Shalom,
While doing some research I found some early quotes from Early Christian Leaders on Messianic Jews and thought I would share them.
Jerome (4th Cent CE.) - "...who accept Messiah in such a way that they do not cease to observe the old Law." (Jerome; on. Is. 8:14).
Epiphanius (4th Cent CE.) - "But these sectarians... did not call themselves Christians--but "Nazarenes," ... However they are simply complete Jews. They use not only the New Testament but the Old Testament as well, as the Jews do... They have no different ideas, but confess everything exactly as the Law proclaims it and in the Jewish fashion-- except for their belief in Messiah, if you please! For they acknowledge both the resurrection of the dead and the divine creation of all things, and declare that G-d is one that his son is Y'shua the Messiah. They are trained to a nicety in Hebrew. For among them the entire Law, the Prophets, and the... Writings... are read in Hebrew, as they surely are by the Jews. They are different from the Jews, and different from Christians, only in the following. They disagree with Jews because they have come to faith in Messiah; but since they are still fettered by the Law--circumcision, the Sabbath, and the rest-- they are not in accord with Christians.... they are nothing but Jews.... They have the Goodnews according to Matthew in its entirety in Hebrew. For it is clear that they still preserve this, in the Hebrew alphabet, as it was originally written.
(Epiphanius; Panarion 29)
Note some key points:
1. As late as the 4th century (and even later), Messianic Judaism was a valid form of belief. This dispels the idea that the Messianic movement is just a creation of the church to "trick" Jews.
2. Observance of the Torah (here called entire Law).
3. Attitude of Epiphanius towards Torah - He says fettered by the Law. The anti-Torah bias of the Church is that old.
As we can see, Messianic Judaism has existed from the beginning, and is clearly being practiced in the 4th century, as these writings show. While Messianic Jews will be persacuted by the Church, and by other Jews, for the next 1600 years, we now see G-d's plan unfolding with the reemergance of the Movement. No longer in hiding, but growing, Like Yochanan "one crying in the Wilderness...Make the way straight" for the L-rd is coming.
Blessings
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
How did Rabbinic Judaism come into being?
Shalom,
Just how did Rabbinic Judaism, the current dominate for of Judaism, come into being? Is it the only form of Judaism today?
Judaism of the first century was expressed in many flavors, including that of the Tzadakim (centered on the Temple service), Pharisaic (centered around Halacha), Zealots (a Zionist movement wanting freedom from Rome), Messianic (believers that Yeshua of Nazareth is Messiah, and Essenes (an almost monastic sect, from whom we get the Dead Sea Scrolls). These and other sects lived and competed in Jewish culture during the 1st century until the destruction of the temple, and subsequent diaspora.
Three groups, the Tzadakim, Zealots & Essenes, ceased to be a force in Judaism after the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. This left 2 primary groups both of which succeeded in establishing themselves outside of Jerusalem, and subsequently being spared from destruction by the Romans. The Messianics, thorough a miracle of G-d (in my estimation), were able to escape Jerusalem (which later brought about accusations of being traitors by some Jewish authorities) when the Romans surrounding the city split their lines (recorded in Josephus). The Messianic’s heeding their Messiah’s words, fled the city. The Pharisee had significant numbers outside Jerusalem, and thus were able to continue on.
After the destruction of Jerusalem, the 2 groups grew increasingly apart, until, in 90 CE, at Yavneh, the Pharisee’s added the 19th benediction to the Amidah, forcing Messianics to curse themselves if they wished to stay in the Synagogue. The split continued, and was made greater in 132-135 CE in the 2nd revolt, where Rabbi Akiva names Simon bar Koshba to be Messiah. This resulted in a greater polarization. Messianics would, over the next 200 years become overshadowed as Gentiles came to dominate the movement.
Pharisee’s succeeded in evolving Judaism from a Temple based movement to a Synagogue based movement. Sacrifices were replaced with Prayer, Charity & Repentance. As the Diaspora grew, this system gained dominance. The Talmud, with the Oral Law and Rabbinic rulings (Halacha) were compiled and governance was established. The rulings of the Rabbi’s became supreme, to the point that Oral Torah and Rabbinic writings were treated on the level of Torah.
Great Sage’s like Rashi, RamBam, RamBan, etc. compiled volumes that added to the Rabbinic interpretation and strengthened what became Modern Judaism.
Is Rabbinic Judaism the only form today? Most certainly not, even with non-Messianic Judaism, there are groups like the Karaite who reject Oral Torah & the Talmud. The largest group of Jew’s today are not Orthodox, but secular, many atheist, who do not even believe in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. One of the fastest growing forms of Judaism is Messianic, Those who believe Yeshua is the Messiah. Currently Messianic Jews worldwide number about 500,000 or 2-3% of the total Jewish World population.
It is important to note that the Orthodox do not accept Messianic Jews as Jews. They also reject other expressions of faith such as the Karaites, and even Conservative and Reformed Jewish conversions are not recognized in Israel.
Blessings
Just how did Rabbinic Judaism, the current dominate for of Judaism, come into being? Is it the only form of Judaism today?
Judaism of the first century was expressed in many flavors, including that of the Tzadakim (centered on the Temple service), Pharisaic (centered around Halacha), Zealots (a Zionist movement wanting freedom from Rome), Messianic (believers that Yeshua of Nazareth is Messiah, and Essenes (an almost monastic sect, from whom we get the Dead Sea Scrolls). These and other sects lived and competed in Jewish culture during the 1st century until the destruction of the temple, and subsequent diaspora.
Three groups, the Tzadakim, Zealots & Essenes, ceased to be a force in Judaism after the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. This left 2 primary groups both of which succeeded in establishing themselves outside of Jerusalem, and subsequently being spared from destruction by the Romans. The Messianics, thorough a miracle of G-d (in my estimation), were able to escape Jerusalem (which later brought about accusations of being traitors by some Jewish authorities) when the Romans surrounding the city split their lines (recorded in Josephus). The Messianic’s heeding their Messiah’s words, fled the city. The Pharisee had significant numbers outside Jerusalem, and thus were able to continue on.
After the destruction of Jerusalem, the 2 groups grew increasingly apart, until, in 90 CE, at Yavneh, the Pharisee’s added the 19th benediction to the Amidah, forcing Messianics to curse themselves if they wished to stay in the Synagogue. The split continued, and was made greater in 132-135 CE in the 2nd revolt, where Rabbi Akiva names Simon bar Koshba to be Messiah. This resulted in a greater polarization. Messianics would, over the next 200 years become overshadowed as Gentiles came to dominate the movement.
Pharisee’s succeeded in evolving Judaism from a Temple based movement to a Synagogue based movement. Sacrifices were replaced with Prayer, Charity & Repentance. As the Diaspora grew, this system gained dominance. The Talmud, with the Oral Law and Rabbinic rulings (Halacha) were compiled and governance was established. The rulings of the Rabbi’s became supreme, to the point that Oral Torah and Rabbinic writings were treated on the level of Torah.
