Messianic Melting Pot

Excerpt from Beth Yachad

2009-03-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

Purim – The Feast of Lots

The story of Purim (Hebrew for Lots) comes from the Book of Esther and is really the story of good versus evil. It is the only Biblical holiday that is not identified with a Hebrew word. The word Pur is a Persian word.

Purim commemorates the deliverance of God’s people at the hands of Esther and Mordecai from the wicked Haman. He cast Pur (lots) to determine the month and day on which the Jewish people would be killed throughout the Persian Empire. It is celebrated on the 14th and 15th day of the Hebrew month Adar/Nisan (February or March).

Esther (Hadassah in Hebrew) was the cousin of Saul (Sh’aul), the first king of Israel (Esth. 2:5). Haman was a descendant of Amalek through King Agag (Esth. 3:1). Because King Saul did not destroy Agag as God had ordered him to do (I Sam 15:2-3), we have the battle that started in Exodus 17:16 continuing through another generation. Amalek represents anti-Semitism and the hatred of Satan against God’s Chosen People which still continues to this day and will not be wiped away until the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. God has told us through His Word to destroy ALL of the sin in our lives. Have we done this?

Esther was prepared for twelve months to be a bride before she was ready to be presented to the King (Esth. 2:12), but it would take another three years before she would be granted an audience before him (Esth. 1:3 & 2:16). How long do we prepare before we go before our king, Jesus (Yeshua)?

Mordecai (Esther’s uncle) prepared her for the role of bringing salvation to the Jewish people of the day. He raised her and brought the information of Haman’s plot to her. As with many of us, she did not want do anything with the information at first. But Mordecai responded with a now famous verse of scripture from Esther 4:13-14:
Then Mordecai told {them} to reply to Esther, "Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

Esther (who was a type and shadow of Jesus) fasted and prayed for three days before she ROSE to seek an audience with the King. She asked the King three times to speak with him BEFORE she made her request (Esth. 5: 1-4, 6-8, 7:2-4). How much time do we spend before we ask our King for something?

Haman decided to sign the decree for the annihilation of the Jews on the same day that Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) would later have His Passover Seder (The Last Supper) (Jn 13:1, Esth. 3:12, Ex 3:12, 12:6).

The Jews were saved physically in Esther, but all of God’s children would be saved eternally by the atoning Blood of the Lamb through Messiah Yeshua. Purim today is a time for feasting and celebration and to remember that God has and always will triumph over evil.

- by Rabbi Harlon Picker

Excerpt from Emmanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation

2008-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yom Kippur - A Practical Guide for Believers in Messiah

Some believers question whether to fast since they are already forgiven in Messiah. True, believers do not fast to obtain forgiveness, yet there are some benefits for fasting, nonetheless.

Yeshua spoke of the blessings of a fast. Although the question of salvation is already settled by faith in Yeshua, believers are still in constant need of returning to a pure walk with the father. We have sins to confess and repent of (I John 1:7-9). Fasting can sensitize our spirits to the heart of God.

Many Messianic Jews and Gentiles fast on Yom Kippur for another reason also. As it is the one day of the religious year on which Jews around the world are packed into synagogues and praying, many believers have found it to be a special day to pray for the salvation of Israel (Romans 10:1).

The evening of Yom Kippur is a wonderful time for a messianic worship service. For those who live near a messianic Jewish congregation, attending a formal Yom Kippur service can be a spiritual highlight. The music, liturgy and message all celebrate the true meaning of the day: atonement in Yeshua the Messiah!

Emmanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation
The Gathering Place
6120 Day Long Lane
Clarksville, MD 21029

Phone: 410-531-2093
Email: emjc@godwithus.org

Excerpt from House of Covenant

2008-10-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

We believe that Jewish people (physical descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, whether through the mother's or the father's bloodline) who place their faith in Israel's Messiah, Yeshua, continue to be Jewish according to the Scriptures. We believe that Gentiles who place their faith in Yeshua are "grafted in” to the Jewish olive tree of faith, becoming spiritual sons and daughters of Abraham.

We believe in observing and celebrating the Jewish Holy Days given by God to Israel, with their fulfillment in and through the Messiah Yeshua. We believe that true "Biblical Judaism," the faith of first century believers, which we seek to practice, acknowledges the continuity of faith in the one true God, revealed throughout the Scriptures and ultimately manifested in God's Son, Yeshua the Messiah. We believe that salvation has always been "by faith," and that works of law, or righteous acts, have never saved anyone.

We believe that the Renewed Covenant body of believers is composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have received Yeshua the Messiah as the Promised Redeemer. We believe that the "middle wall of partition" has been broken down, and now we worship the God of Israel together.

House of Covenant
Messianic Hebrew Congregation
61690 Pettigrew Rd.
Bend, OR 97702

Phone: (541) 385-5439
Email: adam@houseofcovenant.org

Excerpt from Jews and Joes

2008-09-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Hebrew Scriptures, a Trustworthy Instrument of History

"A substantial proof for the accuracy of the Old Testament text has come from archeology. Numerous discoveries have confirmed the historical accuracy of the biblical documents, even down to the obsolete names of foreign kings... Rather than a manifestation of complete ignorance of the facts of its day, the biblical record thus reflects a great knowledge by the writer of his day, as well as precision in textual transmission." -Norman L. Geisler, William Nix "A General Introduction to the Bible" 5th Edition (Chicago: Moody Press 1983) p. 253

"Little by little, one city after another, one civilization after another, one culture after another, whose memories were enshrined only in the Bible, were restored to their proper places in ancient history by the studies of archaeologists... Contemporary records of biblical events emphasized by contrast and comparison... Nowhere has archaeological discovery refuted the Bible as history." -John Elder "Prophets, idols and Diggers" (New York: Bobbs Merrill, 1960) p. 16

Email: hanok@jewsandjoes.com

Excerpt from Adat Yeshua Synagogue

2008-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Messiah

"A Messiah, who encourages the Jewish people to not practice Judaism, can NOT be the Jewish Messiah. For nearly 2000 years, Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah, were taught to abandon Jewish observance. People have diminished the Torah and Israel's sacred calling in conjunction with Jesus.
...

Although much of the world is not yet transformed by Messiah, the lives of those who embrace Him are transformed in profound ways. To them life has expanded purpose and destiny. Jewish men, women and children, who accept Yeshua as the Messiah, within a Messianic Jewish context, experience new meaning and depth of their Jewish heritage. Yeshua set an example of living a Jewish life with humility before God, which touches and moves people today.

