The Messianic Movement (1 January 2011) R3

Transcription

1 The Messianic Movement (1 January 2011) R3 Why write about this? Because Christians need to be aware there are some groups rushing in to fill the perceptional void that many believe exists through the various extreme deficiencies in today's Christian Church. While there are problems in the Christian Church, the Messianic Movement is NOT the Answer to such problems. God is clear that the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18). The Messianic movement is dramatically different from Christianity found in the Church of our Lord on earth. There are various branches or denominations within the Messianic Movement which are very heretical while others are more Biblical. Some of these branches have clear identifications: MJAA (Messianic Jewish Alliance of America), IJMA (International Messianic Jewish Alliance), and others. Most independent branches are unique to themselves in America. I am careful to avoid saying the whole Messianic Movement is a heretical cult movement. However, I will say most of it is definitely heretical, not Christian, and not embracing the correct Biblical Gospel. Some branches could be classified as being a totally different religion from that of Christianity. This is a warning to be aware of some of the false teachings finding their way into some legitimate branches of mainline Christianity. While there are sincere Christians in the Messianic Movement, they are being fooled or deceived by into legalism and Work Righteousness salvation notions. We need to pray they will depart from such heresies and embrace a genuine Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ. This link concerns Netsarim (Judaism) basic views. They are technically not a branch of the Messianic Movement, but can be confused with it. They are cult of Judaism. Relative to Christian and Messianic movements, the Netsarim movement is very heretical. I am using the reference cited below to demonstrate that something is wrong with the mainline Messianic views. It need not be viewed, but does show how sincere, nice, and polite people can be, but they are sincerely wrong and misleading; not telling the whole truth. As in cults, one is drawn in with some basic Truth which they agree upon, then they are taught the errant things later after having been hooked emotionally. In 2008, I spent six months in a Messianic Fellowship (Beth Messiah of Norfolk Virginia; member of the "International Messianic Jewish Alliance" IMJA). I've come to understand there are several branches to this movement; but most, in my opinion, are wrongly wanting to disconnect from the rest of the Work of the Holy Spirit in Christianity; often not wanting to be called "Christians." They prefer to be called "Believers." It is as though they want to re-invent the Gospel of our Lord; re-invent what defines His Church on earth. This is wrong, in my opinion. God only created one Church; He is One; His Church is "Universal" as the "Body Of Christ." His "True Believers" exist in many branches of Christianity. God did NOT create one Church for Gentiles and another Church for Jews! In this Movement there is also a underlaying current that Christianity is racist against Jewish people; and, therefore, is disqualified to be the correct form of the Church established by Jesus Christ in the Book Of Acts among both the Jewish people and Gentiles ( Pagans ). This just isn't true. This is a simple tactic of trying to make something seem Bad by the old debater's trick of associating it with something bad. True, there is a degree of racism by some sectors of Christianity, and it is wrong; but mainline Christianity vastly supports the Jewish people and Israel. Page 1

2 It is also true that earlier eras of Christianity, as the Roman Catholic Church, did express much hate and racism against the Jewish people (especially in the Crusades ) and the Protestants (whom now comprise modern mainline Christianity). The real reason some Messianic Believers make attempts to discredit Christianity, is because many have a suppositional belief that they, THEMSELVES, are the True Remnant of God; therefore, they will eventually become the Unified Form of the Real Church which the rest of us are to agree to join or go to hell. To that end, they often assert many common teachings of the Bible are misunderstood and misapplied by the Gentile Church for these past few thousand years. This all comes from a very dubious interpretations of End Time events, which includes the Church becoming Pure, then establishing the Kingdom on earth by its own efforts. This is called Dominion Theology. Most of mainline Christianity does NOT advocate it. Many Five- Fold Ministries do advocate it. Many break-away rogue groups and cults also advocate Dominism. It is not limited to the Messianic point of view. I'm not saying a person can't believe in Dominion Theology, but it is important that we recognize that it is developed from subjective interpretations of Scripture. It is MUCH more reasonable to accept the Dominion of the Kingdom will be formed by Jesus Christ in the Millenium (the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth after the Great Tribulation). Dominion Theology is divisive theology, pure OPINION, and subjective speculation; not Biblical fact. Sadly, what can push the Messianic Movement into "cult" status is their constant insistence that the Law or Torah (First five books of the Old testament) is the ONLY revealed "Word Of God" ("Truth") to His Church (which they call the "Messianic Movement" in effectual practice). It is NOT. The ENTIRE Bible is the complete revealed "Word Of God," carrying with it every bit of Truth as the Torah did under the Old Covenant; which is a covenant now replaced by a better Covenant based on "Better Promises" as told by God in the Book of Hebrews 8:6/7. There is common Messianic practice of marching around the inside worship area of synagogue with the Torah (people kiss it) rather than the Bible. This is taking Christianity backwards into ritual and legalism! It is a reflection that Messianic Believers don't consider the entire Bible to be God's fully revealed Living Word as told in 2nd Timothy 3:16. This is our first BIG hint that something is very wrong with the Messianic Movement! This should look familiar. The New Testament records that many Christianized Jews were unable to fully understand how GRACE replaced the legalism of the many religious aspects of Jewish culture, like Circumcision. These people were referred to as Judaizers in several places in the New Testament of the Bible. The Apostle Paul (a Jew ) spent much time trying to correct them, but they refused to listen to the Holy Spirit acting through him. To this end, many modern-day Judaizers want to accuse Christians of being racists against the Jews, then declare that the Apostle Paul was a false Apostle. Some don't go that far, realizing they won't win many Christians over to their way of thinking by trying to delete about two-thirds of the New Testament. Instead, they simply ignore the teachings of Paul, and refuse to resolve the contradictions they create by rejecting what God was trying to teach through Paul. Others have have re-written the teachings of Paul so that such do Agree with their ideas; they justify rewriting Paul's writings by accusing early Church saints of being racist against the Jews; that such people deliberately translated Paul's writings to English incorrectly. That is just pure nonsense. It mocks the Holy Spirit working through the saints whom God used to bring us the Bible we have today. Page 2

