Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Feb 1, 2010 12:16:17 GMT -8
Introduction:
This is a forum and ministry for those wishing a safe place to discuss and learn about issues regarding a Messianic faith in Yeshua ha’Mashiach (Jesus The Messiah) and the Messianic Jewish faith and movement.
Before posting please read these forum rules and guidelines.
Rules:
1. Forum rules and guidelines may be updated without notice, so please revisit from time to time.
2. Forum Admin and Moderators have discretion in determining what is appropriate and what is a violation; and what action is to be taken in instances of violations. They may caution by PM, issue an official warning, warn on the open forum, cancel a posters account with or without warning, or any combination of these actions. We reserve the right to keep accountable (and openly reprove if necessary) those on the forum that are violating the rules and/or teaching heretical doctrines in opposition to a
pursuant and Messianic faith. We also reserve the right to make determinations on things not addressed in these rules and guidelines as they come up and to deal appropriately with them.
3. No LaShon Hara will be permitted- no evil speech on the forum or links, no personal attacks, no insulting, talking down to another poster, or anyone not involved with the thread or board, insulting their integrity or their walk with God; and NO remarks that are anti-Semetic anti-Messianic in nature.
4. Anti- observant missionaries will not be tolerated. If you have an honest question about a scripture passage that seems to be in contradiction to a pursuant faith, and would like to have an answer in regards to how we view it, we are happy to search the scriptures with you. However this is not a place to pro-actively teach anti- observance.
5. Anti-missionaries who come here and try teach that Yeshua is not the Messiah will not be permitted. If you have an honest question about the possibility of Yeshua being the Messiah or a Messianic prophecy, we will be happy to answer your questions.
6. We believe that the books of B'resheet (Genesis) to Hisgalus (Revelation) to be the inspired word of God. Therefore, all authority when discussing spiritual matters will be decided by the words contained in these 66 books and is the basis for discussion taking place on the forum. Any teaching that attempts to invalidate these books of the Bible as being the authoritative inspired word of God will not be acceptable here.
7. It is not permitted to attempt to spell out the sacred personal name of Adonai or teach people its pronunciation. If you must use the Name, either say יהוה or YHVH; however do not make these common by overuse. Adonai, Abba, or any of the descriptive names or titles used in scripture should be used instead.
8. The Hebrew name of the Messiah is “Yeshua." “Jesus” is acceptable, however any variations finding no authenticity in scripture or in history are not.
9. We insist on absolute respect for any of the names, titles, or descriptive phrases for either Adonai, Yeshua, or the Ruach. Disrespecting or disparaging the Names of the Most High God is the best way to get your account closed with no warning.
10. The posting of other URL'S and websites is permissible as long as they are not anti-, Anti-Semitic, Anti-Judaic, or anti-Messianic, and do not advocate anything un-biblical in observance, don't violate the forum statements of faith, or have objectionable doctrinal statements.
** Moderators check all posted URL's to ensure compliance, and may remove them or add a warning about them to your post at their discretion.
11. Do not post links to other forums or blogs, or to books you’ve written, unless you first receive permission of a Moderator. Do not post books, or parts of book on the forum without consent of a moderator. (You may post quotes, giving credit to the author.) Moderators may be contacted by PM.
12. Absolutely no spam! These posts will be deleted and the user banned without notice.
13. The language of this forum is English. The use of biblical Hebrew and Greek is permitted for clarity. Other languages may be used if germain to the point being made. However a translation into English as well as any explanation necessary should be included. Moderators will make a determination when necessary whether any terms, statements, or posts in a different language are necessary or acceptable.
Guidelines:
A. We consider Messianic Judaism to be a different and valid form of Judaism that doesn't need permission or affirmation from any other sect of Judaism or denomination of Christianity. We don't believe it necessary to convert to any other sect of Judaism to become Jewish. Although there are different expressions of Messianic Judaism, as there are in other Judaisms, we believe Messianic Judaism- a observant Judaism which believes Yeshua is the Messiah and the Apostolic writings hold authority- to be the true expression of Judaism that the scriptures and the God of Yisra'el intended.
