Galatians 2:11-14 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. (12) For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. (13) And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
This article is going to address a movement that had started a long time ago but has now been accepted by many Churches. This article as the text has stated will "Withstand in some peoples face." What I will do is expose by history and doctrine the movements false theology,doctrines and dogmas. Such that create an evident sign that they are no different than the Judiazers of the Paul's times. The movement I am talking about is what we call the "Messianic Jew." This term originated in the 1960's.
EXCERPT FROM WIKIPEDIA *
"Messianic Judaism is a syncretic[1] religious movement that arose in the 1960s and 70s.[9] It blends evangelical Christian theology with elements of religious Jewish practice and terminology.[14] Messianic Judaism generally holds that Jesus is both the Jewish Messiah and "God the Son" (one person of the Trinity),[18] though some within the movement do not hold to Trinitarian beliefs.[19] With few exceptions, both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament are believed to be authoritative and divinely inspired scripture.
Some adherents of Messianic Judaism are ethnically Jewish,[2][21] and many of them argue that the movement is a sect of Judaism.[29] Jewish organizations, and the Supreme Court of Israel in cases related to the Law of Return, have rejected this claim, and instead consider Messianic Judaism to be a form of Christianity.[22][30] From 2003 to 2007, the movement grew from 150 Messianic houses of worship in the United States to as many as 438, with over 100 in Israel and more worldwide; congregations are often affiliated with larger Messianic organizations or alliances.[31][32] In 2008, the movement was reported to have between 6,000 and 15,000 members in Israel[33] and 250,000 in the United States.[
* WHILE WE MAY NOT DEEM ALL INFORMATION FROM WIKIPEDIA ACCURATE MUCH IS RELIABLE.
Not accounting the definition found in Wikipedia or other sources, we find that the Messianic Jewish Movement or Denomination however you may see it to be nothing less than Modern Day Judiazers and I will prove that. I do not write this article in any prejudice, racist or spirit of antisemitism but to warn the Church and believers to beware from falling into such heresy. Don't get me wrong, I believe many who are Jewish by ethnicity have come to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and many have a sincere faith, as did many of those who opposed Paul and Peter. The Judiazers in the time of Paul were so called Christians who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His deity but they also believed in the practice and continuance of the identification of their religious beliefs and festivals. They preached to Jews and Gentiles alike persuading them to observe the Jewish customs and that if a Gentile was to be a Christian they must be a Jew first and become circumcised and follow such traditions. Paul in rebuking such a teaching stated:
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" ...... FURTHER SAYING: ...." Galatians 4:9-10 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (10) Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."
The Judiazers were trying to keep the days and festivals of the Lord as a form of religious worship. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying for celebration of these festivals is not bad, but the celebration of them as a continuance of religious worship is wrong. The Early Church did not understand the error of their ways and were being persuaded by certain Judiazers to continue to follow the Law and traditions. The following text shows that even those who were pillars in the Church were led in this hypocrisy:
Acts 21:18-24 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. (19) And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. (20) And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: (21) And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. (22) What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. (23) Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; (24) Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
Later the Apostle Paul understands the errors of his way by saying:
Galatians 2:4-6 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: (5) To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (6) But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
These people who were Jews had come to Christ and were compelling other Christians who were Jews to follow the ways of the Judaism. They were trying to hold on to the traditions, laws and other Jewish beliefs. There is no doubt that there is a lot of symbolism in the Jewish culture that point to Jesus yet for us to continue holding onto the religion of it after the truth has come is vanity.
Today we have the same people who are doing the same thing. The Messianic Jewish Movement has reached beyond the Jews and has reached the churches. We have Gentiles (those who are not Jews were considered Gentiles) who are currently following the Messianic Jewish Movement who are observing days, months, years and festivals. They even go so far as saying Shalom (which means Peace in Hebrew) and calling Jesus "Yahshua" which is the Hebrew name for Jesus. Everything in their worship and religious practice centers on keeping to the old Jewish Traditions and Values. Even though the Jewish religion is contrary to Christianity they still continue in the label.