Great Sage’s like Rashi, RamBam, RamBan, etc. compiled volumes that added to the Rabbinic interpretation and strengthened what became Modern Judaism.
Is Rabbinic Judaism the only form today? Most certainly not, even with non-Messianic Judaism, there are groups like the Karaite who reject Oral Torah & the Talmud. The largest group of Jew’s today are not Orthodox, but secular, many atheist, who do not even believe in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. One of the fastest growing forms of Judaism is Messianic, Those who believe Yeshua is the Messiah. Currently Messianic Jews worldwide number about 500,000 or 2-3% of the total Jewish World population.
It is important to note that the Orthodox do not accept Messianic Jews as Jews. They also reject other expressions of faith such as the Karaites, and even Conservative and Reformed Jewish conversions are not recognized in Israel.
Blessings
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
When the Rabbi's stray from the truth
Shalom,
I'd like to begin by saying that I have great respect for the Rabbi's & Sage's of our people. Having said that, we must remember that they are men, not G-d, and are capable of error. While many in the Jewish community want to treat Rabbinical decisions as equal to the Word or G-d, we do not agree with that level of authority. We see the Rabbi's and Sages as learned, wise men, providing commentary on scripture. We also view the Oral Torah as Commentary, not having the weight of G-d breathed scripture. This is very similar to how Protestants view the Catacism.
Rabbinical statements which stray:
1. In 132 CE, Rabbi Akiva named Simon Bar Koshba (son of a liar) the Messiah, renaming him Bar Kochba (son of a star). The result, in 135 CE the revolt ended, 1000's were killed, Jerusalem was destroyed and rebuilt as a Pagan city.
2. RamBam in His 13 articles of Faith declared G-d yachid, not echad. Yachid means the only one, not one as scripture states. Why the big deal, this was done to counter the concept of Messiah as G-d. Echad means simple one, and is used in B'rsheet to say Adam & Eve became one. Thus two became one flesh.
Rabbinic statements have tremendous impact in the Jewish Community. We must be knowledable enough to know the origins of these statements, and show, using Hebrew texts, the problems they create.
Blessings in Messiah
I'd like to begin by saying that I have great respect for the Rabbi's & Sage's of our people. Having said that, we must remember that they are men, not G-d, and are capable of error. While many in the Jewish community want to treat Rabbinical decisions as equal to the Word or G-d, we do not agree with that level of authority. We see the Rabbi's and Sages as learned, wise men, providing commentary on scripture. We also view the Oral Torah as Commentary, not having the weight of G-d breathed scripture. This is very similar to how Protestants view the Catacism.
Rabbinical statements which stray:
1. In 132 CE, Rabbi Akiva named Simon Bar Koshba (son of a liar) the Messiah, renaming him Bar Kochba (son of a star). The result, in 135 CE the revolt ended, 1000's were killed, Jerusalem was destroyed and rebuilt as a Pagan city.
2. RamBam in His 13 articles of Faith declared G-d yachid, not echad. Yachid means the only one, not one as scripture states. Why the big deal, this was done to counter the concept of Messiah as G-d. Echad means simple one, and is used in B'rsheet to say Adam & Eve became one. Thus two became one flesh.
Rabbinic statements have tremendous impact in the Jewish Community. We must be knowledable enough to know the origins of these statements, and show, using Hebrew texts, the problems they create.
Blessings in Messiah
Monday, April 10, 2006
Why was the Temple destroyed in 70 CE
Shalom,
While traveling in Israel, we had the privialge of visiting the "Rabbinic Tunnel" that runs under the Moslem Quarter, right next to the Temple mount. This is the same tunnel that sparked the intafada in the 90's when Moslem extremists claimed it had gone under the dome of the rock (it did not, as no part is under the Temple Mount).
During the tour, we were privilaged to see the closest spot to the Holy of Holies that Jews are allowed to visit. Our guide, a bright eyed young Israeli woman, explained that the Rabbi's taught the first Temple had been destroyed because of unjustice & idolitry. She proceeded to tell a story of why the second Temple was destroyed.
The paraphrased story is that a man held a huge feast, inviting everyone to come. His best friends invitation was mistakenly delivered to his enemy, who showed up at the feast. The man saw his enemy, and went to have him thrown out. The man, not wishing to be shamed, begged to not be thrown out, even offering to pay for the entire feast, but instaed he was shamed, and cast out. Thus hate was the cause of the destruction of the second Temple.
It is ironic that the Rabbi's have come up with an simple explanation for why the Temple was destroyed, ignoring the fact that the Talmud clearly teaches that the Yom Kippur sacrifices were not acepted by G-d for 40 years before the destruction (Yoma 39b). What happended 40 years before? The Messiah came, and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice, thus a mere goat would no longer suffice.
It was not hate that destroyed the Temple, it was that it was not longer needed, as a more perfect sacrifice had been made.
Blessings in Messiah
While traveling in Israel, we had the privialge of visiting the "Rabbinic Tunnel" that runs under the Moslem Quarter, right next to the Temple mount. This is the same tunnel that sparked the intafada in the 90's when Moslem extremists claimed it had gone under the dome of the rock (it did not, as no part is under the Temple Mount).
During the tour, we were privilaged to see the closest spot to the Holy of Holies that Jews are allowed to visit. Our guide, a bright eyed young Israeli woman, explained that the Rabbi's taught the first Temple had been destroyed because of unjustice & idolitry. She proceeded to tell a story of why the second Temple was destroyed.
The paraphrased story is that a man held a huge feast, inviting everyone to come. His best friends invitation was mistakenly delivered to his enemy, who showed up at the feast. The man saw his enemy, and went to have him thrown out. The man, not wishing to be shamed, begged to not be thrown out, even offering to pay for the entire feast, but instaed he was shamed, and cast out. Thus hate was the cause of the destruction of the second Temple.
It is ironic that the Rabbi's have come up with an simple explanation for why the Temple was destroyed, ignoring the fact that the Talmud clearly teaches that the Yom Kippur sacrifices were not acepted by G-d for 40 years before the destruction (Yoma 39b). What happended 40 years before? The Messiah came, and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice, thus a mere goat would no longer suffice.
It was not hate that destroyed the Temple, it was that it was not longer needed, as a more perfect sacrifice had been made.
Blessings in Messiah
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Mercy & Grace
Shalom,
I currently am reading "Rabbi & Redeemer" by David Mishkin (see www.mtolivepress.com to order). This walk through the book of John gives good insight on the Jewishness of the scriptures and explains the cultural and historical context of the writings. If als0 does an excellent job of helping us see Yeshua as He claimed to be, the Son of G-d.
One key point made is the difference between Grace & Mercy, I'd like to share this here:
Grace is getting what we do not deserve, namely eternal life, the ability to live according to Torah, and have G-d's Spirit dwelling inside of each of us granting the strength to overcome.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve, punishment and eternal seperation from G-d.
Thus G-d, through mercy, forgives our sins, and through Grace gives us eternal life and the ability to walk according to His will.
