Messianic Identity

[bèlla]

Ha ha, I was just gonna say..."As you can see, I've been putting in some work."! (seriously)

Yes! Fellowship of all sorts. Did you check out the group?

 

[Tone]

Yes! Fellowship of all sorts. Did you check out the group?

Yes everything has gone as planned...back with family and fellowshipping with an Hebrew Roots (Messianic) congregation. I actually arrived just in time for Pesach...my first out in the free world! Also assembled for Shavuot. It's a small group...intimate and very friendly.

*And my concern (remember?) worked out beautifully!

 

[bèlla]

Yes everything has gone as planned...back with family and fellowshipping with an Hebrew Roots (Messianic) congregation. I actually arrived just in time for Pesach...my first out in the free world! Also assembled for Shavuot. It's a small group...intimate and very friendly.

*And my concern (remember?) worked out beautifully!

Excellent! HaShem be praised. I love good reports.
A new day has come. Just wait until Rosh Hashanah.

I’m nearing my decision as well. I needed to confirm it was wholly from Him and not an emotional response. The little lady wants to return as well.

 

[Dave-W]

Many of you identify as Messianic Jews...

How does it accurately describe your faith in ways ‘Christian’ does not?

More in the mind-set and world view. Going from a western Greek based approach to scripture (christian) to a more eastern Jewish approach.

Could you follow another Christian path if required?

I have good friends and believing brothers in many different christian denominations. While I could fellowship with them in their assemblies, it would never really be "home."

What is the one thing you wish others understood about your faith?

two things actually:
1 - how bad and pervasive Replacement theology really is;
2 - the logic of the bible is NOT Greek based Aristotelian logic.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced being a Messianic Jew?

Messianic Gentile, actually.

encountering antisemitism from friends and family.

 

[bèlla]

More in the mind-set and world view. Going from a western Greek based approach to scripture (christian) to a more eastern Jewish approach.

I understand and felt the same for a long time but never phrased it as you have. It wasn’t solely the approach but also the magnet that was drawing me in that direction for many years.

I have good friends and believing brothers in many different christian denominations. While I could fellowship with them in their assemblies, it would never really be "home."

Yes. I can’t go back. Something within me comes alive in Jewish settings.

two things actually:
1 - how bad and pervasive Replacement theology really is;
2 - the logic of the bible is NOT Greek based Aristotelian logic.

I steer clear of replacement theology discussions. I believe it is both a theological and heart issue and the latter is rarely discussed. When you propose you’ve replaced another group you must ask yourself why the philosophy resonates.

The absence of Old Testament knowledge and understanding is troubling for a faith whose central text is largely compromised of the factors many wish to ignore. As a believer, I’m ill served by that approach.

encountering antisemitism from friends and family.

I am sorry to hear that. It is my hope they will embrace the differences and let love guide their heart.

Unfortunately, the same holds true in some Christian circles. But it’s important that we avoid offense and permit our hearts to harden.

It is my consensus that God places us where we are best suited for the kingdom work He assigned. And we must hold to the path He’s laid even if our friends and loved ones don’t embrace our choice.

 

[Dave-W]

I understand and felt the same for a long time but never phrased it as you have.

When God first started leading (dragging?) me toward a more Jewish setting (as you put it) a friend gave me a book by Abraham joshua Heschel "God in search of Man." It is a hard read and very long. But it opened my eyes and mind to an entirely different approach to God and His Word.

Recently I have been reading the last book by Rachel Held Evans, "Inspired." I find it very interesting that she (coming from a southern baptist background) quotes so many rabbis and started accepting their approach to scripture.

 

[bèlla]

When God first started leading (dragging?) me toward a more Jewish setting (as you put it) a friend gave me a book by Abraham joshua Heschel "God in search of Man." It is a hard read and very long. But it opened my eyes and mind to an entirely different approach to God and His Word.

He has interesting ways of getting His point across. A little dragging may be needed. ;-)

I love Heschel. We read the Sabbath in class and my response was immediate. The experiences he described were the ones I sought. You may enjoy Rabbi Joseph Telushkin as well.

The differences in approach led me home to God. The alternative was atheism and I was nearing that point. I needed a safe environment where I could experience Him without pressure or scripts. And a divine encounter with the Holy Spirit at the helm. I would never succumb to theological arguments.

I had to ‘know’ for myself. Not because the pastor or church member said its true. I had to hear from Him.

Recently I have been reading the last book by Rachel Held Evans, "Inspired." I find it very interesting that she (coming from a southern baptist background) quotes so many rabbis and started accepting their approach to scripture.

I’m familiar with her and their teachings. It isn’t surprising she’d look in that direction. Not knowing is perfectly fine in Judaism as are questions and unconventional ways of seeing a subject.

We are one in spirit not in thought. Irrespective of our differences or approach. That oneness prevails.

The perspective on works differs too. I have never been busier than when I attended a church. The doing was non-stop. But it isn’t broached the same with Jews.

