New Member with questions

[dave]

Hello all,

I found this forum while searching for some answers online. I find myself in kind of a strange place. I am Jewish, but was not raised in a Jewish community or anything, so I don't know much about the lifestyle. I have been following Jesus for about five years now, and as I draw closer to Him, I began wondering. Since I am Jewish and a believer in Christ, am I held accountable to a higher standard being part of God's chosen people? Also, my wife is not Jewish, so what does that mean for the rest of my family? As I understand it, that means my kids aren't either. Any help would be much appreciated, as I am currently stationed in Iraq with the U.S. Army, so I can't just go find a rabbi to talk to.

I've looked around here a little bit, and I did read through a great post about Galatians 3. Great insight!

שלום

[Mark]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for joining AhavatElohim and thanks for your service to us, to your country and to the Iraqi people. I encourage you to poke around the forum and peruse the various threads. There have been a number of folks come through who have been exactly where you are today- their questions and comments may be very familiar to you.

There are a few threads that address your question fairly specifically. Take a look here:

theloveofgod.proboards3.com/index.cgi?board=observant&action=display&thread=516

theloveofgod.proboards3.com/index.cgi?board=observant&action=display&thread=1283

theloveofgod.proboards3.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=719

theloveofgod.proboards3.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=859

These are in no particular order at all. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We'll either try to answer or direct you to where it has already been discussed.

There are a number of Messianic believers in Iraq both on duty and civilian. I have sent a number of documents that way. If you are interested, you can PM me with specific information about location and I can see about contacting others on your behalf. Of course, with the fluid nature of military life, there are no guarantees that anyone I have met over the years is still there.

It is also very important that you keep your wife and family up to speed on what you are learning and the perspective you are taking with regard to how you handle God's Word. Keep them in the discussion and avoid waiting until you have finalized your own conclusions before reasoning with them. It is very frustrating, particularly in a marriage, when one grabs onto solid convictions that are life-changing without the support of those who are close to you. It is also really scary when your spouse leaves home one day "totally normal" and suddenly returns as some kind of religious fanatic. You can save everyone a lot of potential grief by bringing them along with you as opposed to coming to a destination and trying to pull them across.

Mark

[dave]

Thank you for the links. I have read through them, and will be praying about it.

Dave

[lawrenceofisrael]

Shalom Dave.

Thank you very much for your interest we messianic believers are always happy to answer questions.
I also want to thank you from my country germany for serving the Iraqi people and doing this dangerous job. You also have my condolence for all the soldiers whether american, british or other nations who died in iraq.

Your question is a good one and the answer is no.
God doesnt differ between jews and gentiles. He loves them equally and he expects the same.
If you read the concerning shabbat for example he says that also the stranger within the gates shall rest.
Often the Apostle Shaul (may the Lord remember him) blamed some jews even one Apostle for making difference between the gentiles and them.

We all share the faith in Yeshua and receive the same spirit and grace.
We are one body.
Halleluyah that you are on the way to his light.
Please ask me anything you want about him.
I´m so glad ive heard from you.

Lorenz from Hamburg Germany

[Prodigal Girl]

Hello Dave,
There are some who call themselves Messianics who do believe that "non-Jews" are not "obligated to", or more commonly, should not, follow the whole Law, but that Jews are "obligated", or at least "may". But be assured that there are also many Messianics who believe in one Law for all who follow the same G-d. It is all in how scripture is interpreted/understood. It is good to earnestly study and listen to what both sides say, and prayerfully study ALL the scriptures yourself to come to the right decision on this.
It also depends partly on one's accurate knowlege and interpretation of history relevant to the topic.

[dave]

Thank you very much for your responses. Thank you for your support Lorenz. It is much appreciated. I am finding myself drawing closer to the for everyone. Although as I was reading through it last night, I came across some things that were forbidden for foreigners to participate in. I don't remember specifically what it was, but what is meant by foreigners? Any non-Jew?

Also, another question I have is, does anyone here practice any of the non- customs to help retain their Jewish identity?

Thanks again for all of the input, and thanks in advance for your time. May Hashem bless you all.

Dave

[lawrenceofisrael]

Shalom Dave,

Yes it is very clear that some things like pesach are forbidden for non-Israelites. Israelites are more than jews. As far as i know Jews are the ancestors of Yehuda while the other tribes or at least some of them are lost but will be found in the last days again.

Now to the foreigner thing. Anyone who accepts Yeshua as his Lord and saviour is part of the tree representing Israel. Thats why everybody is under the same grace and keeps the same comandments or is at least called to do so.

Remember i am not circumcised in the flesh but in the heart.

Peace and blessings be upon you and all those who followed and follow the right path.