"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."

Should Noahide Nazarene Believers “Go To Church”
And If So, Where?

By Ben Ruach HaKodesh (John of AllFaith) 05.1.10

The following three scriptures illustrate the predicament I'll be discussing in this piece:

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The last bit is especially to be considered in these Last Days, “... and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” This warning is given especially to our generation.

II Corinthians 11:2 … I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

And again:

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

As I discuss elsewhere in some detail, we are certainly now living in the conclusion of the Last Days referenced at Hebrews 10:25 and many other places in Scripture. This should be abundantly clear to all who know and believe the biblical prophets. During this period the Apostle says it is especially important for the Believers to gather together in unity. Yet as we witness the End Time prophetic events occurring and building before our very eyes -- and all the more as we will soon behold Rex Mundi in person, on CNN, on Fox news, in La Monde, in Berlin's Juedische Allgemeine, in the Jerusalem Post and so on -- false doctrine and the diverse symptoms described for the End Times Church (Revelation 3:14-19) are proliferating like never before. We were told these conditions would exist so we should not be surprised by them, however finding biblical fellowship in these times is difficult when equally sincere Believers are themselves so divided doctrinally. The doctrines of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2) have reigned supreme among the Believers for a very long time and yet still within the various Nicean denominations we find sisters and brothers of devout and abiding faith. These are the people with whom we are to unite.

Sadly most Christians today no longer really believe the Bible is the Word of God. Truth be known most people who self-identify as Christians are actually Secular Humanists as far as their core beliefs are concerned. Among the faithful a large percentage are now using counterfeit paraphrases like the NIV (New International Version: better, the Not Inspired Version) taken from wholly different manuscript sources!

The Christian Church is now facing the most serious threat to its continued existence in history. Islam is now the largest single religion on earth (when Catholicism is considered separately), is the fastest growing and by far the most devoutly observed religion on Earth over all. Most Christians are completely oblivious to the threat Islam presents both to Christianity and to every non-Muslim nation on earth. In times past the Church suffered far more severe persecution than it does today and yet it grew both numerically and in terms of devotion -- persecution makes the Church stronger. Apathy, compromise and hypocrisy weaken it as we are now seeing.

So then we are warned not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25), while at the same time we are commanded by HaShem to only have spiritual fellowship with those whose teachings and views are true and biblically accurate (II Corinthians 11:2-4; Revelation 2:14, 15). Again we read:

I Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

How can we do this when everyone is using different and conflicting books and calling them all the Inspired Word of God?

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

There is an old proverb, paraphrased, that says, “ask five Bible teachers a question, get seven answers.” This leaves us in a difficult position. To maintain unity we must agree to disagree on various points of doctrine, but even though this is obviously true, how much diversity is too much to allow and accept? Where should we to draw the lines regarding biblical fellowship with those of differing understandings?

This is a crucial question, especially when one is seeking a spiritual home and prayerfully considering the various denominations and congregations. Sitting under the teachings of individual pastors and Bible teachers should not be done lightly. One teaches one thing, another teaches something entirely different. How can we know we are in a good congregation? This is not an easy question to answer but it is vital that one does! We are commanded to seek, know and live by the Truth to the best our ability.

II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

As usual the Bible is rather dogmatic in its insistence on doctrinal purity “... that there be no divisions among you,” and yet this is seemingly not possible. It seems that almost congregation has differences in beliefs among its members and between the denominations the doctrinal gulf is at times like an ocean! At least until Shiloh comes and reveals the Truth to everything the idea of abiding in doctrinal unity seems like an impossibility.

Some Believers answer this difficulty by asserting that there must be agreement on the “essentials” and liberty on everything else. But what are the essentials and which biblical teachings are incidental?

Mathew 5:19 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.

There are lists of generally shared beliefs (like the Nicene Creed) but when we consider these points in any level of detail and discuss what we mean by them there are always disagreements. What do we mean by “original sin” or “grace” and so on. We often use the same words but mean different things bt them! What does Y'shua being “the Only Begotten of the Father” mean? Plus many Believers, including Noahide Nazarenes, do not accept the Nicene and other generally accepted creeds to begin with on biblical grounds. So how can we have unity?

