The Remnant of Israel - Defining Messianic Judaism / January 2003

Several years ago, television audiences in America watched a program called "To Tell the Truth." The program would have three persons all announcing that they were the same person. One of the three was the real person and speaking the truth. A short essay was read explaining what this person had done (usually something quite amazing). The game then began. A panel of questioners would ask questions related to the subject and try to determine who was telling the truth and who was not telling the truth. The audience would join the panelists trying to determine which of the three was the actual person.

I have always believed that deep down everyone in the world is playing the same game. We are trying to discover the true identity of ourselves. Who am I? Who are we? Like the game show, we have three contestants trying to give answers. Contestant number one is ourselves. We are trying to convince ourselves of who we are. We are trying to define ourselves. Contestant number two is other people. Other people offer their definition of who we are. Generally, it is based on deeds we do, and their opinion thereof. Finally, there is Contestant number three – God. God is trying to give us His definition of who we are. This comes from our spiritual heritage and walk with God.

For long time readers of Yavoh, you already know that I will explain that the number three choice is the true answer. You know that God is the true judge who speaks the truth. However, we need to examine God’s definition more closely. Today, more than ever, we are having to answer the critical question of who we are. The Messianic Movement, a move of the Spirit of God, is about to define ourselves right out of God’s will.

I’m not referring to the deity questions of Yeshua or the two-house controversy, although they are related. I am referring to my fellow Messianic Jews, leaders of messianic congregations and organizations, who are self-defining themselves. The results are self-distortion and self-deception. Even worse, the self-definition process is revealing the darkness in their hearts of treachery and bigotry toward all brethren. They are repeating the mistakes of the past.

Why Self-Definition is Self-Distortion and Self-Deception

Self definition, a person defining themselves, is fraught with a number of problems. First, we only gather the evidence for determination that we like and want to consider. For example, we remember all the good we have done, what our real intent was, etc.; however, we also tend to minimize our mistakes or forget them all together. Our personal judgment of ourselves is biased at best and self-deceived at worst. Many of our judgments are based on comparison with others. The story of a Jewish man marooned on a deserted island like Robinson Caruso illustrates it well. The man had been there many years and to pass the time had built a house, storage buildings and two synagogues. When he was rescued, he was questioned about the two synagogues. He responded that the one he went to and the other HE DIDN’T GO TO! Self-definition tends to mimic this determination.

Why Definition by Others is not the Truth

Definition by others is just as flawed as self-definition. Others will remember all our deeds, particularly our mistakes, and fail to take into account our heart and intent. Their judgment will be imbalanced and not true. Even worse, others with the power to make such judgments will fall prey to elevating themselves at your expense. "Normal" is what others think they are. Therefore, they scale everything around themselves. However, "normal" does not automatically mean it is the truth. Therefore, the judgment of others is only a comparison of you to themselves; it is not a comparison with the truth.

Why God is the Only, True Judge of Us

God, who sees all – the good, the bad, and the ugly – is also full of mercy and grace. He sees our heart and knows what was intended with each deed. The smallest goodness is weighed with the greatest deception. His judgment is true and accurate. But even more so, His mercy covers our mistakes and His grace grants favor where none is due. It is clearly in our best interest to let God be the judge of who we are. We all want what is fair for ourselves, mixed with God’s mercy and grace.

So how does God see us? How does God define us? To answer that question we must go to the Scriptures. But before we do that, we need to address the reason for this article.

How Messianic Jewish Leaders are trying to Define Themselves (and Us)

The Messianic Times (Volume 12, Number 3) dated September 2002 offered this headline and story – "UMJC defines Messianic Judaism, begins seminary." The article began with the announcement that "landmark" decisions had been made by the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. These decisions were the adoption of an official definition for Messianic Judaism and the plan to develop a graduate level seminary program. It was the first decision, an official definition for Messianic Jews, that attracted my attention the most. The article went on to discuss how the 70 delegates of the UMJC at their annual meeting had adopted a basic and expanded statement of definition drafted by the UMJC Theology Committee. The basic statement is as follows:

Messianic Judaism is 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, and renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant.

