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If your life
is not at risk because of what you believe, you are probably on the wrong
side. Adonai says: “… I will bless those who bless [Israel], And the one who curses [Israel] I will curse.” — Gen. 12:3 |
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Our History and Background
Although we originally chose to refer to ourselves only as orthodox “Christians,” doctrinally we were for all practical purposes an historical “Baptist” congregation. This does not mean that we were “Baptist” in the sense of any organizational affiliation, but only in the sense that this is an historical term that has for centuries been used to refer to Christians who are neither Protestant nor Catholic and who, like we, subscribe to a system of Bible interpretation which results in a form of doctrine and polity that predates both the Protestant Reformation (sixteenth century) and the formation of the Roman Catholic Church as it exists today (late third through early fifth centuries). Five cardinal convictions which traditionally have distinguished Christians as “Baptists” are:
We now also differ significantly from most traditional “Baptist” congregations, in that we prefer to maintain the “Jewish distinctiveness” that was practiced and taught by the Shliachim (Apostles) and which characterized the true Miqra (the Body of Messiah, falsely translated “church” in the English “New Testament”) for most of the first two centuries of its existence. We are firmly convinced that neither Yeshua nor the Shliachim ever intended to start a “new religion,” but rather presented the true and completed form of Judaism, which was accepted and embraced by tens of thousands of faithful Israelites before it was ever presented to the Gentile world. Unlike most Christian denominations, we cannot point to any individual in history and say “this is our founder” … except Adonai Yeshua HaMashiach (the LORD Jesus Christ) Himself. We believe that there have continuously been, in fact, those who followed this form of faith and practice since the day of Pentecost when Ruach HaKodesh came to permanently indwell the Body of Mashiach. We believe that our understanding of the Holy Scriptures is that which was taught by the Shliachim long before the various church councils began formulating creeds and confessions. We believe also that the purest form of expression of that faith is to be found in the worship practices of the Messianic Synagogues of those who followed the “Apostolic Faith” or “The Way” well into the second century. B’nei HaMelech Messianic Fellowship is founded upon the
conviction that the Bible (including both the Tanakh and the
Ketuvei HaShalichim (Apostolic Writings or Apostolic Scriptures), as
the literal written Word of The Messianic Restoration movement is many things, but one of its many key elements is the work to restore the lost Hebraic nature of scriptural faith. Sometimes this is called returning to our Jewish roots and so, in part, it is. But it is more. The Most High gave an eternal style to our ancient faith that would be unmistakable in the world as belonging to Him. His people were to be His own and to be His unique witness to the world. We are to be a chosen people, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. One of the worst things that could happen to the people of Adonai is to assimilate into the world’s fashion: to think like the world thinks and to follow the world’s lead. Our purpose is to lead the world to worship and obey the Almighty. With such a task before us we must be assimilation proof. We must reflect the ancient ways He gave us, else how can we show that we have something different and better to offer the world. Please join us in the effort to remain a holy, unique people for the glory of Adonai. Let us together peaceably fight the good fight against assimilation by this evil world system. Thank you and shalom. Notes:
1. We do not routinely practice the so-called “sign
gifts” as part of our worship experience, and we do not believe that the
Bible teaches any “second work of grace” by Ruach HaKodesh. We believe
that the Bible teaches that Ruach HaKodesh is given fully and
permanently immediately upon one’s coming to a saving faith in Yeshua
HaMashiach, and that the Gifts of the Spirit are available to all
believers today as they are needed to accomplish 2. The term orthodox simply means “correct worship” — that form of faith and practice which is determined by the clear teaching of the Scriptures alone. [RETURN] A short statement of our beliefs can be found here, and are expanded in our Constitution. A far more thorough discussion of our beliefs may be found in our Beit Midrash section.
http://familybible.org/About/History.htm |
Except where otherwise specifically indicated, the opinions expressed on this website are my own, are sometimes highly speculative in nature and subject to differing interpretations, and rarely reflect the views or opinions of any other organization or individual. Virtually every person will find something on this site with which they take offense or disagree. If you disagree with my opinions, please CLICK HERE before contacting me. If you are offended by this site’s content, click here. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C., section 107, some material on this web site is provided without permission from the copyright owner, only for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research under the “fair use” provisions of federal copyright laws. Except for “fair use” non-profit educational purposes, these materials may not be distributed further, without permission of the copyright owner. *Ari Levitt is the shem kodesh of Messianic Pastor Dr. Rickard (Ari) Levitt-Sawyer. As the free expression of my religious beliefs, the content of this website is protected under the provisions of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. In the event of my suspicious demise, let be clearly understood that I am not suicidal. I have, however, received countless death threats from “moderate Muslims” in response to the content of this website. I now have reason to expect retaliation from my own government as well. Here’s why.
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