What we teach

​Scripture as Our Authority

We hold that the Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the B’rit HaDashah (New Testament), are the only infallible, inerrant, and authoritative Word of YHWH (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We believe that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Elohim” (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4).

Note: The belief in the authority and inspiration of both the Tanakh and the B’rit HaDashah is rooted in early Messianic Jewish practice. The Apostle Paul, for example, frequently cited the Hebrew Scriptures as the foundation of teaching (Romans 15:4) and affirmed the inspiration of all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). Early believers viewed Yeshua as the fulfillment of the Torah and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17), harmonizing the Old and New Testaments.
 

The Name of the Creator

We recognize the sacred name of the Creator as Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey (יהוה), often pronounced as Yahveh. It signifies “I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Elohim is a title meaning “Mighty One,” and Adonai means “Master” or “Sovereign.” We hold these names and titles with reverence, acknowledging their depth and meaning (Psalm 68:4).

Note: The earliest archaeological evidence of the name "Yahweh" comes from a 14th-century BCE inscription at the temple of Amun in Soleb, Egypt, built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which mentions the "Shasu of Yhw," linking Yahweh to a nomadic group in the southern Levant. This connection aligns with the biblical account of Moses encountering Yahweh near the region of Midian (Exodus 3:1-6).

Yeshua the Messiah

We believe that Yeshua of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of Israel. He is the Son of Man through Miriam (Mary) and the Son of Elohim through His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:30-35). His name, Yeshua, means “salvation,” and He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

Note: The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, traditionally translated as "a virgin will conceive," uses the Hebrew word almah, meaning "young woman." However, the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible predating Yeshua, translated this as parthenos, meaning "virgin," supporting the New Testament claim of the virgin birth. Furthermore, the name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is derived from yeshu'ah (יְשׁוּעָה), meaning "salvation," emphasizing his redemptive role (Matthew 1:21).

Our Commission 

We take seriously Yeshua’s commission to “go and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Ruach HaKodesh, and teaching them to observe all that He commanded” (Matthew 28:19-20). We believe He is with us until the end of the age.

Covenantal Relationships and Torah Application

We believe that covenantal relationships with Yahveh are established through participation in the biblical community as defined by Scripture, rather than by birthright or genetics. We distinguish between the Covenant with Israel, the Territorial Covenant with those living in the land of Israel, and the Covenant with the Gentiles as taught in the New Testament. Israel is obligated to follow all of the Torah, while Gentiles may pursue Torah observance as led by the Holy Spirit, respecting the differences in covenantal application (Acts 15:19-21).

Note: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) is pivotal in understanding this distinction. The apostles concluded that Gentiles turning to God were not required to keep all the laws given to Israel but were encouraged to avoid idolatry, sexual immorality, and blood, with the expectation that they would learn Torah over time (Acts 15:21). This decision maintained the distinctiveness of Israel's covenantal obligations while welcoming Gentiles into the faith community.

A Torah-Pursuant Life

We strive to practice a Biblical and Hebraic faith, following the example of Yeshua and His first-century disciples. This includes observing the Torah's commandments, keeping the biblical festivals, and following dietary guidelines (Leviticus 11, Acts 21:20).

Note: The New Testament records that Paul continued to observe Torah practices (Acts 21:24), demonstrating that Torah observance was compatible with faith in Yeshua. Paul's actions affirm that while Gentiles were not bound by all aspects of the Torah, those who felt led by the Spirit to observe Torah were encouraged to do so without compulsion (Romans 14:5-6).

The Torah Pursuant Method

Our approach to the Torah is guided by the Torah Pursuant Method, which involves discovering a mitzvah, studying it in the Tanakh and B'rit HaDashah, exploring historical interpretations (including rabbinic insights where they align with Scripture), seeking spiritual guidance from the Ruach HaKodesh, and applying it practically in our lives. This method emphasizes a Spirit-led and humble approach to living out God's instructions.

