Got Questions? We Got Answers!

Sometimes we receive emails that seek clarification regarding teachings by Kenny Russell, and/or what Hebrew Roots (HR) is all about.  Occasionally someone will cite a website called “Got Questions?” and use some of that content in their quest for truth.  This article will respond to some of those questions.

Most of us that have come into HR (Hebrew Roots) were brought up in the Christian church.  It is not our intention to condemn every facet of Christianity, but to return to the faith once delivered to the disciples by Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.  This necessitates an honest examination of the doctrines men have adopted since Yeshua walked in Galilee and taught in the synagogues and hillsides.  We are learning to read the scripture in context (i.e. with historical perspective and Hebraic mindset).  Where error is found, we must be ready to let go of the teachings of men when they are not backed up by Scripture.  Often this is a profound change that leads to confusion, anger and fear.  It is difficult to let go of familiar ideas and practices, even when they run contrary to the plain teaching in Scripture that was demonstrated by Yeshua.  The seeker of truth must be willing to lay down their biases and take an honest look at what the Spirit is telling us.  Instruction is guided by the whole Word of YHVH, and where the New Testament seems to abrogate the Old Testament, careful study is required to understand how the Apostles walked based on the foundation laid ‘in the beginning.’  We claim the whole of scripture provides ‘context.’

We will address these concerns in a point by point manner.  Many questions have used the web site GotQuestions.org to frame questions and point out confusion.  We stipulate that the citations from GotQuestions.org are not necessarily authoritative or accurate. (Indeed, we request that any information we provide be studied for yourself, as we cannot claim infallibility.)

Although GotQuestions has a large presence on the worldwide web, that doesn’t necessarily equate to reliability.  While the answers might sound well-researched, it is apparent that there are contradictions within the answers they provide, and where there is contradiction there is error. 

[We will use quotations from the GotQuestions web site.  Quotes from GotQuestions will be in Italics and our response will be in bold.]

#1 The nature of the church

Dr. Russell teaches that the term ‘church’ should more accurately be understood as ‘Israel,’ and because of that identity we are to live like YHVH intended for His people to live.

“Gentile believers are not grafted into the Judaism of the Mosaic Covenant; they are grafted into the seed and faith of Abraham, which preceded the Law and Jewish customs.

Several points here are bundled together as one thought.  Taken separately, we can more accurately parse this statement.

‘Gentile Believers’ is an inaccurate term; it is an oxymoron.  Gentiles are those people of the nations who do not believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  There is no “Gentile” gate to the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:12).  Once one becomes a believer, we are grafted into the same seed and faith of Abraham.  Abraham obeyed God, and the covenant promises were handed down through Isaac.  Abraham, however, was not ‘before’ the Law.   YHVH said to Isaac:

Gen 26:3 Live as an outsider in this land and I will be with you and bless you—for to you and to your seed I give all these lands—and I will confirm my pledge that I swore to Abraham your father.

Gen 26:4 I will multiply your seed like the stars of the sky and I will give your seed all these lands. And in your seed all the nations of the earth will continually be blessed,

Gen 26:5 because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My mitzvot, My decrees, and My instructions.”  (TLV)

Verse 5 clearly explains that Abraham was fully aware of the Instructions (Torah) and kept His appointed times (mitzvot), decrees, charge and listened to His voice!  This is a second witness to the gospel of John 1:1 that says, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God.”  In other words, the Torah is the Father’s eternal Law, from the beginning.  It was not written down until Moses, but there is evidence that it has always been in place from the beginning.  (i.e. Cain and Abel bringing sacrifices, Noah understanding clean and unclean beasts and how to sacrifice, etc.)

While Abraham did precede the Jewish customs that were adopted by the Pharisees and Sadducees (otherwise known as Judaism), all believers are grafted into the original covenant and are bound by the original Torah (Instruction) of the Father.  There is no covenant made with ‘Gentiles’ or any House beyond the House of Judah or the House of Israel.

When Moses received the instructions (Torah) from YHVH at Mt. Sinai it applied to the mixed multitude (both native born and sojourners) that came out of Egypt.

Exo_12:38 Also a mixed multitude went up with them, along with the flocks, herds and heavy livestock.  (TLV)

Psa_39:13 Hear my prayer, Adonai, and listen to my cry—do not keep silent at my tears. For with You I am an outsider, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. (TLV)

#2  Circumcision.

