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Rabbi Brian Bileci

As a Messianic [Sicilian] Jewish Rabbi [simchatyeshua.com] at a Messianic Synagogue, & Executive Pastor at [DestinyChurch.tv], I embrace the Torah, Jewish Feasts, customs of my forefathers & the Messiah of Israel. I teach Hebrew for beginning levels and love teaching the Hebraic roots of our faith.

Rabbi Brian Bileci
Ps. Magali Bileci - Cathedral City Campus
SERIES: SET APART - A Study of the book of 1 Peter 
MOTHER’S DAY, May 11, 2025

“LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FLAWED MOTHER”
Sarah’s Legacy Story 

For example, our “mother,” Sarah, devoted herself to her husband, Abraham, and even called him “master.” And you have become her daughters when you do what is right without fear and intimidation. - 1 Peter 3:6 (TPT)

Sarah, Abraham's wife, is portrayed as a woman of faith in the Bible, particularly in Hebrews 11—Hall of Faith chapter — However, like many biblical figures, she wasn't without flaws or mistakes. 

Here are a few of Sarah's faults or failures:

1. Lack of Faith: Sarah struggled with believing God's promise of a child, even after being told she would conceive at an old age, she laughed when the angel told Abraham she would have a son. 

2. Impatient: Instead of trusting God's promise, Sarah suggested Abraham take a wife, Hagar, his servant, to bear him a child, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's ability to provide a son through her.

3. Jealousy and Harshness: Sarah mistreated Hagar after she conceived, causing Hagar to flee.
 
4. Lying under pressure: Claiming to be Abraham's sister: Twice, to protect Abraham from potentially dangerous situations, Sarah agreed to present herself as his sister rather than his wife.

5. Blaming Others: When Hagar became pregnant, Sarah blamed Abraham for the situation, showing a lack of trust and a desire to shift responsibility.

God still chose Sarah to be a Princess! 

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai (my princess - “my leader”), but her name will be Sarah (Princess). I will bless her, and indeed I will also give you a son by her. - Genesis 17:15-16 (AMP)

•  God looked beyond her flaws, and still saw His character reflected in her:
•  God saw her as a princess
•  God saw her as of woman of faith
•  God saw her desire to fulfill His will for her life
•  God saw her faithfulness to her husband and her son
•  God saw her as everyone else would begin to see her—as the Mother of all nations 

We’re not all mothers, but we are all daughters! 
We belong to a family with a great legacy of faith and Obedience to the Lord. Abraham and Sarah were most known for their Faith and obedience.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND KNOW GOD'S CHARACTER:   

But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]. - 1 Peter 1:15 (AMP)

We talk a lot about self care. Instagram is full of self-care reels and skin care reels and reels of how we can become wealthy, etc…but what we need to do is more SOUL CARE so that what our faces are glowing from, is the character of God —His holiness, His love— His mercy— His faithfulness— His power. That’s a beauty that will reflect from the INSIDE so that others will see it on the outside.
 
1. WE MUST REFLECT GOD'S CHARACTER WITH OUR HEART
•  Show love and compassion: Show kindness, forgiveness, and empathy towards others, reflecting God's mercy and compassion. 
•  Prioritize  righteousness and Believe God:
 Strive to be fair, truthful, and just in all interactions, reflecting God's desire for Righteousness. Abraham believed God and God counted it as righteousness.
•  Submit your pride to the Lord every morning:
 Avoid pride and boastfulness, and instead, cultivate humility, as seen in Jesus' life. 
•  Give sacrificially:
 Share your time, resources, and encouragement with others, mirroring God's generosity.
•  Guard your heart attitude:
 Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings, and strive to cultivate a heart filled with love, joy, and peace. 

2. REFLECT GOD'S CHARACTER WITH OUR ACTIONS AND WORDS
•  Speak truth: Speak with wisdom, and encouragement, reflecting God's truth and love. 
•  Share your faith: Share your experiences with others, letting your life be a testimony to God's grace and love.
•  Express gratitude: Be grateful for God's blessings and acknowledge His goodness in all things. 

3. CONTINUE TO GROW IN GOD'S CHARACTER
•  Be a lifelong learner: Continually seek to learn more about God's character through study and reflection. 
•  Be willing to be transformed: Recognize that reflecting God's character is a journey of ongoing growth and transformation. 
•  Seek guidance from others: Learn from mentors and other believers who are also striving to live out God's character. 
•  Pray for God's help: Ask God to guide you, empower you, and help you to overcome weaknesses and develop strengths. 

•  His love for us is  unchanging
•  His promise to us is unbreakable
•  His future for us is unimaginable
Ps. Magali Bileci - Cathedral City Campus
SERIES: SET APART - A Study of the book of 1 Peter 
MOTHER’S DAY, May 11, 2025

“LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FLAWED MOTHER”
Sarah’s Legacy Story 

For example, our “mother,” Sarah, devoted herself to her husband, Abraham, and even called him “master.” And you have become her daughters when you do what is right without fear and intimidation. - 1 Peter 3:6 (TPT)

Sarah, Abraham's wife, is portrayed as a woman of faith in the Bible, particularly in Hebrews 11—Hall of Faith chapter — However, like many biblical figures, she wasn't without flaws or mistakes. 

Here are a few of Sarah's faults or failures:

1. Lack of Faith: Sarah struggled with believing God's promise of a child, even after being told she would conceive at an old age, she laughed when the angel told Abraham she would have a son. 

2. Impatient: Instead of trusting God's promise, Sarah suggested Abraham take a wife, Hagar, his servant, to bear him a child, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's ability to provide a son through her.

3. Jealousy and Harshness: Sarah mistreated Hagar after she conceived, causing Hagar to flee.
 
4. Lying under pressure: Claiming to be Abraham's sister: Twice, to protect Abraham from potentially dangerous situations, Sarah agreed to present herself as his sister rather than his wife.

5. Blaming Others: When Hagar became pregnant, Sarah blamed Abraham for the situation, showing a lack of trust and a desire to shift responsibility.

God still chose Sarah to be a Princess! 

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai (my princess - “my leader”), but her name will be Sarah (Princess). I will bless her, and indeed I will also give you a son by her. - Genesis 17:15-16 (AMP)

•  God looked beyond her flaws, and still saw His character reflected in her:
•  God saw her as a princess
•  God saw her as of woman of faith
•  God saw her desire to fulfill His will for her life
•  God saw her faithfulness to her husband and her son
•  God saw her as everyone else would begin to see her—as the Mother of all nations 

We’re not all mothers, but we are all daughters! 
We belong to a family with a great legacy of faith and Obedience to the Lord. Abraham and Sarah were most known for their Faith and obedience.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND KNOW GOD'S CHARACTER:   

But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]. - 1 Peter 1:15 (AMP)

We talk a lot about self care. Instagram is full of self-care reels and skin care reels and reels of how we can become wealthy, etc…but what we need to do is more SOUL CARE so that what our faces are glowing from, is the character of God —His holiness, His love— His mercy— His faithfulness— His power. That’s a beauty that will reflect from the INSIDE so that others will see it on the outside.
 