3 Gentiles ( Pagans ) could convert to Judaism as Jewish Proselytes according to the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) and Talmud (official Jewish explanations of the Torah). The Torah gives some explanation in the Torah in Exodus 12:43-49 (about allowing foreigners to participate in Passover if they agreed to be Circumcised - thusly implying these circumcised individuals could participate in other Jewish traditions if they fully agreed to all the requirements of Jewish religious culture). There were two kinds of Jewish Proselytes: Gate and Righteous. There are many details in the Talmud, but basically the Righteous Jewish Proselyte was a Gentile ( Pagan ) who agreed to the religious Jewish culture and was Circumcised. God desired for His People be circumcised of the heart, not just the flesh (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, and Jeremiah 4:4). However, this didn't really happen until Jesus Christ came as the Holy Spirit into the hearts of His Believers, regardless of ethnic origin! As to the Tallit prayer shawl, and other traditions? Should these be limited only to "Believers" having a Jewish heritage in a Messianic synagogue? No, because all Believers are Jews regardless of ethic origins. God is clear that all "Believers" (aka "Christians") are all Jews in all ways that matter as official ( Righteous ) "Jewish Proselytes"... if they have been "Circumcised" in their heart by the High Priest. This is evidenced by presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling the Christian; the High Priest, Jesus Christ, ALIVE in the Christian. God tells us this very plainly in the Book of Romans 2:28/29. Messianic Believers have seemingly set-themselves aside as Guardians of the Real Church by denying all Believers from practicing all aspects of Jewish religious culture in their Version of the Church. This is just causing more unnecessary division of our Lord's Church on earth. The truth is, the Tallit and Kippah (head cover or hat) is a modern Jewish practice, and NOT found authorized in the Torah. Exodus 12:48 (NLT) - If there are foreigners [stranger or alien] living among you who want to celebrate the Lord s Passover, let all their males be circumcised. Only then may they celebrate the Passover with you like any native-born Israelite. [this carried over into other Jewish traditions, such as Tabernacles ] Romans 2:28/29 (RSV) - For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual - and not literal. His praise is not from men but from God. All these things, in general, have caused me to pull away from the "Messianic Movement." It is rebellious against the rest of the "Body Of Christ" (aka the "Church" or "One New People" of Ephesians 2:15). Ephesians 2:14-16 (RSV) - For He [Jesus] is our Peace, Who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility [between Jew and Gentile], by abolishing in His flesh the Law [Torah] of Commandments and Ordinances [Jewish religious cultural traditions], that He might create in Himself one 'New Man' in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. No matter how you read it and translate it, Ephesians is a solid rebuke against the Judaizers of Paul's times... and those of our times. This Ephesians passage is clear there are NOT to be two forms of the Church! Just ONE! And it ALREADY EXISTS! It is NOT the Messianic Movement. Page 3