“They are fellow citizens with the saints (Ephesians 2:19), but they are not Jews. Paul explains this clearly when he tells those who were circumcised (the Jews) “not to seek to be uncircumcised” and those who were uncircumcised (the Gentiles) “not to become circumcised” (1 Corinthians 7:18). There is no need for either group to feel they must become what they are not. Instead, God has made Jews and Gentiles into “one new man” in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:15). This “new man” is referring to the Church, the body of Christ, which is made up of neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:27-29). It’s important for Jews and Gentiles to remain authentic in their own identity. In this way a clear picture of the unity of the body of Christ can be seen as Jews and Gentiles are united by one Lord, one faith, one baptism. If Gentiles are grafted into Israel, becoming Jews, the purpose and picture of both Jew and Gentile, coming together as one new man, is lost. God never intended Gentiles to become one in Israel, but one in Christ.”

First, the circumcision argument is taken out of context.  At its heart, those who choose to be grafted into a covenant relationship with the Father (as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Ruth) must also accept his Torah (rules for righteous living).  It isn’t One thing OR the Other; it is One thing Before the Other.   The Father has always wanted our hearts to be circumcised before our flesh.

To be authentic to our ‘identity’ we must truly understand that identity.  It seems ironic that the quote above insists that to be grafted into Israel makes one a ‘Jew.’  Here is where we get into disputes about race and custom which are not a part of YHVH’s plan for believers. 

Actually, to be grafted into the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob makes one a Hebrew (from the Hebrew word to ‘Cross Over’).  Jews are only part of the body of Messiah, only one of Twelve tribes, and each tribe contained both native born and strangers which were adopted/grafted in.  The ‘Jews’ (tribe of Judah and those who remained in Judea when the tribes were split into the Northern and Southern kingdom) are easily identified as keepers of the Feasts (Leviticus 23), and observers of the Sabbath and dietary laws given by the Father.  In other words, the Jews are the ones clearly identifiable with Torah-observance, but they do not represent all of Israel.

There is more to this subject, but this is the basic understanding without getting into a lengthy treatise on how the House of Israel became divided, divorced, exiled and enabled to be grafted back into His House.  The student who is interested can research why Yeshua said, “I came only for the Lost Sheep.”

#3 The Purpose of the Law:

 Many elements of the Mosaic Law are said by the HR movement to be necessary for today.

“The Law” can mean the Torah, the 10 commandments, the rules, regulations and sacrifices given to Israel through Moses and more. If I understand correctly, the HR teaching would be that all of these ideas continue today as binding on anyone who serves and obeys the God of the Bible. In fact, the law of Moses including the sacrificial system and lifestyle ordinances was given to Israel for a specific period of time. Its purpose was not to make anyone right with God and does not apply to NT believers. Its purpose was to teach us about the character of God and provide an object lesson about sin, sacrifice and righteousness. The 10 commandments are still important to Christians today in that they reflect the character and nature of God and reflect what is appropriate for those who are children of God. They do not get us to heaven by their obedience or send us to hell if we disobey. They are standards of what is right and wrong.

Again, there is a multitude of concepts jumbled together with no clearly defined terms.  Many believe that the law of Moses, including the sacrificial system and lifestyle ordinances, was given to Israel for only a specific period of time.   Is that true?

Most of the quotations in the Scriptures speak of a perpetual/eternal/forever covenant agreement.  The following is from “The Law of God is Forever*

Here are just a small percentage of scriptures that clearly state that the law is forever.

Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

Exodus 31:17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Leviticus 16:29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 16:31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Leviticus 23:21 And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

Leviticus 23:31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

2 Chronicles 2:4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

Psalm 119:159-160 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever

Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Deuteronomy 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.

Where does this notion of a specific time period come from?  Did it end at the cross?  Read chapter 4 of Deuteronomy (the book most often quoted by Yeshua) that speaks about the covenant made with Israel.  Then pay attention to this verse:

Deuteronomy 4:30-31 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. [emphasis mine]

He isn’t going to forget His covenant, nor should we!  And if you don’t want to believe the Old Testament, would you believe Yeshua?

Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Again, to relegate the Law/Torah given to us by the mouth of YHVH to apply only to the ‘Jews’ is to totally misunderstand WHO we are as believers.  Until we sort it out that we are grafted into the Olive Tree (Israel) it is easy to say that all of the Law doesn’t apply to us.  But, a Gentile is not a believer.  The terms Gentile Believer, Gentile Christian or the like is a misnomer.  Belief requires a change in citizenship and adoption into His family.  He came only for the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.

#4 GotQuestions regarding dietary restrictions and feast days:

Colossians 2:16,17 says, “Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day – things which are a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.”

Romans 14:5 states, “One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.” Scripture clearly indicates that these issues are a matter of personal choice. These verses and many others give clear evidence that the Mosaic Covenant laws and ordinances have ended. Continuing to teach that the Old Covenant is still in effect in spite of what the New Testament teaches, or twisting the New Testament to agree with the Hebrew Roots beliefs, is false teaching.

This is a typical verse plucked out of the New Testament to shore up a flawed argument that the ‘law’ is bad.  Shouldn’t the New Testament re-affirm the Old Testament (the scriptures Yeshua taught from) instead of thinking the New Testament changed everything and established a whole new foundation?   We do not twist the Old Testament to fit a New Testament verse.  On the contrary, we seek to see how the New Testament upholds the original scriptures and covenant agreement.  When they do not, we must question our understanding of the ‘new’ writings, not vice versa.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul was addressing a group of new believers who had just come out of their pagan lifestyle!  Understandably, all their old friends who did not join them at the synagogue to learn Torah were ready to condemn them for their change to Sabbath observance and dietary restrictions.  The above quote is a particularly poor translation of Colossians 2:16-17.  Read a better one here:

Col 2:16-17 Let no one therefore judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths – which are a shadow of what is to come – but the Body of the Messiah.  (Scriptures 1998)

If we understand the phrase “which are a shadow of what is to come” is a parenthetical, we can easily read the verse, “Let no one therefore judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, but the Body of Messiah.”  In other words it says, “Only those in the Body of Messiah have the right to give direction/correction and advice on following the Torah!  Don’t listen to those who are still trapped in paganism.”  Indeed, Paul points out that all of these things: eating, drinking, festivals, new moon observance (to begin the month) and Sabbaths are ‘SHADOW’ of what is to come (Messiah). 

Knowing that, why would we think they are done away with?  If the Feasts are shadows cast by the Messiah, removing the shadow will also remove the substance/evidence of Him.

Likewise the ‘proof-text’ from Romans 14 is addressing a specific issue with a specific congregation of believers.  Paul is admonishing the flock not to make disputes over fast days that are not commanded in Torah.  It isn’t wrong to fast and pray at any time; nor should the congregation place burdens on those who don’t see the need for fasting and prayer at a particular time (other than those spelled out directly in Torah).  An example might be a commemoration of the three days of fasting and prayer conducted by the Jews in the book of Esther known as Purim.  It is not a commandment from YHVH, but it isn’t wrong to do it either.  This isn’t adding to a ‘commandment’ from the Father.  It is a choice made to honor the Father.

There is evidence that Yeshua made a regular practice of fasting and prayer during his ministry.  An example would be when he cast out demons that the disciples were unable to do, and when questioned why he told them it required fasting and prayer.

To construe that this narrow teaching by Paul should be expanded to overthrow the entirety of Torah would be laughable were it not so misguided.

#5  Old Testament Feasts

Another question: “Feasts are said by the HR folks to be an eternal and universal necessity for true believers.  Feasts were a teaching tool God instituted to teach and remind Israel of God’s provision, protection, sovereignty, grace, mercy, and righteousness. They help teach us these things as well if we study them, but they were never intended to be an eternal ordinance for all believers. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. — Romans 7:6, NASB”

Refer to the Leviticus references (and others) above that state the Law of YHVH is forever.  We agree that “God instituted the feasts to teach about God’s provision, protection, sovereignty, grace, mercy and righteousness.”  Since this is true, why in today’s world do we no longer need that instruction?  We agree that we should study them, but Hebrew is an action-centered language and culture.  Certainly study of the Torah is the highest form of worship, but how do we integrate, teach and pass along these teaching feasts (Paul calls them shadow-pictures of good things to come) if it is only a mental exercise?

