Response to Facebook Post:

After sharing a picture on Facebook which stated, "The Messiah wore Tzit-Tzit, ate kosher, celebrated Passover, kept the Sabbath, and obeyed Torah.... Which Messiah are you following again?", I received a comment from a woman whom I personally know to be genuine in her faith and in pursuit of Christ.  (The post can be seen on our Facebook page, but cannot be reposted on this  blog.)  Her response to this post was genuine and honest, and thoroughly in line with the modern understanding of Christ's gospel.

However, I believe this needs and deserves an honest response, which is much too long for a Facebook post, so I am responding here.  Again, this comes from someone whom I personally know and have worshiped with, and my intent is not to attack in any way.  This is not the case of a luke-warm believer trying to pick a fight; these women are truly seeking God.  The comment was as follows:

We Support Jesus Christ He fulfilled all them, my Messiah is the Messiah who came that I might live and be apart of the new covenant that He established with His Death, Burial and Resurrection. He began the Church age when He said on the Rock (meaning Himself it would be established) It began on the day of Pentecost and continues today, He removed the traditions and requirements of the law according to the book of Hebrews, and the book of Galatians, I live under the new covenant and my desire is to walk according to Him, He has written His law in my heart. What Messiah do you think you are trying to impress with your constant proclaiming of the law, the Sabbath, etc. ?

Many of these topics have been covered elsewhere in this blog - particularly the topic of the law having been done away with.  For this reason, I will not spend much time on details here, but I will lay out some considerations I believe to be very important.  We must remember that no church or denomination will get us to YHVH (God), Christ has told us we can only come to the Father through Him. (John 14:6)  In the end, we must all seek Christ (Yeshua) the Messiah for ourselves!  It is His Truth we must understand, not the teachings of man!!!

Consideration #1:  We must stop dividing the Word of God into 2 parts.  The "old" testament and the "new" testament.  This is a misunderstanding of the covenants!!!  What we consider to be the "new" covenant is not a complete do-over, but a re-confirming of the covenant we've had with YHVH all along.  Consider how many times Jesus is quoted as saying something to the effect of "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30) How can they be perfectly unified if they each have their own 1/2 of scripture and the teachings/requirements are contradictory to each other???  Doesn't scripture tell us that Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forever", that God never changes  and "does not lie"? (Heb 13:8, Num 23:19, 1 Sam 15:29)  How then could His Word change 1/2 way through? How could He completely change what He expects from His people, expecting one kind of faith from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Elijah, Joseph, etc., but another less obedient kind from us???  I believe that we have completely misunderstood the true nature of Christ's gospel!  He is our Savior, Redeemer, Messiah, and we are saved by grace through faith in Him alone.  But His teachings have been hijacked over the course of centuries and turned into something they never were.  If we are to follow Him, we must understand Him, and we can only do that by knowing Him and His Words ourselves, not what has been passed down through others.

Consideration #2:  God is not the God of confusion! (1 Cor 14:33).  Why would Jesus say things like, "not one jot or tittle shall by any means pass from the law"(Matt 5:17-18), "If you love me, keep my commandments,"(John 14:15)  and "it is easier for heaven and earth to fail that one tittle of the law" (Luke 16:17) if He came to do away with it?  Why would He keep it to the very letter, and then ask us to seek to be like Him, if we weren't to keep the law?  Why would He not explain to us the change or the difference between 'His law' and 'God's law' if one existed?  Why would He claim to be One with His Father, if He were not???  We must remember, Israel was God's covenant people, and many were divorced from Him because of idolatry and disobedience.  The promised Messiah came through the covenant people to restore the covenant for all!  If He was trying to break this "old" covenant, He would have broken it in some way, instead of fulfilling it in every way!  We are invited to return to our original covenant with our creator through Christ, not to create a new one!

Finally, how logical are these statements?:

1.  "The law is written on my heart, so I don't have to keep the law."

2.  "The law is done away with, it is written on my heart."

These statements don't even make sense.  The only part of these statements supported by scripture is that the YHVH will write His law on the heart of His people. (Jer. 31:33)  The rest, I believe is a misunderstanding of the gospel.  Why would God write a done-away-with law on your heart?  Scripture exhorts us to obedience and wisdom (Proverbs is a great example), we cannot accept illogical and inconsistent beliefs such as these, and we cannot live and do as we please and think we are serving Him.

