On the Messianic Jews

Loathing the replacement theology (Supersessionism), the Messianic Jews (Jews for Jesus, Chosen People's Ministry, etc.) differs from the Messianic Nazarene Yisrael. This article details their differences.

I paste here in case of broken link:

PART 12 IN
THE SERIES ON THE RESTORATION OF ALL ISRAEL

A GENERAL
OVERVIEW OF THE MESSIANIC JEWISH AND


Messianic Nazarene Yisrael

MOVEMENTS

By Rabbi/Brother Moshe Yoseph
Koniuchowsky

The
Church

Messianic Judaism
views the church as a separate and predominantly "gentile" entity,
apart from the people of Israel (i.e. the Jews). Both make up the body, yet
remain distinct and separate never actually fully coming together this side of
heaven. The best that can be hoped for is toleration and understanding, not full
unity such as joint services.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
does not recognize the church as a separate entity apart from the covenant
people of Israel. According to Messianic Nazarene Yisrael, there is no such thing as
"the church", rather the ekklesia of New Covenant Israel consists of
saved Jews, saved Israelites (remnant of the 10 tribes), along with
non-Israelites, all making up Yahshua’s ekklesia. The ekklesia is one both
now and forever.

Gentile
Believers

Messianic Judaism
views saved gentiles as non Israelites, who have no Israelite blood whatsoever,
having no legitimate claim to be physically descended from the patriarchs
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They believe that any born again "gentile",
who claims physical descent from the patriarchs, either has a drop of Jewish
blood from an ancient grandparent, or are just Jewish wannabe’s, engaged in
delusion. Views the concept that any saved non-Jewish believer, could be a lost
non-Jewish Israelite, as utter nonsense.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that most of the non-Jewish followers of Yahshua are Ephraimites, those
who were scattered amongst the gentile nations starting in 721 BCE. They were
the Lo Ami of Hosea one, who were not a people, but have now been restored as
individuals as promised by the prophets, through Israel’s Messiah. These
latter day "gentiles", are washed and then awakened to their Israelite
heritage by Messiah Yahshua, in fulfillment of many promises. Their recognition
of their identity as the seed of Ephraim and their union with Jewish Israel, is
a necessity for all Israel to be saved and for the Kingdom to be restored to
Israel.

Salvation

Messianic Judaism
views the re-gathering, identification and claim of non-Jewish believers as the
other House of Israel as heresy. Believe the concept of the two houses of a
single entity known as Israel, to be DNA salvation, or salvation by one’s
bloodline, instead of grace through faith. Falsely accuses two house proponents
of teaching that salvation is only for Israelites and not for non-Israelites.
View Yahshua’s blood as the means by which Yahshua saves any individual who
calls on Him, yet excludes the reality of scattered Israelites (10 tribe
Ephraimites), being saved. Salvation is to Jew and Gentile.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
views the gift of salvation as a free gift for whosoever will. Having said that
Messianic Nazarene Yisrael does in fact teach that Ephraim’s seed has fulfilled the
promise of physical multiplicity given to the patriarchs and views the
re-gathering of the latter day "gentiles", as consisting mostly of
lost Israelites. View Yahshua’s blood as the power of salvation for every
human being, including the 12 tribes scattered worldwide. Salvation is to Jew,
the lost Israelite individual and non-Israelite.

Commonwealth
of Israel

Messianic Judaism
views this commonwealth as the Messianic Jews plus "the church", as
being the Commonwealth. Within the Commonwealth of Israel, Messianic Judaism
separates Jews and non-Jews into separate entities, despite claims to the
contrary. They hold two different sets of standards for believers in the
"church" and in the Messianic Jewish movement. Torah is a privilege
and burden that only Messianic Jews can carry and participate in, but
"gentiles" cannot and should not practice Torah, outside of either the
limited Acts 15 Jerusalem Council requirements, or the manmade rabbinical
Noachide laws.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that all in the Commonwealth of Israel purchased by Yahshua’s blood
are Israelites, with full privileges of citizenship. Believes that the believer’s
identity as Israel supercedes any identity as a Jew, a "gentile",
male, female, bond, free etc. All members of the body are Israelites, either
through physical birth (two houses) or engrafting (Gerim), thus producing one
holy covenant nation called New Covenant Israel, or the body of Yahshua. These
Israelites are at the same time both physical and spiritual Israelites, since
all disciples are physical beings that have received the Ruach Hakodesh. All
Israelites not only can carry the obligations of Torah, but are required to do
so, making no differential between a Jewish Israelite believer and a non Jewish
Israelite believer.

Spiritual
vs. Physical Israel

Messianic Judaism
believes that Jewish believers are physical Israel and that non-Jewish
"gentile" believers are spiritual Israel. These two entities are
supposedly both Israel, thus establishing two brides. Messianic Judaism’s main
concern is that this spiritual Israel "i.e. the church", does not
replace or nullify the promises made to physical Israel "i.e. the
Jews." While on one hand strongly dedicated to fighting replacement
theology, they perpetuate its very survival by recognizing non-Jewish believers
as some sort of a spiritual Israel. Thus Messianic Judaism propagates the war
between these two claimants of the title of Israel, where one or the other can
claim superiority or a more chosen status over and at the expense of the other.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that there are not two brides of Messiah Yahshua, but in fact just one.
This bride is called Israel and is made up of those rescued from the nations
among all 12 tribes. Thus the House of Judah and the House of Israel along with
non-Israelites, are all Israel. Since all these believers regardless of
background are physical and since in order to be accepted and pleasing to the
Father all must be spiritually aware or regenerated by the Spirit, this single
nation is both and at the same time both physical and spiritual Israel. Since
this is the case, there is no need for a separate entity claiming to be
spiritual Israel i.e. "the church", thus eliminating the competition
and the 2000-year-old battle royal, over which entity really is the true Israel.

