Issachar Community Doctrinal Statement

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We Believe:

 

The LORD our God is one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit existing together in unity in eternity (even before the creation of time) (Deuteronomy 6:4, John 10:30, Matthew 3:16-17) 

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The bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the infallible word of God (as it WAS originally) recorded through His inspiration by righteous Jewish and Christian men of His choosing. We believe it is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

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We believe the Torah (the first five books of the bible) is the foundation of God’s word and the entire bible is crucial to spiritual life and maturity.
 
The bible is our standard for faith and practice and we are committed to biblical integrity and clarity. We strive to understand the scriptures in their appropriate historical and cultural contexts. 

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We believe that feasts of the LORD (are "moedim" Genesis 1:14) appointments with God set by God, explained in Leviticus 23, Numbers 28-29 and Deuteronomy 16 are meant for all believers, and as a congregation we endeavor to learn the lessons that each festival teaches and enrich our Christian experience by celebrating them.

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Jesus (Yeshua) was conceived > in Mary < by the Holy Spirit, born in the flesh as fully God and fully human. (John 8:58, John 14:9, John 10:30)

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Jesus (Yeshua) was crucified for the sins of mankind even though He knew no sin, died and was buried. On the third day, He was resurrected according to the scriptures and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. (Romans 6:23, John 3:16,36)

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Salvation is by grace through faith as a free gift of God and whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:8)

Repentance and baptism through immersion are outward signs of the inward work of salvation. (Ephesians 4:4-5)

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In the imminent return of Jesus (Yeshua) at which time he will gather together the elect of God and bring the world into final judgment. (Matthew 26:62-64, Acts 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:50-53, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Acts 10:42) (I do NOT believe in a pretribulation rapture - So I do not like the use of Imminent.  It gives people the wrong understanding.)

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The Jewish people remain God’s special treasure, chosen to bring forth the Messiah to the world and to fulfill their God-given mission to be a light unto the nations.

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Israel has a God-given right to exist as a nation on their covenant land as He has promised. (Genesis 13:14-15, Jeremiah 23:7-8)

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God is calling the church today to extend a hand of unconditional love and friendship to the Jewish people as a means of reconciliation after two millennia of Christian anti-Semitism. (Romans 9:4, 11:17-18, 29, 15:27) 

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The existence of the modern state of Israel is the fulfillment of bible prophecy. (Jeremiah 31:35-37, Ezekiel 36:24)

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God’s promise of blessing in Genesis 12:1-3 was given to all men, but especially the church as we stand with the people He calls the apple of His eye. (Genesis 12:1-3, Isaiah 60:12, Zechariah 2:8)

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The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is a God of faithfulness as is evidenced by His relationship with the people of Israel. Extravagant love and mercy are His very essence and He WILL fulfill all His covenants and promises that are found in His word. He is not a man that He could lie. ( Exodus 34:6, Numbers 23:19)