Messianic Judaism offers something new and something old. For those who have dropped out and found God distant, we engender personableness and sharing in lifes journey. For those who accepted Yeshua, but not in conjuction with Jewish practice, Messianic Judaism is the resusitator of their identity and lives as Jews. For those who come from a life of Jewish observance, Messianic Judaism brings the life expansion that only Messiah can offer."

Adat Yeshua Synagogue,
P. O. Box 231117,
New Orleans, La. 70183-1117

Phone: 504-701-4848

Excerpt from MJAA

2008-09-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Difference Between a Church and a Messianic Synagogue

"Whereas Gentile churches identify with the worldwide community of believers, Messianic synagogues identify not only with that community but, equally, with the Jewish community worldwide. This is true in spite of the fact that our synagogues are not always embraced by that community. God's perspective is not man's, and He has brought forth Messianic synagogues as the first fruits of the revival and restoration of Israel which Paul speaks of in Romans 11:26.
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob..."

Gentile churches are called to bless the Jewish people. We are part of the Jewish people they are called to bless, as well as part of the body of believers who are called to do the blessing. That is the special position of the Messianic synagogue."

Rabbi Michael Wolf
Messianic Jewish Alliance of America
PO BOX 274
Springfield, PA 19064

Phone: (800) 225-6522
Email: messianicforest@mjaa.org

Excerpt from His People Community Church

2008-08-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Relationship Covenant

To maintain the unity of the Spirit and exemplify the biblical pattern of integrity in all our relationships we will seek to . . .

1. Consider one another more important than ourselves.
Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:3

2. Use tasks to deepen relationships rather than using relationships to accomplish tasks.
Philippians 2:3-4

3. Speak the truth in love, addressing one another in a manner that ministers grace and builds each other up.
Ephesians 4:25-29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

4. Submit to and encourage one another in their strengths while at the same time protecting one another from their weaknesses.
Ephesians 5:19, 1 Peter 1:5

5. Commit ourselves to being the guardians of one another's reputations, and the custodians of each other's character.
Psalms 141:5, Proverbs 3:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:5-7

6. Approach matters of conflict sensitively and constructively - seeking biblical resolution.
Matthew 18:15-18, Ephesians 4:2-3

7. Prioritize the major issues of lifting up Jesus Christ and loving people over matters of individual perspective and preference.
Ephesians 4:1-6

His People Community Church
PO Box 6834
Hendersonville, NC 28793

Ph. 828-273-7598

Excerpt from the Harvest

2008-08-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Church

We believe that the church began with Moses and the call for Israel to come out from Egypt. This Israel, who came out of Egypt, was comprised of both native-born and gerim—"sojourners" whose clan identity was outside that of the tribes of Jacob (Ex.12:38). Together they stood at Sinai and entered into covenant with Yahweh. According to the Exodus account, the native-born along with the foreigner constituted the covenant people who received the Torah at Sinai (Ex. 19). Collectively they, the native born and the foreigner who accepted the covenant, are referred to as Israel. This Israel is what Stephen referred to as the "church" in the wilderness (Acts 7:38). Those who were outside of Israel's descendants could and would be brought into the covenant community (church) by doing what father Abraham (a goy from Ur of Chaldee) did to become righteous—namely, he placed his trust and faith in the promised Seed (the Messiah). Just as many foreigners became part of Israel then, so today many from the nations are being grafted into the olive tree of Israel by placing their faith in the promised Seed of Abraham, Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah of Israel. Just as the prophet Isaiah foretold (Isa. 56), Yahweh is gathering many from the nations to those whom He already gathered (Israel). Together these individuals comprise the universal church (covenant community of Yahweh). These Jews and Gentiles in Messiah collectively are called Israel throughout the Scriptures. There is no other "church" or covenant community; just one new man, one torah, one Messiah, one Spirit, one God. Some of the physical descendants of Jacob have rejected Yeshua and remain cut off from the covenant community of Yahweh, but are still a part of greater Israel and will be grafted back into the church (covenant community of Yahweh) when they turn from their unbelief and place their faith in Yeshua as the promised Seed of Abraham (Rom. 11). Ethnic status is not altered by acceptance or rejection of Yeshua, but covenant status is. Covenant status is determined by faith in Yeshua the Messiah. In the end, it is not ethnic status but rather covenant status that fulfills salvific history.

Mailing Address
PO Box 29993
Thornton, CO 80229

Phone: 303-761-9948

Excerpt from Rock of Israel

2008-08-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

God's Promise

All people feel lost deep down in their hearts. They wonder why they are here, why so much evil happens in the world. The Bible explains why: we want to run our own lives and do not accept God's help when we need it. This selfishness affects every person, every family, every nation, the entire human race. But God cares. He promised he would send his servant, the Messiah, to free us from ourselves and give us new and joyful hearts. God made this promise first in the Torah, the books of Moses: a promise not only to the Jewish people but to everyone around the world.
That promised Messiah is Jesus -- Yeshua in Hebrew -- who has has transformed the hearts and lives of millions of people. What is more, God has a plan for his people, Israel: to draw them to their Messiah and help change the world. Everyone is included in this plan: Jews and Gentiles, Israelis and Arabs, Russians or Americans or Europeans or Africans: for Messiah obliterates all the dividing lines between people and unites them in God's love.

Rock of Israel
P.O.Box 15443
Philadelphia, PA 19149

Pastor Ilya Berdichevsky
Phone: (215) 333-7242
Email: ilya@rockofisrael.com

Fred Klett
Phone: (267) 679-2671
Email: chaim@chaim.org

Excerpt from the Union of Nazarene Yisrael Congregation

2008-08-01T23:51:00.000-07:00

The UONYC believes that Yahweh is rescuing from the nations and false religions, a redeemed blood washed remnant by Yahshua’s blood, and rebuilding Yisrael. Renewed Covenant Yisrael, is defined as Judah-Yahudah and Ephraim-Yisrael, the two physical houses becoming one again, through our Moshiach Yahshua. Their companions are the minority non-Yisraelites, who by Moshiach’s atonement, join the nation of Yisrael, and become Yisrael but not Jews. We recognize that all Jews are Yisraelites but also that all Yisraelites are not Jews (10 tribes). The Yisrael of Yahweh, Galatians 6:16, includes all children of the promise, through Isaac-Yitzchak and Jacob-Yisrael, and those who join Yisrael. First Peter 2:9, Ezekiel 37:16, Isaiah 56:1-8.

