Encounter Yeshua /Jesus
“Yet I am always with you; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but G-d is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalms 73:23-26Does GOd really want me
G-d Desires A Relationship With You!
“The L-rd your G-d is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
It’s true. Have you ever wondered why you have a desire for something more in life, a longing for a deep-seated sense of purpose, and connection with your Creator? Do you want the assurance that you will be with Him forever through His Salvation? You’re in the right place. There are no coincidences in life. G-D brought you here to this page so that you could have the information that you need that will change your life and draw you closer to Him.
The Path to Salvation Step 1
Authentic Salvation or False Conversion
There are far too many people who walk through life claiming to be a believer in or follower of Jesus (Yeshua). Yet, their lives bear no real fruit (evidence) that there has been a change in their life. The divorce rate amongst “Christians” is essentially the same as non-believers. They seem to blend into crowds of unsaved, unchurched people practically indistinguishable from the brazen unrepentant masses. Many believers don’t seem to endure in their new-found faith very long before backsliding into nominal believers, if at all. Why? The fault is clearly with a church that is largely divorced from Judaism and its understanding of the nature of G-D and the reality of sin and what it means to be Holy, which is demanded by G-D over and over even in the New Testament. The biggest key to the answer to this question is the clear lack of understanding by the church-at-large of what repentance even means!
In Episode 10, we look at the answer from Scripture to the question “What Does the Father Actually Want From ME?” Join us and discover the answer!
In this episode, Rabbi Jeff of The Rock of Israel Congregation in Hickory North Carolina gives insight to a commonly asked question, “Am I too far gone?” Learn what Jeremiah Chapter 3 says on this question!
Step 2
Watered-Down Salvation
Before I reveal this meaning, I want to paint the picture that most Christian denominational thinking says is the way to salvation. Basically, a watered-down abbreviated version of the Gospel message is presented. The message may go something like this: “We are lost in sin and separated from G-D. But G-D, in His infinite love and mercy sent His Son to die on our behalf in order to pay for (atone) our sins.” Then, how does one receive this gift of salvation? Almost universally, the church will ask the potential new believer to repeat a little prayer after them as though this act somehow fulfills the Scripture verse found in Romans 10:9: “Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth and you will be saved.” Here is a version of this prayer: “Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I acknowledge my sin before you. I am sorry for my sin. I accept the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for me, and I place my trust in His shed blood. Amen.” These new believers are now told, “There you go. Welcome to the family of G-d! The angels in Heaven are rejoicing. Now join us this Sunday at church. From this point on the extent of discipleship is usually to “have good attendance, get and read your Bible, and pray. Be sure to tithe (give 10% of your income to the church), and serve at the local church.” Bingo! You now have your “Get out of hell-FREE card.” Now here is the shocking truth. NOWHERE can you find in Scripture this prayer or any example of anything close to it! It simply is not there. It is an invention of men based on poor understanding of what repentance is. Read on to acquaint yourself with the truth found in Scripture.
the Path to Salvation Step 3
What is Sin, Really?
So, what exactly is repentance? In order to understand it, we must first understand what sin is. Sin quite literally is the breaking of the Mosaic Law. 1 John 3:4: “Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” This Law is actually the Law of G-D given at Mt. Sinai to Moses, typically known as The Ten Commandments, which in truth is liken to a table of contents for what are actually 613 commands or better translated as instructions of G-D. These are a long list of things we ought to do and others we ought NOT to do. Sin, therefore, are ultimately acts of comission (the things we do that we should have avoided) and acts of omission (things we failed to do that we should have done). All of these acts, intentional or unintentional separate us from G-D and have as their end result, the penalty of eternal death. Romans 6:23 states, “The wages of sin is death.” This is speaking of the second death (damnation to an eternal punishment in hell). Scripture tells us in 1 John 3:4 that, “Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Rabbi Jeff explains from Scripture what Yeshua said about repentance in this full length Shabbat Service Message.
In this podcast episode, Rabbi Jeff explains exactly what Repentance means.
Step 4
The Road to Repentance
Now we can finally look at what it means to repent. It must mean the same thing today as it meant in the time of Jesus (Yeshua). “Teshuva” is the Hebrew word that gets translated as “Repent.” This word quite literally means “To Return.” You will ask, “Return to What?” Return to “The Way” which is “Derekh” in the Hebrew. This refers to The Way G-D commanded or instructed us to live. You guessed it..-back to His Holy Commandments (Instructions). So how does one become saved then if not by a simple prayer? Look no further than to the words of Jesus (Yeshua) Himself. He painted the picture very plainly for us. Let’s face it, there is NO higher authority! No denomination, no Apostle, no Disciple, no church father, no one that has a man-made answer to that question trumps what Jesus (Yeshua) said Himself! This proof can be found in Mark 3:1-3: “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus (Yeshua) came to Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of G-D, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of G-D is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” That is it!! So unbelievably simple. Now come the questions, “What does it mean” and “How do I apply this to my life so that I may truly know that I am indeed saved?
the Path to Salvation Step 5
Grace or Works?
