Messianic Misconception #2 - New Names

     This misconception I've only heard once, but it was from an online video, so I'm sure there are some who have this same concern.  I choose to address it now, however, not because it's so widespread, but because it will explain a very prominent feature of the Hebrew Roots movement - the "new" names of God and Jesus.

     You won't have to look far into articles, teachings, or websites of the Hebrew Roots movement before you start to see/hear the names YHVH/YHWH (pronounced most commonly as either "Yahweh" or "Yehovah") and Yeshua (Jesus).  The concern has been voiced (especially when it comes to these names being included in Bible versions) that we are replacing "God", "Lord", and "Jesus" with our "new" names.  It was hinted at that we were promoting new gods and, therefore, undermining the true scripture and faith!

     This could not be further from the truth, and most, I think, understand what these names actually are.  I will explain here, though, so  that there will not be any confusions going forward - escpecially since you will see the usage of these names in this blog!

     YHVH (In Hebrew: yod-hay-vav-hay)  is the tetragrammaton, or the PROPER NAME of the God of the Bible!  He revealed His name to us (see recommended reading for "His Hallowed Name Revealed Again"), and it has not been faithfully translated for us in scripture.  The original texts are clear in this matter.  When you see this name used in Bible translations in place of God, it is simply a more faithful translation of what was really there to begin with!  We are still referring to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!  Also, you will hear this name pronounced differently, as there is some debate as to its proper pronunciation.

    The same is true for Yeshua.  "Jesus" in an anglicized version of a Greek translation of a Hebrew name!  That name is Yeshua.  If you watch the Passion of the Christ, you will hear this name!  We are still referring to the same Messiah.  We are not preaching a "different Christ".  We're just calling Him by His given name!  We do this out of respect and a love for the original Hebrew origins of our faith.  (Also, we do not feel it is "wrong" to call Him Jesus.)

     There are many other Hebrew words you will see used often in this movement.  Often times in translation, a word from one language will not have an adequate equivalent in another.  Translators do their best, but there is usually some meaning and much beauty lost when something is moved from the original language to a second, third, and so-on.  Anyone who speaks multiple languages can attest to this!  Our choice to use Hebrew words can be based on love of the language, nuance of meaning, or other factors.  While it can make our "stuff" sound very different, you'll find we strive to remain true to scripture!

  There it is - short and sweet! Don't forget... if you have concerns about this movement you would like to see addressed, reply here or send us a message on Facebook!

   May YHVH bless and keep you!

Messianic Misconception #1: Apostasy!

One of the chief and most common objections to the "Messianic Movement" or "Hebrew Roots Movement" is that we are in apostasy. This means, put simply, that we have moved out of the realm of the teachings of Christianity and into something foreign and WRONG! This is backed up with other objections, which will be discussed in more detail in later postings. For now, we'll just cover apostasy by itself.

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Regardless of the reasoning behind it, if this accusation is true, it is to be taken very seriously. To move outside of the teachings of scripture and apart from what YHVH (God) has commanded or taught us is to move outside of our faith altogether and to separate ourselves from YHVH. In this life, this leads to bad doctrine (of varying degrees), sometimes even as far as cultic practices and behaviors. Worse, all the while believers usually have a false sense of security about where they stand. (Matt 7:21-27) Still worse, we will spend eternity without YHVH. Many times, those raising this accusation against us are simply trying to protect those they love, as they should!

So, is this movement apostate??? I certainly don't believe so. Here's why....

Firstly, we are not moving away from scripture. It is a major part of the Hebrew Roots movement to dig into scripture as much as possible - especially the original language. Because of this digging, we have a new understanding and appreciation of the Word of YHVH. We have, however, found the teachings of scripture to differ from what is widely taught today, and this is where some of the confusion may be setting in. (More about that in a moment.) Also, we do not have "other scriptures" as many apostate groups have. We do not claim special revelation, we're not following a prophet, we are not restricted to what books we can/can not read, and we interpret scripture with scripture - not with other "writings". Some of these issues will be covered in future posts as well. It is common within the movement to hear other sources quoted (such as The Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch), but these are not held in the esteem of scripture. We consider these to be historical sources (much like Josephus), and we consider them to be trustworthy because they themselves are referenced in the Bible!

