Sunday, 23 August 2015

The Response of Hebraic Congregations

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Messianic Jewish congregations are forming in response to Scripture and the impact of history. Messianic Judaism is not a completely new movement, but rather the resurrection of a very old movement.

We have sought to show that the identity of the Apostles under the term Messianic Judaism was the identity of the Apostles and the community of Jewish "followers of the the Way" in the first and second centuries. Since that time, many Jewish believers in Yeshua have enriched the Church as pastors, theologians, and laymen. It is true, however, that a Messianic Jewish style of existence has been lacking subsequent to the early centuries. Indeed, the Church sought to have its converts literally change their names and give up all identity as Jews.

The Synagogue, as well, sought to have followers of Yeshua ostracized from the mainstream community. A Jew who accepted Yeshua was considered no longer Jewish.

The early history of Jewish missions was often a sordid affair, with self-serving missionaries seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of gullible church memembers. However, there were always some who understood the place and calling of Israel and whose lives were exemplary.

Jewish Roots, Chapter Five: Survey of the History of Judaism and Christianity