4 Sorry, but I don't support many of the notions told in this video, and view them with great doubt; and potentially heretical... and NOT representative of Christianity or representative of the "One New People [Man]" in Christ. This "Movement" is close to becoming a cult, another religion, or another sect of Christianity (in the optimal cases). 1st Corinthians 11:17-19 (NIV) - In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your [church] meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God s approval. [notice the sarcasm from Paul, but he is right] 1st Corinthians 1:10-13 (NIV) - I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, I follow Paul ; another, I follow Apollos ; another, I follow Cephas ; still another, I follow Christ. Is Christ [the Church] divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? The Messianic Movement is another Movement causing division! It is sin against the above stated command of God! A person MUST reject the commandments of God giving through the Apostle Paul in order to become a Messianic Believer! When this happens, then one has crossed the line into becoming a cult member! In so doing, such people mock the many Christian martyrs that were burned upside down on crosses along the roads into Rome; who were fed to lions in the Roman coliseum! These accepted the teachings of God through Paul and the other Apostles. The Holy Spirit DID NOT get it all wrong these past two-thousand years as the Messianic Movement would have us all believe! The Providence of God was able to help certain Christian saints produce the Bible Canon and English Bible Translations in spite of corruption of some branches of Christianity. Also, Messianic Believers are often among those that attack the Memorials (Christmas and Easter) which the Holy Spirit established in His Church. They do this in an effort to convert Christians into Messianic Believers. Finally, these ARE some more moderate forms of the Messianic Movement. Chuck Pierce is among these; but I personally think he has taken too many other liberties in other areas of Christian theology. The House Of David (Curt Landry) is another more moderate from of the Messianic Movement. Some versions of the Messianic Movement permit all their members to participate in all the Restored Jewish religious traditions, including allowing all their members to wear the Tallit prayer shawl, regardless of ethnic origin. I have met many wonderful Christians in the Messianic Movement, but many of these don't yet realize the dangerous heresies the movement is making in most cases! It is my prayer they leave the more errant forms of the movement for the more moderate forms of the movement. I do believe all Christian should embrace certain aspects of their Jewish heritage in Christ! We will be largest part of the population of the New Jerusalem! We can and should include certain aspects of Jewishness into the Church. We need to reach out to the Jewish people, but they also need to understand there is ONLY one Church, one Body Of Christ, not two. Page 4

5 The Church has preserved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was used of God to produce the Bible as we now have it. The Jewish people must accept this fact when coming into the Church. It is only PRIDE which prevents them from accepting the fact that God mainly used the Christian Gentiles to establish His Church and preserve and compile His Living Word, the Holy Bible. All my True Love for you all is Sealed, Hidden, Found, and Revealed ONLY in Jesus Christ where we all meet for Perfect Koinonia and Sukkot, Tracy Other Notes And Comments Concerning The Messianic Movement My spiritual confirmation that there was something very wrong in the Messianic Movement came from the Holy Spirit during special Sabbat conference while attending Beth Messiah. That day, the Rabbi's wife went on for thirty minutes whining and complaining with much anger and bitterness about how her People" were so "Wronged" by the Christians of the past; especially in the crusades (which happened). Her display was gross and WRONG. I felt like getting up and saying: "Get out of the past and stop looking at it! Jesus commands you to unconditionally love, forgive, and LOOK ONLY at Him! Anger does NOT work the righteousness of God! Anger is NOT a Fruit of the Spirit!" I was greatly disappointed. Instead? I left quietly during the conference lunch-break; never to return. I did meet some very solid Jewish Christians there! God bless them, but I pray they leave. There is little which is glorifying to God in the IMJA movement ("International Messianic Jewish Alliance" IMJA)! It is restoring elements of "legalism" which have no place in the Body Of Christ. There are some aspects of Jewish tradition which the Church needs to restore, I'll agree; but the Messianic Movement wants to do more harm than good, in my humble opinion. But existing as a separate group, they remain unaccountable to the Church of God on earth; they exist potentially as a cult. Are the Jewish People Pure Genetically? Why ask the question? Because we need to understand there is NO SUCH thing as pure Jewish People genetically! Currently, nearly fifty percent of natural-born Jewish people are atheists and secular humanists. Orthodox Judaism represents only a tiny percentage of the Jewish People. There are also Christian Jews, and these are even a smaller percentage. We need to understand that God, in the Old Testament, allowed the Jewish People to make Jewish Proselytes from the aliens and strangers among them. We will examine the details in a moment. We need understand that Romans 2:28/29 provides the definition of a real Jew. Eventually Israel will become a Christian ( Messianic ) nation, but this has NOT happened yet. The Old Testament and New Testament seems to indicate that the Jewish People may become Christians ( Messianic Believers ), but this hasn't happened either (Romans 11:25-32). The bottom line is God will not create two Churches existing both as Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. Instead, God has already created One New People as told in Ephesians 2: There are lots of Jewish individuals whom are Born-Again Christians (John 3:3-8). These are attending Christian Churches! The Early Church had many Jewish Christians! God has already Created His Christian Church, and has said the gates of hell will NOT prevail against it (Matthew 16:18)! Page 5