Note: The Bereans are an example of this method, as they "examined the Scriptures daily" to see if Paul's teachings were true (Acts 17:11). The inclusion of rabbinic insights aligns with the practice of early Messianic communities who valued Jewish tradition when it enhanced understanding of Scripture, while not elevating tradition above Scripture itself (Matthew 15:3).

The Shema: Our Declaration of Faith

We affirm the Shema: “Hear, O Israel, YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Yahweh is Echad (One), a united and eternal composite unity. There is no other (Isaiah 45:5).

Note: The Hebrew word echad (אֶחָד) often signifies a unified oneness, as seen in Genesis 2:24, where a man and woman become "one flesh." This term supports the understanding of God's unity as a composite rather than an absolute singularity, allowing for the plurality seen in the Father, Son, and Ruach HaKodesh (Spirit).

Redemption and New Birth

We teach that redemption is only through the atoning work of Yeshua. His death, burial, and resurrection offer us the new birth through the Ruach HaKodesh (John 3:3-5, 1 Peter 1:3). Salvation has always been by faith, not by works of the law or human righteousness (Genesis 15:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Note: The continuity of salvation by faith is demonstrated in both the Tanakh and the New Testament. Abraham was declared righteous by faith (Genesis 15:6), establishing a precedent that Paul reiterates when teaching that believers are justified by faith, not by works of the law (Romans 4:3-5).

The Role of the Ruach HaKodesh 

The Ruach HaKodesh, given at Shavuot, empowers, seals, leads, and teaches us (Acts 2:1-4, Ephesians 1:13-14). We believe the gifts of the Spirit are still active and available to believers today (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Which Calendar Do We Use? 

We follow the Biblical calendar, which begins in the spring with the month of Aviv (Exodus 12:2). This calendar aligns with the appointed times (moedim) set by Yahveh and helps us honor His holy days in their proper seasons (Leviticus 23:4).

The Role of Israel and the Nations

We believe that Israel holds a central place in God’s redemptive plan, yet the nations also have a distinct role in God’s Kingdom. The physical nation of Israel is a witness to God's faithfulness, and the nations will continue to exist as evidenced by the Court of the Nations in the Kingdom to come (Zechariah 14:16-19). We believe that believers from all nations are grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17-18) but maintain their unique identities as guided by the Holy Spirit.

Note: The Apostle Paul emphasized that Gentiles are grafted into Israel's olive tree (Romans 11:17-24) but did not replace natural Israel. Instead, this grafting allows Gentiles to partake in the spiritual blessings of Israel while preserving their distinct identity as the nations, which aligns with prophetic visions of the nations worshiping in Jerusalem without becoming ethnically Jewish (Zechariah 14:16).

Restoration Theology 

Our community is dedicated to the restoration of the original faith and practices of the early followers of Yeshua. We believe in returning to the paths of righteousness (Isaiah 58:12) and participating in the times of restoration spoken of by the prophets (Acts 3:21).

Our Mission 

We are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Yeshua’s atoning work, teaching obedience to His commandments, and living out a Torah-centered faith that shines as a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6, Matthew 5:14-16). More specifically, we are called to “make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3); which we interpret as building a spiritual highway between the Torah Pursuant communities and Israel so that upon his arrival, the Messiah will have the relational infrastructure prepared to and for the Torah Pursuant within nations.

Our Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We approach the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with caution and discernment, aligning with the ethical principles outlined in the Rome Call for AI Ethics. We believe AI should serve humanity, uphold human dignity, and support the mission of sharing God’s truth with integrity.

Our Stance on Plagiarism 

We believe in integrity and honesty in all forms of communication. Plagiarism—taking someone else’s words, ideas, or work and presenting them as one’s own—is contrary to biblical values of truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22) and respect for the labor of others (1 Timothy 5:18).

In all things, we seek to glorify Yahweh, walk in the footsteps of Yeshua, and be led by the Ruach HaKodesh, showing love, mercy, and truth to all who seek Him.