Messianic Christians?

[crossnote]

Neither did I say that you used the term "Messianic Christian"

I was simply emphasising to ALL that there are just "Christians" and not "--------- (any added word) Christians"!

There are Jewish Christians just as there are Jewish atheists. They don't lose their family line (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) just because they come to faith in their Jewish Messiah. Did you stop being Scottish, German, Nigerian etc., just because you came to Christ?

 

[Linda70]

This article was written by a Jewish man who is a born again Christian. He is not involved in the Messianic Judaism movement for the reasons he states in the following article. Due to its length, I will be posting it in several smaller posts.

Here is a short biography of Dr. Mark Robinson, the author of this article, "Doctrinal Dangers In The Messianic Movement"

Meet the Director of Jewish Awareness Ministries..

Rev. Mark Robinson has served in Jewish ministries for over 38 years. From 1976 – 1980 he worked with Peace For Israel, Inc. and in 1981 he began his service with the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. Mark and Cheryl moved from Florida to southern California in 1984 when he became Western States Director for Friends of Israel, and served in this position until the fall of 2000.

In September, 2000 Mark established Shalom Outreach Ministries through Faith Community Bible Church in El Cajon, CA, a suburb of San Diego, near the majority of Jewish people in San Diego County. In October, 2006 Rev. Robinson became Executive Director of Jewish Awareness Ministries.

Rev. Robinson has extensive experience in conference speaking. His travels have taken him throughout the United States preaching on subjects such as Israel and prophecy, Jewish evangelism, Jewish culture and the New Testament, missions, as well as other topics. Mark’s expertise is in Jewish evangelism and he shares the Messiah with Jewish people through personal visitation, on college campuses, Bible studies, using special outreaches such as Hebrew-Christian Passover Seders, and other methods. Rev. Robinson has written tracts geared for Jewish ministry, such as One God, or Three?, Identifying the Messiah, Intermarriage: The Jewish and Gentile Dilemma, and Can You Be Jewish and Christian?. He is also editor of the quarterly publication Israel’s Messenger.

By Mark Robinson

DOCTRINAL DANGERS IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT​

The last 40 years have seen a great turning of Jewish people to Jesus. With this influx of Jewish believers into the body of Christ an old movement has been resurrected.1 This movement, Messianic Judaism, emphasizes the Jewish background of the believers and their desire to identify with the larger Jewish community.

Having served in Jewish missions for 28 years, I rejoice that many of my "kinsmen according to the flesh" have found their Messiah. I am troubled, though, by the doctrinal errors of the movement. Can any movement that is doctrinally in error on many issues remain true to our Lord and the Bible over time?

DEFINING MESSIANIC JUDAISM

The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations defines Messianic Judaism as "...a movement of Jewish congregations and congregation-like groupings committed to Yeshua the Messiah that embrace the covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant."2

Dr. Bruce Stokes, vice-president of the Association of Messianic Believers, states, "the development of the Hebrew Christian movement into Messianic Judaism has brought about several significant changes in the theology, lifestyle and expectations of today's Messianic Jew. The most significant change has been establishment of Messianic congregations as normative for Messianic Jews and Gentiles of like mind."3

HISTORY OF MESSIANIC JUDAISM

Present-day Messianic Judaism has its origins in the Hebrew Christian Alliance of America (HCAA) which was established in 1915. At the 1973 biennial meeting of the HCAA in Bradenton, Florida, there was an effort to change the name to Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. This change did not take place until 1975 but 1973 can be looked at as the first organized attempt to begin the modern-day Messianic Movement. Then in 1975, Phil Goble, a Gentile believer, published Everything You Need to Grow a Messianic Synagogue. American Board of Missions to the Jews (now Chosen People Ministries) reviewed the manual and attributed the beginning of Messianic Synagogues to Goble.4

Presently there are more than 300 Messianic congregations5 throughout the world. The majority of these congregations are located in the United States. Some Jewish believers will drive many miles, passing good Bible believing churches, to be part of these congregations.