UONYC
C/O Bnai Avraham
Po Box 556
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501

Phone: 641-682-0217
Fax: 641-682-1212

NEW Messianic Discussion Forum

2008-07-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the NEW discussion forum we've added (on the right side of the screen) for those of us looking to engage other messianics from our around the web.

Share you faith.

Find out what others believe.

Make connections.

Have FUN!

Messianic Melting Pot Discussion Forum

NEW Messianic Discussion Forum

2008-07-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Check out the NEW discussion forum we've added (on the right side of the screen) for those of us looking to engage other messianics from our around the web.

Share you faith.

Find out what others believe.

Make connections.

Have FUN!

Messianic Melting Pot Discussion Forum

Excerpt from Shuvah Yisrael

2008-07-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

We believe that there is one universal body of Messiah, in which all believers, Jewish and Gentile, are united as equal members. The local body is the visible manifestation of the universal body. Whereas entrance to the universal body is immediate upon faith in Messiah Yeshua, entrance to the local body is a duty enjoined upon believers and based on volition.

We believe the promises made by God to the Jewish people in the unconditional covenants of the Tenach remain in effect despite their national rejection of Messiah Yeshua. Ultimately, Israel as a nation will recognize Yeshua as their Messiah and so "all Israel shall be saved."

Shuvah Yisrael
Congregational Leader - Larry Feldman
2151 Michelson Drive Suite 150
Irvine , CA 92612

Telephone: 949.679.1261
Fax: 949.679.1260
Email: info@shuvahyisrael.org
Web: www.shuvahyisrael.org

FFOZ HaYesod Program Prospectus 1of6

2008-07-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Boaz Michael
First Fruits of Zion
PO Box 649
Marshfield, MO 65706

Phone: (417) 468-2741

Brad Scott - Hebrew Language

2008-07-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Brad Scott

The WildBranch Ministry
P. O. Box 97
Vernal, Utah 84078

Email: brad@wildbranch.org

Dr. Michael L. Brown on the Trinity

2008-07-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

ICN Ministries
P.O. Box 1446
Harrisburg, NC 28075

Phone: (704) 782-3760
Website: www.icnministries.org
E-Mail: ministry@icnministries.org

Excerpt from Simchat Yisrael

2008-07-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Is there a difference between Jews for Jesus and Messianic Judaism?

The answer to this question is yes. Jews For Jesus has a singular mission of sharing the good news about Messiah Yeshua with Jewish people. Many people involved with Jews For Jesus see, as their primary focus of identity, the Christian Church. Thus they see themselves as Christians of Jewish decent. Their expression of worship and theology are rooted in the historical Church.

Messianic Judaism sees itself fundamentally as a Judaism. Thus the Jewish people in the Messianic Jewish movement define themselves as Jewish people who believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah. They worship in synagogues on Shabbat, celebrate the Jewish Holidays and participate in a Jewish life cycle.

Simchat Yisrael
870 First Ave
West Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 932-9929
Email: synagogue@simchatyisrael.org

Excerpt from Shomair Yisrael

2008-07-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Who is Yeshua?

Judaism is not some abstract religion, it is the vine Paul spoke of in Romans 11. Our covenant of salvation is based upon the New Covenant which was given to Israel and Judah. Many Christians may be shocked to know that Jesus according to his natural or human nature was not a "Christian" according to his customs. Of course we know that Jesus was God Incarnate.. the Son of God become flesh and dwelling among us. But according to His human nature, He was definitely and beyond any doubt Jewish... He wore tassels on His garments according to the law of Moses, followed the customs of His people, very certainly celebrated Hanukkah, and the Bible he studied was the original testament that by no means is "Old", but merely "Older". The word "Christian" to most Jewish people is synonymous with the idea of the destruction of the Jewish identity and its culture. To become a "Christian" for a Jewish person more than likely means to completely renounce their heritage and customs and align themselves with an "anti-Jewish" religion. It is recorded that many Jews on the way into certain Nazi extermination camps were greeted with the message "You killed our Lord, now we will kill you." There is a great need today for an honest look at things done historically in the name of "Christianity" to the Jewish people and our heartfelt sorrow and apology for them as a result. Church history has re-made Jesus into a Gentile savior and "Christianity" into an anti-Semitic Gentile religion.

The truth is that the vine has never changed.. Gentile believers in Jesus the Messiah are merely grafted as a wild olive branch into a vine they had no part in creating. Paul asks the question in Romans 11, "Then how much more readily will the natural branches that fell away be grafted back into the vine??" And that is the point... what should be a natural fulfillment of Judaism has become transformed into something that is feared, hated, and rejected outright by most Jewish people. This is the message the Church needs to bring to the Jewish people today: accepting Jesus as Messiah does not equate with renouncing your Jewish heritage... it is by all means the absolute fulfillment of everything that is Jewish! This is also the message to the Church: repent of your attitudes and callousness toward the Jewish people and Israel... you are just a wild branch grafted into an olive tree by grace... now go find out about the olive tree that supports you!

Messianic Rabbi: H. Michael Weiner
Worship Location: Knoxville Christian Center,
818 N. Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN.

Phone: 865-414-4527;
Fax: 865-689-1011;
Email: weinerm@attglobal.net

Excerpt from Messianic Hebrews International

2008-06-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Ekklesia of Yahweh

According to prophecy, there was a former rain; this was the out-pouring of YHWH’s Spirit on that famous Day of Shavuoth (Pentecost) of 30 A.D. (Acts 2:1-4), marking the birth of Spiritual Israel. But, as usual, Satan conspired with the beast from the sea (the Roman Empire) and the beast from the earth (a religious leader or world religious system), --to whom he gave his power (Rev.13)--, to pervert and silence the Original Message (Gal.1:6-7; 2 Thes.2:2-7; 1 John 2:18-19; Rev.2:15). Already, in the first 50 years of the ekklesia of Yahweh, as recorded by the early apostles, many false workers had crept in and preached different doctrines (Jude 3-4). They mislead a majority of believers and caused many others to drift away from the truth. [They] have strayed concerning the truth... and they overthrew the faith of some," wrote Paul (2 Timo.2:18). Several different doctrines called gospels (spells of god) came out, flourished, and matured in Europe, under the protection of emperors and monarchs and states' legislations. This mystery of iniquity (2 Thes.2:7) is the greatest enigma of the ages, that has baffled generations of people and kept the world under the thickest clouds of ignorance ever, for many centuries.