Racial
Distinctions

Messianic Judaism
while claiming that there are no racial distinctions in the body of Yahshua,
practice their faith quite differently. Jews and "gentiles" are not
only different people groups, but are identified as such. Terms like Jewish
believer or "gentile" believer are common terminology, thus
emphasizing the national and ethnic difference between brethren. Messianic
Judaism refuses to see returning Ephraimites as long lost brethren, who had been
mixed into the nations. This results in the establishment of Jewish synagogues
and "gentile churches."

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that when the members of the body realize that they have all been made
citizens of the Commonwealth of the Israel of Yahuwah, that the racial origin of
the individual loses its importance. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael sees all believers as
redeemed Israelites, who have been rescued from the nations and does not focus
in on the lesser titles of Jew, gentile, male and female, bond, or free. As
Abraham’s seed, this nation is a royal priesthood and a peculiar nation as
Israel. Thus the focus becomes restoring the Kingdom to all Israel, rather than
breaching the gap between two separate entities known fallaciously as physical
and spiritual Israel. This concept of physical and spiritual Israel, is a work
of the flesh, a figment of the religious imagination, found nowhere in
scripture. All brethren are fellow Israelites, regardless of their family
descent!

Torah
Observance

Messianic Judaism
views this as totally optional for non-Jewish believers. Leaves Torah observance
to the individual conscience. Does not recognize the fact that the latter day
"gentiles", who are called the "melo hagoyim" or the
fullness of the nations, came from Ephraim’s physical seed. This rejection of
the "melo hagoyim" as legitimate Israelites has kept up a wall around
Torah that traditional Jews have erected many years ago. A wall around Torah has
been erected to keep non-Jews away and observant Jews inside protected from
straying away. Views Torah keeping amongst "gentile" believers, as
confusion and legalism.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
views most of the saved non-Jews as the promised seed of Ephraim, that in the
latter days would make up the fullness or the majority of non Jews in the world.
Therefore when Yahshua rescues a non-Jewish believer from the nations, he or she
not only has the privilege of Torah observance, but a divine mandate as well.
Since Messianic Nazarene Yisrael views all believers as New Covenant Israel (not replacing
first covenant Israel, but merely a renewed invigorated people of Israel), all
Israelites are encouraged to join Jewish brethren in keeping Torah, thus
removing the wall erected around it by traditional Judaism. Since Ephraimites
trace their ancestry to Jacob/Israel, through Joseph Jacob’s son, they rightly
believe that their forefathers were at the foot of Mt. Sinai receiving Torah,
just as much as the forefathers of Jewish Israel. Therefore all Israel’s
children enjoy the blessings of Torah obedience, making no distinction between
Torah observance for Jews and non-Jews.

The
Olive Tree


Messianic Judaism
believes that the olive tree of Romans 11 is the Jew and the
"gentile", or the natural and wild branches. Uses the Christian church’s
definition to define the olive tree.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that the olive tree is the two houses of Israel, while the natural
OLIVE branches are Jewish and the wild OLIVE branches are non-Jewish Israelites
or Ephraimites. Uses Jeremiah the prophet’s definition to define the olive
tree of Israel.

The
Restoration of the Kingdom to Israel

Messianic Judaism
believes that this event is past and that it took place either in the time of
King Josiah, or at the time of the return of Jewish Israel from Babylon.
Believes that the two sticks of Ezekial came together as prophesied at that
time, therefore negating the need for a future restoration of both houses of
Israel. Believes that the reunion has already taken place and that those who
claim otherwise simply have missed the reunion.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that the restorations has definitely not been fulfilled due to several
key issues. First the disciples asked Yahshua when the event would take place,
586 years after the reunion supposedly took place! Had the restoration been a
past event, the disciples would not have asked Messiah Yahshua the question in a
still future setting. Thus it is clear that the New Covenant disciples of
Yahshua, still looked forward to the reunification of both houses. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that according to Ezekial 37, the reunion will be highlighted by
a full return to the land of Israel, not a partial one referenced by Messianic
Judaism! Messianic Nazarene Yisrael believes that when this full return takes place, that
there will be sinless perfection with no idolatry found in either stick or
either house. Obviously, not only is the full nation not back in the land, both
houses have massive perversions in their belief systems, such as Ephraim’s
celebration of pagan holy days and Sunday Sabbath and Judah’s love of
Babylonian wisdom, writings and practices. According to the same Ezekial 37
passages, one King will rule over both houses. Unsaved Jewish Israel is still in
the majority and still is stiff-necked and still refuses to let Yahshua, Yahuwah’s
blessed Son rule over their affairs. Therefore Messianic Nazarene Yisrael believes that
the fullness of this scripturally promised reunion, has never fully come to
pass.

Replacement
Theology

Messianic Judaism
loathes it and does everything in its power, to rid this doctrine of demons from
theological circles. Yet tragically and ironically, it propagates it by their
misunderstanding of the church as a distinct and separate spiritual Israelite
entity.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that the body of New Covenant Israel is both physical and spiritual,
thus eliminating the theological straw man built by religion called the church.
Once one of the two competing brides is recognized as a demonic manmade straw
man, then we are left with one bride known as the Commonwealth of Israel, where
there are no distinctions in race or nationality. Thus while loathing
replacement theology as well, Messianic Nazarene Yisrael has been given the correct
theological understanding and insight, to eliminate the theological straw man.

Shabbat
and Moadim

Messianic Judaism is
committed to 7th day Shabbat keeping, Rosh Chodesh (New Moons), as
well as all the Feasts of Yahuwah.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael is
also committed to celebrate the 7th day Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh (New
Moons), as well as the Feasts of Yahuwah. All those who do so are viewed as
Israelites, not as saved "gentiles."