Endnotes

1 The eminent Hebrew Christian David Baron wrote an article titled "Messianic Judaism; or Judaising Christianity" in the October 1911 issue of The Scattered Nation warning about Messianic Judaism in his day.

2 From the 23rd Annual UMJC Conference, July 31, 2002. UMJC
website, UMJC

3 Stokes, Bruce, Messianic Jewish Life, The Messianic Congregational Model: What Should It Look Like?, Jan.- Mar. 2001, Vol. LXXII, No.1, page to.

4 The Chosen People, Messianic Synagogues Commentary, Vol. LXXXI No.5, page 14, Jan. 1976.

(continued)

 

[Linda70]

(continued---DOCTRINAL DANGERS IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT)

DOCTRINAL ERRORS

There are a number of questionable theological and practical issues6 with Messianic Judaism. Let us consider three doctrinal errors.

SYNCRETISM IN THE PRACTICE OF OUR FAITH IN MESSIAH

Many in the Messianic Judaism movement see "Jewishness" as more important than their identity as Christians. This Jewish emphasis takes the form of adopting worship practices more closely aligned with the rabbinic world than the Bible-believing church. Jeffrey Wasserman writes, "Present day Messianic Jewish congregations are made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus who have rejected historic Christian congregational expressions as being 'Gentile.' They have chosen to express their religious identity and corporate worship in a more genuinely Jewish style."7 This "genuinely Jewish style" is oftentimes rabbinically based.

The wearing of yarmulkes, the observance of bar and bat mitzvahs, the present practice of the observing of holy days such as Yom Kippur, as well as other practices, are rooted in rabbinic Judaism, not the Bible. One would think that the unbiblical syncretism of these practices with New Testament truth would be obvious to the leaders of this movement. Seemingly, it is not. The focal point of a believer's life should be Jesus, not his cultural background, and certainly not religious practice that embraces a system, rabbinic Judaism, which historically has been in opposition to Christianity and the Messiahship of Jesus.

The desire to be Jewish and be accepted as part of the Jewish community can lead to compromises that may ultimately cause one to reject some of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. Dr. William Varner, professor of Bible at The Master’s College, raises the question whether the desire on the part of some proponents of Messianic Judaism "to redefine the doctrines [of the Trinity and full deity and humanity of Christ] so carefully hammered out at Nicea and Chalcedon is cause for alarm. Will this result in limiting the full deity of Messiah?"8 Unfortunately, the deity of Christ is an issue in some Messianic circles. It is a problem in Israel and recently I spoke to a leader of a Messianic congregation in San Diego County that lost about 8 people who denied the deity of Jesus. I was told this dissident group desired to start a new congregation but it never materialized.

THE "REBUILDING" OF THE MIDDLE WALL OF PARTITION

Ephesians 2:14-15 tell of the new work God has done in Christ. "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace." Jew and Gentile are now one in Christ. He has abolished the ordinances of the Mosaic Law.

The clear teaching of the above has not prevented the establishing of Messianic congregations. Practices derived from the Law-mixed with rabbinical practices-oftentimes result in an attitude of cultural superiority over the rest of the body of Christ. Pride is an affront to God, including cultural pride. As Paul said, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Phil. 3:8). A Jewish believer's main identity should not be his Jewishness but his relationship with Christ.

Let us not put up barriers that hinder a person's walk with the Lord. When the focus of a believer's life is anything but the Lord Jesus, there is sin and detriment to the spiritual health of the individual. God has called believers, Jew and Gentile, to a new relationship focused on the Messiah. We are to worship together around the Word of God. To separate Jewish believers into a congregation based on the very ordinances that are done away in Christ, and are in reality the institution of Christ-denying Rabbis, is not only a sin against our Messiah but is also detrimental to the health of local congregations as well as individuals.

Endnotes

5 Wasserman, Jeffrey, Messianic Jewish Congregations: Who Sold this Business to the Gentiles?, pg. 3, University Press of America, 2000.