Temple Elohim
of the Messianic Hebrews International
PO Box 530081
Miami, FL 33153-0081

E-mail: menorah144@hotmail.com

Excerpt from the Association of Messianic Congregations

2008-06-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

ISRAEL

We believe Israel is God's special people, distinct from the body of Messiah, chosen by Him to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. The election of Israel is irrevocable. Jewish believers in Yeshua have a unique twofold identity. They are the spiritual remnant of physical Israel and at the same time are part of the body of Messiah. We believe the Abrahamic Covenant is an irrevocable, unconditional covenant God made with Jewish people. This covenant provides title to the land of Israel for the Jewish people and promises a descendant (the Messiah) who would come to redeem Israel and bless the entire world. The spiritual blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant overflow to all the nations. God will ultimately fulfill every aspect of the covenant in the Messianic Kingdom, both physical and spiritual. We believe that Israel's eternal covenant relationship with God does not grant atonement to individual Jewish people. Therefore, it is the believer's privilege and duty to tell the Good News of Messiah Yeshua to the Jewish people. (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-21, 17:1-21; Romans 11:1-29; Galatians 3:14-17)

THE ASSOCIATION OF MESSIANIC CONGREGATIONS
5002 East 4th St
Tucson, AZ 85711

Phone: 520-326-2020
Email: bethsarshalom@yahoo.com

Excerpt from Messianic World Wide

2008-06-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

A Messianic Perspective
"There is nothing new under the sun" – Ecclesiastes 1:9.

Biblical Interpretation – God’s Word is consistent and harmonious

Our perspective of the Bible determines how we interpret the Bible. A translator’s perspective determines how he translates, and thus steers a reader’s interpretation.

We submit a perspective of one unified Book of Instruction – Genesis to Revelation, from our Eternal Holy Creator. Its message is messianic from creation to the New Earth. The Torah (Pentateuch) is the foundational Word of God. The Prophets build upon the Torah with examples, applications, and clarifications. The Psalms exalt the Torah as glorious and beloved. Finally, the Apostles give further application and clarification, especially showing Yeshua to be the promised Messiah. With this perspective, we find all Scripture to be harmonious, without one portion superseding another. We further find God to be unchanging, all people to be judged equitably by their creator, salvation in all ages to be always by grace through faith that produces fruit, and one continuum of the church and its ordinances from Torah.

Beikvot HaMashiach Congregation
P. O. Box 13031
Seattle WA 98198-1001

Phone: 206-901-1799
Email: david@amen.ws
Web: www.messianic.ws

Excerpt from Family Restoration Magazine

2008-05-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Home should be the Center of Spiritual Grow

The Church has rejected the model given by God to produce biblical spiritual growth. It is obviously not walking in His ways (Deut. 11:22). In its place the Church has chosen the worldly model of the Greco/Roman theater. The Greco/Roman model teaches that what the church does when assembled is supposed to be mimicked by its members in their homes. This is just the opposite of God's plan. This reversal has produced catastrophic results! Among them, family personal relationships have been replaced by programs. Buildings are now called "the church" rather than the people. In most religious communities, members are no longer "pastured." No time for this today! This has ceased because pastors are too busy managing their churches as if they were theaters. This has led many churches to compete with one another. Insatiable success appetites have demanded that churches plan special events with "big-name" speakers to attract large crowds. Worldly measures are now used to define congregational success. The number of people attending services, financial assets or the number of programs offered now define success. Spiritual growth has given way to "being plugged into" programs.

The Karl Coke Evangelistic Association
PO Box 10285
Charlotte, NC 28212

Phone: 704.568.5235
Fax: 704.532.9990
Email: karlcoke@ixnetcom.com
Email: kceaoffice@aol.com
Web: www.familyrestorationmagazine.org

Excerpt from Torah Perspective

2008-04-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

Test the Spirits - The Replacement Messiah

As for the Holy Spirit's involvement - 1 John tells us to test the spirits. There is only one way to do that. Everything has to line up with Torah. John says anyone who cannot say that Yeshua came in the flesh is not of Yahweh. The qualifier is; who do you say that Yeshua is? If you say HE is not Elohim then you are not of Yahweh. It has been posited by one writer that Messiah is not the Ancient of Days. Elohim is the Ancient of Days. If HE is equally Elohim - and HE is - then HE is the Ancient of Days. HE was not created, HE is the Creator. John 1 and Colossians 1 are just a couple of places you will find this in Scripture. Furthermore, since HE is Elohim, the Son, who is a Torah keeping Son, submitted to HIS Father, HE could not have changed the Torah or broken Torah. If the messiah you profess came in the flesh broke Torah or set up a system that caused men to believe they can violate the commandments of Torah, then HE is not the Messiah and the one who says he is certainly is not of Yahweh. This is the replacement messiah - anti-messiah (anti-christ).

Banner Kidd
Email: bfkidd@ligtel.com
www.torahperspective.com

Excerpt from Voice of the Overcomer Ministries

2008-03-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

Jesus looks different than I expected!

Speaking the truth sometimes discomforts people. We are much more comfortable with the way things are, and when Truth comes and disturbs the way we are use to believing, the turmoil in our souls can be extreme. But if we truly are seekers of Truth, we will wrestle with it even as Jacob did and not let go until it makes itself known to us.
Many in the church are having this wrestling going on in them today. They hear the voice of their Beloved crying out to them, but He sounds a little different than they thought. He sounds a little more Hebraic than they pictured Him, and who are all these Jewish looking people with Him? So they are frightened, even questioning if this is really Him. Then they remember, if even for a fleeting moment… Wasn’t there something about Him being a Hebrew? … of the Tribe of Judah, … of the House of David? But that so conflicts with the picture we have had of Him, it’s hard for our hearts to not question. But Yeshua is Truth and He will prevail in the hearts of those who are seeking Truth.
Lord, thank you that even if things look a little different than I expected, thank you that you will not quit wrestling with us until we receive your blessing.