What a beautiful concept, not only forgiveness, but tha ability to walk as "Children of the King". This is what was meant when G-d said He would give us a new heart, and write His Torah on our heart!
Blessings
I currently am reading "Rabbi & Redeemer" by David Mishkin (see www.mtolivepress.com to order). This walk through the book of John gives good insight on the Jewishness of the scriptures and explains the cultural and historical context of the writings. If als0 does an excellent job of helping us see Yeshua as He claimed to be, the Son of G-d.
One key point made is the difference between Grace & Mercy, I'd like to share this here:
Grace is getting what we do not deserve, namely eternal life, the ability to live according to Torah, and have G-d's Spirit dwelling inside of each of us granting the strength to overcome.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve, punishment and eternal seperation from G-d.
Thus G-d, through mercy, forgives our sins, and through Grace gives us eternal life and the ability to walk according to His will.
What a beautiful concept, not only forgiveness, but tha ability to walk as "Children of the King". This is what was meant when G-d said He would give us a new heart, and write His Torah on our heart!
Blessings
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Back From Israel!
Shalom,
My wife and I are now back from Israel. It was an excellent, inspiring trip as we traced the route our ancestors traveled from Egypt to the Promised land.
Several things struck me as we traveled: from how difficult the terrain was on the way to the promised land (not smooth desert as many imagine, but hills, rocky soil, and barren expanses), how lush the vegetation was in the Galilee region (truly a land flowing with milk and honey), and most of all, the pervasive sense of being home.
Over the next several weeks, we will be posting pictures and short video clips of our travels. For those who prayed for safe passage, and safety for our family while we were gone, you have our sincere thanks.
Blessings in Messiah
My wife and I are now back from Israel. It was an excellent, inspiring trip as we traced the route our ancestors traveled from Egypt to the Promised land.
Several things struck me as we traveled: from how difficult the terrain was on the way to the promised land (not smooth desert as many imagine, but hills, rocky soil, and barren expanses), how lush the vegetation was in the Galilee region (truly a land flowing with milk and honey), and most of all, the pervasive sense of being home.
Over the next several weeks, we will be posting pictures and short video clips of our travels. For those who prayed for safe passage, and safety for our family while we were gone, you have our sincere thanks.
Blessings in Messiah
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Living a Prayerful Life
How many of us speak nary a word to God except for a mumbled prayer at bedtime? How long would your marriage last if that's all you spoke to your spouse?
Even if we have a personal prayer life, how many of us make the time to pray with our fellow believers? How long would your marriage last if you refused to relate to your spouse in public?
Prayer is the cornerpiece of a successful spiritual life. It is communion with God. In groups, it's communion through the Spirit with both the Father and each other. It is a powerful weapon: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Eph. 6:17-18, MKJV). If the Word of God is our sword, prayer is our heavy artillery and our radio to receive backup.
Prayer is the incense which fills God's heavenly Temple with a sweet smell (Rev. 5:8). It is the channel through which the Spirit flows. Why then do we wonder why we don't see God moving when we have such anemic prayer lives?
And finally, the prayers of the righteous are powerful (Jas. 5:16), but the prayers of the wicked go unheard (Pro. 15:29). When there is unrepentant sin in our lives, how can we wonder why our prayers go unanswered?
Consider this a challenge, both to my Messianic brethren and to my Sunday Christian brethren as well: The hour is late, the night is growing darker, and we have a job to do. Let's take up the most important tool that God has given us, and make communion with Him the centerpiece of our lives and ministries.
Shalom
Even if we have a personal prayer life, how many of us make the time to pray with our fellow believers? How long would your marriage last if you refused to relate to your spouse in public?
Prayer is the cornerpiece of a successful spiritual life. It is communion with God. In groups, it's communion through the Spirit with both the Father and each other. It is a powerful weapon: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Eph. 6:17-18, MKJV). If the Word of God is our sword, prayer is our heavy artillery and our radio to receive backup.
Prayer is the incense which fills God's heavenly Temple with a sweet smell (Rev. 5:8). It is the channel through which the Spirit flows. Why then do we wonder why we don't see God moving when we have such anemic prayer lives?
And finally, the prayers of the righteous are powerful (Jas. 5:16), but the prayers of the wicked go unheard (Pro. 15:29). When there is unrepentant sin in our lives, how can we wonder why our prayers go unanswered?
Consider this a challenge, both to my Messianic brethren and to my Sunday Christian brethren as well: The hour is late, the night is growing darker, and we have a job to do. Let's take up the most important tool that God has given us, and make communion with Him the centerpiece of our lives and ministries.
Shalom
Friday, March 24, 2006
Real Grace
A brother Christian who once said to me, "You know, I've gotten to the point where all I care about is God's grace." He explained that he's in a Bible study with a Messianic Rabbi, and every time he gets tied up in some detail or point, the rabbi "hits me with God's grace again."
I suspect that the rabbi in question is emphasizing ADONAI's grace so much to try to avoid the period of legalism that so many Messianics go through as we discover a zeal for the Torah. Even so, the student in this case has gotten a bit unbalanced on the other side; he even once said to me, "Well, doesn't it say, let's sin all the more so that grace may abound?" No! Just the opposite (see Rom. 6:1-2)!
You know what grace is? Grace is sinning, going to our Father, confessing it, and having Him say to us, "You're forgiven; go and sin no more, My child." And when we stumble again and commit the same sin, and confess it, He says, "You're forgiven; go and sin no more, My child." And when we sin for the 491st time that day in the same way, our Father still says, "You're forgiven; go and sin no more, My child."
Grace is the pardon from sin, not the pardon to sin. Grace is a Father who accepts us as we are, in all of our sin and uncleaness, but loves us too much to let us stay that way. Grace is a Father who disciplines us (and yes, His discipline is often exceedingly painful), but who never rejects us. The Father may take us to the woodshed and take off His belt, but He always welcomes us back into the house with a hug.
That's not an easy grace. It's a very hard grace, sometimes--but it's a transforming grace.
It's very easy for a Messianic to get frustrated with a Sunday Christian. But if we, knowing the requirements of God's Torah, still stumble on the road and even wander astray from it from time to time, have been shown and continue to be shown so great a grace in our Messiah Yeshua, then we need to be just as quick to show that grace to our brethren.
Shalom.
I suspect that the rabbi in question is emphasizing ADONAI's grace so much to try to avoid the period of legalism that so many Messianics go through as we discover a zeal for the Torah. Even so, the student in this case has gotten a bit unbalanced on the other side; he even once said to me, "Well, doesn't it say, let's sin all the more so that grace may abound?" No! Just the opposite (see Rom. 6:1-2)!
You know what grace is? Grace is sinning, going to our Father, confessing it, and having Him say to us, "You're forgiven; go and sin no more, My child." And when we stumble again and commit the same sin, and confess it, He says, "You're forgiven; go and sin no more, My child." And when we sin for the 491st time that day in the same way, our Father still says, "You're forgiven; go and sin no more, My child."
