How you became a Messianic

[leothelioness]

How did everyone here become a Messianic? Who introduced you to Lord Y'shua? I'm really interested in hearing everyone's stories.

How old were you when you when you were told of Y'shua? How has Y'shua changed your life and what are all the good things He has done in your life? How has He blessed you?

Again, I'm really interested in hearing everyone's stories. :)

Shalom. :prayer:

[LadyGarnetRose]

I knew of Yeshua well, forever :) Growing up in America makes it very difficult NOT to hear of our Lord.

I grew up in a Jewish household, on the border between Reform and Conservative. Left God and all that entailed as a teen and embraced things most dark.

Then life began to show me the error of my ways. The Lord never left me as I turned my back on Him. The nudge and desire to read the scriptures again and again, find others who had made the journy back to the Lord, and embrace our Lord. At the time the only thought of Messianic I knew of was Jews for Jesus. Then did more research and more research and find myself knowing that our Lord Yeshua is Messiah, but Matthew 5:17 speaks LOUDLY to me. We aren't to abandon Torah. We aren't to abandon the gifts Torah gives us. We aren't to abolish but embrace.

In order to Love God, we must love all that God has given us.

Which is why I am considered Messianic by the world.

I consider myself a follow of God. In all His glory.

[visionary]

Raised in a non religious environment. Went to United church with parents for community and social reasons. Had vacation bible school with the Luthurens, Church of God and United Church. Had our neighbors Jehovah Witnesses come visiting.

Was told once by my mother that "the truth is out there go find it". Travelled through the gamet of various demoninations learning what they understand to be truths over the years, staying with some longer than others. Came to CF a couple of years ago and was visiting various areas when I ran across MJ for the first time. Started visiting and asking so many questions and wanting to get deeper and deeper into the discussions of the subjects that others could not answer to my spiritual satisfaction. They ended up telling me here that in order for me to continue in MJ I would have to change icon. I did and have not regretted the decision one bit.

[HadassahSukkot]

I grew up in the church.

My family are basically Independant Baptist; but I have gone to Southern Baptist, Independant Baptist; Assemblies of G-d and Military Chaplaincy services, Non-Denominational Services among one or two others I'm sure.


I've been aquainted intimately with Y'shua since I was about four years old. I made a clear decision after learning the early 4 years of my life and learning how to read on my own that this was the only decision out of everything that was the most important to make.
So I made the leap :D

Many years down the line I came back; and directly to this lifestyle after working directly with two people who are pagan and realizing I needed to make some major changes to the way I was living my life; that I had some things I was doing that was acceptable only if I walked the same path they were.
In essence, talking with them made a inner revival in me; and caused me to begin asking questions I left by the wayside some 8 years prior.

No one could answer me and it took my getting very ill to find anyone or anything Messianic.

When I did, it was like coming home.

The first year was a real struggle, but there is no turning back now.

[Torah]

How did everyone here become a Messianic? Who introduced you to Lord Y'shua? I'm really interested in hearing everyone's stories.

How old were you when you when you were told of Y'shua? How has Y'shua changed your life and what are all the good things He has done in your life? How has He blessed you?

Again, I'm really interested in hearing everyone's stories. :)

Shalom. :prayer:
My testimony

http://www.christianforums.com/t3693130-testimonies.html&page=3 (http://www.christianforums.com/t3693130-testimonies.html&page=3)

Post #27
Shalom:wave:

[Desperate4Him2]

Grew up United Presbyterian (now PCUSA).

Saved late in life in a charismatic Episcopal Church (in the process of separating from the unbelieving church in the USA)

Matured in Church of God, Cleveland, TN. Told of Hebrew Roots Sunday School Class and began Hebrew Bible study.

Left Church of God fall, 2005, nervously and more confidently following Yeshua in 2006. :)

[Tishri1]

Raised in a non religious environment. Went to United church with parents for community and social reasons. Had vacation bible school with the Luthurens, Church of God and United Church. Had our neighbors Jehovah Witnesses come visiting.