A good rubric for teaching is ‘see one, do one, teach one.’  It is a mistake to think we only need to see in order to teach.  That goes against the Hebraic understanding of what ‘hearing and seeing’ is all about.  A Hebraic mindset says Hear, Do, and Teach. The Shema is the most known and repeated verse in all Torah, and the passage that Yeshua claimed as the most important.  All those in Judea would have recognized this reference from Yeshua!

Mat 22:36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Torah?”

Mat 22:37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Mat 22:38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

Mat 22:39 And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Mat 22:40 The entire Torah and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  (TLV)

See also:

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

And here:

Leviticus 19:17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

When we read the entire passage that begins with Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema) we learn that shema means to ‘hear and obey.’  Shema is the same understanding that every parent demonstrates when they say to their disobedient child, “Didn’t you Hear what I said?”  Hearing requires an action in response.  The Shema clearly defines how we are to love God, and how we are to pass it along to our children.  What better way to learn the Father’s character than to observe (hear and do) His feasts that He commanded forever?  And why would we expect there is a provision to suspend observance of these Feasts of YHVH when it is clear in Zechariah 14 that we all will be observing the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in the Millennial Kingdom?  (Zechariah 14:16)  If then; why not now?

Yeshua, on the night he was betrayed, reinforced the need to observe Passover, as did Paul when he demonstrated by his actions that going up to Jerusalem for the Feasts was still to be observed, even after Yeshua’s death and resurrection.

Certainly, if we are to ‘walk as Yeshua (and his disciples) walked’ we must continue to observe the Feasts of YHVH.  They are not the Feasts of the ‘Jews.’  They are Father’s Feasts, given to help us understand Yeshua both past, present and future.

#6 Casting doubt on portions of Scripture indicates a ‘cult’

Scriptures that cast doubt on HR teachings are rejected as “added in by the Catholics” based on doubtful theories and unsubstantiated historical claims. This is a very dangerous road to go down and is used by all cults to justify unbiblical teaching.

The person who sent in this question did not indicate which particular verses were in question with this indictment of Hebrew Roots teachings.  It is difficult to make specific response without those citations.  But, a blanket statement that implies any questioning of scripture translations is ‘dangerous’ and typical of ‘cults’ does not bolster this argument.  

There are, indeed, verses that have been added in, and/or, mis-translated.  The KJV even italicizes those verses that were not in the original texts!  Research of more ancient texts can clarify where man has corrupted the Word.  A cursory look at a parallel translation will show many disparities, and can identify verses that have been added in for ‘clarification’ by those who were unfamiliar with the original texts and traditions from whence the translation was based.  The Bereans were praised for searching out the scriptures before accepting what anyone taught.  They searched the Old Testament since the New Testament writings were not existent then!  We would be wise to do the same, and be open to the possibility that some things could be lost in translation when the original context of the Bible is unfamiliar.

As far as changes made by the Roman Catholic Church, we recommend doing a search on who, how and why the Sabbath Day was changed from Saturday to Sunday.  There are at least two articles at BulldozerFaith.com on this topic.  Start here:  Are the Ten Commandments for Today? Part IV. 

#7 The emphasis on Fruit over Faith

The HR movement elevates “Fruit” (works) to a place equal to or above “by grace through faith” for salvation.

This teaching makes man the true judge of a man’s spiritual condition before God. Fruit and works are indeed an evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believers life, however, the HR teaching specifies certain kinds of fruit that must be present to indicate true salvation; namely, adherence to HR teachings and practices.

This is a mis-characterization of what Hebrew Roots teaches.  Hebrew Roots is not a denomination that requires adherence by believers.  Hebrew Roots is a concept and not an organized religious sect to pronounce who is saved or not saved.  Do not confuse an understanding of the teachings found in the Bible (Torah) as a man-made doctrine called ‘Hebrew Roots.’ 

 On the contrary, understanding our Hebrew Roots (in essence doing Bible things in Bible ways) frees the individual from man-made doctrine or religious sects, and firmly endeavors to place our feet upon the narrow path that was instructed by our Father.  He is our guide; not a doctrine gleaned from selected verses of the New Testament that are used out of context or claim they say what they could not.  Any doctrine that would disparage the Word of YHVH and speaks against the perfect Law of YHVH or His Instructions is tantamount to declaring He is inconstant and fickle.  This is not a true picture of the faithful Father in whom we can place our trust.

