by Mark Huey 

The other day I was bombarded by one of the many e-mail postings that keep me informed on various subjects of interest. In this particular message, its author noted that according to NASA scientists who calculate future solar and lunar eclipses, there will be a total of four total lunar eclipses between the years 2014 and 2015 (at Passover and Sukkot both years). These determinable astronomical occurrences result occasionally in what could be referred to as a “blood red” moon, because of the refraction of light through Earth’s atmosphere landing on the full moon. Interestingly, this past February 20 when another predictable lunar eclipse took place, I was intrigued to read a number of articles about how Christopher Columbus actually used his knowledge of astronomy to literally scare natives in Jamaica to feed his forlorn crew in 1504. See the following link for details:

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/080208-ns-lunar-eclipse-columbus.html

Now barely a fortnight from this recent lunar occurrence, we find people already attempting to speculate about what is going to happen in the next seven or so years with regard to Israel, Palestine, and the peace process—despite a caveat that dispels this notion. Note the following excerpt (from an e-mail source that likes to hype its readers), and remember how words communicate certain things, even if we take them off the proverbial table:

Could there be a peace deal in Israel this year? If, so 2008 to 2015 would be seven years. We certainly aren’t setting dates, but the heavenly phenomena are exciting to say the least.

Personally, I find this fascinating because back in 1996-1997, I was witness to three “blood red moons” that occurred on Passover 1996, Sukkot 1996, and Purim 1997. Coincidentally, from approximately September 1996 to March 1997, many of us were also marveling over the nightly visible witness of the Hale-Bopp Comet, as it set in the western skies a few hours after dusk. As a result of these notable astronomical events and my search for understanding about what the Holy One of Israel was perhaps communicating to His people scattered around the globe, I eventually wrote an article and produced an audio message entitled “The Punishment is Over.” From my limited perspective, as the Holy Spirit had led our family into a Messianic lifestyle in the previous year, we were searching for answers. These “signs” were, in many regards, instrumental in confirming for me that our pursuit of the Lord was on track.

Now from the vantage point of nearly twelve years of intensely following events in Israel vis-à-vis Palestine and the peace process, and the wisdom accumulated with twelve more years of pursuing God from a Messianic point of view—I have a different attitude about “blood red moons” and just what they mean or do not mean when it comes to what the Father is doing with His Creation and with Israel. Perhaps my thoughts are influenced by the understanding that the Columbus story was certainly known in 1996, but back then, the proliferation of access to information was not nearly what it is today. Or perhaps it is the attainment of wisdom and experience that has balanced my understanding of celestial events. Whatever it is, I hope that I am approaching these phenomena with an appropriate balance.

How will the world handle these “signs,” if they even are signs? Perhaps we need to step back and consider some of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Messiah crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Messiah the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Messiah Yeshua, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:21-31).

If you read and meditate upon this passage of Scripture, perhaps you will discover that for the Apostle Paul, despite sign noting or wisdom seeking, what was most important to him was preaching about the crucified Messiah and the redemption that He provides. Far more is to be attained by declaring the gospel to whomever will listen, than all of the speculation about signs, including lunar events, peace processes, or for that matter, searching for wisdom from whatever “sources” you deem appropriate.

Ultimately, for every Believer it is of paramount importance to let our lives literally “preach the gospel and if necessary use words” to all that we come into contact with, be it our family, friends, neighbors, fellow workers, or even the acquaintances that cross our paths. Perhaps we should each be thankful that we are not wise according to the flesh, or mighty, or noble, but rather simply “fools for the Messiah” chosen by His grace that we might boast in Him and in Him alone!

When you are overwhelmed by information overload and have to consider much of the new knowledge that comes into your mind via the various media outlets or the Internet, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to sort through what is being presented to you. Ask for wisdom so that fear does not arrest you—as it did the Jamaican natives who were awestruck by a lunar eclipse—even though if they had thought about it, they had probably witnessed many such moons in the years and decades before without God being angered by their actions.

As the saying goes, “ignorance is bliss,” but fear plays upon lack of knowledge. However, as God’s chosen people, we have more than human wisdom to call upon. Whether the punishment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel is over, as I speculated years ago, is mere speculation. Preaching the good news of the Messiah’s work at Golgotha (Calvary) and His defeat over evil trumps all! May we all be called to make these declarations so that in the end, we may all boast in the Lord and the work that He has accomplished for us.

by Mark Huey

Hope is one of those ethereal, emotional stimulators that in many regards can be suggestive of faith, but not necessarily analogous. Neither is tangible, but both given ignition, motivate the human soul in remarkably intricate ways. The Scriptures have a way of loosely tying hope to faith in this thumbnail definition of faith:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Here in a spiritual sense, faith appears more concrete and attached to something of substance. While on the other hand, hope seems to be dangling with expectations. Hence, when words evoking faith or the more subtle hope are articulated, the complex debate initiated between the human heart and mind bounces between the natural and spiritual realms. In which concept is one going to place his or her faith or hope?