The
Ten Tribes


Messianic Judaism
believes that the ten tribes ceased to be an identifiable nation and as
individuals were swallowed up by identifiable Jewish Israel. Messianic Judaism
believes therefore, that the Jewish people today are the reunited, reconstituted
visible nation of Israel, made up of a re-gathering of all 12 tribes. These 12
tribes today are known strictly and only as Jews, thus eliminating the need for
a future and further re-gathering of the House of Israel.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
believes that the nation of Israel remains blind and that blindness is found in
two separate houses, as Yahshua Himself found when both houses stumbled over His
Messiahship. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael believes that scripture is clear that Ephraim’s
(10 tribes) punishment, was for them to be swallowed up and become one flesh
with the pagan nations of the world, outside the land of Israel. Thus in order
to find them, Yahshua has been saving the gentile nations, looking for these
individual lost sheep, who make up the nation of the House of Israel. To locate
them you would have to preach the gospel to the whole wide world of non-Jewish
nations. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael does not believe that the scriptures ever promised that
the 10 tribes would be swallowed by Jewish/Israel, but rather would be scattered
and hidden in the gentile pagan nations, only to be rescued by Messiah, in the
last days of this age.

Tabernacle
of David

Messianic Judaism
believes that the Tabernacle of David is only the Jewish people. Therefore in
order to bring biblical reconciliation in these last days, efforts must be made
to reconcile the Jews and "the church", or to put it another way, to
bring "the church" back to her Jewish roots. Messianic Judaism is
actively engaged in restoring the broken relationship between these two separate
Israel’s, or the two separate brides of Yahuwah.

Messianic Nazarene
Yisrael believes that the Tabernacle Of David by historical and biblical
definition must resemble and be an exact replica of the people of Israel, over
which David ruled and over which David established his tabernacle. By definition
then, Messianic Nazarene Yisrael is actively engaged in restoring the broken
relationship between Israel’s two houses or two chosen families, that will lead
to the Kingdom being restored to Israel. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael believes
that restoration amongst brethren is biblical and believes that restoring New
Covenant Israel to "the church" is both unscriptural and fictional, especially
in light of the so-called "church’s" commitment to antinomianism.

Ordination
of Leaders

Messianic Judaism (MJAA-IAMCS),
will only ordain a rabbi who is thought to be Jewish, as a Messianic Rabbi. The
UMJC-AMB, will however recognize and ordain a non Jew as a Messianic rabbi.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
ordains and recognizes that a messianic rabbi can be produced from either House
of Israel. Therefore a non-Jewish man, can also be called to be a rabbi in a
messianic congregation, since he is most likely still a physical Israelite, from
the non-Jewish side of the Israelite family, or becomes an Israelite as a Ger.

Membership

Messianic Judaism (MJAA),
will only grant full membership with voting privileges to Messianic Jews. Non
Jewish or "gentile" believers are invited to become associate members.
Associate members are however allowed to tithe and to donate funds, just like
any full Jewish member. The MJAA denies this policy as racist, rather viewing it
as a protection of the Jewishness of the movement. The UMJC does allow all
believers into full membership.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
views it membership as open and full to anyone who is blood washed. Messianic
Nazarene Yisrael believes that associate memberships are discriminatory and heretical.
Messianic Nazarene Yisrael’s position is that if one is good enough for Yahshua’s
assembly, they ought to be good enough to be full members in any organization
claiming to represent Him.

Sacred
Name

Messianic Judaism
views the pronunciation of YHVH as Yahuwah or Yahveh, as inconclusive and beyond
finding out. Also believes that the common usage, or the mere pronunciation of
the Name, is a blatant violation of the commandment not to use it in vain. They
tend to interpret the phrase "in vain", as meaning common everyday
usage. Messianic Judaism is offended by those who do use it within it’s
circles and do everything possible to discourage the Sacred Name from being
used, preferring instead to use Hashem, which means "the Name".

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael’s
congregations and ministries, tend to be more open to its use. Though
pronunciations may vary from person to person, there is a general consensus that
since Yahuwah is restoring all things in and about Israel, that it must also be
His desire to restore His eternal redemptive, memorial covenant Name. Messianic
Nazarene Yisrael believes in most part, that any attempt to restore all things spoken of
by Israel’s prophets to Israel’s people, without restoring the Father’s
eternal memorial everlasting Name, would leave the movement short of its goals
and vision. Usage of the sacred Name is prevalent throughout Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
and those who do not use it, are not offended by those who do.

Charismatic
Sign Gifts

Messianic Judaism
has a mixture of those who do and those who do not believe in the sign gifts and
in their perpetuity. Attitudes and doctrines vary.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael has
a mixture of those who do and those who do not believe in the sign gifts and in
their perpetuity. Attitudes and doctrines vary.

Conversions

Messianic
Judaism believes that those who are not Jews in order to join Israel must
convert. This process takes on various means and modes. This practice at its
core is due to Messianic Judaism’s rejection of the historical reality of
non-Jewish Israelites being redeemed by Yahshua’s blood. They fallaciously
believe that the Jewish people today are all of the Israelites that exist today,
therefore one must become a Jew through conversion, to become an Israelite if
one was not born Jewish. There has been much debate and controversy as to what
conversion standards should be accepted, ranging from Messianic Beit Din, to the
opinion that traditional Orthodox Jewish standards are in order. This
understanding results from the misunderstanding regarding the survival and
preservation of the other House of Israel as and among the latter day
"gentiles."

