Why a Messianic Jewish congregation?

Should there be a special congregation for Messianic Jews? Could we not be integrated into a normal congregation or church? These are some of the questions that are occasionally asked.

Firstly, a Messianic Jewish congregation is not exclusive. We are an open assembly were both Jew and non-Jew alike are welcome to participate in our services. We strongly believe that the middle wall of partition (m’chitzah) was broken down (Eph.2:12-18) in the life, death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua. Therefore, a Messianic Jewish congregation is not exclusively for Jews only. In fact, we believe that the power and riches of G-d is expressed when Jew and non-Jew together gather to worship and serve the G-d of Israel!

As a Messianic Jews, we are especially called to covenantal faithfulness and to continue living and thinking as Jews. Having embraced the revealed Jewish Messiah, we have not converted to another religion. We believe and practice Sha’ul’s (Paul) instruction in 1 Cor 7: 18 - 20;

18  Was someone already circumcised when he was called? Then he should not try to remove the marks of his circumcision. Was someone uncircumcised when he was called? He shouldn’t undergo b’rit-milah.
19  Being circumcised means nothing, and being uncircumcised means nothing; what does mean something is keeping God’s commandments.
20  Each person should remain in the condition he was in when he was called.i

We continue to live as Jews. The ministry of biblical truth to our Jewish people (Gal.2:7-9) and our congregation’s personality, ethos and values, reflect this primary calling and commitment. However, we remain an open fellowship for all believers in the G-d of Israel and the Messiah Yeshua! We embrace our non-Jewish component in the understanding that because of their faith in Messiah Yeshua and “ahavat Yisrael” (their love for Israel), we can together build the House of G-d. We also welcome all visitors.

We exist as a Messianic congregation to proclaim Besorah Tovah - the Good News of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life - both of which come through faith in the G-d of Israel and in His Son, the Messiah Yeshua! Salvation (rescue from eternal separation from G-d) is from the one true G-d for all mankind (Isaiah 49:6) and this free gift is extended to all who choose to listen and believe in the Person of Yeshua alone (John 5:34 )!

Therefore, as a Messianic Jewish congregation, we enable all Jewish people to embrace biblical faith in the Jewish Messiah without forsaking their Jewish heritage!