishness or self-centeredness.
It is a time to search ourselves, and remove wrong attitudes. I Cor 5:8 reminds us to keep the feast but not with the old leaven. Leaven in Hebrew is CHAMETZ meaning corrupt or "that which puffs up." We are encouraged to remove malice and wickedness and so partake of the "matzah (or unleavened bread) of sincerity and truth."

We need not wonder then that in the mini Passover which is the Communion, the Lord’s Table, the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist , we are to search out the leaven in our own hearts. A strong emphasis is made in I Cor 11:27-32 that we consider the depth of meaning in this holy ordinance. Verse 32 makes a point of expressing that grace is the ultimate purpose of the above statement but steers us to consider our participation in a serious introspective way.

Thanks to all who remembered my mother in prayer. Your prayers were answered. Hannah Elizabeth, Mom, went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Messiah April 16th, 2000. Those of you who sponsored our trip to South Africa four months ago will rejoice with us – because of your faithfulness this Daughter of Abraham is now in the comfort of Abraham’s Bosom. Luke 16:22.

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