Voice of the Overcomer Ministries
P.O. Box 7646
Bend, OR 97708
info@voiceoftheovercomer.org
www.chavah.org

Excerpt from the Messianic Literary Corner

2008-03-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Submitting Torah Observance To New Covenant Principles

There is only one Gospel whose power and gracious freedom overcomes sin and death throughout the world. But if the Gospel's freedom is suppressed for the sake of upholding the Law (Torah), then those that put Torah above the Gospel must abandon the contradictory elements of their theology and submit their Torah observance to New Covenant principles. This does not mandate the banning of Torah observance; however, it does restrict Torah observance to that of "non-obligatory" compliance in Messianic Jewish worship and daily practice.

There are now several major theological trends that counter the truth of the gospel, that need to be recognized and opposed. The task of this study is one of taking a critical look at these newly accepted beliefs by comparing them to the apostles writings. Some Messianic Jewish theologians have faulted the apostle Paul for the "Pauline Gospels" claiming it to be anti-Semitic. Most anti-Pauline Messianic Jewish theologians have avoided taking an anti-Pauline stand and have re-invented Paul and his writings as that of the "Torah observant Rabbi Paul, all accepting of modern Messianic Jewish thought." Such a re-invention is both doctrinally unsound and historically incorrect. We should question both seriously by first concentrating on the teachings in the epistles to the Hebrews, Romans and Galatians. Above all the other apostles, Paul was given the divine task of proclaiming the principles of the New Covenant to Jew and Gentile believer alike. Let us endeavor to take His new revelation to heart.

Marshall Beeber
Messianic Literary Corner
Email: mailbox@messianic-literary.com
www.messianic-literary.com

Excerpt from Congregation Shema Yisrael

2008-03-03T11:08:00.000-08:00

How to Celebrate Erev Shabbat in Your Home

Erev Shabbat is the beginning of the most holy day of the week. Traditionally, it begins on Friday at sundown and it is celebrated in both the synagogue and afterwards, in the home. This set of blessings illustrates how you can welcome the Shabbat into your families and homes.

All of these blessings can be found in the Complete Artscroll Siddur (Sefard). Page numbers are indicated with each blessing listed on this page.
Lighting of the Candles

Artscroll Siddur (Sefard) page 327

Although there is no commandment in the Bible stating that candles must be ignited to open the Shabbat, this is a beautiful reminder that we are to be a light to the world and that the Torah is "a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path". The blessing is usually said by a woman (typically but not always the eldest female in the household).

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Asher Kidshanu Bemitzvotav, Vitzivanu Lehadlik Ner Shell Shabbat

Blessed are You O' L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbat.

...

Jim
Congregation Shema Yisrael
PO Box 3654
Nampa, ID 83653-3654

Phone: (208) 859-7265
Email: csy_boise@yahoo.com

Excerpt from Hebrew for Christians

2008-02-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

The Prophet Like Unto Moses

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you,
from your brothers - it is to him you shall listen. (Deut 18:15)

In this pasuk (verse) we find the only passage in the entire Torah where Moses explicitly identifies himself as a prophet of the LORD. Moreover, this is also the only passage where Moses identifies the coming of the Mashiach as “a Prophet like me” (Deut 18:15; cp. John 6:14).

In the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) we read that the soferim (scribes) had sent a delegation to question Yochanon the Immerser (John the Baptist), asking him two questions:

* "Are you Elijah?" (John 1:21) - This referred to Malachi's prophecy (Mal. 4:5) that Elijah would come as a messenger before the appearance of the Messiah. To this day Jews around the world still set out a cup of wine for Elijah at Passover - in anticipation of the his arrival as the forerunner of the Messiah.

* "Are you the Prophet?" (John 1:21). This referred to Moses' prophecy that God would send "a Prophet like me" (Deut. 18:15-19).

We further read that when Philip encounterd Nathanael, he said, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). After Jesus fed the five thousand, the people began to ask if this was "the Prophet a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.' " (Acts 7:37-38). who is to come into the world" (John 6:14). Peter identified Yeshua as the Prophet (Acts 3:22-23), and in his apologetic before the Sanhedrin, Stephen the martyr declared that Yeshua was the promised Messiah: "This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, 'The lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.' " (Acts 7:37-38).

John Parsons
Hebrew for Christians
PO Box 27061
Golden Valley, Minnesota 55427-0061

Email: info@hebrew4christians.com

Excerpts from Family Bible Ministries

2008-02-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Is Torah Observance for Today?

The reason that Messianic Jews continue in Torah observance is that God requires it. The only portion of the Torah that has been set aside is that which deals with the ceremonial aspects of temple worship ... impossible to follow now because there is no Temple; but in the future Kingdom ...? That is an area wide open to speculation. For me, this is the simplest line of reasoning to support Torah observance:

1. When the divisions of Systematic Theology known as Theology Proper (the Doctrine of God) and Christology (the Doctrine of Christ) are correctly understood, the conclusion is reached that God the Father has never appeared to man at any time, and that all appearances of God to man at any time, whether recorded in the Brit Chadasha (“New Testament”) or the Tanakh (“Old Testament”), are the Person of God the Son (also known as Theophanies or Christophanies).

2. The Brit Chadasha teaches, without any fear of contradiction, that Yeshua is God the Son.

3. Therefore, all appearances of God to man at any time are, in fact, appearances of Yeshua, whether before or after His incarnation (physical birth).

Having determined logically that all appearances of God in the Bible are appearances of Yeshua, we now turn to the Torah.

Dr. Rickard (Ari) Levitt Sawyer
Family Bible MInistries / B'nei HaMelech
1108 17th St.
Parkersburg, WV 26101

Phone: 304.422.2566
Email: AriBenLevi@yahoo.com

Excerpts from Ayts Chayim

2008-02-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Jesus and Jewishness

Over the past 2,000 years, a majority of Jews and Gentiles have accepted the misconception that Jesus and Jewishness have nothing in common. Nothing could be further from the truth!

According to the New Testament, which was written by Jews, Jesus was born in the Land of Israel to Jewish parents. He was a descendant of the royal family of King David. He was given the Hebrew name "Yeshua" which means salvation. As Israel's Messiah, Yeshua would save his people from their sins.

Yeshua is the most famous Rabbi of all time. He traveled throughout Israel, teaching the Jewish people and bringing mankind closer to God.

Yeshua demonstrated that he was the Messiah by displaying miraculous power. He fed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread, healed the hopelessly sick and disabled, and brought the dead back to life!

Ira Brawer
P.O. Box 811323
Boca Raton, Florida 33481

Phone: (561)487-3839
Email: rabbi@aytschayim.org

Excerpt for First Fruits of Zion

2008-01-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

Old Testament Not Aboloished

Contrary to popular notions, the Old Testament Law (Torah) was not abolished by the Gospel. The early believers continued to practice the commandments of the Torah throughout the New Testament period and beyond.