1. WE MUST REFLECT GOD'S CHARACTER WITH OUR HEART
•  Show love and compassion: Show kindness, forgiveness, and empathy towards others, reflecting God's mercy and compassion. 
•  Prioritize  righteousness and Believe God:
 Strive to be fair, truthful, and just in all interactions, reflecting God's desire for Righteousness. Abraham believed God and God counted it as righteousness.
•  Submit your pride to the Lord every morning:
 Avoid pride and boastfulness, and instead, cultivate humility, as seen in Jesus' life. 
•  Give sacrificially:
 Share your time, resources, and encouragement with others, mirroring God's generosity.
•  Guard your heart attitude:
 Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings, and strive to cultivate a heart filled with love, joy, and peace. 

2. REFLECT GOD'S CHARACTER WITH OUR ACTIONS AND WORDS
•  Speak truth: Speak with wisdom, and encouragement, reflecting God's truth and love. 
•  Share your faith: Share your experiences with others, letting your life be a testimony to God's grace and love.
•  Express gratitude: Be grateful for God's blessings and acknowledge His goodness in all things. 

3. CONTINUE TO GROW IN GOD'S CHARACTER
•  Be a lifelong learner: Continually seek to learn more about God's character through study and reflection. 
•  Be willing to be transformed: Recognize that reflecting God's character is a journey of ongoing growth and transformation. 
•  Seek guidance from others: Learn from mentors and other believers who are also striving to live out God's character. 
•  Pray for God's help: Ask God to guide you, empower you, and help you to overcome weaknesses and develop strengths. 

•  His love for us is  unchanging
•  His promise to us is unbreakable
•  His future for us is unimaginable
“Set Apart to Reflect What’s Sacred”
Spiritual Clarity in a Blurred Secular Culture

THEME VERSE:
SH’MOT / Exodus 3:5 “Then the angel of Adonai appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush...Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is HOLY GROUND.” TLV

Parashat Acharei Mot–Kedoshim אַחֲרֵי מוֹת־קְדשִׁים Leviticus 16:1–20:27
While Acharei Mot calls us to be cleansed through sacrifice, Kedoshim calls us to be committed through sanctified living. One purifies our past; the other directs our future.

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 16:1 Then Adonai spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they approached the presence of Adonai and died. 2 Adonai said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holiest Place.  behind the curtain—before the ATONEMENT COVER which is on the Ark—so that he would not die. For I will be appearing in the cloud over the ATONEMENT cover…29 “It is to be a statute to you forever, that in the SEVENTH MONTH, on the TENTH DAY of the month, you are to afflict your souls, and do no kind of work—both the native-born and the outsider dwelling among you. 30 For on this DAY ATONEMENT will be made for you, to cleanse you. From all your sins you will be clean before Adonai. TLV

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of Bnei-Yisrael and tell them: You shall be HOLY, for I, Adonai your God, am HOLY.” TLV
Hebrew Revelation: The root word kadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means “set apart for a special purpose.”
VAYIKRA / Leviticus 20:26 “You are to be HOLY to Me… I have SET YOU APART from the peoples, so you would be Mine.” TLV

READ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

HOW TO REFLECT WHAT’S SACRED IN A CULTURE THAT DEVALUES ITS PURPOSE:
1. HOLINESS CHANGES HOW WE LIVE – Let Your Habits Reflect the Priorities You Value

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 16:30 “On this DAY ATONEMENT will be made for you, to cleanse you. From all your sins you will be clean before Adonai.” TLV

RONIM / Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 They are set right as a gift of His grace, through the redemption that is in Messiah Yeshua. 25 God set forth Yeshua as an ATONEMENT, through faith in His blood, to show His righteousness in passing over sins already committed. TLV

READ 1 Peter 1:1-19

2. HOLINESS CONFORMS US TO GOD’S IMAGE 
– Let Clarity Clear Up Our Vision to Recognize True Holiness 

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of Bnei-Yisrael and tell them: You shall be HOLY, for I, Adonai your God, am HOLY.” TLV

3. HOLINESS TRANSFORMS US TO MODEL MESSIAH
– Let Messiah’s Light shine and Walk in His Holiness

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 18:2 “Speak to Bnei-Yisrael and say to them: I am Adonai your God. 3 You are not to act as they do in the land of Egypt, where you used to live. Nor are you to act as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, nor are you to WALK in their customs. 4 You are to obey My ordinances and keep My statutes and WALK in them—I am Adonai your God. TLV

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 20:7 So CONSECRATE yourselves and be HOLY [KEDOSHIM in Hebrew], for I am Adonai your God. 8 You are to keep My statutes, and do them. I am Adonai who SANCTIFIES you…22 “Now you are to keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them…23 You are not to WALK in the ways of the nation which I am casting out before you…TLV READ Ephesians 5:1-15; Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:6

CALL TO ACTION: The days we live in are confused and chaotic; but God’s calling is still crystal clear: Be holy. Be His. Be bright. Let’s walk away from the world’s blurred vision and walk in the light of His presence. Let’s not just be set apart in name, but in nature; because when we reflect what is sacred, we restore what is broken in this world.

Step 1: LET HOLINESS CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE: Do your priorities align with God and His Word?
Step 2: TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR SPIRITUAL WALK: Does your life model Messiah or resemble what’s secular?
STEP 3: REFLECT WHAT GOD CALLS SACRED, & DON’T SETTLE FOR WHAT’S SELFISH: You are not just set apart to abstain from the world—but to reveal the beauty of God’s holiness in it. Choose God’s way over your own.