Grace is the pardon from sin, not the pardon to sin. Grace is a Father who accepts us as we are, in all of our sin and uncleaness, but loves us too much to let us stay that way. Grace is a Father who disciplines us (and yes, His discipline is often exceedingly painful), but who never rejects us. The Father may take us to the woodshed and take off His belt, but He always welcomes us back into the house with a hug.
That's not an easy grace. It's a very hard grace, sometimes--but it's a transforming grace.
It's very easy for a Messianic to get frustrated with a Sunday Christian. But if we, knowing the requirements of God's Torah, still stumble on the road and even wander astray from it from time to time, have been shown and continue to be shown so great a grace in our Messiah Yeshua, then we need to be just as quick to show that grace to our brethren.
Shalom.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Symbols in Messianic Life
Shalom,
Below is a post from Michael's Blog on Symbols that enhance our walk with G-d. It is very well done.
Living a Symbolic Life
When Yeshua was asked what the greatest commandment was, He answered,"The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, YHVH our God, YHVH is one. And you shall love YHVH your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment."He is, of course, referring to the Sh'ma in Deu. 6, which continues:
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.What does it mean to bind God's words on our hands and as frontlets between our eyes?
To read the rest of the article, go to Symbolic Life"
Blessings in Messiah
Another "Jesus"
Shalom,
I had partially quoted a passge in earlier writtings concerning whether some churches were teaching another "Jesus", or Messiah. The question poised was if a church teaches a Jesus who violates Torah, says Jesus did away with Torah and that believers today should not follow Torah, are they preaching "another Jesus" that Jews are commanded not to follow. Here is the entire passage from D'varim (Duet.)
If a prophet rises among you, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder which he foretold to you occurs, saying, "Let us go after other gods which you have not known, and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For YHVH your God is testing you to know whether you love YHVH your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after YHVH your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken to turn you away from YHVH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slaves, to thrust you out of the way in which YHVH your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put the evil away from the midst of you. (Deu. 12:32-13:5)
So the command in scripture is clear, the false prophet is to be killed. We need to teach a scripturally correct Messiah, one who kept Torah, and commanded His followers to also. If Sha'ul (Paul) taught that the Torah was evil (He did not), then he would have been a false teacher.
Remember, G-d's word is consistant, and we must not pick or choose what we follow. Sha'ul himself said "all scripture is pofitable"; he was speaking of the Tanakh - Torah, Writings & Prophets, not only the "Newer or Renewed Coveneant" books which had yet to be written.
If teachings in the Renewed Covenant seem to contradict the Tanakh, we must not blindly accept them, but search how to understand them because G-d's word will not contradict itself.
Blessings in Messiah
I had partially quoted a passge in earlier writtings concerning whether some churches were teaching another "Jesus", or Messiah. The question poised was if a church teaches a Jesus who violates Torah, says Jesus did away with Torah and that believers today should not follow Torah, are they preaching "another Jesus" that Jews are commanded not to follow. Here is the entire passage from D'varim (Duet.)
If a prophet rises among you, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder which he foretold to you occurs, saying, "Let us go after other gods which you have not known, and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For YHVH your God is testing you to know whether you love YHVH your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after YHVH your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken to turn you away from YHVH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slaves, to thrust you out of the way in which YHVH your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put the evil away from the midst of you. (Deu. 12:32-13:5)
So the command in scripture is clear, the false prophet is to be killed. We need to teach a scripturally correct Messiah, one who kept Torah, and commanded His followers to also. If Sha'ul (Paul) taught that the Torah was evil (He did not), then he would have been a false teacher.
Remember, G-d's word is consistant, and we must not pick or choose what we follow. Sha'ul himself said "all scripture is pofitable"; he was speaking of the Tanakh - Torah, Writings & Prophets, not only the "Newer or Renewed Coveneant" books which had yet to be written.
If teachings in the Renewed Covenant seem to contradict the Tanakh, we must not blindly accept them, but search how to understand them because G-d's word will not contradict itself.
Blessings in Messiah
Rabbinic Validation of Yeshua as Messiah
Shalom,
One of my favorite research activities is to study the Talmud & Rabbinic sources for clear validation that Yeshua is Messiah. I do this not only because I enjoy it, but following in the path of Dr. Michael Brown (writer of Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus Volumes 1-3), I believe it allows us to show Messiah from Scriptural & Rabbinic sources to our people.
Michael Bugg had this little tidbit on His blog, which I repost with His permission. These are fully verifiable.
Here is the excerpt:
The rabbis were not unfamiliar with exorcism. Their method was to command the demon in the Name of YHVH to give them its name; once they had the spirit's name, they were able to command it out with that name. (We see Yeshua using this method in the case of Legion; Luke 8:30ff.) However, in the case of a demon that kept its victim mute, they could not force it to give its name and therefore could not cast it out.
The amazing thing to them about Yeshua was not simply that He was casting out demons, but that He was doing so without involking the Name of YHVH, demonstrating that He had authority in and of Himself to command them. When He commanded out a demon of muteness, this was further proof that Yeshua is in fact the Messiah.
There were three miracles that had never been done before that the Rabbis expected the Messiah to do: Cast out a mute spirit, heal a man born blind (cf. John 9), and cure an Israelite with leprosy (up to this point, only Namaan the Syrian had been cured of that disease). Thus, the Pharisees could not have helped but know Yeshua was the Messiah, and had to willfully close their eyes by accusing Him of being possessed by the Adversary!
For the full text go to: B'rit Chadasha Blog
So we see that Rabbinic claims that Yeshua is not Messiah do not reflect all Rabbinic thinking, and even ignore some clear proofs in scripture, like the above miracles. We will discuss other proofs as we go along, Adonai willing.
Blessings in Messiah
One of my favorite research activities is to study the Talmud & Rabbinic sources for clear validation that Yeshua is Messiah. I do this not only because I enjoy it, but following in the path of Dr. Michael Brown (writer of Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus Volumes 1-3), I believe it allows us to show Messiah from Scriptural & Rabbinic sources to our people.
Michael Bugg had this little tidbit on His blog, which I repost with His permission. These are fully verifiable.
Here is the excerpt:
The rabbis were not unfamiliar with exorcism. Their method was to command the demon in the Name of YHVH to give them its name; once they had the spirit's name, they were able to command it out with that name. (We see Yeshua using this method in the case of Legion; Luke 8:30ff.) However, in the case of a demon that kept its victim mute, they could not force it to give its name and therefore could not cast it out.
The amazing thing to them about Yeshua was not simply that He was casting out demons, but that He was doing so without involking the Name of YHVH, demonstrating that He had authority in and of Himself to command them. When He commanded out a demon of muteness, this was further proof that Yeshua is in fact the Messiah.
There were three miracles that had never been done before that the Rabbis expected the Messiah to do: Cast out a mute spirit, heal a man born blind (cf. John 9), and cure an Israelite with leprosy (up to this point, only Namaan the Syrian had been cured of that disease). Thus, the Pharisees could not have helped but know Yeshua was the Messiah, and had to willfully close their eyes by accusing Him of being possessed by the Adversary!