In recent weeks, simply observing the political drama taking place on the American landscape that is generating decisions—which will ultimately affect every person on the planet—is a remarkable exercise, as a war of words reverberates in our collective souls. Have you noticed how words such as faith, hope, experience, solutions, and change, sprinkled by slogans such as “yes we can” (si se puede), are raising expectations in the inherent goodness of humanity to overcome failed policies of the American government?

What I find intriguing are the times when the emotions of hope tend to drown the solidarity of faith in the redeeming work of the Messiah. To further complicate things, it appears that young people of all faiths are being drawn to the politics of “hope.” This is disconcerting because many are confused because the very teachings of Yeshua are being usurped by those who want the government to fulfill the explicit roles of the followers of Yeshua.

Yeshua does give His followers hope in the world to come and His return to rule and reign over the world in the Millennial Kingdom. But for the most part, when that is going to happen is presently unknown. Young people, in particular, are looking for something in the here and now to devote their energies and talents. In 1960, John Kennedy tapped into those same idealistic aspirations of another generation that was motivated to give of their time, talent, and energies to work for a better America. It worked then and it appears to be working now for those who are using hope rather than faith as their primary motivator for change!

How do we as Believers who have been enlightened by God’s truth be motivated to make an even more positive change than those being motivated by the current political environment? Before we might speculate, or even complain, about the current season we find ourselves—what do you intend to do to offer more than just hope, but tangible spiritual realities, to all you may encounter?

by J.K. McKee

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is undeniably one of the most difficult texts of the Bible for Messianic Believers to understand. Yet, I often do wonder why this letter often seems so difficult to understand. From a Messianic, pro-Torah perspective, Paul’s comments are actually not that difficult to comprehend when placed into their proper ancient context. Paul refutes the idea that circumcision is the entryway into a covenant relationship with God—instead faith is the entryway into a covenant relationship with Him, as it always has been since the Patriarch Abraham (Galatians 3:6-9). What is difficult to often understand about Paul is not Paul himself, but rather what can appear to be longwinded opinions surrounding him. Indeed, as I have been finishing up the Galatians for the Practical Messianic Second Edition commentary, much of the discussion of Galatians has largely pertained to these opinions, and how we are to confront, analyze, answer, and in some cases even deconstruct them as Messianic Believers. Paul is not the one that is difficult to understand—Pauline commentators often are.

The Apostle Peter wrote in the First Century, Paul’s “letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16, NIV). Some people do not want to see that Paul, even in Galatians, actually values the role of God’s Torah in the lives of human beings, as he certainly has to appeal to people relying on the accounts of Abraham (Galatians 3:6ff, 14, 16, 18; 4:22), Hagar (Galatians 4:24f), and Isaac (Galatians 4:2 all mentioned by name, much less all of the other Tanach individuals Paul refers to by implication. Some people want there to be a contrast between the Law of Moses and the “Law of Christ” (cf. Galatians 6:2) as though the two are totally separate or even divorced. Some people want Believers today to only be concerned with love and faith, and not see love and faith demonstrated by God’s people throughout the rest of His Word. As Peter says, their problem is not just with Paul, but it is with the entire Bible as well.

Are some commentators of Galatians guided by an hermeneutic of not wanting to obey God? Or do they have a great sense of holiness and reverence for the Almighty, and what today’s fallen world has become because of disobedience to His commandments? I am certainly guided by an hermeneutic where I desire to obey my Heavenly Father to the fullest extent, and believe that the emerging Messianic movement has a great opportunity to right some of the misconceptions of Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. I do not want to see God’s people punished by Him because of disobedience, but live out the Torah ethos of being a blessing to all peoples (Genesis 12:2-3; Deuteronomy 4:5-8)! As Paul puts it,

“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you’” (Galatians 3:8, NRSV).

Being a Messianic, Torah observant people who actually heed Paul’s message to the Galatians is by no means going to be easy. In the present season of Messianic development, there is a great deal of theological and spiritual tension, particularly as it relates to where we will be in the future. The enemy does not want us to be a mature people, and wants us to be considered “fringe.” The enemy wants us to be secluded and ineffective. The enemy wants us to be “proven wrong” from Galatians, and that faith in Yeshua cannot be properly balanced with an obedience to the Torah. The enemy wants us to remain sidelined so we cannot be effective in showing people true righteous living via the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is certainly sad for me to report that too much of the Messianic community only reinforces common Christian views of Galatians—and we clearly have to do better! Richard N. Longenecker asserts, “today, how one understands the issues and teaching of Galatians determines in large measure what kind of theology one espouses, what kind of message one proclaims, and what kind of lifestyle one lives” (Richard N. Longenecker, Word Biblical Commentary: Galatians, Vol. 41 [Nashville: Nelson Reference & Electronic, 1990], 301). What is the proper grid by which we should view a text like Galatians? Furthermore, how do we properly engage with contemporary Galatians scholarship?