B. This is a Observant Messianic forum for both those who are Jewish, and those born Gentiles. it is designed to be a place where those sincerely seekering may come and grow and learn more about a Messianic Jewish observant life.
C. Address the topic of the post or the discussion, not the person posting or responding to the topic.
D. No one knows it all, so while we expect to see some lively discussion, realize we will not all agree on every point. Keep an open mind and give consideration to opposing views. Take the issue to The Father in prayer. However, if it comes to an impasse all parties should agree to disagree and let it drop.
E. We advocate Observance as part of our walk with Messiah Yeshua. He, along with His disciples are our example. All were Observant. This can be an area of great misunderstanding and division, so realize we are all at different points in our walk and that the Ruach Elohim (the Spirit of God) will lead people to the Truth.
F. Don't post large amounts of text in a single post. Moderators will determine if a post is too long, and it may be removed. The poster may at the discretion of the Moderators be allowed to rewrite a post or break it up, or other appropriate action taken. Failure to do so in a timely manner will however result in removal of that post.
G. Those who cause trouble and who are contentious may be warned, or may have their forum account suspended without notice.
H. Certain doctrines, while they may be discussed to expose biblical error, will not be allowed to be freely promoted here. Any doctrine or teaching that is not consistent with the following statement of faith should not be promoted on Ahavat Elohim Forums. We welcome sincere questions, but those on a mission to disprove these statements of faith and draw others away will have a very short time on the forum.
Statement of Faith:
a. We believe the Bible, both the TaNaKh and Brit Chadashah (, Prophets, Writings, and Renewed Covenant) to be the inspired, authoritative Word of God.
b. We believe in One God.
c. The Shema ("Hear O Yisra'el, YHVH our God, YHVH is One" Deut. 6:4) teaches that God is One. He is creator, and He alone has made, does make, and will make all things. He alone is Ruler of all. He alone is our God. He eternally was, is, and will be; the first and the last- the Aleph and the Tav (Alpha and Omega). Beside Him there is no other.
d. We believe that Yeshua is HaMashiach, The Anointed One all scripture points to, and also the primary builder of The Kingdom of Heaven. We believe in His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of The Father, and in His personal return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead.
e. We believe man was created in the image of God. Through disobedience man fell from his first state and became separated from God. All men are born with this "fallen" sinful nature (Tehillim/Psalm 51:5); sinners both by nature and by choice. As such we are creatures under the wrath of God.
f. We believe for the redemption of "fallen" sinful men regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. Repenting of personal sin and turning to God's ways, a personal faith in the Lord Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus The Messiah), and the fruit of the Spirit manifesting itself in a holy life are evidences of this regeneration. God's redemption has always been accomplished by a personal faith and trust in Him. “Works of The Law” or any righteous acts cannot redeem anyone from sin and its consequences.
g. We believe in the present ministry of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) by Whose indwelling the believer is enabled to live a holy life unto God.
h. We believe the teachings of are as valid today as when they were written, and they apply to all mankind.
i. We believe all the words of the biblical Prophets are true.
j. We believe it is only proper to pray to The God Of Yisra'el. One may not pray to anyone or anything else.
k. We believe in the resurrection of both the redeemed and the lost; they that are redeemed unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
l. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus The Messiah).
m. We believe in spiritual gifts given through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to the individual believer such as prophecy, healing, word of knowledge, and the gift of tongues (languages), ect.
n. We believe the is holy, just, and good as the shaliach Sha'ul (Apostle Paul) has stated (Romans 7:12). is profitable for instruction in righteousness (2Timothy 3:16), not as a means of justification, but as a path of sanctification. The we have today is the same given to Moshe (Moses) by the mouth of El Shaddai at Mount Sinai. will not be changed nor another given by God.
o. We believe God rewards those who keep his commandments and punishes those who transgress them (Devarim/Deuteronomy 5:9-10, Mishlei/Proverbs 28:9, 1Yochanan/John 3:22).