For the full text go to: B'rit Chadasha Blog
So we see that Rabbinic claims that Yeshua is not Messiah do not reflect all Rabbinic thinking, and even ignore some clear proofs in scripture, like the above miracles. We will discuss other proofs as we go along, Adonai willing.
Blessings in Messiah
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Unforgivable Sin
The Unpardonable Sin
There is alot of confusion, and frankly, bad teaching, about what the unforgivable sin is. Some say it is not accepting Messiah, some say it is not believing in gifts of the Ruach. Michael on His Blog had an excellent explanation that came from a converstaion we had earlier.
Here is an excerpt:
There's a lot of discussion about whether there is really an "unpardonable sin" in theological circles. According to Yeshua, there is:
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Ruach HaKodesh shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Ruach HaKodesh, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (Mat. 12:31-32)
So what does that mean? Could someone have accidentally blasphemed the Holy Spirit and lost their salvation as a result? Not quite; as always, context is key.
The unpardonable sin isn't simply not to recognize the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit or Breath of God, but to attribute a work of the Spirit to the Adversary.
To read the entire article go to B'rit Chadasha Blogspot"
The unpardonable sin is real, from the context of the passage, we can clearly discern the issue is not the identification of Yeshua as Messiah, but attributing the healings and miracles of the Ruach HaKobesh (Holy Breath or Spirit) to Ha'Satan (the adversary.
The Pharisee in this case were saying the healings were of Ha'Satan, not from G-d.
Blessings in Messiah
There is alot of confusion, and frankly, bad teaching, about what the unforgivable sin is. Some say it is not accepting Messiah, some say it is not believing in gifts of the Ruach. Michael on His Blog had an excellent explanation that came from a converstaion we had earlier.
Here is an excerpt:
There's a lot of discussion about whether there is really an "unpardonable sin" in theological circles. According to Yeshua, there is:
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Ruach HaKodesh shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Ruach HaKodesh, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (Mat. 12:31-32)
So what does that mean? Could someone have accidentally blasphemed the Holy Spirit and lost their salvation as a result? Not quite; as always, context is key.
The unpardonable sin isn't simply not to recognize the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit or Breath of God, but to attribute a work of the Spirit to the Adversary.
To read the entire article go to B'rit Chadasha Blogspot"
The unpardonable sin is real, from the context of the passage, we can clearly discern the issue is not the identification of Yeshua as Messiah, but attributing the healings and miracles of the Ruach HaKobesh (Holy Breath or Spirit) to Ha'Satan (the adversary.
The Pharisee in this case were saying the healings were of Ha'Satan, not from G-d.
Blessings in Messiah
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Thoughts - Opening a can of worms
Shalom,
This post I write with personal sadness. When we have to challenge someone on their path, or beliefs; it is easy to feel so inadequate.
One of the most unfortunate side effects of any movement away from "traditional" church beliefs is that there are some who stumble along the way. It seems that some go "Messianic" and then lose their way. Once in awhile you will see someone even go to the extreme and convert to Orthodox Judaism.
We see people who, like previous posts, fall away, for whatever reason. It seems that some people once open to challenging traditions, lose all sense of direction. They become like Sha'ul warned, ships without rudders, tossed to & fro by every wind of Doctrine.
We need to consider every move away from tradition with care, question all changes; to make sure we are not "throwing the baby out with the bath water", so to speak.
Does "opening the can of worms" have to mean rejecting core beliefs? Does seeing the value of Torah mean Messiah is no longer needed?
While we do not believe in the yin & yang of eastern religion, we do need to seek balance in our faith. When making the transition to Messianic, we need to be very careful to not forget the baby, as we stop celebrating Christmas. We need to remember the resurrection, even if we don't celebrate Easter.
Messianics can become "anti-Christian" very easily. We need to learn to speak against false teachings, without forgetting we all worship the same G-d. We agree on most tenets of the faith, even if those tenets are expressed differently. We believe Messiah is G-d, though we stress He is part of G-d (Echad). We believe the Ruach HaKodesh is G-d, but He is not seperate from G-d. We value Torah as showing how to live a Holy Life, but keeping Torah does not save us, G-d did that, by sacrificing Yeshua in our place.
We should not be "anti-Christian" anymore than we should be "anti-Judaism". We should not define ourselves by negatives, but by positives. We share much with both groups, and should able to fellowship in love with both.
Consistancy, accountability, sound doctrine are keys to living lives pleasing to G-d, and staying on the straight & narrow road.
Sometimes we realize how narrow that road can become and fewer than ever seem to be finding it.
Blessings in Messiah
This post I write with personal sadness. When we have to challenge someone on their path, or beliefs; it is easy to feel so inadequate.
One of the most unfortunate side effects of any movement away from "traditional" church beliefs is that there are some who stumble along the way. It seems that some go "Messianic" and then lose their way. Once in awhile you will see someone even go to the extreme and convert to Orthodox Judaism.
We see people who, like previous posts, fall away, for whatever reason. It seems that some people once open to challenging traditions, lose all sense of direction. They become like Sha'ul warned, ships without rudders, tossed to & fro by every wind of Doctrine.
We need to consider every move away from tradition with care, question all changes; to make sure we are not "throwing the baby out with the bath water", so to speak.
Does "opening the can of worms" have to mean rejecting core beliefs? Does seeing the value of Torah mean Messiah is no longer needed?
While we do not believe in the yin & yang of eastern religion, we do need to seek balance in our faith. When making the transition to Messianic, we need to be very careful to not forget the baby, as we stop celebrating Christmas. We need to remember the resurrection, even if we don't celebrate Easter.
Messianics can become "anti-Christian" very easily. We need to learn to speak against false teachings, without forgetting we all worship the same G-d. We agree on most tenets of the faith, even if those tenets are expressed differently. We believe Messiah is G-d, though we stress He is part of G-d (Echad). We believe the Ruach HaKodesh is G-d, but He is not seperate from G-d. We value Torah as showing how to live a Holy Life, but keeping Torah does not save us, G-d did that, by sacrificing Yeshua in our place.
We should not be "anti-Christian" anymore than we should be "anti-Judaism". We should not define ourselves by negatives, but by positives. We share much with both groups, and should able to fellowship in love with both.
Consistancy, accountability, sound doctrine are keys to living lives pleasing to G-d, and staying on the straight & narrow road.
Sometimes we realize how narrow that road can become and fewer than ever seem to be finding it.
Blessings in Messiah
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Life & Teachings of Yeshua Pt 4
Shalom,
The newest Audio has been posted on the Life & Teachings of Yeshua. This is Part 4 and covers the wedding at Kana, and the famous discussion with Nikodemus.
The link is Yeshua Ha'Mashiach Ministries
Blessings in Messiah
The newest Audio has been posted on the Life & Teachings of Yeshua. This is Part 4 and covers the wedding at Kana, and the famous discussion with Nikodemus.