To deal with this growing disharmony, many churches are now foregoing all doctrine, saying it doesn’t really matter what one believes “so long as one believes,” or that doctrine is important but that it is between the individual and God and should not be discussed. I recently visited a Congregationalist assembly near my home. During his sermon the pastor said (I am closely paraphrasing his words), “... We are to avoid evil. Now of course some of you will understand evil as a negative work inspired by a being known as “the devil” (he actually used air quotes here) while others understand evil as doing what one knows is wrong. This is not important. The important thing is to love people and not judge others for the choices they make in their life journey...” Is this Christian doctrine? Is it biblical? Would Y'shua ever say such a thing? Or Paul?

This “enlightened view” sounds reasonable enough until we consider the following command of Scripture:

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Based on such Scriptures, “agreeing to disagree,” at least on essential doctrine would appear to be biblically indefensible and so we’re back where we began.

Most Nicene Christians would agree that certain basic doctrines are essential to the Christian religion. Some of these doctrines Noahide Nazarenes and others do not accept as biblical. We can not deny God's Word as we understand it for the sake of harmony with other Believers. So while the question pertains to all Believers it does even more so to those of us who hold doctrines than are less commonly embraced. For instance:

The Nature of HaShem

Most Christians accept the Nicene Creed’s formulation of the One God as a triune being. Like others, Noahide Nazarenes do not accept this as a biblical doctrine:

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: HaShem our God is one LORD:

Some Christians, like the United Pentecostals, also reject the Trinity doctrine but teach that Y’shua is the One God (simply known by his various characteristics). Noahide Nazarenes also reject this view as unbiblical:

John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

None are equal to nor independent of the One God according to the Bible and He will not share His glory with anyone else (Isaiah 42:8). Like the Jews, we believe HaShem and HaShem alone is God and that He is utterly, eternally One and unique. Both the Tanakh (or “Old Testament”) and the books and the B'rit Hadashah (or New Testament) seem abundantly clear on this point. The doctrine of the Trinity has its origins in Paganism where triune gods are common. I discuss this in more detail Here.

The Dead

Another example: Many Christians still believe in the existence of the Greek and Roman Pagan realm known as Hades (or Hell) where the “unsaved” are tortured and exist without and beyond all hope for eternity. Today more and more Christians, including Noahide Nazarenes, reject this teaching. Some due to lack of faith but many as being non-biblical and a violation of God's Nature as both Just and Merciful. Such a state would be neither. Many Nicene-based Christians now accept the teaching of reincarnation (in various forms). Other believe in what is often referred to “soul sleep” (i.e. that once dead we remain unconscious in the grave until the resurrection. Among those who reject the doctrine of Hell on whatever grounds there appears to be a general lack of doctrinal clarity on this matter.

Noahide Nazarenes believe in the resurrection of the dead in the Olam Haba (or “world to come” also known as the Theocratic Kingdom). Like many Jews, many of us accept that HaShem includes reincarnation in His plan to redeem the world and reconcile it unto Himself as He intends Y'shua's sacrifice to completely counteract the sin of Adam and Eve:

I Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

John 3:16, 17 and I Corinthians 15:28 and other verses are clear on God's intentions regarding the souls of the lost. I discuss this in some detail Here.

Salvation by Grace or Works?

Many Christians today believe and teach that salvation is attained through “works” rather than being solely the result of God’s unmerited Grace granted to “whosoever will” through Y’shua alone.

Knowing the evils done “in Jesus' name” and the hypocrisy among so many people who call themselves “Christians” it seems inconceivable to some sincere Believers that acts of righteousness would not be required for salvation. Surely a person would have to somehow prove themselves worthy, they reason. The biblical doctrine of “eternal security” is often ridiculed as “easy-believism.” Some Nicene Christians openly teach that certain people are even beyond the scope of salvation simply because of who they are as people!