6 What defines a natural Jew? The Torah specifies that aliens and strangers (pagans and gentiles) could become Jewish "Proselytes through circumcision (Genesis 17:10-13 and Exodus 12:43-49). The Tribe of Benjamin was forced to marry into gentile (pagan) blood in order to survive (Judges 21:5-25). Many Jewish men, including King Solomon, took pagan wives (gentiles). Many of the ancient Jews also married into gentile blood (Boaz, etc). Even secular history shows us this. The Jewish blood is contaminated with gentile blood! While there still may be some truly pure-blood Jewish people, it is doubtful such can be confirmed by medical tests. That may be partly why a True Jew is now defined by God in Romans 2:28/29. This, does NOT mean we should accept "Replacement Theology." Israel will still take part in prophesy, plus any person there accepting themselves to be a "Jew" according to Romans 2:28/29 via John 3:3-8 and Romans 10:9/10. God has already been grafting ("Natural") "Jews" back into the Vine through these past two-thousand years (Romans 11:13-24). True, as a "People or Nation they still reject God and hold to secular humanism and atheism. I suspect they will eventually come to God as a People, as prophesy says, but WHO those People ARE comprised is MUCH more inclusive than what many natural-born Jews wish to accept, sadly. They still haven't learned that the Holy Spirit, as Jesus Christ, the High Priest, has grafted many Gentiles into the nation of Israel already; that these have the same rights to live as Jews in Israel as much as any Jewish Proselyte did in ancients time under the Torah requirements. Concerning Old Testament Feasts In many cases, the Messianic Movement requires the Feasts of Tabernacles and Passover. But there are some problems. Let us examine this. Zechariah 14:16 - "Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles." Many believe the above Zachariah passage is fulfilled prophesy. They also say it proves the Feast Of Tabernacles is still required for the Church today. If so, then we are forced to imagine how 1.9 billion Christians can fit into Jerusalem each year! The city isn't large enough! It isn't possible. This is our first clue that the "Feast of Tabernacles" may NOT be in effect (again) until some later time. It appears the Zachariah passage is referring to a time just after the Great Tribulation. If so, then this feast could happen under new instructions provided by Jesus Christ in the Millennium (1000 year reign of Christ on earth). Jerusalem is the City specified by God through His Priests and Prophets as the place where the Feast Of Tabernacles ( Sukkot ) was to take place. Deuteronomy 10:11 specifies the Lord will reveal the PLACE where HE chooses for the "Feast Of Tabernacles." Both Zachariah and history reveal the Lord decided upon Jerusalem. If the Jewish people or Messianic Believers celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles some place other than Jerusalem, then they VIOLATE the Biblical Commands of God, thusly commit SIN; and they will be punished by God according to Zechariah 14: Right? The Old Testament commanded that the Festivals ( Feasts ) were to be celebrated only at the place "God chose," which ultimately was at the Temple in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:4-6, 11, 17-18; 16:5-6, 11, 15-16). To celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles or certain other Mosaic festivals outside of Jerusalem was not allowed by the Law (Torah). Page 6

7 Notice that the Temple at Jerusalem DOESN'T EXIST, therefore is impossible to perform the "Feast Of Tabernacles" without SINNING; by failing to perform it as God Commanded; where God Commanded. The missing Temple is our second clue that the Feast Of Tabernacles is NOT required for the Church or Messianic Believers! In fact, we are told the BELIEVER is the "Temple," therefore a "Temple" (building) is not needed; nor huts ("Tabernacles") of sticks and cloth. See 1st Corinthians 3:16. Also notice that SACRIFICES are REQUIRED as part of performing the Feast Of Tabernacles. NO WHERE do we see any Scripture telling us this requirement is rescinded by God. In fact, we see statements in Hebrews 10:1-18 teaching us that animal sacrifices are NOT needed anymore; thusly nullifying the Feast Of Tabernacles. Also, if we were to take Zechariah 14 literally for "All nations," then we are NOT at liberty to eliminate "Holy pots" or animal sacrifice requirements stated in the Bible. If the Tabernacles worship method is required for our present times according to the Old Testament, then other aspects should also be required for the same reasons: the Bible says so. In other words, we would need to include Holy pots and sacrifice animals. But, in truth, none of these are required today. The Messianic Movement requires these Feasts on the basis that the Torah demands such Feasts, but Messianic Believers sin when they fail to performs the Feasts as prescribed by that same Torah! Zechariah 14:20 also says that horses are to have bells with the inscription, "Holy to the Lord." If we are to apply this section of Scripture literally to worship that is required today, then we would need to have horses with inscribed bells as part of a Tabernacles celebration. It is obvious that if one interprets Zechariah 14 as a requirement for our worship today, then we find ourselves dealing with Biblical contradictions, because the New Testament later eliminated these requirements when they were completed (fulfilled) by Christ (Matthew 5:17); the Temple doesn't exist; the Veil was ripped apart demonstrating the terms of the Old Covenant was no longer applicable; the Contract is torn in two pieces! It was replaced with a better Contract with Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6/7). This doesn't mean the Spirit of the Law (Torah) was revoked, but that Such is now Defined by the New Covenant; a new Higher Standard! The point is this: The Feast Of Tabernacle IS NOT required as part of Christianity or true Messianic practice (currently). Was The New Testament Mis-Written Regarding The Feasts And Ordinances? The New Testament was NOT mis-written by God regarding the ending of the Old Testament "Feasts" and Torah ordinances. The Apostle Paul was NOT a false apostle, but a true servant of God. There was debate in Paul's days about the need for the Old Testament rituals and "Feasts." God clearly reveals through Paul that these ordinances and "Feasts" are NOT required (Ephesians 2:13-16, Colossians 2:16/17, Galatians 4:8-10/17/21). God, through Paul, eliminates the Old Testament requirement for "Circumcision" in Galatians 5:1-5. God also, by speaking through Paul, eliminated the Old Testament ban against eating certain "Unclean" foods (pork) in Romans 14:14/20 and 1st Timothy 4:3-5. This confirms the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 15:17-19, which says that neither dirty hands or "Banned" foods have power to make a person "Unclean." We are made CLEAN by Christ in us (Doctrine Of Justification By Faith), not by what we eat or by what rituals we perform. Certain Feasts may be restored AFTER CHRIST returns. We'll have to wait and see, but it is clear such "Feasts" will be perform VASTLY different than as prescribe in the Old Testament. God has NOT yet given us the Instructions for how to celebrate these Feasts under the terms of the New Covenant (New Testament). Page 7

