Dear fellow believers:
What is the Hebrew Roots Movement?
It is very important to understand the history behind the Hebrews Roots movement. The following is a quote from Wikipedia's article "Hebrew Roots."
"Since the early 20th century, different religious organizations have been teaching a belief in Yeshua as mankind's redeemer and savior from man's own sinful nature and a lifestyle in keeping with the Torah, the Sabbath and the annual Feasts (or moedim, Holy Days). These include Messianic Judaism (to a very limited degree) in 1916, the Sacred Name Movement (SNM) in 1937, and the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) in the 1930s, and, later, the Hebrew Roots Movement. Thus far, the WCG has had the greatest impact on all organizations which teach these beliefs, including obedience to much of the Old Testament law, both nationally and internationally until about 1994-95. Within a few years after the death of its founder, Herbert W Armstrong, in 1986, the succeeding church administration modified the denomination's doctrines and teachings in order to be compatible with mainstream evangelical Christianity, while many members and ministers left and formed other churches that conformed to many, but, not all, of Armstrong's teachings.
"Consequently, the WCG spawned numerous splinter groups, with most of these new churches adopting names bearing the term "Church of God" (COG) and retaining the belief system developed by Armstrong. In contrast, Hebrew Roots (or sometimes, Hebraic Roots) is a grassroots movement without an ecclesiastical superstructure and it does not adhere to the COG belief system, nor does it adhere to Messianic Judaism, or to the SNM, although there are commonalities.
"A number of their founders began teaching about the need to keep the 7th Day Sabbath, to observe annual Feasts, and to obey Old Testament commandments years before these topics were taught and accepted by some in the Christian churches. These early teachers include William Dankenbring (1964) and Dean Wheelock (1981) (both of whom had prior associations with different Churches of God), Joe Good (1978), and Brad Scott (1983).
"In 1994, Dean and Susan Wheelock received their Federal Trademark for the term Hebrew Roots®, after which they began publishing the Hebrew Roots® magazine in April/May 1998, and later a website: http://www.hebrewroots.net/. The goal of this group is “Exploring the Hebrew Roots of the Faith Once Delivered,”-“roots” which go back to not only Yeshua and the Talmidim (Apostles), but to the Nazarenes of the first century and, ultimately, the original Hebrews (Ivrit), Abraham and his offspring, who were the first to "cross over" (which is what "Hebrew" means in the Hebrew language). Those who continue in this Hebraic walk seek out the history, culture, and faith of the first century believers who, like Abraham and Moses obeyed God’s voice, charge, commandments, statutes, and laws (Gen 26:5); the 41,000, denominations of Christianity commonly believe that such obedience is no longer required.
"The Hebrew Roots movement began emerging as a distinct phenomenon in the mid-1990s (1993–96). In 1997, Dean Cozzens of Open Church Ministries (Colorado Springs, CO) published a prophecy titled "The Hebrew Movement", which revealed that God had foreordained four major moves for the 20th century, Pentecostalism, Faith-healing, the Charismatic Movement and finally the Hebrew Roots Movement. In this prophecy, the Hebrew Roots Movement is the "final stage of empowerment" before Christ returns. Several Hebrew Roots ministries are now preferring to use the term Awakening instead of the term "movement" which has been used widely since the 1960s to define politically oriented movements.
"The movement / Awakening has accelerated in the last few years, mainly because of a shift within the Messianic Jewish community. The Hebrew Roots movement and a few Messianic Jewish groups diverge on the issue of One Law theology (one law for the native born and the sojourner, c.f. Numbers 15:16) which Hebrew Roots subscribes to, but which some Messianic Jewish groups deny. One Hebrew Roots teacher, Tim Hegg, responded to this issue by defending what he believes to be the biblical teaching of "One Law" theology and its implications concerning the obligations of Torah obedience for new Messianic believers from the nations. The Two-House and One Law differences have affected musicians who are welcomed by Hebrew Roots fellowships notwithstanding their beliefs: "...many Messianic Jewish artists who are heavily influenced by organizations like the MJAA and the UMJC have been told by their leadership that if they ever appear at an MIA event they will not be able to play with them again" (Hebrew Roots by Wikipedia).
Involvement and History with the WCG
The Worldwide Church of God (WCG) was founded by Herbert Armstrong back in the 1930s. Herbert taught the importance of keeping the Shabbat and the Holy Days of Yah. However, Herbert did not focus on the Jewish background of the Bible. He called Yeshua "Jesus" and the Shabbat "the Sabbath." However, there is no doubt he was correct in teaching His flock the Sabbath, Commandments and Holy Days should be kept.
Despite the lack of focusing on the Jewish background of the Bible, Herbert taught a significant amount of Biblical truth. He understood about two house before it was called "two house." He called it the United States and Britain in Prophecy. He understood all the Jews were not Israel. That Israel consists of 12 tribes and the Jews (Judah) only being one of them. He understood the assembly of Yah is the Bride of the Messiah. Most of all, he understood the Gospel of the Kingdom of Yah consists of a literal peaceful Government that will be established by Yah on this earth (Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 2 & 7). He correctly taught the destiny of mankind is to rule over angels and the entire Universe (1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Hebrews 2:5-10).