The Torah was never given as a means for attaining salvation. Instead the laws of the Torah are given to be upon our hearts. We are to show our love for God by keeping them (Deuteronomy 6:4–6). The Torah is profitable “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Yeshua warned us not to think that He had come to abolish the Torah (Matthew 5:17). He said that “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of Heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:19).

This does not mean that we must do the Torah in order to earn salvation. Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” We do not keep the Torah in order to be saved, we keep it because we are saved. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in the Messiah Yeshua for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Boaz Michael
First Fruits of Zion
PO Box 649
Marshfield, MO 65706

Phone: (417) 468-2741

Excerpt from the Ancient Hebrew Research Center

2008-01-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

Archeology uncovers ancient tools, household objects, texts and inscriptions of the ancient Hebrews and other related cultures. Anthropoloy studies the culture and lifestyle of the ancient people as well as modern day nomads whose culture and lifestyle have remained virtually the same since the days of Avraham. Linguistics study the ancient languages including Hebrew and other related languages which can shed light on Biblical words. The Bible which was written by the ancient Hebrews also teaches us much about the ancient Hebrews.

When we combine and study the material provided by these fields of study, we open the door into their culture and lifestyle which will help us to better understand their words which they have recorded in the Tenack (Old Testament). The purpose of this web site is to teach the relationship between the Hebrew language and the Hebrew culture, which will give us a deeper understanding of Biblical words.

Jeff A. Benner
PO Box 284
Magnolia, Ms. 39652

Excerpt from MessiahNet.com

2008-01-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

How can we prove that our Scriptures are true?

According to the Torah, to determine the truth of a matter, it must be established by the testimony of at least two or three witnesses. The Scriptures tell us that there are three ways that testify to the revelation of Adonai in creation, through Yeshua, and in the Scriptures. Thus, the Scriptures are disqualified as a reliable witness, since they are not permitted to testify on their own behalf. Given that the testimony of Yeshua is based on Scripture, Yeshua also cannot be called as a witness in this case. That leaves us with, at best, one reliable witness, which is not enough to establish the matter.
How, then, can we convince someone rationally that our Scriptures are the inspired, authoritative word of God? We can't. Apologetics may be persuasive at times in convincing people that the Scriptures are accurate and true, but at the end of the day, there is only one thing that will cause someone to believe, faith.

Kevin Geoffrey
Perfect Word Ministries
PO Box 82954
Phoenix, AZ 85071-2954

Phone: (225)410-3701

Excerpt from Yeshuat Tsion

2007-12-22T22:34:00.000-08:00

ROLE OF GENTILES IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT

In Biblical times while the Temple was standing, Gentiles who desired to joined themselves to the House of Israel could do so in one of two ways. One method was by becoming a proselyte, also called “ger tzedek” in which the alien of righteousness would go through conversion and take on the yoke of the Torah. A man would go through circumcision and a ritual immersion, the mikveh. A woman would go through the mikveh only. In the book of Acts, Nicholas was a proselyte.

Others who wanted to identify with the House of Israel, but who were unwilling to go through conversion were known as "ger toshav". Their choice was to leave idolatry and to take on the customs of Israel’s spiritual life.

Nowhere in Scripture is a convert to Judaism addressed as a Jew. Ruth, for example, is always referred to as “Ruth the Moabitess.” Rahab is known as “Rahab the prostitute,” although she totally left her former way of life. She retains this title because this is the “tag” she had, her identity as a Canaanite.

Chaim Urbach
Yeshuat Tsion
5650 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Suite 112
Greenwood Village CO. 80111

Excerpt from Olive Tree Congregation

2007-12-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Son

God the Son became flesh (Isaiah 9:6-7) in the person of Yeshua of Nazareth, the promised Messiah of Israel (Jeremiah 23:5-6, Micah 5:2), who was conceived by the Spirit of God and born of the Jewish virgin, Miriam (Mary) (Isaiah 7:14). He is both fully God and fully man, united forever without division or confusion.
Messiah Yeshua died as a substitutionary sacrifice for man's sin (Leviticus 16:15-16; 17:11, 2 Corinthians 5:14) and all who believe in Him are declared righteous on the basis of His shed blood (Romans 5:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18). The Messiah's substitutionary death (Psalm 22:16, Isaiah 53:4-6; 10-12, Daniel 9:26, Zechariah 12:10) was the purchase price (Mark 10:45) for our redemption and was foreshadowed in the Tenach in the slaying of the Passover lamb, the sin and trespass offering, and the sin offerings on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
Messiah Yeshua arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will one day return for all who believe in Him (Romans 3:24-26). Presently He serves as our Cohen Gadol (Great High Priest) according to the priesthood of Melchizedek. As such, He is intercessor and advocate before the Father in behalf of all believers (Hebrews 7:1-25).

Dan Strull
Olive Tree Congregation
203 E. Camp McDonald Rd.
Prospect Heights, IL 60070

Phone: 847.222.1230
Email: info@olive-tree.org

Excerpt from Rock of Israel

2007-12-19T18:45:00.001-08:00

Towards a Reformed Israelology

Can one be Covenantal in theology, that is, believe the New Covenant community is spiritually Israel and as such is already experiencing in this age the promises of the prophets to Israel, and yet still maintain in some way ethnic Israel is unique? Let us consider how the term "Israel" is used.
The word is used in many ways in the Scriptures, yet all the uses are interrelated. It means "He who has struggled with God". Ultimately, God is the one who has the right to answer the question as to who or what is Israel. He determines who or what is Israel, not man or men's traditions. Here is a provisional list of some of the uses of the word in the Scriptures.

