UNION OF NAZARENE YISRAELITE CONGREGATIONS
(formally UNION OF TWO HOUSE MESSIANIC CONGREGATIONS)
Perhaps one of the more daunting tasks that one faces is to find the One, True Body of the Messiah. Having seen that there are
thousands who call themselves being in the Truth but differing drastically from one another, and some having questionable motives for
their existence as we have seen, where does one start to search? We'll start with the 'statement of doctrine,' or 'statement of faith'
of some of the groups and see if there is any falsehood or confusion there. If so, that group cannot be the Body we need to be a part
of for our salvation for "no lie is of the truth- 1 John 1: 22," and "Yahweh is not an Elohim of confusion, but of peace - 1
Corinthians 14: 33." Also, do they live up to their own statements in their publications? It is certainly acknowledged that, in
principle, all groups have SOME good, however we are striving to be in TOTAL harmony with our Creator (imagine what would have
happened if the Messiah would have had the attitude of "close enough is good enough!"-1 John 3: 3).
Let us take to heart the words of the apostle Paul: "that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by
every wind of doctrine, by sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;" : Ephesians 4: 14.
(All Scripture quotes will be taken from TSS published by The Assemblies of Yahweh, Bethel PA. unless otherwise stated.) This edition has restored the Sacred Names to their rightful places in the texts.
UNION OF NAZARENE YISRAELITE CONGREGATIONS
(formally UNION OF TWO HOUSE MESSIANIC CONGREGATIONS)
This is an organization of organizations. This group allows only congregations and not individual persons to be members, the
leader of the particular congregation being their representative to the collective body. Some of the problems with their Statement of
Faith titled "WHAT WE FIRMLY BELIEVE" follows.
The first problem this author detects is that their "firm" beliefs are subject to annual review; therefore this set of beliefs
are valid only for one year from 11/04/03. Just how "firm" must vary from year to year subject to pressures from within and without.
This statement opens the group up to politics rather than submitting to the directions of Scripture.
Early on we encounter the "born again" doctrine of ch--chanity; which this group apparently accepts, at least in a loose way.
The term is used in their fifth and eighteenth points. In their fifth point it is stated to be the spiritual connection to Yisrael,
Ephesians 2:11-19 referred to; and in point eighteen being "born again" is a qualification for being a congregational leader, no
scripture here being referenced. To bring the reference into context it would be best to start in verse 8 and continue to the end of
the chapter (for the sake of brevity I will leave the reader to look this reference up). No where is there any mention of being "born
again" (verse 8 coming the closest). Rather, this deals with our having been reconciled to Yahweh through the Messiah.
What is being "born again?" See John 3: 3-8; 1 Peter 1: 23; and 1 John 3, 4 & 5. John 3 is the incident of Yahshua and
Nicodemus. In verse 3 Yahshua states that in order to see the kingdom of Yahweh one must be "born anew." Nicodemus counters by asking
if it is possible for one to reenter the womb of one's mother. Yahshua explains that one must be "born of water and the Spirit:" He
then describes those who are born of the Spirit "The wind blows where it will, and you hear the voice of it, but know not from where
it comes, and to where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
1 Peter 1: 23 states "having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of Yahweh,
which lives, and endures." 1 John 3: 9; 4: 7; 5: 1, 4, 18 also translates "born" in the K.J.V. as "begotten" in the T.S.S. There is no
reference to "born again."
In Abingdon's & Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible the word "born" is #1083, gennetos; nativity. It is from 1080
gennao; "to procreate", fig. "to regenerate". This comes from a var. of 1085 genos; kin. This comes from 1096 ginomai; "to cause to
be", "to become (come into being)", and is used with great latitude.
"Again is # 509 anothen; from above, implying "from the first" and by implication "anew." This derives from # 507 anno; "upward"
or "on the top". And finally this comes from #473 anti; "opposite" i.e. "instead" or "because."
So what we see is not a physical human being born again, but that we are now being regenerated, conceived; this to renew/anew
us; coming from above.; to become a spirit being capable of seeing/entering into the kingdom of Yahweh. Are we NOW born again? No, we
are still flesh and blood not spirit. Has ANYONE been born again? Yes, Yahshua after his resurrection demonstrated his spirit body to
his disciples for 40 days (including 1 Corinthians 15: 3-8). WHEN can we expect to become spirit beings? When Yahshua returns, and not
before: 1 Corinthians 15 and Romans 8: 29.
Where does all this take us? It take us to the conclusion that ANYONE who claims both a fleshly body and that they are already
"born again" is, at best, in false doctrine; they have not done their homework. To make an impossible false doctrine a requisite for
holding a position in an organization is reason enough to reject the group. But wait, there's more!