Others teach that salvation is the free gift of God but that maintaining it requires works of personal righteousness.

Noahide Nazarenes reject both views pointing out that were that the case the person who “gets saved” and/or who “stays saved” would have something of which to boast in direct contradiction of Ephesians 2:9 and countless other verses. Once adopted into the Family of HaShem, once grafted onto the Tree of Israel, one is saved for all eternity by God’s undeserved Grace and Mercy. Once saved the person is called to serve the Lord in various ways, however these “acts of righteous” are the result of salvation and have no bearing on its attainment nor on its continuance. Those saved persons who fail to allow Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit of God) to work through them fail to realize the abundant life God has for them, however...

I Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Nothing can separate the Redeemed from God's love and protection (Romans 8:38).

John 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

One a person is given to Y'shua that person is never lost. I discuss this in more detail Here.

Shabbat: the Biblical Day of Worship

Another key doctrinal difference is Shabbat, the biblical Sabbath. While some few Christians honor the biblical Sabbath most gather together on Sunday as the “Lord’s Day” even though not a single verse in the Bible authorizes this replacement. The clear teachings of the Bible established even before humanity joined Lucifer’s rebellion is that Shabbat is to be kept holy unto HaShem (Genesis 2:1-3) as I discuss elsewhere in detail.

This has just been a sample of existing doctrinal diversity among the Believers.

The Written Word of HaShem

Since 1611 most Christians have relied on the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Scriptures (KJV). Since long before 1611 (when the original KJV was completed), since the days of Erasmus and even before, most Believers relied on various translations of the Textus Receptus -- like the Geneva and Bishops Bible. Of all the translations of these manuscripts the Authorized King James Version (KJV) remains preeminent to this day.

In these Laodicean times (Revelation 3:14-19) however most Christians have abandoned the KJV in favor of new pseudo-bibles translated from entirely different manuscripts, codices and so on. These source materials were either directly rejected by the Church fathers or were unknown to them. Noahide Nazarenes – as I define the beliefs – affirm that the King James Version is the most accurate existing translation of the most dependable biblical manuscript sources available (the Textus Receptus or Received Texts). The new pseudo bibles fundamentally contradict both the KJV and the Textus Receptus, teach different and conflicting doctrines and conceal critical key prophecies meant for our day and age. For more information see my study Here and Here.

There are numerous other examples of Christian doctrinal diversity that could be cited, but our question remains: Should Noahide Nazarene Believers “Go To Church” And If So, Where?

The Church of HaShem

First we need to understand what the Church is. Its not something one “goes to.”

The word translated as church is ekklesia and refers not to a building or denomination but to those individuals who have been “called out” from the world. The Church is the community of Believers who God has called out from the world by His gift of eternal life. If you have received the free gift of salvation you are “the church” or part of it. The word ekklesia answers to the Hebrew word edah meaning congregation, assembly or community. The Believers are the Church. We are the congregation of Y’shua’s talmidim (or followers), we are the Body of Christ. We sometimes meet in buildings or “church houses” or at shuls or synagogues etc. Sometimes we gather in private homes, sometimes in parks or on street corners. The place is not important.

The command not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together then refers to fellowship among the Believers, not necessarily to attending service in a building (although that is wonderful of course when such is available). “Going to church” is not required in order to obey the command because the Master said:

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Even when alone we are “the church” however the Master says here, “where two or three are gathered...”. So we still have the initial question. If the Believers only gather in twos and threes with those with whom we have more or less doctrinal unity, how will the Church of God grow? How will we be one in the Spirit if we are all divided into small separate groups? How will we be a light unto the world if we refuse to blend our Light? Especially in these End Times when the author of the letter to Hebrew Believers stresses that is so important as cited above?

Diversity Among the Believers

I believe Paul has the solution.

Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

A few common issues of contention, far from all, are addressed in this and similar passages. The inspired wisdom shared by the author has far reaching applications.

