Unbelievable

0:00 Anyways, I'd like to invite Rabbi Sean to come and and to bring the message this Shabbat. Joel you did a fantastic job avina shabbasha Mayim Our Father in Heaven Lord. I Thank you for Rabbi Sean and his diligence to prepare this week Lord. I pray that you would speak to Joel and speak to the rest of us Lord through Rabbi Sean's lips or we bless you and we praise you in your shoes name. I mean Good morning. I'll be in Genesis 18 today if

0:46 You have your Bibles and want to turn there? I grew up with an aversion. to Messianic Judaism I wasn't interested in spirituality. institutional religion seemed very dry holidays were fun. But a life of Faith didn't appeal to me much. I had Jewish Family who was observant. I also had some devout Christians on my father's side. Yet none of it seemed to necessary. My Hebrew teacher was a Messianic Jew.

1:33 Although I didn't care about any religion. Messianic Judaism seemed the most problematic. Judaism and Christianity were normative Messianic Judaism was some strange cult. Weren't they the Jews for Jesus? That's so deceptive. In my senior year of high school. I was part of an aviation program that put me on a path to a legitimate career. Although I wanted to be a blimp pilot or an air traffic controller. My color blindness presented an obstacle in my path. Instead I pursued a degree in airport

2:18 management. During my first semester of college I met Val. She was a pre-med student. We became friends and as we grew closer it be clear it became clear that she was serious about her Christian faith. I was raised to be tolerant to most people as long as they weren't Messianic Jews. Those were crazy. Anyway, I had no problem with Val being a person of Faith as long as she didn't impose it upon me. yet the more that we got to know each other the more apparent the differences in our worldview became time passed quickly after a year and a half the differences in our

3:04 Direction were becoming more apparent. Val was not interested in dating if it didn't lead to marriage. Furthermore she was not interested in marrying an atheist or agnostic or whatever. I was at the time. As for me, I did not see the point of getting married. I also didn't see the point of faith. Actually that may have been starting to change yet. I felt no need to change my beliefs for someone else's sake. While I was still largely uninterested in God I had to admit there was something substantial to the life of faith.

3:50 For one Val had a moral compass that guided her decisions. I admired that in fact, she hadn't become entangled in any prior relationships. She took our relationship seriously and lived within a clear code of ethics. I could see the benefit of this. By this point I'd also got to know Val's parents and they were always kind to me. They were not pushy about their faith, but I could tell that it was valuable to them. They would spend time in prayer asking God for specific things. Then they would thank God when they received these same things. That kind of relationship with God impressed me. I still had no desire to personally change but

4:38 it intrigued me. I was buying books at the campus bookstore and I noticed a paperback King James Bible on the Shelf. It was probably for a literature class. I bought it out of curiosity and began to read it. The language seemed a bit archaic, but it was surely interesting. I had become slightly more curious about Val's Faith, but would shut down the conversation when it made me uncomfortable. I went to church with her but I would cuss regularly in the church to let her know that I wasn't one of them. Although I wasn't fully aware of what was happening within. I was starting to develop some kind of

5:25 moral compass. I'd always judged for myself in what was morally right or wrong being careful to avoid getting in trouble with the police? I had mostly done well with this through my teenage years. Now, however, I was beginning to explore the interior world my thoughts morals and feelings. I was beginning to think more critically about my own habits. During this stage. I felt it necessary to clear the air in my relationship with Val. As my father delivered magazines for a living. I had found it very easy to obtain pornography and had acquired quite a collection by the time I was in college.

6:11 Although I didn't see this as morally problematic. I had a feeling that Val would not be thrilled. Yet I trusted Val and I was proud of myself that I hadn't pursued other relationships since we were together. patting myself on the back One Summer Night I worked up the courage to tell her She was not happy as I expected. Yet I underestimated how upset this would make her. She was shocked. Frankly, I was shocked that she was shocked. I didn't know what to say. So I told her seven words that I never told her again today's our 19th

6:56 wedding anniversary, by the way. All right wrong wrong moment for the Applause. But these are the seven words that I told her. I said you can slap me if you want. and she did it hurt. She asked me to leave her house. And as far as I knew we were done. I was driving home shocked and crying. I realized a feeling that I had never felt before. While I was affected by Val's response as well as a slap. It was a good slap Bell you but there was something deeper going on. For the first time I felt like I had sinned.