In the seventh point they state "Ephraim-Yisrael's recognition of their identity and restoration with brother Judah-Yahudah is
the truth that will become the salvation of all Yisrael most fully in the millennial reign of Moshiach (Ezekiel 37: 16-28, Romans 11:
25-26)." Although there are prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel/Judah under the Messiah, it is our personal salvation that
is of concern. Our place in the coming kingdom will be assigned by the Judge, not by our identifying with a particular tribe (a
virtually impossible task for most of us at this time): see Romans 9: 22, 10: 12-13 and 11: 19-26. This is addressed in their eighth,
ninth, tenth and eleventh points which begs the question of why so much effort is being devoted to this when it is our personal
salvation that we are to be concerned with? If it is to reinforce Israelite culture then living according to scripture will suffice
for now; injecting false modern Judaism only adds to error.
Number 11 deals with the Sacred Names. Here we are instructed that the only true eternal personal Names are Yahweh-Yahveh for
the father and Yahshua or Yahoshua for the Messiah. The next sentence states that it is usage, not spelling that is important.
Throughout the Bible only YHWH is used for the Father's name; and can be verified in any recognized Hebrew grammar. This I
have found to be true in talking with, and overhearing several Jews. The Name is always pronounced YAH-WAY and spelled YAHWEH. It
would be insulting to take a "whatever" attitude in pronouncing anyone's name, much more so to take liberty with the Heavenly Father;
barring language limitations or handicap. The same is to be said for the Messiah's name; "Yahoshua" also perpetuates the erroneous
"Jehovah." Again, any "Jewish" references to the name "Yahshua" transliterates it "Joshua" as in the general that led Israel into the
Promised Land; as far as I have seen. This point then goes on to require all affiliated groups and congregations to use the Sacred
Names (does not mention EXCLUSIVE use), that the Names should be used in all conferences and public statements; and that the use of
the "translations" will not be allowed at official Union events; local congregations not using the Sacred Names will be asked to
leave. Yet, it is stated that this position is not meant to exclude anyone but to allow following of spiritual mandate.
Why not embrace the stance that to enforce Exodus 23: 13 will automatically exclude those in noncompliance? Why not require
elimination of all pagan names and titles when referring to the Heavenly Father or the Messiah? Rather that "allowing," enforcement
will encourage following spiritual mandates. But perhaps this is too strong a stand for this group.
The thirteenth point deals with the "offices" of apostles and prophets. In short, we are all prophets when we witness to others,
by definition (also see 1 Corinthians 11). The "office" of apostle is filled in that (1) Yahshua appointed the apostles Himself: Luke
6: 13, 1 Corinthians 11; and (2) the apostles' names are written on the foundations of the walls of New Jerusalem and they are to be
judges in the 12 gates of the city, thereby keeping the number at exactly twelve: Revelation 12: 14, Matthew 19: 28 and Revelation 21:
12. We see that their use of the term "apostle" to describe themselves in points 13 and later in 15 are false positions and therefore
false doctrine.
Point 14 deals with a "Board of Rabbis." This group loves the term "rabbi" although Messiah Yahshua himself instructs us "But
be you not called rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all you are brethren.": Matthew 23: 8. Ephesians 4: 12-14 is referred to here,
but it is in verse 11 that the term "teacher" is used; however, there are terms other than "rabbi" that can be used.
Their fifteenth point describes this "board of Rabbis" as an "apostolic board," both terms being unscriptural as we have seen.
This board functions upon REQUEST of member CONGREGATIONS and AFFILIATES. In general it will not interfere in a local congregation
except for a few listed issues plus unspecified others, determined by person(s) unspecified. How the board functions is not stated.
Point 16 is one of the "good"? points in that it sets certain minimum qualifications for ministerial recognition.
Point #18 in part has been dealt with in the "born again" doctrine above. However, points 16, 18 and 19 deal with women as
leaders of a congregation. Nowhere in Scripture does a woman lead a congregation; the priests are specified to be male and 1
Corinthians 14: 34-35 forbids it. It is true that there are prophetess' mentioned, but either in conjunction with their husband or
associated within the Temple system; never as a leader as such. It is true that point 18 states that a woman can lead with her
husband as "partners", however, point 19 grandmothers in female leaders prior to 11/4/03.
#20 rejects a leader who holds membership or affiliation in a Yahshua denying synagogue (this is good), or a Sunday group that
dishonors Torah. I believe that a Sunday observant group is denying the 7th day Sabbath and thereby dishonoring Torah.
#22 is basically saying that financial support is voluntary; no tithes are taken, only donations.
In conclusion, there are problems sufficient to reject this group and any group that supports it. The false doctrines and
weakness in this magnet organization could only weaken any group associated with it. A further perusal of the site only confirms the
suspicions in that there is an incongruity of practice among the various member groups, use of pagan titles and terms, and an obvious
influx of modern, unscriptural Judaism.
Perhaps a look at one of the active member groups would be appropriate for the next study.
Judging by Urim and Thummim this group fails the test!
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; Elah hath numbered your kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; You art weighed in the balances, and are found wanting. Daniel 5:25-27
Ye can always tell the English,
Ye can always tell the Dutch,
Ye can always the Irish,
But ye cannot tell them much!
.