1. The man Jacob, Genesis 32:28
2. Jacob's Physical Descendants(The Jewish People), Gen. 46:8; 48:28; Ex.1:7
3. All Old Testament Believers(Both Jews and Gentiles), Ex. 12:38,47-49; Dt. 23:8Nu. 15:13-16; Ruth 1:16
4. The Land Josh. 11:16; Jud.19:29, 1 Sam. 13:19; Mt.2:20
5. The Northern Kingdom, Is.7:1, 9:12
6. Citizens of the North, Is. 9:14; Jer. 3:11,17
7. The Spiritual Remnantamong the Jewish People, Rom. 9:6? Rom. 11:1?Rom. 11:26?
8. All Who are in the Messiah(A continuation of #3, that is, all believers, the Church), Eph. 2:11-19; Rom. 4:12-17;Rom. 9:6,7,8,24-26 Rom. 11:17; Gal.3:29, 4:21-31
9. Modern Ethnic or Political Israel (Jews and Gentiles!?), Is. 19:24-25; Acts 1:6 (maybe?)(Israel is certainly one of the nations of Rev. 7:9!)
10. The Messiah Himself, Mt. 2:15; Is. 49:3-6; Gal. 3:16

There are then a number of possible Scriptural meanings of "Israel". But, is there a most ultimate meaning of the word Israel? There is -- it is the Messiah Himself (#10), for all the promises of God have their `yes' in Him (2 Cor. 1:20). Jesus is the ultimate seed of Abraham, (Gal. 3:16).

Ilya Berdichevsky
Rock of Israel
P.O.Box 15443
Philadelphia, PA 19149

Phone: (215) 333-7242
Email: ilya@rockofisrael.com

Excerpt from Wildbranch Ministries

2007-12-13T22:41:00.000-08:00

Names Mean Things

"A false balance is an abomination to YHVH: but a just weight is His delight."

Did you notice that I changed LORD to YHVH? Why? Because that is His name. But what does that mean? There are a lot of names and words that are revealed about the Creator but let us be honest. The name that creates the controversy is what we affectionately call the tetragrammaton. First of all, what does 'tetragrammaton' mean? Well it comes from two Greek words, tetrameaning 'four', and gramma meaning letters. So it means four letters. This word is not in the scriptures, it is just our quaint little way of referring to this revelation of 'Elohiym that most people either insist you say the correct way, or insist that you do not attempt any pronunciation at all. Either way, according to these two scales, you are doomed. But our attempt is to present a just weight. For you see, many times we find ourselves standing between the two extremes.

Brad Scott
The WildBranch Ministry
P. O. Box 97
Vernal, Utah 84078

Email: brad@wildbranch.org

Excerpt from Restoration of Torah Ministries

2007-12-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

What is our Heavenly Father Up To?

Within the past 10 years many non-Jewish believers, especially within Christianity, have begun to diligently discover their Hebraic roots. Specifically, many non-Jewish believers are beginning to question the traditional views of the Church concerning the Torah.

Is it coincidental that while Jews are discovering Yeshua as their Messiah, non-Jews are discovering the “Old Testament” as their Torah? No it’s not. Our Heavenly Father is in the process of restoring all things spoken by His prophets (Acts 3:19-21). He is re-building the Tabernacle of David from a Jewish and non-Jewish remnant found throughout the earth.

Tony Robinson
Restoration of Torah Ministries
46 Greystone Drive
Ringgold, GA 30736
Phone: 706-935-2216
Email: torahteacher@restorationoftorah.org

Excerpt from CRMI Resources

2007-12-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

What If ...

So let’s play a game of “what if”. What if the northern kingdom of Israel, the nation taken captive by the Assyrians around 722 BCE, is still waiting to be redeemed. What if they did not return (in any massive way) through gradual assimilation, and the return will be as the prophets seem to write about in the Tanach: at the end of the age the house of Israel will return from being lost among the Gentiles. They will be drawn back from the four corners of the earth to the true worship of God and to the land of Israel.
As the prophet Ezekiel writes, the house of Israel is like a valley of dry bones. It seems to appear out of nowhere. If the house of Israel (the Lost Ten Tribes) is to come back to the land of Israel and be reunited with the house of Judah, exactly how will it come about? How do you know who a member of the lost tribes is? There are no identifying marks. There is no defined history (after all they were “lost”).
The whole idea of a completely “lost” nation, appearing out of nowhere at the end of the age, sounds so unlikely it is easy to dismiss it all as a silly legend. But “What if” … What if it really is to happen that way. What would it look like? What if God began to bring the northern kingdom back from exile, and there was no one to guide them or to assist them along the way.

CRMI Resources
Rick Richardson
P.O.Box 111
Auburn, WA 98071
Phone: (253) 569-6228
Email: Rick@shalom-crmi.org

Excerpt from Beth Emunah Online!

2007-12-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

Are Messianic Jews "Jews for Jesus"?

Due to the very visible presence of the organization Jews for Jesus, there is a common misconception in the Jewish community that all Jewish believers in Yeshua are “Jews for Jesus.” However, this is not the case. Jews for Jesus is a specific Christian evangelistic organization that employs paid workers and volunteers to actively convert Jews to Christianity.
The difference is that Messianic Jews fundamentally believe that Jews are obligated to remain Jews, and live Jewish lives in obedience to our covenant relationship with God; through the redemption of Yeshua the Messiah. Another difference is that Messianic Jews are not seeking to convert Jews to Christianity or away from Judaism. As a Judaism, like other forms of Judaism, we desire to see Jews who have left their Jewishness return to Judaism and live covenant faithful lives. From a Messianic Jewish perspective, faith in a Jewish Messiah should lead one to a greater sense of Jewish identity, not away from it.

Rabbi Murray Silberling
Beth Emunah Messianic Synagogue
5312 Derry Ave. Suite N
Agoura Hills, CA. 91301
Office: 818.597.9700
Fax: 818.597.8969
e-mail: office@bethemunah.org

Excerpt from Mayim Hayim Ministries

2007-12-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

A Fresh Look At The Jewish Wedding

When studying the Scriptures it becomes evident that intimacy between Yeshua and His E’dah (Congregation), is no better illustrated than in the ancient Jewish wedding customs. The L-rd gave us these things so that we could and would understand His attributes. This is His propose for every Believer. Yeshua, Himself, made several references to the Church, i.e. Congregation, in being like a Bride waiting for her Bridegroom. I will not site them here however they will be found throughout this study. Let's take a look at it:

The marriage consists of two parts. First, the betrothal - Erusin or Kidushin. Then about one or two years later, the second part took place. This is the wedding ceremony called, Nisuin or Huppah.

The betrothal is a parallel to the engagement in most ways except that in the ancient Jewish custom, it was binding! It was so binding that it could not be broken without a orthodox divorce. You were considered bound together from the period you entered the betrothal contract until the wedding day.

