Post by brohawk on Oct 25, 2008 2:59:07 GMT -8
Greetings.
I just found this board and am looking forward to getting into the discussions and learning more about the Jewish roots of my faith.
I'm a Gentile believer in Yeshua. I became a Christian in 1986 (non-denomnational/Protestant). Like any sincere believer, I was searching for truth in often muddy waters. Sorting through the doctrines of various groups/organizations/churches and weighing them against Scripture was a big task. II was convinced of the Truth of Yeshua's message and that He had saved me, but I was having a hard time finding a place where I felt at home in doctrine and practice.
A couple years ago I started a personal study focused on "weeding the garden" and getting rid of the things that were added to the faith that were of pagan origin or man-made.
This led to the goal of trying to get back to a "first century" faith. The first believers were, of course, Jews. Also, I haven't been able to find anything in Scripture that indicates Yeshua (or Paul) intended for faith in our Messiah to be separate from Judaism as it has become.
Rather, Paul wrote about the "wild branches" (Gentiles) being grafted into the natural tree (Israel). He didn't say anything about the wild branches being planted separately.
As I continued this study I became aware of how much Christian practice and tradition come from pagan traditions, which God explicitly commands us to avoid. This December will mark the third year I have not observed Christmas.
I was convinced of the validity of where my study was leading me, but the churches I had attended (yep - I went through a few trying to find a home) were wrapped up in their way of doing things and didn't appreciate someone tampering with their traditions.
Then I found a local Messianic congregation. I believe this is it. This is where I belong. Bringing my Christian faith back to its Jewish roots is introducing me to a depth and richness I haven't known before.
Becoming a member of this congregation involves a 56 mile round trip to attend services, but even with today's gas prices I'm not complaining.
The amount of learning ahead of me is daunting for a 49-year old, but I'll do what I can as I can.
Glad to be here and I'm looking forward to getting involved.
I just found this board and am looking forward to getting into the discussions and learning more about the Jewish roots of my faith.
I'm a Gentile believer in Yeshua. I became a Christian in 1986 (non-denomnational/Protestant). Like any sincere believer, I was searching for truth in often muddy waters. Sorting through the doctrines of various groups/organizations/churches and weighing them against Scripture was a big task. II was convinced of the Truth of Yeshua's message and that He had saved me, but I was having a hard time finding a place where I felt at home in doctrine and practice.
A couple years ago I started a personal study focused on "weeding the garden" and getting rid of the things that were added to the faith that were of pagan origin or man-made.
This led to the goal of trying to get back to a "first century" faith. The first believers were, of course, Jews. Also, I haven't been able to find anything in Scripture that indicates Yeshua (or Paul) intended for faith in our Messiah to be separate from Judaism as it has become.
Rather, Paul wrote about the "wild branches" (Gentiles) being grafted into the natural tree (Israel). He didn't say anything about the wild branches being planted separately.
As I continued this study I became aware of how much Christian practice and tradition come from pagan traditions, which God explicitly commands us to avoid. This December will mark the third year I have not observed Christmas.
I was convinced of the validity of where my study was leading me, but the churches I had attended (yep - I went through a few trying to find a home) were wrapped up in their way of doing things and didn't appreciate someone tampering with their traditions.
Then I found a local Messianic congregation. I believe this is it. This is where I belong. Bringing my Christian faith back to its Jewish roots is introducing me to a depth and richness I haven't known before.
Becoming a member of this congregation involves a 56 mile round trip to attend services, but even with today's gas prices I'm not complaining.
The amount of learning ahead of me is daunting for a 49-year old, but I'll do what I can as I can.
Glad to be here and I'm looking forward to getting involved.