The question of what exactly G-D wants from us with regards to salvation is a valid question because Matthew 7:21-23 reveals that there will be far too many “Christians” being sent to hell on judgment day. Don’t believe that? Let’s read Matthew 7:21-23 together: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons in Your Name, and done many wonders in Your Name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness (workers of iniquity)!’ Did you catch that? Nobody is calling Jesus (Yeshua) L-RD, healing the sick, casting out demons, and doing signs and wonders in His Name other than “Christians”! So why then would Jesus (Yeshua) send His own to hell? He answers that question right there in the verse. He calls them, “you who practice lawlessness” or “workers of iniquity.” The Greek word used in this declaration is “anomia,” which is translated as “the condition of without law because of ignorance or violation, contempt and violation of t that sink in. Without the Law, iniquity is deliberate sin. Much of the church world rejects the Law as “done away with” and “nailed to the cross.” This is a lie and false teaching, which leads to false conversions. The specific law that is being spoken of in the “nailed to the cross” verse is found in Numbers 5:29-30: “This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goes aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled: Or when the spirit of jealousy comes upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the L-RD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.” We were created to love, honor, and serve G-D and those He places in our path. All mankind has strayed far from our Creator and served all manner of things, including ourselves instead of Him. The Covenant made at Mt. Sinai was presented not just to the Hebrews but the text clearly documents it was given “to a mixed multitude.” That means It was meant for all mankind not just those at Sinai. The Israelites were charged with bringing His Word to the Nations. so that All would be saved and follow the One True G-D! We are the Bride of Christ. We deserve death for straying from our original marriage covenant that was sealed in a blood sacrifice. Continue with me a little longer and the full picture will all come together.
In these two podcasts, you will discover the verse that when taken in context as all Scripture should be used, points to keeping the commandments to please the Messiah Yeshua.
This podcast episode explains what seems to be a contradiction in Scripture about salvation’s “by faith alone” statement is not a contradiction at all to the keeping of the commandments.
This video discusses The Law of Christ what it is and what it is not.
Step 6
Obedience Is Freedom
Jesus (Yeshua) said that “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This is referring to the fact that you and I are fragile, here today and gone tomorrow. At any moment, for any one of a million reasons we could find ourselves in the presence of a Holy and awesome G-D! Therefore, the response is to repent (return to the commands of G-D). In other words: Keep the Law! “Wait a minute,” you’re thinking. “Isn’t that ‘works-based” salvation? What happened to it being a “free gift and not of works lest anyone should boast”? Great question! Here is the answer, not based on opinion but based on Scripture. True, righteousness literally means “correct and lawful” in the Hebrew understanding. And Yes! Scripture says that “ALL our righteousness is like filthy rags before Him.” so, the best we can and should do is inadequate and does NOT save us, which brings us to the “believe” part Jesus (Yeshua) told us about. What are we believing? We are placing our trust that our confession and acceptance of His sacrifice for us is what makes all of our best attempts acceptable unto the L-RD. You see, it comes down to this, in Deuteronomy 8:2, we are told that G-D “brought us out of Egypt and through the wilderness all these years to test s and to prove us. To see whether or not it was in our hearts to keep His commands.” Egypt in the Hebrew tongue is synonymous to a picture of sin. He is leading us through the wilderness of life. He is bringing us tests and trials that are all designed for one purpose only. He want to know if we will serve Him by keeping His Holy Commands, no matter what! He wants to spend eternity with people who REALLY want to be with Him, serve Him, and please Him. This can only be accomplished by obedience to His Word. You see, it’s not about whether or not we checked all the boxes and kept All His commands perfectly or not. He knows we cannot and this is why He ultimately paid the price for us by sending His Son Jesus (Yeshua). This gift is for those whose hearts truly WANT to please Him by walking as obedient children. 1 John 2 tells us that “we ought to walk as Jesus (Yeshua) walked.” How did He walk? He was the most Torah observant, Law keeping Jew that the world has ever seen. He is our model. This is how we should live, as best we can. We must not ever be tempted to think our righteousness or law-keeping is what is “earning” our salvation. No! It is the foundation to which the blood of Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) can be applied. No foundation…no salvation because there is nothing for the blood to be applied to. James 2:19 teaches us that belief is not enough and James 2:24 concludes that we are saved by our WORKS and NOT by faith alone. It is the two working together as Jesus stated and taught in Mark 3:1-3.