Shabbat

Paul is here addressing converts to the Way who came out of Roman Paganism. We know this because the letter is addressed to the Believers in Rome and he discusses their former Pagan beliefs in various verses.

As former Roman Pagans many of these converts were used to keeping the day of the sun god Sol Invictus Mithras (Catholicism’s founder Constantine observed the Mithraic Mysteries until the day he died by the way. Constantine took “first communion” on his death bed after striking a new coin depicting Sol Invictus on one side and himself on the other). As a solar deity Sol was worshiped on Sundays.

In Rome Sunday was ‘the day of rest and worship’ and changing from Sol's day to the biblical Shabbat (sunset Friday – sunset Saturday) created several difficulties for those living in Pagan Rome. Shabbat for them was a regular work day. How could they take that day off in order to honor Shabbat? Furthermore observing Shabbat would mark the converts as being in league with (if not converts to) Judaism, a religion despised by the Romans of the day due especially to their continual refusal to place HaShem among the Roman pantheon of gods. Jews were persecuted by the Roman Pagan authorities -- as was the Way sect of Judaism established by the Apostles. Many Pagan converts to the Way were therefore working to distance themselves from the Jewish roots of the Way in order to escape Roman persecution from early on. This is clear from many writings of the so-called Church fathers. Embracing the biblical Shabbat was, from a human point of view, ill-advised and dangerous, and of course in many cases the refusal to embrace Shabbat was the result of the ongoing antisemitism that many Believers continue to have until our own day. As is clear even from the art work gracing most Christian churches and homes, even the Jewishness of Master Y'shua was taken away and replaced with the Arian looking, blue eyed popular image of Jesus.

Despite the vocal protestations there is no serious question textually that the only day authorized by HaShem or Y’shua of his talmidim for worship is Shabbat:

Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

This sanctification of Shabbat as the day of rest and worship was pronounced even before the fall of humanity. It is not part of the Jewish Law it is HaShem's gift to us all. That this verse should be taken seriously is made clear throughout the Bible. For instance:

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of HaShem thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
20:11 For in six days HaShem made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore HaShem blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

While this verse is recorded in the law of the Jews, note that HaShem does not say Shabbat is the Day of the Jews, rather He says: "the seventh day is the sabbath of HaShem thy God". It is GOD'S day. HaShem set this day aside for His weekly worship by all who honor Him, by the Jews and by the Noahides/Gentiles alike.

Sunday worship on the other hand comes to the Church directly from Pagan Rome. Its origin as a day of worship has nothing to do with Y'shua rising from the dead on the first day of the week but because Sol rode across the heavens in his magical chariot.

It is true that Master Y’shua was clear that Shabbat was made for humans, not we for Shabbat (Matthew 2:27). He also invested his precious time during his earthly ministry clarifying its proper observance. Had he not intended for Shabbat observance to continue (and both he and his disciples did continue to observe it) he would not have done this. He would have simply annulled it.

For the Shabbat keeping Jewish followers of Y'shua who were inviting the Pagans into the Way the important thing was that they understand and accept what the Master did for us all, not what day they met for fellowship. For this reason Apostle Paul says not to alienate new and potential converts over a set day of worship. He wanted people to focus on what was most important. Nowhere does the Apostle, our Master, nor anyone else in Scripture say Shabbat has been replaced by Sunday or any other day nor is there any biblical account of anyone worshiping on any day other than Shabbat. Shabbat was simply not to be a stumbling block to accepting the Way. Again, I discuss Shabbat in detail elsewhere.

Meat Eating

Like the Jewish Essene brotherhoods, many followers of the Way were vegetarians, as were many Pagans. Paul again explains here that the important thing is Y’shua and his message, not the eating nor refraining from eating of meats. Again Paul says, focus on what's important. The various adjustments in practice can be made as Believers mature spiritually (I Corinthians 3:1). Don't confuse the essential with the secondary. I discuss meat eating Here.