8 Our "Celebration" is Life in JESUS daily! He is our Life and Celebration ( Sukkot )! Our focus should NOT shift off of Him to rituals! The Church could do a "modified" form of "Sukkot" ("Tabernacles"), but the problem is the Bible is completely SILENT on such in terms of New Testament specifics. The whole point is "Tabernacles" is something for doing DAILY year-around since each Christian IS a "Temple" to the Lord; wherein Jesus INDWELLS each of us for an Intimate Eternal Love Relationship. He IS the FOCUS and THE CELEBRATION! Biblical Details Regarding Circumcision and Old Testament Feasts Galatians 2:14 (NIV) - When I saw that they [Peter and his friends] were not acting in line with the Truth of the Gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? [instead of using the word customs, the KJV says: Why compel, thou, the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? With either translation, the meaning is still effectually the same.] See Galatians 2:11 through 21 for the details. It is clear the word custom includes all aspects of Jewish customs or culture ( live as do the Jews ). This obviously does include the various feasts celebrated by the Jews. Paul understood that it was unreasonable to expect Christian Gentiles to learn about various Jewish ordinances and feasts and participate in them. Why? Because, in many cases, a Gentile needed to be a Proselyte Jew before he would be allowed to participate (or be permitted on the Temple grounds)! This meant the Gentile would need to be circumcised (see Genesis 17:11 and Exodus 12:43-49). Circumcision as an adult could lead to death! It was a dangerous painful surgical practice. In Galatians 2:14, Paul is basically saying that Peter often honored aspects of Jewish culture when he was with Jews in order that he might be better accepted by them (11-13). Paul did not like the apparent "Double standard" of Peter. Why? Because we are either free from the law or not; if free, then we should live under the grace (unmerited favor of Christ). The practical social application was this: that the ritual Work of Circumcision was not needed for Christians: regardless if Jew or Gentile. The Means or Mechanism of Circumcision changed: it was no longer to be accomplished by a Jewish priest in a physical temple building, but such is now to be accomplished by the High Priest of Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Christian Believer (as explained in Romans 2:28/29)! This is why God ripped the Jewish Temple curtain in half, then later destroyed the Jewish Temple in about 70AD. All people have DIRECT access to becoming Proselyte Jews of God through Circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit! This is why the human body is now as a Tempe in 1st Corinthians 6:19. Even God said He desired His OWN PEOPLE be circumcised of the heart in the Old Testament! Deuteronomy 30:6 (NIV) - The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. This is more prophetic than actual! It hasn't happened, yet, among natural-born Jews! They were taken away from the Vine due to their hard hearts! See Romans 11: Page 8

9 The New Testament Perspective Regarding The Feasts and Ordinances Some people say some of the feasts were supposed to endure forever (example: The Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23:39-43); yet we know God can and does change His mind about whatever He declared or promised in some earlier time (see Exodus 32:14; Jonah 3:10; Matthew 5:38/39; and Matthew 5:33-37). God apparently Changes His Mind when people repent or when the Need for something is concluded, completed, or fulfilled. Which Jewish feasts should remain and be honored is hot debate among some Christian groups, yet the Scriptures seem to tell us that some rituals (perhaps all) are not applicable to the Church in a mandatory way. We must remember that the Torah is the basis of these, and no new direction has come from God to permit deviation from performing them as stated in the Torah! The Holy Spirit has given us more information through His servant, the Apostle Paul. The question is: do we accept what God has said through the Apostle Paul? Let us take a look. Romans 14:5 (RSV) - One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike... Romans 14:5 is a likely reference to pagan religious aspects. However, it is nicely explained in Colossians: Colossians 2:16/17 (NIV) - Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. (17) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the Reality, however, is found in Christ. These verses make it clear that aspects of pagan cultures and Jewish cultures need not be included in the Christian Church. This even includes the Sabbath itself (Jews also considered the other days of the week Sabbath days for those religious festival taking several days to occur). Some people say these verses are referring only to pagan ordinances and festivals. This is not true, because the Sabbath is Jewish! Also, earlier in the chapter (Colossians 2:8-4), Paul mentions Circumcision and Human tradition. Circumcision was a Jewish tradition under the Old Testament. This suggests that Paul was exhorting the Christian Gentiles to disregard the judgmental attitudes of those who insist on practicing various pagan or Jewish rituals (including the various Jewish Feasts ). Regarding Sabbaths and Sundays: everyday should be the Christian's Sabbath or "Sunday." It was not uncommon for Early Church Christians to meet nearly every day for fellowship and worship (Acts 2:46; Early Church history also indicates this). The Lord's Supper was weekly according to Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, and 1st Corinthians 16:2 (also confirmed in Early Church history according to Didache, Justin Martyr, and Everett Ferguson). The Christian standard for worship and fellowship is actually higher than that of the Orthodox Jew living according to the social and religious traditions of the Torah (Law). Let's examine additional discussion in Galatians which explain Paul's desire to prevent Jewish customs from being declared as mandatory, and brought into the Christian Church: Galatians 4:8 through 10 (NIV) - Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods: (8) But now that you know God; or, rather, are known by God: how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? [of the world and the rules of men] Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? (10) You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! Page 9

