Just a Question....How did you come to live the Torah and believe what you do
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Permalink Reply by rimmon 24 on -
Love all these diverse and interesting testimonies. I grew up in a christian home. i was the one who was most sensivitive and committed. many different churches and denominations and horrible experiences. i always read my bible to see if what was being taught was true. I did not follow a man but YHWH. the last 15 years were the worst with a growing unease and grieving of my spirit about what i was hearing form the pulpit and how things were going in christianity. One of my spiritual gifts is a discerning of spirits so to speak, so when people were praying and I was getting some things that should not be happening in a place were people supposedly believed the bible and served the living YHWH. Too much hypocrisy and sin in the churches. not enough love and torah. so i left the churches and someone led me to Messianic congregations and after 40 years of searching for deliverance in the christian churches, i finally found it in the truth of Lew Whites' book called Fossilized Customs. that answered alot of questions for me. but there are still problems in some Messianic congregations, so we were meeting in a local library together to discuss scripture, fellowship, and pray. I learned about Michael Rood and Brad Scott, and Eddie Chumney, and Bill Cloud, and Tony Robinson, and Rico Cortez, and many others and began to follow torah and follow all of these truths and been eating up all dvds and books that i could get my hands on to study. i am now trying to learn to read hebrew for myself.
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Permalink Reply by isaacson on -
My love of Torah grew out of my love of the Old Testament. I can't remember when I first read the Torah but it was a while back. I'm not really Torah-observant; the only observance of mine is the observance of the Sabbath. I just adore the Torah and, obviously, believe that the Gd of the Torah is the One True Gd.
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Permalink Reply by Rick Green on -
I became apprised of the reality of G*d in the early 70s. All I wanted to do was to live for G*d. With my then wife and 3 kids we gave away all our stuff and on the 27/11/72 took a train to London intending to go wherever we were led. An inner voice 'told' me to go wherever the train at platform 7 at King's X Station went. It was Hull - an extremely poor city in the North of England. We set up a Free Shop and lived a hippy gypsy life living without any income at all yet somehow always having enough.
(On the morning of our leaving I was given a scripture by a stranger who told me he had been instructed to seek me out and give me a message: The verse was Jeremiah 17 (blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord) and the message was that from that day all the worries of the world would leave me. This continues to this day)
I spent over 30 years trying to fit into Christianity - but I could not take Communion, and found the religion simply did not match my inner experience and faith. Over time I came to see the dubiety of Saul/Paul and saw that Christianity was founded upon his (self claimed) vision. I excised his epistles from my bible eventually leaving just James and Jude in my New Testament.
I bought the Tanakh and a translation of the Torah. And now read only those.
Over a number of years I recalled conversations with my mother and my grandmother in which a Jewish antecedence was hinted at. At my mum's funeral my inkling was justified after I buttonholed my great aunt who told me that we have Jewish roots which had been repudiated and the family had assimilated after escaping pogroms in 19th century Poland.
Anyhow, here I am. Completely happy, content, optimistic and everything's tickety boo. :)
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Permalink Reply by Robert and Kristie Bighead on -
Wow! Amazing journey and very thoughtful/helpful words of encouragement to never stop learning :)
Mark Loyd said: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.
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Permalink Reply by Rick Green on
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I maybe ought to to add to my brief testimony above that my wife abandoned faith and family in the early 80s while I was at university (mature student) so I was left to raise our 6 children as a lone father. That was no easy stretch but YHVH was always there carrying me when my legs kinda wanted to give up - I'm painfully aware of my failures during those years. 5 of mine have degrees - one is a Doctor of Maths - and 4 are teachers. I can only attribute this 'success' to G*d - it was His faithfulness to His promises that kept me going.
Those years were tough on me - not just domestic matters but spiritual too almost overwhelmed me - I was beginning to see the failings of Christianity and it was hard to watch my 'certainties' dissolving. I was a convinced Universalist - that was the only way I could justify the Christian God in my own eyes - my universalist stance meant many friends were lost - although I was no arguer or troublemaker in church I was banned from 5 local churches (the grapevine has long branches :) ) and gradually found myself isolated almost totally.
Still as the psalm says "when your mother and father forsake you I will take you up" - this has been my life experience. I don't expect to join a synagogue congregation I guess I'll just keep on keeping on :)
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Permalink Reply by Anders Branderud on -
My name is David (Anders) Branderud and was born 1984 a wonderful day of the Swedish autumn; an event that caused great joy to my parents. I grew up in Sweden with a caring family in safe neighbourhoods with nice neighbours. I continued to cause my parents a lot of joy, but also some grief, anger and sorrow. During my last fifteen years in Sweden I lived in a house close to beautiful horses and beautiful nature, nearby a beautiful lake. Except for being a beautiful reflection of the creativity, intelligence and orderliness of our Creator, and being a testimony of the greatest Artist in our World, it also provided me, my family and many other families many enjoyable swimming- and ice skating-experiences.
For a long time I lived witout any stronger desire to do the Will of our Creator, but when I was about 15, I came in contact with some Christians, whom spurred my interest.
The problem was that I assumed Christianity to be correct; and that I only came across pseudo-historical facts, which confirmed my worldview; and that I didn't know a single word of the Hebrew Bible (which Christians call the ”OT”; but to those whom understand it in its original language and obey it, it is the Original and Only Testament; and furthermore that I assumed the NT to be correct based on pseudo-historical evidence, and additionally the problem of my reliance on misinterpretations of the Hebrew Bible.