Barbara Di Gilio
Mayim Hayim Ministries
P.O. BOX 11911
Phoenix, AZ 85061

Email: barbara@mayimhayim.org

Excerpt from The Association of Messianic Congregations

2007-12-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

"THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT", The Basis for Jewish Identity

The Abrahamic Covenant is the set of unconditional, unbreakable, irrevocable promises God made to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob that begins His relationship with the Jewish people. It is found in Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-21, 17:1-21.Here's a 'trick question'; "Was Avraham Jewish or Gentile?". Answer: "Neither".You see, Abraham was the first Jewish person because God decreed that it was so. "Gentiles" are NOT a race of people, it is simply a term for those who are not Jewish. So, you only have Gentiles once you have Jews. The set of scriptures in Genesis where God speaks His eternal promises to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, bringing into existence the Jewish people, form what we might think of as a 'legal incorporation' of the Nation of Israel. The Covenant was 'unconditional', in that no conditions of obedience were required from the Jewish people for it to continue in full force. This Covenant continues to be cited throughout the entire Bible as the basis for God's relationship with Israel. While Abraham had a number of children, the Covenant line ran through Isaac alone. In the same way, the line was through only one of Isaac's sons, Jacob, and not through Esau (Gen 28:13-15). Jacob had 12 sons, and the Biblical definition of a Jew is a person who is a biological descendant of one of those 12 sons. While the Hebrew Scriptures encouraged Gentiles to forsake paganism and turn to the God of Israel in faith, those "God-fearers" or Proselytes are not called Jews, and they did not become Jews, even though they had an honored position in the Community of Israel. In the same way today, Gentiles who place their faith in Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel, do NOT become "Spiritual Jews" (a Replacement Theology invention), instead they are "Spiritual Gentiles", (Gentiles in whom the Holy Spirit resides) and should have a co-equal place of status and function in a healthy Messianic Congregation alongside the "Spiritual Jews" (Ethnic Jews in whom the Holy Spirit resides). The Gentile believers DO become co-heirs of SPIRITUAL Blessings from the Abrahamic Covenant (Galatians 3:14, 29). The Scriptures which support all this and bear witness to the distinction are Romans 2:17 & 29, which teaches that the true Jew is the one is BOTH Jewish Physically (v. 17) and has the Circumcision of the heart (v. 29), and Galatians 3:28 which teaches that there is one way of atonement for all, Jew & Gentile, Male & Female, even though these physical distinctions remain within the Body of Messiah.

The Association of Messianic Congregations
5002 East 4th Street
Tucson, AZ 85711
tel# 520-326-2020

Excerpt from Karl Coke Evangelistic Association

2007-12-09T23:33:00.001-08:00

The Importance of Hebrew

We know God communicates to his creation in all languages. As proof of that, people from all nations have received God’s Messiah, Jesus, via their own language. However, to fully know foundational truths, one must study Holy Scriptures in Hebrew. Someone in every spiritual grouping should have access to God’s Word in Hebrew. This would prevent calling t’fillin (phylacteries – Matt. 23:5) “valor ribbons” (worn on chest of soldier) in the Creole Bible. Samuel Heilman, in his book, Defenders of the Faith, says on page 12, “At a time when Jews have returned to their biblical homeland and resurrected their ancient tongue, they no longer need foreign labels. Both “Orthodox and “Ultra-Orthodox” come from a language foreign to Jewish experience. Unlike them, “haredi” (those who tremble at God’s Word) resonates with Jewish meaning. Language, after all, is also an expression of nationhood.” Heilman makes us aware that by studying a language you discover other things. He says that by using Hebrew you discover a nation. I would add that by studying Hebrew you discover a culture, a land and a history. By immersing oneself in Hebrew, a student of God’s Word discovers not only “what” is said but “why” it is said. By learning a language you learn a mindset. It is then that the Holy Spirit of God can more accurately apply what He has written.

The Karl Coke Evangelistic Association
PO Box 10285
Charlotte, NC 28212

Phone: 704.568.5235
Fax: 704.532.9990

Excerpt from Shoreshim Ministries

2007-12-09T21:13:00.001-08:00

Who Are The Sons of God?

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, specifically in chapter Eight, he repeatedly mentions the “sons of God.” He tells us, in fact, who the sons of God are.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God; for you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Rom 8:14-16).

If we read this chapter closely, we understand that to be led by the Spirit means to walk according to God’s law, His Torah. Paul plainly says that to walk according to the flesh - a walk that results in death – is “enmity with God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Rom 8:7). And so, if walking according to the flesh means refusing to be subject to God’s law, then being led by the Spirit has to mean that the person – the son of God - is subject to the law of God.

Shoreshim Ministries
Bill & Beth Cloud
114 Stuart Rd. PMB 431
Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 559-1177
FAX: (423) 728-4149

Messianic Melting Pot

Excerpt from Beth Yachad

Excerpt from Emmanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation

Excerpt from House of Covenant

Excerpt from Jews and Joes

Excerpt from Adat Yeshua Synagogue

Excerpt from MJAA

Excerpt from His People Community Church

Excerpt from the Harvest

Excerpt from Rock of Israel

Excerpt from the Union of Nazarene Yisrael Congregation

NEW Messianic Discussion Forum

Who's Online

NEW Messianic Discussion Forum

Excerpt from Shuvah Yisrael

FFOZ HaYesod Program Prospectus 1of6

Brad Scott - Hebrew Language

Dr. Michael L. Brown on the Trinity

Excerpt from Simchat Yisrael

Excerpt from Shomair Yisrael

Excerpt from Messianic Hebrews International

Excerpt from the Association of Messianic Congregations

Excerpt from Messianic World Wide

Excerpt from Family Restoration Magazine

Excerpt from Torah Perspective

Excerpt from Voice of the Overcomer Ministries

Excerpt from the Messianic Literary Corner

Excerpt from Congregation Shema Yisrael

Excerpt from Hebrew for Christians

Excerpts from Family Bible Ministries

Excerpts from Ayts Chayim

Excerpt for First Fruits of Zion

Excerpt from the Ancient Hebrew Research Center

Excerpt from MessiahNet.com

Excerpt from Yeshuat Tsion

Excerpt from Olive Tree Congregation

Excerpt from Rock of Israel

Excerpt from Wildbranch Ministries

Names Mean Things

Excerpt from Restoration of Torah Ministries

Excerpt from CRMI Resources

Excerpt from Beth Emunah Online!

Excerpt from Mayim Hayim Ministries

Excerpt from The Association of Messianic Congregations

Excerpt from Karl Coke Evangelistic Association

Excerpt from Shoreshim Ministries