The WCG was keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days before the Hebrews Roots movement emerged in 1993 to 1996. Plus, the Seven Day Adventists and other Sabbath keeping churches also kept the Sabbath before the emergence of the Hebrew Roots movement. The WCG was not the only Sabbath keeping assembly (church).
- Herbert didn't realize, it but he was practicing a major part of the Hebrew Roots movement: keeping the Sabbath, the Commandments and the Holy Days of Yah. The WCG was a part, and the WCG splinter churches are a part of what is called today the Hebrew Roots movement.
- God certainly used Herbert Armstrong to help me and many others understand the main message of the Bible. And, many of his correct Biblical teachings I still teach today.
- To understand the significant impact Herbert Armstrong had in reference to the Hebrew Roots movement please review the following video about him: Tribute to Herbert W. Armstrong
I was involved in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) starting in 1985. At age 20 in 1986, a WCG minister immersed (baptized) me into water and asked that God's Holy Spirit be put in me. I remember the minister asking what my full name was and I told him, "Kennard Levi Brown." When he realized my middle name was "Levi" he paused and he had a serious look on his face. He then asked, "Are you a Jew?" I responded, "No." Later, I discovered I was born at Mt. Sinai hospital (a Jewish Hospital) in Chicago, IL the same month as Moses and that my great great grandmother (on my Mother's side) name is Sarah Cohen. I'm still trying to get more information on her. I recently discovered my distant relatives on my mother's side of the family lived in Ohio and Philadelphia (two areas with a good Jewish population).
Is it an accidental occurrence I am living in Columbus, Ohio one of the states that have the most Jews in this country?
For 8 years, I was an active member of the WCG. After Herbert W. Armstrong's death in 1986, the assembly (church) leadership began to "move away" from keeping the Shabbat and Holy Days. My wife (who also was immersed in 1986 in the WCG-I later met her in Atlanta, GA in 1994 and married her the same year I met her) and I decided to leave the WCG because Joseph Tkach, Sr. (he took the place of Herbert W. Armstrong) started teaching, incorrectly, that you can work on the Sabbath.
We associated with one of the "splinter" churches of the WCG in 1995 and we were with this splinter church until March of 2004. In March of 2004, Yah led me to create the Merciful Servants of God ministry and, in 2007, he inspired me to create the Merciful Servants of God BlogTalkRadio Biblical instruction show.
- Interestingly, according the Hebrew Roots Wikipedia article, the Hebrew Roots movement started to grow right around the time of the beginning of the spiritual destruction of the WCG and around the time of the beginning of the creation of several splinter churches of the WCG. I was not the only one who left because of the false teaching of Joseph Tkach, Sr. Many of the WCG ministers that left created their own church organizations.
I did not desire to become a Torah teacher and the importance of ministers working
My wife will tell you . . . I did not have a desire to become a Torah teacher (minister). I am a business man and a direct marketing specialist. I still operate a home based business. I create sales writing for computer and management consulting companies that increase profits and return on investment (ROI). I continue to work because the Apostle Paul worked and he said to follow his example because he followed Messiah's example (1 Corinthians 11:1; Acts 18:2-3; Acts 28:30).
"Acts 28:30
"As always, Sha'ul (Paul) supported himself and did not rely on others, especially not on young and struggling Messianic congregations. In this respect he was like other rabbis of his day. See Act_18:3." (The Jewish New Testament Commentary by David Stern - A Messianic Jew)
Paul revealed he was not the only Apostle who worked:
"For it seems to me that God has made an exhibit of us apostles, exposing us to view last [of all, like men in a triumphal procession who are] sentenced to death [and displayed at the end of the line]. For we have become a spectacle to the world [a show in the world's amphitheater] with both men and angels [as spectators]. We are [looked upon as] fools on account of Christ and for His sake, but you are [supposedly] so amazingly wise and prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are [so very] strong! You are highly esteemed, but we are in disrepute and contempt! To this hour we have gone both hungry and thirsty; we [habitually] wear but one undergarment [and shiver in the cold]; we are roughly knocked about and wander around homeless. And we still toil unto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When men revile us [wound us with an accursed sting], we bless them. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it. When we are slandered and defamed, we [try to] answer softly and bring comfort. We have been made and are now the rubbish and filth of the world [the offscouring of all things, the scum of the earth]."
(1 Corinthians 4:9-12 AMP)
- Believers should support their teachers despite the fact the Bible and Jewish history indicates it is wise for them to have a secular occupation or a business in addition to serving the flock (I Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6).
God states the following about the whole nation of Israel (all the 12 tribes - Judah & Ephriam):
"Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. [Lev. 26:14-17.]" (Malachi 3:8-9 AMP)
- I know from personal experience as a Torah teacher (minister) that the above verses are so true!