7:43 I felt internal conviction for what I had done. It was heavy. I got back to my mom's house where I lived. I took a 50 gallon garbage bag. That's a big bag. I filled it with pornography hoisted it upon my back. like Jolly Old Saint Nick and dropped it in the trash can I'm sorry? It's not in my manuscript. It was raining that night. It was about 2 am. on June 18th of 2003 as if I was being led by a force Beyond myself. I got down on my mother's front lawn. I had no concern for the rain. Or for the hour of the night.

8:29 I asked God to forgive me of my sins and I ask Jesus to be my savior. Yeah. It was as if an enormous weight was lifted off of me. My life changed dramatically that day. many things began to align Val and I were immersed together by her father in the Atlantic And got married later that year. I began writing worship music. I got involved with Ministry on campus with Val's parents as well as in the church that Val is part of I was regularly having new and dynamic experiences with God. I was able to read the entire Bible and it

9:16 had relevance to situations. I was facing. I graduated with honors and found a job locally as an aircraft analyst. Yet I had an inner sense that my future was not in aviation. Numerous Ministry opportunities opened up but I felt that I was ill-equipped to walk in them successfully. I desire to go and receive deeper training in scripture and the things of God at the time Val and I were attending an Assemblies of God Church. The Assemblies of God had one Seminary and it was in Springfield, Missouri. So Val and I visited and we sense that it was the right move. My company even helped me to make scouting trips there.

10:01 So we moved from New York to Missouri in 2005. During my first semester. I was sitting in the lobby of the Seminary studying when a man appeared Before Me by Era. This was Dr. Ray Gannon a Jewish studies professor at the Seminary. He asked me about my story. He asked me who my Hebrew teacher was it turns out that she was one of his students. He was from the same town in New York as my father. He invited me to take classes with him such as Israel and the church. Well, I had always viewed Judaism and Christianity as distinct faiths that had little to do with each other.

10:47 I was realizing that these worlds converged in challenging and fascinating ways. Within a few semesters, he was planting a Messianic Jewish community in Springfield and asked Val and I to join him in the work. The ganon's invited me to a Messianic Jewish Passover seder at their home. I had been to many Passover seders, but never a Messianic Jewish Seder. I thought it was peculiar. However, it was shockingly similar to the seders. I was accustomed to and I could see how some of the Messianic perspective made sense. Cassiani Dr. Gannon's wife. Spoke with me after the meal. She asked me what I was planning to do after I

11:33 completed Seminary training. I told her that Val and I were planning to move to India where she was from. At this point Cassini grabbed my collar and pulled me toward her eye level. She told me that I needed to clean out my ears because God was calling us to Jewish Ministry. I tried not to laugh in her face. On the way home from the Seder. I told Val and we both cracked up. This Messianic Jewish stuff was quirky and fascinating, but we were definitely not going to get too deep. My Jewish Family became aware of my involvement with Messianic Judaism.

12:18 after many discussions and debates They hired the world's leading anti-missionary to deprogram me. Hi, Mom. I prepared myself thoroughly for about a dozen three-hour discussions with the anti missionary. By the end of this process. I was no longer skeptical about Messianic Judaism. I was fully convinced. I had the opportunity around that time to study in Israel for three weeks. This time solidified the sense of calling and refocused my perspective moving forward. After Seminary our family moved to Southern California to plant a Messianic community. God's call Upon Our Lives May Be far different than

13:05 what we expect. Today, I would like to consider Genesis 18 versus one through 15. I have entitled my message unbelievable. Joel I'd like to demonstrate three points from this text first, I want to invite you to consider what you would do if Adonai paid you a visit next. I want to remind you that Adonai is not bound by your expectations. Finally, I want to encourage you today that nothing is impossible with God. I will be reading from the Tree of Life Bible. My notes can be found on the YouVersion app. I will Begin by reading Genesis 18 verses 1 through 8.

13:52 Then Adonai appeared to him at Mama's large trees while he was sitting in the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes to see suddenly three men were standing right by him. When he saw them he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed down to the ground. Then he said my Lord if now I have found favor in your eyes. Please do not pass by your servant. Please let a little water be brought so you can wash your feet and make yourself comfortable under the tree. And let me bring a bit of bread so that you can refresh yourselves. Then you can pass on since you have passed by your servant. They said do just as you have said.