Work isn’t a treadmill it’s a mindset and way of being. I’m not tracking hours. I’m tracking my heart and gauging its response to my deeds.

 

[Laureate]

Many of you identify as Messianic Jews...

How does it accurately describe your faith in ways ‘Christian’ does not?
Could you follow another Christian path if required?
What is the one thing you wish others understood about your faith?
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced being a Messianic Jew?

I look forward to your replies. Thank you.

How does it accurately describe your faith in ways ‘Christian’ does not?

(1) 'Christian' is the term in which the Goiyem (non converts) referred to the (Jewish identity) 'Messianic', such were the terms applied to the Jewish disciples, and their converts.

a) One may reason, if my family refers to me as Steven, but my Spanish friends call me Estaban, how should I refer to myself?, and while visiting in Mexico, which would be more expedient to go by?

Though it would not be inappropriate nor incorrect to call me Estaban (for it bears the same meaning as Steven, a Crown), it can be miss leading, and in my absence, and over time, a reference to me and my name as Estaban might allude to a false heritage.

b) The term Messianic originally referred to those various Jews who (via their understanding of scripture) expected a Messiah to come, the term was used to distinguish them from the various Jews who did not expect a Messiah to come.

Today the term Messianic Jew is used by many who have been weaned from the Denominational Milk of Christianity, and drawn from the breasts of those who have customarily sought (among other things), to lose all autonomy with the Jewish Faith which they themselves have unwittingly been grafted into, thus the term Messianic is now used by many to distinguish themselves from those Christians who are in denial of their heritage.

(2) Christianity primarily favors the New Testament, over the Old Testament, as if it were superior, and their faith is primarily predicated on the writings of Paul, which are convoluted and easy to twist and mangle, whereas Messianic Jews revere, and build their faith upon both the Torah and the Testimony of Immanual's Disciples, knowing that no matter who you are, if one speaks not according to these words, it is because there is no light rising from, nor dawning upon them.

In short, the term Messianic represents both the Faithful (Jewish Disciples) who never went astray from the faith, and the Repentant Disciples who have returned from the likes of those who have fallen away from the faith.

(3) Christians tend to be partial converts, holding on to paganisms, as a result they pick and choose the verses that suit them and denominations are formed in the wake of it all, whereas many (not all) Messianic Jews tend to disdain such partial conversions, disdain paganized infusions, and disdain the denominational mindset that leads to falling away, hence the name Messianic Jew;

Prior to my knowledge of the term Messianic Jew, I referred to myself as a Hebrew Christian, I ascribe my change to (actual) Conversion, and a better understanding of our faith and it's heritage.

Could you follow another Christian path if required?

Our Faith is a Path, if there is no progression (he who has, is given more), then one is not walking on the Path, though they be found marching in place.

There is only One Path, and One Faith, the question is, Where is one found on that Path?

And should one expect to be counted equal to those who possess a lessor or greater (degree of) faith than their own?

I Say, No! We shall all receive rewards in accordance to our individual faith, and likewise be held accountable to what we know individually, not by what others have attained unto;

In fact the only ground in which we are all equal on is, We all have the ability to please or displease our Maker.

What is the one thing you wish others understood about your faith?

Rather, (Q) What is the one thing I wish others would understand about Their Faith? (A) The first principles of the Oracle's of Alôhâyîm.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced being a Messianic Jew?

As a Believer, it would have to be, Loving someone who clearly hates me, but as a Messianic, it would have to be waking up complacent partially converted denominational babes, to see their own inconsistencies, and hypocrisy, it is more difficult than convincing a Jew that Yésʰûʷəʰ is the Messiah, and more difficut than getting an atheist to repent.

Thank you for asking. ❤

 

[Hieronymus]

I identify as Messianic Judaism. Messiah because I believe and follow Him. Judaism because that is His faith. I am not a Jew.

You'll have to define Judaism.
The Pharisees are Judaists too.

 

[Hieronymus]

(1) 'Christian' is the term in which the Goiyem (non converts) referred to the (Jewish identity) 'Messianic', such were the terms applied to the Jewish disciples, and their converts.

But the goyim are not Jewish so they literally translated it to Christ / Christian.
It means exactly the same.
And so the Bible was translated also, to reach beyond Hebrew and Aramaic speaking folks.

 

[Laureate]

But the goyim are not Jewish so they literally translated it to Christ / Christian.
It means exactly the same.
And so the Bible was translated also, to reach beyond Hebrew and Aramaic speaking folks.

First off, It was not the Goiyem converts who ascribed the term Christian, it was ascribed by the local general public.

Secondly, the first Goiyem converts were all exiled Israeli being brought back into the faith, they lost their religious autonomy in their captivity, and learned the Way of the Goiyem, hence they were no longer called Hebrew.

Thirdly, Paul taught his Goiyem disciples that they are grafted into the Jewish faith, and are now called a Jew, no longer outsiders (which is to say Goiyem), but are now fellow heirs with the Saints.