6 See Dr. William Varner's article, "Do We Need Messianic Synagogues? Biblical, Historic, and Pragmatic Issues," Spring, 2003, The Master's Seminary Journal, Sun Valley, CA and Baruch Maoz's book, "Judaism is Not Jewish," Christian Focus Pub., 2003, for some of the practical issues in addition to doctrinal problems.

7 Wasserman, Messianic Jewish Congregations, pg. 3.

8 Varner, "Do We Need Messianic Synagogues?", pg. 58.

(continued)

 

[Linda70]

(continued--DOCTRINAL DANGERS IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT)

CHARISMATIC AND ECUMENICAL INFLUENCE

One of the major influences in the Messianic Movement is the teaching and acceptance of the charismatic gifts. Even in the more conservative Messianic congregations it seems that there is not a strong stand in opposition to the practice of Charismatic gifts and teaching.

A few years ago I had a private correspondence with the leader of a Jewish mission agency that had been opposed to Messianic Congregations. This leader told me that their mission is now comfortable with the Fellowship of Messianic Congregations (FMC) and said that many FMC congregational leaders were graduates of institutions that were "theologically sound." In addition to his letter, he sent me the doctrinal statement of the FMC. Let me quote a section of my return letter to him. "The implication of the section on the gift of tongues [from the FMC doctrinal statement] is that today's practice is biblical and correct but unduly emphasized...We both know that many in the Messianic Judaism movement, probably the great majority, are charismatic. Is this issue compromised so that FMC will not alienate Jewish believers that are charismatic? If this is so, is it not probable that other compromises will be made with the Scriptures to accommodate Jewish believers in the future?" In response this leader acknowledged the treatment of charismatic gifts could be strengthened.

Many leaders of Messianic Judaism are ecumenical in their practice. In 2002 a booklet was published entitled Toward Jerusalem Council II: The Vision and the Story (TJCII). TJCII is defined in its vision statement as "an initiative of repentance and reconciliation between the Jewish and Gentile segments of the Church. The vision is that one day there will be a second council of Jerusalem that will be, in an important respect, the inverse of the First Council described in Acts 15. Whereas the First Council was made up of Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus), who decided not to impose on the Gentiles the requirements of the Jewish law, so the Second Council would be made up of Gentile leaders, who would recognize and welcome the Jewish believers in Yeshua without requiring them to abandon their Jewish identity and practice."9

The Jewish members of the steering committee of TJCII include some of the most prominent figures in Messianic Judaism such as Dan Juster, Marty Waldeman, and Jonathan Bemis. Some of the Gentile members of the steering committee are Johannes Fictenbauer, (a Catholic deacon from Vienna, Austria and the founder of an ecumenical charismatic community in Vienna in the 1970s), Brian Cox (an Episcopal priest in Santa Barbara, California), Peter Hocken (a Roman Catholic priest presently living in Maryland), and a spot still held open for a representative from the Orthodox Church.

Those of us who hold fast to the Word of God and know the history and beliefs of Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Episcopalianism, will not have anything to do with Toward Jerusalem Council II. It is a shame that these Messianic leaders are involved.

CONCLUSION

The Messianic Movement is fraught with dangerous doctrines and practices. The historical drift of "movements" is always toward compromise. This is true of the Messianic Movement over the last 30 years. The churches of IFCA International need to get actively involved in reaching their Jewish community with the gospel and welcoming Jewish believers into their midst. Ministries can be established in local churches to help bridge the cultural gap of Jewish believers and to establish them in their walk with their Messiah. Messianic Judaism is not the answer.

Endnotes

9 Hocken, Peter, Toward Jerusalem Council II: The Vision and the Story, Appendix C, page 45, Toward Jerusalem Council II, 2002.

(END)

 

[RedTent]

This article was written by a Jewish man who is a born again Christian. He is not involved in the Messianic Judaism movement for the reasons he states in the following article. Due to its length, I will be posting it in several smaller posts.

