Lionel Zucker
That Yeshua is the Mashiach (Anointed Messiah) for whom the Jewish people all over the world, and throughout history, have been waiting. In Messianic Judaism, Holy Days and customs consistent with the Scriptures are observed. We do not leave Jewish identity, heritage and culture to ¡®convert¡¯ to a new and foreign religion. We have experienced the fulfillment of the age old longing of our people for redemption as written by Moshe and the Prophets. Our commitment to our people also encompasses our love for the land of Israel and our concern for the Jewish people worldwide.
Most Messianic Jews are much more zealous for Torah* than their Gentile Christian counterparts. In this, they are following the example of the first century Messianic Jews, who were zealous for Torah (Acts 15:19-21; 21:17-27).
Most Messianic Jews refrain from calling themselves Christians which is Greek terminology. They prefer more Hebraic terms such as Messianic Jews. The first use of the term ¡®Christian¡¯ was in Antioch, among the Gentile Believers (Acts 11:26). Rabbi Shaul (Paul), as a Jew simply preferred to say ¡°I am a Jew.¡± It is wrong and unscriptural to force Gentile Church culture upon the Jewish people as a requirement for believing in their own Messiah. While it may be right and proper for other cultures to be allowed to practice their culture after coming to faith in Yeshua, much of Jewish culture comes directly from Scriptures and has a firm Biblical foundation not found in other cultures.
The situation was very different in the first century. Then the question was ¡°How can a Gentile believe in the Jewish Messiah? Should he not first convert to Judaism?¡± Some Messianic Jews were saying to the Gentiles, ¡°You cannot be saved unless you undergo Brit-Milah (Circumcision) according to the custom of Moshe.¡± Others said, ¡°It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Torah of Moshe¡± (Acts 15:1, 5). The Council at Jerusalem decided that Gentiles did not have to convert to Judaism to believe in the Jewish Messiah (Acts 15:19-21, 28-29).
Properly observed, Messianic Judaism has no middle wall of partition Ephesians 2:14) separating Jewish Believers from Gentile Believers. Most Messianic Assemblies have a large percentage of Gentiles. The Gentiles have become Ruth¡¯s to the Jewish people, love Israel, and have adopted a Jewish expression of their faith in Messiah Yeshua.
It is in Messianic Judaism that we find a most wonderful fulfillment of Scripture. In that, all, Jew and Gentile, male and female, bonded and free, are seen worshipping the Holy One of Israel in Spirit and in Truth.
By permission of PETAH TIKVAH Magazine
http://www.petahtikvah.com/html/WhatIsMJ.html
* TORAH root word is YARAH which means Throw, Shoot, Instruct, Teach. This is a picture of guidance towards perfect living. TORAH means Instruction, Direction, ¡®Law¡¯.
If you would like help in understanding the Jewish roots of your faith, why not contact:
Lionel Zucker
Email:lionelzucker@hotmail.com
City Temple Conference Centre; Holborn Viaduct; London EC1; Shabbat meeting : 1.45pm
Visit the Beit Nitzachon website http://beitnitzachon.com/
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