For many of you, this statement is just so much polysyllable gobby-dee-gook. It is purposely complex and not written for the average person to understand. It is written to mark out territory and lay claim to the minds of men. The most revealing part of the statement is what it does not say. It begs a natural question about where non-Jews fit into Messianic Judaism. This is not an oversight; it is intentional. What has been in the dark and dank minds of a few Messianic Jewish leaders, denied for so long, is now coming forth as a creed.

The expanded statement elaborates with four additional paragraphs and states that Messianic Judaism is a parallel structure with the "Gentile Christian Church." It assumes that accepting the "Gentile Christian Church" as a historical institution will enable a plural definition of themselves. Specifically, it states that a Messianic Jewish congregation or grouping "must place priority on integration with the wider Jewish world" and be integrated "by a vital corporate relationship with the Gentile Christian Church." If you are confused as to exactly what this means, you are not alone. I find the statement to be totally politicized (saying everything while saying nothing). It appears that the authors of this definition are marking out their portion of the religious world and hoping for acceptance by that religious world. So, what exactly does this mean? Why are these Messianic Jewish leaders and the UMJC defining themselves in this way? These questions must be asked and answered soon. The power of this declaration by the UMJC could very well affect all Messianic believers, well beyond the specific organization citing it.

The UMJC has also published a pamphlet under the title Defining Messianic Judaism with this same information. You can get your own copy of the document from the UMJC offices (529 Jefferson Street NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 phone (800) 692-UMJC or www.umjc.org. I think every person in the Messianic Movement and in all messianic congregations should carefully consider this definition as to whether they agree with its content and purpose.

The pamphlet has the basic and expanded statements of definition, but also adds the commentary (interpretation) supplied by the General Secretary of the UMJC, Russ Resnik. This commentary is also supported by two addendums: "What do we mean by Jewish?" and, "A model for Gentile participation in Messianic Judaism." This is where the real meat of this definition statement is. This is the part that will "reach out and touch" us all in the Messianic Movement.

Let me go back to my original thought at the beginning. Self definition generally leads to an inaccurate definition. It is fraught with error. This is also the case of the UMJC’s attempt to define all Messianic Jews and all Messianic Congregations. Let me come right to my point without beating around the bush. If this was only the UMJC defining an issue for UMJC members, there would be no issue. However, the UMJC leadership and its delegates are going beyond their own organization and attempting to influence all messianic believers. They are laying the foundation for a middle wall of partition to separate themselves from non-Jewish believers in the New Covenant tabernacle constructed by Yeshua in the hearts of all believers. Simply said, their definition statement is an attempt to justify by official policy, open bigotry against non-Jewish believers in messianic congregations.

The Messianic Times quoted Rabbi Russ Resnik as saying, "The term Messianic Jew should be used to describe someone living a visibly Jewish life in connection with Jewish community and Jewish tradition." These are not off the cuff words; they are well chosen. Resnik’s quotation is an accurate summary of Resnik’s commentary (interpretation) given in the pamphlet published by the UMJC.

The Apostle Paul (an early Messianic Jew) said, "For we do not preach ourselves but Messiah Yeshua as Lord, and ourselves as your bond–servants for Yeshua’s sake"

(2 Cor 4:5).

Paul’s statement is in sharp contrast to the official statement of the UMJC and Resnik. Paul says that the Messiah is pre-eminent in our definition. The Messiah part precedes the Jewish part in the term "Messianic Jew." However, Rabbi Resnik and the theology committee of the UMJC believes that a Messianic person or congregation is first defined by Jewish "community" and "tradition," not the Messiah. This is blatant, intentional, and planned.

The UMJC’s definition is explained in their pamphlet with this two point definition of community and tradition. It specifically takes issue with making the Messiah the centerpiece of messianic faith. To quickly summarize, the pamphlet proposes a model for Gentile participation in Messianic Jewish congregations based on the "love of Israel" rather than the love of God and Messiah.

When people do things that seem so contrary to good sense and wisdom, there is usually a reason not readily seen. People don’t get up in the morning, wash their faces, look in the mirror, and say, "Today, I intend to sow confusion and dismay with others by doing and saying totally illogical things." Instead, people proceed down their path making the best decisions they can based on the available evidence. Others, with more evidence, see these preliminary decisions as illogical and wrong. For the sake of discussion, let us examine the UMJC’s thinking and try to understand how they came to this decision (definition). Let’s examine the evidence they refer to that has motivated them to this point.