The forthcoming publication Galatians for the Practical Messianic does dialogue with respected Christian commentators such as Longenecker, F.F. Bruce, James D.G. Dunn, Hans Dieter Betz, and Ben Witherington III among others. They do have things to add to the discussion, lest we find ourselves interjecting ahistorical or pseudo-theological ideas that have little basis in fact—as can frequently happen in the Messianic world today. These are certainly teachers that have added some positive things to the conversation, and we need to be able to demonstrate areas of both agreement and disagreement. Where we disagree, we have to offer solutions to the problems that today’s Christian Church is currently facing, having incorrectly interpreted Paul’s words.

When I view Galatians, I am guided by an emerging and progressing Messianic theology, a message that places Messiah Yeshua at the center, and desires all of God’s people to live in obedience to His commandments. I know that there is a need to tackle the difficult questions that Galatians poses in relation to the continued validity of the Torah, while at the same time we need not hesitate to be self-critical of a Messianic movement that is experiencing growing pains. We need to know the mission we must perform in encountering either antinomianism or neonomianism: Has today’s Christian Church truly benefited from its widescale abandonment of the Torah and its principles? This is where the battle for the relevancy of the Messianic movement will lie in the future.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is often completely removed from its ancient setting by the Christian layperson, and frequently Messianic teachers do no better. It is actually not that difficult to understand Paul’s message, provided we look at his letter as a whole, and place ourselves back into the actual situation he addressed. When we do this, we actually find that Paul’s letter to the Galatians has unbelievable relevance for the Messianic community and what we are presently facing. Rather than simply “responding” to supposed Pauline claims against the Torah, we can actually find unbelievably valuable instruction on how to confront issues of inclusion and equality in a Messianic movement that has a distinct sector becoming a proverbial “Jews’ only club,” where non-Jewish Believers are neither welcomed or treated as equal members of the Messiah’s Body.

Do we suffer from those truly trying to “Judaize,” i.e., force proselyte conversion onto non-Jewish Believers (cf. Galatians 2:11-14)? Is inclusion in the family of God truly contingent on one’s ethnicity, or one’s faith in God? Does the gospel message of liberation truly allow all people of all ethnicities—and even men and women (Galatians 3:27-28)—to be equal members of the ekklēsia? Is today’s Messianic movement stifled in its growth because it has been unwelcoming of non-Jewish Believers, and perhaps even the distinct, unique cultural elements that they bring independent of Judaism? These are questions that will continue to present themselves as the older generation of Messianic leaders and teachers is retired, and a newer generation of Messianic leaders and teachers must look ahead toward the future. What is the mission that we are to achieve? I pray that Galatians can help us determine what that mission is.

As we are currently in the process of going through Galatians in our Wednesday Night Bible Study, I know that some of you have to re-listen to the lectures (and will have to re-read or re-examine parts of the forthcoming commentary), due to the complexity of information it contains. Yet, Galatians is not a difficult text to understand, provided you know what the three “silver bullets” are for viewing it in a pro-Torah, Messianic light:

• “Righteousness” in Galatians can include a corporate status as a member of God’s people, every bit as it regards personal justification and remission of sin. As a direct result of expressing faith in Yeshua the Messiah, individual Believers are made a part of God’s corporate people. One’s righteousness is to come via faith and trust in the gospel.
• “Circumcision” in Galatians is not so much an emphasis on a physical operation, but instead is more of an emphasis on the ritual of becoming a proselyte to Judaism. In undergoing “circumcision,” the non-Jewish Galatians would have discounted the power of the gospel and faith in Yeshua as being the entryway to God’s covenant people, but instead an act of the flesh. (And if “circumcision” is used as a shorthand for “ritual proselyte conversion”—it can include women equally as much as men.)
• “Works of the Law” do not concern obedience to God’s Torah, as much as they concern a specific way of following the Torah as determined by a sectarian Jewish community. By Paul asserting that righteousness does not come via “works of law,” while right to conclude that one’s personal forgiveness does not come by human action, he is more specifically stating that inclusion among God’s people does not come by following the Torah according to a specific group’s set of values. (Consult the FAQ entry on the TNN website “Works of the Law” for a more detailed description.)

If you can understand these three things, then your own study of Galatians should go very well. Not only will you be able to have a fuller grasp on the ancient context of Galatians, but also its great importance for the growth and maturation of the Messianic community in the years ahead!

This posting has been adapted from information in the forthcoming commentary Galatians for the Practical Messianic, Second Edition.

by Jane McKee

As the resident musician of the McHuey family, I am often called upon to add something extra in the form of a song. For others, it can be something nice to listen to—but for me, I feel as though I am bearing my soul to a crowd of people. If I could put what I feel into words the way notes travel from my mouth in a descant, I would be truly blessed. As it is, I can only offer this—I would hope that all of you could find that still and quiet place within yourselves where it is truly only you and the Father, regardless of who may be watching. This is how I believe we are all called to worship whether in song, dance, or on an instrument.

