Thanks so very (VERY VERY) much for penning this Boaz. WE surely agree with this sentiment! The heart of the Father must be deeply grieved when we cause division with our pride and arrogance rather than a lifting up of the WHOLE body with love, good teaching and mutual care. Again - thanks so much for writing this needed letter!
Shalom,
Chuck and Wanita Panza
Midway, Utah

Chuck and Wanita Panza | January 5, 2011 10:31 AM

This is so very much along the same lines of something that has been on my and my husband's hearts for a while now. G-d is doing something amazing around the world and it's exciting to thing that He has placed each of us here, now, to do what He has called us to do. We are not to judge another man's servant. As He moves in the lives of others it may not look exactly like His work in our own lives, but we cannot discount that HE IS MOVING! We must be able to make room for Him to do His work in their lives and not get in His way, but to work along with Him. Think of it, we get to be co-laborers in bringing a restoration to our brothers and sisters, to the world. Those who He can use the most are those who are patient, kind, gentle, humble and peaceful. These are among the fruits of the Ruach HaKodesh. It is our submission to Him that allows each of us to be used. Our own arrogant agendas must fall away. These only do great damage to His Name.

Lisa W | January 5, 2011 11:03 AM

Shalom Boaz;

Yes I will have to agree. We as Messianic ministers have been guilty of that as well and we have repented of that. We as Messianics do not have to agree on every issue that is not a salvation issue, the focus still must be Yeshua and His Torah. I am sure when Yeshua returns He will straighten us all out as far as our doctrines. We still respect your work and just because we might not agree with somethings, ultimately we all have to stand before Him one day and make an account for ourselves and what did we do to proclaim His truth. Sometimes I think we are in a competition of Head Knowledge vs what Yeshua said to do "Go INTO the World and preach the Gospel and MAKE TALMIDIM" I for one apologize for words said against you, who am I to critisize anyone. Frankly I am tired of all of the strife, if we do not stand together we are going to fall like Legos. Shalom In Yahshua
Messianic Pastors Scott & Deborah Brandt

D'vorah Brandt | January 5, 2011 12:03 PM

Thank you, Boaz, for your wise statesmanship. I am encouraged as I have seen many individuals in the Hebrew Roots (what I call Judeo-Christian) movement come out of divisive mentalities and embrace the obvious signs of God's work in most Christian denominations and in post-biblical Judaism. God has not been absent. His people, regardless of worship preferences and theological positions, can affirm each other, have unity in diversity, and be part of the great big world of Christianity and Judaism.

Derek Leman | January 5, 2011 12:06 PM

Boaz, thanks for posting this. Tonight at our Rosh Chodesh gathering I am teaching out of Philippians 2 and my main point is what was Paul really trying to tell us. He was telling us not to do anything from rivalry or conceit, but to serve others, and put others before yourself. I too worry about the behavior of some in the Messianic/Torah movement.

Jim Rickard | January 5, 2011 12:55 PM

I hope this isn't a problem, but I liked this blog post and the point you make so much that I've been quoting it on a few of my own blogs and particularly in response to comments made by readers. I agree that it's important for all of us to respect the work God is doing, not just in the church, but in Messianic Jewish congregations that are primarily Jewish as well as those groups that have a different or "mixed" membership demographic and maintain some Jewish worship and study practices.

The body of the Messiah will only be a unified body if we work together at the direction of our "head", regardless of how different the individual body parts may be. We have one Messiah, and One God.

James | January 6, 2011 8:37 PM

Thank you, Boaz, for sharing your insight. This pastor may be the instrument G-d is using to lead the entire congregation into becoming Torah believing Christians. How awsome! 'Jumping ship' and joining a Messianic congregation would be the easy way out. I am challenged to pray for him and other pastors like him that have a desire to bring their congregations to understand and follow the Torah.

Dorie | January 10, 2011 12:42 AM

I so agree! I go to an Assemblies of God church, and my Pastor was the first to teach me about the need to read the WHOLE Bible. He also introduced me to the Feasts of the Lord and many other "Jewish" concepts. I no longer agree with all 16 fundamental truths that AOG subscribes to, and I have prayed about leaving. If all Messianics left the church, though, who would show the sincere seekers of G-d the truth?

Suzie Payne | January 14, 2011 4:08 PM

When I first became aware of Torah and our Hebrew roots 4 years ago, I could not imagine going back to Sunday church. During the Days of Awe last fall, the Ruach clearly indicated to me that we would be going back to our former Sunday congregation. I was not pleased and didn't say a word to anyone. I was concerned that I would sit there and fight critical thoughts so I asked HaShem for two things.....confirmation and help with my critical attitude. Well, I received both. Delightfully, we still attend a Messianic congregation on Sabbath and I have been given opportunity to offer weekly Bible studies with instruction on Torah truth in small bites to the Sunday congregation!

Linda | January 16, 2011 7:42 PM

Like wise, it was very refreshing to hear other's leading on the Messianic/Church perspective. I love the Messianic believers as much as I love the Church believers.

I have been blessed by both in my journey into an intimate walk of grace with Yeshua. Having grown up in a believing Jewish family, both the Church and the Messianic have shaped my life and ministry.

Sadly, I have seen the majority of the Messianic have gone to much into the OT and only giving the NT lip service, and conversely the majority of the Church has gone too much into the NT and only giving the OT lip service as well - but run down each other.

My wife and I are in full-time ministry and as God has grown us from both perspectives and teaching us to balance and integrate the whole of Scripture, the effectiveness of our ministry has blossomed in awesome ways. People we help and counsel are finding deeper threads of relationship and Trust with their "YodHeyVavHey".

God's blessings and grace to you in this

Rodger Savill | January 17, 2011 2:51 PM

I find myself at an exciting moment of decision regarding a similar issue. I discovered the Jewish roots of my faith 6 years ago. Throughout that time I served as an assistant pastor for a denominational church in Japan. Three years later I was asked to leave due to the incompatibility of my Torah teaching and the denomination's view (law vs. grace). It was a tough moment for me for I had grown up spiritually in that fellowship. Soon after my family and I moved to a small island to work. It has been a great time of study, healing, rest, witness, and preparation for the next stage (a real Shabbat). We'll be moving back to Okinawa in March. Since there are no messianic congregations in Japan, I am considering to start a network of Torah/Yeshua centered home fellowships. Incredibly, I still love my former church family and hope they will one day grasp the blessing of Torah life. I hope to be able to minister to them if they are willing to hear.

Hernan | February 20, 2011 7:26 PM

Dear Herman,
...i realize this is off-topic...but i couldn't help noticing you said you wanted to start a Torah house study in Japan?? this is very interesting to me because i currently live in Busan, Korea. i just recently married a Korean citizen and we both are Torah observant Gentiles seeking to do exactly the same thing here in Busan. i was wondering if you would be willing to talk more in private (via email) about this subject.
blessings and love in HaShem
Garrett Rathke.

Garrett Rathke | March 26, 2011 1:06 AM

We got this from Hernon: Hello Garrett, By all means. pinillahernan.chc@gmail.com

Toby Janicki | April 5, 2011 8:58 AM