Rabbi Resnik shares part of this motivation in his opening statement. He describes a "threat" that he had perceived. It comes in the form of a "bearded friend dressed mostly in black, who was not raised in a Jewish home, has no Jewish ancestry and minimal Yiddishkeit, but still calls himself a ‘Messianic Jew.’" I have heard of a lot of descriptions of the "boogie man" in my life but this is new one for me. This bearded friend is what we call a "Jewish Wannabe." The reason we have them in the movement is because we have failed to promote the Messiah as first in our assemblies. Instead, they have been taken by the outward Jewish things. They are attracted to them and mimic them. The fact is that we are all "Yeshua Wannabe’s." We are supposed to be teaching and showing others by example how to follow Yeshua. It is not the Jewish stuff we are to be promoting, it is the Messiah and His salvation that is supposed to be our testimony.

A "Jewish Wannabe" is not threatening to us Messianic Jews; it is misdirected flattery. We should be applying Paul’s instruction and teaching them how to be Yeshua’s bond servant. I think the real "threat" the UMJC is referring to is something else. I think deep down it is a root of bigotry. It’s haughtiness and pride. It is something really nasty and stinky.

The Apostle to the Jews, Peter, was a Jewish bigot who had to have a vision (Acts chapter 10) from God to understand that Gentiles are not be considered "unclean." When Peter returned to Jerusalem, after ministering to the house of Cornelius, he had to explain visiting a Gentile house to his fellow Jewish believers because they took issue with him. Acts chapter15 describes the Jerusalem council where Jewish believers were trying to compel the new Gentile believers to be circumcised (be Jews). Paul took issue with them and Peter’s testimony helped sway the decision rendered by the Apostle James. There were many Jewish believers in those days that did not understand the full scope of the New Covenant. They didn’t understand that Messiah was the fulfillment of Abraham’s promised seed so that "all the families of the earth" might be blessed. Even further, Peter while ministering with Paul in Antioch ate and lived with the Gentile believers; however, once the Jewish believers came from Jerusalem, he separated himself from the Gentiles. Paul openly rebuked him for his bigoted behavior. I think, maybe, my Messianic Jewish brethren have not yet learned the lessons of Peter’s vision, nor the council in Jerusalem.

The UMJC’s published definition is about defining who is Jewish and who is not. They are defining themselves as "Jewish" and letting others know that they are not permitted to call themselves "Messianic Jews." To quote from the pamphlet directly, "In this understanding, an individual Gentile could become Jewish because he has decided to follow Jewish ways. Thus we see self-designated "Messianic Jewish" congregations with no Jewish members and no real connection with their local Jewish community. Instead, they comprise a group of individuals who have decided to pursue a form of Judaism that they derive from Scripture and a smattering of Jewish sources in isolation from the living Jewish community." This statement reminds me of a dog marking territory. Dogs mark on the trees and fire plugs to cover up the other dogs smell and leave their own.

I’ve seen Jewish Wannabe’s before. However, I can assure you that the vast majority of non-Jewish messianic believers (99.4%) don’t think they are Jewish, don’t want to be Jewish, and are not practicing a form of Judaism. Instead, they love the Lord and want to fellowship with Jewish believers. They also think (and maybe it is a mistake) that a real Jewish believer might be able to teach them a little bit more about their faith. They take on some of the cultural expressions to identify with the Hebraic roots of the faith.

The "threat" described by Rabbi Resnik is a fantasy. There is no threat. But this is the excuse being used to stereotype and brand all messianic non-Jewish brethren. The UMJC definition is for the purpose of segregating and separating others. I would remind everyone that the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations does not represent the majority of the congregations and fellowships in the Messianic Movement; it represents a plurality of some leaders and congregations. It is one of several organizations formed in the Messianic Movement. Their pamphlet, however, is offered as the definitive declaration for the entire movement, which it is not. Even if other organizations join into agreement with the definition, I would remind everyone that our faith is not a democracy; it is a theocracy. God has the final say on who are.