Was told once by my mother that "the truth is out there go find it". Travelled through the gamet of various demoninations learning what they understand to be truths over the years, staying with some longer than others. Came to CF a couple of years ago and was visiting various areas when I ran across MJ for the first time. Started visiting and asking so many questions and wanting to get deeper and deeper into the discussions of the subjects that others could not answer to my spiritual satisfaction. They ended up telling me here that in order for me to continue in MJ I would have to change icon. I did and have not regretted the decision one bit. yeh but let me qualify ...WE needed YOU to change your Icon, cuz you had soooooooo much to teach us too (this girl is really a gift from ABBA) and you couldnt teach with any other Icon in here:P I wonder how many started out that same way in here:clap:

[jgonz]

I grew up Methodist and was forced to attend Sunday School, church, youth group, etc. by my parents (even though we Never discussed G-d at home. My parents are extremely religious in their church attendance, but still haven't accepted the L-rd yet. Yet. ;)). In college (Kent State Univ.) I got really wild and got into things I shouldn't have... however G-d met me where I was and I accepted Him as my L-rd & Savior (Jan. 1979).

I transferred colleges to Univ. of Cincinnati that fall, and shortly after arriving was introduced to Messianic Judaism by Beth Messiah congregation's on-campus ministry. I was completely intrigued... After I got married, DH was also intrigued by MJ and we finally spent the time to look into Sabbath & the Feasts. We started keeping both about 15-ish years ago. It wasn't until about 3.5 yrs ago that the L-rd dealt with me about there being more... and Torah was opened up to both DH & I. Now I concentrate on teaching Torah (as well as Messiah) to my kids. :)

[visionary]

yeh but let me qualify ...WE needed YOU to change your Icon, cuz you had soooooooo much to teach us too (this girl is really a gift from ABBA) and you couldnt teach with any other Icon in here:P I wonder how many started out that same way in here:clap:Bless your heart. :blush: I think the feeling is mutual... the blessings I have received in knowledge and understanding have been more than I could have possibly shared here. :hug: You all have inspired me, keep your eye of Yeshua, and you will always find that is where the truth lies.:clap:

[sing4777]

Shalom All!
I spent years in the protestant church. I think I have been to every flavor and just knew
that something wasn't quite right. I would cry out to the Lord to reveal His truth to me.
Then about 5 years ago I took a class on what they called the Feasts of Israel
(what the word says are HIS Feasts). When I took the class, the Lord really opened my
eyes to the Shadows of things to come and the fulfillment of His Spring Feasts - that was
the beginning of my journey to find the truth in His word. I had such a desire to know the
fullness of a real relationship with Yeshua and little by little He has brought me to the straight
and narrow path. He has poured in my heart a love for His Torah and a deeper love for Him with
an assurance that through the blood of Yeshua, He has brought me into the Israel of God.

[leothelioness]

and you couldnt teach with any other Icon in here:P
Just curious, why do you have to have a Messianic icon to teach in a Messianic forum? There are plenty of Protestants that know a great deal about the Word. :)

[Tishri1]

Just curious, why do you have to have a Messianic icon to teach in a Messianic forum? There are plenty of Protestants that know a great deal about the Word. :) It's not just in MJ, anywhere you go in the Congreational area of CF (where all the denominations are listed) you must have the same Icon as the Forum you are in to teach and debate but Visitors without the said Icon are welcome to post Questions, Fellowship and very simple brief opinions, thats about it though.....course if you have something that you cannot hold in then this is what you do...go to General Theology, post a thread on the same subject there, come back here and post a link to your thread and invite us over there to discuss it with you there....In GT and all the other forums out side the congregational forums Members dont need a certain Icon to post freely....just this area

here is a link to the CF Rule that discusses this
http://www.christianforums.com/faq.php?faq=rule_1#faq_rule_1_4

hope that helps

back now to our regular broadcast "How You became a Messianic":wave:

[SpiritPsalmist]

I grew up in and was very active in the church. A few years ago, out of spite (in anger) toward all the arguing going on in the Spirit Filled/Charismatic forum I changed my icon (we could do it ourselves then) to Messianic. I even wrote it in my profile that it was done due to irritation. However, several (not only Charismatics) began to rail on me over "turning Messianic" and NONE of them even bothered to ask me any questions or read my profile...even though I suggested to each of them they read my profile. I was so shocked at the reaction of those who claim to be "Spirit Filled" that I began to look more seriously into the Messianic movement to see what it was all about and why those in "the church" were so against it. I also had a few friends who were Messianic but I had never really looked into it myself.

