Just a Question....How did you come to live the Torah and believe what you do
Hi I was just wondering how we all came to the belief we all have. For me, I've been keeping the Shabbat and holy days for 33 years. I was never brought up in any religion, but at the "tender" age of 25 was inturduced to the church of God. At the time, I believed that I was going the right way, but after the death of Mr Armstrong, things went really wrong, and I soon knew that they and I were on differnet tracks. I went with the break off of United, and again thought it was the right way, but soon it seemed that the local group was going towards traditional christianity, and it was not something I wanted. Also, I had come to believe in the "observed" calendar, and they were not even willing to discuss that. I stopped attending for a while, and started going to a friends home for Shabbat and was happy for a while, but that too soon got to a bad scene. I started back to United,as at that time I did not know what to do, but I was not happy,as I felt I was not getting the "meat" I needed to grow. Then last Dec, I began going over to my best friends home,John and Marsha McCandless' and really began learning. They had been studying for longer and since I have been spending the Shabbat with them, I think I have really been learning things I've never seen in the Torah before. Each week we learn something new and I am so glad that God brought us togeather some 30 years ago. They have been my best friends and family every since. I know that COG people have caused trouble in the past, but I have no intension of doing that. I'm just wondering how we all came to be walking down this wonderful path to live the Torah.
Views: 249
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by James Daniel Tabor on -
Thanks so much for this Nancy and I think it is a wonderful topic and thread. I hope everyone of our members will also give their own account of how they got from whereever to here...the stories are every fascinating and I want to jump in myself, and encourage others to do so.
I believe in giving honor to those from whom we have learned and I can testify, since I am now "old" at age 62, that way back in 1962, as a teenager, I began listening on the radio to Herbert W. Armstrong and his son Garner Ted Armstrong, who first introduced me to the the keeping the Sabbath, the Holy Days, attention to the "lost tribes" and not just the Jewish people, and lots of other items of Hebrew faith--and I was only in High School. Since that point, now 45+ years ago, I have been down many paths, even labyrinths, but somehow have emerged from the thicket with much of that faith intact. I owe much to this heritage, and to David Horowitz, Joseph Good, Vendyl Jones, and so many others, who in their own way have pioneered avenues that have taken me from there to here, and what I basically present in my recent book, Restoring Abrahamic Faith. I continue to believe that the Armstrongs were used by HaShem to turn the focus of multiple thousands back to many of the principles of the Hebrew faith. These things are progressive, step by step, and it has been that way through history, here a little, there a little, but when one looks back the road traveled can be quite amazing. Thanks for your good words...
-
Permalink Reply by Leslie Campbell on -
Hello, Nancy. What happened to me sounds like fiction, but it's really true. I was drawn to camp out in a red rock canyon on a private ranch in Oklahoma four years ago in September. I was sleeping out under the stars, praying and fasting, keeping a fire burning day and night and crying out to my Almighty Father for something to change in my life. I told him, "I don't know what I need, but you do. Please show me the way. I need your help NOW, please show me." That was the gist of it anyway. Well, a strong sense came into my spirit. It was the word, "tabernacle". I thought it was strange, but it kept coming, so after three days I packed up my sleeping bag and went home and turned on my laptop and Googled the word "tabernacle" to try and understand. Lo and behold (I love that phrase) I discovered it's a feast and it was happening that very week. I found links to people who keep The Feast of Tabernacles and I learned why they do it. And most of all, I found an incredible painting of The Tabernacle and I started crying. I couldn't take my eyes off that painting. Well, that's just how the continuing story began. It's still unfolding in me today! Torah is burning in my heart and I finally know it! Praise His Holy Name!
-
Permalink Reply by pilgrim on -
My search has been a long and circuitous one. In summary the path was Catholic, Pentecostal, Southern Baptist, and now closest to Orthodox Judaism. It really did not start until I was “saved” in a Pentecostal street outreach. At his point I was introduced to the Bible and began to see Judaism as something other than a people to be hated. I also began to see a lot of contradictions and basically accepted them as the old ways which were replaced by the new.
I found Pentecostalism to be an emotional outlet for assigning a revelation to us from god which gives us our spiritual worth. The more we hear form god, or the greater our emotional outlet, the more spiritual we are. I needed to replace my emotional GPS with one driven by truth. The Southern Baptists were more conservative, and I felt a more biblically correct group, and at this point I still found some validity in what I was taught because the writings themselves confirmed it
About 15 years ago I started to question what I was hearing from the pulpit and the fact that previous truth was replaced, did not make sense because the words forever and G_d’s prophecies were at odds with “christian” teachings. I began to not only research and study the scriptures which were in error and contradicted themselves, but found that historical data and writings also contradicted “Christianity” as a whole. Every time I tried to interpret the scriptures in the Tanakh using my Christian glasses I found myself eventually finding I was wrong.