Messianic
Nazarene Yisrael views all conversions with skepticism and disdain. To Messianic
Nazarene Yisraelites, all believers became physical-Spirit filled Israelites, regardless
of racial origin. Thus no conversion is necessary, since an Israelite need not
be adopted into the nation of Israel, that according to scripture, he or she
already belongs to either by birth or by grafting. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael believes
that Yahshua allowed us all to become Israel, so as to avoid the very manmade
decisions and rulings handed down by man made and man generated committees, as
to who is and who is not a Jew. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael views the entire conversion
process of Ephraimites and non-Israelites to Messianic Judaism as a sad
scenario, played out by those who do not realize that Israel has two chosen
families. As such no conversion is necessary, since a conversion merely
transfers a believer from one side of the family, to another, not from one faith
to another. Furthermore Messianic Nazarene Yisrael views conversions as a heretical
practice, designed to cheapen Yahuwah’s grace who accepts an individual as they
are, where they are and places them into Israel’s Commonwealth Himself.
Messianic Nazarene Yisrael therefore views conversions as dangerous and as a direct attack
against divine sovereignty.

Circumcision
or Brit Milah


Messianic Judaism
abides by differing versions of Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council. By and large
non-Jews are taught that they need not be circumcised unless they convert to
Messianic Judaism through a man appointed Bet Din. "Gentiles" are
taught that they are in most cases already circumcised by the hospital and even
if they are not they need not be.

Messianic Judaism
permits those who are not circumcised in the flesh to participate in the
Passover Seder.  Torah teaches in Exodus 12:48 that the uncircumcised are
not permitted to participate in Passover.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
views all members of the Olive Tree as Born Again Israelites. Therefore, 
all believing parents should circumcise their sons on the 8th day following
birth, in accord with the covenant of Abraham as given in Genesis 17. Since
Torah commands the 8th day circumcision, it is up to the believing parents to
oversee a Biblical Brit Milah for an infant son.  The parents are
accountable to Yahuwah to properly perform this upon their son on the 8th day.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
does not accept hospital circumcision at birth as being a legitimate fulfillment
of the requirement for parents to perform the Brit Milah on Messianic Nazarene Yisraelite
sons.  All Messianic Nazarene Yisraelite families that produce a newborn son, should
have the Brit Milah performed on the 8th day in accord with the command of Torah
in Genesis 17.  However, we do recognize that circumcision among the non
Jewish nations, has become commonplace in the 20th century.  We feel this
has been the Guidance of Ruach Hakodesh in preparing the remnant from the
fullness of the nations (Ephraim), to recognize their position in Torah as
descendants of Israel.  This being the case, we give gospel grace to those
males who were already circumcised in the hospital and do not require a
recircumcision or a Hatafas Dahm (drawing of blood from the spot of past
hospital circumcision on adults) ceremony upon them.

As
for uncircumcised men who have come into a realization of their Israelite
heritage through the revelation of the Ruach Hakodesh, it would be Scriptural
for an adult male to have himself circumcised on the 8th day, following the
revelation of his heritage. This would apply to any believer who, though saved,
had not been cognizant of Israelite blood or their place in Israel's Two Houses.
We have the example of Timothy who was a descendant of the Tribe of Judah on his
mother's side who had himself circumcised later in life.  An entire
generation of Israel -- those born in the wilderness -- remained uncircumcised
until later in life.  But when it was time to enter into the Promised Land,
they all became circumcised (Joshua 5:2-8). The Messianic Nazarene Yisrael Movement is now
moving into our spiritual Promised Land, so it is now time for all our adult men
to be in proper circumcision, so as to partake of the Passover (Master's) Supper.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael does
not believe that the act of circumcision has any effect upon the process of
salvation.  Circumcision is a requirement for those descended from Abraham,
but lack of circumcision does not keep one from being saved.  Messianic
Nazarene Yisrael views the warnings and forbidding of Rav Shaul (Paul) against
circumcision, not as the forbidding of the token of the Abrahamic Covenant, but
rather as a forbidding for Ephraimites and non-Israelites to become part of
"the circumcision", or to convert or become Jews. Thus the many verses
forbidding circumcision (Galatians), are a warning not to equate conversion to
Judaism (becoming Jewish or joining the circumcision), as having any bearing on
Salvation. All male offspring of believing parents must be circumcised as
Abraham's seed, and all male adults should seriously consider Brit Milah for the
8th day after their recognition of their true Israelite heritage.  

 Bar
& Bat Mitzvah


Messianic Judaism
views these practices as mitzvoth and holds them equal to the scriptural
commands. Views these observances as binding on all Jews and converts.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
views these practices as traditional additions to Judaism and as strictly
optional and not binding on Israelites in any way.

Halachah
(The Way to Walk)

Messianic Judaism
respects traditional rabbinical halachah and often times chooses to submit to
it. Obedience to traditional rabbinical halacha varies from congregation to
congregation. As a whole Messianic Judaism seeks to become the recognized and
established fourth major branch of Judaism after Orthodox, Conservative and
Reform. This can only be done by Messianic Jewish leadership’s acceptance, of
a large portion of traditional rabbinical halachic teachings and rulings.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
views traditional rabbinical halachah as dangerous in many instances and views
Yahshua alone as "The Way", therefore He alone is halachah. Messianic
Nazarene Yisrael views traditional rabbinical rulings with interest, to be used for wisdom
and insight but not for practical doctrine and living.

Kashrut-Kosher
Keeping

Messianic Judaism in
general follows all of biblical kashrut such as the avoidance of pig and
shellfish. Some segments follow the rabbinical halacha of the separation of milk
and dairy. This segment uses different pots and pans for meat and dairy
products, never mixing the two. This is a minority segment.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael in
general follows all of biblical kashrut such as the avoidance of pigs and
shellfish. Most segments do not follow the halachic laws of separation between
milk and dairy products and different pots and pans, though a few do.