The Point

Paul concludes this section by explaining that those who worship on Sundays are not doing so to honor Sol Invictus but to honor the One True God. We are to worship God everyday, not only on Shabbat. Likewise those who abstain from animal flesh and those who eat of it are both offering their foods to God before partaking and giving Him the thanks. Don't be divided on the details. Both sides are worshiping God according to their understanding.

A related topic to this that Paul discusses elsewhere, and may be referring to here, is that the Pagan temples performed numerous daily sacrifices to their gods. The foods they offered them were commonly sold to the public and were frequently much less expensive than other foods sold by the vendors. These foods were also sometimes cooked with exotic or cost-prohibitive spices as required by their religious mandates and so were often of higher quality and better taste than the normal meats available for purchase.

Some Jewish talmidim who were still holding to the kosher restrictions of the Oral and/or Written Torah were telling the new Believers that those living on limited incomes had to choose between eating these offered foods or following Y’shua. They were placing unnecessary burdens on the converts.

It is true that the Tanakh does forbid eating any foods that have been offered to other gods and so this was a valid disagreement that needed to be judged and clarified. We read:

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for HaShem, whose name is Qanna [Jealous], is a jealous God:
34:15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
34:16 And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods....

Following the example of our Master the Apostle Paul understood that even as Shabbat was not given to make our lives more difficult but to bless us and to further our love and service to HaShem, so too he reminds his readers of the reason for the Tanakh's restrictions against this practice: “Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods.” Paul therefore correctly explains:

I Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

Does this mean Believers should seek out foods that have been sacrificed to other gods? Of course not. It means that we are free, that HaShem is far more concerned about our hearts and our consciousness than He is about our physical actions and the performance of pointless rituals and the keeping of rules for rules' sake. This was true in the times of Moshe as well (Deuteronomy 10:16). Master Y’shua came to explain why HaShem gave the Torah and how He wants us to live it in liberty as spiritual adults. He came to free us all, Jews and Noahides alike, from the bondage of legalism. This liberty is the Gospel or Good News that he gave us. We must always keep our eyes focused on the God and Father of our Master and Cohen Gadol (High Priest) Y’shua of Natzeret and resist legalism which comes from self righteousness and seeks to earn that which we can never be worthy of (Galatians 3:1).

The Lord's Supper

These points can be applied to our considerations here. If one feels the Lord’s Supper is properly conducted annually on Pesach (Passover) but a congregation serves communion daily, weekly or monthly realize that the Believers are still intentionally partaking “unto the Lord.” Respect this even if you choose to partake annually etc.

Immersion

If an immerser baptizes with the ritualized words “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” or says “In Jesus’ name” realize that the important thing is that people are being immersed in recognition of their acceptance of the free gift of God. Its not the words by the hearts that matters. Such sincere immersions are being performed unto the Lord because that is the firm intention of both the baptizer and the person being immersed. If your view is sought the by all means explain biblical immersion as you understand it, explain Shabbat, diet, and whatever issues may arise, but do not allow such issues to divide the sincere Believers.

On the other hand, always hold firm to the biblical truth that baptism is only performed by immersion in water, that Shabbat is the day of worship and so on. One need not compromise to work with others.

Balance

There are countless issues like these that ought not divide the Believers. It is good to be flexible in such cases unless the Ruach HaKodesh of HaShem is clearly leading otherwise.

Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Balance, respect and compassion are always essential.

Tough Choices

Then there are the more significant/difficult issues that each Believer must decide where he/she stands. For instance:

If the congregation and its pastor teaches Trinitarianism (the belief that the One God consists of three distinct co-equal, co-eternal divine Persons) there are two basic choices for those who hold to the biblical doctrine:

1). One can separate from the congregation and its pastor and decline fellowship. Some follow this path, considering Trinitarianism to be a form of unacceptable idolatry. If one chooses this response one will be extremely limited in terms of Christian fellowship because most Christians accept this non-biblical doctrine as an essential of their faith. If one feels the leading of Ruach HaKodesh to separate oneself over this issue then one should always obey HaShem. Personally I do not feel lead to do so.