It is a FACT that those who are Jewish say, "That a person can not be a Jew and a Christian." To a Jew it is a contradiction in terms. They are RIGHT. It is no different than saying you are a Muslim Christian or a Catholic Christian or a Buddhist Christian. You are either one or the other. Those who claim to be a Messianic Jew are contradicting themselves.
What is the point of placing the word, "Jew" or "Messianic" in your name other than to keep the identity of being a Jew by religion? We are not American Christians, African Christians, Canadian Christians or Mexican Christians. The Modern Day Judiazers do not want to lose their identity or give up any form of Jewish or religious practice. Instead they find pride in being a Jew who believes in Christ and such pride creates a spirit of Prejudicy and Entitlement. Those who are in the Messianic Jewish Movement or have been in the Messianic Jewish Movement have mentioned to me that there resides a spirit of arrogance. Jesus is not Jesus but rather Yahshua and God is not God but Yahweh, Yahovah, or Elohim. Prayers are recited in the Hebrew language and such. Even Gentiles are being pushed and persuaded to speak Hebrew and say things that are Jewish. They believe that there is power in speaking certain words or saying certain things in the Hebrew Language that invokes God to hear and so answer the prayers. Yes, there are exceptions to what I am saying but they are very far and few in between.
What the Messianic Jew fails to understand is that the Middle Wall that separates the Jewish Religion from the world, has been tore down. That even though there is a Jewish Religion it is not valid in the sight of God. The old covenant, the law and the traditions have been fulfilled in Christ.
What the Messianic Jew fails to understand is that the Middle Wall that separates the Jewish Religion from the world, has been tore down. That even though there is a Jewish Religion it is not valid in the sight of God. The old covenant, the law and the traditions have been fulfilled in Christ.
Ephesians 2:14-16 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) 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; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
He took 2 people, Jew and Gentile and made them 1. A New Man. So then why are people building the wall back up and creating another, the Jewish Christian? The word says:
Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
AND AGAIN,
Colossians 3:10-11 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Obviously the apostle is not saying there are no Jews and there are no Gentiles but rather in Christ, there are No Jew or Gentile. In Christ there is ONE. So then how can I then be a Jewish Christian? If there are Jewish Christians then there must be another. Gentile Christian? While those who claim to be Jewish Christians will never call anyone else a Gentile Christian, they by default must. If I am not a Christian Jew, than what am I? Just a Christian? If so why can't they be Just Christians?
The Messianic Jew claims that they keep the word Messianic in their name so that they can reach Jews. Yet, any Messianic Jew will tell you that those who are Jews and believe in Christ are rejected in the Jewish Community. They are considered traitors and outcasts. While they claim evangelism to the Jews they mostly proselytize other Christians and Non-Believers who are not Jewish. A majority of the Messianic Jewish Churches are filled with Gentiles practicing as the Jews. Doing exactly what Jews would do with a Christian Twist. Even raising the banner of Israel over their own country and waving it as if the flag was a center of worship and creating the attention of God. Are they truly lifting Christ or are they lifting their heritage?
The Messianic Jewish Movement has even infiltrated the Christian Community and Churches. Churches are now holding and waving the Israeli Flag in the Church. They believe this flag is the Flag approved by God but it is NOT. It is a flag not endorsed by the Church and is considered a Zionist Flag.
"The flag of Israel (Hebrew: דגל ישראל Degel Yisrael, Arabic: علم إسرائيل 'Alam Isra'īl) was adopted on October 28, 1948, five months after the country's establishment. It depicts a blue hexagram on a white background, between two horizontal blue stripes.