PRAYER DECLARATION:
“Abba Father, You are holy, and You’ve called me to reflect Your holiness. Cleanse me from compromise, and transform every part of my life to reflect Your glory. I live by Your Spirit and not the world’s standards. Help me to be discerning and not disconnected from the people You want to save. Let my life shine with Your truth, grace, and power. In the name of Yeshua the Messiah, the Holy One of Israel, Amen.”
Learning Hebrew from the Blessings #13: Sh'va Part 2 with Rabbi Brian Baruch Bileci
Ps. Obed Martinez - Indio Campus
MID WEEK SERVICE - May 7, 2025
SERIES: CHAPTER 2 - A Study of Acts

 
“WHEN WIND BLOWS, REVIVAL BREAKS OUT” 

1 “On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, all the disciples were gathered in one place. 2 Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind rushing into the house from out of the heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear! 3 Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them. 4 They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!” - Acts 2:1-4 (TPT)

In this Series we will Uncover the 5 S’s in Acts 2 that Launched the Church which are:
•  Spirit
•  Sound 
•  Systems 
•  Structure 
•  Strategy 
•  Setting the Stage:
Following Jesus' ascension and the election of Judas' replacement, the disciples, numbering about 120, were waiting in a room in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus. 
•  The Outpouring of the Spirit:
Suddenly, there was a sound like a violent wind, filling the room, and then tongues of flame appeared above the heads of the disciples. 
•  The Empowerment:
The disciples were then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as God enabled them. This event marked the beginning of the Church's public ministry and the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. 
•  Symbolism and Significance:
The wind and fire imagery are associated with God's presence and power, and the speaking in other languages signified a break from previous limitations and the ability to reach a wider audience with the Gospel. 
•  The Significance of Pentecost:
Pentecost, a Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, was now transformed into a celebration of God's new covenant with humanity through Jesus Christ.
Why is the Holy Spirit so Misunderstood?   

•  THE DEVIL 
He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. – John 8:44 (NLT)   

•  JESUS 
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (NLT)   

•  HOLY SPIRIT 
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. – John 16:13 (NLT)   

The Hebrew word for Spirit: (RU-ACH) – a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath   
The Greek word for Spirit: (PNEUMA) – a current of air, blast of breath, strong breeze   

The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. – John 6:63 (NKJV) 

Why was Wind the First Evidence of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 & How does that Apply to our Lives?
1. WIND IS UNSEEN 
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. – John 14:16-17 (NIV)   
2. WIND IS UNPREDICTABLE 
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8 (NIV)   

•  The Person – Who He is (PREDICTABLE) 
•  The Function – What He does (UNPREDICTABLE)   
3. WIND IS POWERFUL 
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 (NIV)  

“So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of REFRESHING may come from the PRESENCE of the Lord [RESTORING you like a cool wind on a hot day].” Acts 3:19 (AMP)
 
4. WIND IS REFRESHING 
9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” [the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)   

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” - John 16:13 (NKJV)
Ps. Obed Martinez - Indio Campus
MID WEEK SERVICE - May 7, 2025
SERIES: CHAPTER 2 - A Study of Acts

 
“WHEN WIND BLOWS, REVIVAL BREAKS OUT” 

1 “On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, all the disciples were gathered in one place. 2 Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind rushing into the house from out of the heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear! 3 Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them. 4 They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!” - Acts 2:1-4 (TPT)

In this Series we will Uncover the 5 S’s in Acts 2 that Launched the Church which are:
•  Spirit
•  Sound 
•  Systems 
•  Structure 
•  Strategy 
•  Setting the Stage:
Following Jesus' ascension and the election of Judas' replacement, the disciples, numbering about 120, were waiting in a room in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus. 
•  The Outpouring of the Spirit:
Suddenly, there was a sound like a violent wind, filling the room, and then tongues of flame appeared above the heads of the disciples. 
•  The Empowerment:
The disciples were then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as God enabled them. This event marked the beginning of the Church's public ministry and the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. 
•  Symbolism and Significance:
The wind and fire imagery are associated with God's presence and power, and the speaking in other languages signified a break from previous limitations and the ability to reach a wider audience with the Gospel. 
•  The Significance of Pentecost:
Pentecost, a Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, was now transformed into a celebration of God's new covenant with humanity through Jesus Christ.
Why is the Holy Spirit so Misunderstood?   

•  THE DEVIL 
He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. – John 8:44 (NLT)   

•  JESUS 
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (NLT)   

•  HOLY SPIRIT 
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. – John 16:13 (NLT)   

The Hebrew word for Spirit: (RU-ACH) – a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath   
The Greek word for Spirit: (PNEUMA) – a current of air, blast of breath, strong breeze   

The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. – John 6:63 (NKJV) 

Why was Wind the First Evidence of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 & How does that Apply to our Lives?
1. WIND IS UNSEEN 
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. – John 14:16-17 (NIV)   
2. WIND IS UNPREDICTABLE 
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8 (NIV)   

•  The Person – Who He is (PREDICTABLE) 
•  The Function – What He does (UNPREDICTABLE)   
3. WIND IS POWERFUL 
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 (NIV)  

“So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of REFRESHING may come from the PRESENCE of the Lord [RESTORING you like a cool wind on a hot day].” Acts 3:19 (AMP)
 
4. WIND IS REFRESHING 
9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” [the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)   

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” - John 16:13 (NKJV)
THEME VERSE: 1 From: Peter, an apostle of Jesus, the Messiah. To: The exiles of the Dispersion [“DIASPORA”]…2 the people CHOSEN according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the SANCTIFYING ACTION of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with His blood. May grace and peace be yours in abundance! 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah! Because of His great mercy He has granted us a NEW BIRTH, resulting in an immortal hope through the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the dead. - 1 Peter 1:1-3 (ISV)

A BAPTISM SUNDAY TO REMEMBER:It’s time to celebrate today on this BAPTISM SUNDAY for all those putting their faith in Jesus. 1 Peter 3:21 reminds us that BAPTISM is not just a symbolic washing, but a spiritual connection with the resurrection power of God, and reflecting our clear conscience before Him. 

SET APART SERIES BREAKDOWN: Throughout the month of May, we’ll journey through 1 Peter to discover how to live SET APART in a world that often calls us to blend in. But the SANCTIFYING WORK of the Spirit:• Grounds us in our God-given identity• Conforms us and Confirms us in our calling• Convinces us with conviction to live holy, humble, and hope-filled livesWe are NOT FORGOTTEN, just like the believers Peter wrote to in his first epistle—exiles and strangers in a foreign land. We are CHOSEN, SET APART, and BORN AGAIN to a LIVING HOPE to reflect His holiness and grace to a broken and compromising world.Peter was called to transform discouraged and displaced believers [Due to the DIASPORA] into determined and devoted disciples. DIASPORA: SCATTERING of Israel, like “seed” sown or SCATTERED into the Gentile nations.