The link is Yeshua Ha'Mashiach Ministries
Blessings in Messiah
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Hamas - "We Drink Jewish Blood"
Shalom,
The below excerpt is from a Hamas Website video, and shows the real intention of the Palestinians. This is sickening, when will we wake up and understand the truth.
Hamas suicide bombers' videotape: 'We drink Jews' blood'
By Nadav Shragai
A Hamas Web site recently published the videotape wills of two suicide bombers, with two main messages: One is directed to the Jews whose blood Hamas pledges to drink until they flee from the land of the Muslims, and the other is devoted to a mother who helps her son plan a suicide attack, according to Palestinian Media Watch, which presents the video shown on the Hamas site after its victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections.
The video shows Idham Ahmed Majila and Maumin Rajab Rajab, who blew themselves up at the Karni crossing at the end of 2004. "My message to the hated Jews: There is no God but Allah," Majala says. "We will hunt you everywhere, when you wake and when you sleep. We are a blood-drinking people and we know that there is no better blood than Jewish blood.
For the rest of the article go to http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasen/spages/683165.html
Blessings Gavri'el
The below excerpt is from a Hamas Website video, and shows the real intention of the Palestinians. This is sickening, when will we wake up and understand the truth.
Hamas suicide bombers' videotape: 'We drink Jews' blood'
By Nadav Shragai
A Hamas Web site recently published the videotape wills of two suicide bombers, with two main messages: One is directed to the Jews whose blood Hamas pledges to drink until they flee from the land of the Muslims, and the other is devoted to a mother who helps her son plan a suicide attack, according to Palestinian Media Watch, which presents the video shown on the Hamas site after its victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections.
The video shows Idham Ahmed Majila and Maumin Rajab Rajab, who blew themselves up at the Karni crossing at the end of 2004. "My message to the hated Jews: There is no God but Allah," Majala says. "We will hunt you everywhere, when you wake and when you sleep. We are a blood-drinking people and we know that there is no better blood than Jewish blood.
For the rest of the article go to http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasen/spages/683165.html
Blessings Gavri'el
New Websites Launched
Shalom,
I'm pleased to say the new web sites have been launched. While they are still very simple and need more work, they are beginning to take shape.
Here is the list:
1. End Anti-Semitism Now! shows past anti-semitic activities and alerts to rising anti-semitism. Designed to counter the denial & lies being told today by those who wish to once again kill our people.
2. Hebrew Root & Root of Faith provide education for Christians on the Jewish Root of the Scriptures, Adonai and Messiah Yeshua. Scripture takes on a totally fresh meaning when understood from it's proper Jewish Context.
3. Jewish Root provides education & provocative thought on non-Messianic Jewish interpretation of scripture. Questions Rabbinic teachings that contradict scripture, while attempting to open minds to a better interpretaion.
4. Cyber Synagogue provides Messianic teachings & synagogue services to persons who cannot attend a local congregation, or live in areas without solid Messianic teaching organizations.
We praise Adonai for providing these new openings to minister His message.
We believe this is a significant path to embark on, and ask for your prayers. It is expected to take several months for these new sites to mature, but Adonai willing, they will grow and produce good fruit.
Blessings Gavri'el
I'm pleased to say the new web sites have been launched. While they are still very simple and need more work, they are beginning to take shape.
Here is the list:
1. End Anti-Semitism Now! shows past anti-semitic activities and alerts to rising anti-semitism. Designed to counter the denial & lies being told today by those who wish to once again kill our people.
2. Hebrew Root & Root of Faith provide education for Christians on the Jewish Root of the Scriptures, Adonai and Messiah Yeshua. Scripture takes on a totally fresh meaning when understood from it's proper Jewish Context.
3. Jewish Root provides education & provocative thought on non-Messianic Jewish interpretation of scripture. Questions Rabbinic teachings that contradict scripture, while attempting to open minds to a better interpretaion.
4. Cyber Synagogue provides Messianic teachings & synagogue services to persons who cannot attend a local congregation, or live in areas without solid Messianic teaching organizations.
We praise Adonai for providing these new openings to minister His message.
We believe this is a significant path to embark on, and ask for your prayers. It is expected to take several months for these new sites to mature, but Adonai willing, they will grow and produce good fruit.
Blessings Gavri'el
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Shabbat or Sabbath - rest
Shalom,
I found the below Blog entry by our Teen Leader Michael Bugg to be a good read, please enjoy.
Sabbath-Rest
I got asked a couple of questions the other day about the Sabbath, and I think they do a good job of illustrating the differences between following the Torah and keeping the Torah legalistically, i.e., after the manner instructed in the Talmud. The first had to do with my assertion that the Biblical Sabbath never changed from the seventh to the first day:
Would this make keeping the Sabbath on Sunday wrong or sinful?
Insofar as we define sin as "missing the mark" (the literal translation of both the Greek and Hebrew word), yes: It misses the mark of correct Biblical understanding.
Fortunately, it's not the unforgiveable sin, and we are saved by God's grace, received in trusting Yeshua the Messiah, not by keeping all of God's Appointed Times in just such-and-such a way. I don't generally make it an issue except with two groups of Christians:
1) Those who want to rag on me for supposedly following rabbinical traditions instead of the Bible--my point to them is that if they're going to follow church tradition where it does conflict with Scripture, they shouldn't hassel me about following Jewish traditions in instances where they don't.
2) Those claiming that their denominations traditions are the original apostolic church, e.g., Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. My point to them is that a) God rates obedience over lineage, and b) the Apostles were Torah-observant Jews (cf. Acts 21:20ff), not Roman Catholics.
To which she followed up by asking, Do you mind telling me how you keep it? That is, do you keep it more or less in the manner it was kept during the time of Jesus?
Oh, most certainly not!
Understand, at the time of Yeshua, the rabbis had added so many rules to define just what constituted "work" that they had literally turned not working into a heavy burden. It was so bad that when Yeshua miraculously healed people on the Sabbath, they accused Him of sinning!
I have no desire to return to that.
I strive to keep Sabbath after the simplicity taught by our Lord. I never do overtime on the Sabbath (thankfully, God has given me a job where I can control my hours), nor do I try to catch up on any of my chores around the house. Laundry can wait another day. :)
I go to synagogue, i.e. church. Since God has not granted that I live close by, that means about a 20-30 minute drive. That would definitely be frowned upon by the Orthodox, but in this case, I have to go by the Lord's take that "it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
Thus, when I preach in prison or teach the youth group on the Sabbath, even if it means being on the road for 30-90 minutes, I don't see myself violating God's command any more than a priest ministering in the Temple (Mat. 12:5) or a rabbi circumcising a child (John 7:22).
Other than that, I relax, I read, I visit with friends. I'll occassionally chat with friends on FR and elsewhere online, but I make it a general rule not to let debates carry over into the Sabbath; they too can wait another day.