I was born Jewish. I have been in the Messianic Movement for approximately 20 years. I am a Messianic Jew. I have been a Torah teacher for more than 16 years, but I lay claim to only one title: Bondservant of Yeshua the Messiah. I have met a lot of brethren involved in the movement. In fact, I travel extensively all over the country helping new messianic congregations and fellowships to get established. I’ve seen some very enthusiastic individuals with beards, tzitzits on their belt loops, wearing kippot and tallit, abstaining from pork and shrimp, and wearing black cowboy boots who don’t think they are Jews. I’ve seen congregations formed that only had one person with any Jewish ancestry, but who kept Sabbath and festivals, and who welcomed me with grace because I was a Jewish believer. They love, obey, and cling to the God of Israel. They hold to the covenant God made with our fathers and the salvation provided by Yeshua the Messiah. They want to be part of the remnant of Israel because that is where believing Israel is. They have also decided to no longer follow the "Gentile Christian Church" which claims to have replaced Israel. Their love of Israel and Jewish people is born out of their love of the God of Israel. With the very rare exception of one or two in all this time, I have not found Gentiles laying claiming to be "Messianic Jews." Instead, I have found them to just be Messianic believers who wish to identify with remnant believing Israel. There is nothing wrong with this. This is our New Covenant faith! This is the "Good News" for all men.

The "threat" posed by the UMJC is really about their own identity problems. They are in conflict with the established normative Jewish community. Judaism and the religious Jewish community take issue with any Messianic Jew being Jewish. They argue that once you believe in Jesus (Yeshua), you no longer are Jewish, you’re Christian. They say that a Jew who converts to Christianity and then acts like a Jew is really a deceiver. Messianic Jews are not deceivers. They are striving to maintain a connection with their heritage and Jewish identity. Messianic Jews want to be accepted by their families and the historical Jewish community. There is nothing wrong with that.

I too would like to be more accepted by the Jewish community at large. I would like to enter the local synagogue and enjoy my culture and tradition, but the religious leadership of the Jewish community have rejected me just as they rejected the Messiah. They have hated me without a cause just as they hated Him without a cause (John 15:25). I have chosen Messiah Yeshua even though I am rejected of men. But my hope and confidence is that this rejection is only temporal. My hope is like the Apostle Paul’s, when all Israel shall be saved, when the Deliverer will come to Zion.

It appears to me that my Messianic Jewish brethren, in their attempt to be accepted by Judaism and the religious Jewish community, have decided to separate themselves from other messianic brethren. They are apparently annoyed by Gentile brethren dragging around behind them with kippot on, smelling of King David designer perfume, and excitedly sharing their faith with the whole Jewish neighborhood. I think that some Messianic Jews think they are losing their "Jewishness" if there are too many Gentiles in their assemblies. They want Gentiles believers to love Israel (them) and show that love by their donations, but not display any evangelistic zeal. This would surely get them, the Messianic Jews trying to be "accepted" by the normative Jewish community, rejected for conducting missionary activity.

Many Messianic Jews, particularly those in leadership of the UMJC, really don’t want Gentiles believers to be on a par with Jews in their congregations. How can I say that? It can best be said by quoting the UMJC. Their pamphlet argues that a "local Jewish-Gentile congregation will diminish the ‘ongoing distinction’ for ‘mutual blessing.’" Essentially, they are saying that having Gentiles in Messianic Jewish congregations will take away from, dilute if you will, the Jewish part of them. They go on further to say, "Gentiles are certainly welcome within the Messianic Jewish congregations, and often essential to the task of building these congregations, but congregations remain Jewish, not expressions of ‘one new man’ that is neither Jew nor Greek. Much of their life is based, not strictly on Scripture or on universal precepts for all believers, but on Jewish teaching and tradition. Gentiles moved by Ahavat Yisrael [love of Israel] will participate in the Messianic Jewish congregation on these terms."