Since the mission of the “church” is to convert and bring the sinner to the knowledge of G_d, I found it very telling that they could not support their position, and, they could not refute the opposition. After a while their only response was the left boot of fellowship.
My answers came from many sources; thank G_d for the internet even though it is Satans tool. :) Most recently I have been “emboldened” by Joseph Good, and especially Ross’ teachings and James Tabor’s book, because when someone with scholarly credentials says it, we can say it boldly. The teachings available here have taken many pieces of a puzzle and placed them together to form an understandable picture.
-
Permalink Reply by Nick on -
For me, I would have to say I was in no way looking for this. I was at Bible College, working at a mall here in Birmingham. One day at work, I noticed that I just did not feel well (low energy, just not 100%). I remembered that my mom had read a book called "What Did Jesus Eat". I decided that I would research that idea more. About that same time, several Israelis moved to B'ham to work in the mall alongside me. I got to know them really well and became great friends with me. Also at the same time (LOL), a Messianic Jewish friend of mine from Bible college invited me to sit down and discuss some basic tenants (Sabbath, Kosher, and Torah). Of course, the Kosher made perfect sense to me since I was already dealing with that. But on the other two issues, I told him we would meet again in a week and I would disprove everything he believed. Well, here I am 5 years later! God showed me huh?
I learned some Hebrew from my Israeli friends and loved it. I celebrated my first Chanukah with them, even though they were not religious at all. I started observing Shabbat and doing further study. The further along I went, the deeper I got. And I guess the rest is history!
I just recently lost my position as youth pastor at a church here due to my beliefs. But I consider that joy! There is no doubt that HaShem is up to something in my life. So far the journey has been wild and amazing. It seems as if every day I learn something new. Baruch HaShem! I am definitely still a baby when it comes to all this. But my desire for God and His truth grows stronger each day.
-
Permalink Reply by Forrest Shirley on -
My Journey began with a question, a simple question articulated from the innocence of ten: why if we believe in G-d do we not do all the things He told his people to do? I have never accepted what someone has told me. I have this nasty habit of always doubting what those in authority positions have told me. This led to two things. First it caused me to not listen to much of what I have been told, which admittedly caused some pain for me. Second it caused me to search and find out things for myself. As it turns out I met a youth pastor who was stumbling upon the same questions that I was having. Nick :) encouraged me to find the answers to these questions and invited me to my first Shabbat service which was humble yet eye-opening. My beliefs began to radically change. The foundation for my belief shifted from the "New Testament" to the Tanakh. I began to re-examine EVERYTHING that I had once believed including the deity of Yeshua, the Trinity, Salvation, the role of Works vs. Faith, everything. Currently I am submerging myself into Orthodox Judaism to learn from their point of view and to use as a tool to ask more question which hopefully will lead to more answers.
Shalom Aleichem!
-
Permalink Reply by Pat/Avigail Robbins on -
BARUCH HASHEM, NICK!!!! What a most excellent reason for losing a job! I'm so happy you are here, and look forward to hearing more about/from you.
Your fellow sojourner,
Avigail/Pat
Nick said:For me, I would have to say I was in no way looking for this. I was at Bible College, working at a mall here in Birmingham. One day at work, I noticed that I just did not feel well (low energy, just not 100%). I remembered that my mom had read a book called "What Did Jesus Eat". I decided that I would research that idea more. About that same time, several Israelis moved to B'ham to work in the mall alongside me. I got to know them really well and became great friends with me. Also at the same time (LOL), a Messianic Jewish friend of mine from Bible college invited me to sit down and discuss some basic tenants (Sabbath, Kosher, and Torah). Of course, the Kosher made perfect sense to me since I was already dealing with that. But on the other two issues, I told him we would meet again in a week and I would disprove everything he believed. Well, here I am 5 years later! God showed me huh?
I learned some Hebrew from my Israeli friends and loved it. I celebrated my first Chanukah with them, even though they were not religious at all. I started observing Shabbat and doing further study. The further along I went, the deeper I got. And I guess the rest is history!
I just recently lost my position as youth pastor at a church here due to my beliefs. But I consider that joy! There is no doubt that HaShem is up to something in my life. So far the journey has been wild and amazing. It seems as if every day I learn something new. Baruch HaShem! I am definitely still a baby when it comes to all this. But my desire for God and His truth grows stronger each day.
-
Permalink Reply by Nick on
-
Thanks Avigail/Pat! I agree it was a most excellent reason for losing my job. It is amazing how HaShem will guide us if we let Him!
