Hello

[Seeker of the Truth]

Hey,

Quick question:

What is Messianic Judaism?


Thank yah very much,

CJ

[Wags]

Messianic Judaism is not a denomination so there is no governing body that spells out our beliefs. The following are general statements and may or may not apply to everyone who calls themselves "messianic".


We believe that all of the Bible (both Hebrew and Greek Scriptures) are relevant and applicable to the life of every believer; that Torah (the first five books of the Bible) are the foundation by which all Scripture is to be understood and holds the definition of sin and the expectation for righteous living.


We also believe that Yeshua is the promised Messiah who was born, lived sinlessly and died during the second Temple period in Israel; that He resurrected from the dead and will return in power to fulfill the remaining Messianic prophecies: to establish Israel as the center of His everlasting kingdom where He will reign in peace over the entire world.You can read more in the FAQ's here: http://www.christianforums.com/t3958909-messianic-judaism-information-central-faqs-links.html

[stone]

Hello and welcome on in, feel free to look around and ask questions!

:wave:

[Wags]

A Brief FAQ about our Messianic Faith
These answers are very brief, and since Messianic Judaism is not a denomination with an appointed governing body, individual beliefs may vary.
Do you believe in Jesus?
Yes, except we know Him by His Hebrew name, Yeshua. He is the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world.
Are you Christians or Jews?
Both, with qualifications. We are Jews and non-Jews who follow and love Yeshua, but our faith is built on the foundation of the Hebrew Holy Scriptures, not historical church traditions or Jewish rabbinical determinations.
Do you accept the Scriptures as inspired of God, including the New Testament?
Yes.
Do you believe that G-d works the same today as in Bible times?
Yes. He works whatever He wills unhindered by time or space. If the Most High did it or promised it in the Bible, then it can happen today and at any time.
Do you believe in being "born again?"
Yes. Because of the sinful spiritual nature in all people that accompanies physical birth, a new creation of the human spirit is needed to fully relate to our holy God. The act of new creation of our spirit by God in us is in effect being "born over again." Yeshua our Messiah offers this to all who trust Him.
Do you believe the Law given through Moses is valid today?
Yes, as a standard for righteousness. All Holy Scripture remains valid for practice if the circumstances remain available. For instance, Temple laws cannot be performed without a Temple in place. However, the principles and shadows found in these remain useful. The Law is for protection, not perfection.
Do you believe we should all keep the Seventh Day Sabbath?
Yes. We proclaim that from the time of creation Adonai set aside sundown Friday to sundown Saturday as a gift of physical rest to us. We should accept the holy gift gladly.
Do you believe we should all eat only kosher?
Yes, according to what is the plain Scriptural instruction of what animals may be consumed. We do not believe that it is required or even necessarily helpful to be restricted to a rabbinically approved kosher diet.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Yes. In Hebrew He is Ruach HaKodesh. God is spirit, which is breath in Hebrew. Breath is life. God is life. The Holy Spirit is God continuing daily to perform the miracles of bestowing holy life upon the hearts of receptive people.
Do you believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, like healing?
Yes. With God nothing is impossible, ever.
Do you keep all the Feasts of Israel?
Yes, we celebrate the holy feasts as a "memorial throughout your generations forever." But of course, without the practice of Temple commandments.
Do you keep the Christian holidays, like Christmas and Easter?
No. We only celebrate scripturally commanded holy days. Neither Christmas or Easter are the actual days for the events they propose to celebrate. Instead we celebrate the days of the birth and resurrection of Yeshua, which were already scheduled in the Appointed Times (as found in Lev 23).
(The above FAQ's are a work in progress. Planning on adding to them as time permits.)

[PentecostalEmperor]

We should only celebrate days that are biblical. Christmas is a pagan holiday. It was King Nimrod who was born on the 25th of December. Our beloved YAHSHUA was born around September according to experts.
The Sabbath was to be Perpetual(forever) Exodus 31:12-17. It was never abolished.

[Seeker of the Truth]

Thank you very much, the both of you.