10 Verse 10 is a reference to the pagan culture (to include idol worship); and Paul is also, perhaps, referencing the Jewish culture (given the overall-all context of Galatians). Paul was saying that the Gentile converts need not, should not, follow the pagan customs (feasts and celebrations) which took place on certain days, months, or years. This likely included Jewish cultural aspects mentioned in Colossians 2:16/17 (including the various feasts and observances given in the Old Testament). We already know that the Jewish food purity ordinances ("clean" and "unclean") were ended by Jesus in Mark 7:19 (also see Romans 14:20 and 1st Timothy 4:3-5). Galatians 4:17 (NIV) - Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. Galatians 4:17 suggests there were some would-be leaders trying to lead the Gentile Christians into the ways of Jewish culture and/or lead the Gentiles back into the ways of pagan culture (idol worship and related feasts). There was clearly a problem with many Jewish Christians NOT wanting to stop doing what was part of their cultural identity as Jewish people: the rituals of the Law (Torah) in the Old Testament. Galatians 4:21 (NIV) - Tell me, you who want to be under the Law [Torah], are you not aware of what the Law says? In Galatians 4:21 we see a mention about Christian Gentiles who are wanting to practice the Jewish customs as expressed in the Torah (Old Testament Law). Paul disagrees with this. A return to the Law would be a form of bondage and fall from grace (Galatians 5:4 below). Galatians 5:1 through 5 (NRSV) - For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery [of the rituals of a poor system; see Hebrews 8:7]. (2) Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. (3) Once again, I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised, that he is obliged to obey the entire Law [Torah]. (4) You who want to be justified by the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace [the Law doesn't save or justify by rituals when in Christ]. In Galatians 5:1 through 5, we finally discover Paul's primary concern about the Christian Gentiles: they were being drawn into Jewish culture by dubious would-be Jewish authorities (Galatians 4:17). These Jewish Christian authorities wanted the Christian Gentiles to be circumcised in order to become Proselyte Jews (see Genesis 17:11 and Exodus 12:43-49); this would socially permit the Christian Gentiles to practice other aspects of Jewish culture which take place on certain "Days, months, and years" (Galatians 4:10). We can see from the other Scriptures in Galatians that Paul is not just concerned about circumcision, but he is concerned about other all aspects of Jewish culture; he is concerned about all pagan cultural aspects; and he is concerned about all religious feasts and ordinances, both Jewish and pagan. Again, Paul is saying that Christians need not honor these rituals of the Old Testament, because Christians are under grace, and justified by grace, not the Law (as ordinances from the Old Testament to gain atonement for sin for continued fellowship and favor from God). In American culture, there are many movements* which demand we honor the Jewish feasts and ordinances, yet the Bible makes it clear that this is not necessarily practical or needed. Page 10

11 * Examples would be: "Worldwide Church of God" (this cult was formed by the false prophet Herbert W. Armstrong); Seventh Day Adventists (another cult... well meaning as it may be); and various "Messianic" movements. For obvious reasons, some "Messianic" movements even consider Paul to be a "False Apostle." We know there are times when we must honor the customs or beliefs of other Christians who do not yet know the full extent of their freedom in Christ. We honor such things so that these immature Christians do not stumble in their faith by feeling that they must violate their conscience in order to live as Christians (see Romans 14:14 below). Romans 14:14 (NRSV) - I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 1st Timothy 4:3 through 5 (NIV) - They [errant teachers] forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. (4) For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (5) because it is consecrated by the Word of God and prayer. Some Christian Jews were offended that Christian Gentiles would purchase unclean meat (example: pork) at the market. Other Christian Jews were offended that Christian Gentiles would eat meat which came from a temple sacrifice of a false god (only part of the animal was sacrificed; the meat was often sold at the market). Romans 14:20 (NRSV) - Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat. These two verses apply to every thing, not just food! See below: 1st Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) - Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. [as immature Christians: either Jew or Gentile] 1st Corinthians 10:32 (NIV) - Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the Church of God. 2nd Corinthians 6:3 (NIV) - We put no stumbling block in anyone s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 1st Corinthians 6:12 (RSV) - All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. 1st Corinthians 10:23 (RSV) - All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Finally, in spite of Paul's various teachings in Galatians, and his dispute with Peter, we see that Paul did sometimes honor some Jewish customs: these included aspects about vows (Acts 18:18 and Acts 21:21-26), He circumcised Timothy for fear of the Jews (Acts 16:3), and He attended certain feasts (Acts 20:16 or 1st Corinthians 5:7/8). While Paul and Jesus did practice certain Jewish feasts and ordinances; they, by their actions, are not saying these Jewish traditions must be brought in the Christian Church in a mandatory manner. So why did Paul practice some of the Jewish rituals? Some of the previous Scriptures explain this, but also consider this: Page 11