-
Permalink Reply by Wes on -
Nick said:
For me "standard christianity" just didnt add up. Something just felt wrong or missing . I guess you could say I was "led" to this.Thanks Avigail/Pat! I agree it was a most excellent reason for losing my job. It is amazing how HaShem will guide us if we let Him!
-
Permalink Reply by Mark Loyd on -
I lived in a small town in the middle of nowhere and at night the stars were brilliant. I would sit out in the middle of the yard with our collie dog faithfully sitting near me, and talk to GOD or my concept of GOD. Then I would go inside, lay in bed, and read the Bible. Afterward, I would pray for understanding because it just didn't make sense. For years I would have to take it on faith that the preachers and teachers knew what they were talking about!
My religious background was strict Southern baptist. Every time the doors of the church opened, our family was there. We would attend Sunday morning and evening services, Sunday School, Training Union, Wednesday Prayer meetings, and even the monthly business meetings! During my teenage years there were accusations against my brother and myself which caused my Dad to pull us out of this particular church. I thought it was great! I could sleep late on Sunday morning and watch World of Disney on Sunday night! :-) Of course, the accusations turned out to be false. One thing I want to note here is that I would often stay up late on Saturday nights (midnight) after my parents went to bed si I could watch Hebert Armstrong reruns. Even though he and his church was considered a 'cult', I found it interesting and compelling.
It wasn't long after and I began to feel the need to attend services again. I started going to another church with a friend of mine while the rest of my family settled for Billy Graham Crusades on TV and then later, Jimmy Swaggert on Sundays.
After I set out on my own, I quit going to church regularly, reading the Bible etc...only attending services once or twice a year.
In 1992, my friend Dennis H.(he was also co-worker), got into a discussion on 'rewards in heaven'. We had conflicting answers and I was tasked to show him in the Bible where I got my answer. I went home determined and that afternoon and night I poured over the Bible only to find that what I had defiantly claimed as truth was not to be found. This began my search of the Truth. I went back to work the next day and let my friend know my findings. Many discussions on assorted biblical topics would follow for years.
Through my friend Dennis, I was introduced to Ross Nichols, who was also very instrumental in my walk with the GOD of Abraham, Issac, & Jacob. I was at his home in Zachary, LA when I was first introduced to the weekly Torah readings.
I listened to cassette tapes of Joe Goode courtesy of Ross, read several books of which a few come to mind: 'In Search of Israel' and 'The Two Olive Trees' by Betya Ruth Wootten. Also 'Our Father Abraham' written by Marvin R. Wilson.
I was curious about the Holy days and found books associated with this subject along with Christian and religious history. The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop was helpful with this subject.
I poured over the early writings of 'Restoring Abrahamic Faith' by Dr. James D Tabor and also listened, via cassettes, to many of his lectures from Noachide conferences in Tennessee. Of these lectures, "The Five Fundamental Flaws of Christianity' was a favorite.
What I have learned: It seems the more I learn the less I know. Don't ever say 'This is the way it is and that's final!'
No one has it all right but collectively, we have it all wrong. We should to sift through all main religions and the many denominations to put the pieces together.
It has been a roller coaster of emotions, both highs and lows. I seen marriages fail, families broken up over issues dealing with trying to do the right thing or putting up the christmas tree. I heard that one of the guys wife told him she had rather see him go to a bar over reading the Bible because at least she knew what to expect!
My beliefs at this point in my life:
1)The Bible started to make sense after learning the foundation of the twelve tribes and about the separation of Judah and Israel.
2)We have a Bible put together by the 'church'. Many 'books' are missing. The "Tanakh" is the best guide we have filled with instructions from GOD.
3)The 'New Testament' are reference books as is the Talmud.
4)I believe that my ancestors heard GOD speak at Mt Sinai and I am part of that clan of people, Israel.
5)I believe that Jesus was referred to in Deuteronomy 18:18-19. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
...and he completed the tasks given to him: Luke 4:16-21 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
6)Jesus' message was strictly to the scattered lost tribes and not necessarily to the Jews:
Luke 5:31-32 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 18:11 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
7) I do not agree with Paul's teachings. He seems to contradict what Jesus says.
It's been a long road from the Southern Baptist beginnings to the current Hebrew (Abrahamic) faith.
I continue to search myself for a way to get closer to GOD. The search never stops for long.
I'm glad to be associated with all of you that are hearing that still, small voice.