14:38 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said quick need three measures of fine flour and prepare bread loaves then to the herd Abraham ran and took a young aux tender and good and gave it to the servant who prepared it quickly. Then he took butter and milk and the young Ox that he had prepared and said it beforehand before them while he was standing by them under the tree. they ate what would you do if I don't I paid you a visit. Tom Waits said the way you do anything is the way you do everything. I get the impression that Abraham and Sarah were simply hospitable people. They were kind and generous.

15:23 With this said this was not Abraham's first encounter with God. Abraham seemed to automatically discern that this was no typical encounter. Abraham was 99 and freshly circumcised. When he saw the three men, he ran and bowed down before them. When was the last time you saw a 99 year old man run while he was recovering from circumcision? Clearly Abraham understood the weight of the moment. Joel I could tell from the first time we met that you were an extremely respectful person. Your parents have taught you well in this regard.

16:11 Many young people do not understand that you have to give respect to get respect. When you show honor to others, it is natural for them to want to reciprocate. Conversely when you are rude or disrespectful to others it tends to bring out the worst possible outcome. Abraham showed honor to his guests and the Lord is rewarding his Generations even until this day. Abraham demonstrates another principle for us in these verses he under-promises and over delivers. In verse 5. He asks his guest to stay for a bit of bread. Yet while Sarah is making haste to prepare multiple

16:57 loaves of bread. Abraham is overseeing the preparation of milk butter and a young Ox for his guests. While he promised little he gave everything he could. I've met people like this Joel. They always seem to go beyond what is required of them. They serve with generosity and kindness. They serve with Excellence they encourage others. On the contrary. Have you ever met people that make big promises but don't deliver. These are difficult people to be around. Endeavor to be like Abraham honor your commitments and if possible exceed them with full-hearted dedication

17:44 You will find like Abraham that you receive favor from God and man. You will also feel good about what you do, which is important because we all have to live with ourselves. There's another principle here, too. eat with people Yeshua became known to his disciples in the breaking of bread. When we share meals together, we get to know one another on a deeper level. first of all It's hard to keep up appearances when you're shoving a sandwich into your face. Food makes us just a little more vulnerable. We get to know each other's preferences. Perhaps we give thanks together.

18:30 You'll probably get stuff in your teeth. There is something about being preoccupied with a task such as eating food that allows us to give more latitude to one another in terms of listening. It forces us to stop talking for just a little bit. Additionally we tend to be a bit more peaceful when our bellies are satisfied. It also takes time to prepare a meal and enjoy it together. I don't know. How long you imagine this visit with Abraham to be. Yet it was enough time for bread to be cooked and for an ox to be prepared aside from the milk and the butter.

19:16 It is also funny to me that while many devout Jews go to Great Lengths to separate milk and dairy in order to please the Lord. God has no problem enjoying meat and dairy together with the patriarch. This passage, of course takes the controversy just a little bit further. As God Appears in flesh for the first time in the Bible. Now, I understand that some like to interpret these verses differently. However one would only need to employ such methods if they were opposed to the possibility of God taking on flesh and visiting the patriarch. I do understand why someone might wish to interpret these verses to Simply say that it was

20:03 an angel where some kind of messenger of the Lord. If one is already predisposed to reject the ministry of Yeshua, or the idea of a Divine Messiah, it would be natural to desire an alternate interpretation for these difficult verses. however, as followers of the Messiah Yeshua We should readily point out passages like this in the Torah where a plane reading of the text illuminates the consistency of the nature of God throughout the entirety of scripture from Genesis to revelation. Clearly God wasn't scared of challenging people's expectations, and we shouldn't be scared to do that either.

20:50 Physically speaking. This was probably the least convenient time for a visit. Abraham and Sarah were advanced in age. It was hot. Abraham was recovering from surgery. There was no food prepared when the men arrived. Yet. Spiritually speaking Abraham and Sarah were fully prepared for this moment. They were mature and ready to hear from God. My Aviation teacher used to say when the student is ready. The teachers will appear. If you are discouraged today that you don't get any opportunities consider the possibility that God is waiting for you to prepare yourself

21:38 to receive the good things he has for you. When we commit ourselves to the difficult internal work of building our character. It is amazing how God will open doors even when we don't feel qualified to walk through them. Humility comes before honor and pride comes before the fall. So what would you do if Adonai paid you a visit? What would you do if Adonai interrupted your plans? What would you do? If God challenged you to do something you thought was ridiculous or even impossible? Is there anything that you are scared about asking about the Lord asking you to do because you don't want to do it? What if God asked you to do that thing?