Mal 3:6 “For I am Adonai. I do not change, So you, children of Jacob, are not consumed.  (TLV)

It is the Word of God that says, “By their fruit, you will know them.”  It is the Bible that says, “The whole duty of man is to love God and follow his commandments.”  It was Yeshua who said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”  It was Yeshua who said, “If you do not believe Moses, how will you believe my words?”  Yeshua also said:

Joh_15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Joh_15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Joh_15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (TLV)

Fruit isn’t ‘elevated’ in Hebrew Roots understanding.  It is ‘evidence’ that we abide in Him.  It isn’t man’s standard, it is Father’s standard.  Salvation is from Yeshua.  No one disputes this.  Salvation is not earned, nor can it be.  But how sad if we accept the offer of eternal life and at the same time believe ‘works’ are optional!

The scriptures are clear that the Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of our relationship with Yeshua.  Is it man that determines where the fruit comes from or what it looks like?  Or is it the Father that sees the heart, and seeks those who walk in integrity by demonstrating His instructions?  The Fruit of the Spirit is planted with the Seed from Father, which is the Word of God.  How else can we recognize the fruit if it doesn’t spring forth from the same Word given from the beginning?

Does the following verse (there are many similar) make you question the notion that our salvation is secured?

Mat_7:19 Every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.

Paul said we must run the race to the end.  The parable of the seed shows that not all seed finds good ground, or deep roots, or escapes the jaws of those who would snatch away the seed before it produces fruit, or escapes being choked out by weeds (tares).  When we assume that salvation is guaranteed without any evidence but that someone cries, “I believe!” that is when man inserts his own judgment upon who is ‘saved’ and who is not.  That determination is made by the One who knows our heart, not by any denomination or assembly of man.

#8 Eschatology

According to Mr. Russell, the concept of Heaven as the ultimate destination for believers is rejected by the HR movement. The “new earth” and specifically the physical land of present day Israel seems to be presented as man’s only hope for eternity.

A study of the Bible will reveal that there is no scriptural basis for believing in a concept known as ‘Heaven’ as taught by the mainstream church.  On the contrary, Yeshua taught that the meek would inherit the Earth.  Prophets like Zechariah speak about the Millennial Kingdom and what is in store for the thousand years before the White Throne Judgment is made.  There are three resurrections spoken of in prophesy, and the New Jerusalem will be on the renewed earth. 

The three Resurrections:

1 Cor 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, those who belong to Christ.  (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Rev 21:2 I also saw the holy city—the New Jerusalem—coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 21:3 I also heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is among men, and He shall tabernacle among them. They shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them and be their God.

Rev 21:4 He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Nor shall there be mourning or crying or pain any longer, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev 21:5 And the One seated upon the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new!” Then He said, “Write, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Rev 21:6 Then He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will freely give from the spring of the water of life.

Rev 21:7 The one who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (TLV)

# 9 Red Flags:

We have received personal attacks on Dr. Russell’s credibility and testimonies.  Often these teachings are perceived as ‘red flags.’  It is agreed that all teachers and preachers must be held accountable for their teachings.  If anything that Dr. Russell teaches cannot be verified in the scriptures, then by all means it should be rejected and brought to his attention if correction needs to be made. 

Fairness dictates that the Scriptures be consulted before rejecting the message out of a lack of faith in the messenger.  Many a ‘red flag’ may be waving because it disturbs our world-view.  We have all seen those red flags when we embarked on this journey, and we sympathize and understand how difficult it is to un-learn a lifetime (centuries) of traditions and teachings.  Our pursuit of the Hebrew Roots of our faith is a challenge, but more rewarding than anything we have done before. 

The last verses of the Old Testament say this:

Mal 4:4 “Remember the Law of Moses my servant that I gave him at Horeb for all Israel—both the decrees and laws.

Mal 4:5 Pay attention! I’m sending Elijah the prophet to you before the great and dreadful Day of the LORD comes,

Mal 4:6 and he will turn the hearts of fathers to children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I’ll come, strike the land, and utterly destroy it.” (ISV)

We encourage questions and are happy to reply to legitimate concerns.  Please feel free to question us.  Shalom!