Every Christian, Messianic or Netzarim congregation is required by the Word of YHWH to have a functional Beit Din with three or more qualified men to lead and counsel.  In some congregations this is already in place to a degree, however some were simply never taught that this is called a Beit Din and how it is required to function.  YHWH spoke to Moses through Yethro (Jethro) instructing how to qualify the judges of Israel:

     Before we go on to see more elements to the qualification of leadership let's consider these four foundational qualities that YHWH is looking for.  What might it look like if someone was strong in one area but weak in the other three?  Imagine a valiant man who lacked truth.  Who was covetous of others property.  Who had no fear of YHWH.  This is the kind of guy who would likely end up in jail and/or bouncing in and out of the court system.  Imagine a man of truth but he is not valiant (bold), has no Fear of YHWH and is covetous, in other words he can speak the truth but he can't apply the truth, he has no boldness, no courage to stand for truth.  It is a rare man who strongly exemplifies all four qualities.  Most men have a bar graph of all four of these qualities that would show a mediocre, middle of the road average.

     The men who exemplify all four of these qualities are going to be visible by those who also seek righteousness, they are men who were not born into leadership but are called to leadership because they have a personal interest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  We notice these four qualities are dependant upon one another, to support one another and for the sake of each other.  The quality of a man of truth will cause him to hate covetousness and refuse bribes or any deceitful means to attain any ill-gotten gain.  His anti-covetous value will boost the authority of the truth within himself, and of course, he will not be a coward if he is confronted with an attack against truth.

     We can also see that when a man has no defining quality that all four of these qualities work in harmony in the opposite manner, it is a coward who has no Fear of YHWH, is a habitual liar and covets what belongs to others.  The covetous man wants to win a lottery, or go to casinos and get what he hasn't earned or swindle money from those who work hard, and suffered, and saved, but the covetous man because he is not a man of truth.  The covetous element of a man's soul is revealed publicly every day in the verdicts of criminal or civil court cases where their deeds have been made public.  Oftentimes unsuspecting "business partners" don't pay attention to the whole picture, all four of these qualities must be present before we can trust a man to keep his word.

      As we continue to D'varim (Deuteronomy) YHWH instructs Moshe to add three more qualifications, bringing the list to seven.

     We can see that a man who is strong in all the first four qualities would be known in the community, his works or fruits of his life would be known and appreciated by everyone he does business with.  The obvious disciplines and the peace he walks in is because he has applied wisdom and understanding and has become acknowledged within the community.  What we have here is a Torah Perfect instruction that pertains to a mature man of YHWH.  You may think this is a rare man today, perhaps not as rare as you may think though. 

     In reality, there is a Proverb that explains that; "When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase" (Proverbs 28:28).  In a wicked society righteous men are not highly valued, their leadership qualities are only respected by a very small minority because the majority of society is seeking instant gratification (short-cuts) and the righteous example serves only to convict them of sin, the righteous become obstacles for further gross transgression of the common good.

     As we pursue the deepest understanding of how to cultivate righteous character we turn to Mashiyach, the quintessential righteous man who is the Image of Elohim (God) in Perfection.  A profound revelation of Mashiyach is revealed through the Netzer in Isaiah 11:2 which parallels these seven qualifications with the Seven Spirits of YHWH :  "And the Spirit of YHWH shall rest upon him, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of YHWH" these seven attributes are perfectly balanced in each other and through the entire group of attributes existing in harmony together.

     As you are seeing these Seven Spirits you are likely noticing how they dovetail beautifully with the seven qualifications of a leader, this is self evident but of course not a coincidence.  In other words it is in seeking Mashiyach by being obedient to Torah through the Ruach haKodesh (Set Apart Spirit of YHWH) that a man is able to attain to his fullest purpose and potential in this life, according to Mashiyach who is the Image of Elohim.

     Herein lies the door that brings Perfection and Purpose into our lives even the fact that you are reading this short paper about the Nature of Mashiyach means that your neshama (spirit) is drawing you further into the Power of Mashiyach which is the core of our true existence in this world as we know it.  Our present reality is connected to the Olam Haba (world to come) by our desire to have a Perfect Heart and Clean Hands and walk before YHWH, His Mashiyach and one another with beauty.