p. We believe God has given His people the Moedim (sacred calendar of feasts/festivals), which are His appointed times (not just so-called "Jewish Holidays"). This calendar is a "shadow of things to come,” and teaches spiritual truths about our Lord Yeshua The Messiah and God's Plan for mankind. These holy days are the "testimonies of God" (Devarim/Deut. 6:17) and are a great benefit to building the faith of the believer. They speak of God's faithfulness and deliverance, therefore we observe and celebrate them with great joy.
q. We believe the Sabbath was given to mankind at creation for our good and that it is a delight to observe. The Sabbath as a spiritual discipline brings both refreshment and rejuvenation to body and soul. We believe the Sabbath is every seventh day of the week from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night.
r. We believe it is the calling of all believers to share the "Good News" of the coming Kingdom and to live a life transformed by the Spirit of God following our Lord's example of love toward God, and all mankind. We are to be agents of God's redemptive work in this "fallen" world.
False Teachings Not Allowed:
There are doctrines that have made their way into some sects of Messianism which we believe false and are not to be promoted here. Some are:
- "Two House Doctrine" Also known as "Ephraimite Theology"- belief that the people of the Northern Kingdom (10 Lost Tribes) carried into Assyrian captivity did not disappear and that most or all true Christian and/or Messianic believers today are their physical descendants. Also called British, Anglo, or European Judaism.
- "Sacred Name" theology- attempts by various means to contort or add to the Covenant Name and the Name of Yeshua, their "proper" pronunciation being necessary as a condition of one’s salvation. But the various SN groups do not agree on spelling or pronunciation, each group insisting that their own is the only proper way, all others being heresy. Instead of honoring the Names, they reduce them to idolatry; magic words to be used instead of honoring and worshiping the God those Names represents.
- "Ebionite" theology- any doctrine denying the eternal deity of Yeshua.
- " Karaite " theology and reckoning of the Moedim (Holy Festivals)- Karaites try to use the biblical method of setting the religious calendar as outlined in Leviticus 23. However without a Temple and a Great Sanhedrin seated there they must rely on their own observations and interpretations primarily on the aviv barley and the new moon. There is not always agreement there.
- "Lunar Sabbath" theology- belief that the true weekly seventh day Sabbath of the scriptures is always observed on the same days of the Moon each month and not always 6 working days followed by a day of rest.
- Any theology teaching any book from B'resheet (Genesis) to Revelation in the 66 book Bible is not valid as Holy Scripture.
- Any theology that teaches has been done away with (Mattityahu/Matthew 5:16-19).
- Any theology that teaches is not for those of the nations who have put their trust in Yeshua The Messiah and have thereby become part of the commonwealth of Yisra'el (B'midbar/Numbers 15:15-16, Ephesians 2, Romans 3:31).
- Any replacement theology that teaches that any group of people has replaced Yisra'el or the Jewish people.
- Teaching that communicates that women should be teachers, Rabbis, or Elders over men within the congregation (1 Timothy 2:11-15)
General:
* Neither the rules, guidelines, Statement of Faith, nor the above list are (and cannot be) exhaustive. Admin and Moderators will deal with teachings, doctrines, faiths, denominations, sects, cults, et-all which are contrary to our faith and beliefs as they occur on the forum.
* As long as forum members respect the rules and guidelines described above, they don't have to agree with every statement of our faith. We do not wish to tell anyone what to believe. However we do want to promote a observant faith and message, and to that end we ask you respect the rules, guidelines, and Statement of Faith as given.
* Violators will be warned, and repeat offenders may have their forum account suspended. Some infractions may warrant immediate closure of the posters account. We try to not be too heavy handed in enforcement, however the Moderators must often use their judgement and discernment in carrying out their duties. They have a difficult job, so we ask you respect them and their decisions. You may contact them by PM and question a decision, and you may come to an agreement on corrective measures. However when they say the determination is final, discussion ends.