I’m the child with a song for every occasion. Hearing certain lyrics or tunes will recall a memory back to me stronger than anything else. With some worship leaders, I can even predict the next song they will sing because that is where my soul trends. I learned long ago that my own place is not with an organized group, but in the back of the room. Some may find this hard to understand who have seen me otherwise engaged, but I assure you, this is the truth. There is an old adage amongst worship leaders stating, “To be a worship leader, you must be a lead worshipper.” I have merely taken that a step further and declined the microphone as well as the spotlight.

Years ago, my dad (Mark Huey) reminded me of the “Lucifer Syndrome” and its toll particularly on musicians. For those of you who are unaware of this idea, let me enlighten you. Lucifer’s great fall from Heaven was due to his pride as being the head of the angels as well as the lead musician. For his pride, he was cast out and he took 1/3 of the angels with him. Pride itself is seen as the greatest sin. For with pride, we break the #1 commandment—putting ourselves before God.

Many years ago, I had my own battle with pride due to the fact that the Father has blessed me with talents. It was this realization combined with a rather traumatic experience which led to my own salvation at age 15. It took me several hours on my face before the Lord in repentance to recount the many times I had allowed my pride to rule my life. Still, at the moment I knew I was forgiven, I also knew that the fullness of the Ruach was not yet residing in me. It took music—pure worship to the Lord—which led to that final installment and I have been forever changed. A new creation in Messiah, and I now sing in a way that I never could before.

The song which is so special to me, as it has been since I first heard it at age 12, is Kadosh:

Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh/ Adonai Eloheim Tz’va’ot/ Asher Hayah V’hoveh V’yavoh
Holy Holy Holy/ is the Lord God Almighty/ Who was, and is, and is to come

The song is simple, but more powerful to me than any other I have ever heard or sung. I believe the power in my heart lies in the knowledge that it references the song sung in the heavenlies in Revelation 4. On the night of my own salvation, I was fully exhausted by the weeping and repenting of the previous hours. I had nothing left to say and no other prayers to offer. I knew I was forgiven, yet I still knew I had not finished. For me, the final sacrifice to die to myself was to sing from my soul in worship of the Father. Today, I still sing that song and am forever reminded of that moment in which I became a new creation.

Worship in itself can be frightening to those who do not understand. We have so much wonderful upbeat music in the Messianic movement, but for me, it is the soul deepening worship songs which get to the heart of what we truly want to convey to the Father. For many, it can be difficult to delve into such feelings that it provokes because it is in that quiet place that we continually come to terms with our own shortcomings, our sin, and how much we must rely on the Father daily. It has come down to a very simple choice for me- only my pride keeps me from worshiping, as it did many years ago when I was still an unsaved “good” Messianic girl. That still, quiet place is where true shalom can be found. We are to give our worries over to the Father so that He can bear those burdens for us.

It is my hope that all of you would not be afraid to truly enter into worship. While you may not be particularly talented in any musical gifts, that place of shalom is no less yours for the taking. As for me, I keep my ear trained for the still small voice who reminds me, “Be still and know that I am God.”

by Mark Huey 

Over the years, I have discovered that being a Messianic Believer has its challenges. Perhaps you can identify with some of the struggles of presenting your Messianic walk of faith to various Christian family members, believing friends, or former fellow congregants from your previous place of worship. You have possibly heard questions like this from some of the more spiritually or intellectually curious:

If this Messianic “stuff” is true/accurate/correct/right, then why haven’t more Christian theologians, leaders, pastors, ministers, teachers, and learned people who have understood theology, come to conclusions similar to what you are declaring? Certainly, if your understanding is viable, then why haven’t others in positions of influence come to this as well?

These, and other similar remarks, can be difficult questions to answer if you are not thoroughly convinced that your Messianic walk is an accurate reflection of what the Spirit of God is beginning to lead people into around the globe at this time. Explaining that the Reformers of the 1500-1600s were only enlightened to a certain extent, has its limitations and obvious doubters, who have in many different ways prospered in the relative freedom of Protestantism. Telling someone that further restoration needs to be accomplished, as Biblically prophesied throughout the ages, may fall on deaf ears and blind eyes if the Holy Spirit does not prepare one’s heart and mind to hear what has started to happen before our very eyes.

For twelve years, I have been involved with and have co-labored with different leaders and proponents of the Messianic movement. My family has concluded that the many internal debates, turf battles, conflicts, strivings, and differences that we have all seen in the Messianic world are largely the result of personality differences encumbered with selfish ambition—all of which open up “spiritual doors”—giving ground for some demonic activity. We have all seen the division and infighting that plagues our movement. In some respects, we have thought that much of the strife that we have directly witnessed was merely evidence that the Adversary was obviously aware of the coming restoration, and is doing all he can to discredit the Messianic movement. Satan was only taking advantage of the legal spiritual grounds he had to instigate or perpetuate havoc, discord, and enmity through various souls who were habitually displaying ungodly behavior. In certain instances, our family has personally witnessed many of these sinful actions, and at times it has been discouraging and disheartening.