Here is a short biography of Dr. Mark Robinson, the author of this article, "Doctrinal Dangers In The Messianic Movement"


By Mark Robinson

DOCTRINAL DANGERS IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT​

The last 40 years have seen a great turning of Jewish people to Jesus. With this influx of Jewish believers into the body of Christ an old movement has been resurrected.1 This movement, Messianic Judaism, emphasizes the Jewish background of the believers and their desire to identify with the larger Jewish community.

Having served in Jewish missions for 28 years, I rejoice that many of my "kinsmen according to the flesh" have found their Messiah. I am troubled, though, by the doctrinal errors of the movement. Can any movement that is doctrinally in error on many issues remain true to our Lord and the Bible over time?

DEFINING MESSIANIC JUDAISM

The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations defines Messianic Judaism as "...a movement of Jewish congregations and congregation-like groupings committed to Yeshua the Messiah that embrace the covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant."2

Dr. Bruce Stokes, vice-president of the Association of Messianic Believers, states, "the development of the Hebrew Christian movement into Messianic Judaism has brought about several significant changes in the theology, lifestyle and expectations of today's Messianic Jew. The most significant change has been establishment of Messianic congregations as normative for Messianic Jews and Gentiles of like mind."3

HISTORY OF MESSIANIC JUDAISM

Present-day Messianic Judaism has its origins in the Hebrew Christian Alliance of America (HCAA) which was established in 1915. At the 1973 biennial meeting of the HCAA in Bradenton, Florida, there was an effort to change the name to Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. This change did not take place until 1975 but 1973 can be looked at as the first organized attempt to begin the modern-day Messianic Movement. Then in 1975, Phil Goble, a Gentile believer, published Everything You Need to Grow a Messianic Synagogue. American Board of Missions to the Jews (now Chosen People Ministries) reviewed the manual and attributed the beginning of Messianic Synagogues to Goble.4

Presently there are more than 300 Messianic congregations5 throughout the world. The majority of these congregations are located in the United States. Some Jewish believers will drive many miles, passing good Bible believing churches, to be part of these congregations.

Endnotes

1 The eminent Hebrew Christian David Baron wrote an article titled "Messianic Judaism; or Judaising Christianity" in the October 1911 issue of The Scattered Nation warning about Messianic Judaism in his day.

2 From the 23rd Annual UMJC Conference, July 31, 2002. UMJC
website, UMJC

3 Stokes, Bruce, Messianic Jewish Life, The Messianic Congregational Model: What Should It Look Like?, Jan.- Mar. 2001, Vol. LXXII, No.1, page to.

4 The Chosen People, Messianic Synagogues Commentary, Vol. LXXXI No.5, page 14, Jan. 1976.

(continued)

This man could not possibly be a born again Christian and dedicate himself to unchristian behavior. You say that Jews are passing up churches teaching gospel, churches teaching that if they do anything Jewish they are doomed. Instead they went to a place that told them Christ had lived on this earth, and Christ was also Jewish. That, according to this man was supposed to be a bad thing!!! Paul said that gentiles did not have to become Jews to be saved. Paul would stand as firm in that Jews did not have to become gentiles to be saved.

I hope your preaching against learning the roots of our faith is not successful, I am sure it is not of God.

 

[Linda70]

There you go once again, RedTent! Before you go flinging accusations and judging other people's salvation (based on your own feelings about them), why don't you go to the Jewish Awareness Ministries website and check it out before you get your foot stuck in your mouth?

Jewish Awareness Ministries

 

[Linda70]

This man could not possibly be a born again Christian and dedicate himself to unchristian behavior. You say that Jews are passing up churches teaching gospel, churches teaching that if they do anything Jewish they are doomed. Instead they went to a place that told them Christ had lived on this earth, and Christ was also Jewish. That, according to this man was supposed to be a bad thing!!! Paul said that gentiles did not have to become Jews to be saved. Paul would stand as firm in that Jews did not have to become gentiles to be saved.