This last quotation is particularly noteworthy. The UMJC is dictating terms to non-Jews how they will and will not be part of their congregations. If there is no bigotry and prejudice against Gentiles, then why are they assuring the Gentiles that they are welcome? Isn’t it so good on the part of the UMJC to credit Gentile believers for their donations in helping to build their congregations? The "On going distinction" in their statement is the very evidence that this bigoted stance has been going on for some time. The "mutual blessing" in their statement is nothing more than polished religious segregation. Take note of their quotation of ‘one new man.’ The UMJC essentially is taking issue with the words of the Apostle Paul.

Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so–called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Messiah Yeshua Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:11-22

If you are a non-Jewish believer in a UMJC congregation, you should understand that your participation is not based on the Bible. It is based on the UMJC’s definition and "Gentiles… will participate in the Messianic Jewish congregation on these terms."

The UMJC’s effort to self-define themselves says that they have not learned that their identity is defined by the God of Israel and the Messiah. They are making the same mistakes of the Pharisees and Sadducees of Yeshua’s day who wanted to be distinct for God. They wanted to be a people set apart unto God. They thought the way to be sanctified to God was to be separate from Gentiles. "Doesn’t the word sanctify mean separate?" they thought. The UMJC pamphlet is laying out the same argument for distinction. The Pharisees and Sadducees built a wall. It was called the middle wall of partition. It went around the circumference of the temple courts and served notice to the Gentiles that they could come to Jerusalem, they could donate to the temple, they could love the people of Israel, but they couldn’t come too close. They failed to understand that real distinctiveness comes from God Himself. God sanctifies us by drawing us closer to Him, as a result the world is different from us. Self-sanctification is the process of self-righteousness and self-religion. It’s rooted in self-definition. The Messiah rejected the middle wall of partition and Israel’s self-definition.

I believe the leaders of the UMJC and those who endorse their definition are making the same mistake as before. I also believe the Messiah rejects it and once the Gentile believers understand what is happening, they too, will reject it.

Letting God Define Us

God’s description of who we are begins with Abraham. Abraham had two sons of prominence: Ishmael and Isaac. Isaac was the son of promise and the heir. Isaac had two sons: Esau and Jacob. Esau sold his birthright and did not value his blessing. Jacob got it. Jacob had many sons that resulted in the tribes of Israel. But Paul teaches us that not all of Israel is Israel. Paul teaches us, just like the prophets of Israel did, that the true sons of Abraham are by promise and they are the remnant of Israel. By believing in the promised Son, the seed of Abraham, the Messiah, we (all men) are part of the household of God. The promise given to Abraham was for "all the families of the earth." God did not define the world we live in as Jew and Gentile. It is not about "Messianic Jews" and the "Gentile Christian Church." It is about the kingdom. It is about the King of Israel, the land of Israel, and the Remnant of Israel joined with the Remnant of the Nations being brought out of the world to form His Kingdom – to restore all things to Himself. That is how the Bible defines us today.

I recognize that the Gentile Christian Church exists today and understand its present reality. But history tells us that the church is the product of men, self-defined as a replacement for Israel, prophesied to be BABYLON, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS. Judaism, on the other hand, is formed out of the ancient Pharisees, doctrinally apart from Moses, and openly opposed to Yeshua the Messiah. Therefore, as Messianic believers we are not pursuing a new denomination in Christianity, nor we trying form another branch of Judaism. We have been defined by the Bible well before either Christianity or modern Judaism ever existed.

The Remnant of Israel

The Apostle Paul defines who the Remnant of Israel is. He also defines how Gentiles are part of Messiah’s kingdom. He begins first with Israel’s heritage and destiny.

Who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Messiah according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 9:4-5

According to this definition, eight distinct things belong to remnant Israel. The church does not believe in all these things, nor does Judaism. Paul goes on to say that three identified groups are the recipients of this list: believing Jews from Jerusalem and Judea, Israelites scattered from among the Gentiles, and Gentiles from the nations.

Even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.

Romans 9:24

Those from among the Gentiles are not Gentiles; they are Israelites from the house of Israel. This is proved by Paul quoting from Hosea, who prophesied to the House of Israel.

As He says also in Hosea, "I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’" And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the living God."

