Question...

[Ryan Collins]

So far everyone has given you excellent advice.
Beginning with the Shabbat is the best option. Hashem gave us 6 days to do our bidding. He gave us the Shabbat so that we could give Him ourselves -- 24 hours to concentrate on the Creator rather than on the creature and our own creations.
During the next upcoming Shabbats, you could begin to learn about the Passover and what it is all about since it's coming up soon.
Another little celebration that is coming up is Purim. If you have kids you could do a mini celebration at home - read the story of Esther. Everyone has fun making loud booing noises at the mention of Haman, loud happy yea!s at the mention of Mordecai, and sweet aaahhhs at the mention of Esther's name. Baby steps.
Mostly do what you're doing, let the Spirit guide you. He won't lead you astray.

Excellent. I see that Purim is on the 20th so I will definitely celebrate with my family. Question about the calendar: what is 5771 marked by or from when?

I am somewhat of an all-or-nothing type guy which causes a lot of stress in some situations and tends to ruin some precious and genuine moments. I do not want to ruin a Shabbat, so my genuineness prompts my next set of questions: should I concern myself with the entire regulations of Shabbat? Are there specific restrictions to what I can and cannot do during the Shabbat time? For instance, would it be "wrong" to play a CD from the television DVD player to sing along with it?

Am I concerning myself with the wrong things at this moment? Please do not misinterpret me. I only ask these foolish questions because I understand how sacred the Shabbat is. I think I need to stop looking and concentrating on restrictions? How do you get past that mindset? Should I not worry about the little "do" and "do nots" and just make sure my heart and soul is in the right place during Shabbat?

I think my nervousness is showing.

 

[yedida]

Excellent. I see that Purim is on the 20th so I will definitely celebrate with my family. Question about the calendar: what is 5771 marked by or from when?

I am somewhat of an all-or-nothing type guy which causes a lot of stress in some situations and tends to ruin some precious and genuine moments. I do not want to ruin a Shabbat, so my genuineness prompts my next set of questions: should I concern myself with the entire regulations of Shabbat? Are there specific restrictions to what I can and cannot do during the Shabbat time? For instance, would it be "wrong" to play a CD from the television DVD player to sing along with it?

Am I concerning myself with the wrong things at this moment? Please do not misinterpret me. I only ask these foolish questions because I understand how sacred the Shabbat is. I think I need to stop looking and concentrating on restrictions? How do you get past that mindset? Should I not worry about the little "do" and "do nots" and just make sure my heart and soul is in the right place during Shabbat?

I think my nervousness is showing.

Relax! Enjoy! Be blessed!
OK, you want a few do's and don'ts. I can understand that. Here are a few things that I'm pretty strict about (just to give you something to start with):
I do not handle money (unless a serious emergency arises)
I do not cook.
I will use the computer to come here to CF or to join an online Shabbat service, or to listen to Shabbat music - I do not actually surf or check email on Shabbat.
I do drive my car to services or to friends' homes for study.
Others are more strict, others may be less so - just let the Spirit guide you.

 

[Ryan Collins]

Relax! Enjoy! Be blessed!
OK, you want a few do's and don'ts. I can understand that. Here are a few things that I'm pretty strict about (just to give you something to start with):
I do not handle money (unless a serious emergency arises)
I do not cook.
I will use the computer to come here to CF or to join an online Shabbat service, or to listen to Shabbat music - I do not actually surf or check email on Shabbat.
I do drive my car to services or to friends' homes for study.
Others are more strict, others may be less so - just let the Spirit guide you.

I'm trying to relax but this is all so new to me! You actually answered a lot of lingering questions (especially about driving to services). This thread has been a big blessing and I am sure it will continue to be so.

I was actually able to find a Messianic congregation about 15 minutes from me. Now I just need to get up the courage to take the step...

 

[yedida]

I'm trying to relax but this is all so new to me! You actually answered a lot of lingering questions (especially about driving to services). This thread has been a big blessing and I am sure it will continue to be so.

I was actually able to find a Messianic congregation about 15 minutes from me. Now I just need to get up the courage to take the step...

You know how sometimes you go somewhere and it just feels like you're accepted just the way you are? Well, the first time I walked into BT (after listening to the online teachings for about a month) I didn't feel like I was accepted, I felt like I was Expected!! That's how at home they made me feel. I've visited about 5 other congregations since and each one has been special.
Perhaps you could email the rabbi or give him a call? That might help allay any reservations you might have.

 

[visionary]

I'm trying to relax but this is all so new to me! You actually answered a lot of lingering questions (especially about driving to services). This thread has been a big blessing and I am sure it will continue to be so.

I was actually able to find a Messianic congregation about 15 minutes from me. Now I just need to get up the courage to take the step...

That is wonderful15 minutes.. I wish there was a congregation that close for me... May you be blessed with meeting like minded believers who will more than welcome you into their midst.