1. ALLOW GOD TO SANCTIFY YOU AND LIVE A SET APART LIFE 
– Let His Spirit Change Your Life as He Fills your Heart2 the people CHOSEN according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the SANCTIFYING ACTION OF THE SPIRIT of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with His blood…3…He has granted us a NEW BIRTH, resulting in an immortal [“LIVING”] HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the dead. - 1 Peter 1:2a,3b (ISV)

THE DIVINE WORK OF THE GODHEAD: Peter opens this letter by reminding us that the fulness of the Godhead is at work in our salvation:

•  We are Chosen by the Father 
•  We are Cleansed by the blood of Jesus
•  We are Consecrated and Sanctified by the Holy Spirit to live a life SET APART for God

16 REJOICE ALWAYS, 17 PRAY CONSTANTLY, 18 in everything GIVE THANKS; for this is GOD’S WILL for you in Messiah Yeshua. 19 Do not quench the Spirit [ISV: “Do not put out the SPIRIT’S FIRE”], 20 do not despise PROPHETIC MESSAGES, 21 but TEST ALL THINGS, HOLD FAST to what is good, 22 KEEP AWAY from every kind of evil. 23 Now may the God of shalom Himself make you COMPLETELY HOLY [NLV: “SET YOU APART for Himself”] and may your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be kept COMPLETE, blameless at the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (TLV)

The Spirit SETS US APART—cleansing our conscience, renewing our mind, and aligning our life with God’s will. 

2. EMBRACE YOUR NEW IDENTITY AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE- Let His Spirit Reveal Who You Are and What You Are Called To Do

But you are a CHOSEN PEOPLE, a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a HOLY NATION, a people to be His very own and to proclaim the wonderful deeds of the one who CALLED you out of darkness into His marvelous light. - 1 Peter 2:9 (ISV)

PETER WAS DESCRIBING ISRAEL’S NEW IDENTITY: From Slavery to a Royal Priesthood4 ‘Every one of you has seen what I did to the people of Egypt…5…you will be my own possession [SPECIAL TREASURE], CHOSEN from all nations…6…you will be my KINGDOM OF PRIESTS and a HOLY NATION [SET APART to SERVE GOD and bring OTHERS to Him…] - Exodus 19:4a,5b,6b (EXB)

•  SPECIAL TREASURE / CHOSEN PEOPLE [“Am Segulah”] - a special treasure of people
•  KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / ROYAL PRIESTHOOD [“Mamlechet Kohanim”] - a priesthood with royal status
•  HOLY NATION [“Goy Kadosh”] - a nation set-apart for God’s purpose and calling

ACTION STEP:Stop living by the labels the world gives you. Start living as a chosen son or daughter of the King. Accept your new identity and walk confidently in it.

3. LIVE OUT YOUR CALLING & FOLLOW IN MESSIAH’S FOOTSTEPS
READ 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG)

CLEAR STEPS TO BE SET APART:
STEP 1: BE SANCTIFIED BY HIS SPIRIT AND LET HOLINESS BECOME YOUR LIFESTYLE— Let God’s holiness become your new normal. Since God CHOSE YOU, it’s time for you to CHOOSE HIM!

STEP 2: REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE CHOSEN WITH A NEW GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY — Let God’s truth define who you are, not your past mistakes. Live with an “I AM CHOSEN” mindset! Jesus set the captives FREE!

STEP 3: LIVE A LIFE THAT REFLECTS THAT YOU’RE MESSIAH’S DISCIPLE — Let your lifestyle prove who you belong to.
THEME VERSE: 
1 From: Peter, an apostle of Jesus, the Messiah. To: The exiles of the Dispersion [“DIASPORA”]…2 the people CHOSEN according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the SANCTIFYING ACTION of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with His blood. May grace and peace be yours in abundance! 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah! Because of His great mercy He has granted us a NEW BIRTH, resulting in an immortal hope through the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the dead. - 1 Peter 1:1-3 (ISV)

A BAPTISM SUNDAY TO REMEMBER:
It’s time to celebrate today on this BAPTISM SUNDAY for all those putting their faith in Jesus. 1 Peter 3:21 reminds us that BAPTISM is not just a symbolic washing, but a spiritual connection with the resurrection power of God, and reflecting our clear conscience before Him. 


SET APART SERIES BREAKDOWN: 
Throughout the month of May, we’ll journey through 1 Peter to discover how to live SET APART in a world that often calls us to blend in. But the SANCTIFYING WORK of the Spirit:

• Grounds us in our God-given identity
• Conforms us and Confirms us in our calling
• Convinces us with conviction to live holy, humble, and hope-filled lives

We are NOT FORGOTTEN, just like the believers Peter wrote to in his first epistle—exiles and strangers in a foreign land. We are CHOSEN, SET APART, and BORN AGAIN to a LIVING HOPE to reflect His holiness and grace to a broken and compromising world.

Peter was called to transform discouraged and displaced believers [Due to the DIASPORA] into determined and devoted disciples. DIASPORA: SCATTERING of Israel, like “seed” sown or SCATTERED into the Gentile nations.

1. ALLOW GOD TO SANCTIFY YOU AND LIVE A SET APART LIFE 
– Let His Spirit Change Your Life as He Fills your Heart
2 the people CHOSEN according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the SANCTIFYING ACTION OF THE SPIRIT of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus, the Messiah, and to be sprinkled with His blood…3…He has granted us a NEW BIRTH, resulting in an immortal [“LIVING”] HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the dead. - 1 Peter 1:2a,3b (ISV)

THE DIVINE WORK OF THE GODHEAD: 
Peter opens this letter by reminding us that the fulness of the Godhead is at work in our salvation:

•  We are Chosen by the Father 
•  We are Cleansed by the blood of Jesus
•  We are Consecrated and Sanctified by the Holy Spirit to live a life SET APART for God

16 REJOICE ALWAYS, 17 PRAY CONSTANTLY, 18 in everything GIVE THANKS; for this is GOD’S WILL for you in Messiah Yeshua. 19 Do not quench the Spirit [ISV: “Do not put out the SPIRIT’S FIRE”], 20 do not despise PROPHETIC MESSAGES, 21 but TEST ALL THINGS, HOLD FAST to what is good, 22 KEEP AWAY from every kind of evil. 23 Now may the God of shalom Himself make you COMPLETELY HOLY [NLV: “SET YOU APART for Himself”] and may your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be kept COMPLETE, blameless at the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (TLV)

The Spirit SETS US APART—cleansing our conscience, renewing our mind, and aligning our life with God’s will. 