Shalom in Messiah Yeshua,
Ahavat Elohim Staff
This is a forum and ministry for those wishing a safe place to discuss and learn about issues regarding a Messianic faith in Yeshua ha’Mashiach (Jesus The Messiah) and the Messianic Jewish faith and movement.
Before posting please read these forum rules and guidelines.
Rules:
1. Forum rules and guidelines may be updated without notice, so please revisit from time to time.
2. Forum Admin and Moderators have discretion in determining what is appropriate and what is a violation; and what action is to be taken in instances of violations. They may caution by PM, issue an official warning, warn on the open forum, cancel a posters account with or without warning, or any combination of these actions. We reserve the right to keep accountable (and openly reprove if necessary) those on the forum that are violating the rules and/or teaching heretical doctrines in opposition to a
pursuant and Messianic faith. We also reserve the right to make determinations on things not addressed in these rules and guidelines as they come up and to deal appropriately with them. 3. No LaShon Hara will be permitted- no evil speech on the forum or links, no personal attacks, no insulting, talking down to another poster, or anyone not involved with the thread or board, insulting their integrity or their walk with God; and NO remarks that are anti-Semetic anti-Messianic in nature.
4. Anti-
observant missionaries will not be tolerated. If you have an honest question about a scripture passage that seems to be in contradiction to a pursuant faith, and would like to have an answer in regards to how we view it, we are happy to search the scriptures with you. However this is not a place to pro-actively teach anti- observance. 5. Anti-missionaries who come here and try teach that Yeshua is not the Messiah will not be permitted. If you have an honest question about the possibility of Yeshua being the Messiah or a Messianic prophecy, we will be happy to answer your questions.
6. We believe that the books of B'resheet (Genesis) to Hisgalus (Revelation) to be the inspired word of God. Therefore, all authority when discussing spiritual matters will be decided by the words contained in these 66 books and is the basis for discussion taking place on the forum. Any teaching that attempts to invalidate these books of the Bible as being the authoritative inspired word of God will not be acceptable here.
7. It is not permitted to attempt to spell out the sacred personal name of Adonai or teach people its pronunciation. If you must use the Name, either say יהוה or YHVH; however do not make these common by overuse. Adonai, Abba, or any of the descriptive names or titles used in scripture should be used instead.
8. The Hebrew name of the Messiah is “Yeshua." “Jesus” is acceptable, however any variations finding no authenticity in scripture or in history are not.
9. We insist on absolute respect for any of the names, titles, or descriptive phrases for either Adonai, Yeshua, or the Ruach. Disrespecting or disparaging the Names of the Most High God is the best way to get your account closed with no warning.
10. The posting of other URL'S and websites is permissible as long as they are not anti-
, Anti-Semitic, Anti-Judaic, or anti-Messianic, and do not advocate anything un-biblical in observance, don't violate the forum statements of faith, or have objectionable doctrinal statements.** Moderators check all posted URL's to ensure compliance, and may remove them or add a warning about them to your post at their discretion.
11. Do not post links to other forums or blogs, or to books you’ve written, unless you first receive permission of a Moderator. Do not post books, or parts of book on the forum without consent of a moderator. (You may post quotes, giving credit to the author.) Moderators may be contacted by PM.
12. Absolutely no spam! These posts will be deleted and the user banned without notice.
13. The language of this forum is English. The use of biblical Hebrew and Greek is permitted for clarity. Other languages may be used if germain to the point being made. However a translation into English as well as any explanation necessary should be included. Moderators will make a determination when necessary whether any terms, statements, or posts in a different language are necessary or acceptable.
Guidelines:
A. We consider Messianic Judaism to be a different and valid form of Judaism that doesn't need permission or affirmation from any other sect of Judaism or denomination of Christianity. We don't believe it necessary to convert to any other sect of Judaism to become Jewish. Although there are different expressions of Messianic Judaism, as there are in other Judaisms, we believe Messianic Judaism- a
observant Judaism which believes Yeshua is the Messiah and the Apostolic writings hold authority- to be the true expression of Judaism that the scriptures and the God of Yisra'el intended.B. This is a
Observant Messianic forum for both those who are Jewish, and those born Gentiles. it is designed to be a place where those sincerely seekering may come and grow and learn more about a Messianic Jewish observant life.C. Address the topic of the post or the discussion, not the person posting or responding to the topic.