The blue colour is mandated only as "dark sky-blue",[1] and varies from flag to flag, ranging from a hue of pure blue, sometimes shadedalmost as dark as navy blue, to hues about 75% toward pure cyan and shades as light as very light blue.[2] The flag was designed for the Zionist Movement in 1891. The basic design recalls the Ashkenazi Tallit, the Jewish prayer shawl, which is white with blue stripes. The symbol in the centre represents the Magen David ("Star of David"), a Jewish symbol dating from late medieval Prague, which was adopted by the First Zionist Congress in 1897.[1] "
Zionist have one thing in mind, the Jewish people. They believe in separation and segregation. They believe that all Jews should be in Israel and that any Jew living anywhere should not assimilate with any other society. They also are against Antisemitism. So what they are saying is, "It is O.K. for us not be part of you because we are not who you are and you are not who we are. But it is not O.K. if you do not want us to be part of your society." I am sorry but it does not take a rocket scientist to know there is a problem with that.
Zionism (Hebrew: ציונות, Tsiyonut; Arabic: صهيونية, Șahyouniyyah) is a form of nationalism of Jews and Jewish culture that supports a Jewish nation state in the territory defined as the Land of Israel.[1] Zionism supports Jews upholding their Jewish identity, opposes the assimilation of Jews into other societies and has advocated the return of Jews to Israel as a means for Jews to be a majority in their own nation, and to be liberated from antisemitic discrimination, exclusion, and persecution that had historically occurred in the diaspora.[1] Zionism emerged in the late 19th century in central and eastern Europe as a national revival movement, and soon after this most leaders of the movement associated the main goal with creating the desired state in Palestine, then an area controlled by the Ottoman Empire.[2][3][4] Since the establishment of the State of Israel, the Zionist movement continues primarily to advocate on behalf of the Jewish state and address threats to its continued existence and security. In a less common usage, the term may also refer to non-political, cultural Zionism, founded and represented most prominently by Ahad Ha'am; and political support for the State of Israel by non-Jews, as in Christian Zionism.
Not only are such beliefs adopted and taught by Messianic Churches but also other Christian Churches are adopting the same things. Churches are carrying the same flag in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Flag that builds walls and mocks what Christianity is about.
Who are we fooling here? Churches are now claiming that those who bless Israel will be blessed due to the promise given to Abraham, Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." Have they not read that we are the Children of Abraham and Heirs to the promise?
Who are we fooling here? Churches are now claiming that those who bless Israel will be blessed due to the promise given to Abraham, Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." Have they not read that we are the Children of Abraham and Heirs to the promise?
Here are excerpts of John Hagee and the teachings that are taught in many churches:
"I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption" (Houston Chronicle, April 30, 1988).
The Houston Chronicle newspaper then quoted Hagee's own shocking words...
"I'm not trying to convert the Jewish people to the Christian faith... In fact, trying to convert Jews is a waste of time. Jews already have a covenant with God and that has never been replaced by Christianity." (Houston Chronicle, April 30, 1988, sec, 6, pg. 1).
Beware of people who teach and preach such heresy and remove yourself from it. God is not pleased with the doctrine that the Messianic Jewish Movement carries. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your heritage and your race but there becomes a problem when such contradict the cross and the work of Christ.
HERE ARE SOME SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IN CHURCHES THAT SUPPORT SUCH MOVEMENT:
1) They have a Flag of Israel, the Zionist Flag, in The Church.
2) They say things like Shalom, Yahshua and other Hebrew Words even though they are not Jewish.
3) They have a Rabbi or Endorse Rabbi's.
4) They separate the Nation of Israel from the Church. Sometimes exalting Israel and Jerusalem above the Church.
5) The Gospel they preach and the teaching they give are all centered around Israel and the Jews.
6) They are closely connected with the Charismatic Movement.
7) Even though Israel is secular they fight and support the Nation of Israel. They believe they are blessed when they do so.
*NOT ALL ETHNICITY JEWS WHO BELIEVE IN CHRIST CALL THEMSELVES MESSIANIC JEWS. NOT ALL JEWS ARE RELIGIOUS. A MAJORITY OF MESSIANIC JEWS ARE ZIONIST.
Notice the Comments: I would never be called a Christian and other Anti-Christian Statements.
Also notice the close observances to the Law and Arrogance that such movement portrays.
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