I hope your preaching against learning the roots of our faith is not successful, I am sure it is not of God.

Hypocritical judging will get you nowhere! Get your head out of the sand, RedTent. Since when is it unchristianlike behavior to tell the truth about error?

Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

What this man is teaching is the truth and you simply don't like it because it goes against the lies you have bought into. Where in this entire article does it specifically state that "Paul said that gentiles did not have to become Jews to be saved"? or that "Paul would stand as firm in that Jews did not have to become gentiles to be saved"? You are making things up and it will eventually get you in a huge lie and you will not be able to find your way out of the "tangled web" you are weaving.

It would be a great idea to stop while you are ahead. I am not preaching against the "roots" of Christianity....what I am against is your continual diatribe against truth.

 

[gleener]

It really is sad. All throughout the OT people are prophesying the coming of the lord, and if you look closely at some verses you can see they are refering to the Messiah who has not yet come. They prophesied things that have already taken place in the NT and things that are yet to take place. And if they don't understand the OT...then how are they going to look for the signs for things that are going to happen in the future?

Dear Macie how wonderful it is that someone of your age is learning and what sounds like to me is also being taught properly the word. James 1:5 If you lack knowledge ask of God and He will give it to you. Just remember that a building can not stand without a foundation the old testament is the foundation for the new testament. the law of the old testament is our school master that brings us to Christ

 

[RedTent]

There you go once again, RedTent! Before you go flinging accusations and judging other people's salvation (based on your own feelings about them), why don't you go to the Jewish Awareness Ministries website and check it out before you get your foot stuck in your mouth?

Jewish Awareness Ministries

I think, my dear it is your foot and your mouth we need to worry about! I have read much of the dead sea scrolls, much about what is found. Read history of ancient Hebrews. Looked into it deeply. I have met two of the men who studies and writes about them. I think you are fighting God, and you will lose.

 

[Linda70]

I think, my dear it is your foot and your mouth we need to worry about! I have read much of the dead sea scrolls, much about what is found. Read history of ancient Hebrews. Looked into it deeply. I have met two of the men who studies and writes about them. I think you are fighting God, and you will lose.

It might be a real good idea for you to simply set aside all your presuppositions and extra-biblical books and just read and study God's Word.

I am not fighting God and it is you who will lose if you continue on believing all the nonsense you are being fed by false teachers. I am not the loser here...you are.

You also need to cease and desist from your false accusations and judgmental attitude. Remember, you are the one, not I, who will be accountable to God for everything you say....to me and to others.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


Be very careful, RedTent!

 

[crossnote]

Are you now into judging others based on your rules of English? My confusion as you put it in your English lessons, is not in misunderstanding the HS. Following the HS, even if it is called used, is NOT ridiculous, your picking up on that word and making into a reason to nail me is ridiculous.

First off it is not my rules of English.
secondly I did not judge others, I pointed out your error concerning a Scriptural truth of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson: There is a big big difference between us 'using' the Holy Spirit on the one hand and Him indwelling and leading us on the other. It is the difference between day and night.

Scripture never never mentions us 'using' the Holy Spirit.

 

[RedTent]

It might be a real good idea for you to simply set aside all your presuppositions and extra-biblical books and just read and study God's Word.

I am not fighting God and it is you who will lose if you continue on believing all the nonsense you are being fed by false teachers. I am not the loser here...you are.

You also need to cease and desist from your false accusations and judgmental attitude. Remember, you are the one, not I, who will be accountable to God for everything you say....to me and to others.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


Be very careful, RedTent!

What do you think the deep sea scrolls consist of? And maybe it would be a good idea for you to not close your mind to what God shows you, but humbly listen to God. Be careful Linda, for we are in the last days. I would read about the attitude of the Pharisees that kept them from knowing God.

 

[Linda70]

What do you think the deep sea scrolls consist of? And maybe it would be a good idea for you to not close your mind to what God shows you, but humbly listen to God. Be careful Linda, for we are in the last days. I would read about the attitude of the Pharisees that kept them from knowing God.

