NEW: Please subscribe to my Substack/newsletter at the bottom of the page. Thanks!
About Me and What I Believe
The Center for Messianic Learning attempts to teach about HaDerek (The Way), a movement of Jews and Gentiles who now follow the teaching and lifestyle of Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth, as the Yeshua-followers lived in the first and second centuries, and about what Rabbi Sha'ul called the “mystery of the Gospel” (Eph. 6:19): how is it possible for Gentiles to become a part of the Kingdom of God and participate in the Covenants that God made with Israel? We boldly proclaim Yeshua as Israel’s promised Messiah and Savior of the world, and present His mitzvot (instructions or commandments) from their historical Jewish perspective. We are unashamedly pro-Israel, unapologetically pro-Torah, and irrevocably Zionist.
Why Are We Different?
There are differences in the way we all express ourselves when it comes to our faith. The Messianic Community recognizes several things based on a purely biblical precedence:
• We observe the Sabbath as the 7th day (Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11, 31:12-16)
• We observe the Biblical Holy Days - the Lord’s Feasts (Leviticus 23), and we believe they are to be celebrated forever (Leviticus 23: 14, 21, 31, 41)
• We believe that the Law that was given through Moshe (Moses) is not the means to salvation. But by the grace, mercy, and love of God, we are born again, infilled with the very Spirit of God, Who now through His Word is able to write His Torah on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33)
• We believe that the ways of God (His laws and principles) are ways of pleasantness and peace; how blessed are all those who delight in them (Psalm 1:1-2, Psalm 112:1, Psalm 128:1). Our Lord and Savior, King Yeshua Himself, states emphatically that He did not come to abolish these ways, but to bring them into our lives fully fulfilled (Matthew 5:17-19)
• Most importantly, this Messianic Community believes that we are saved by faith in the atoning blood of Yeshua (Jesus) and not on the basis of our own righteousness (Isaiah 64:5-6, Romans 3:23). We were separated from God, but because of His amazing grace (John 3:16-17), we are now clothed in His righteousness and can call God “Abba,” which simply means “Father!”
What is the Messianic Movement?
The Messianic Movement is not a “new” denomination. It is a spiritual renaissance. As contrasted to Modern Rabbinic Judaism, it predates the destruction of the second temple in 70 AD. After the Temple was destroyed, the Rabbis had to reorganize Judaism. They did so by emphasizing the Oral Traditions (Oral Law), the requirements and rules that broadly expounded upon the biblical narrative. Their writings and commentaries are contained in the Talmud - the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of modern Jewish religious law (halakha).
Pages in This Section
In these uncertain times, all of us are all looking for something that we can count on, something that will give our lives and our families meaning and stability. We believe that the only “something” that will never fail is a SomeOne — Yeshua HaNatseret, the Lion of Judah, Israel’s King Messiah, and the living Son of God.
Here is a little bit about the fellow who authored 99% of this site’s content.
I feel that you should probably know about the guy who wrote most of the pages on this website. Here is a fairly complete story of my life as recorded in a three-volume genealogy that I wrote for my family.
Just a list of congregations and organizations in which I have held specific ministry and leadership positions.
Why my teaching is just a little different from what you might find most places on the internet. It includes a summary of my personal spiritual journey, how I went from being a Baptist pastor to being a Messianic Jewish theologian and rabbi.[1]
A broad statement of my doctrinal position, which is thoroughly expanded in the Doctrinal Studies materials; what I believe about the Holy Community. Please note: every time I study the Holy Scriptures, my personal theology grows and develops, and therefore changes. Much of the information on this website was developed nearly 40 years ago when I was a Theology Professor in a Baptist-oriented seminary. Please see “Why isn’t my theology consistent throughout this website?”
Here is my complete Curriculum Vitae / Resume.
A brief biographical sketch of my helpmeet of blessed memory.
In memory of a true “Woman of Virtue” (Proverbs 31:10-30).
“The Karaites are a Jewish sect which does not recognize the authority of the post-Biblical tradition incorporated in the Talmud and in the latter Rabbinic works.” I agree with them in that regard.
Website Philosophy and Organization
A brief explanation of my philosophy and the design and content of the website; it may be helpful if you understand these things about the site.
Ha Derek: What this Website is About
This website is all (well, almost all) about my personal understanding of HaDerek, now called Messianic Judaism, as it was in the first and second centuries (not necessarily how it is practiced in this present day), and about what Rabbi Sha'ul called the “mystery of the Gospel” (Eph. 6:19): i.e., how is it possible for Gentiles to become a part of the Kingdom of God and of the Commonwealth of Israel, and participate in the Covenants that God made with Israel?
Some interesting facts about the Body of Messiah that you may never have heard before.
Some reasons you might want to learn with me.
If you disagree with my position on any subject, please read this page before you contact me about it.
A Short History of our Natural Health Practice
From about 1992 or 1993 until Barbara’s death in 2008, we operated a Natural Health practice out of our home office.
1. I am using the term “rabbi” in it’s original linguistic meaning: “teacher.” I am not ordained as a rabbi or trained in the interpretation or appication of Talmud, halakhah, takanot, or minhag. [BACK]
|
 |
Subscribe to my Substack/newsletter |
ANXIOUSLY WATCHING FOR MASHIACH’S RETURN,
SPEEDILY AND IN OUR DAY. MARANA, TA!
