Sample Header Ad - 728x90

Christianity

Q&A for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more

Latest Questions

7 votes
12 answers
2669 views
As a Jewish believer in Jesus, I view him as my messiah, the son of God, but not God . How do I process this in light of the Shema?
Studying the Bible as Jewish believer and have a hard time seeing Jesus as God. He was my messiah but I always prayed to God the father, so how do I see them as one person! The Shema reads > Shema Israel, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI Echad! This is translated as > "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lo...
Studying the Bible as Jewish believer and have a hard time seeing Jesus as God. He was my messiah but I always prayed to God the father, so how do I see them as one person! The Shema reads > Shema Israel, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI Echad! This is translated as > "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. - Deuteronomy 6:4 How can God be one if Jesus is also God?
Tina
Jul 2, 2025, 04:05 PM • Last activity: Jul 16, 2025, 04:14 PM
1 votes
3 answers
899 views
Were the Four Prohibitions given to gentile believers coming into the synagogue found in Acts 15:19-29 based upon the Torah (Law) of Moses?
In Acts 15:19-29, were the Apostles of The Jerusalem Council acting in accordance with the Law of Moses, where each violation of the Torah equated to a "cutting off" of the community? Further, aren't three of the four dietary restrictions? The Four detailed prohibitions (Acts 15:19) are: 1) That the...
In Acts 15:19-29, were the Apostles of The Jerusalem Council acting in accordance with the Law of Moses, where each violation of the Torah equated to a "cutting off" of the community? Further, aren't three of the four dietary restrictions? The Four detailed prohibitions (Acts 15:19) are: 1) That they abstain from foods sacrificed to idols (dietary), as described in Leviticus 17:7-9. Note Leviticus specifically addresses the alien (Heb. *Ger*) shall be "cut off". 2) That they abstain from fornication, which is associated with Idolatry. (ref. Leviticus 18:26, 29). Here too both the native and the alien are addressed (vs 26), violations of such equate to a "cutting off" (vs. 29) removal from the Covenant. 3) That they abstain from consuming blood (Dietary, ref. Lev. 17:10-12). Verse 10 specifically states that both Native Israelites and Aliens who consume blood will be "cut off". 4) That they abstain from eating foods strangled. (Dietary, ref. Leviticus 17:12-14) The Torah specifically instructs the community to pour out the blood and cover it with earth which is not done in slaughters performed by strangulation. Note once again that those who do such are "cut off" - ref. vs. 14 Is this practice not associated with the idolatry of the surrounding nations and religion according to Leviticus 18:24-25? If the apostles are not standing upon the authority of the Law of Moses, being led by the Holy Spirit, where did they derive such an arbitrary set of conditions for new believers to enter the synagogue (vs. 21)?
Son of David Messianic Fellows (27 rep)
Nov 13, 2023, 01:58 AM • Last activity: Feb 16, 2025, 02:12 PM
1 votes
2 answers
1785 views
Do Messianic Jews accept the entire New Testament?
Do Messianic Jews accept the entire New Testament as a base of their belief? What is the position of Messianic Judaism (if there is a common position) on passages in the Gospel of John and the letters of Paul that can be understood as that Jesus was a form of God? ---------- Addition, as asked to sa...
Do Messianic Jews accept the entire New Testament as a base of their belief? What is the position of Messianic Judaism (if there is a common position) on passages in the Gospel of John and the letters of Paul that can be understood as that Jesus was a form of God? ---------- Addition, as asked to say more about what are the passages that can be understood as that Jesus was a form of God. John 1:1 > In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word > was God. John 1:14 > And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; > we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. Stating «the Word was God» and «the Word became flesh» he sets the base for the thought that God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus *are the same*, which is not the Jewish (and Muslim) concept of God. Numbers 23:19 > God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should > repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will > he not fulfil it? Hosea 11:9 > I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy E'phraim; > for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not > come to destroy.
Jeschu (402 rep)
Apr 22, 2021, 05:29 PM • Last activity: Nov 4, 2023, 07:43 PM
7 votes
4 answers
4364 views
What is the difference between a Christian and a Messianic Jew?
I know that most Messianic Jews speak Hebrew, but besides that is there any difference between a Christian and a Messianic Jew? Do they have any significant differences in faith or hope!