12 1st Corinthians 9:18 through 23 (NIV) - Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. (20) To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. (21) To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God s law, but am under Christ s law), so as to win those not having the law. (22) To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (23) I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Our actions should be about loving each other; about loving the lost and leading them to Jesus; about how to bless each other; about how to serve each other; about bringing glory to God and reflecting His glory through our actions. We are to love others and edify them (Romans 2:4). Our love may even come at our own expense physically (even with pain). Our love should be unconditional for others, even if we disagree with some of their beliefs or behaviors. Why? Because we are to bear the differences/burdens/sins of each other (Galatians 6:2; Matthew 18:21 through 22; Colossians 3:13; James 5:9; Philippians 2:3; and Romans 14:1). Romans 14:7 through 8 (RSV) - None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. (8) If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord s. Philippians 2:3 (KJV) - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory [selfish ambition]; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem [or highly regard] others better [or more supreme] than themselves. James 5:9 (NRSV) - Beloved, do not grumble [complain] against one another... Romans 14:1 (RSV) - As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. 1st John 4:7 (NRSV) - Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Wrapping it up: The Body Of Christ (the Church ) does celebrate certain Feast memorials established by the Holy Spirit after the Bible was written. Examples are Easter and Christmas. There is nothing wrong in adding others: perhaps a Christian form of Tabernacles, but only if we don't lose perspective as Christians. Feasts do not force God's favor upon us; they are ONLY about helping us to focus on adoring Him in loving worship; and remembering what He has done for us, and in us, through His Son. It is NOT about Legalism and the Dates when certain things are scheduled to happen! ======================== Here is some dialog with others concerning this topic: ======================== Michael writes: Agenda is key. Like I said I have a tree in my house and I do not call it a Yule log. I sometimes joke of it as being the "Burning Bush" and we surround it and enjoy its light. Page 12

13 I look at it as a cultural thing. non-christians have them too... It is a Western cultural norm and so I ignore it and do not make a doctrinal dispute towards anyone. I just have no belief that it relates to Jesus at all. I have not run into the Messianics you have mentioned yet. I will keep an eye out for them and defend the true gospel when the time comes. I am fine with them kissing the Torah if they want. That is a cultural thing too that happens among observant Jews. Jesus or Yeshua is the "Torah made flesh" so it is fine to kiss it as much as they like. The prophetic announcement of His coming began in the Torah anyway... ========================= Tracy writes: Cultural? Yes, I agree, Mike. Christmas and Easter have cultural aspects (many of which are silly, and take away from the Christian meaning), but they are also formally established Christian memorials within our Lord's Church; permitted, established, and sanctioned by the Holy Spirit; certainly not something to be taken as being "evil"... as those against them assert from their perspective; a perspective which is anti-christian, in my opinion; often asserted by members of cults and secular humanists. If Messianic Believers are going to claim Christmas and Easter are "evil" and wrong (as some do at Beth Messiah where I used to attend), then they are off-base and are mocking the Holy Spirit whom Providentially established those two memorial in His Church through His Saints. As to Christmas being celebrated by non-christians? I think such is the extreme rare exception. Christmas is recognized as a religious tradition of Christianity by most Americans; which is why the secular humanists are still pushing so much to culturally marginalize Christmas and Easter. They know most people still recognize such are both about Christianity and Jesus Christ, not "Pagan myths." As to kissing the Torah? Like you, I also don't really care. My point is the entire Bible is the Living Word in the Church, not the Torah alone. Any tradition or Movement which ignores that fact needs revision. I think is important for Christians to be careful not to let themselves go backwards into incomplete revelations; and potentially get drawn into the many heresies of the Messianic Movement. The Holy Spirit has given us many additional great Truths through His New Testament Saints; and He given us more great Truths through His Saints in the centuries now gone by since the Founding of our Lord's Church. To deny the New Testament and the Old Testament as the Total Complete Living Word, Logos of God, is dangerous and leads to homemade religions and heresy. It really isn't more complicated than that. ============================== Michael writes: I guess we can look at it as cultural Christians vs genuine saints. Only the Lord can sort it out, but many people have trees that are not that interested in God. They are part of the 80 percent of the nation that call themselves Christians. I do not believe there are that many true saints in the US. They do have trees though... Page 13