Likewise, the scripture is clear on this matter, a foreigner dwelling among you is to be counted and treated as an equal to a native home born, but this notion didn't set well with many of the Carnal Jews (Jewish descent from Yéhûʷdəʰ), who were determined to ascribe their Spiritual designation to a Carnal source, and qualification.

For example, the difference between Yacob and Îsʰrəél is the difference between a Carnal man, and a Spiritual man, the same is true here, for Yéhûʷdəʰ was born the son of Îsʰrəél (a Spiritual man), and yet a reference to a son of Yacob is a reference to a Carnal man;

A Spiritual man follows the Spirit (of Truth) yet the only way to follow the Spirit is to receive guidance, direction and instruction from the Spirit (of Truth), hence the Anointing, and spiritual meaning behind being a Christian (an Anointed One).

So now we have many natural born Jews Carnalizing Spiritual matters, and many Christians (Spiritually born Anointed Beings) following suite, and this is evident when we see Christians and Jews believing their lips are their own, and that their steps are directed by their own cognizance, and when they raise their hand Yéhûʷəʰ has nothing to do with it, simultaneously proclaiming to be a member of the True Vine who declared he never spoke a word, nor performed any feat, but professed that it was the Spirit of Truth performing all of these things.

He had to tell them, 'You will be given the words to speak...' because he knew the vanity of one's ego would try to steal the glory, yet what happens when one stands in disbelief of the Truth? are they not handed over to whatsoever they imagine is True, which is nothing more than a lie, and they are convinced to walk in their delusions, because when they were told the Truth, they were found without love for it.

Careful now, how you feel about what is said here, for I speak the Truth, and not of my own cognizance (as if a True Christian, Messianic or Jew should in truth need to stipulate that which is supposed to be a given).

For a True Christian is a True (Messianic) Jew, and a True Messianic Jew, is a True Jew (who is a Spiritual Being, not a Carnal one).

 

[visionary]

You'll have to define Judaism.
The Pharisees are Judaists too.

Biblical Judaism is as it reads from Mount Sinai, via Holy Spirit who gives it life and applies it to our daily living. Treat Talmud like a commentary. Good info and interesting perspective to consider.

 

[Tzav]

Many of you identify as Messianic Jews...

How does it accurately describe your faith in ways ‘Christian’ does not?
Could you follow another Christian path if required?
What is the one thing you wish others understood about your faith?
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced being a Messianic Jew?

I look forward to your replies. Thank you.

I have so little Jewish blood that it doesn't even count. Rather, I am simply Messianic, because it does, indeed, describe my faith best, and no, I am not interested in following any other belief system.

I am too old to worry about what others think about what I do.

My greatest challenge is dropping all the false teachings I have learned over the years.

 

[Tzav]

Many of you identify as Messianic Jews...

How does it accurately describe your faith in ways ‘Christian’ does not?
Could you follow another Christian path if required?
What is the one thing you wish others understood about your faith?
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced being a Messianic Jew?

I look forward to your replies. Thank you.

-- I am a Messianic Gentile. I do not have enough Jewish background/blood to call myself a Jew.

-- No, I would not follow another path.

-- That the Torah was never abrogated.

-- Having to attend without my husbands approval, while he attended somewhere else, as I did for several years, and my children and their spouses do not understand either, but they are much kinder about it now.

 

[pinacled]

I have so little Jewish blood that it doesn't even count. Rather, I am simply Messianic, because it does, indeed, describe my faith best, and no, I am not interested in following any other belief system.

I am too old to worry about what others think about what I do.

My greatest challenge is dropping all the false teachings I have learned over the years.

I see a white stone.

Shavuot Shalom

Welcome to the fold.

 

[bèlla]

-- Having to attend without my husbands approval, while he attended somewhere else, as I did for several years, and my children and their spouses do not understand either, but they are much kinder about it now.

I’m sorry its been difficult for you. But I’m happy to hear they’ve softened.

 

[Tzav]

Thank you. I really appreciate their attitudes now, LaBèlla. My husband has been attending with me now for about 2 years, my son thinks somewhat messianically and makes statements that surprise me in that way, and my daughter is a believer who attends nowhere. That is hard for me, but when I think of the church I reared her in, as well as stuff she has been through since, I understand.

 

[pinacled]

Thank you. I really appreciate their attitudes now, LaBèlla. My husband has been attending with me now for about 2 years, my son thinks somewhat messianically and makes statements that surprise me in that way, and my daughter is a believer who attends nowhere. That is hard for me, but when I think of the church I reared her in, as well as stuff she has been through since, I understand.

Perhaps a fault in a daughters identity can be remedied with a strength in forgiveness.
When Have you last asked her for strength and lifted her?

The altar and Shabbat is important to build with white stones when raising a child in the way.
A burden where promises of faith with works flow through a certain number of generations.

Bless those who curse.