|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RED FLAGS! RED FLAGS! RED FLAGS!
Red Flags to Watch for the Messianic and
Natsari Movement
Yehudah ben Shomeyr
Among several external sources trying to exterminate and extinguish the rebirth of the Hebraic expression of the First Century Faith are:
However, there is none more dangerous than the cultish fringes trying to destroy us from within.
The following are some red flags to watch for within Messianic and Natsari circles that if you see, RUN like Forest Gump!
Extremism is the first thing to watch for and the following are examples of such within our movements.
1. Extreme usages of Hebrew words and the refusal to use their English equivalents.
2. Promotion of their own version of Scripture, usually by the leader of the fringe or splinter movement that has not been subject to a board of translators and linguistic specialists.
3. When the leader IS the Beyt Din (Ruling Body) OR he does not follow the decisions put forth by the ruling majority of his own Bet Din (Ruling Body).
4. Focus on pet doctrines such as: Sacred Name, Calendar, Polygamy, etc.
5. Focusing more on Jewish Tradition, Custom, Halacha, Rabbinic literature such as the Talmud or Mystic Literature such as the Kabblah and Zohar more than the Torah itself.
6. Claiming they have secret knowledge and or doctrine no other movement has.
7. Claiming they are the only legitimate expression of the Messianic and or Natsari movement.
8. Frequent recantation of prophecies and or doctrines and the adoption of new or amended ones.
9. Focusing on Race, Ethnicity, Circumcision, Genealogy and Tribal Affiliation within Israel. This COULD manifest itself in the guise of racism against Gentiles through Black Hebrewism, British Israelitism, Two House Movement, etc.
10. Making one feel guilty or less than when one fails to keep certain Jewish traditions despite one being Torah Obedient.
11. Unbalanced presentation of the Written and Living Torah (Yeshua).
12. Trying to become indistinguishable from their non-believing Orthodox counterparts.
13. Denial of the Messiahship and or Deity of Yeshua.
14. Pagaphobia; making everything not Hebraic and or Jewish pagan. Falsely and ignorantly twisting linguistics and the etymology of words to say Jesus or the word God are pagan names and titles.
15. Discouraging and or denying one relationships with family or friends not affiliated with them or the Messianic / Natsari movement.
16. Using guilt and other forms of manipulation, to obtain money from followers
17. Personally attacking ministries and ministers and not false teachings or doctrines they claim such ministries and ministers are promoting.
18. If they tear down more than edify.
19. Pressuring followers to wear certain clothes that falls outside the realm of Torah, like a certain robe, coat or hat.
20. Forcing followers to forfeit worldly goods and personal property.
21. Communal compound living that is not a legal Kibbutz and that denies or cuts of communication to the outside world.
22. Any form of hate expressed in word or deed against any religious, ethnic, government or lifestyle group. We are to love the person but hate the sin.
23. Focus on Eschatology (End of Days), and Conspiracy Theories more than Torah and Messiah.
24. Claiming that they or their ministry are a manifestation or incarnation of a Supernatural, Divine or Biblical personage. For example that they are the two witnesses or their ministry is the Melchezedikian Priestly order, etc.
25. Disorderly worship which bears the marks of sensuality or animalistic shamanism of ancient and or pagan cults.
26. Refusal to answer questions on doctrine and Scripture.
27. Insistence on accepting and adherence of their interpretation of Scripture without question.
28. If you need permission from certain leaders to attend a fellowship or Sabbath meetings.
This by no means is an exhaustive or complete list; it nonetheless touches on the main issues plaguing the Messianic and Natsari Movement today.
If you could say yes to anything on the list above in regards to a ministry and or minister you adhere to or follow. Then congratulations, you are likely involved in some form with a cult.
One of Webster’s definitions of a cult is as follows:
“A System of intense religious veneration of a particular person, idea, or object, especially considered spurious or irrational by traditional religious bodies.”
The list above simply gives greater clarity and specificity to Webster’s definition.
Ultimately the litmus test lies in the Written and Living Torah. Does what a particular Messianic and or Natsari group line up with what is in the Written Torah and does this group attempt to walk such principles out in the footsteps of Messiah Yeshua? If you answer, “No”, then what you likely have is a cult on your hands.
Remember, just because one is standing in a garage doesn’t make of a car or a mechanic, likewise just because one claims to be a Messianic or a Natsari believer doesn’t mean they are one. We determine the validity of ones claim by the fruit they bear and hopefully this list will help you become a better “fruit inspector”.
Natsari Movement
Yehudah ben Shomeyr
Among several external sources trying to exterminate and extinguish the rebirth of the Hebraic expression of the First Century Faith are:
- The buy-out and monopolization of the Church of God denomination within Messianic styled ministries. Many Messianic ministries are funded or underwritten and thus owned by the Church of God.