Why should I be interested in what the "deep" sea scrolls consist of? The Scriptures are my final authority, not the "deep" sea scrolls.

You go ahead and keep your mind open for extra-biblical inspiration.....you might be surprised at what "drops" into it. As for myself, I choose to be "narrow-minded" when it comes to spiritual things.

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

We have been in the last days since the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ...for the last 2,000 years So I know we are in the last days!

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

 

[crossnote]

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

How fitting...

 

[Linda70]

Kinda off topic, what about Samaritans? Same ancestors, though not Jews

Way of Life Encyclopedia
SAMARITANS

(sure keeping). The people who inhabited the region of Samaria in central Palestine. Samaritans were a mixed race of Jews and foreigners (2 Kings 17:24-41). For this reason, the Samaritans were despised by the Jews (John 4:9); when they called Jesus a Samaritan, they were trying to slander Him (John 8:48). The Lord Jesus led a Samaritan woman to salvation (John 4) and used a Samaritan in His teaching on showing compassion to one's neighbor (Luke 10:30-37). Of ten lepers who were healed, only the Samaritan returned to give thanks to Christ (Luke 17:11-19). Jesus commanded that the Gospel be carried to the Samaritans (Acts 1:8; 8:25).

 

[RedTent]

First off it is not my rules of English.
secondly I did not judge others, I pointed out your error concerning a Scriptural truth of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson: There is a big big difference between us 'using' the Holy Spirit on the one hand and Him indwelling and leading us on the other. It is the difference between day and night.

Scripture never never mentions us 'using' the Holy Spirit.

Isn't this what I said?

You know I believe in listening to how God teaches in the OT, and I enjoy seeing it repeated in the NT, I enjoy the unity of the scriptures. You post in opposition. So you are opposed to me. You use "use" and "led" to fight anything of me in your fight. I am usually told I am going to hell and don't believe in Christ. This is mild.

It must be a wonderful, life giving idea to believe in all scripture, for the idea brings out the BIG guns. My standing firm in my belief in Christ and God, in all scripture against this much opposition makes me feel I am preparing for standing firm and not denying Christ even against death in the very last days. Many words against me, according to Christ explaining murder in Matt 5:21-22, have been murderous.

The church of today will allow reading the OT, the psalms are well accepted and even the book of Job. The histories prove that loyalty was rare. It is the first five books, the ones using people who lived almost 6,000 years ago, the ones that most powerfully show the characteristics of God that seem to give the most trouble. Paul is still on trial as being against Torah. I, even, have been put on trial and condemned for saying Paul wasn't, and we have much to learn about God from the Torah.

"Led" "Using"!!!!!!!! So go ahead and hang me.

 

[crossnote]

Isn't this what I said?

You know I believe in listening to how God teaches in the OT, and I enjoy seeing it repeated in the NT, I enjoy the unity of the scriptures. You post in opposition. So you are opposed to me. You use "use" and "led" to fight anything of me in your fight. I am usually told I am going to hell and don't believe in Christ. This is mild.

It must be a wonderful, life giving idea to believe in all scripture, for the idea brings out the BIG guns. My standing firm in my belief in Christ and God, in all scripture against this much opposition makes me feel I am preparing for standing firm and not denying Christ even against death in the very last days. Many words against me, according to Christ explaining murder in Matt 5:21-22, have been murderous.

The church of today will allow reading the OT, the psalms are well accepted and even the book of Job. The histories prove that loyalty was rare. It is the first five books, the ones using people who lived almost 6,000 years ago, the ones that most powerfully show the characteristics of God that seem to give the most trouble. Paul is still on trial as being against Torah. I, even, have been put on trial and condemned for saying Paul wasn't, and we have much to learn about God from the Torah.

"Led" "Using"!!!!!!!! So go ahead and hang me.

Whatever .