Reverse
Replacement Theology

Messianic Judaism
believes that the "gentile" believer, is a type of the House of Israel
(10) tribes and not the redeemed physical remnant of the ten tribes itself.
Proliferates the fallacious and dangerous understanding of the so-called
"church", as the "Ephraim of the Spirit", or "spiritual
Ephraim", thus engaging in reverse replacement theology. Reverse
replacement theology, is substituting a man made spiritual entity called
"the church", for the re-gathered, rescued, redeemed remnant of the
physical House Of Israel (Ephraim). Thus while rightly loathing "the church’s"
replacement theological practices of trying to use the "church" to
replace the Jews as the "New Israel", most of Messianic Judaism seems
to have no problems with using the same "church", to replace the
physical House of Joseph. The House of Joseph is just as biologically Semitic,
as are the Jewish people and thus sadly and tragically Messianic Judaism in
great ignorance, often practices anti-Semitism through reverse replacement
theology.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
does not engage in any kind of replacement theology, including steering clear of
reverse replacement theology.  By proclaiming that two physical Houses of
Israel are being restored through the Messiah Yahshua, neither house is ignored,
or replaced by one another, nor by an outside manmade third party entity called
"the church". The "church", is not used to replace either
house in Yahuwah’s eternal plans and thus all three parties that make up New
Covenant Israel thrive, survive and dwell together as brethren in greater
Israel. Judah, Ephraim and Gerim (strangers), all live in unity as Spirit filled
physical beings, united by Yahshua’s cords of love, in a single entity known
as His body, the ekklesia, or the Commonwealth of Israel. All forms of
replacement theology are utterly rejected as anti-Semitic, including reverse
replacement theology, as is often practiced in other forms of Messianism.

Yahshua’s
Deity

Messianic Judaism
(the modern movement), was established upon a strong foundation, by men who held
fast to the absolute deity of Messiah Yahshua. The leadership was and remains
one hundred percent committed to teaching His deity. Yet recent years have found
widespread apostasy in it ranks, as literally scores of Messianic Jewish
adherents, as well as numerous rabbis, have become apostate by denying this
cardinal truth upon which all major Messianic Jewish organizations were
originally established. As one major leader recently put it "it (this
heresy) is destroying the movement."

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
requires that any congregation or Messianic Nazarene Yisraelite leader, must make a full
and compete confession of Yahshua’s deity, prior to acceptance and recognition
in Messianic Nazarene Yisrael. Several leaders and ministries have been refused
membership, due to their unscriptural position regarding Yahshua’s deity.
Yahshua’s deity is a main bedrock of the gospel, which Messianic Nazarene Yisrael cannot
compromise. Messianic Nazarene Yisrael seeks to weed out those holding this view, before
infiltration of this hideous doctrine into its ranks.

Women
In Ministry

Messianic Judaism
does not actively promote or encourage women to the five-fold ministry.

Messianic Nazarene Yisrael
does encourage and actively allow women to function as five fold ministers.

 

 

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Dr. Stephen Tong on the Roman Catholic

While the Roman Catholic is viewed as a full cult by some,  such as John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, etc., which is illustrated in the event of the Manhattan Declaration, I take the stand similar to Rev. Tong's. Though, I am unsure of Tim Keller's position (I know what he himself would stand on) because I feel he constantly avoid subjects that have become controversial and that despite his stand, it seems that he does not voice until he has found the most non-offensive way to deliver it.

问:天主教是异端,在华人教会中推动天主教的东西,是否有不妥之处?请问福音派教会应该怎样看待此事?     
     
    唐崇荣牧师答:你的问题,先从第一个重点来提:天主教是异端吗?天主教里面有没有异端的教训呢?天主教有没有错异的神学思想?有! 天主教对基督的独一性、基督的救法、基督的救主的位份是独一的这几方面,因为有某些胡涂的教导,产生了侵害的作用。天下人间除了耶稣基督以外,没有赐下别的名,使我们能够靠着得救的。这样,耶稣是神与人中间独一的中保,我们到上帝面前来,是透过独一的圣名。为什么天主教还加上我们到耶稣面前来,得透过向马利亚祷告呢?透过马利亚向耶稣祷告,这是全本圣经从来没有的教训。如果你说,有啊!约翰福音第二章,婚礼上酒不够的时候,是马利亚来求耶稣,说没有酒了。借着这段经文来支持“透过马利亚向耶稣祷告”的教义,是荒唐的!那是耶稣在地上的时候,人对耶稣讲话,马利亚用人的声音对耶稣讲,不等于是圣徒透过马利亚,再产生对主祷告的功劳。这是完全不一样的!       
     
    到底天主教于基督教最大的分别在那里?有两大方面。天主教与基督教第一个最大的原则性的分别,就是权威的问题。到底我们的信仰是根据什么?基督教说,根据圣经。天主教说,根据圣经加上大公教会遗传下来所有的教义和那些决定。教会根据圣经和教义的遗传来持守信仰,在这一点上并没有太大必须争执之处。但是把两样东西等量齐观,相同看待的话,就不对了。我们不能否定在传统中,有它特定的地位和应当看重并持守的东西;但是不能把传统的教义和圣经等量齐观来看待。这是不可以的!为什么?因为圣经是唯一绝对的标准。至于传统,并不是不重要,但是没有重要到和圣经等量齐观的地步。     
     
    有一些福音派的人完全不注重传统,这也是很危险的。试问传统中间有没有神圣灵引导的踪迹呢?传统中间有没有圣徒被圣灵引导得到亮光光照我们呢?有!我们今天看见许多所谓只遵照圣经的新教教徒,而完全忽略传统圣灵引导的人,他们可能产生出一些很可怕的错误和异端。所以,对传统的尊重是今天福音派需要好好再思考,再重新建立的很重要的心态。换个角度看,传统中间不符合神心意的,同样可能被人拿来代替上帝的诫命,就像耶稣所说的,他们(法利赛人)把人的遗传当作上帝的诫命来教导人,那就错误了!所以问题不是传统不传统,问题是哪个传统是神的引导,合乎圣经或者不是。如果是神的引导,是合乎圣经的,不但不可丢,我们要继续追求、继续领受、继续传下去。因为这个正确的传统精神,在圣灵引导之下,在真正合乎圣经原则之下,有圣经的根据,我们不能随便丢弃。     
     
