In my post on “Biblical Equality” I mentioned a scathing treatise put forth by some leaders in Messianic Judaism. I have since linked to their paper in that post for clarity. This blog post is offered by some of those that were slandered in the MJ paper.
I urge you to consider their response and defend their position. Thanks, Jane, for posting this. The body needs to hear “both sides of the story”; we must hold the IAMCS accountable for their actions!
A Critical Look at the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations
and Synagogues (IAMCS) Steering Committee Report
of False Accusations Against the Hebrew Roots Movement
We, as Messianic leaders and teachers, have become increasingly concerned that there are a small number of individuals and groups today promoting the idea that the Torah is not valid in the lives of Believers in Messiah Yeshua [Jesus Christ]. These people, headed by the Steering Committee of the IAMCS, state that all Believers – Jewish and Gentile alike – ought not to walk as Messiah, by honoring the Torah, particularly the Shabbat, the Feasts of the LORD, and eating a Biblically kosher diet. This erroneous understanding of Scripture, which has been around since the fourth century, and the days of the Roman Emperor Constantine, is the subject of this paper. This doctrine promoted by the IAMCS leaders causes them to conclude that the…
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GRACE in TORAH 
Thanks for posting this.
I was not aware of the most recent struggle.
I am reminded that Hosea declared “no mercy” on Joseph’s clans of Northern Israel but that God would have “compassion on Judah”. Thus in time Judah became all that there is of Israel. Having therefore the right to the name and all that goes with it.
Once before upon examining the evidence Israel declared “A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”
Having misread the evidence life goes on with wrong assumptions.
Joseph is dead to Israel. The sons of Israel will not know him, if they see him with their own eyes.
Yet here he is, alive among the nations.
And as the Torah, the living and the written, begin to restore him, he has a role to play. The sets of seven time periods of the Creation story, Noah’s story, and Jacob’s pursuit of Rachel as a wife are the keys to Joseph’s return to the story of Israel.
Joseph needs to learn how to be a blessing to the nations before he can be recognized by his brothers. He can only be that blessing by wisely applying Torah to the world’s circumstances. He will only get that chance when he puts his own house in order and becomes the servant leader to which he is called.
We need to learn our role….
Let them go…We have a role.
The reunion will happen, it’s not yet.
Thanks again for the update
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Thank you so much for your comment and the reminder… it has blessed me immensely today. You said, “Joseph needs to learn how to be a blessing to the nations before he can be recognized by his brothers. He can only be that blessing by wisely applying Torah to the world’s circumstances. He will only get that chance when he puts his own house in order and becomes the servant leader to which he is called.”
How very true this is! May we persevere, mature, and reach this place soon. And with a true spirit of humility and servant-hood. Thanks again for commenting. 🙂
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Thanks for your kind words. Mature soon indeed!
if some of what I wrote seems cryptic my blog may help you understand my world view.
sevenandfifty.blogspot.com
Audrey and i enjoy your posts
She loves your mosaic background She is an artist and my basement is full of broken plates and little pieces of tile.
Best wishes,
Barry Miller
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Hi Barry,
I’ve been reading your blog and I love it! (: I commented there in reference to this post. You can expect me to link to your blog on occasion in my future posts. I find the themes and rhythms you are unearthing from the Word refreshing —- and completely inline with my favorite thematic study: Dr. Hollisa Alewine’s Creation Gospel —- which fascinates me even more. (: I look forward to reading more and your upcoming book!
Shalom,
K. Gallagher
P.S. Tell Audrey that your basement sounds like a beautiful Mosaic in the making! I’d love to see what she creates.
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Kisha,
I will be very pleased to see a link from you.
I need to take some time to look at Dr. Alewine’s work.
Thank you for your encouragement!
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry
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SomethingI have been considering for a while. Thanks for the push to clarify.
From the beginning of it all we see separation as a theme. The scary thing about about promoting an inclusion idea is that there no longer exists holiness or set apartness. Observe the boot-licking of protestantism that is currently happening toward Roman Catholicism, the call of Catholics for protestants to “return to their Catholic roots”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA4EPOfic5A This is ecumenism on steroids. The IAMCS paper tells us that we are simultaneously separated into Jews and Gentiles and that there is no separation between the world of churchianity and the Body of Messiah? I am confused. (All paths do inevitably lead to YHVH, but as judge.)
The Body of Messiah is by definition exclusive. It is to be holy, set apart, distinctive as proscribed by YHVH through His commandments. It is those commandments that establish what it looks like to be holy, set apart from the world. Our example is Messiah Yeshua, to be transformed into HIS image. What did He look like? Did He only practice the four requirements of Acts 15? Israel is the root. There is only one way to the God of Israel and that is through the Son, grafted into the root/Israel, adopted as sons and daughters into a way and lifestyle that honors the father by doing what He says, His commandments. Do we follow the Messiah of the church or the Messiah of YHVH, because they are not the same.
As far as I know, I do not have “Jewish” ancestry, but I have a “Jewish” heart. YHVH Elohim is my God and His Son, Messiah Yeshua, is my savior. I have become bat mitzvoh through Him. I can no longer support the pagan practice of “church” and honor my God and my King. I am compelled to follow hard after my master and LORD. How can I call him LORD if I do not do what He says? (Luke 6:46,47; Matt. 7:21-23; James 2)
I agree with the paper in as far as they seem to want to keep the lines of communication open between the “church” and the Messianics. But how far does this extend? What concessions or compromises do you make along the way? Does it include allowing some believers to maintain their false image of Messiah as viewed by Constantine? At what point is the distinction between those who follow the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all others made? Because if there is no distinction, what is the point? We are told we are a peculiar people, a people that by reason of our obedience (I take this to mean to Torah) will be singled out and persecuted and put to death. This in no way makes us better than anyone else, it just makes us different, set apart. Yeshua said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to Me.” The religious leaders of His day, followed a law of their own making and were soundly rebuked. Their tradition was the yoke that could not be borne.
Yeshua said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments, and My commandments are not burdensome.” (John 14; 1John 5:3) “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God, and the Word was made flesh and tabernacled among us.”
I must do the things that are pleasing to my God and Savior. Sunday, Easter, Christmas, and eating that which is not food do not qualify, no matter how much I want them to. It is not about what I want, It is about what HE wants, says, expects. It is not to “lord over” but to provoke to jealousy. Does my life reflect Him, His love, His peace, His mercy, His instruction (Torah)? And is that even possible if I am walking outside Torah?
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Hi Sherri,
It’s so good to hear from you again! (: Thank you for taking the time to comment. My desire and hope is that many many more will come to understand what you have elucidated so well. (:
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