I know that most Messianic Jews speak Hebrew, but besides that is there any difference between a Christian and a Messianic Jew? Do they have any significant differences in faith or hope!
eliyah (979 rep)
Aug 12, 2014, 05:30 AM • Last activity: Sep 17, 2022, 10:51 PM
3 votes
1 answers
181 views
Does "Kehilat Bethlehem" community believe that the Law of Moses are the commandments Jesus is referring to in John 14:15?
Does [Kehilat Bethlehem](https://kehilatbethlechem.com/about-us/about-kehilat-bethlehem/) community believe that the Law of Moses are the commandments Jesus is referring to in John 14:15? > John 14:15: If you love Me, you will keep **My commandments**. And do they believe circumcision is or keeping...
Does [Kehilat Bethlehem](https://kehilatbethlechem.com/about-us/about-kehilat-bethlehem/) community believe that the Law of Moses are the commandments Jesus is referring to in John 14:15? > John 14:15: If you love Me, you will keep **My commandments**. And do they believe circumcision is or keeping any part of the Law of Moses is essential to be engrafted the household of Israel (called the commonwealth of Israel) to be part of the bride of Jesus? They state that > We believe that salvation is by grace through faith as revealed in the Torah. and give emphasis to the Law in the first five books of the Bible and are keen to follow the Jewish traditions which are unusual to both Catholics and Protestants.
Siju George (599 rep)
Jul 23, 2020, 02:18 AM • Last activity: Aug 24, 2022, 12:15 PM
1 votes
1 answers
81 views
What is the history of the "Jews for Jesus" movement?
I am aware that the whole concept of "Messianic Judaism" has existed since basically the dawn of Christian belief. My question specifically relates to the [Jews for Jesus](https://jewsforjesus.org/) movement. What is the history of this group and did they come from another group?
I am aware that the whole concept of "Messianic Judaism" has existed since basically the dawn of Christian belief. My question specifically relates to the [Jews for Jesus](https://jewsforjesus.org/) movement. What is the history of this group and did they come from another group?
Luke Hill (5538 rep)
Jan 12, 2022, 02:42 AM • Last activity: Jan 12, 2022, 04:04 AM
11 votes
6 answers
17434 views
Is it possible for a non-Jew to join Messianic Judaism?
For this question, I would like to first define that someone is a Jew if they meet the [halakhic definition](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_is_a_Jew%3F#Halakhic_perspective). This definition is just for the sake of moving the discussion toward an answer. --- Is it possible for a non-Jew to join [M...
For this question, I would like to first define that someone is a Jew if they meet the [halakhic definition](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_is_a_Jew%3F#Halakhic_perspective) . This definition is just for the sake of moving the discussion toward an answer. --- Is it possible for a non-Jew to join [Messianic Judaism](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messianic_Judaism) ?
OnesimusUnbound (1074 rep)
Jun 17, 2013, 11:16 AM • Last activity: Feb 13, 2021, 01:33 AM
1 votes
1 answers
1070 views
Do Messianic Jews adhere to the Talmud?
Messianic Jews are Jews that believe Jesus is their Messiah. Do they in general consider the Talmud to be authoritative and something they must adhere to?
Messianic Jews are Jews that believe Jesus is their Messiah. Do they in general consider the Talmud to be authoritative and something they must adhere to?
wildmangrove (973 rep)
Jul 15, 2020, 06:37 PM • Last activity: Jul 17, 2020, 05:38 AM
2 votes
3 answers
325 views
Do messianic Jews claim to be the beneficiaries of the new covenant now?
Do messianic Jews say that the following is true in their lives?: > NIV Jer 31: 33b: ...“**I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts**. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34**No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because t...
Do messianic Jews say that the following is true in their lives?: > NIV Jer 31: 33b: ...“**I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts**. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34**No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,**” We are told in Hebrews 10:9-18 (and elsewhere) that Jesus ratified the new covenant with the houses of Israel and Judah when he died. It appears that the new covenant speaks of a pan-Israeli supernatural knowledge of the Torah rather than individual knowledge involving teaching that I've not heard any express as being realized in modern times. What do messianic Jews say about the outworking of the new covenant? Was it fulfilled in apostolic times and now gone? Is it active now? Or will it be active in the future?