At the same time, due to a lot of conflict on CF between the Catholic and the Protestant, I picked up from the library books on Catholisism to learn more about it. As I read I saw many things that seemed very Biblical to me and there were other things that I considered Biblically "paganism". I felt a yearning in my soul for what Jesus had been here for not what man had turned it in to. For me, Catholism was not acceptable and then I remembered my friend who is Messianic. I picked up some books on Judaism and while there was a lot of Mystisism I was drawn to the insight there seemed to be in scripture.

Now of course, traditional Judaism was not for me but then I called my friend and asked if I could go to her Messianic congragation with her. It was there that I began to learn more and more and realized that while it was a more "calm" atmosphere (I was use to the Charismatic) that, in my opinion anyway, there was not much difference in what was taught and what I already believed.

I had already stopped eating a lot of the foods that God said is "not food" due to my own conviction when reading the scripture. The church had taught me those things did not matter anymore but everytime I read them there was a pricking in my heart that I could not ignore.

Anyway, to make a long story short, from "just messin' around" it became real.

[christinepro]

It sounds like we all have the same story. We were once flopping around like fish out of water but we have found the answers and have come home. What other religion can one keep the Sabath, and the L_rd's feasts. These are an everlasting covenent for Isreal as well as for the people that are grafted in. They are so enjoyable and have wonderful deep roots.

[leothelioness]

It's not just in MJ, anywhere you go in the Congreational area of CF (where all the denominations are listed) you must have the same Icon as the Forum you are in to teach and debate but Visitors without the said Icon are welcome to post Questions, Fellowship and very simple brief opinions, thats about it though.....course if you have something that you cannot hold in then this is what you do...go to General Theology, post a thread on the same subject there, come back here and post a link to your thread and invite us over there to discuss it with you there....In GT and all the other forums out side the congregational forums Members dont need a certain Icon to post freely....just this area

here is a link to the CF Rule that discusses this
http://www.christianforums.com/faq.php?faq=rule_1#faq_rule_1_4

hope that helps

back now to our regular broadcast "How You became a Messianic":wave:
Wow, I never knew that. Guess I didn't read the rules very well. ^_^

[BereanTodd]

Well, I hope my input is ok. I am not "all the way there" yet but I'm on the road. I was introduced to Zola Levitt through my seminary, and fell in love with his teachings. I've watched "the Miracle of Passover" dozens of times now, not to mention others. I began to have my mind opened to the Jewish roots of my faith that I never really knew or acknowledged before.

Then last year I was able to spend a few weeks in Israel and Jordan studying with one of my professors and so much more came alive to me. I am not yet Torah or Shabbot observant, but the feasts have been coming more into my home and taught to my kids.

I sort of feel like a homeless man in some respects though. Too close to MJ beliefs to fit in with or be the stereotypical evangelical, and yet not Sabbath or Torah observant and separated from MJ brethren by that fact.

[leothelioness]

When I started this thread I was really more interested in hearing the stories of Jewish converts. While everyone's stories have been interesting, most of you (except one) had been involved in Christianity and known Jesus all their life. I was especially interested in hearing the stories of Jews who had never known Jesus in their life. Those who were often discouraged from knowing Jesus. Guess I should have clarified that.

For those Jewish converts, how did you come to know Jesus and what did your families think of you becoming a Christian?

A lot of stories I've heard from Messianic Jews is that their families often disowned them and never spoke to them again.

I really would like to hear the stories of those Jewish converts who still believed even in the face of adversity and persecution. :)


BTW, sorry if I have offended any non-Jewish Messianics. You're stories are interesting too, so keep 'em comin'!

[Shimshon]

I was not raised orthodox because my mother is not Jewish. I was however raised by my Jewish grandfather, named in a reformed shul and grew up as a non observant reformed jew. My parents are secular and think the passion I have in God is great....for me. My grandfather treated me like any other 'jewish boy'. In fact he treated me with more love than I have ever experienced from any man ever. I did everything with him. He even found time to take me to shul with him. My favorite times were after shabbat services we would have matzah brie, bagels cream cheese.