 

[Brother_Don]

The Messianic's have helped me in studies, to see things i didn't see in the word. The Song of Solomon, was a book i was confused about. Now i see that the book is about Christ Jesus, and His relationship with His bride(the church), and not about Solomon kissing and telling. Now i see that without the old, there wouldn't be a new.

 

[Elin]

(continued---DOCTRINAL DANGERS IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT)

DOCTRINAL ERRORS

There are a number of questionable theological and practical issues6 with Messianic Judaism. Let us consider three doctrinal errors.

SYNCRETISM IN THE PRACTICE OF OUR FAITH IN MESSIAH

Many in the Messianic Judaism movement see "Jewishness" as more important than their identity as Christians.

And therein is the fundamental error which, without their even realizing it, gradually diminishes Christ,
by capturing the focus, awareness, attention, thinking, feeling, orientation, disposition, etc. of its practitioners.

It is a deception designed to exalt the Torah because Jesus of Nazareth is not enough for them.
They have a need to add something to him.

 

[Elin]

This article was written by a Jewish man who is a born again Christian. He is not involved in the Messianic Judaism movement for the reasons he states in the following article. Due to its length, I will be posting it in several smaller posts.

Here is a short biography of Dr. Mark Robinson, the author of this article, "Doctrinal Dangers In The Messianic Movement"


By Mark Robinson

DOCTRINAL DANGERS IN THE MESSIANIC MOVEMENT​

The last 40 years have seen a great turning of Jewish people to Jesus. With this influx of Jewish believers into the body of Christ an old movement has been resurrected.1 This movement, Messianic Judaism, emphasizes the Jewish background of the believers and their desire to identify with the larger Jewish community.

Having served in Jewish missions for 28 years, I rejoice that many of my "kinsmen according to the flesh" have found their Messiah. I am troubled, though, by the doctrinal errors of the movement.
Can any movement that is doctrinally in error on many issues remain true to our Lord and the Bible over time?

Nope. . .can't be done.

DEFINING MESSIANIC JUDAISM

The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations defines Messianic Judaism as "...a movement of Jewish congregations and congregation-like groupings committed to Yeshua the Messiah that embrace the covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant."2

Dr. Bruce Stokes, vice-president of the Association of Messianic Believers, states, "the development of the Hebrew Christian movement into Messianic Judaism has brought about several significant changes in the theology, lifestyle and expectations of today's Messianic Jew. The most significant change has been establishment of Messianic congregations as normative for Messianic Jews and Gentiles of like mind."3

HISTORY OF MESSIANIC JUDAISM

Present-day Messianic Judaism has its origins in the Hebrew Christian Alliance of America (HCAA) which was established in 1915. At the 1973 biennial meeting of the HCAA in Bradenton, Florida, there was an effort to change the name to Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. This change did not take place until 1975 but 1973 can be looked at as the first organized attempt to begin the modern-day Messianic Movement. Then in 1975, Phil Goble, a Gentile believer, published Everything You Need to Grow a Messianic Synagogue. American Board of Missions to the Jews (now Chosen People Ministries) reviewed the manual and attributed the beginning of Messianic Synagogues to Goble.4

Presently there are more than 300 Messianic congregations5 throughout the world. The majority of these congregations are located in the United States.Some Jewish believers will drive many miles, passing good Bible believing churches, to be part of these congregations.

Endnotes

1 The eminent Hebrew Christian David Baron wrote an article titled "Messianic Judaism; or Judaising Christianity" in the October 1911 issue of The Scattered Nation warning about Messianic Judaism in his day.

2 From the 23rd Annual UMJC Conference, July 31, 2002. UMJC
website, UMJC

3 Stokes, Bruce, Messianic Jewish Life, The Messianic Congregational Model: What Should It Look Like?, Jan.- Mar. 2001, Vol. LXXII, No.1, page to.

4 The Chosen People, Messianic Synagogues Commentary, Vol. LXXXI No.5, page 14, Jan. 1976.

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