2. EMBRACE YOUR NEW IDENTITY AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE
- Let His Spirit Reveal Who You Are and What You Are Called To Do
But you are a CHOSEN PEOPLE, a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a HOLY NATION, a people to be His very own and to proclaim the wonderful deeds of the one who CALLED you out of darkness into His marvelous light. - 1 Peter 2:9 (ISV)

PETER WAS DESCRIBING ISRAEL’S NEW IDENTITY: From Slavery to a Royal Priesthood

4 ‘Every one of you has seen what I did to the people of Egypt…5…you will be my own possession [SPECIAL TREASURE], CHOSEN from all nations…6…you will be my KINGDOM OF PRIESTS and a HOLY NATION [SET APART to SERVE GOD and bring OTHERS to Him…] - Exodus 19:4a,5b,6b (EXB)

•  SPECIAL TREASURE / CHOSEN PEOPLE [“Am Segulah”] - a special treasure of people
•  KINGDOM OF PRIESTS / ROYAL PRIESTHOOD [“Mamlechet Kohanim”] - a priesthood with royal status
•  HOLY NATION [“Goy Kadosh”] - a nation set-apart for God’s purpose and calling

ACTION STEP:
Stop living by the labels the world gives you. Start living as a chosen son or daughter of the King. Accept your new identity and walk confidently in it.

3. LIVE OUT YOUR CALLING & FOLLOW IN MESSIAH’S FOOTSTEPS
READ 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG)

CLEAR STEPS TO BE SET APART:
STEP 1: BE SANCTIFIED BY HIS SPIRIT AND LET HOLINESS BECOME YOUR LIFESTYLE— Let God’s holiness become your new normal. Since God CHOSE YOU, it’s time for you to CHOOSE HIM!

STEP 2: REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE CHOSEN WITH A NEW GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY — Let God’s truth define who you are, not your past mistakes. Live with an “I AM CHOSEN” mindset! Jesus set the captives FREE!

STEP 3: LIVE A LIFE THAT REFLECTS THAT YOU’RE MESSIAH’S DISCIPLE — Let your lifestyle prove who you belong to.
“From Contaminated To Consecrated”
Outward Purity Begins with an Inward Pursuit

THEME VERSE:
SH’MOT / Exodus 3:5 “Then the angel of Adonai appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush...Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is HOLY GROUND.” TLV

Parashat Tazria–Metzora תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע , Leviticus 12:1-15:33, addresses ritual impurity (tumah) and restoration, especially surrounding the affliction of tzara’at—an outward condition revealing inward contamination. Though often translated as “leprosy,” tzara’at is not a physical illness alone, but a spiritual affliction tied to lashon hara (the evil tongue), pride, and hidden sin. These chapters are not about shame but God’s invitation to healing, wholeness, and holiness.

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 12:1 Then Adonai spoke to Moses saying: 2 “Speak to Bnei-Yisrael, instructing: If a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she will be UNCLEAN for seven days, as in the days of her niddah she will be unclean. 3 In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin is to be circumcised. 4 She must wait during the blood of PURIFICATION for 33 days. She is not to touch any holy thing, nor come into the Sanctuary, until the days of her PURIFYING are completed. 5 But if she bears a female child, then she will be UNCLEAN for two weeks, as in her niddah, and she is to wait in the blood of PURIFICATION for 66 days. TLV

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 10:6 Then Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and Ithamar his sons...10 You are to make a distinction between the HOLY and the COMMON and between the UNCLEAN and the CLEAN. 11 And you are to teach Bnei-Yisrael all the statutes which Adonai has spoken to them through Moses.” TLV

HOW TO CONSECRATE YOURSELF TO GOD & AVOID BEING CONTAMINATED BY THE WORLD:
1. IMPURITY MUST BE EXAMINED, NOT IGNORED
 – Let Your Discernment Detect Any Potential Defilement

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 13:1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 2 “When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to AARON THE PRIEST or to one of his sons the priests, 3 and the priest shall EXAMINE the diseased area on the skin of his body. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has EXAMINED HIM, he shall pronounce him UNCLEAN. ESV

2. HEALING OFTEN REQUIRES ISOLATION BEFORE RESTORATION 
– Let God Restore Your Purity as You Set Apart Time to Dwell in His Secret Place 

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 13:45 “Everyone who has tzara‘at sores [“leprous-like disease”] is to wear torn clothes and unbound hair, cover his upper lip and cry, ‘UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN!’ 46 As long as he has sores, he will be unclean; since he is unclean, he must live in ISOLATION; he must live outside the camp.” TLV

MATTITYAHU / Matthew 8:1 After Yeshua had come down from the hill, large crowds followed him. 2 Then a man afflicted with tzara‘at [“leprous-like disease”] came, kneeled down in front of him and said, “Sir, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Yeshua reached out his hand, touched him and said, “I am willing! Be cleansed!” And at once he was cleansed from his tzara‘at. CJB 

3. LET REDEMPTION RESTORE YOUR CONSECRATION
– Let the Price Messiah Paid Completely Set you Apart for His Spiritual Service
READ LEVITICUS 14:14-18; EPH. 1:7; 1 COR. 6:19-20; ROM. 12:1-2; 1 PETER 2:4,9

CALL TO ACTION: Let this be the week you bring the hidden things into the light. Fast from impurity. Speak life. Practice confession. Let your healing lead to your holiness—and your restoration to your commission. Don’t just be cleansed from sin—be consecrated to God.

STEP 1: EXAMINE WHAT’S HIDDEN TO ELIMINATE WHAT’S DEFILED
Ask God to examine your heart like a priest inspecting tzara’at. Write down any “hidden sores”—bitterness, compromise, gossip, fear. Bring them into the light.

STEP 2: MAKE WHOLENESS YOUR GOAL AND HEALING YOUR PROCESS
Take Time to SEEK God in the Secret Place of Prayer—fast from media, distractions, and other toxic voices, for a time of confession, intercession, and restoration.

STEP 3: CONSECRATE YOUR WHOLE LIFE TO GOD FOR HIS PURPOSE
Each morning this week, symbolically anoint your ear to hear more clearly, your hand to do God’s will, and your foot to walk in obedience to His Word. Declare: “I’m set apart to hear His voice, serve His people, and walk His path.”

PRAYER DECLARATION:
“Abba Father, I bring You the parts of me that feel unclean, ashamed, or unseen. You are my High Priest—I trust You to examine, cleanse, and consecrate me. Let Your Anointing transform what I listen to, what I do, and how I walk daily to live in Your holiness. I don’t want to just be healed—I want to be made whole. I declare today: I am no longer contaminated—I am consecrated and set apart, in the name of Yeshua, my Messiah and Redeemer, Amen.”
Sh’va Na is a “moving” Sh’va, meaning it is pronounced, and not ‘blended’ with the preceding letter. 