2). One can recall the Master’s assurance that he and his Father are One and that everything he does he does by God’s direction (John 5:19). With this understanding one can acknowledge that had HaShem donned human flesh (and with HaShem nothing is impossible) and lived among His creation He would have lived identical to the way Y’shua lived. Therefore one can choose to “agree to disagree” on the details of this issue and enjoy full fellowship with Trinitarian Believers even while not sharing their views.
Likewise with the Holy Spirit. The Ruach HaKodesh is the Spirit of HaShem and while the Holy Spirit is not a “Person” but HaShem’s active presence among us, one with this perspective need have no problem with language personifying the Spirit of God. As with Y’shua, whenever the Ruach HaKodesh acts it is HaShem that is active. While there is more than semantics involved here, Nicene Christians are seeking to worship the One God of Israel despite this confused teaching they have inherited.

Likewise when it comes to the doctrine of Hell, to the belief that Believers will spend eternity in Heaven rather than on the Earth as the Bible teaches, and so on, there need be no cause for dissension with constant debates and mutual disagreements. Truth is what Truth is and none of us fully understand at this point. Rather one should uphold what is right about the local congregation and work with it to draw others to the Light of Truth, to Master Y’shua. When opportunities for open discussions and Bible studies arise we are never to deny our faith nor our understandings, we are commanded to be always prepared to present the reason for the hope that resides with us:

I Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

But let us always seek to share our understandings in love, seeking to uplift rather than to tear down.

Breaking Fellowship

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

A mighty tree is able to bend, but if it bends too far it will eventually break.

Each Believer should prayerfully make the determination of how far to bend as he/she feels HaShem leading. There are denominations, congregations and Bible teachers I simply can not in good conscious enter into fellowship with due to what they teach. I do not condemn them, they will stand or fall as the Master chooses (Romans 14:4), but I will not long associate with them nor can I simply ignore their doctrines and remain true to the Spirit within me. In such cases it is right, even ones sacred duty as a Believer, to avoid fellowship with such people. This rejection should not be done lightly nor in a judgmental spirit, but sincere Believers in the Jewish Moshiach should never accept fellowship with those who stand against Israel and the Jewish people (Genesis 12:3). Antisemitism is a deadly cancer that must never be tolerated. Likewise teachings that are detrimental to the faith, that set people up with to accept the coming Antichrist, that fundamentally alters biblical doctrine, that ostracize people due to incidentals and so on should be avoided and, when/if required, spoken against privately or publicly as HaShem leads. Diversity is one thing, heresy is another.

As much as possible we should all seek congregational fellowship with those that are more closely harmonious with our understandings of the Word while remaining always open to greater insights and spiritual maturity. Once the Tribulation begins we will need each other all the more!

And remember, if you ever find the perfect congregation -- don't join it whatever you do!!!

Because it wont be perfect anymore!

The Pseudo Bibles

With regards to the new pseudo bibles there is a critical difference however because these books are teaching “a different gospel” and promoting “a different Jesus.” Sitting under a pastor or teacher that uses these new bibles is spiritually dangerous and best avoided in my opinion. Even though one may follow along in a solid translation of the Textus Receptus (preferably the Authorized King James Version) the teachings will still leave their imprint on the mind and potentially spoil ones faith in the Revealed Word of HaShem and lead to spiritual confusion. The pseudo bibles are like poison that has been poured into the Communion Cup. First thoroughly wash out the cup, then drink from it! In my opinion no sincere follower of Y’shua should attend services or bible studies where these books are used as if they were God’s Word. They globalist counterfeits intended to destroy faith and confuse the devout.

So then our current question: Should Noahide Nazarene Believers “Go To Church” And If So, Where?

Yes. By all means fellowship with other Believers when you have the opportunity! Attend congregational fellowships providing they are biblically based and conducive to spiritual development. It is however preferable not to attend services at all than to attend where the Spirit of God is not present due to heresy, over-judgmentalism, hypocrisy, counterfeit bibles and so on.

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