The Path to Salvation Step 7
True Salvation
Salvation is not a single moment in time as defined by a single prayer that covers us for life. It begins with a decision: The decision to abandon living our way in exchange for living His way. this is laid out in the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) and includes all 613 commands. It also includes trusting that the blessed gift we do not deserve and could not have earned is now applied to our obedient hearts. We must persist and endure in Torah to the end, and then we will be saved. Matthew 24:11-13: “Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Salvation is not a moment in time. It’s a lifelong process that begins with hearing the Good News (Besorah- The Gospel), and allowing ourselves to learn, grow, and be discipled (trained) in the way to walk. This is a lifestyle of discipline that takes us off the “broad road that leads to destruction” and plants our feet on the “narrow road that leads to eternal life.” Let’s read Matthew 7:13:-14: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to eternal life, and those who find it are few.” We are told in this passage that few find this road. We must be focused on not turning to the left or to the right. Discipline. We will not be perfect. Through right hearts and longing to be more like Him, we will be perfected! All the Glory is unto Him!
In this video, Rabbi Jeff discusses Hell- The Reward Some Choose.
Are you a lone wolf kind of Christian, trying to walk the narrow road alone? Rabbi Jeff gives solid Biblical reasons why this can be more dangerous than one would think.
In this video, Rabbi Jeff gives a warm welcome invitation to visit us along with a short introduction about our Messianic congregation.
Step 8-Parting Words of Encouragement
Stay On The Narrow Road and-Get Connected
Salvation is not a single moment in time as defined by a single prayer that covers us for life. It begins with a decision: The decision to abandon living our way in exchange for living His way. this is laid out in the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) and includes all 613 commands. It also includes trusting that the blessed gift we do not deserve and could not have earned is now applied to our obedient hearts. We must persist and endure in Torah to the end, and then we will be saved. Matthew 24:11-13: “Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Salvation is not a moment in time. It’s a lifelong process that begins with hearing the Good News (Besorah- The Gospel), and allowing ourselves to learn, grow, and be discipled (trained) in the way to walk. This is a lifestyle of discipline that takes us off the “broad road that leads to destruction” and plants our feet on the “narrow road that leads to eternal life.” Let’s read Matthew 7:13:-14: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to eternal life, and those who find it are few.” We are told in this passage that few find this road. We must be focused on not turning to the left or to the right. Discipline. We will not be perfect. Through right hearts and longing to be more like Him, we will be perfected! All the Glory is unto Him!
Next STeps
We Gather Every Saturday
Saturday Services are Livestreamed and Located in Hickory NC and Mooreseville, NC
1405 2nd St Dr SW, Hickory, NC
10:30 am–12 pm
311 Bluefield Rd, Mooresville, NC
4 pm-5:30 pm
Hickory Location Shabbat Cafe Fellowship
9:45 am-10:15 am
Next Steps
Lots of Ways to Get Connected
Plan Your Visit
We are an active congregation that seeks to serve its members and surrounding communities. There are many opportunities to enrich the lives of others through your time, talents, and tithes. We can’t wait to see the blessings of the fruit of the spirit!
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We welcome you! Visit our Contact Us page for more information about arranging a visit, including directions, phone contacts, etc. You will be blessed!
Livestream
We Livestream most Hickory, NC services. We also have a library of past livestreams and resources that we encourage you to watch and take advantage of in your new walk with Yeshua / Jesus.
What ROIC Congregation Members & Others Say About Us
Why We Love ROIC
Michael P.
Local Guide (83 Reviews) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Angel
Local Guide (Level 5) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
David H.
Local Guide (Level 5) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Awesome place, friendly people who love digging into the original Hebrew meaning of the Bible
Debbie H.
(4 Reviews/Contributions) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Robbie A.
(4 Reviews) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Wonderful Rabbi, wonderful congregation! They have a passion for Yeshua!
Monica M.
(4 Reviews) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Carol W.
(2 Reviews 1 Photo) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Adonai, is truly in this place. I enjoy the gathering of the loving like minded believers. The overview of the weekly Torah portion, presented by Elder Jim is so refreshing and informative. Our Rabbi Jeff always has a timely word and the worship is sweet.
Candice J.
(3 Reviews) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
Ever since attending The Rock of Israel Congregation I’ve learned so much and gained another family. The very first Sabbath I felt so welcomed and felt such a warm atmosphere. It is a place where anyone is welcomed and loved! Shalom!
Dane E.
(1 Review) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
We’ve been coming to ROIC for about 5-6 months now. Really enjoying it! The people are down to earth, enjoy fellowship, and the fact that they do outreach is really important as well. The worship leader, David, has a sincere heart for worship, and humility in his gift. The rabbi, Jeff is a humble, and confident man who loves the Lord, and diving into the scripture. There’s a sincere heart to seek truth from what I’ve seen from the people here. I definitely recommend this congregation to anyone looking for a place of worship!
Jesse H.
(4 Reviews) Google Review
∗∗∗∗∗ Five Stars
We have attended for about a month now and it’s a great place to worship. Our family loves it. Highly Recommend
We Support & collaborate With many Jewish & Christian Non-Profit Organizations in an effort to seek and reach as many people as possible with the everlasting Gospel of Yeshua HaMashiach
We Support & collaborate With many Jewish & Christian Non-Profit Organizations in an effort to seek and reach as many people as possible with the everlasting Gospel of Yeshua HaMashiach