     Daily we exercise and meditate upon the Perfection of Mashiyach and our observance (obedience) to His Word (Torah) is what draws us closer and closer to our ultimate fulfillment in Him.  Observing Torah is a daily rehearsal of perfection, however, man-made religions about Torah turn what is supposed to be a progressive Spiritual journey into a habitual religious action which brings mediocrity and death.  This is of course why so many people reject religion because they see it as a crutch or a facade that people hide behind rather than take up the high calling of their own spiritual journey towards Perfection.

     We've seen these basic elements of what to seek for, we must ingest the seven qualifications and soberly review our own strengths and weaknesses.  To do this truthfully and effectively we must put this issue to prayer asking YHWH and through His Mashiyach (our Rabbi and Teacher) to reveal the content within ourselves from His perspective.  We are wise to balance judgments of ourselves in Mashiyach not in our own strengths and weaknesses, but let his voice (Spirit) speak in us.  As we do this we will not seek to judge others, we will identify with the qualities we see in others and be naturally drawn to spend more time with those who hold up our good qualities and less time with those who reinforce our lower carnal natures, we are careful to build upon the qualities of Mashiyach that we see growing within us, this is true "fellowship" in the Spirit of YHWH.

     The Beauty of Mashiyach is seen within the Standards he revealed within Noah, Job, Avraham, Moshe and all our forefathers who practiced and experienced YHWH's righteousness.  We have a guide, a target and a goal that makes life a most wonderful journey filled with purpose, truth, anticipation and delight when we turn to Mashiyach.

     As we journey into broader details and practical application of the qualifications for leaders we can source out verses in the Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant) the teachings of Y'shua Mashiyach according to the Shlichim (Sent Ones or Apostles).  In reality what Christians refer to as the New Testament was originally penned in Hebrew and Aramaic with cognate terms and definitions that dovetail beautifully with Tanakh (Torah-Neviim-Ketuvim; which Christians refer to as the Old Testament).  Here are more details in the Ketuvim Netzarim regarding attributes or qualifications of leaders in Mashiyach.

     Shaliach Paul writes to Timothy with qualifications that originate in Torah, these same SEVEN qualifications that we originally surveyed.  However, Shaul re-words and expands by instructing; be not double-tongued; speak the truth, and be not greedy of filthy lucre; be not covetous.  Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience speaks about the Fear of YHWH indwelling our neshama (spirit) directing and guiding us to make choices that are pleasing to YHWH and His Mashiyach and will bless and prosper us.  Notice that Shaul also continues with an exhortation for women, and we all know that women wield incredible powers that can make or break their husbands, either a wife will uphold her husband's righteous character development or try overpower him and work him according to what is right in her own eyes.

     Here we see extrusions of the SEVEN basic qualifications, put in practical, demonstrable, measurable and realistic goal oriented elements.

Blameless

     Blameless of course does not mean we have not made mistakes along the way, but that we have been open to correction and repented of our trespasses unto YHWH and others.  Being blameless indicates the work of the Ruach HaKodesh in us that brings fruits of the spirit that ministers to our own souls and to others around us.  There is a huge misconception by the Western world regarding clean and unclean, and perfection and being blameless.  Unfortunately the West sees perfection ideologically in a way that puts perfection into the category of the unachievable realm.  NO, that is falsehood because perfection or being blameless is a process, a journey, a walk or a development within the cultivation of our inner being.  It is a foolish thing to dwell on past failures or imaginable false ceilings and limitations that we put over ourselves.  In reality it is the adversary (haSatan) who tells us that we are to be blamed, it is the spirit of "the accuser of the brethren" that focuses on blame, fault finding and insecurities. 