The points made here are only to be a starting point.  Please see my other posts about the Law (Messianic Misconceptions), Cancelling Christmas, A Line in the Sand,  and the video I shared, "Identity Crisis" for full information and explanation.  I'm begging every believer who ever reads my words to stop and take an account of your faith before YHVH using ONLY the standard of His Word.  There are thousands of denominations of Christianity teaching thousands of varying "truths", but the only true Truth is God's Word.  You HAVE TO know it for yourself and FOLLOW Jesus in OBEYING YHVH, not in man's traditions!

May YHVH bless you all as you continue to seek Him in Truth! 

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Moed: Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanah)!

     In just a couple of days, we will be celebrating Yom Teruah and beginning the Days of Awe!  If you, like me, are new to these observances, you may enjoy this video as much as I have!  This is a great, basic presentation relevant to all - but especially Christ's people!!!  Don't miss this!

Messianic Misconception #3: Legalism!

     This is by far the most common and vehement objection to the Hebrew Roots movement that I have encountered!  I've heard it preached in sermons, seen it written in articles, and everyone I've met who is part of this movement has had this accusation tossed at them at one point or another.  There is a great fear that this movement (because we choose to observe Torah) is an insidious plot to bring believers into bondage to the law.  I will attempt to address this concern without making this post overly lengthy, but there is much to say.  It may be that this will be continued in a second post in the interest of both time and space!

     Because this is the most serious objection to the movement, please take some time to "get ready" for what is about to be said.  Most importantly, pray!  YHVH Himself will lead you and guide you in your search for truth, so ask Him to make the truth clear to you while you read and study.  Also, please take the time to read a passage of scripture - Hebrews chapters 8-10.  These chapters will be critical in this article, and it will help you to have them fresh in your mind.  Of course, there are many New Testament scriptures concerning the "law", and you may want to peruse many of those as well!  Below, I've quoted a fairly good-sized portion of Hebrews 10 for you. Please, however, be sure to read the few chapters I've suggested to get the context of what is being said.  Also, This is a cut/paste job from a Bible study software, KJV, with the verse numbering removed for more fluid reading.  Please excuse the odd capitalization, etc., as I did not want to otherwise alter the text!

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Hebrews 10:1-29 KJV 

   It is well understood by the majority of Christians today that Christ's sacrifice on the cross (His blood) cleansed us from sin and that ONLY through His Righteousness are we righteous in the eyes of YHVH.  He paid the price to redeem us!  The Hebrew Roots Movement, as well, holds this to be true.  It is, however, our view of the law that has many concerned.

   It is widely believed that Christ redeemed us from the law.  Therefore, when we are in Christ, the law no longer applies to us - we are free in Christ!  Because of this belief, many are concerned about our teachings.  Namely, because we emphasize obedience to the Torah (law) of YHVH (God).  It is feared that we are "bringing believers into bondage to the law", "promoting legalism", or "refusing/denying grace".  If this misunderstanding alone could be cleared up, it would greatly impact both our movement and the church at large!  This will by no means be an all-out dissertation on the subject, but, hopefully, I can shed a little light!

    First, we must differentiate between being redeemed from the law ITSELF and being redeemed from the curse that comes from breaking the law.  If I break the law (and we all have), then I am guilty and will be punished.  The punishment for sin (defined biblically as "breaking the law") is death.  (1 John 3:4/Romans 6:23)  Now, Christ redeemed me by taking my curse - death.  Now, because of Him, I am seen as righteous and reconciled to God (YHVH).  We all agree on this!!!  However, if I am redeemed and counted guiltless, do I thereafter live lawlessly????  Am I free to walk out of the courtroom, down the street, and begin breaking laws again???  NO!!!  This is where the two views differ!  While it is claimed that we teach salvation by works (i.e. by law), we do not!  We do, however, believe that as born-again believers and followers of Yeshua (Jesus) we are not to live indifferent to, ignorant of, or in rebellion against God's law!  Why?  Because Jesus Himself kept the law, taught the law, fulfilled the law, and warned us against lawlessness!  To be Christ-like, we must be law-abiding citizens of the Kingdom of God!