    保罗说,我今日所传给你们的,就是我当日所领受的。保罗从主所领受再传给当时代的教会,这表示保罗不是一个自己产生真理系统的原本的人,也不是产生真理教义的原本的人。保罗不过是把从神领受的传给我们。保罗对提摩太说,我教导你的,你要交托那些能教导人的人,让那些可以善于教导的人,再教给那些能教导别人的人。这样几代传下去,我传给你们,你再传给那能教导的人,让那能教导人的,再交托那些能够教导别人的人。这样一代一代传下去,所以传统很要紧。什么传统要紧呢?第一、神所引导的;第二、合乎圣经的。凡是圣灵引导而合乎圣经的传统,一定要持守,而且要再传下去。相反的,如果不是上帝引导的,又是违背圣经的,不论它有多大的历史价值,我们都应当丢掉,因为那会使教会进到危机的阶段里。你把这个总原则抓住了,你的神学路线就不会随便。     
     
    现在我把归正学院的教务主任陈佐人牧师,(他是芝加哥大学神学系的博士,他自己是福音派的信徒。)他讲两句话,我把它翻过来给你听,你就知道这个人的信仰多么好。他说:“合乎圣经的好传统,是死人的活信仰;不合乎圣经的坏传统,是活人的死信仰。”这样精简的话。The good tradition under the guidance of God is the living faith Of the dead.第二句话,Those bad and unbiblical tradition is the dead faith of the living.你明白吗?今天活人把一些不合乎圣经的传统带给我们的时候,是活人的死信仰,正像李常受把中国教会搞到乱七八糟。他是活的人,他的传统是死的信仰。奥古斯丁死了那么久,他有一些很重要的道理到今天,还可以使教会深入思想神的话语,那是死人的活信仰。你明白我的意思。     
     
    如果有一个人说,我不相信耶稣是神的儿子,或者我相信耶稣是被早造的。那么,他无论讲道多么有能力,他传的就是活人的死信仰。但是,圣经说有一些人死了,因信仍旧说话。所以那些已经死了的人,如果传下艮好、很伟大的传统,你要认为那是死人的活信仰,你要保守它,还要传下去。     
     
    我现在要提到在印尼发生的一件事。曾经有一个神学院,神经病到一个地步,把所有图书馆的书拿出来当众烧掉。那个时候他们的书不太多,大概只有两、三千本,拿到一个空旷之地,老师、学生围在那里,就把这些书都烧掉。神学书在神学院被烧掉,你说这个神学院是神学院,还是神经病院?当时他们受某一派神学理论的影响,把他们整个师生带到一个地步,以为直接受神的带领和启示,好过好好研究前人留下的书籍。烧掉以后他们就不看人的书,大家祷告、等候、受主的感动,顺服主研究圣经。结果他们宣称真的得到很多亮光,就把那些心得写下来。结果他们把别人的书烧掉,却把自己以为得到的新的亮光写下来,印书叫人看。你听不懂吗?他们不看人写的书,却写书叫别人看。     
     
    受这间神学院影响的人,成立了另外一间神学院。其实根本不是神学院,照我看,那只是随便解经,冒名称为圣经学院罢了。他们派了人来,“唐牧师,我们现在学生这么多,上帝大大的工作,你要来给我们讲道。”我如果去讲道,就等于支持他们的神学院了。我问,“你这个神学院是什么神学院?”“我们有这么多学生.都是凭信心,都是恳切祷告。”“有多少老师?”“这么多老师。”我问,“你们的老师从哪里训练的,”“我们的老师直接从神训练的。”“哦!这样我不去你的学校。”“为什么你不来呢?我们学校受上帝特别的恩典,直接是神训练的;我们的老师都是直接从神训练的。”我说,“你的学生受你们这些老师的训练,你们的老师则是神特别直接训练的。那你们这些作老师的就是骗人的人!“我们老师怎么是骗人的人?”“因为你们的作法等于是对你们的学生说,我的上帝训练我,而不训练你。”你听懂了吗?我是直接神训练的,你是间接被训练的。上帝直接训练我,然后,我才来训练你。我的上帝有两种收生的办法,一种是收徒弟,另一种是徒孙。“你们这些老师逻辑思想和神经不正常,你还要我到那里去讲道?如果你们的老师相信上帝可以直接来教导人的话,根本不必开神学院。应该告诉学生:不必来上课。回家,你们像我们一样直接祷告上帝!上帝会直接训练你们。”     
     
    我们办神学院是为什么?要把好的传统传下去。我们相信叶恩汉牧师有很好的属灵的经验,我们还要记念他。从他身上所学的,我们告诉我们的学生,让他们继续下去。这个表示,我们自己承认传统是必要的。所以好的传统,合乎圣经的传统,圣灵引导之下的传统,不可丢。相反的,不合圣经的传统,坏的传统,不是圣灵引导的传统,不可取。你把这个原则抓住,你不会因为传统的问题随便乱来。     
     
    天主教里有没有伟大的传统?天主教本身不是天主教,从第一世纪到第十六世纪,那就是基督教。因为到了第十六世纪已经走了许多的错路,我们把它拉回来,结果我们就变成回到圣经基础,回到神要我们走的路线的那个纯正的福音的基督教。而天主教披了许多、许多的外衣,许多、许多的烂布,做他们的外套。这些东西不是从神而来的,所以我们不要!     
     