Without the right tools and without anyone helping me to find the truth, I believed the claims of Christianity and my beliefs were confirmed by subjective feelings. I spread the Christian faith to many people, prayed alot and went to Church regularly. I spent hundreds of hours studying NT and listening to Christian preachers and also neglected home works for about a year (one semester of my 11:th, respectively 12:th year of school) due to that I considered things directly related to Christianity of a much higher importance. For a while I saw it as a waste of time with ordinary books and movies.
In the autumn of 2006, I came across teachings, which challenged my beliefs. I studied the arguments and realized that the Creator desires of me to keep shabbat and stop eating pork and shellfish; and that the trinity-doctrine contradicts Torah. My interest of Israel, Jews and Hebrew steadily grew the more I studied. My dissatisfaction and dislike for ordinary Cristian movements increased since I saw contradictions from what I learnt from the Torah. I had an increasingly strong desire to live in Israel.
My passion to share what I understood from the Torah – which consisted of alot of misunderstandings mixed with grains of truth – and sharing this with Christians at the Bible school I attended, led to conversations with the head of the school and eventually being kicked out.
The Creator saw my desire to serve Him and soon He would lead me to a website, which would shed my anti-Torah Christian beliefs and practises. At this time I had understood that one should only pray to the Creator. Some weeks later while reading Israel-articles, I found the website www.netzarim.co.il , in a response to an article. It directly caught my interest. I wasn't sure of its claims about NT at first, but I was willing to investigate, and I soon saw the contradictions between Torah and NT.
I understood that only doing my utmost to keep the mitzwot of Torah non-selectively [i.e. the several hundred mitzvot: Proof ] would satistfy the Creator's requirements for me in His Torah – Instruction Manual of the Creator – to all of mankind for all generations.
The salvation-doctrines and teachings of how to obtain forgiveness taught in other religions – including the Christian doctrine in the ”gospels” and Islam – contradicts the Torah. You can learn more about this in this article and several other articles of one blog of mine: Link.
To find about the Torah in Hebrew and its requirements – and implement its principles has caused me such a joy and given me an immense meaning to my life. The Torah has formed me and daily continues to form me to be a more considerade, helpful, careful and wise person. It teaches me daily to show love to others and to do my best to inspire and make people understand by my words and deeds, that Torah is the Creator's Instruction manual for them. It steadily increases my self confidence when I now measure my value based on how I am valued by the Creator, instead of basing it on a subjective evaluation. Some people whom I knew before keep a distance, including several former Christian friends.
It always gives me support and comfort to know, just like David wrote in Tehilim ['Psalm'] 23, that the Creator always is with me and leads Me and I will not fear. The Creator is my best Friend and doing His desire is what I always strive for!! I am used to take hard and angry words from some people that I share the truth with – but it doesn't make me budge.
I have gotten the best friends I have ever had through the Netzarim (www.netzarim.co.il ) - lovely, supporting and helpful with the same desires as me to serve the Creator in the only way – i.e. keeping the mitzwot of Torah non-selectively to ones utmost.
I have since the end of the spring of 2007 been dreaming of to each shabbat participate in shabbat-services [the mitzwah is to each shabbat listen to Torah being chanted according to the way preserved by Yemenite Jews, in a congregation of at least ten Torah-observant persons], to become a Jew, and to live in Israel; and for the moment I am thankful to the Creator for giving me the opportunity to keep all of these mitzwot, that He requires all of us to do our utmost to keep in His Torah. I am very thankful for this and thankful for the opportunity to keep His other mitzwot.
One of my biggest dreams right now is to marry a Torah-observant woman – with the same desire as me of keeping the mitzwot of Torah according to the most ancient and logical Halakhah [see e.g. this article to increase your understanding: Link] and to raise many children with the same desire to keep the mitzwot of Torah.
This will include that she realizes and observes the mitzwah outlined in D'varim [Deuteronomy] 18:15-18 to follow the teachings of Ribi Y'hoshua [see ; History Museum; Mashiakh-section (left menu) to understand more of the importance of following the teachings of Ribi Y'hoshua], follows the ancient melakhah-definition [Link: definition] – which Talmud distorted and contradicts; understanding and enlightening other Jews about that electricity isn't prohibited based on Torah, science and the ancienct melakhah-definition [Read more: Link]; enlightening and helping the creations of our Creator to understand that Torah is the Instruction Manual of the Creator – and that mankind is required to keep the several hundred mitzwot of Torah – not only seven [documentation referred to previously in this article]; and the importance of the mitzwah of being a light to the non-Jews not keeping the Torah – including doing an active effort in sharing תורה to the non-Jews not keeping the Torah; acknowledging that the mitzwot in Torah – e.g. listening to Torah-chanting on shabbat – are for both men and women, unless Torah explicitly specifies that a certain mitzwah is for men or women only. More of the Torah's views and what I find to be important in a relationship can be read in this article [including the links in the end of this article]: Torah, judaism about love, relationsships and marriage .
Thanks for reading this article and I hope that you also will join the only Way – i.e. the way of keeping the mitzwot of Torah non-selectively. Learn more by thoroughly studying the website www.netzarim.co.il
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