Nevertheless, because we are to this day convinced that the restoration of all things will eventually take place, our desire to serve the Lord in a Messianic fashion has prevailed. Regardless of the propensity of weak human flesh to overrule the leading of the Holy Spirit, or worse, allow the wiles of the Devil to use people in responsible positions to confuse undiscerning seekers, we understand that it is simply a matter of the Father’s timing for His Word to be fulfilled. His declared Word will not return void! We have to learn to not fall into the mistakes of others, and instead be diligent and consistent with the work that He has assigned us.

In more recent years, as our family has matured in its own Messianic walk with a steadfast determination to encourage and instruct others along this path, we have become increasingly embarrassed by not just the antics of many in Messianic leadership, but also by much of what has been taught and professed to too many people. The following list of actions is only a brief summary of why we believe it will be many years, if not many decades, before the Messianic movement is more legitimately considered by people in the Judeo-Christian world of religious ideas:

• We have witnessed multiple teachers constantly denigrate and encourage gross disrespect of the Christian Church and the Jewish Synagogue, and many of the theological traditions that emanate from Christianity and Judaism.
• We have witnessed too many teachers peddle “spiritual nuggets,” often unwilling to identify their sources or provide documentation in support of their conclusions. These teachings often sound like something from the SciFi Channel.
• We have witnessed various teachers weaving aspects of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah into their teachings, under the guise of “further enlightenment,” despite warnings seen in Scripture against occultic practices (cf. Deuteronomy 18:10-14).
• We have witnessed multiple Messianic organizations declare that following the Torah is exclusively for the Jewish people, and is only “optional” for non-Jewish Believers.
• We have witnessed a teacher and self-proclaimed prophet question the inspiration of one of the Epistles of the Apostolic Scriptures, claiming that it was a forgery.
• We have witnessed a teacher and self-proclaimed apostle and prophet claim that Yeshua the Messiah was actually a leper.
• We have witnessed multiple Messianic persons claim that they want to raise money to purchase Judea and Samaria from the Israeli government.
• We have witnessed a great deal of denigration and criticism of any Messianic person desiring to approach the Scriptures from an academic viewpoint, engaged with contemporary Biblical scholarship, as being part of “the system” and a serious deterrent to the growth of the Messianic community.

This list could go on and on, but I hope you are getting the picture. Our credibility as a genuine move of God is easily questioned by individuals who sincerely and honestly want to know more about the Torah, the appointed times, Yeshua’s life and teachings in a legitimate Hebraic context, and other aspects of the Messianic lifestyle, but are then confronted and then confused with these aberrant teachings and positions from people and organizations of influence. We believe that we all have a substantial amount of work to do to overcome the negatives that are plaguing the Messianic community of faith. We have things to do as a Chapter 2 of the Messianic movement opens up, especially when the previous generation of Messianic “leaders” in Chapter 1 decided such work was unimportant with all of its antics and sensationalism. Consider some of the positive things that we could be doing:

• We could show a great deal of respect and appreciation for our shared Jewish and Christian spiritual heritage, recognizing that we have the responsibility to continue the work of those who have come before us.
• We could demonstrate that sensationalistic tactics are not necessary to convince people of the validity of the Messianic movement, if we would stick with God’s Word and demonstrate the example of people living transformed lives of faith.
• We could be men and women uplifting the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and how God’s love is to transform hearts and minds to be oriented toward Him, giving us the wisdom and discernment we need as His people.
• We could demonstrate that a life of Torah obedience brings great change to a life of a born again Believer, as God desires all of His people to live holy unto Him to be a testimony of His goodness to the world.
• We could demonstrate that we have a firm grasp on the message and substance of all of the Biblical books, not only for their ancient meaning, but also their modern-day application.
• We could demonstrate that we truly understand Yeshua’s mission and purpose as the Messiah who came to deliver and set people free from spiritual, and even physical, bondage.
• We could show proper support for the State of Israel and the worldwide Jewish community, not trying to usurp the Israeli government or principal aims of Zionism.
• We could have leaders raised up with proper skills and a respectable education, who can join in to the larger theological “conversation,” demonstrating the legitimacy of a Messianic approach to faith that can demonstrate it shares common ground with the larger issues of Biblical scholarship and ethics.

One of the most moving compliments that I have received during the past thirteen years of embracing a Messianic walk of faith occurred during a ministry trip a number of years ago, when John and I found ourselves talking to a very professional and dapper looking couple. After about ten minutes of introducing ourselves and some thought-provoking dialogue, answering a variety of questions, the inquiring wife turned to us—and said without reservation—“You’re normal!” At the time, not necessarily understanding where she was coming from, my reaction was a resounding, “What did you say?” Without hesitation she blurted back, “You are NORMAL!”

With her reiteration—I got it—and responded with a head-jerking laugh from my innermost being. As someone who had been led by the Holy Spirit to check out what she had heard in a waking moment about celebrating Passover, she was on a search for verification for what that meant in a somewhat uncomfortable environment. When she and her husband met us, for some reason, we were able to say things in such a way, that from their perspectives, we were not caricatures in appearance, outrageously peculiar in outlook, or bellicose about our positions. From her outlook, we were just normal. We were simply there to serve as the Lord requires of each of His children.