Ruminator (2548 rep)
Apr 14, 2018, 11:50 AM • Last activity: Jul 2, 2019, 07:34 PM
2 votes
5 answers
1050 views
Did Paul/Saul teach Christianity with Jewish traditions to Gentiles like what we see in Messianic Judaism today?
As the question clearly describes. Did Paul/Saul, during his era, teach Christianity with Jewish traditions to Gentiles like what we see in Messianic Judaism today? Some background for this question: I am (or maybe was) a Catholic, but I used to come to Protestant church with my friends. One day, I...
As the question clearly describes. Did Paul/Saul, during his era, teach Christianity with Jewish traditions to Gentiles like what we see in Messianic Judaism today? Some background for this question: I am (or maybe was) a Catholic, but I used to come to Protestant church with my friends. One day, I wondered why there was a lot denomination in Christianity. So I took a step back, I forgot all about denomination for a moment (Catholic, Protestant, etc). I just believed that Jesus Christ is my Messiah. I read the bible from Genesis until Revelation and I realized that: 1. Jesus is Jewish 2. He practiced all of the Jewish traditions, including Chanukah 3. He is the Living Torah. And then I was looking for a denomination that still follows what Jesus did during His era. I think the the answer is Messianic Judaism. This is one of a lot of my questions about my struggle to find about Christianity. But at first, I want to look back about the history how Paul/Saul taught about Jesus and Christianity to Jewish people and Gentiles during his era. For now I am practicing Messianic Judaism even though I am a Gentile. I hope someone can answer the question so I can decide if I was in the right path for my beliefs or not.
squallbayu (123 rep)
Oct 11, 2015, 05:21 PM • Last activity: Jan 17, 2019, 03:27 PM
9 votes
2 answers
1441 views
What is an overview of teachings of Messianic Jewish Christians regarding circumcision?
Statements like the following are common from Messianic Synagogues. This one comes from Beth Messiah in Sarasota, Florida: > At Beth Messiah, we are Messianic Jews and non-Jews who believe Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew) is the Messiah, live a Jewish lifestyle, raise our children to be Jewish, and worship...
Statements like the following are common from Messianic Synagogues. This one comes from Beth Messiah in Sarasota, Florida: > At Beth Messiah, we are Messianic Jews and non-Jews who believe Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew) is the Messiah, live a Jewish lifestyle, raise our children to be Jewish, and worship the God of Israel in a Jewish manner. Messianic Judaism is a movement of people from all walks of life who believe that Yeshua is the promised Messiah and the Savior for Israel and the world. Messianic Jews have not stopped being Jewish. On the contrary we have continued to remain strongly Jewish in our identity and lifestyle, and in our belief that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah and the fulfillment of true Biblical Judaism. According to the standards of this site these congregations may be considered Christian. In maintaining their Jewish culture and lifestyle, a major historical aspect of which is circumcision, I am curious as to what these congregations teach regarding circumcision, specifically circumcision according to Torah law, in the light of Paul's warning in Galatians 5:1-6: > It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that _if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you._ And I testify again _to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law_. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. I wonder if some of these congregations circumcise their children in Torah observance. What is an overview of their doctrines regarding circumcision?
Andrew (8195 rep)
Sep 18, 2016, 09:46 PM • Last activity: Feb 6, 2018, 05:46 AM
0 votes
3 answers
586 views
Historical evidence for a separate Jewish branch of Christianity?
I've met some non-Hebrew people who have come from a Protestant background, become fed up with their faith, changed churches, etc and now call themselves Messianic Jews. This comes with some claims of things like - They are the true church. - Messianic Judaism developed in parallel with Christianity...
I've met some non-Hebrew people who have come from a Protestant background, become fed up with their faith, changed churches, etc and now call themselves Messianic Jews. This comes with some claims of things like - They are the true church. - Messianic Judaism developed in parallel with Christianity. - Messianic Judaism is somehow "more authentic" than the Christian church. What I'm interested to know is this: what type of historical evidence is there to support the claim that the church of the Holy Apostle James in Jerusalem was populated only by gentiles and the "Messianic Jews" maintained their own, separate congregation? Or that this happened anywhere else? I know Scripture records that the Apostle Peter started doing something like this to a small degree and was rebuked by St. Paul but that seems to support the opposite conclusion.
sirdank (1506 rep)
Apr 11, 2016, 01:29 PM • Last activity: Jan 11, 2018, 09:56 PM
11 votes
4 answers
3014 views
What is the Biblical basis for using the names "Yeshua" and "Yehoshua" (Joshua) for Jesus?