Happy to say, unlike most stories mine has no familial ostracizing or persecution. In fact the most touching moment in my life is with my grandfather at his death bed. I had just come to love Yeshua and being a young believer I desired nothing more than for my Rabbi to be 'saved'. So I started preaching to him. sigh.... He just smiled at me, and I was confused. After I grew up more I realized what I had done to him. And my heart broke. Both because of his love and my idiocy. I was so stupid to have at his death bed try to 'evangelize' my grandfather. AND I could not believe that all he did was look at me and love me, none the less. But I was the apple of his eye, so I guess I can maybe now understand. But then it just confused me. He was a Jew and I was worried he would die in his sins without 'Jesus'. I'm glad I was not as passionate as I am now...:P I eventually had to put it in God's hands....I did...and he died. And I will never stop thanking God for the one he used to begin the formation of my heart.

I have been blessed by my hebrew roots, yet they have also been a curse. Most my own people refuse to accept me as a Jew because of false teachings, and many Messianics don't see me as a Jew because of again, false teachings. I have seen persecution from the orthodox community, but never from my own family.

Most Jews call me Christian, as do most Messianics. Because of my interpretation of Torah. I believe in the resurrection of the dead, being born of the Spirit, alive to Messiah, dead to sin. Dead to sin, alive in Messiah. I believe Yeshua is mediator of a covenant that was promised through Abraham not Moses. I believe in the coming of the Kingdom. This pits me against orthodox Judaism because I don't belive we are living under the covenant made through Moses but the covenant made through Yeshua. And this also pits me against Messianic gentiles who see themselves along side Yisrael in that covenant.

I do not believe we are living in the covenant made at Sinai. Not as a Jew, nor as a gentile. I believe in the Word of God that Yeshua was given. I believe he reigns in us now, and his Kingdom is upon us.

With these beliefs the only persecution I seem to garner is from those who believe they are under the Sinai covenant and it's rules and ordinances.

I have grown up not caring at all about the Moedim and observances. Yet their observances were all around me. Now as a Hebrew I observe a hebraic lifestyle. I have learned the meaning of the Torah and it's goal and embrace the ways of my ancestors because they are my ancestry. My fathers are Jewish. I follow a hebrew calendar, more like a karaite, observing the moedim 'in memorial'. I find great enjoyment and enrichment within them, but I in no way see myself commanded to walk them out as Yisrael was. Meaning I do not see the goal of Torah (today) as walking out it's commands as a Jew. I see the goal of Torah as the Life of Yeshua. And when he lives in us we are living Torah. We fulfill Torah. By being in union with Messiah. By being born again from above.

I find great comfort in Yeshua who was also rejected by his own. Yet he loved them still, enough to sacrifice for them. They tried to tell him he wasn't 'a Jew', and that he wasn't of God. He said they would treat us like they treated him. And He said what we should do when they act that way. Forgive them.

Even his talmidim fell away. But after being 'born from above' they were restored. Because they listened to the Word that told them where to go and what to wait for. They listened to his command and received the blessing. They loved him and listened.

I was always a hebrew, but I became messianic because Yeshua knocked long enough and I finally offered my life to him. Thank God I was given the grace and power to do such a thing.

Halleluyah

[LadyGarnetRose]

When I started this thread I was really more interested in hearing the stories of Jewish converts. While everyone's stories have been interesting, most of you (except one) had been involved in Christianity and known Jesus all their life. I was especially interested in hearing the stories of Jews who had never known Jesus in their life. Those who were often discouraged from knowing Jesus. Guess I should have clarified that.

I knew of Yeshua, but was only taught he was a wise man, with good ideas, but not Messiah.

For those Jewish converts, how did you come to know Jesus and what did your families think of you becoming a Christian?

A lot of stories I've heard from Messianic Jews is that their families often disowned them and never spoke to them again.

My family haven't been surprised or shocked, or disowned me.

We have Chabad members in my family, as well as other Messianic in our family. Even the mishagos of the Chabad they consider me Jewish and "I'll get over it eventually"...

I'm an artist and they find me to be meshugana to begin with, anything I do really doesn't phase them much.

They're just happy I'm keeping kosher and observing.