I'm very much interested in Messianic Judaism, very interesting indeed.

You beliefs are basically in-line with Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, no?

Also, what "version" of the Bible do you read out of. Just curious, really. Most of the beliefs you posted pertained to Greek/Hebrew, so I was just wondering if you read the Bible in Greek/Hebrew or in English.

Thanks,

CJ

EDIT: Also, I had a question concerning your views on the Sabbath. Did not the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy only pertain to the Children of Israel (Jews)? So, myself, being a Greek by Biblical standards, am not to keep the Sabbath?

I'm not trying to start a debate or anything, just asking. :)

[PentecostalEmperor]

Thank you very much, the both of you.

I'm very much interested in Messianic Judaism, very interesting indeed.

You beliefs are basically in-line with Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, no?

Also, what "version" of the Bible do you read out of. Just curious, really. Most of the beliefs you posted pertained to Greek/Hebrew, so I was just wondering if you read the Bible in Greek/Hebrew or in English.

Thanks,

CJ

EDIT: Also, I had a question concerning your views on the Sabbath. Did not the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy only pertain to the Children of Israel (Jews)? So, myself, being a Greek by Biblical standards, am not to keep the Sabbath?

I'm not trying to start a debate or anything, just asking. :)
I use the KJV Bible in English. I believe using GOD's sacred names.
YAHSHUA(Jesus)
YAHVEH(Jehovah)
RUACH HA KODESH(Holy Spirit)

[Seeker of the Truth]

I use the KJV Bible in English. I believe using GOD's sacred names.
YAHSHUA(Jesus)
YAHVEH(Jehovah)
RUACH HA KODESH(Holy Spirit)
That's cool, I agree with you.

I attend a local Baptist church (fundamental) so, if I went in there saying the Hebrew names for God, they probably wouldn't know what I was talking about, lol.

[Wags]

Bible translations vary. Some messianics read hebrew and greek, some don't.

As for the Sabbath question. Scripture says that when the Lord finished creation he rested on the 7th day and made it holy. So it was around before there were children of Israel.

[PentecostalEmperor]

When you are born again you become a spirtual Jew. So Christians are not gentiles. Keeping YAHVEH's commandents brings many blessing as stated in Deut.28. However, keep in mind that not keeping the Sabbath will not prevent you from entering heaven. If that was so then YAHSHUA wouldn't of came to die for us. YAHSHUA did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. YAHSHUA kept the Sabbath when he was on earth, why shouldn't we then?

[ContentInHim]

That's cool, I agree with you.

I attend a local Baptist church (fundamental) so, if I went in there saying the Hebrew names for God, they probably wouldn't know what I was talking about, lol.
A friend of mine who cleans up my yard is also a fundamental Baptist. He has much insight into scriptures, Hebrew-wise. We have great conversations while he weeds my flower-beds! LOL!

I happen to read the NKJV and The Scriptures. I also study out of the Chumash and the Pentateuch and Haftorah.

[Seeker of the Truth]

A friend of mine who cleans up my yard is also a fundamental Baptist. He has much insight into scriptures, Hebrew-wise. We have great conversations while he weeds my flower-beds! LOL!

I happen to read the NKJV and The Scriptures. I also study out of the Chumash and the Pentateuch and Haftorah.
hehe, that's funny. There seems to be a lot of correlation between Messianic Judaism and fundamental Baptists, except with a few interpretations.

[Seeker of the Truth]

As for the Sabbath question. Scripture says that when the Lord finished creation he rested on the 7th day and made it holy. So it was around before there were children of Israel.

Genisis 2:1 - 3

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."

Basically, He sanctified (Qadash) it setting it apart from all the other days.

...Just clearing up what you said, with Scripture.
When you are born again you become a spirtual Jew. So Christians are not gentiles. Keeping YAHVEH's commandents brings many blessing as stated in Deut.28. However, keep in mind that not keeping the Sabbath will not prevent you from entering heaven. If that was so then YAHSHUA wouldn't of came to die for us. YAHSHUA did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. YAHSHUA kept the Sabbath when he was on earth, why shouldn't we then?