    第一世纪到第十五世纪中间,上帝的灵有没有引导伟大的教父、伟大的圣徒,奠定基督教的信仰?有!这些是绝对不能丢掉的。所以使徒信经、尼西亚信经、阿他拿修信经、迦克墩信经,这些都是基督教历史中间最伟大、最伟大的信仰表白。奥古斯丁里面伟大的思想,在他的《忏悔录》、《上帝之城》,在他许多的教训中,都给我们看见很多对圣经真理最深入、最深入的了解。     
     
      今天许多神学生,动不动就讲奥古斯丁的错误、加尔文的错误、马丁路德的错误;好象比奥古斯丁、加尔文、马丁路德更厉害,可以作那些人的老师一样。其实你一生学他们的东西,学到死,也不一定学懂多少。有一些人在Fuller神学院读了差传学,口里就根本不尊重别的神学家。他们以为传福音是他们的责任,然后神学就不重要,就把传统随便乱丢。他们的口中有许多轻蔑伟人在历史中留下伟大产业的那个口气,我非常反感。     
     
      我们今天不要以为我今天注重了这一点,另一点就不重要了。福音派的人肤浅到一个地步,传统是什么都不知道!叫一个念神学毕业的人,写出五十个历代最大的神学家的名字,竟然写不出来。那念什么神学?如果你念政治学,你可以念出历代最大的政治家;你念法律学,历代最大的法学家,你都可以念出来。为什么很多福音派的神学生念完神学,叫他把基督教历史中最伟大的几十个神学家的思想讲清楚,却做不到?表示你反对传统,不注重传统,轻看圣灵对历代圣徒的引导。好象圣灵睡觉两千年,忽然醒过来,找到了你,才把全部的传统交给你?真是神经不正常!我们要回头看神的灵怎样引导。     
     
      奥古斯丁有没有毛病?有!加尔文有没有毛病?有!马丁路德有没有毛病?也有!因为他们都是人.我刚才讲的,理性是被造的、是有限、是堕落的。所以没有办法,也不可能一个人完完全全没有毛病。因为他们有毛病,你能讲出他们的毛病,就以为这显示出你是没有毛病的吗?这是夜郎自大。可能你的毛病不是“毛病”,而是“大病”他们的不过是“毛”的病。求主怜悯我们,天主教当然有许多的东西,我们不能接受。但是我不能就用一句话,说整个天主教是异端,因为我们对三位一体的了解、基督论的争辩,都是在整个历史中承继下来最重要的教义。当时的改教家看见天主教教会有毛病,就把它们丢弃,并加以指责,而后回到圣经,这就造成分裂,这个分裂就变成现在所谓的新教和天主教。新教里面重要的教义,还是在十六个世纪中在神的引导之下所承继下来的。所以我们不要忘本;但是天主教里那些错误的东西,我们不要接受,我们不要混杂。     
     
    让我讲一个很简单的比喻。福音是一粒很宝贝的珍珠。这个珍珠外面很可惜,包了许多的破布,那就是天主教的外表。所以天主教徒若一生一世摸索,寻找到最后,找到了珍珠,那些人就得救了。但那些不找,一直摸破布的人摸到死,那些人就是天主教教徒。正像你们当中有很多礼拜堂堂徒、宗派派徒、某某会会徒,糊里胡涂!所以,你说,天主教里面有没有得救的人?有!马丁路德是天主教徒里得救的人。为什么?因为他在天主教里找到了福音。结果,他被天主教赶出去,但他是在天主教里找到福音的。为什么呢?因为天主教里还有一本圣经嘛,所以,他在圣经里面找到了福音。     
     
    如果,天主教徒有一天发现他们敬拜马利亚是不对的,他们敬拜其它的中保是不对的,他们认为遗传高过圣经是不对的,他们回转过来,还是会得救的。相反的,今天在我们浸信会、卫理公会、长老会、圣公会里面,如果没有找到耶稣基督的福音,只以为我信了耶稣以后,墓地比较漂亮;我信了耶稣以后,每年圣诞节比较热闹。那你也不一定得救!     
     
    约翰卫斯理说过,以后到了天堂,有三件事你会感到很特别。第一、你以为会在里面的,找不到;你以为一定不来的,在里面;最糟糕的是,你在里面发现没有卫理公会的会友。这一句话不是我讲的,是卫理斯理自己讲的!天堂没有卫理公会的会友,因为到天堂去,不是凭着卫理公会的会友之名而进去,而是耶稣宝血洗净的基督徒才得以进去的。如果你以为自己是长老会的,又长又老,为什么不能进来吗?天上的天使会告诉你,不是靠卫理公会,不是靠圣公会,而是靠耶稣宝血洗净的,才能够进来。所以,我们要找到珍珠的本体,不是在破布那边摸来摸去,自我满足,否则的话,就很危险。         
     
    第二样,天主教和基督教第二个不同的地方,是中保的问题。基督教相信只有一位上帝,在上帝与人的中间,只有一位中保,就是降世为人的耶稣基督,The only mediator between God and man is the incarnate Christ.这是我们的信仰。而天主教相信,在神与人中间有耶稣作中保;耶稣与人中间又有马利亚作中保;还有很多圣徒可以作我们的代求者,成为向耶稣祈求的中间人。所以他们相信所谓的圣徒功德库(the treasury of the saint)。这种圣徒功德库的说法,就是以为那些伟大的圣徒,他们的生活圣洁到一个地步,他们的信仰高超到一个地步,不但为他们自己能够将功补过,甚至还留下一部份;上帝说多余的就把它放在十二个篮里,好象五饼二鱼的神迹,五千人吃饱后,还剩下十二篮。那个篮以后就变成了“圣徒功德库”。其它的天主教徒做的得不够的时候,就从那里面得着补给。这种说法都不是圣经的教训。     
     