Romans 9:25-26

Many Messianic Jews deny that the House of Israel exists. They claim that the House of Israel joined the House of Judah after the Babylonian return and all Israel is just called Jews now. Not only does Judaism’s rabbis disagree with this, but Paul is teaching in Romans that the restoration of the two houses has not yet happened. Paul is specifically defining the Remnant of Israel as being Jews (those from Jerusalem and Judea) and Israelites (scattered from among the Gentiles). Paul summarizes all of the remnant of Israel (both groups) by quoting Isaiah.

And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, "Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; for the Lord will execute His word upon the earth, thoroughly and quickly." And just as Isaiah foretold, "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity [remnant], we would have become as Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah."

Romans 9:27-29

I am convinced that one of the deeper underlining reasons for the UMJC’s definition of Messianic Judaism is to purposely exclude the House of Israel. There are many messianic believers in the Messianic Movement, not claiming to be Jews, but identifying with the remnant of Israel in this way. Are they Israelites? Only God knows. By defining the world as only Messianic Jews and only the Gentile Christian Church, it re-enforces the erring policy of denying a future restoration of the House of Judah and the House of Israel.

Paul goes on to define Gentiles and their full participation in the New Covenant.

Wherefore, accept one another, just as Messiah also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Messiah has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, "Therefore I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Thy name." And again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people." And again, "Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise Him." And again Isaiah says, "There shall come the root of Jesse, and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope." Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:7-13

I would like to propose another definition for Messianic Judaism, not of my own invention. I propose that a Messianic Jew be a person whose priority is the Messiah, the King of Israel. Let the Jew part be from the name Judah, which means praise. Let a Messianic Jew’s testimony be to lead all men in the praise of God. Let Messianic Judaism be a movement of God in these last days that leads to the final redemption of Israel and the reconciliation of the world. Let Messianic Judaism be the repentance of Judah from treachery. Let Messianic Judaism be the repentance of Ephraim from unfaithfulness. Let Messianic Judaism be the fulfillment of Israel’s call to be a light to the nations. Let Messianic Judaism show the hospitality of our father Abraham to the Gentiles, and welcome them to worship the King of the Universe with us.

I sincerely hope that the UMJC leaders and congregations will give serious pause to the meaning and purpose of their official definition for Messianic Judaism. I hope that the messianic Gentiles in their midst will voice their discontent with being defined as second-class citizens in the kingdom and less than rightful members of the New Covenant. I hope that other Messianic leaders, organizations, and congregations will block the underlying treachery and bigotry of this official definition.

While this is my hope, I fear something else will happen. I fear that other messianic leaders and organizations will tacitly endorse this distorted definition and license will be given to harm more brethren. I fear a greater battle is brewing among my Jewish brethren. These are the last days that precede the Messianic Era. Yeshua did speak of serious mistakes taking place in our assemblies. These mistakes and their needed corrections are addressed in Revelation 2 and 3. In particular, Yeshua spoke of believing Jews, Messianic Jews. Yeshua’s message to them was the most harsh of all the elements, but apparently appropriate to deal with mis-definitions. Blasphemy is about mis-defining things. Treachery and bigotry are opposite of His teaching. Maybe this is why He spoke, "the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."

Dear Brethren,

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for this ministry.

This months article is somewhat controversial. Some of you may find this matter distasteful. I agree with you. I would much rather not deal with this at all. However, this matter has been latent for many years. Now, some leaders in the UMJC have decided to bring it to the forefront. They are not satisfied with making a UMJC only decision. They have promoted it as a definition for all men. The Lord has commanded us to pursue truth, justice, righteousness, and walk humbly. It is for this reason, I am compelled to address this matter. Some may say that I am just responding to past hurts I have endured. I did give serious pause as to whether I should respond at all. However, this is not about me. This is about truth, justice, righteousness, and humility. I believe our walk before God must have integrity and that integrity is reflected in how we walk before other men. Trying to maintain Messianic Jewish distinctiveness at the expense of other believers in Messiah reeks.

If my fellow Messianic Jewish brethren feel that I have offended them with this article, then I invite their comments and criticism. I want the light of day to shine on all of this. If you are a Gentile believer enduring this behavior, I encourage you to forgive my brethren. Remember, the Messiah endured this Himself.

YAVOH, He is Coming is a monthly newsletter published as an outreach ministry of Lion and Lamb Ministries
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