Messianic Judaism

[~Shalhevet~]

Does anyone know anything about messianic judaism? I read a little bit online and found their denomination quite interesting. Is there anything wrong with their teachings? I hope it's okay to ask these questions.

[Believer1997]

Does anyone know anything about messianic judaism? I read a little bit online and found their denomination quite interesting. Is there anything wrong with their teachings? I hope it's okay to ask these questions.

There are Messianic Jews here, I believe. None better to answer this question. I have a wonderful friend who is a Messianic Jewish lady and she tells me that she has come 'full circle' and believes that Jesus is the Son of God. She goes to a synagogue with like believers and celebrates many Jewish holidays. She's one of the most beautiful Christians I've ever known and I'm proud to have her as my friend.

[~Shalhevet~]

Thanks Believer. From what I've read, they sound like a good church I just wanted to check with others here. I'd really like to attend their church but I'm not sure they have one in my city.

[Botz]

Basically Messianic Judaism is a name given to the groups that have sprung up in the last 50 years or so, that are Jewish Believers in Messiah Yeshua...for all intents and purposes it is another denomination that caters for those Believers with a Jewish background....but in Israel you can find some congregations that are mainly all Jewish, and many of them Sabra's (indigenous Jews), and the whole meeting will be conducted in Hebrew.

In reality some of these groups have many more Gentiles amongst the congregation than Jews, and generally they tend to be under 100 strong. In Israel and parts of the States there are some larger congregations. They accept and practice Jewish traditions and to some extent elements of the Law, but this varies from place to place...and just like some of their Gentile counterparts, they are not immune from a degree of flakiness...particularly noticeable amongst Gentiles who try to appear more Jewish than their Jewish brethren. Then there are those congregations that try and impose their idea of Torah observance on you, and get unnecessarily heavy...in fact there is an air of heaviness about them.

In the past I have attended a Messianic Congregation for a number of years, visited various ones in Israel, and observed first hand some of the good things...such as great worship, good teaching, and really fun and challenging in depth study of Scripture...plus great food from some lovely Jewish ladies...some of the bad things I have already mentioned.

I prefer to refer to myself as a Messianic Gentile...meaning a Gentile who believes in the Jewish Messiah as to me it more accurately describes the roots of belief and extricates itself from Gentile terminology...but I try not to play around with semantics with others, and am happy enough to be called a Christian.

In Messiah. Botz

[RebekahDavid]

Does anyone know anything about messianic judaism? I read a little bit online and found their denomination quite interesting. Is there anything wrong with their teachings? I hope it's okay to ask these questions.

blessings asecretchord,

i would suggest that you really look into what kind of "messianic judaism" congregation believes. this term has become such a "generic term" it really does not accurately describe what you need to know to make sure the teaching you are receiving is Biblically accurate. their are many messianic Jews who do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. some even believe another man was the Messiah. some are still waiting for the Messiah. in addition to that are many "gentile lead congregations" that want to adopt judiasim rituals without really understanding scripture some even have two house theories which are really way off. not sure why you are looking to this particular "type" of congregation but if it is to understand the scriptures better i would suggest that you go to a synagog near you and use their libraries there.

love your sister in Christ,

Rebekah David

*edited to add make sure you are very grounded in the New Testament scripture first.

[~Shalhevet~]

Thanks for all your responses. I found out that there are no congregations in my area. What a bummer. I think I might go to the library and read a bit about them. Any book recommendations?

[mizzdy]

I agree with Botz about some of the groups being kinda flakey yet there are wonderful groups even in what some consider 'fringe'. No group of people should force their ideas on anyone, no one should tell you that obeying torah saves you or if you don't do this or that you are in apostacy! Some of the hebraic guys are telling their members they must start following the rabbis teachings! Theres a lot of info on the net so be careful of what you read, take whatever you read and view to God in prayer and allow the Spirit to lead you.

[Guest IFBN]

Shalom From Israel

Feel free to e-mail me or stop by our web sites for more on Messianic Judaism. If you have any questions I am willing to answer.

[Guest yod]

Thanks for all your responses. I found out that there are no congregations in my area. What a bummer. I think I might go to the library and read a bit about them. Any book recommendations?

I suppose it depends on what subject you wish to read. I suggest anything by Michael Brown or from Chosen People Ministries. They are always biblically balanced and theologically sound.

This is one of the largest congregations in the USA and they have a lot of great resources and articles on their site

http://www.bhsdallas.org/

They also broadcast their services via internet so you can virtually "attend"

[lekh l'kha]

...and just like some of their Gentile counterparts, they are not immune from a degree of flakiness...particularly noticeable amongst Gentiles who try to appear more Jewish than their Jewish brethren.

How true!