1 Kings 19:11-12 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
-
Permalink Reply by Rachel Frank on -
My journey with looking for truth began when I was twelve when my mom asked my pastor to teach us how to do a passover seder (he had learned from a jewish friend). I fought my mom on this informing her that we were not jewish. Well we did our first seder and all loved it and after a couple years passover became more important then easter. All through my highschool I searched for the truth of scriptures and ask God to teach me more. The year after I finished bible school my family moved to a small community that had a man teaching their communtiy church who was teaching from a hebrew prespective. We all felt like we had found a banqueting table after spiritually starving for so long. We started attending this man's Friday night Shabbat meetings and learning to celebrate the rest of the festivals. One fo the biggest blessings this man (who is now the torah teacher at oru little congregation) gave to me was the advise to start Joe Good's Ancient Israel. He said, " It should be a required course for every beleiver!". He was right..............in taking that course I found answer I had been searching for my whole life. December '01 my parents and my younger sisters and I made the desicion not to celebrate christmas any more nor to eat unclean meat. We have been learning every since. It is amazing how God hears our cries for truth and answers........even thought He may wait until we are mature and ready to handle the answers before He gives them to us. I remember when I did Joe's series on the book of Ezekiel, being forced to my knees and crying because through it God was answering questions I had asked 6 years before ...........and had actually forgotten I had asked. He never forgot.
Living Torah is definately an adventure........and not one without pain and costs...........but one that is totally worth setting out on. After all Torah is the light unto our paths, so how could we go on without it, but scripture doesn't say it will pave or make that path easy!!
Thanks for sharing all your stories.........it never fails to encourage me when I hear others stories and always makes me marvel at how great He is!!
-
Permalink Reply by Ben Cole on -
For me, and i'm only 21 so it's an ongoing affair for me- I was raised in the most fundamental of christian churches out there. Things were done according to tradition, you didn't answer questions to find the truth, and evangelism was a must. It seemed that if you didn't try to get out there and "win souls", you weren't doing your duty. I have a problem with churches that make G_d a business, and I was always blind to this as a child. My parents started listening to Ross about 2 1/2 years ago, I was sceptical at first because of previous experiences. Things changed because I noticed positive changes in their attitude and how they approached learning. I have never been around people that seek to know the truth, to use the book as the basis of teaching. I refuse to follow blindly and accept one man's idea of what the truth is. It is important for me to find G_d's will no matter how uncomfortable or different it might be from what I was taught growing up. Pardon me, but if you give me a choice- I will go with the commandments over what man says anyday. Please excuse my poor grammar :)
-
Permalink Reply by Nicole Thompson on -
When I was 10 my mom went on a trip to Israel, and came back knowing that the jesus that she had always been taught about wasn’t really blonde haired and blue eyed…and that something was missing. She began reading and studying, having a new love for Israel. The new pastor of our church mentioned to my mom that their family did a Passover Sedar every year, and that conversation led to us joining them that Passover. From then on we celebrated Easter and Passover….but Passover being more of the favorite of the two for my family.
During the fall of my Senior year in High School, our family moved to a new area in Montana. My parents, older sis and younger sis and I began going to the community church in the ranching community we live in. The pastor taught about Israel, celebrating the feasts, and various things. Around that same time he and his wife also began having a Friday night bible study in town, teaching the Hebrew roots of our faith.
Being a home school family, my Mom decided that my younger sister and I should do a research paper on the origins of Christmas (this was the end of Nov). Those research papers changed my mind about Christmas…lead our family (those still living at home), to decide that we would not put up a Christmas tree and do gifts…thus the first year we didn’t do Christmas at our home. Our family continued to attend the community church (stopped going about a year later) and also going to the Friday night bible study in town.
Since then….wow so much has happened. I’ve been so blessed to travel to Israel 4 times in the last 6 years, and had so many great experiences there, including going on the temple mount on Hanukkah with Rabbi Chaim Richmon! Even with the hurt and pain along the way from friends, family and Christian ministies, living according to ALL of God’s word is so worth it! I am so blessed that my parents and sister Rachel are also “as crazy” as I am. *smile* I’m praying that the rest of my sisters and family will come around in His timing.
We have a congregation that meets every Saturday, in ‘the middle of Montana’, called the House of the Grafted In. So if you’re ever in the middle of MT, just let me know and I’ll hook you up with numbers…..or better yet, ask Rachel! *grin* I am now living in N.Caorlina, being a live-in Nanny for a Jewish Orthodox family! I am excited to see what new and exciting things HaShem will teach me and do in my life!
~Nicole Frank
Events
Forum
Freemasonary and The Lost Tribes 12 Replies
Started by Joanna Garrett. Last reply by Kris Carmichael yesterday.
Who is my brother? 3 Replies
Started by Tom Moniz. Last reply by Ted Walther May 25.
Potluck for Torah Dedication
Started by Jodell O May 22.
Music
© 2012 Created by Ross Nichols.