Yeshua teaches us that, "The Sabbath came into being for man's sake, and not man for the sabbath's sake" (Mark 2:27). That is, the Sabbath, a day to set apart from the pace of the rest of the week, a day to sleep in, to relax, and to be with God and your family and friends, is a blessing, not a burdensome religious duty.
Shalom
To read other writtings by Michael, go to L'chaim B'Yeshua Blog
Blessings Gavri'el
I found the below Blog entry by our Teen Leader Michael Bugg to be a good read, please enjoy.
Sabbath-Rest
I got asked a couple of questions the other day about the Sabbath, and I think they do a good job of illustrating the differences between following the Torah and keeping the Torah legalistically, i.e., after the manner instructed in the Talmud. The first had to do with my assertion that the Biblical Sabbath never changed from the seventh to the first day:
Would this make keeping the Sabbath on Sunday wrong or sinful?
Insofar as we define sin as "missing the mark" (the literal translation of both the Greek and Hebrew word), yes: It misses the mark of correct Biblical understanding.
Fortunately, it's not the unforgiveable sin, and we are saved by God's grace, received in trusting Yeshua the Messiah, not by keeping all of God's Appointed Times in just such-and-such a way. I don't generally make it an issue except with two groups of Christians:
1) Those who want to rag on me for supposedly following rabbinical traditions instead of the Bible--my point to them is that if they're going to follow church tradition where it does conflict with Scripture, they shouldn't hassel me about following Jewish traditions in instances where they don't.
2) Those claiming that their denominations traditions are the original apostolic church, e.g., Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. My point to them is that a) God rates obedience over lineage, and b) the Apostles were Torah-observant Jews (cf. Acts 21:20ff), not Roman Catholics.
To which she followed up by asking, Do you mind telling me how you keep it? That is, do you keep it more or less in the manner it was kept during the time of Jesus?
Oh, most certainly not!
Understand, at the time of Yeshua, the rabbis had added so many rules to define just what constituted "work" that they had literally turned not working into a heavy burden. It was so bad that when Yeshua miraculously healed people on the Sabbath, they accused Him of sinning!
I have no desire to return to that.
I strive to keep Sabbath after the simplicity taught by our Lord. I never do overtime on the Sabbath (thankfully, God has given me a job where I can control my hours), nor do I try to catch up on any of my chores around the house. Laundry can wait another day. :)
I go to synagogue, i.e. church. Since God has not granted that I live close by, that means about a 20-30 minute drive. That would definitely be frowned upon by the Orthodox, but in this case, I have to go by the Lord's take that "it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
Thus, when I preach in prison or teach the youth group on the Sabbath, even if it means being on the road for 30-90 minutes, I don't see myself violating God's command any more than a priest ministering in the Temple (Mat. 12:5) or a rabbi circumcising a child (John 7:22).
Other than that, I relax, I read, I visit with friends. I'll occassionally chat with friends on FR and elsewhere online, but I make it a general rule not to let debates carry over into the Sabbath; they too can wait another day.
Yeshua teaches us that, "The Sabbath came into being for man's sake, and not man for the sabbath's sake" (Mark 2:27). That is, the Sabbath, a day to set apart from the pace of the rest of the week, a day to sleep in, to relax, and to be with God and your family and friends, is a blessing, not a burdensome religious duty.
Shalom
To read other writtings by Michael, go to L'chaim B'Yeshua Blog
Blessings Gavri'el
Friday, February 10, 2006
Why Former Gentile?
Why Former Gentile?
Using the term former Gentile has created its share of controversy. Even amongst some of my closest friends and members of the Congregation. So, why do we use the term “Former Gentile”?
Referring to someone who is not ethnically Jewish as a Messianic Jew is incorrect. While many in the Church, out of ignorance, say all believers are Messianic Jews, that is not the case. Jewishness comes from linage, either Father (Biblically), or mother (Rabbinically). Thus we only refer to a person as Jewish if they have Jewish ancestry (conversion is a topic for another time).
Referring to someone as a Gentile is also problematic if they are a believer in Messiah and especially if they are a Messianic believer. Gentile comes from the Hebrew Goyim, which is used as nations in scripture. Unfortunately it also has the meaning of pagan, as in someone who does not follow the G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. Once a person believes, they certainly are no longer pagan! Also, since believers are grated in to (not replacing) Israel (similar to the Former Gentile Caleb, who with Joshua lead the children of Israel into the promised land!), the term Gentile is in my opinion, improper.
Thus a new term was required to identify non-Jewish, grafted into Israel, believers. The term we chose is “former gentile”, as it celebrates G-d’s miraculous change He has made in their heart. That is why we say “former gentile”.
Blessings
Using the term former Gentile has created its share of controversy. Even amongst some of my closest friends and members of the Congregation. So, why do we use the term “Former Gentile”?
Referring to someone who is not ethnically Jewish as a Messianic Jew is incorrect. While many in the Church, out of ignorance, say all believers are Messianic Jews, that is not the case. Jewishness comes from linage, either Father (Biblically), or mother (Rabbinically). Thus we only refer to a person as Jewish if they have Jewish ancestry (conversion is a topic for another time).
Referring to someone as a Gentile is also problematic if they are a believer in Messiah and especially if they are a Messianic believer. Gentile comes from the Hebrew Goyim, which is used as nations in scripture. Unfortunately it also has the meaning of pagan, as in someone who does not follow the G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. Once a person believes, they certainly are no longer pagan! Also, since believers are grated in to (not replacing) Israel (similar to the Former Gentile Caleb, who with Joshua lead the children of Israel into the promised land!), the term Gentile is in my opinion, improper.
Thus a new term was required to identify non-Jewish, grafted into Israel, believers. The term we chose is “former gentile”, as it celebrates G-d’s miraculous change He has made in their heart. That is why we say “former gentile”.
Blessings
Thursday, February 09, 2006
What Do Messianic or Messianic Jews Believe?
What Do Messianic or Messianic Jews Believe?
The Messianic faith takes several forms and as a journey, begins in different places for those choosing to follow “the narrow road”. I’d like to define what Messianic beliefs are:
1. G-d is Echad (one), for in scripture Moshe states “Hear of Israel, the L-rd is one G-d”
2. The Patriarchs are the forefathers of all we believe
3. The Torah (first 5 books of scripture) are the basis (foundation) for all other scripture, and the commandments given in the Torah are the basis for a life pleasing to G-d
4. Yeshua is the Messiah and creator of everything,
5. Yeshua and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Breath) are part of the one G-d. Yeshua is the physical incarnation of G-d in a human body, and is called Ha’Davar – The Word of G-d.
6. The Ruach Ha’Kodesh is the Holy Breath of G-d.
7. The promises to Israel still are in effect, and will be fulfilled
8. That former gentile believers are grafted into the Common Wealth of Israel.
9. That Yeshua did not do away with the observance of Torah.
The role of the Torah is clearly the what differentiates Messianics from most Churches. Whereas belief in Yeshua as Messiah is clearly what differentiates us from most Synagogues.