Sh’va Nachis a “resting” Sh’va, meaning it is not pronounced, and creates a glottal stop, or is called a quiescent [quiet], or silent sh’va.
Ps. / Rabbi Brian Bileci - Indio Campus
MID WEEK SERVICE - April 9, 2025
SERIES: EQUIPPED - A Study on Ephesians

 “ENGAGING IN EVERY BATTLE WITH GOD’S ARMOR”
“Standing firm in spiritual warfare with the full armor of God”

THEME VERSE: 
“His intention was the perfecting and the FULL EQUIPPING of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church - “Body of Messiah”),” - Ephesians 4:12 (AMPC) 

SUPPORTING VERSE:  
“Using the Scriptures, [ …so that] the person who serves God [God’s person] will be capable [competent], having all that is needed [FULLY EQUIPPED] to do every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:17 (EXB)

MAIN VERSE: 
Put on the FULL ARMOR [WHOLE ARMOR - Greek: panoplía] of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11 (AMP)

The people of Isra’el went up from the land of Egypt FULLY ARMED. - Exodus 13:18 (CJB)

21 When the strong man, FULLY ARMED, [from his courtyard] guards his own dwelling, his belongings are undisturbed [his property is at peace and is secure]. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks him and conquers him, he robs him of his WHOLE ARMOR [panoplía] on which he had relied and divides up and distributes all his goods as plunder (spoil). - Luke 11:21-22 (AMPC)

HOW TO STAY FULLY ENGAGED FOR EVERY BATTLE:
1. ENGAGE IN BATTLE RECOGNIZING THE REAL ENEMY
You can’t win a battle against an enemy you don’t recognize

11 Put on God’s complete armor. Then you’ll be able to stand firm against the devil’s trickery. 12 The WARFARE we’re ENGAGED in, you see, isn’t against flesh and blood. It’s against the leaders, against the authorities, against the POWERS THAT RULE THE WORLD in this DARK AGE, against the wicked spiritual elements in the heavenly places.13 For this reason, you must take up God’s COMPLETE ARMOR… - Ephesians 6:11-13a (NTFE)   READ LUKE 11:21-22

2. ENGAGE IN BATTLE RELYING ON GOD’S POWER
Victory is not won by man’s power, but by God’s Spirit

10 Last of all I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord’s MIGHTY POWER within you. 11 Put on all of GOD’S ARMOR so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan. - Ephesians 6:10-11 (TLB)

“...You will not succeed by your OWN STRENGTH or by your own POWER, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord ALL-POWERFUL.” - Zechariah 4:6 (NCV)

•  Spiritual battles require supernatural strength.
•  Supernatural strength empowers us for strategic warfare.

Put on God’s WHOLE ARMOR [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able SUCCESSFULLY to STAND UP against [all] the STRATEGIES and the deceits of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11 (AMPC)

3 Of course, we are living in the world, but we do not WAGE WAR in a world-like way. 4 For the WEAPONS of our WARFARE are not those of the world. Instead, they have the POWER OF GOD to demolish fortresses. We tear down arguments 5 and every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive in order to obey the Messiah. - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ISV)

Now that we’ve tapped into God’s power, let’s talk about the weapon that unleashes it—intercessory prayer.

3. ENGAGE IN BATTLE REMEMBERING THAT PRAYER SECURES THE VICTORY
Prayer is not just preparation for the battle — it’s the strategic weapon that wins the battle. READ Ephesians 6:13-18 (MSG) & James 5:16b (EXB)

TRADITIONAL SIX PIECES OF ARMOR:
1. BELT OF TRUTH – God’s Word Girds Our Imagination - Exodus 12:11-12; Deut. 1:41; Ephesians 6:14; 1 Peter 3:19a
2. SHOES OF PEACE – God’s Word Prepares & Protects Our Feet - Ephesians 6:15
3. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – God’s Word Guards Our Heart - Ephesians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
4. SHIELD OF FAITH – God’s Word Covers Our Spirit, Soul & Body - Ephesians 6:16
5. HELMET OF SALVATION – God’s Word Covers & Protects Our Minds - Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
6. SWORD OF THE SPIRIT – God’s Word Empowers Our Voice to Declare Victory - Ephesians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 6:7 

THE INVISIBLE MISSING WEAPON:
7. INTERCESSORY PRAYER – God’s Word Empowers Our Warfare Prayer - Ephesians 6:16-18 

STEP ONE: Recognize the Real Battle
STEP TWO: Rely on God’s Power, Not Your Own
STEP THREE: Remain Engaged through Prayer

PRAYER DECLARATION:
“Abba Father, today I engage in battle fully-armored, and fully-equipped, with the full armor of God. I put on truth as a belt, peace as my shoes, righteousness as a breastplate , faith as a shield, and salvation as a helmet. I declare that every battle I face will be won through the weapons of Your Word and the weapon of prayer. I recognize my real enemy now—I rely on your mighty power daily—And I have total victory in every battle, through the powerful name of Jesus, Yeshua the Messiah—Amen.”
Morning Prayer Points for April 30, 2025 with Rabbi Brian Bileci

KEY VERSES:
1. PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT IN BATTLE
“We are not fighting [KJV: “wrestling”] against flesh-and-blood enemies…” – Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
Prayer Points:
•  Ask the Lord to open our spiritual eyes to recognize the real enemy behind natural conflicts.
•  Pray against deception and distractions that keep us fighting the wrong battles.
•  Declare clarity, discernment, and divine strategy for every battle ahead.

2. PRAY TO BE STRENGTHENED IN GOD’S POWER
“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Prayer Points:
•  Invite the Holy Spirit to fill us afresh with supernatural strength.
•  Renounce reliance on human effort and ask for boldness to stand firm.
•  Declare that we are fully equipped and empowered for every assignment today.

3. STAY COVERED IN PRAYER FOR TOTAL VICTORY
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers…” – Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
Prayer Points:
•  Pray for consistency in your personal prayer life and intercession for others.
•  Ask the Lord to keep your spiritual armor active through constant communion.
•  Declare victory over every scheme of the enemy through the power of prayer.
“UNCOMPROMISING IN MY SACRIFICE” - A Life Surrendered becomes A Living Sacrifice 
Ps. / Rabbi Brian Bileci - Destiny Cathedral City Campus
SERIES: UNASHAMED - A Study of the book of Romans April 27, 2025

THEME VERSE: 
For I am NOT ASHAMED of the Gospel, for it is the POWER OF GOD for SALVATION to EVERYONE who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16 (NIV)

MAIN VERSE FOR TODAY’S SERMON: 
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” - Romans 12:1 (NIV)

In this final week of our UNASHAMED series, we’ll focus on the call to live with full devotion—UNASHAMED in the Gospel, UNSHACKLED from the power of sin, UNFAILING in God’s promises, and UNCOMPROMISING in our sacrificial service. Paul urges believers in Romans 12:1 to offer their bodies as a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and pleasing to God—this is our SPIRITUAL SERVICE of worship. True worship isn’t just a song—it’s a SURRENDERED LIFESTYLE.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SURRENDERED TO GOD? A Surrendered Life Is A Sacred Life
In the biblical sense, SURRENDER is a voluntary SUBMISSION TO GOD—relinquishing our personal desires and plans to fully embrace His will.