D. No one knows it all, so while we expect to see some lively discussion, realize we will not all agree on every point. Keep an open mind and give consideration to opposing views. Take the issue to The Father in prayer. However, if it comes to an impasse all parties should agree to disagree and let it drop.
E. We advocate
Observance as part of our walk with Messiah Yeshua. He, along with His disciples are our example. All were Observant. This can be an area of great misunderstanding and division, so realize we are all at different points in our walk and that the Ruach Elohim (the Spirit of God) will lead people to the Truth.F. Don't post large amounts of text in a single post. Moderators will determine if a post is too long, and it may be removed. The poster may at the discretion of the Moderators be allowed to rewrite a post or break it up, or other appropriate action taken. Failure to do so in a timely manner will however result in removal of that post.
G. Those who cause trouble and who are contentious may be warned, or may have their forum account suspended without notice.
H. Certain doctrines, while they may be discussed to expose biblical error, will not be allowed to be freely promoted here. Any doctrine or teaching that is not consistent with the following statement of faith should not be promoted on Ahavat Elohim Forums. We welcome sincere questions, but those on a mission to disprove these statements of faith and draw others away will have a very short time on the forum.
Statement of Faith:
a. We believe the Bible, both the TaNaKh and Brit Chadashah (
, Prophets, Writings, and Renewed Covenant) to be the inspired, authoritative Word of God.b. We believe in One God.
c. The Shema ("Hear O Yisra'el, YHVH our God, YHVH is One" Deut. 6:4) teaches that God is One. He is creator, and He alone has made, does make, and will make all things. He alone is Ruler of all. He alone is our God. He eternally was, is, and will be; the first and the last- the Aleph and the Tav (Alpha and Omega). Beside Him there is no other.
d. We believe that Yeshua is HaMashiach, The Anointed One all scripture points to, and also the primary builder of The Kingdom of Heaven. We believe in His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of The Father, and in His personal return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead.
e. We believe man was created in the image of God. Through disobedience man fell from his first state and became separated from God. All men are born with this "fallen" sinful nature (Tehillim/Psalm 51:5); sinners both by nature and by choice. As such we are creatures under the wrath of God.
f. We believe for the redemption of "fallen" sinful men regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. Repenting of personal sin and turning to God's ways, a personal faith in the Lord Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus The Messiah), and the fruit of the Spirit manifesting itself in a holy life are evidences of this regeneration. God's redemption has always been accomplished by a personal faith and trust in Him. “Works of The Law” or any righteous acts cannot redeem anyone from sin and its consequences.
g. We believe in the present ministry of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) by Whose indwelling the believer is enabled to live a holy life unto God.
h. We believe the teachings of
are as valid today as when they were written, and they apply to all mankind.i. We believe all the words of the biblical Prophets are true.
j. We believe it is only proper to pray to The God Of Yisra'el. One may not pray to anyone or anything else.
k. We believe in the resurrection of both the redeemed and the lost; they that are redeemed unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
l. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus The Messiah).
m. We believe in spiritual gifts given through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to the individual believer such as prophecy, healing, word of knowledge, and the gift of tongues (languages), ect.
n. We believe the
is holy, just, and good as the shaliach Sha'ul (Apostle Paul) has stated (Romans 7:12). is profitable for instruction in righteousness (2Timothy 3:16), not as a means of justification, but as a path of sanctification. The we have today is the same given to Moshe (Moses) by the mouth of El Shaddai at Mount Sinai. will not be changed nor another given by God.o. We believe God rewards those who keep his commandments and punishes those who transgress them (Devarim/Deuteronomy 5:9-10, Mishlei/Proverbs 28:9, 1Yochanan/John 3:22).