    天主教徒敬拜马利亚到这样一个地步,用最伟大、只有神才配得着的名称来称呼马利亚。Mary,Our Queen,the Queen of Heaven.Our life.The CoRedemptrix with Christ.什么意思呢?马利亚,你是我们的天后,天上的皇后。马利亚,你是我们的生命,马利亚你是与基督一同作救赎主!Co—Redemptrix这些话无形之中在高举马利亚的同时,已经贬低了基督的独一性、绝对性、完全性。从这里来看,我们可以说天主教是含有错误教训在其中的异端。     
     
    但是把整个天主教当作是异端,我今天还不会用这个名称。里面有一些异端的教训?是!整个天主教都是异端吗?不!因为在天主教里面的人还可以找到基督是救主、三位一体、上帝道成肉身的耶稣、圣经是神的话等纯正的道理。如果他们把前面提到的那些错缪丢掉的话,他们仍有可能领受真正的福音,还可以得救。所以,求主帮助我们!给我们窄的时候,不要过窄;宽的时候,不可过宽。     
     
    亲爱的弟兄啊,你们确要在至圣的真道上造就自己,在圣灵里祷告,保守自己常在神的爱中,仰望我们主耶稣基督的怜悯,直到永生。【犹大书20:21】

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Vocab: Vacilate

Verb: Alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.

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White Lies - Psalm 5

With the increasing of doctrine of the white lies justification in churches nowadays (for it is as if there's either this, or cowarding out of society into seclusion), this scripture if resounding more and more in my heart.

From the meaning of the whole chapter, I believe I can even quote verse 6 by replacing one word:

Psa 5:6  Thou shalt destroy them that speak WHITE LIES: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Because only this type of "leasing" speakers flatter with their tongues. (v. 9). And to further justify their stand, they cannot be faithful in their mouth, corrupting their very soul. They may claim whatever "good cause" their goal is for, but their very act is a display of their distrust in the Lord, as if calling God unfaithful. Thus, they would want it to look like their distrust is justified in their own unfaithfulness.

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Children Song: 有一件禮物

1. 有一件禮物,你收到沒有,眼睛看不到,你心會知道。這一件禮物,心門外等候,是為了你準備別人不能收。
2. 親愛的朋友,你是否想到,馬槽的嬰孩,是為你而來。親愛的朋友,你是否了解,最好的禮物是人子主耶穌。

[副歌]:生命有限,時光也會走,如果你不珍惜,機會難留。禮物雖然好,如果你不要,你怎麼能夠得到,怎麼能得到?

 

Bolded text is where I believe a theological problem. Jesus doesn't wait outside the door for us. We are waiting for Him. Knocking the door doesn't indicate waiting. As one said, Jesus could easily break down the door with a flick of his finger. Knocking is a reminder, a wake up call, an urge.

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Children Song: 心中兩個王

 

我們心中兩個王,看看那個得我強,一個要我下地獄,一個要我上天堂,下地獄的是魔鬼,上天堂的天國王,信靠耶穌得進天堂。

The theological problem here borders Arminianism.

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To make a dealer type business, make future plan

I am starting to sell stuff...on craigslist, to see if it's a worthy venture. This is just a research stage, no capital. Seeing how many would respond. Stuff like flash drive, projector, bookstand, laptop, etc.

This has been my slacking. Causing some to worry, such as madam yeh, talking about me settling down in U.S. instead and getting a greencard through marriage. More like their own selfish desire to want either me or Nadia to stay by their side keeping them companied. I do believe I can do this, if done correctly and diligently.

May God pardon my tardiness and grant me one more opportunity to be diligent. For His Glory.

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Christian leader suicide over child molestation case

Walter Thomas "Tom" White, of VOM (Voice of the Martyrs), committed
suicide after the initiation of investigation on his alleged molestation
of a 10 year old girl. This is an Oklahoma (Bartlesville) incident.

I was first led to this case by DesiringGod.org's "You Don't have to Obey" article, which I believe is referring its unnamed incident to this one.

I then followed the story from Christianitytoday and other sources. Which led me to an OKlahoma pastor's blog, Wade Burleson, about how he wrote an open letter to the victim girl to encourage and comfort her and her father came across
the letter online and called the pastor up for appreciation. And what
follow were the comments of the articles here and there, by christians
on opposite sides of the case and on the articles.

Reading all
these, I must say I cannot reach any verdict for Tom White yet. If I
were to pick a guess, I would say Tom White is guilty, not because of
the vague information shared by Wade, but because of the fact that White
committed suicide.

I then remembered Pastor Stephen Chan's
message that those who truly believe in what they "preach" would pay
their lives for it (such as the case with Hitler, which was why he
committed suicide). In view of this, I could say White did take his job
seriously. In fact, over seriously, that he lapse in holding on to God's
grace caused his suicide. After this criticism, I have to say White's
zeal in his ministry is better than many 'sinners' in similar cases who
stayed on their ministries after their crimes.

This means the sanctity of a man of God is no joke.

Then
Wade Burleson was brought to my attention. I like his open letter and
how he shared the consequence of his post, contrary to some
commentators' objections. But from his own responses to comments, I
could finally pin point him as a very emotional person. Hopefully he's
not the Bill Gothard type, who believes white lies could be justified (A
solution Bill presented to many christian counsellors struggling
between confidentiality and the truth).

Curiously, I looked up on
Burleson, intending to find out about his theological stand and
denomination. I do not have much clue yet, even after reading about his dispute and resignation from SBC's IMB (International Mission Board).

I
would say Burleson is close to the charismatic movement type of
Evangelicals. That though I have no problem with his articles, I do see
him an emotional case in his comments as well as his resignation from
IMB. Regardless the differences, at least the IMB has extended a
welcoming hand to him still, while he just couldn't reconcile at all and
left. I would prefer one find the wisdom and love to fight on, should
one think one is right. Instead of being too offended by the request of
IMB for an apology, Burleson could suggest "I would be glad to consider
coming back, if we could talk about why I should or shouldn't
apologize".

The desire for truth proves one's true humility.

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