 

[Ryan Collins]

That is wonderful15 minutes.. I wish there was a congregation that close for me... May you be blessed with meeting like minded believers who will more than welcome you into their midst.

Well, it will be short-lived since we are moving to Portland, OR in a couple months...and from what I've seen from MJAA and UMJC...there are no Messianic congregations there.

When does one become considered "Messianic?"

 

[yedida]

Ryan,
I just googled and came up with at least 5 in Portland.
Here's the link of the first page
messianic congregations in portland or - Google Search

I think you be Messianic now, son, that's where your heart is leading you (and the Spirit too).

 

[Ryan Collins]

Ryan,
I just googled and came up with at least 5 in Portland.
Here's the link of the first page
messianic congregations in portland or - Google Search

I think you be Messianic now, son, that's where your heart is leading you (and the Spirit too).

You're quick on the draw! Looks like I'll have some options and people to contact prior to moving. Is it wrong of me to lack interest in making connections here since we will be moving and leaving so soon?

 

[yedida]

You're quick on the draw! Looks like I'll have some options and people to contact prior to moving. Is it wrong of me to lack interest in making connections here since we will be moving and leaving so soon?

It's very understandable for me. I know how I felt having to leave BT behind. It hurts. I still miss them so much but I wouldn't give up one moment that I had with them, even if it took away the little hollow spot that belongs to them alone.
But the benefit you'll derive from having a home family, even for a little while, and the benefits they'll get from having you as a part of their family outweighs the hurt you'll face. And the fond memories will lessen the pain in parting. I can promise you that.
Hopefully one or two of your choices will have either mp3 or written teachings on line to help guide you a bit.

 

[EyesOfKohl]

I hope everyone is well.

I'm interested, after reading a recent 'Hybrid fruit' thread, I thought it would be alright to ask here. Does anyone here uphold Deuteronomy 22:11-12 and Leviticus 19:19?

'You shall not wear a material mixed of wool and linen together. You shall make yourself tassels on the four corners of your garment with which you cover yourself.'

'You are to keep My statutes. You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together.'

I know the Chassidic Jew's follow these with pure wool clothing etc..
But does anyone here follow them?

 

[xDenax]

I know the Chassidic Jew's follow these with pure wool clothing etc..
But does anyone here follow them?

Do you mean Orthodox?

Tzitzit are only worn by men only so I don't wear them and would never consider it.

 

[EyesOfKohl]

Do you mean Orthodox?

Tzitzit are only worn by men only so I don't wear them and would never consider it.

Yes, I'm referring to Orthodox. I read that all their garments are made from one pure material. I was just interested if anyone here follows that.

 

[anisavta]

My husband is allergic to wool - makes him itch. Read up on how and why G~d commanded one to not mix materials. Use scripture as your foundations.

 

[Ryan Collins]

Question on kippahs: Are non-Jews encouraged (or even required) to wear a kippah while inside the synagogue? I was doing more research on Messianic Judaism, and I saw in some places that non-Jew attendants wear kippahs out of respect in the synagogue and also other times. I guess my question is what the stance is on kippahs and non-Jeews?

 

[visionary]

Question on kippahs: Are non-Jews encouraged (or even required) to wear a kippah while inside the synagogue? I was doing more research on Messianic Judaism, and I saw in some places that non-Jew attendants wear kippahs out of respect in the synagogue and also other times. I guess my question is what the stance is on kippahs and non-Jeews?

IN our synagogue, it is a matter of personal convictions, and so we have a mix...for the Jew and Gentiles in our midst..

 

[yedida]

Question on kippahs: Are non-Jews encouraged (or even required) to wear a kippah while inside the synagogue? I was doing more research on Messianic Judaism, and I saw in some places that non-Jew attendants wear kippahs out of respect in the synagogue and also other times. I guess my question is what the stance is on kippahs and non-Jeews?

The kippah is not a commandment, but the majority of Jewish men will wear them, either in synagogue or all the time.
Messianic shuls usually leave it up to one's personal convictions and very often have a supply available.

 

[rsduncan]

The kippah is not a commandment, but the majority of Jewish men will wear them, either in synagogue or all the time.
Messianic shuls usually leave it up to one's personal convictions and very often have a supply available.

Is there a dress code for worship in a Messianic shul???

 

[yonah_mishael]

It's respectful to wear one, even for a non-Jew.

 

[ChavaK]

Question on kippahs: Are non-Jews encouraged (or even required) to wear a kippah while inside the synagogue? I was doing more research on Messianic Judaism, and I saw in some places that non-Jew attendants wear kippahs out of respect in the synagogue and also other times. I guess my question is what the stance is on kippahs and non-Jeews?

There is no Torah requirement to wear a kippah anyplace. But it is considered respectful to wear one while in a congregation.

 

[visionary]

Is there a dress code for worship in a Messianic shul???

Not ours.. we are casual... we are there not for show but for serious scriptural study, praise, song, dance and worship of our Lord.