“Embracing Yeshua Beyond Church Walls: A Spiritual Journey Guided by Scripture”
The call to follow Yeshua, or Jesus, is a personal journey that can take many paths, and sometimes, it might lead us beyond the walls of our churches. This decision is not to be taken lightly, but it may resonate with those who feel led by the Holy Spirit to explore a more intimate relationship with Yeshua.
In the book of Matthew, Yeshua Himself presents a profound challenge: “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38, KJV). It’s a call to embrace personal sacrifices and dedicate our lives to Yeshua, to seek His teachings first and foremost, even when they challenge established norms or institutions.
John’s Gospel reminds us, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23, KJV). It’s a profound affirmation that our relationship with God is not confined by physical buildings or institutionalized religion, but is found in the depths of our spirit and sincerity of truth.
It’s also essential to remember Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 12:27 (KJV): “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” The church is not the building or the institution; it is us, the followers of Yeshua, united in our faith and love for Him.
In this journey of following Yeshua outside traditional church structures, we must be guided by love, as instructed in 1 John 4:7 (KJV): “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” Love should be the cornerstone of our faith and the guiding principle of our actions.
However, it’s essential to tread this path with wisdom. Even as we step outside the church, we must not isolate ourselves but seek fellowship with others who are also committed to living the teachings of Yeshua. As stated in Hebrews 10:25 (KJV), “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Following Yeshua beyond the church doesn’t mean abandoning the church, but rather embracing a faith that is deeply personal, profoundly spiritual, and radically inclusive, just as Yeshua taught us to be.