     Mashiyach in us is blameless, this is also how we call ourselves Torah observant, yes we delight in observing Torah.  Yes we can "keep the Law", because we choose to in Mashiyach.  Yes we can be perfected because it is the work of the Ruach haKodesh in us, not our own work.  Our spiritual journey in this life is to become like Mashiyach, be transformed into the Image of Elohim.  The joy and beauty of Mashiyach compels us to take on the challenges we face and overcome the pitfalls that lie in our path.  Even when we stumble it is not that we are to be "blamed" because journey has it's tough decisions, crossroads, speed-bumps and potholes, but also its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  When we look to YHWH and His Mashiyach we see that in Him we are blameless as we repent of our transgression.  We make restitution to Him and others we've hurt and we are forgiven and empowered by the Grace through the Mercy of our Creator.  Think about it.  YHWH created us for His good pleasure.  He creates what gives Him delight.  He created you and I, therefore our response must be to increase His delight within us and this is the beauty of being blameless before YHWH.

Husband of one wife

     Men who take the responsibility of leadership must not have a legacy of divorce and remarriage.  From a young age you knew whether you would offer your life to Mashiyach.  We chose partners that uphold our service to Mashiyach.  If a man has been married, divorced and remarried outside of the authority of a Beit Din he is disqualified to sit on a Beit Din and make judgments over the lives of others, he has not preferred his service to YHWH over his own desires.  However, a righteous divorce exonerates the innocent party and allows for remarriage.  The matter of cause for divorce must be judged by a Beit Din to be recognized as a legitimate divorce.  Divorce and remarriage authorized by a pagan state without righteous Torah based witnesses disqualifies a man from sitting on the Beit Din.  If men who have been divorced and remarried sit on a Beit Din, the likelihood and danger is that they will transfer their own values regarding divorce and remarriage to others, and the values of the entire community deteriorates.  The Covenant of Marriage between a husband and wife is as unto YHWH, those who have covenanted unto YHWH and entered into marriage do so for life.  If a man contributed to the failure of his marriage, he also contributed to his wife committing adultery if she remarried, he cannot sit on a Beit Din.

Not accused of riot or unruly

     Men who are accused of excess or lack of self control must never sit on a Beit Din.  Although pagan society may award men for this conduct, it is most unbefitting for men who walk in Mashiyach.  To even be accused of such activity is a detriment to a person's reputation since it is extremely malicious and contrary to the One true Faith.

Having children that believe

     YHWH raises up righteous offspring through righteous marriages.  "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6  Today many religious leaders neglect training up their children.  Some leaders offer rituals in their homes, prayers, bible readings etc, but do not take time to pray for and with their children and counsel them as unto YHWH because they are too busy "ministering" to others.  That sort of ministry is based on paganism.  Children are given by YHWH to be raised up in righteousness, in Torah, and counseled in the Ways of Mashiyach by their fathers and mothers.  The fruits of a righteous or unrighteous man will be seen in his children, if he has not preferred his own children the man is a pagan, he is selfish and carnally minded, who seeks the praise of men, not the praise of YHWH.

Not self-willed

     Not a one-man-show who refuses to be accountable to others.  It is easy be influenced by the structures of pagan society.  It is easy to hold oneself as the "measure of all things" over a congregation and demand respect and honor from others, just because of holding the position of rabbi, priest or pastor.  The self willed man seeks veto power to avoid accountability for his actions.  He refuses to be "proven" or acknowledged among his peers but takes leadership according to self-entitlement.  The self-willed nature within leaders epitomizes false Christo-Pagan religious values.  Truth in this area cannot be reduced to a theology or "productivity", just because a person is driven, productive, busy, or has a huge vision doesn't make them a servant of YHWH.  The opposite of the self-willed man is to work toward collective team efforts, raise up leaders, rather than seek larger followings for oneself.  One-man-shows are evil and not of the Malchut Elohim.  Avraham, Moshe, David and all righteous men of YHWH show us this very Set Apart principle of the Malchut Elohim (kingdom).  Avraham raised up 318 men.  Moshe and Yitro raised up 70 elders.  David's men were empowered and strengthened by his deep love and devotion to them and so we see a beautiful connection between a righteous leader and those he surrounds himself with.

Not soon angry

     Temperance indicates that a man waits on YHWH's authority and judgment.  He is not quick to remedy matters on his own terms.  He yields to the Ruach HaKodesh and awaits the discernment of the Ruach HaKodesh.  "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of Elohim."  James 1:19-20  An individual who habitually raises their voices and talks over others to get their way indicates he or she has not the wherewithal to properly communicate and lead.  A leader is called to lead by example, which means to set the character and values of the meetings and discussions in a manner pleasing unto Mashiyach.  A carnal leader will be dreaded by his followers.  Insecure followers expect a brow-beating when differences of opinion arise and rather than reciprocity and equality many know they will face an angry man when they say or do something that's outside the pale of their leaders personal hashkafot (philosophies).