What Is a Biblical Sacrifice?
In Scripture, a SACRIFICE (Hebrew: Korban, קָרְבָּן) means “that which is brought near,” from the Hebrew root “karav,” to “draw close.” The primary purpose of a biblical sacrifice was to DRAW NEAR to God. Sacrifices were never just about atonement from sin—they were about DRAWING CLOSE to God and having a relationship with Him. God doesn’t want something from you—He wants to DRAW CLOSE to you. Every act of SURRENDER is an invitation for deeper intimacy with God.

“The SACRIFICES of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” - Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

ARTSCROLL SIDDUR - Offerings: From the beginning of its existence as a nation, whether or not it understood why or how, the sacrificial service brought it a CLOSENESS to God and the manifestation of His PRESENCE. The offerings represent a person’s SUBMISSION and SURRENDER to God of his “self” and his resources.

HOW TO SURRENDER TO GOD WITHOUT COMPROMISE: 
1. ALLOW YOUR SURRENDER TO BE A SIGN OF TRUE SACRIFICE 
– Let Your Submission fuel Your Divine Mission 

7 Therefore SUBMIT to God. But RESIST the devil and he will flee from you. 8 DRAW NEAR to God and He will DRAW NEAR to you. CLEANSE your hands, you sinners; and PURIFY your hearts, you DOUBLE-MINDED…10 HUMBLE yourselves in the sight of Adonai, and He shall lift you up. - James (“Jacob”) 4:7-8,10 (TLV)

• SUBMIT to God so you can Resist the Devil
• DRAW NEAR to God so that He will Draw Near to You
• CLEANSE your Hands from Habitual Sin
• PURIFY your Hearts so that you can Reject Double-Mindedness
• HUMBLE yourselves to be lifted up or ascend into His Presence

So then, SURRENDER TO GOD. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony. - James (“Jacob”) 4:7 (TPT)

2. MAKE YOUR SERVICE YOUR SACRIFICE
- Let How You Serve speak Louder than what you Say

As good servant managers of God’s grace in its various forms, SERVE one another with the gift each of you has received. - 1 Peter 4:10 (ISV)

READ  - Romans 12:3-8 (ISV)

3. USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO SERVE GOD’S PURPOSE
- Let Your Gifts be used for God’s Glory, not Personal Gain

READ  - Romans 12:9-21 (ISV)

THREE ACTION STEPS TODAY:
STEP 1: PRESENT YOUR WHOLE LIFE TO GOD DAILY — give God your thoughts, schedule, relationships, and resources.
STEP 2: RENEW YOUR MIND THROUGH GOD’S WORD — Sacrifice starts with your thought life. Don’t conform, transform.
STEP 3: SERVE WITH SPIRITUAL PURPOSE — Use your gifts to serve others, not spotlight yourself.

PRAYER DECLARATION:
“Abba Father, Today, I choose to surrender—not out of fear, but out of faith. I lay my life on the altar—not as a dead sacrifice, but as a living one. I yield to Your will every thought, gift, and desire. I offer my whole self in worship, not just with words but with works, not just today but every day. Let my submission fuel my mission. Cleanse my hands. Purify my heart. Consume anything in my life that doesn’t please You. I will serve humbly, love without hypocrisy, and walk daily with purpose. My life is for Your glory, not my own. Just as Messiah gave Himself sacrificially, I give myself as a living sacrifice. I choose to live UNASHAMED and UNCOMPROMISING today and for the rest of my life in the powerful name of Jesus, Yeshua the Messiah. AMEN!”
“UNCOMPROMISING IN MY SACRIFICE” - A Life Surrendered becomes A Living Sacrifice 
Ps. / Rabbi Brian Bileci - Destiny Cathedral City Campus
SERIES: UNASHAMED - A Study of the book of Romans April 27, 2025

THEME VERSE: 
For I am NOT ASHAMED of the Gospel, for it is the POWER OF GOD for SALVATION to EVERYONE who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16 (NIV)

MAIN VERSE FOR TODAY’S SERMON: 
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” - Romans 12:1 (NIV)

In this final week of our UNASHAMED series, we’ll focus on the call to live with full devotion—UNASHAMED in the Gospel, UNSHACKLED from the power of sin, UNFAILING in God’s promises, and UNCOMPROMISING in our sacrificial service. Paul urges believers in Romans 12:1 to offer their bodies as a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and pleasing to God—this is our SPIRITUAL SERVICE of worship. True worship isn’t just a song—it’s a SURRENDERED LIFESTYLE.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SURRENDERED TO GOD? A Surrendered Life Is A Sacred Life
In the biblical sense, SURRENDER is a voluntary SUBMISSION TO GOD—relinquishing our personal desires and plans to fully embrace His will.

What Is a Biblical Sacrifice?
In Scripture, a SACRIFICE (Hebrew: Korban, קָרְבָּן) means “that which is brought near,” from the Hebrew root “karav,” to “draw close.” The primary purpose of a biblical sacrifice was to DRAW NEAR to God. Sacrifices were never just about atonement from sin—they were about DRAWING CLOSE to God and having a relationship with Him. God doesn’t want something from you—He wants to DRAW CLOSE to you. Every act of SURRENDER is an invitation for deeper intimacy with God.

“The SACRIFICES of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” - Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

ARTSCROLL SIDDUR - Offerings: From the beginning of its existence as a nation, whether or not it understood why or how, the sacrificial service brought it a CLOSENESS to God and the manifestation of His PRESENCE. The offerings represent a person’s SUBMISSION and SURRENDER to God of his “self” and his resources.