p. We believe God has given His people the Moedim (sacred calendar of feasts/festivals), which are His appointed times (not just so-called "Jewish Holidays"). This calendar is a "shadow of things to come,” and teaches spiritual truths about our Lord Yeshua The Messiah and God's Plan for mankind. These holy days are the "testimonies of God" (Devarim/Deut. 6:17) and are a great benefit to building the faith of the believer. They speak of God's faithfulness and deliverance, therefore we observe and celebrate them with great joy.
q. We believe the Sabbath was given to mankind at creation for our good and that it is a delight to observe. The Sabbath as a spiritual discipline brings both refreshment and rejuvenation to body and soul. We believe the Sabbath is every seventh day of the week from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night.
r. We believe it is the calling of all believers to share the "Good News" of the coming Kingdom and to live a life transformed by the Spirit of God following our Lord's example of love toward God, and all mankind. We are to be agents of God's redemptive work in this "fallen" world.
False Teachings Not Allowed:
There are doctrines that have made their way into some sects of Messianism which we believe false and are not to be promoted here. Some are:
- "Two House Doctrine" Also known as "Ephraimite Theology"- belief that the people of the Northern Kingdom (10 Lost Tribes) carried into Assyrian captivity did not disappear and that most or all true Christian and/or Messianic believers today are their physical descendants. Also called British, Anglo, or European Judaism.
- "Sacred Name" theology- attempts by various means to contort or add to the Covenant Name and the Name of Yeshua, their "proper" pronunciation being necessary as a condition of one’s salvation. But the various SN groups do not agree on spelling or pronunciation, each group insisting that their own is the only proper way, all others being heresy. Instead of honoring the Names, they reduce them to idolatry; magic words to be used instead of honoring and worshiping the God those Names represents.
- "Ebionite" theology- any doctrine denying the eternal deity of Yeshua.
- " Karaite " theology and reckoning of the Moedim (Holy Festivals)- Karaites try to use the biblical method of setting the religious calendar as outlined in Leviticus 23. However without a Temple and a Great Sanhedrin seated there they must rely on their own observations and interpretations primarily on the aviv barley and the new moon. There is not always agreement there.
- "Lunar Sabbath" theology- belief that the true weekly seventh day Sabbath of the scriptures is always observed on the same days of the Moon each month and not always 6 working days followed by a day of rest.
- Any theology teaching any book from B'resheet (Genesis) to Revelation in the 66 book Bible is not valid as Holy Scripture.
- Any theology that teaches
has been done away with (Mattityahu/Matthew 5:16-19).- Any theology that teaches
is not for those of the nations who have put their trust in Yeshua The Messiah and have thereby become part of the commonwealth of Yisra'el (B'midbar/Numbers 15:15-16, Ephesians 2, Romans 3:31).- Any replacement theology that teaches that any group of people has replaced Yisra'el or the Jewish people.
- Teaching that communicates that women should be
teachers, Rabbis, or Elders over men within the congregation (1 Timothy 2:11-15)General:
* Neither the rules, guidelines, Statement of Faith, nor the above list are (and cannot be) exhaustive. Admin and Moderators will deal with teachings, doctrines, faiths, denominations, sects, cults, et-all which are contrary to our faith and beliefs as they occur on the forum.
* As long as forum members respect the rules and guidelines described above, they don't have to agree with every statement of our faith. We do not wish to tell anyone what to believe. However we do want to promote a
observant faith and message, and to that end we ask you respect the rules, guidelines, and Statement of Faith as given. * Violators will be warned, and repeat offenders may have their forum account suspended. Some infractions may warrant immediate closure of the posters account. We try to not be too heavy handed in enforcement, however the Moderators must often use their judgement and discernment in carrying out their duties. They have a difficult job, so we ask you respect them and their decisions. You may contact them by PM and question a decision, and you may come to an agreement on corrective measures. However when they say the determination is final, discussion ends.
Shalom in Messiah Yeshua,
Ahavat Elohim Staff