Not a brawler

     We see a distinction made between brawler and striker so we conclude a brawler is one who has a habit of trying to resolve matters with his brawn not his brain.  A brawler of course need not be a physical brawl, but one who also has a propensity to fight, contest and prove his one-up-man-ship.  A brawler seeks religious debate to show himself right and others wrong.  He likes to argue to show himself right to appear to be bona fide and authentic as a leader.  A righteous man is not concerned about having pure theology as the wind driven snow, but rather his conduct reflects Mashiyach within his life and family and community.

     Consider a someone who doesn't have great intellectual capabilities per se, but who exemplifies the SEVEN qualities through service to himself and others.  The QUALITIES within a leader are far more precious that what he knows, because the qualities will sustain a relationship in truth, what he and you know about "theology" will change and evolve over time, however many leaders are "theological brawlers" and they raise up congregations of brawlers (religious bigots) rather than peacemakers.

Not a striker

     To try to resolve a conflict by striking another person is evil.  It is indication a someone who has no temperance or patience to minister and resolve conflicts, instead they apply brute force, make threats and try to use fear and intimidation.  A striker puts himself in positions of compromise, then he or she attempts to resolve issues by force.  In Matthew 18 that is based on Torah, both parties to a conflict are judged together, but a striker shows that he refuses the process of righteous judgment.  "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of Elohim" (James 1:19-20). 

     If a man must use physical force to restrain another soul this is an entirely different matter.  If someone is harming you, or your family or another person then we are required to make a defense, but in so doing it would still be a rare situation if he had to revert to striking another human being.  There is of course a distinction between being a striker versus resisting an evil person or making a defense against a person who is hurting us or others.  Also bear in mind jurisdiction of our homes and properties.  If a wicked person steps onto our private property or into a congregational meeting and threatens our person or our families then we have the responsibility as unto YHWH to resist such an evil person, but even in these extreme circumstances we are to simply resist such a person and extricate them rather than strike them.

Not greedy of filthy lucre

     Our lifestyles and use of our time is a clear indication of how greedy we are for material gain.  Torah study and serving YHWH and our community is our priority, rather than seeking to make material monuments to ourselves and to impress carnally minded souls.  Displays of wealth and material riches is indicative of they who esteem "filthy lucre".  Many Rabbis, pastors and priests take leadership positions solely because of the steady and guaranteed income and honor of the position.  On the one hand, while not necessarily "greedy" for materialism some leaders devote themselves to religious organizations for financial support while knowingly teaching against and compromising truth they personally believe in.  Herein is one of the greatest travesties of religion and the Church.  The love of money over the love of Truth.  I've met numerous pastors who were fearful of losing their pensions and their incomes when they've come to the knowledge of Truth.  Also Jewish rabbis who come to the knowledge of Mashiyach Y'shua.  Whether these are greedy for money or not, they compromise for "filthy lucre" and they have elevated money over morality.  This has reached epidemic proportions in the religious worlds.

Given to hospitality

     The standard of "hospitality" Yeshua demonstrated is the standard we are to aim for.  Leaders are to extend themselves out to others, to bless and provide assistance for the basic needs of others that may not be so visible, not take, take, take.  I've witnessed pastors lavish hospitality on those who are close to them, who are the most likeable or the most worshipful towards their leadership.  After receiving a big offering religious leaders can get very spendy using the congregations money and resources.  But true hospitality is to have our hearts bound together in love as one heart. 

     When we hear of others who are struggling the ministry of hospitality is to walk along side of them and work to correct the situation.  This is the essence of hospitality.  Hospitality isn't about hosting big dinner parties, the fact of the matter is that can also be a sign of arrogance and pride.  Pagan leadership styles employ the evidence of "God's blessings" as an indication of their authority and relevancy to their flocks, beware of rabbis, pastors or priests who host big catered dinner parties at the expense of the congregation, while single mothers and fathers and elderly and handicapped and homeless members of the congregation starve and live poverty the rest of the year.