[Messianic Jews][1] commonly refer to Jesus as "Yeshua" or "Yehoshua," which are forms of the Hebrew (and Aramaic) name commonly translated into English as "Joshua." What is the Biblical basis for using these names for Jesus? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messianic_Judaism
Messianic Jews commonly refer to Jesus as "Yeshua" or "Yehoshua," which are forms of the Hebrew (and Aramaic) name commonly translated into English as "Joshua." What is the Biblical basis for using these names for Jesus?
Lee Woofenden (8662 rep)
Jan 8, 2016, 12:20 PM • Last activity: Dec 3, 2017, 07:02 PM
12 votes
3 answers
498 views
What is Messianic Judaism?
What are the main differences between Messianic Judaism and Christianity? How does the idea of the Trinity differ? Hopefully this can be answered by someone who considers themselves to be Messianic Jewish.
What are the main differences between Messianic Judaism and Christianity? How does the idea of the Trinity differ? Hopefully this can be answered by someone who considers themselves to be Messianic Jewish.
user1054
Feb 2, 2012, 01:53 PM • Last activity: Sep 10, 2017, 11:42 AM
-1 votes
2 answers
182 views
When and why did Jewish Christian separate from "mainstream" Christianity?
It is already the second time I read somewhere that while Christianity emerged from Judaism and in the early Church Judeo-Christians (Jewish Christians, Hebrew Christians), led by James, brother of Jesus, were "full-fledged" Christians (alongside Christians not springing from Judaism, led by Paul th...
It is already the second time I read somewhere that while Christianity emerged from Judaism and in the early Church Judeo-Christians (Jewish Christians, Hebrew Christians), led by James, brother of Jesus, were "full-fledged" Christians (alongside Christians not springing from Judaism, led by Paul the Apostle), soon the ways of Judeo-Christians and "mainstream" Christianity were parting more and more, **with Judeo-Christians being officialy condemned by the time The First Council of Nicaea has finished(source) **. I've even read claims that Judeo-Christians had to flee the Roman Empire from the persecution of Orthodox Christians(source) . What were the causes of this break-up?
gaazkam (1115 rep)
Jul 8, 2017, 10:14 PM • Last activity: Jul 9, 2017, 06:37 PM
2 votes
1 answers
172 views
Do Messianic Jews practice the jubliee?
There is a a range of opinion of different denominations on how far Mosaic law should be practiced. [Messianic Judaism][1] stands very much at the "one law" end of the scale. However, I am wondering how far this is practicable. Some Mosaic law is difficult to practice within a larger context. For ex...
There is a a range of opinion of different denominations on how far Mosaic law should be practiced. Messianic Judaism stands very much at the "one law" end of the scale. However, I am wondering how far this is practicable. Some Mosaic law is difficult to practice within a larger context. For example, Messianic Jews do not generally (as far as I know never) stone people. However, I was wondering if they practice the jubilee year ? Although this would be difficult for them concerning outside trading it could be practicable within the group.
Reluctant_Linux_User (2703 rep)
Nov 10, 2014, 07:34 PM • Last activity: Apr 15, 2015, 03:27 PM
6 votes
1 answers
2515 views
Why do (at least some) Messianic Jews celebrate the birth of Jesus on the 15th of Tishri?
In an (attempted) [answer](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/35647/10486) to the question of *[Why is Christmas on December 25th?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/5144/why-is-christmas-on-december-25th)* from the perspective of Messianic Judaism, it was stated that Messianic...
In an (attempted) [answer](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/35647/10486) to the question of *[Why is Christmas on December 25th?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/5144/why-is-christmas-on-december-25th)* from the perspective of Messianic Judaism, it was stated that Messianic Jews believe that Jesus (Yehu’shua HaMashiach) was born on the 15th of Tishri (falling in late September or early October in the Western calendar). What is the justification for this belief? Is it a widespread belief in Messianic Judaism or only held by a minority? Is there any historical evidence that this belief was held prior to the 19th century?
bruised reed (12676 rep)
Dec 21, 2014, 10:22 AM • Last activity: Dec 24, 2014, 08:53 AM
Showing page 1 of 17 total questions