This is funny because previously I was taught that converted Jews were Christians and converted Gentiles were Christians. :scratch:

[visionary]

Here I became a spiritual Jew..... Romans 2:29.

[Seeker of the Truth]

Here I became a spiritual Jew..... Romans 2:29.
Great post, great verse.

lol, I'm now debating if we're Jews in spirit or Christians in spirit. Seems easy to answer, huh?

[Kalanit]

"Christians are not Gentiles"

I strongly disagree with this statement. Jews are still Jews. Gentiles are still Gentiles. We have unity in Messiah, just like Man and Woman have unity in marriage. Man does not become Woman and vice versa.

A Messianic JEW is a Jew. A Messianic Gentile is still Gentile. A "Hebrew Christian" is a Jew who has become Gentilized, or Christianized. There is a difference.

I also do not agree with the 'sacred name' philosophy.

[Wags]

A Messianic JEW is a Jew. A Messianic Gentile is still Gentile. A "Hebrew Christian" is a Jew who has become Gentilized, or Christianized. There is a difference.

I agree, although I usually say they have "assimilated".

[Kalanit]

:thumbsup:right

[Dvorah27]

We should only celebrate days that are biblical. Christmas is a pagan holiday. It was King Nimrod who was born on the 25th of December. Our beloved YAHSHUA was born around September according to experts.
The Sabbath was to be Perpetual(forever) Exodus 31:12-17. It was never abolished.
Yeah, around September to October, somewheres in there. It would have been at Sukkot that he was born. He "tabernacled" with us (Sukkot is Tabernacle), he would have been born the 1st day & circumcised on the 8th day. Its not hard, though, if you understand the cycle of the priesthood described in the NT to discern when he was born. Not only that, but most people agree Yeshua (Jesus) was 33 1/2 when he died, right ? He died in the spring when the Passover lambs were being slain, correct ? So, count back 33 years that takes you to spring again, and then count back another 6 months & it takes you to the fall. He was born in the fall.
Well, anyway, that's not really what this thread is about exactly, but I love this topic & talk about it whenever it comes up. LOL :)

[ContentInHim]

"Christians are not Gentiles"

I strongly disagree with this statement. Jews are still Jews. Gentiles are still Gentiles. We have unity in Messiah, just like Man and Woman have unity in marriage. Man does not become Woman and vice versa.

A Messianic JEW is a Jew. A Messianic Gentile is still Gentile. A "Hebrew Christian" is a Jew who has become Gentilized, or Christianized. There is a difference.

I also do not agree with the 'sacred name' philosophy.
Well, not according to scripture. We gentile believers become the seed of Abraham! :thumbs:

GAL 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

[Dvorah27]

When you are born again you become a spirtual Jew. So Christians are not gentiles. Keeping YAHVEH's commandents brings many blessing as stated in Deut.28. However, keep in mind that not keeping the Sabbath will not prevent you from entering heaven. If that was so then YAHSHUA wouldn't of came to die for us. YAHSHUA did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. YAHSHUA kept the Sabbath when he was on earth, why shouldn't we then?
Actually, in Israel they wouldn't know what you're saying if you say YAHSHUA. That's just not correct. Its actually Yeshua. In the Hebrew writing of the name there is no "hey - the hebrew equivalent of our H" in the middle of the name. Just so as not to confuse somebody new to using the Hebrew name of our messiah. Its actually Yeshua.

[Kalanit]

GAL 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


Well, I guess even though I'm female, I'm really not? And, even though I'm part Scottish, I'm really not... I'm Anglo, but really, I'm black? Perhaps it is all an illusion?

Spiritual heirs to the promise- we do not suddenly ALL become Jews! Nor do we stop being Male or Female!

A Gentile believer does not have his genetics supernaturally changed to be Jewish once he comes to faith in Yeshua.

[Seeker of the Truth]

GAL 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


Well, I guess even though I'm female, I'm really not? And, even though I'm part Scottish, I'm really not... I'm Anglo, but really, I'm black? Perhaps it is all an illusion?