22:27 Let's move on to verses 9 through 12. Then they said to him. Where is Sarah your wife? there in the tent he said Then he said I will most surely return to you in about a year's time surprisingly Sarah your wife will have a son. Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old advanced in years. Sarah had stopped having the way of women. So Sarah laughed to herself saying after I've grown decrepit, how can I have desire? And my Lord so old.

23:15 Adonai is not bound by your expectations. Sarah is quite a likable character in this story. She was actually the one that the Lord came to speak to. God had already spoke with Abraham in the prior chapter. in this chapter Chapter 18 we observed quite a bit about Sarah. She was home with Abraham. She Made bread for the Lord She listened while she worked. She clearly had a sense of humor. She was completely reasonable. The word that the lord gave to her was unbelievable.

24:00 in chapter 17 we are told that Sarah was 90 years old. She would have been a mad woman if she had expected to have a child. She understood the natural limits that God himself created. God however has the freedom to set aside the boundaries that he creates for a purpose. It is not the God had made a mistake rather. He desired to bring about Isaac by way of a miraculous birth. It is also important to note that God does not act in this way often. throughout history for instance God suspended the laws of nature to allow

24:46 Israel to pass through the sea on dry ground when Egypt pursued them. God suspended the laws of nature to bring forth the Messiah through Miriam though. She was a virgin. Although death and Decay are normal Rules of Nature. God will suspend the laws of death and Decay through the resurrection of the dead as was the case with Yeshua. It is not that God loves breaking the rules. He created the rules. They are good. However at certain moments throughout history he seeks to intervene. He does this in order to get our attention to wake

25:31 us up and remind us that he presides over the order that he created. Ultimately, he gives us hope by showing us that he will fulfill his purposes regardless of how things seem to be. I think Sarah had the proper response to the Lord. Remember in the prior chapter Abraham fell on his face and laughed when God told him he would have a son with Sarah. Then got told him. That the name of the son would be it's back. Meaning laughter sounds like laughter, right? God was not a verse to the laughter. Rather he embraced it. He wanted

26:19 all generations to remember how incredible his works are. He wanted all people to be reminded that he can do unbelievable things. Joel As you enter into young adulthood. Understand that there are normal consequences to your actions. For instance. If you take the time to prepare yourself for your exam, you'll probably do well. If you show kindness and respect to others. They will probably treat you well. If you set goals and work towards them you'll probably achieve them. However, these things are not always true. Sometimes you will prepare the best way, you know how and

27:05 you will fall short? Sometimes you will approach someone respectfully and they will take advantage of your kindness. Sometimes you will work hard towards a goal that never comes to pass. Life is your spiritual curriculum. There is something to learn from every situation. While there are normal expectations and rules we can follow for Success. We will also face difficulty. Most of the time negative consequences are a result of our actions. Sometimes bad things just happen. Rather than abandon Our Hope in the Lord. We can use these opportunities to grow in patients perseverance and wisdom. We will be better able to help others who are

27:53 hurt or disoriented. Yet. We must understand that when it comes to the purposes of God in our lives and Humanity. No obstacle can stand in God's way. To put it another way. If you can discover God's will for your life. And get on board with what he wants you to do through you you no longer have to worry about success or failure. You have aligned yourself with God's agenda and he will see that his plans come to pass. This is his story. Not ours. Sarah was beyond the age of bearing children. She laughed when she heard God's promise. However, she was modest.

28:40 the Torah says she laughed to herself. I think it is possible that she did not laugh audibly. but only Within she also shows wisdom in that she does not say no to the Lord even when she is full of doubt. Rather she wisely responds with a question. After I've grown decrepit can I have desire and my Lord so old? She is clearly self-deprecating. She is right that she is old. However, she would go on to live for 37 more years. the word she uses for desire and not

29:25 Is the same Hebrew root referenced for the Garden of Eden? Let's continue by reading verses 13 through 15. Then Adonai said to Abraham. Why is it that Sarah laughed? Saying can I really give birth when I am so old? Is anything too difficult for Adonai? At the appointed time. I will return to you in about a year and Sarah will have a son. Sarah denied it saying I didn't laugh. For she was afraid but he said no. For you did laugh. You should not consider anything too difficult for Adonai. I think there is an element to this passage that

30:12 we can easily Miss. Yes, clearly the Lord wins the argument. That is without question. But God did not rebuke Sarah for laughing. rather he rebuked her for lying. She said she didn't laugh. But she did. In fact, this laughter is important. God had already revealed in the prior chapter that his name would be laughter. It's hack. God knew that Abraham would laugh he knew that Sarah would laugh. God created comedy. Have you ever thought about that?