- The infiltration of Orthodox moles within the Messianic and Natsari movements promoting certain doctrines and concepts. Many such groups and their websites can be traced back to a single web IP address.
However, there is none more dangerous than the cultish fringes trying to destroy us from within.
The following are some red flags to watch for within Messianic and Natsari circles that if you see, RUN like Forest Gump!
Extremism is the first thing to watch for and the following are examples of such within our movements.
1. Extreme usages of Hebrew words and the refusal to use their English equivalents.
2. Promotion of their own version of Scripture, usually by the leader of the fringe or splinter movement that has not been subject to a board of translators and linguistic specialists.
3. When the leader IS the Beyt Din (Ruling Body) OR he does not follow the decisions put forth by the ruling majority of his own Bet Din (Ruling Body).
4. Focus on pet doctrines such as: Sacred Name, Calendar, Polygamy, etc.
5. Focusing more on Jewish Tradition, Custom, Halacha, Rabbinic literature such as the Talmud or Mystic Literature such as the Kabblah and Zohar more than the Torah itself.
6. Claiming they have secret knowledge and or doctrine no other movement has.
7. Claiming they are the only legitimate expression of the Messianic and or Natsari movement.
8. Frequent recantation of prophecies and or doctrines and the adoption of new or amended ones.
9. Focusing on Race, Ethnicity, Circumcision, Genealogy and Tribal Affiliation within Israel. This COULD manifest itself in the guise of racism against Gentiles through Black Hebrewism, British Israelitism, Two House Movement, etc.
10. Making one feel guilty or less than when one fails to keep certain Jewish traditions despite one being Torah Obedient.
11. Unbalanced presentation of the Written and Living Torah (Yeshua).
12. Trying to become indistinguishable from their non-believing Orthodox counterparts.
13. Denial of the Messiahship and or Deity of Yeshua.
14. Pagaphobia; making everything not Hebraic and or Jewish pagan. Falsely and ignorantly twisting linguistics and the etymology of words to say Jesus or the word God are pagan names and titles.
15. Discouraging and or denying one relationships with family or friends not affiliated with them or the Messianic / Natsari movement.
16. Using guilt and other forms of manipulation, to obtain money from followers
17. Personally attacking ministries and ministers and not false teachings or doctrines they claim such ministries and ministers are promoting.
18. If they tear down more than edify.
19. Pressuring followers to wear certain clothes that falls outside the realm of Torah, like a certain robe, coat or hat.
20. Forcing followers to forfeit worldly goods and personal property.
21. Communal compound living that is not a legal Kibbutz and that denies or cuts of communication to the outside world.
22. Any form of hate expressed in word or deed against any religious, ethnic, government or lifestyle group. We are to love the person but hate the sin.
23. Focus on Eschatology (End of Days), and Conspiracy Theories more than Torah and Messiah.
24. Claiming that they or their ministry are a manifestation or incarnation of a Supernatural, Divine or Biblical personage. For example that they are the two witnesses or their ministry is the Melchezedikian Priestly order, etc.
25. Disorderly worship which bears the marks of sensuality or animalistic shamanism of ancient and or pagan cults.
26. Refusal to answer questions on doctrine and Scripture.
27. Insistence on accepting and adherence of their interpretation of Scripture without question.
28. If you need permission from certain leaders to attend a fellowship or Sabbath meetings.
This by no means is an exhaustive or complete list; it nonetheless touches on the main issues plaguing the Messianic and Natsari Movement today.
If you could say yes to anything on the list above in regards to a ministry and or minister you adhere to or follow. Then congratulations, you are likely involved in some form with a cult.
One of Webster’s definitions of a cult is as follows:
“A System of intense religious veneration of a particular person, idea, or object, especially considered spurious or irrational by traditional religious bodies.”
The list above simply gives greater clarity and specificity to Webster’s definition.
Ultimately the litmus test lies in the Written and Living Torah. Does what a particular Messianic and or Natsari group line up with what is in the Written Torah and does this group attempt to walk such principles out in the footsteps of Messiah Yeshua? If you answer, “No”, then what you likely have is a cult on your hands.
Remember, just because one is standing in a garage doesn’t make of a car or a mechanic, likewise just because one claims to be a Messianic or a Natsari believer doesn’t mean they are one. We determine the validity of ones claim by the fruit they bear and hopefully this list will help you become a better “fruit inspector”.
|
|
|
Red Flags to Watch for in BELIEVERS in the Messianic and Natsari Movements
In the Messianic and or Natsari Movement no one truly agrees with another person 100%, although there should be cardinal absolutes we all can agree on such as the virgin birth, death, burial, resurrection and divinity of Messiah as well as the inerrancy of the Scripture. But one day when Messiah returns we will all agree and see eye to eye (Isa. 52:8).
Until that time the cardinal absolutes and John 17 should stabilize and unify us.