     However, because some of Paul's statements in his letters can be confusing, and because they are often taken out of context, we have been led to believe that being "not under the law" (Romans 6:14) means we do not have to abide by the law.  But, this theory falls apart when you begin to look at ALL of what Paul taught about the law!  In Hebrews 8-10 (I hope you read those!), Paul explains fully what Yeshua's sacrifice did.  The sacrificial law (which dictated what was to be sacrificed for sin and how) could not redeem us.  The blood of those animals, covered Israel's sin for a year, then the sacrifice had to be repeated.  Why?  It was insufficient!  Yeshua (Jesus), the LAMB OF GOD became the once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins.  Now, we no longer need to offer yearly sacrifices.  He fulfilled the law and redeemed us from our guilt/curse!  In these chapters, he fully spells it out for us!  He describes the temple, sacrifices, priests, etc. and explains how Christ (Yeshua) has done away with all of those! The moral law (which defines right/wrong for us) is not mentioned once.  Yeshua KEPT THE MORAL LAW PERFECTLY because if He didn't He would be spotted with sin Himself, His death would have been deserved, and He could not have redeemed us!!!

So, are we trying to bring you into bondage???  NO!  In order to do that, we would have to somehow nullify Christ's sacrifice and bring the curse of your sin back upon your own head.  We have neither the desire nor the power to do such a thing!  We are, however, trying to warn believers that one of the most popular doctrines in Christianity today is a dangerous misunderstanding of scripture, and may actually distance you from God (YHVH) more than draw you closer!!!  STUDY THIS FOR YOURSELF!!!  Please, this is too important for you to simply adopt the answer you like best or believe whatever your favorite preacher says!  Remember, Yeshua WARNED us that not all who call Him Lord will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who DO THE FATHER'S WILL.  (Please see my "Faith By Default" article here.)

    So, the bottom line is, we keep the law (as best we can).  Why?  To honor YHVH!  To be obedient to HIM!  Not to earn salvation, but to please our Father!  Plus, in our attempts to keep His law, we see vividly how much we need our Savior!  The law is our "schoolmaster" (Paul said that) to show us our sin so that we will seek His grace!

 I'm going to leave you with some things spoken by Paul in scripture concerning the law.  Try and reconcile these with the popular church teaching that the law doesn't apply to us! (These will be paraphrased.)

Romans 6:15 - Should we sin (break the law) because we are not under the law?  God forbid!

Romans 7:7 - Should we say the law is sin? God forbid!

Romans 2:13 - Those who hear God's law are not justified, but those who do!

Romans 6:12 - Don't let sin control you that you obey it!  (There can be no accusation of sin if there is not law.  Sin is the breaking of the law!  If the law is truly obsolete, then sin does not exist.)

Romans 7:12 - The law is holy, righteous and good! (Why? Because it makes us aware of our sin!)

1 Timothy 1:8 - The law is good when used rightly.  (Remember it does not/can not justify us.  That does not mean it has no place!)

Now, Yeshua's words:

Matthew 5:17-19 - I have come to fulfill the law, not to destroy it.  Not one jot or tittle will pass from the law until ALL be fulfilled.  Those who break the commandments will be least in the Kingdom!

Luke 16:7 - It's easier for heaven and earth to fail than the law!

Matthew 15:3 - Why do you break the commandment of God for tradition??? (See also Mark 7:8-9)

John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments! (See also verse 21).


Can the law save us? - No!
Can we be "good enough" by the law's standards to be righteous? - No!
Can we earn our salvation or pay Jesus back by keeping the law? - No!
Are we under the law? - No! (If we are truly His, we are under grace.)
Are we redeemed from obeying the law? - No! We are redeemed from the curse punishment for our breaking of the law!
Was the law important to Jesus/Yeshua? -YES! See above!
Will obedience to the law put us in bondage??? - NO!!!  Breaking the law puts you in bondage to it, not keeping it! In fact, God's blessings are contingent on keeping His laws! (Deuteronomy 28)
Is keeping the law legalistic? - NO!!!  Legalism is an attitude that is overly focused on the letter and minute detail of the law with no room for error or grace.  Just as obeying speed limits is not "legalistic", neither is obeying Torah!


Don't Forget - YHVH (God) gave us the law!  Our perfect, all-knowing, loving creator Who NEVER CHANGES and DOES NOT LIE!  The law is good!  Why would He die to redeem us from something good He gave us???  We need redemption because we've broken His law, not because His law is a burden!  King David (you know... "man after God's own heart") delighted in the law (see Psalms 1:2, 40:8) and the book of Proverbs (all the wisdom stuff) exalts God's law! (See Proverbs 28:7, 7:2)

Draw closer to God - in obedience!  No minister would ever tell you that murder or adultery were OK, would they???  His law is a blessing - to teach, guide, and bless us as we obey!  Your failures are already paid for - thank you, Yeshua - so you don't have to panic!  If you belong to Him, seek to please Him!

Be blessed!

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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