     A man who is given to hospitality welcomes others into his life and his home for the purpose of building the Kingdom of Elohim.  It is a joy to be able to have the resources to be able to support our brothers and sisters in Y'shua and lift them up.  A very great joy and beauty is experienced when our souls are given to hospitality.  It has been said that "imitation is the sincerest form of a compliment".  A man given to hospitality brings the souls of others into his own soul, not to imitate himself but to imitate Mashiyach within him, therefore a true servant of YHWH does not puff himself, he glorifies and thanks YHWH for being able to be of service to YHWH's family.

Our Mashiyach Yeshua said, "

Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again.  And as you would that men should do to you, do also unto them. For if you love them which love you, what grace have you? for sinners also love those that love them.  And if you do good to them which do good to you, what grace have you? for sinners also do even the same.  And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what grace have you? for sinners also lend to sinners , to receive as much again.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."  Luke 6:30-36  Yeshua teaches, "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,   And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you."

Luke 10:33-35

Lover of Good

"He has shown thee, O man, what is good; and what YHWH requires of you,

but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Elohim." 

Micah 6:8

Sober minded

     Regardless of what the world throws at us, a leader of YHWH cannot and will not live a common mundane material existence.  YHWH's chosen prefer and protect His Name and reputation, as a result a righteous man will deny himself worldly pleasures in favor of being sober-minded towards our Father in Heaven and His Kingdom.  When others about us do things against YHWH, go to carnal movies, listen to the worldly music and gossip, a sober-minded man takes exception.  A sober-minded man knows his reward is not from men, or by the praise of men but of and from YHWH.  A sober-minded man sees further down the road and is not troubled by the instant gratification that distracts others, his mind and imagination are controlled by the Spirit of YHWH, he speaks to his heart and tells his heart what to do and think.

Tsadiq (Just or Righteous)

To be "just" means to be set-apart and Righteous.  The goal of Mashiyach is to establish a Kedoshim (Holy People).  All "leaders" are ultimately responsible to YHWH for nurturing and developing the Mishpocha (family) into a "Kedoshim" and we are our brother's keeper.  Righteousness means we extend the Kingdom of Elohim to everyone, not just our own little communities but that we have a global view of YHWH's children everywhere.

    Justice comes from YHWH.  It is imperative that each of us, leaders or not, walk in Torah, demonstrate Torah, wear tzit tzit, remind ourselves of who we are in Yeshua, observe Torah, delight in Shabbat, observe the Moedim and Kadosh Scriptures, rather than "fitting in" with status quo religious ideas and cliché's.

"And that from a child you have known the Kadosh Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Mashiyach Yeshua.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of Elohim may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Timothy 3:15-17

     A righteous man sees that he is being borne up by YHWH and His Mashiyach, he operates beyond his own abilities and strengths and intellect, and he brings Glory to YHWH's Name because of it.  Not to himself.  Mashiyach is the wind beneath our wings and we know that if we wander away from the beauty of Holiness that the "updraft" we ride on will disappear and we'll come down in a very big hurry (freefall).  Righteousness is beauty.  Righteousness is the simcha (joy) within us that desires Torah to be written upon our hearts.  A righteous man does not live to seek a future reward, he has his reward each day from our Father in Heaven through overcoming the weak flesh and living according to the spiritual man.  A righteous man eats the fruit or righteousness that sustains his joy, peace and contentment and gives him a wonderful purpose for his life.  A righteous man sanctifies the Name of YHWH as his reward.

Kadosh (Set Apart)

     The calling for all souls who walk in Yeshua is to be "SEPARATE" and observe Torah and be a Kedoshim (Set Apart -holy- People) unto YHWH.  Therefore it is very unbefitting for a leader to not be renown for this essential ingredient of Faith.

  "For I am YHWH that brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim: you shall therefore be Kadosh (Set-Apart holy), for I am Kadosh."

