As to my being Messianic Jew, I am not. I am Messianic Gentile (to the best of my knowledge) but the question posed by Knight (the owner here at TOL) upon registering is what our religious affiliation is. He did not provide the choice "Messianic Judaism" but listed it as Messianic Jew. I'm not upset with him about this so please don't get that impression. It does, however, create opportunity for confusion and/or question which I don't mind clarifying for folks.
I would be interested in hearing about this "Messianic Judaism" of yours and to what extent it impacts your life.
The relationship between ChristianityTM and jews is stormy.
ChristianityTM moved away from Judiasm in attempts to appeal to gentiles interested in maintaining their own traditions.
Jews too, grew tired of gentiles crowding their synagogues as in Acts... lol
and now keeping Sabbath is Judaizing.
The early believers were known as followers of "the Way"
and they were jews who believed in the risen messiah and then came the gentile converts...
and all the changes from judiasm to ChristianityTM.
The roman church maintains the OT remains valid but it claims it has authority to make changes. Protestants claim the OT is fulfilled no longer valid or applicable.
These teachings separate ChristiansTM from Jews.
But the separation is not just over Sabbath and ham on Easter.
Its about the money.
Usury.
Usury was forbidden against brothers, debts were to be forgiven every 49 years, and no slavery.
The early roman church prohibited usury but as with its other idols it finally embraced it.
But for centuries the Vatican gave the "christkiller" jews the job of handling the "evil" money and then merely taxed the jews for "protection monies".
This racket provided vast treasure and power.
Look at the world now...in debt, enslaved, and who has the temporal powers?
But scripture is sure.
As Yahusha taught and Paul affirmed, we are merely branches grafted into the trunk and root of the original.
The promise made to physical Israel (now destroyed) is, because of Yahusha, given to ANY (gentiles) who believe and obey.
These gentiles are then brothers with Jews, sons of Abraham and his Living God- the true spiritual Israel.
And the Torah laws and prohibitions remain valid.
I, because of Yahusha, am no longer under the law but stand on it, it is my foundation. I am a free man saved and should not be charged interest and have my debts forgiven every 49 years.
But alas ChristianTM and jews deceive and are deceived.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"
I hope you enjoy your time here at TOL. There are a lot of great people here.
thank you and for your time...