14 I do not call them evil and people should choose their battles more wisely. As a church we celebrate the Feasts of the Lord. I do not do Hanukkah or Purim, but I mention the cultural feasts like Christmas and Easter and observe them somewhat but not as much as the 7 Feasts of the Lord. I do not attack Christmas or Easter and do not believe in doing so... God bless you my friend... =============================== Tracy writes: "... but many people have trees that are not that interested in God. They are part of the 80+% of the Nation that call themselves Christians." I can agree to that, but that has absolutely nothing to do with these Christian memorials being valid or not within the Church; having a correct meaning which many miss by their own ignorance. "... As a church we celebrate the Feasts of the Lord." You mean at the church you pastor? I certainly don't object, even in principle. In the "Body Of Christ" ("Church") the "Feasts" have also come to include Christmas and Easter, as these were established by the Holy Spirit through His Saints in our Lord's Church. In correct understanding, both these memorials ("Feasts") are no less honoring to God than any memorial we find in the Old Testament. The mistake we need to avoid, is forgetting that religious memorials (aka "Feasts") take time to form, just as was the case with the Jewish people. The Holy Spirit established the "Feasts" ("Memorials") of Christmas and Easter AFTER the Bible was written. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Many of the Old Testament "Feasts" also had to do with atonement (hence the included sacrifices); so they were important in religious function; ordained by God for such reasons; they were more than just simple memorials. They had specific purposes in atonement which have since been supplanted by the final perfect atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ; thusly fulfilling the need for having to do these "Feasts" anymore, except as a matter of memorial. I personally see no harm in doing some of the Old Testament "Feasts" as simple memorials; but doing so with the understanding such are not any longer Biblically mandatory. God, through the Apostle Paul and Hebrews, has stated as such. "...I do not do Hanukkah or Purim..." I think Purim would be an interesting memorial to honor in the Church. I do think there are ways we can have more "Jewishness" in the Church, and still not get over into legalism. It might serve as a way to reach Jewish people so that they don't go off forming their own versions of Christianity as the Messianic Movement is coming to be. "... I do not attack Christmas or Easter and do not believe in doing so..." I would hope you wouldn't as a Christian. Nice chatting with you too! Thanks for the dialog! ======================== Page 14

15 Michael writes: You have to preface by saying "some Messianic" believers, Tracy, because I know many who are one with me, and do not teach what these Judaizers teach. I know there are those out there like this but not all. The ones I fellowship with would be very offended by what this gentleman teaches who broke up your Bible study... We do need to be aware of our history and how we have treated Jews in order to repent for generations past as Nehemiah did. We cannot pretend it did not happen and say we have no part in it or else the Pharisees and Sadducees would have had... argument against Jesus' accusations that they were like there fathers who killed the prophets. They were like their fathers who killed the prophets because they would not repent for what their fathers had done. I know we are not judged for the actions of our heritage, but it does not mean that we should ignore it. I rarely argue about the Christian holidays, but they are very pagan. Jeremiah 10 describes what Christians do every year, but in Jeremiah was describing the Baal worshipers using their evergreens. I still have a Christmas tree in my house because it is not worth the fight to me, but there is no real Christianizing of the practices that stand in debate. No more than Christianizing the Easter egg. These were brought in by Constantine. Who is there debate as to whether he was a believer or not? The OT God meant nothing to him. I believe he thought Jesus was the Son of Mithra, which would go with all practices of Yule log and solstice observance. I do not debate these things because I believe grace covers them. They are pagan though... ====================== Tracy writes: Friend, as to how the Jews were treated by the RCC? That's in the past, and there has been a Reformation since then. The Protestant Church today isn't accountable for what went on. Any Christian alive now isn't accountable for what went on. Yes, what happened was wrong, but all those Jews whom profess Christ now? Quite simply? They need to forgive and get over it. Otherwise it comes across as a generational blame game which has no place in Christianity. Any "Christian" who is a Jewish racist? Then, I doubt his or her salvation, because it is evidence they haven't "Repented" (as you were saying) of the mentality which raged against the Jewish people in the Crusades or Germany. But there is NO need to dig up the past and put it up center stage to mock Christianity as some are DOING in the Messianic Movement (saw it first hand). Christ requires we lovingly look at Him, not sink like Peter in the waters of the storms of doubt, fear, and self-pity. As to the holidays? God created the trees. Sorry, the "Pagans" don't own them. What makes it wrong or not is HOW they are used in a memorial effort before God. If we are going down the road of deeming things wrong based on legalism and connections to "Paganism," then we have a lot to avoid if we don't want to be connected to such: The English Language, Breathing Air, Having White Blood Cells, Medical Science, most inventions; and even our form of government has "Pagan" origins; as is having a "King" (which God rebuked the Israelites for desiring; but He let them have their "King"). It is a mute argument, but manipulative for a whole separate agenda of devious purposes by those whom engage in such attacks... attacks of things established by the Holy Spirit acting through the prayers and leadership of His saints in His Church. Page 15