Vayikra/Leviticus 11:45

     If we can forget about all the religious posturing and cliché's that surround the word "holy" and simply focus on the practical elements of being a Set Apart people, then we can experience rather than contemplate, being Set Apart.  The more the carnal world turns us into outcasts the more we celebrate YHWH and His Mashiyach who bears us up.  We cannot share our joys and beauty with those who are making war against Mashiyach, they cannot understand our weirdness, our religion, and the lifestyles we have chosen to honor YHWH who has given us life. 

     YHWH has Set us Apart unto Himself and unto each other in the Household of Faith.  When we celebrate YHWH's Shabbat we do so not of habit or religious need but of reciprocal joy in YHWH who gave us His Shabbat for our rest in Him.  Our Father YHWH has put a portion of Himself inside of each one of us, and that portion comes alive in Joy and Peace and Contentment and Purpose when we say YES ABBA!!!  Hineni (here I am) your servant, your son, I am Yours, how can I serve You this day and every day. 

Father YHWH, You have set me apart unto Yourself and set me apart from my own sinful nature so that I can be a doer of Torah and not a hearer only.

Self Controlled

     Disciplined in our thoughts, words and our physical bodies.  Lack of self control is being out of control and given to excess in things that do not profit our spiritual man.  Lack of self control is seen by requiring daily or weekly entertainment or amusement, in things like speaking over others or in gluttony (obesity) which is a clear indication of lack of self control.  Being self controlled is to have discernment from the Ruach haKodesh, taking time to hear from YHWH and overcome desires of the instant gratification of the flesh.  Self control often means to bear the infamy of truth.  A self controlled man is Set-Apart and will likely be accused for having self control by those who do not highly esteem their own souls.  Self control comes about by passing the tests each day, and walking away from the little voice that wants us to indulge our carnal flesh things that are temporal and passing away.

Holding to the Faithful Word

     We establish the Word of YHWH as our Authority for our lives and our decisions.  The Faithful Word routinely exposes religious traditions that are not according to Truth.  Being centered on YHWH's Word helps our souls avoid the futile things of the pagans and not be bothered by the conspiracies against YHWH and His Mashiyach.  The Faithful Word empowers us.  The Word is not letters and words on a Torah scroll or in our Bibles, but Mashiyach.  Our connection to Heaven.  YHWH's Word is our authority in Mashiyach.  The Faithful Word is Truth which is Power and we hold to the Word not by intellectual observation but by physical and real conduct within "The Word".  The Word lives in Mashiyach and Mashiyach is the Word.  The Word is Spirit.  The Word is the Divine connection that we welcome into our neshama (spirit) and we demonstrate that we hold to the Faithful Word by our obedience to YHWH's Word.  The opposite of this is to go ask your rabbi, or pastor or priest about the Word of YHWH or Mashiyach Y'shua.  Or, put trust in the "theology" or opinion of another human rather than simply be obedient to the Word of YHWH... a very big difference.

Be able to exhort in the sound doctrine

     As we hold to the Faithful Word in our conduct, we will also be well equipped to exhort others with sound doctrine.  The resources needed to exhort others comes through being discipled in the Ruach haKodesh which comes through observance and experience in Torah.  Rav Shaul exhorted; "

For as the sufferings of the Mashiyach multiply in us,

so also our consolation multiplies by the Mashiyach."

2 Cor. 1:5

     Shaul's exhortations came about by his sufferings as a servant of Mashiyach, the "sound doctrine" is not an intellectual theological doctrine, having lots of brainpower, but becoming a full and whole person in Mashiyach.  Exhortation is not religious debate, but wisdom and discernment applied towards an organic lifestyle that is being cultivated in Torah.  Sound doctrine is not a pure "statement of Faith" but a demonstration of righteousness.  Sound doctrine is the Nature of Mashiyach within us, the SEVEN qualities of a righteous man work in harmony within us.  Experiencing these qualities intimately is to be able to help graft them into the souls of others. 

     The beauty of the sufferings of the Mashiyach is to participate in "sound doctrine" which is a truth of being, not a truth of knowing.  No one really cares about how much we think we know about Mashiyach, that's deception, but rather how much ministry we have in Mashiyach.  Are we able to transmit Mashiyach in us to others around us, or, do we engage in religious ideas and cliché's about Mashiyach at the same level of false religions that we claim to be Set Apart from. 