Spiritual heirs to the promise- we do not suddenly ALL become Jews! Nor do we stop being Male or Female!

A Gentile believer does not have his genetics supernaturally changed to be Jewish once he comes to faith in Yeshua.
lol, I agree.

However, the passage is speaking of the Spiritual sense. We are all spiritually one body in Christ.

Do you understand what I mean?

[ContentInHim]

lol, I agree.

However, the passage is speaking of the Spiritual sense. We are all spiritually one body in Christ.

Do you understand what I mean?
Ummmm - EXACTLY! :clap:

[Dvorah27]

GAL 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


Well, I guess even though I'm female, I'm really not? And, even though I'm part Scottish, I'm really not... I'm Anglo, but really, I'm black? Perhaps it is all an illusion?

Spiritual heirs to the promise- we do not suddenly ALL become Jews! Nor do we stop being Male or Female!

A Gentile believer does not have his genetics supernaturally changed to be Jewish once he comes to faith in Yeshua.
Its the same as adoption. If you adopt a child you aren't going to say that child really isn't part of your family because of genetics. That child is as much a part of your family as the rest of the family members. The same is with God when you become a believer. You are every bit a part of Israel in his eyes. So, if you are a part of a family then you should also keep the rules & customs of the family. :)

[Kalanit]

I'd think that, if a child was adopted from Asia into an Anglo home, those parents would teach the child about it's Native homeland, customs, maybe even language. I think it would be kinda sad if the kid grew up completely Anglo with no understanding of where he/she came from and no ties to their culture of origin.

Just because we are united in Spirit does not mean we stop being who we are called to be- and every person was born into their specific culture for a reason.

I still disagree that all christians are not gentile- because, the reality is- they mostly are gentile- In fact, they reject mostly Jewish stuff... so, I don't see how one could make that statement.

[Dvorah27]

I'd think that, if a child was adopted from Asia into an Anglo home, those parents would teach the child about it's Native homeland, customs, maybe even language. I think it would be kinda sad if the kid grew up completely Anglo with no understanding of where he/she came from and no ties to their culture of origin.

Just because we are united in Spirit does not mean we stop being who we are called to be- and every person was born into their specific culture for a reason.

I still disagree that all christians are not gentile- because, the reality is- they mostly are gentile- In fact, they reject mostly Jewish stuff... so, I don't see how one could make that statement.
Not necessarily. It's one thing to teach a person where they come from, but where they come from & what they are now are 2 different things. I wouldn't tell an adopted child, "hey, your family worshipped various gods. I know we worship one God, but you go ahead & learn all about these other gods & feel free to participate in their pagan ways because, after all, that's where you come from."
No, of course we wouldn't do that now would we ? I like what Kirk Cameron says about one of his children who is adopted. He says, "one of them is adopted, but I forget which one." Adoptive parents love their children & think of their children as theirs, they are a part of them, no matter where they come from. Those children are no different than if they had been born to the parents themselves. We are to forget our old ways & immerse ourselves in the ways of God.

[LadyGarnetRose]

Not necessarily. It's one thing to teach a person where they come from, but where they come from & what they are now are 2 different things. I wouldn't tell an adopted child, "hey, your family worshipped various gods. I know we worship one God, but you go ahead & learn all about these other gods & feel free to participate in their pagan ways because, after all, that's where you come from."
No, of course we wouldn't do that now would we ? I like what Kirk Cameron says about one of his children who is adopted. He says, "one of them is adopted, but I forget which one." Adoptive parents love their children & think of their children as theirs, they are a part of them, no matter where they come from. Those children are no different than if they had been born to the parents themselves. We are to forget our old ways & immerse ourselves in the ways of God.
The problem is, many did not forget the old ways, and grafted them in.

[Dvorah27]

Yeah, LadyGarnet, that is sadly true. They have mixed the holy with profane instead of forgetting their old ways. Mostly it's out of ignorance, so we have to pray for them.