To this very day, when we get confronted by some of the embarrassing things that have become far to commonplace in the Messianic movement, we remind ourselves that we are normal. We are who we are, and for those who desire a degree of normalcy in their walk with the Messiah, we are filling that void. For it is not us that they see, but Messiah in us—the hope of glory!

Perhaps you might now understand why at certain times, based on our perspective, I am embarrassed, normally, for what I see in today’s Messianic movement! Tomorrow’s Messianic movement, however, will not be embarrassing—but will be something that each of us can express confidence in. Tomorrow’s Messianic movement can become the Messianic movement of today if we work harder, and allow God’s Spirit to truly mold us into men and women who can be used by Him. But this will require a dedication to not give up, like we have never seen before in the Messianic world. It will not come easily, but the rewards will certainly be worth it as we will be building His Kingdom!

The Confronting Issues booklet series by TNN Press analyzes subjects that can aid you in addressing some the debates that currently divide and polarize the Messianic community:

   

   

by Jane McKee

I’m just going to start by saying how fun it is for me to start blogging with the rest of my family. They are all well acquainted with my mini-rants (which typically occur when I am frustrated with something my students are doing/not doing), but regardless of the situation, I will have an opinion and am not afraid to share it. That being said, here’s a little something on my favorite topic—one that I associate with practically everything that I do—Leadership.

For my entire life, I can remember being held to a higher standard, not only by myself but also by others. Perhaps it has been the environment in which I was raised, my family’s values, or even the experiences that I have come to see as normal, but nonetheless, it is this standard which is the norm for me. In fact, I know no other way to live.

From an early age, I was in the spotlight- singing on stage from age 3, joining my father as a head church greeter as we founded a new Methodist congregation in Florence, KY (also age 3), accompanying my parents to various church functions which they were leading, bossing around an older brother and cousin (who were both a foot taller I might add), always being an outspoken member of my Sunday school classes and at my Christian elementary school. I realize it is partially my personality that thrust me into the spotlight, but I have taken it as something more than that. Because of my family, I have always been watched by others. While in ministry, you are called to live an impeccable life. You are aware that other parents and children are looking to your example at all times, and even if you only fall slightly short of what their expectations are, you are considered a failure. As an MK (ministry kid), this can be a rather daunting task, but I believe that all my siblings and I have taken it in stride because we are in ministry as much as our parents always have been. Although I must admit I have thought it amusing that a few people I have met along the way have expected me to “crack” at some point and go crazy. (There have even been bets made on it!) At age 24, I’m past the peak time of crisis for most MK/PKs and as I look back on my experiences, it is a wonder that I made it through so many of them unscathed.

I would say the only thing that has consistently caused me to remain steadfast in my beliefs and actions has been the fact that part of my personal ministry that the Father has always called me to has been to set that example in daily life for others to follow. I am a girl who tells stories- lots of them- as a means to convey my opinions and experiences, and without those real life stories to illustrate what I believe and why, I lose part of the depth of the presentation. So for me, just as ministry is a way of life, so is leadership.

I have found that my own drive to set an example for others has also transitioned into my love of pioneering projects. I would take this even to the level of my collegiate experience with Campus Crusade for Christ. Very few members had heard of Messianic believers and even fewer had met one. Even so, I was welcomed with open arms as another student who brought a unique perspective. However, I was always aware that I was an ambassador to all I came in contact with as to what being a Messianic truly entailed. Not that my actions were scrutinized, but I was often asked to give an account of my practices as a means for others to better understand my perspective (be it attending church or my take on a verse/chapter/book during Bible study). Regardless of my title in the organization, I was called to be a Messianic leader at Vanderbilt. It only came about later that I was the only choice for President according to the local staff—as they ask students to serve rather than holding elections. As President, you are the “facegirl” for the group—with both administration and students. Once again, I was placed in the position where others were watching me, only now it was in an official capacity rather than unofficial.

Likewise, I have been put in many other similar situations, although not all have had to do with my faith, where I have had to set the example for others.  The fact is, my Messianic beliefs follow me no matter what group I lead or what task I set out to accomplish. My central core and ethics are defined by the truth in the Torah. I choose to walk in love and diplomatically deal with crises rather than listening to Lashon Hara and giving credence to false accusations. I act as an exhorter to those who have no hope in their current circumstances. And, I always remember to teach my students as I go so that they can emulate the practices themselves. So many are unaware of the Biblical origins of my actions, yet this does not stop their impact ringing true in their hearts as “what is right.”

I believe it’s finally time for me to “make a point,” so here goes—I realized long ago that my leadership philosophy was to “lead by example.” Likewise, we are all called to set the example for others. Messianic leaders are called to “have their house in order” to hold a position in the congregation or community. The understanding of this is the higher standard which we are to set—not only to prove that it can be done, but also because if one person in your household is a leader, every member of your household is also called to be a leader whether they are aware of this fact or not.