HOW TO SURRENDER TO GOD WITHOUT COMPROMISE: 
1. ALLOW YOUR SURRENDER TO BE A SIGN OF TRUE SACRIFICE 
– Let Your Submission fuel Your Divine Mission 

7 Therefore SUBMIT to God. But RESIST the devil and he will flee from you. 8 DRAW NEAR to God and He will DRAW NEAR to you. CLEANSE your hands, you sinners; and PURIFY your hearts, you DOUBLE-MINDED…10 HUMBLE yourselves in the sight of Adonai, and He shall lift you up. - James (“Jacob”) 4:7-8,10 (TLV)

• SUBMIT to God so you can Resist the Devil
• DRAW NEAR to God so that He will Draw Near to You
• CLEANSE your Hands from Habitual Sin
• PURIFY your Hearts so that you can Reject Double-Mindedness
• HUMBLE yourselves to be lifted up or ascend into His Presence

So then, SURRENDER TO GOD. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony. - James (“Jacob”) 4:7 (TPT)

2. MAKE YOUR SERVICE YOUR SACRIFICE
- Let How You Serve speak Louder than what you Say

As good servant managers of God’s grace in its various forms, SERVE one another with the gift each of you has received. - 1 Peter 4:10 (ISV)

READ  - Romans 12:3-8 (ISV)

3. USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO SERVE GOD’S PURPOSE
- Let Your Gifts be used for God’s Glory, not Personal Gain

READ  - Romans 12:9-21 (ISV)

THREE ACTION STEPS TODAY:
STEP 1: PRESENT YOUR WHOLE LIFE TO GOD DAILY — give God your thoughts, schedule, relationships, and resources.
STEP 2: RENEW YOUR MIND THROUGH GOD’S WORD — Sacrifice starts with your thought life. Don’t conform, transform.
STEP 3: SERVE WITH SPIRITUAL PURPOSE — Use your gifts to serve others, not spotlight yourself.

PRAYER DECLARATION:
“Abba Father, Today, I choose to surrender—not out of fear, but out of faith. I lay my life on the altar—not as a dead sacrifice, but as a living one. I yield to Your will every thought, gift, and desire. I offer my whole self in worship, not just with words but with works, not just today but every day. Let my submission fuel my mission. Cleanse my hands. Purify my heart. Consume anything in my life that doesn’t please You. I will serve humbly, love without hypocrisy, and walk daily with purpose. My life is for Your glory, not my own. Just as Messiah gave Himself sacrificially, I give myself as a living sacrifice. I choose to live UNASHAMED and UNCOMPROMISING today and for the rest of my life in the powerful name of Jesus, Yeshua the Messiah. AMEN!”EN!”
“Strange Fire vs. Sacred Flame” -Discerning True Worship from False - Rabbi Brian 

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 6:12 “The FIRE on the ALTAR is to be KEPT BURNING on it. It must not go out. Each morning the kohen is to burn wood, lay out the burnt offering, and make the fat of the fellowship offerings go up in smoke. FIRE is to be KEPT BURNING on the ALTAR continually—it must not go out.” TLV

Parashat Sh’mini שְּׁמִינִי , Leviticus 9:1-11:47, describes the climax of the Tabernacle’s inauguration on the eighth day, when Aaron and his sons offer sacrifices and God’s glory appears as divine fire consumes the offerings on the altar. 

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 9:1 Now it happened on the eighth day [SH’MINI] that Moses called Aaron, his sons, and the elders of Israel.… 5 So they brought what Moses commanded before the Tent of Meeting, and the entire congregation DREW NEAR and stood before Adonai.

How to Keep the Altar Sacred with a Flame that Never Goes Out:
1. KEEP THE SACRED FLAME OF WORSHIP BURNING
 – Let Your Dedication to God be your Focused Priority 

MESSIANIC JEWS / Hebrews 12:28 “Let us be thankful, and so WORSHIP GOD acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a CONSUMING FIRE.” NIV

Romans 12:1 I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a SACRIFICE, LIVING and SET APART for God. This will please Him; it is the logical “TEMPLE WORSHIP” for you. CJB

•  Spiritual Truth: God’s HOLY FIRE is sustained when we offer Him continual, ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP rooted in awe, gratitude, and obedience

•  Action Step: PRIORITIZE A DAILY ALTAR—set time aside each day to DRAW NEAR with a clean heart. WORSHIP must become a LIFESTYLE, not just an event.

2. AVOID STRANGE FIRE AND VAIN WORSHIP 
– Let Your Devotion to Holiness set you apart from Disobedience 

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 10:21  “Nadav and Avihu… offered UNAUTHORIZED FIRE before Adonai, which He had not commanded… and FIRE came out and CONSUMED them.” TLV

God doesn’t just want our FIRE—He wants our FEAR OF THE LORD to FUEL it!

SH’MUEL BET / 2 Samuel 6:6 But when they reached the threshing floor of Nahon, Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and grasped it, for the oxen had stumbled. 7 Then the anger of Adonai was kindled against Uzzah. God struck him down there for his IRREVERENCE, so that he died there beside the ark of God.” TLV

MATTIYAHU / Matthew 15:8 ‘These people DRAW NEAR to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their HEART is far from Me. 9 And in VAIN they WORSHIP Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ “ NKJV

•  Spiritual Truth: Zeal without OBEDIENCE becomes IRREVERENCE. God doesn’t accept fire that is unauthorized, self-willed, or emotionally driven but unholy. Worship becomes vanity when it’s not from the heart.
•  Action Step: EXAMINE your motives—is your worship born of obedience or emotion? Surrender any expressions of faith that are driven by pride, showmanship, or self-focus.

3. GUARD YOUR SPIRITUAL FIRE THROUGH DISCERNMENT
– Let Your Discernment lead you in every Decision 

VAYIKRA / Leviticus 10:10 You are to make a DISTINCTION [DISCERN] between the holy and the common and between the unclean and the clean. 11 And you are to teach Bnei-Yisrael all the statutes which Adonai has spoken to them through Moses.” TLV

MISHLEI / Proverbs 2:3-5 “My son, if you will receive my words and store my commands inside you, 2 paying attention to wisdom inclining your mind toward understanding —3 yes, if you will call for insight and raise your voice for DISCERNMENT, 4 if you SEEK it as you would silver and search for it as for hidden treasure —5 then you will understand the fear of Adonai and find knowledge of God. 6 For Adonai gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” CJB

RONIM / Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a LIVING SACRIFICE—holy, acceptable to God—which is your SPIRITUAL SERVICE. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed [“metamorpho’o” in Greek] by the renewing of your mind, so that you may DISCERN what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. TLV

CALL TO ACTION:
STEP 1: Keep your altar sacred and keep your life set apart: Are you offering sacred flame or strange fire?
Don’t treat your time with God casually. Make your life a continual offering. Choose daily to walk in holiness, humility, and wholehearted worship.

STEP 2: Examine your devotional life and eliminate any strange fire.
Ask the Ruach HaKodesh [“Holy Spirit”] to expose any part of your worship that is based on pride, imitation, convenience, or emotion. Remove spiritual practices or attitudes that are not born out of God’s Word and Spirit.

STEP 3: Rekindle and Refresh the sacred flame of obedience, purity, and passionate devotion everyday.
Renew your commitment to walk in ongoing sanctification. Fan the flame through Torah study, Spirit-led prayer, and consistent surrender—not once, but daily.
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