30:57 He knew that he would shock them and surprise them. However, I think this passage hints at a greater truth. Remember Sarah laughed to herself. She contained her laughter. It is likely that Abraham and the two men with the Lord did not hear her at all. I think she knew it was the Lord and would not dare to laugh to his face. Abraham is another story. He rolled on the floor in front of the Lord. Yet, why was Sarah afraid in verse 15? Was she scared of giving birth?

31:42 I don't think so. It was Sarah's greatest desire to give birth to a son. So, why was she so afraid? I think in one sense Sarah was right. She didn't laugh out loud. She laughed inwardly. That is what the Lord was referring to. That is far more terrifying. It means that the Lord knows our inner thoughts. It means we cannot hide anything from him. God knew where Sarah was when he asked the question to Abraham. And God knew that Sarah laughed to herself.

32:27 When she heard his promise. God knew the inner world of Sarah's heart and mind even though she had contained her laughter. When Dr. Gannon's wife cassiani told me that God was calling me into Jewish Ministry. I didn't laugh in her face. That would have been rude. I laughed Within Myself. Cassini didn't know that I laughed she's human. I told her later how I felt and she got a kick out of it. However, something different happened to Sarah. She was hidden in the tent. She was not in plain sight. She did not laugh aloud but within herself.

33:14 Yet the Lord in human form visited her and although she thought that her expressions and inner thoughts were hidden. God told Sarah that he knew the content of her heart and the depth of her soul. I believe that this is what terrified Sarah. She is right to be afraid. Joel have you ever considered that you cannot hide anything from the Lord? Our secret sins are before him. Scripture talks about the fear of the Lord and it is fashionable to say that it is not Terror but reverence. I think reverence is part of it, but we should not lose the plain meaning of the term.

34:03 Sarah was afraid when she understood this dimension of God. God knows the worst of us. Yet he is Holy. Sin cannot stand in his presence. And he is all powerful. For all that talk about doing the right things and good results following if any of us got what we deserved we'd be in big trouble. We are sinful creatures Joel. And there is a normal consequence of sin. It's death. We all have to face it. It is the natural consequence. It's funny to me that God takes on flesh in order to deliver this message to Sarah. He or she is preparing for her own death.

34:50 God takes on flesh and brings her a message of Hope and New Life. I dare say that he gave them a promise of eternal life. Remember he promised Abraham the land in the last chapter? as an Everlasting Covenant that doesn't just mean a long time. It means forever. It means that God is breaking through his created order. in order to Deliver Us from these bodies of death and Decay and bringing us into the Eternal Dimension where he resides Does that sound wild to you Joel?

35:35 It sounds wild to me. How Could You Believe in a God who is invisible yet created the universe How could you believe that a Divine Messiah was born over 2,000 years ago to a virgin? How could you believe that a man upon a cross died for the sins of humanity and that you are forgiven through trusting in Him? How could you believe that God raised him from the dead and that he ascended to God's right hand? After thousands of years, how could you believe that he will return to gather us the living and the dead restore us and Usher us into a renewed Jerusalem.

36:21 How could you believe that you will live forever with God? Do you ever have doubts Joel? I do. Sarah did Abraham rolled on the floor laughing Yet. It doesn't change God. He can handle our questions. He can handle our doubt. He can handle our sin. Just as God took on flesh and paid us a visit in the days of Abraham and Sarah. Just as God took on flesh and paid us a visit over 2,000 years ago. Sending disciples throughout the world on a mission that continues to this day.

37:08 God made a promise that he will return to us and restore all things. That does not seem probable. It doesn't even seem possible. Yet. God is not bound by the confines of possibility. He created them. He operates outside of the realm of possibility. He is without beginning and Without End. We cannot comprehend the depth and the riches of our God. in summary What would you do if Adonai paid you a visit? To go a step further. What is Adonai visiting you

37:55 about today? Remember Joel. Adonai is not bound by your expectations. God will surprise you. And nothing is too difficult for God. Mazel toe Joel on making Aliyah to the Torah shabbat shalom May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face. Shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you. And give you peace. Give our recognado night.

38:47 For nevertheless, we who never come? He sat on life another letter. There's some left heart. shallow Hashem yoshima mishikenu in the name of our Messiah Yeshua shabbat shalom mazatovjul