For more information go to Beth Ha'Mashiach
Blessings
The Messianic faith takes several forms and as a journey, begins in different places for those choosing to follow “the narrow road”. I’d like to define what Messianic beliefs are:
1. G-d is Echad (one), for in scripture Moshe states “Hear of Israel, the L-rd is one G-d”
2. The Patriarchs are the forefathers of all we believe
3. The Torah (first 5 books of scripture) are the basis (foundation) for all other scripture, and the commandments given in the Torah are the basis for a life pleasing to G-d
4. Yeshua is the Messiah and creator of everything,
5. Yeshua and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Breath) are part of the one G-d. Yeshua is the physical incarnation of G-d in a human body, and is called Ha’Davar – The Word of G-d.
6. The Ruach Ha’Kodesh is the Holy Breath of G-d.
7. The promises to Israel still are in effect, and will be fulfilled
8. That former gentile believers are grafted into the Common Wealth of Israel.
9. That Yeshua did not do away with the observance of Torah.
The role of the Torah is clearly the what differentiates Messianics from most Churches. Whereas belief in Yeshua as Messiah is clearly what differentiates us from most Synagogues.
For more information go to Beth Ha'Mashiach
Blessings
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Why be Messianic or Messianic Jewish?
So why are we Messianic?
Reasons for being Messianic or Messianic Jewish vary from person to person and can generally be summed up into 5 groupings:
1. Former Gentiles who have a passion for Israel and the Jewish people and want to involved in supporting both.
2. Former Gentiles who hunger for truth, who have become convinced that there are significant doctrinal issues in the Church, such as Shabbat and the role of Torah.
3. Former Gentiles who want more out of their relationship with G-d.
4. Jewish Believer who have come to see Yeshua as Messiah, and want to worship Him while maintaining their Jewishness.
5. Interfaith couples seeking a place to worship together where both are comfortable, and a place to raise children who will have both a Jewish upbringing, and knowledge of Messiah Yeshua.
Most are self explanatory, as above, but I wanted to delve a little deeper into 2 specific groups: Jewish Believers in Messiah and Former Gentiles.
Jewish Believers – When a Jew believes in Yeshua as Messiah, your life can take a radical turn of events. Families may react strongly; employment and friendships can be affected. A large change, depending on where you come from as religious background, might be in practice of faith. Imagine giving up all you hold familiar, to practice a “foreign religion”. The first thing many Churches do is invite you to a pork barbeque. Almost all readings from the Tankh are expunged for readings from the New Testament, and the Torah is now obsolete. Is this what G-d intended?
For Jews entering a Messianic Community, the culture shock is not as severe. Pork is not on the menu, the Torah is proudly displayed (and followed), and over 50% of the study is from the Tankh. The weekly parsha readings are the same. Thus you are not adopting a “foreign religion”, but following a path within a Jewish framework. Children are still circumcised, marriages are under the Chuppah and all the feasts are still celebrated. You are free to develop an understanding of Messiah, without cultural bigotry and Anti-Semitic elements clouding the path.
Former Gentile Believers – For former Gentiles beginning a Messianic Life is almost as traumatic as for the Jew. While family & friends might not be as openingly hostile, they will question you. The questions (and acquisitions) may be that: your legalistic, or that you think “everyone else is going to Hell” but you. Simple things like going shopping will be affected, as you now go on Sunday, instead of Saturday may get you labeled as not believing (since “Christians” go to church on Sunday, thus you must not believe if you are not in church).
Most Former Gentiles begin adopting a Messianic lifestyle due to issues they have with church practices & teachings. Many times it is over changes beginning in the 3rd century going through to the reformation that make Christianity less “Jewish”. It might have been the addition of pagan worship days to replace the feasts of G-d. These doctrinal issues will be explained as many past teachings are challenged. The role of Torah, the feasts, corporate prayer and a much heavier emphasis on the “rest of scripture” will challenge, and hopefully delight you.
So why am I Messianic – very simply, because I wish to be as close to G-d as possible, living by His entire revealed word, not just selected parts. I want to be like my Great Rabbi, Yeshua! To walk as He walked, to talk as He talked, and do the works He showed us to do.
Blessings
For more information on living a Messianic lifestyle
Reasons for being Messianic or Messianic Jewish vary from person to person and can generally be summed up into 5 groupings:
1. Former Gentiles who have a passion for Israel and the Jewish people and want to involved in supporting both.
2. Former Gentiles who hunger for truth, who have become convinced that there are significant doctrinal issues in the Church, such as Shabbat and the role of Torah.
3. Former Gentiles who want more out of their relationship with G-d.
4. Jewish Believer who have come to see Yeshua as Messiah, and want to worship Him while maintaining their Jewishness.
5. Interfaith couples seeking a place to worship together where both are comfortable, and a place to raise children who will have both a Jewish upbringing, and knowledge of Messiah Yeshua.
Most are self explanatory, as above, but I wanted to delve a little deeper into 2 specific groups: Jewish Believers in Messiah and Former Gentiles.
Jewish Believers – When a Jew believes in Yeshua as Messiah, your life can take a radical turn of events. Families may react strongly; employment and friendships can be affected. A large change, depending on where you come from as religious background, might be in practice of faith. Imagine giving up all you hold familiar, to practice a “foreign religion”. The first thing many Churches do is invite you to a pork barbeque. Almost all readings from the Tankh are expunged for readings from the New Testament, and the Torah is now obsolete. Is this what G-d intended?
For Jews entering a Messianic Community, the culture shock is not as severe. Pork is not on the menu, the Torah is proudly displayed (and followed), and over 50% of the study is from the Tankh. The weekly parsha readings are the same. Thus you are not adopting a “foreign religion”, but following a path within a Jewish framework. Children are still circumcised, marriages are under the Chuppah and all the feasts are still celebrated. You are free to develop an understanding of Messiah, without cultural bigotry and Anti-Semitic elements clouding the path.
Former Gentile Believers – For former Gentiles beginning a Messianic Life is almost as traumatic as for the Jew. While family & friends might not be as openingly hostile, they will question you. The questions (and acquisitions) may be that: your legalistic, or that you think “everyone else is going to Hell” but you. Simple things like going shopping will be affected, as you now go on Sunday, instead of Saturday may get you labeled as not believing (since “Christians” go to church on Sunday, thus you must not believe if you are not in church).
Most Former Gentiles begin adopting a Messianic lifestyle due to issues they have with church practices & teachings. Many times it is over changes beginning in the 3rd century going through to the reformation that make Christianity less “Jewish”. It might have been the addition of pagan worship days to replace the feasts of G-d. These doctrinal issues will be explained as many past teachings are challenged. The role of Torah, the feasts, corporate prayer and a much heavier emphasis on the “rest of scripture” will challenge, and hopefully delight you.
So why am I Messianic – very simply, because I wish to be as close to G-d as possible, living by His entire revealed word, not just selected parts. I want to be like my Great Rabbi, Yeshua! To walk as He walked, to talk as He talked, and do the works He showed us to do.
Blessings
For more information on living a Messianic lifestyle
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