Messianic Jewish Movement

The Early Church began as a Messianic Jewish Movement. It became a regular Church when the Gentiles were "Grafted In".

It is interesting that the bible notes that Gentiles are not required to be circumsised. Paul seems to make this exception for the Gentiles, yet Jews seem to keep on being circumsized.

This brings up an interesting discussion. Were or are Jews who convert to Christianity required to keep the Jewish Law? Some Messianic congregations meet on the Sabbath. Others on Sunday, so it is fairly obvious that it is an individual choice on what to do.

My interpretation is that a Born Again Jew is just like you and I, and should have a similar christian walk. It is impossible to keep Jewish Law any way. It simply cannot function without Levites and a Temple. Yes I know there was a time when they were without a temple once before. Yet when they went back to their land, they rebuilt it even prior to their own houses. To not do so today proves that reformed Judaism is a falsified religion. The only way for a Jew to keep Mosaic Judaism is to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. To do so is the natural progression from Mosaic Judaism to Messianic Judaism.

Messianic Judaism can teach the Church much. Remember all of the Apostles were Messianic Jews. Hebrew studies can make the bible come alive. Hebrew Midrash is similar to the way we see prophecy. Our Christian Church is founded in Hebrew speaking people.

Yes the Messianic Movement can teach us alot. they are nearly 700 000 strong in Israel now. lift up the name of Yeshua

 

I belong to a group that called itself Messianic
through its first years, but it has basically
separated itself from the usual Messianic
movement more recently. One of my pastors
has said that the Messianic movement can be
best described by the first four letters of the
word. 8o)

In separating ourselves from the movement, we
have not condemned the movement, however.
We just do not want to be connected with the
dominant Charismatic characteristics of many in
the group, nor with those among them who are
basically getting together to play church, nor with
those who are using the name in ignorance.
There are surprisingly many who fall in these
categories. I know that it is very rough and critical
of me to say these things, but I think they need to
be said.

However, we have joined with a small group of
believers, some of whom maintain the title of
Messianic. That is their choice and it should not
be criticized. We remain with them for their basic
beliefs, not for their chosen title. With regard to
titles, we choose to simply call ourselves
"Torah-observant."

As has been said, these groups are usually
connected theologically (however loosely or
tightly) with such Christian groups as
Charismatics, SDAs, Baptist, etc. We, as a
group, are a Torah-observant baptist-based
congregation. Both pastors were reared in
Baptist pastors' homes and graduated from
Baptist seminaries, and one has taught in a
Baptist seminary.

The original pastor, as a Jew, was interested in
presenting our Lord to Jews in a Jewish
environment; thus, he started our synagogue.
Our synagogue started off Jewish, but it is now
about 45% Jewish as others have come.

We have no problem with that, but this is one of
the main reasons we separated ourselves from
mainstream Messianic groups. Their umbrella
organization has made a statement which
makes Gentiles basically second-class
members of the group. Some Messianic groups
even limit the number of Gentiles they will allow
to join to a very small percentage (some 10 - 15%).
We do not discriminate against anyone.

Do you have a specific question you wanted to
ask?

P.S. Dr. Bob, it is nice to read that there is a good
group in St. Louis Park, MN.; both my children
were born there. Nice place.

[ January 17, 2003, 08:49 AM: Message edited by: Abiyah ]

 

That is a real pity. All Christian churches are called to be Evangelical.

Yet there are some organisations out there, that are paying for Jews to return to Israel, and have agreed not to share the Gospel with them. That is Totally and Utterly wrong. If a Jew does not accept Jesus Christ, he can not be saved any other way.

Seventh Day Baptist have the Messianic tenant of Sabbath Keeping, and are one of the First Evangelical Protestant Churches. Evangalism is our calling, not a choice.

 

DinkyDoo, I'd hate to hear what you think of the Primitive Baptists. We don't believe there is such a thing as "soul-winning."

No offense to anyone, but Abiyah's synagogue is beginning to sound more Baptist than some Baptists on this board.

 

Abiyah,

I enjoyed your sharing very much. I was wondering if you are familiar with "Jews For Jesus?"

www.jewsforjesus.org

If so, what is your impression of their ministry and "walk?" One of the reasons I ask is I am on their mailing list and would like to know more before supporting them.

In Christ,
John

 

Greetings all,
Well about Jews for Jesus, ironically they came to my church last night. I found there drama/music/Gospel presenting show very thought provoking and enjoyable. I think it is a good ministry overall, although at the offering time they seemed to really push the we need your contributions thing a bit, but thats just my opinion. The invitation was good with the main speaker saying the sinner's prayer so people could say it with him if they wanted to be converted. Then he had a time for rededication. Another little thought of mine is the invitation had an air of lets see how effective we were, but i'm probably just being overtly picky. Some of them also gave their personal testimonies and those that I heard were good. The most stirring part I thought was at the end one of the men put on a prayer shawl and as everyone held hands recited the Aaronic blessing I believe that's what he called it. It's quite cool to hear it spoken in Hebrew. Overall, it was good I think and their ministry is used of God. Hope this helps a bit. God bless.

Soli deo gloria,
Bob