God states in His Holy Word that modern Israel today (not just the Jews [Judah] but also the rest of the tribes [Ephriam - the United States, Britain, Canada, Northwestern Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia refer to Britaim.org for more information and proof]) do not give like they should. This fact only justifies ministers have a "back up" income generation source. Again, Paul and the other apostles did. Torah teachers should follow their example (1 Corinthians 11:1).
"For you yourselves know how you must imitate us, that we were not idle when we were among you. We did not accept anyone's food without paying; on the contrary, we labored and toiled, day and night, working so as not to be a burden to any of you. It was not that we hadn't the right to be supported, but so that we could make ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: if someone won't work, he shouldn't eat!" (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10)
Common Characteristics of Yah's TRUE Believers
Yeshua stated there would always be people on the earth who believed in keeping the Sabbath and the Holy Days. However, Yah's TRUE believers would be a tiny portion of humanity during this evil age (Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 7:13-14).
Yah's TRUE believers:
- Keep the Shabbat, the Holy Days and all the commandments of Yah to the best of their ability. (Exodus 31:13-18; Revelation 12:17)
- Stay away from Paganism & Idolatry (Deuteronomy 12:29-30; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4)
- Are poor in spirit
- Mourn (Grieve)
- Meek (Humble)
- Hunger and thirst for Righteousness
- Are merciful
- Are pure in heart
- Are peacemakers
- Are persecuted, slandered and abused with words (Matthew 5:3-11; Luke 6:20-23).
Revelation chapters 2 and 3 reveal additional positive and negative characteristics of the assembly (church) of Yah since the 1st century and the SPECTACULAR & FANTASTIC rewards for choosing to obey the GREAT ALL POWERFUL Yah. The Hebrew Christian Movement and Messianic Judaism
"The Hebrew Christian movement of the 19th and 20th centuries consisted of Jews who converted to Christianity, but worshiped in congregations separate from denominational churches. In many cases, they retained some Jewish practices and liturgy, with the addition of readings from the Christian New Testament. The movement was incorporated into the parallel Messianic Jewish movement in the late 1960s." (Hebrew Christian Movement by Wikipedia)
"Messianic Judaism is a syncretic religious movement that arose in the 1960s and 70s. It blends evangelical Christian theology with elements of religious Jewish practice and terminology. Messianic Judaism generally holds that Jesus is both the Jewish Messiah and "God the Son" (one person of the Trinity), though some within the movement do not hold to Trinitarian beliefs. With few exceptions, both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament are believed to be authoritative and divinely inspired scripture.
"Salvation in most forms of Messianic Judaism is achieved only through acceptance of Jesus as one's savior. It is believed that all sin has been atoned for by Jesus' death and resurrection. Any Jewish laws or customs that are followed are cultural and do not contribute to salvation. Belief in the messiahship and divinity of Jesus, which Messianic Judaism generally shares, is viewed by many Christian denominations and Jewish religious movements as a defining distinction between Christianity and Judaism. Mainstream Christian groups usually accept Messianic Judaism as a form of Christianity.
"Some adherents of Messianic Judaism are ethnically Jewish, and many of them argue that the movement is a sect of Judaism. Jewish organizations, and the Supreme Court of Israel in cases related to the Law of Return, have rejected this claim, and instead consider Messianic Judaism to be a form of Christianity. From 2003 to 2007, the movement grew from 150 Messianic houses of worship in the United States to as many as 438, with over 100 in Israel and more worldwide; congregations are often affiliated with larger Messianic organizations or alliances. In 2008, the movement was reported to have between 6,000 and 15,000 members in Israel and 250,000 in the United States. (Messianic Judaism by Wikipedia) Yeshua revealed, and history confirms, there would always be Jewish and Gentile believers existing on the earth. The BIG challenge that we have is this: How can we get every believer on the "same page" as Paul desired in the following scriptures? "But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments. For it has been made clear to me, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions and wrangling and factions among you.
What I mean is this, that each one of you [either] says, I belong to Paul, or I belong to Apollos, or I belong to Cephas (Peter), or I belong to Christ. Is Christ (the Messiah) divided into parts? Was Paul crucified on behalf of you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?" (1 Corninthians 1:10-13 AMP) One of the major ways this unification will occur is if we stop favoring one person over the other, and start to have the same care for one another: "For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid apparel, and also a poor [man] in shabby clothes comes in, And you pay special attention to the one who wears the splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this preferable seat! while you tell the poor [man], Stand there! or, Sit there on the floor at my feet! Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and in their position as believers and to inherit the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?
But you [in contrast] have insulted (humiliated, dishonored, and shown your contempt for) the poor. Is it not the rich who domineer over you? Is it not they who drag you into the law courts? Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious name by which you are distinguished and called [the name of Christ invoked in baptism]? If indeed you [really] fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well. [Lev. 19:18.] But if you show servile regard (prejudice, favoritism) for people, you commit sin and are rebuked and convicted by the Law as violators and offenders." (James 2:2-9 AMP) "So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it." (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 AMP)
Unification will not occur until we start to equally care for one another. Let's do all we can to help unify the assemblies of Yah in these end-times. Shalom.
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