I really would like to hear the stories of those Jewish converts who still believed even in the face of adversity and persecution. :)


The Jews I know aren't into persecuting. Having been on the wrong end of persecution for the last oh I don't know about 3,000 years ;) they don't get into the whole banishment thing.


BTW, sorry if I have offended any non-Jewish Messianics. You're stories are interesting too, so keep 'em comin'!

[leothelioness]

I was not raised orthodox because my mother is not Jewish. I was however raised by my Jewish grandfather, named in a reformed shul and grew up as a non observant reformed jew. My parents are secular and think the passion I have in God is great....for me. My grandfather treated me like any other 'jewish boy'. In fact he treated me with more love than I have ever experienced from any man ever. I did everything with him. He even found time to take me to shul with him. My favorite times were after shabbat services we would have matzah brie, bagels cream cheese.

Happy to say, unlike most stories mine has no familial ostracizing or persecution. In fact the most touching moment in my life is with my grandfather at his death bed. I had just come to love Yeshua and being a young believer I desired nothing more than for my Rabbi to be 'saved'. So I started preaching to him. sigh.... He just smiled at me, and I was confused. After I grew up more I realized what I had done to him. And my heart broke. Both because of his love and my idiocy. I was so stupid to have at his death bed try to 'evangelize' my grandfather. AND I could not believe that all he did was look at me and love me, none the less. But I was the apple of his eye, so I guess I can maybe now understand. But then it just confused me. He was a Jew and I was worried he would die in his sins without 'Jesus'. I'm glad I was not as passionate as I am now...:P I eventually had to put it in God's hands....I did...and he died. And I will never stop thanking God for the one he used to begin the formation of my heart.

I have been blessed by my hebrew roots, yet they have also been a curse. Most my own people refuse to accept me as a Jew because of false teachings, and many Messianics don't see me as a Jew because of again, false teachings. I have seen persecution from the orthodox community, but never from my own family.

Most Jews call me Christian, as do most Messianics. Because of my interpretation of Torah. I believe in the resurrection of the dead, being born of the Spirit, alive to Messiah, dead to sin. Dead to sin, alive in Messiah. I believe Yeshua is mediator of a covenant that was promised through Abraham not Moses. I believe in the coming of the Kingdom. This pits me against orthodox Judaism because I don't belive we are living under the covenant made through Moses but the covenant made through Yeshua. And this also pits me against Messianic gentiles who see themselves along side Yisrael in that covenant.

I do not believe we are living in the covenant made at Sinai. Not as a Jew, nor as a gentile. I believe in the Word of God that Yeshua was given. I believe he reigns in us now, and his Kingdom is upon us.

With these beliefs the only persecution I seem to garner is from those who believe they are under the Sinai covenant and it's rules and ordinances.

I have grown up not caring at all about the Moedim and observances. Yet their observances were all around me. Now as a Hebrew I observe a hebraic lifestyle. I have learned the meaning of the Torah and it's goal and embrace the ways of my ancestors because they are my ancestry. My fathers are Jewish. I follow a hebrew calendar, more like a karaite, observing the moedim 'in memorial'. I find great enjoyment and enrichment within them, but I in no way see myself commanded to walk them out as Yisrael was. Meaning I do not see the goal of Torah (today) as walking out it's commands as a Jew. I see the goal of Torah as the Life of Yeshua. And when he lives in us we are living Torah. We fulfill Torah. By being in union with Messiah. By being born again from above.

I find great comfort in Yeshua who was also rejected by his own. Yet he loved them still, enough to sacrifice for them. They tried to tell him he wasn't 'a Jew', and that he wasn't of God. He said they would treat us like they treated him. And He said what we should do when they act that way. Forgive them.

Even his talmidim fell away. But after being 'born from above' they were restored. Because they listened to the Word that told them where to go and what to wait for. They listened to his command and received the blessing. They loved him and listened.

I was always a hebrew, but I became messianic because Yeshua knocked long enough and I finally offered my life to him. Thank God I was given the grace and power to do such a thing.

Halleluyah
What a wonderful story! I enjoyed reading it. My heart was filled with joy for you as I read. Our Father definitely is great! His Son also has worked many miracles in our lives. :)