With humility, I submit my own family to this standard as one we not only are aware of, but strive to live up to daily. Even this blog is an example of the oneness of mind which we are blessed to have. It is quite unique to have an entire family in ministry, as so many leaders today keep even their wives in the background, not to mention their children. It is the opposite with the McHueys—as the proclaimed spokesperson of the children I can say on behalf of all of us that both of our parents are the first ones to put us in the spotlight rather than keeping us on the sidelines. In fact, they are more willing to put us forward before themselves. I believe this act has been the making of us (amongst others) because we are aware of the scrutiny that exists on leaders in addition to being able to constantly refine the unique talents that the Father has given all of us. It continues to amaze me that every event we put on as a family has us working effortlessly in tandem because we have been able to develop in complement to one another rather than in competition.

I want to leave you all with this—because there are so few Messianics at this stage, we are all called to be leaders (whether or not you are in ministry) because in so many cases, you are the only one or one of few that the average church-goer will meet. Because of this, choose your actions and words carefully. Walk in love, as Yeshua asked us to, and be aware of the example that you set. Ministry and leadership are not just actions, but a way of life, and one we are all called to live.

by J.K. McKee

I was recently talking to a Messianic friend of mine who had just attended church over a week ago while visiting relatives out of town. This church is fairly large, with several Sunday services that serve well over a thousand in attendance. The service lasts one hour. There are some announcements, some praise songs, and then the pastor puts his Bible down on a barstool and speaks off-the-cuff for twenty minutes. Everything he says, as far as I was told, was spoken spontaneously.

Last week, this pastor apparently was speaking on the encounter of Yeshua with the teachers in the Temple complex (Luke 2:41-42). This is certainly a familiar scene for many of us, as Joseph and Mary’s family had visited Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, and on their way back to Galilee they notice that Yeshua is not with their traveling party. They have to turn around and go back to Jerusalem to find Him.

The pastor, trying to make a joke I assume, flippantly declared how concerned Mary must have been for the young Jesus—only twelve—being in the Temple. She would have been ranting at Joseph and haggling him, no different than any Twenty-First Century American housewife, at why he let Him get away.

As it was reported to me, why would Jesus want to have been in the Temple, anyway? Surely he was too young at the age of twelve to have been there. The pastor said that Mary would have asked Joseph, “Why couldn’t you have let Him wait until He was 16?!”

Upon hearing this, my Messianic friend did not know what to do. Did this pastor really not prepare his sermon for Sunday? Or did he really not understand First Century Judean Jewish culture?

For us as Messianics, this is an easy one. The ages of twelve to thirteen were the time when Jewish boys would traditionally be bar mitzvahed and acknowledged as responsible members of the community. Even the venerable NIV Study Bible—surely a resource this pastor has in his library—recognizes this:

“At age 12 boys began preparing to take their places in the religious community the following year” (NIV Study Bible, p 1572).

Yeshua’s words to Mary, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) were entirely appropriate. Our Lord was being properly prepared for His future adult ministry, already developing a reputation with the Jerusalem Rabbis. Yet, as the pastor paraphrased Him, “Mother, didn’t you know I would be in church?”

It can be pretty easy to criticize Christian pastors for making errors like these—even though many pastors would in fact, prepare their sermons in advance. This pastor, however, did not prepare his sermon. But what happens when similar errors are seen in the Messianic community?

I was also recently handed a newsletter from a major Messianic organization. The lead article in this newsletter spoke on some of the significance of Chanukah for us as the Messianic community. In the article, its author spoke about the parallels that exist between the story of the Maccabees and the Last Days. Then appeared this paragraph:

“The days were very similar to those described by Timothy. However, by Timothy’s time the days of Antiochus Epiphanes were long past and Israel was now under Roman rule. Timothy was writing about the last days, days that we have not yet seen…”

When I read this paragraph, I honestly did not know what to do. Part of me wanted to laugh, part of me wanted to scream, and part of me wanted to clean my glasses to check that I had read this properly. A very glaring error had been made.

There was no passage of Scripture referenced to in this article regarding the Last Days, but I am assuming that it is 2 Timothy 3:1-5:

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.”

But what was the problem with what was said? It is very clear for anyone who has read either 1 or 2 Timothy: “Timothy was writing…” I have a feeling that the author of this Messianic article failed to read 2 Timothy 1:1-2:

“Paul, an apostle of Messiah Yeshua by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Messiah Yeshua, To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Messiah Yeshua our Lord.”

Or for that same matter, 1 Timothy 1:1-2:

“Paul, an apostle of Messiah Yeshua according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Messiah Yeshua, who is our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Messiah Yeshua our Lord.”

One does not have to go very far to see what the problem is; the Apostle Paul is author of 1&2 Timothy. Certainly, there are liberal theologians who believe that the Pastoral Epistles of 1&2 Timothy and Titus are all Deutero-Pauline, meaning that Paul did not write them. But I have never heard about Timothy writing to himself. I sincerely hope that the reference to “Timothy was writing…” was just an omission on the part of the Messianic writer, and this mistake just did not get caught in time among proofreaders in his office.

