Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua - Before and After Baptism

Before and After Baptism

Baptismal Counseling Guide

and Qualifications for Candidates

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· Have you read our Fundamentals of Faith?

· Are you aware that Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua teaches obedience to all of Yahweh's Commandments?

· Have you considered all the aspects of the steps you are now taking?

· You must realize this is a very solemn vow to Yahweh from which there is no return. Eccl. 5:4-6; Matt. 12:36; 2 Cor. 5:10.

· You must realize you have repented of your past life and are willing to continue on toward perfection-true conversion. Acts 3:19 ; Deut. 30: 6-8; Psalm 51; Isaiah 1:16-20.

· Your loyalty is now to Yahshua as the Head, and His Body, the Ekklesia. You should demonstrate fraternal love in your life.

· When you encounter difficulties over doctrines, or if you should find new light, contact one of the Elders. Similarly, you should be willing to take correction from the Elder or the Body of Messiah. Eph. 4:11-14; Titus 1:9-10: 1 Peter 5:1-6; Heb. 13:7-17; Num. 11:17-25.

· Are there any problems for which you would like counseling or anything which would interfere with your being a good member of Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua?

· What do you expect to find in Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua?

· Each member of the body is promised a special gift to strengthen and build up the body of Messiah. Have you set a goal for yourself as described in Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12?

Public Affirmation Just Before Baptism

We will look for a positive response to the following:

1) Do you accept Yahshua as the Messiah, Savior, and Ruler in your life, and do you now renounce Satan's fatally destructive way of life and the sinful worldly pleasures?

2) Do you now, this day as you enter into the New Covenant with Yahweh through the blood and name of Yahshua the Messiah seek to be faithful until the end?

3) Are you willing to work with all brethren of Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua to preach the Evangel of the Kingdom to come and to aid all sincere seekers after truth to find the pathway to everlasting life? (Matt. 28:19-20 The Great Commission)

Guidance from Our Leadership

Policy for "Doctrine Sharing"

This outline is designed for the faithful, prospective member considering baptism, as well as current members of the Body of Messiah and Yahweh's Assembly in Yahshua. These guidelines are meant to help those with Scriptural and non-Scriptural doctrines (i.e. articles, books, verbal teachings) to share their beliefs, thoughts and ideas in an appropriate way. Before reading these guidelines it is important to read YAIY’s Booklet "Fundamentals of Faith."

You have read and agreed to the seven questions/statements located in our "Baptismal Counseling Guide". Included in that was the following:

"When you encounter difficulties over doctrines, or if you should find “new light,” contact one of the Elders. Similarly, you should be willing to take correction from the Elder or Body of Messiah," Eph. 4:11-14; Titus 1:9-10; 1Peter. 5:1-6; Heb. 13:7-17; Num. 11:17-25.

The importance of being in compliance with the above statement is especially necessary in these "last days." Scripture clearly defines encounters with "false doctrines" as well as "false prophets." You, as a new convert or as a veteran "true believer" probably have or will experience the bringing forth of these heresies. At YAIY, we have developed a system which will hopefully allow those with deeper knowledge of Yahweh's Truth to share these ideas with their brethren and at the same time eliminate some doctrines that have questionable Scriptural accuracy. We read in Ephesians 4:11-14, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Yahweh, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

Our Leadership is an integral part of our walk with Yahweh. Imagine the predicament the first twelve Apostles would have been in without Yahshua's instruction. Going from place to place establishing assemblies would be very difficult had it not been for the precious teachings of the Messiah. After the Messiah's ascension early converts relied upon the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that the Apostles gained from the Messiah. We, in the same way, need to be mindful of the place Yahweh has put our Elders. They are our stewards or our shepherds (but not our "Good Shepherd" Yahshua who clearly fills this role, see John 10:11 ). We, as the brethren, fill a role much like sheep. We are to be taught and "led" in the right direction. If we go astray our Leadership is to help guide us to a better understanding of Yahweh's Truth. Guiding us does not necessarily mean they are to study for us; we are to diligently seek Yahweh's Truth in Scripture on our own as well.

Our Leadership has strong responsibilities to remain in accord with Scripture, as we read in Titus 1:9-16, “He must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it. For there are many insubordinate men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially the circumcision party; they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for base gain what they have no right to teach. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, instead of giving heed to Jewish myths or to commands of men who reject the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and consciences are corrupted. They profess to know Yahweh, but they deny him by their deeds; they are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good deed.”

Hopefully the Scriptures and commentary preceding this list of Guidelines have established the need for a comprehensive outline for "Doctrine Sharing". Please remember that these guidelines are not meant to deter you from disproving other faiths, doctrines, or beliefs.

Guidelines

1. Any Doctrine (excluding exact Biblical quotes without commentary) not contained in YAIY's list of mini-studies or booklets is to be submitted, in writing, to the Board of Directors (YAIY's Elders and Deacons) for approval before being shared or posted with any of the general membership of the Body of Messiah. What must be submitted to the Board, in written form, is a statement of your beliefs and all references (in written form) which you have used to establish your belief. These references include, but are not limited to, commentaries, articles, books, verbal teachings, virtual or electronic media (including, but not limited to, information found on Web sites or software).

2. Should you encounter someone in the Assembly presenting a doctrine differently than what is found in the Fundamentals of Faith or other published material from the Assembly, immediately refer them to an Elder and even offer to facilitate their discussion with an Elder. If they decline your suggestion and even denigrate the Elders as not being willing to provide a fair hearing, consider this is a warning sign. According to Titus 1:9, the Elders are required to maintain sound doctrine. In Hebrews 13:17 we are exhorted to "obey your leaders and submit to them." Paul, in 1 Thess. 5:12 instructs us to "appreciate those who diligently labor among you." According to the Apostle and Elder, Peter, in 1 Peter 5:2 "the Elders are to shepherd the flock of YAHWEH among you, exercising oversight."

NOTE: Those who fail to follow these guidelines will be referred to the Elders for disciplinary action. It is not our intention to limit or police your diligent effort to search for Yahweh's Truth, but we must be mindful of all the false teachings that can be found on the Internet and other places. We have to be careful of sharing such information with brethren who are under the impression that the information being shown to them is "our belief". We read in Mark 13:22 this, “For false Messiahs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect”.

Having read the above guidelines, you may now have the question, "How do I share my studies with others?" Simple, just submit your article and all the necessary references to the YAIY Board of Directors (Elders and Deacons) at our headquarters in Kingdom City , MO. You may also discuss with them your prospective teaching via phone or in-person. NOTE: Not all doctrines or teachings will be approved, so prepare yourself for correction from the Elders.

Your doctrine will be considered based on Scriptural accuracy and presentation. An example of inappropriate presentation would be the following: taking Scriptural Truth and belittling someone with it. We, at times, can be over-seasoned or over-emotional with sound, Biblical Truth. Sometimes our passion for Yahweh's Word doesn't always make us the best messenger. Our newly baptized (or those considering baptism) brethren could be discouraged by an over-seasoned message. Many of today's TV evangelists would be an example of non-Holy Spirit inspired emotion.

Yahweh has brought you to an Assembly that puts His Truth before all else. Take care of what you learn and be joyful, knowing that Yahweh has given you a precious gift.

2963 County Road 233, Kingdom City , Missouri 65262

View us online at: www.YAIY.org

Call Toll Free: (877) 642-4101

Main Line: (573) 642-4100