     Truth be told there are precious few leaders that are able to exhort in the sound doctrine because most see their "statement of faith", an intellectual belief system, as the measure of their walk in Mashiyach.  Many leaders think they are discharging their responsibility to Mashiyach by holding meetings once or twice a week however the exhortation of sound doctrine goes far beyond this presumption.  Sound doctrine is a foundation and framework of life for example let's consider Shabbat.  For many leaders Shabbat is a theology and they either observe Shabbat or go to church on Sunday, however Shabbat is a connection, not a do or don't theological esoteric doctrine of belief.  The Greek mind knows about Shabbat (they think) but the Hebrew mind welcomes Shabbat as an encounter with Mashiyach, a door and place of connection, and time of becoming and participating with Mashiyach, entering in and discovering Mashiyach.

Convict the gainsayers

     Gainsayers are they who speak against the Truth and against the values and qualities which YHWH's people ascribe to, they oppose the Torah teachers to put themselves as authorities over the group.  They are not working with, but against YHWH's people.  Gainsayers try to refute the truth with cunning theologies and intellectualism and humanism and relativism.  They try to make their teachings more important than their opponents.  They lower righteous standards so as to be accepted and popular on a wider scale.  No one, not even Yeshua, was able to convict all the gainsayers.

"But sanctify YHWH Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Mashiyach.  For it is better, if the will of Elohim be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

1 Peter 3:15-17

     Gainsayers devalue human life by bringing religiosity and impurity into the community for their own gain.  They make themselves stand out and be important without making a contribution to the Joy and Peace of the souls of others.  Ever hear a rabbi, priest or pastor go on and on about how important and relevant their own position is in the community?  Why?  Because they have not demonstrated their relevance through the work of the Ruach haKodesh, only on religious grounds. 

     Gainsayers pit themselves against others leaders and create factions and divisions from which to exploit their selfish desires.  The opposite of gainsayer is the servant of YHWH who works to find ways to bring unity to the Body and rectify matters as to bring common ground and peace between others.  Every community has gainsayers who try to tag along to get "blessings" for themselves at the expense of YHWH's people, but they will not make contributions of righteousness to others because they have make their own religious "kingdoms".  Gainsayers are leeches, needy, only content when they have prestige for themselves and can never have enough.  They are poor stewards of others time because they don't value others as highly as themselves.  Gainsayers serve religious spirits, they are right in their own eyes and can't see the needs of others in the community because the congregation is a big game they play with.  They posture themselves for personal gain and notoriety and are willing to destroy the peace of others to satisfy their own selfish needs.  Convict them.  Stand against them.  Bring charges against them.  Expose them.  Reform them if you can and if you can't... remove them.

 A few obvious things that disqualify a man from serving on a Beit Din

     Men who gamble in casinos or purchase lottery tickets are not qualified to sit on the Beit Din, they have indicated a spirit of covetousness.  If they want to serve YHWH's people they must immediately confess involvement in it and refrain from all such activity.

     Men who obtain ill gotten gain or make income by oppressing others do not qualify to sit on a Beit Din, unless the immediately turn from it and make restitution.

     Men who are in willful and repetitive violation of any of YHWH's Commandments in Mashiyach cannot sit on a Beit Din unless they make Teshuva (turn from it), demonstrate a contrite heart and bear spiritual fruit.

 Serving on a Beit Din

     The attitude of each one on a Beit Din must be as a servant of YHWH, being helpful, loving, considerate and supportive of each soul in the Body of Mashiyach.  Each man must be willing to fast and pray as he inquires of YHWH's Counsel and Judgments. 

     Each man must accept the decision of the majority and/or accept the casting of lots in the Name of YHWH when necessary. 

    Each man must be transparent to the Beit Din in all personal matters, keep his vows, be of good reputation or step down voluntarily or be removed from the Beit Din. 

     Each man must consider it a joyful honor to participate in a Beit Din and know that the Judgment belongs to YHWH not the individuals who sit on the Beit Din. 

     Each decision is given through Righteousness, Faith and Mercy of Yeshua Mashiyach's halakha as revealed and directed by the Ruach HaKodesh.