In all candor, though, these are the kinds of mistakes that we would expect second graders in Sunday School to make—not grown men who lead Messianic organizations.

Some people may wonder at times why our ministry is a stickler when it comes to details. Well, if a Jewish person were in attendance at the church, hearing that the young Yeshua in the Temple complex at twelve was a bad thing, he or she would think that the pastor did not know what he was talking about as it was clearly connected to His bar mitzvah. It could seriously turn the person off to hearing the gospel! At the same time, passing on an inaccurate statement about Timothy writing the letters that Paul actually wrote to him, does not exactly help Messianic credibility, either.

Are you concerned about the basic facts of Scripture? I hope so! If you are, then remember that Outreach Israel Ministries and TNN Online are always in the process of producing new, cutting edge educational materials (including commentaries) that can help you in your distinct Messianic walk. I would highly recommend that if you have not done so already, you purchase a copy of our Survey of the Apostolic Scriptures for the Practical Messianic study, including an MP3 audio CD with lectures. Be informed about the discussions that have been going on for decades in the realm of Biblical composition. Do not get caught unaware when skewed facts are passed along, be they by a Christian pastor or even a Messianic leader.

by Mark Huey

On behalf of Outreach Israel Ministries and TNN Online, I would like to officially welcome you to the launch of our new “McHuey Blog.” Without the current efficiencies of almost universal access to websites and cost effective e-mail services, our ability to freely minister to the Messianic community of faith scattered around the world would be greatly hindered. We have already made use of standard websites, e-mail update lists, PDF formatted documents, and MP3 audio broadcasts for a number of years. This new area of outreach—blogging—will enable our ministry to communicate to you in a new and exciting way, making use of a new technology medium whereby we can post our comments, thoughts, and opinions regarding time sensitive issues that standard websites do not easily facilitate.

As we have witnessed during much of our lifetimes, it appears that some of Daniel’s prophecies are occurring right before our eyes, as we take advantage of these incredible tools for sharing—understanding that our knowledge gained from imploring God and studying His Scriptures can help Believers in their walk of faith:

“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (Daniel 12:1-4).

The advent of aviation in 1903 no doubt contributed greatly to people traveling “back and forth” at remarkable speeds and frequencies—and we now live in an age where commercial space travel may be a soon reality. In a similar manner, the inauguration of the modern computer over the past thirty years, and the rapid expansion of the Internet since the 1990s, have accelerated an exponential increase of knowledge and information. If Daniel’s prophecy is applicable in 2008, then surely the community of faith needs to be on the front lines, lest only the enemy alone make use of the tools available. As a ministry that always desires to be on the forefront of what God is doing, the opportunity to expand our outreach through the blogosphere was something we just had to consider.

For the past year or so, we have been internally discussing the pros and cons of blogging, especially as we have witnessed its proliferation in a variety of venues. Some of these trends have been good, and some not so good. Many questions arose, especially,

1. Are blogs useful to the spiritual growth of the faithful?

2. Do blogs add or subtract to those seeking answers in their pursuit of God?

3. Will this vehicle help or hurt from our contribution to the Body of Messiah?

Since the birth of the TNN Online website in 1997, and the subsequent launch of Outreach Israel in 2002, we have maintained an Internet presence for over ten years. As a family dedicated to ministry, we recognize that for over a decade, we have been writing and posting articles, Bible studies, essays, editorials, and FAQs that express our views on a very wide variety of topics. While these avenues will certainly continue, the blog “phenomenon” offers us a new way to communicate, that has presently not been used with our monthly articles, weekly studies, or FAQs.

Having thought and prayed about this quite a bit throughout 2007, the more we realized that many of our internal discussions on various issues—ranging from theology, world events, global culture, and specific spiritual occurrences—often had a unique triangulation that benefited from our distinct perspectives. Frequently, we have discussed how some of you might just want to be the proverbial “fly on the wall” in our ministry office, that gets to hear the issues which matter to us be analyzed, dissected, masticated, digested, or sometimes even vomited. Well, “flies” are certainly welcome to our new McHuey Blog!

This year our overall ministry focus has shifted to “Messianics and modernity,” and we have seen how starting our own ministry blog can actually help us address a number of subjects that do not necessarily warrant a comprehensive article or FAQ entry—much less a booklet or book. Starting a blog can be an excellent way for you to see more of who we are as individual people, so you can know more of what motivates us to minister and serve you, contributing to your spiritual well being and further growth in God’s grace.

Let’s face it: the rapid increase in knowledge is coming at each of us in such tsunami-like waves that various topics might only be able to be commented upon with a few short paragraphs. All members of our family are planning to participate in our new McHuey Blog, and we trust that our thoughts will result in us having even more of a positive influence on the emerging Messianic community. If this communicative tool provokes our readers to think, pray, and then act according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, then our efforts will surely not be in vain!

I sincerely pray that you will be blessed by the insights and opinions generated by the new McHuey Blog!