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Secondly, we are not leaving our faith. On the contrary, we are growing in our faith! Because of what we've learned in scripture we choose to practice Christianity differently than most, but we are in no way abandoning Christianity! This, I believe, may also be a confusion as a result of many "messianics" leaving their churches. Here is where we need to begin defining our terms! For the purposes of this article, I chose to use the biblical definition of a Christian - one who is following Christ. (I believe this is the only true definition! If we define Christian as someone belonging to the Christian church, then the disciples and other 1st century believers weren't Christians!) We still follow Christ, and we try to follow Him as closely as we can. Therefore, we are still Christians! We simply see and practice the faith from a different perspective. It is common for messianics to leave their churches, however, which often causes controversy and misunderstanding. We often find it difficult to remain in churches because of our differences in doctrine and practice (holidays and such). It becomes uncomfortable, and many seek out messianic congregations with whom they have more in common. Leaving an organization, however, is not the same as leaving the faith, something we have no intention of doing. In fact, leaving the church is often difficult for messianics because of the relationships we have built there!

My third and final argument against an accusation of apostasy is this...We are held to a standard of right/wrong (be it in doctrine or action) by scripture itself. While a relatively young movement and its people are bound to make mistakes, we seek to be true to scripture and no other standard. Whether we adopt or reject any teaching or practice, the decision is made on scripture; and if we later discover any mistakes, we seek to rectify those. Are we perfect? Of course not. Do we always get it spot-on? No. Are our hearts in the right place? Yes! My point is simply that we are not "governed" by people, groups, weird experiences, other writings or anything else. We hold ourselves to the best of our knowledge and ability to scripture - the same Bible used by the church!

This just scratches the surface of what will be addressed as these posts continue. There are certainly other defenses of our faith for you to find, and many may go into more detail. I hope, however, that I have given you enough for you to begin accurately assessing the Hebrew Roots movement. If you weigh the arguments, and you still think we are apostate, then by all means you must reject our teachings and defend your own faith. If you find, however, that we are teaching truth, embrace it! Yeshua (Jesus) taught that the truth would set us free (John 8:32), but He also said that truth would come from following Him and living in His Word (John 8:31)! We must be careful to make sure we find the right truth!

In future posts, I will address other concerns about this movement. If you have specific concerns you would like to see addressed, please comment here, on the post "Messianic Misconceptions - Intro", or leave us a message on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you! Be blessed.

Messianic Misconceptions - Intro

  Since coming into a Hebrew Roots perspective of the faith less than a year ago, I have heard many objections to the movement and its teachings.  Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish if someone is objecting from a standpoint of sincerity or attack, but either way many are voicing their concerns.  I feel it is important for us to listen to these concerns and take them seriously.  After all, anyone (including ourselves) can be mistaken about something, and there is always room in everyone for growth and learning!  I would certainly not expect anyone to "jump on board" any belief system or movement without doing their homework and checking everything by scripture, so I am glad to hear objections and challenges!  However, when these concerns are voiced, we need to answer them.  Any true believer and seeker of truth will want to hear our answers in order to weigh the evidence and decide for themselves.  In addition, many of us will face these and other concerns among our friends, families, and even churches.  We should always be ready and able to accurately communicate our faith to anyone asking! (1 Peter 3:15)

  For this reason, I am beginning a new series - Messianic Misconceptions!  Each article will address one misconception or concern that I have heard voiced about our teachings.  You must, of course, weigh the arguments for yourself to decide, but I will do my best to provide an accurate and clear representation of both the argument and its response.  There are, naturally, many other resources you can find to support and defend both sides of the argument, and I hope you will do your homework.  It is a passion of mine that all believers take their faith seriously and give YHVH (God) the devotion and due diligence He deserves!  Don't stop here!  Take your search as far and as deep as you can until you are fully convinced in your own mind what the Truth (as defined in scripture) is! (Romans 14:5)

   In addition to your own reading, it may be helpful for your friends and family to read these articles as well if, maybe, they, too, are skeptical or concerned.  Everyone is welcome here, and comments are always appreciated! (Respectful and on-topic comments only, please.)

    If you have specific objections with which you have been confronted and would like to see addressed, please comment to this post.  I will, then, include those in my series.  Check back soon for our first objection!

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