Ultimately we should all do our best to walk in the footsteps of Yeshua our Messiah by walking and following in the Torah.
In the past two articles I gave guidelines on, or “red flags” to look for and how to spot cults and cult leaders within the Messianic and Natsari Movement. Now I wish to give you some red flags to look for in believers within the movement. As Romans 16:17-18 says:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Yeshua Messiah, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
And Proverbs 6:19b says that God hates, he that sows discord among brethren.
What will characterize such “red flag believers” are such things as extremism, judgementalism, rebellion, anger, and negativity. The following again is not an absolute or exhaustive list on things to watch for and disassociate yourself from in others who claim to be believers in the Messianic and or Natsari movement. Again, given in no particular order.
1. If they disagree with the cardinal absolutes of the virgin birth, death, burial, resurrection and divinity of Messiah as well as the inerrancy of the Scripture.
2. Refusal to open mindedly and objectively evaluate their own beliefs.
3. Refusal to open mindedly and objectively look at information that may challenge their own beliefs.
4. Majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors (Matt. 23:24). For example asking asinine questions like: “Why do you or do you not wear a kippah or Star of David?” Or, why do you say Yeshua instead of Yahshuah, or HaShem instead of Yahweh?” etc.
5. Cannot agree to disagree agreeably in love.
6. Refuse to fellowship with other Messianic or Natsari groups outside their own or who believe slightly differently than they do.
7. Openly criticizes other believers or ministries by name instead of simply disagreeing with them or instead of exposing falsehoods they may teach or proclaim.
8. Focusing on or wanting to study Rabbinical, Kabbalistic or other religious literature more than the Tanak (Old Testament) or Brit Chadasha (New Testament).
9. Focuses more on Jewish/Hebraic custom and traditions more so than Torah.
10. Accusing other ministries and believers of being “Too Christian” or “Too Jewish.”
11. Promotes their sect or ministry or leaders thereof more so than Faith, Torah and Yeshua.
12. Focuses more on division than unity (Prov. 6:16, 19).
13. If they resemble their sect or leader more than Yeshua Himself.
14. Easily and often offended (Ps. 119:165).
15. Extremely angry, negative and critical of Christianity from which they likely came.
16. Looks to purposely oppose or stand out from and are overly critical of the majority in order to simply justify their own rebellious attitude and ways.
17. If they attempt to integrate Islam or another religion into the Faith.
18. If they believe circumcision or any other adherence to Jewish tradition is essential for salvation.
19. If they confuse culture, custom and tradition with Torah commandments.
20. If they are involved with “red flag” ministries, congregations or leaders within the Messianic and or Natsari movement.
21. If they tend to be a lone or rogue believer and associates with virtually no one and has a “Me and God, Us and Them” mentality.
22. If they make conspiracy theories and eschatology more of a focus of their faith than Torah and Messiah.
23. If they believe that they alone and no one else has the correct interpretation of any given passage of Scripture.
24. Has a bad habit and or history of “congregation hopping,” in other words does not stay settled within a congregation or ministry for very long.
25. Demands and or are over eager to take on a leadership role or position.
26. If they feel they are not being moved to the front of the class fast enough by a leader.
27. Treats other believers (especially Gentiles) as inferior and or second class citizens.
28. Believes they are right and everyone else is wrong and that they are somehow better than other believers. In other words, prideful.
29. If they bear the opposite of the Fruit of the Spirit.
30. If they have a martyr complex or play the victim and blame everyone else for their troubles but themselves.
Such believers we should love and pray for, yet not associate or fellowship with lest their ways rub off on us, as the Proverbs warns us. And we should not try and change such a believer unless the Holy Spirit clearly makes them open to listen to reason and be lovely corrected and urges us to reach out to them. Otherwise…
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. – Matt. 7:6
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. – Prov. 26:4-5
|
|
|
Red Flags to Watch for in LEADERS in the Messianic and Natsari Movements
In my first “Red Flag” article I gave you the tools on how to spot a cult within the midst of the Messianic/Natsari Movement. How to know if the synagogue or ministry you are a part of is a cult or the genuine article. In this article I will give you the tools to spot a cult leader within the Messianic/Natsari movement, regardless if they have an established ministry or not.
In this movement we all have a unique past with parts that we are not proud of that’s under the Blood of Messiah and a faith walk that has brought us to where we are today. However, if they are cult movements and splinter groups among us, there is usually hucksters and con-men in them or running them. I know because I have met a few and at one point woke up to find myself under one!
So, how do you spot one?
I’m not calling for a witch hunt, but am simply giving one general guidelines to go by in order to flesh out such corrupt leaders (Rom. 16:17-18).
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Yeshua Messiah, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Above all else, the very first thing you should go by is if your spirit and or gut feels uneasy about a religious or ministerial leader and or minister. TRUST YOUR GUT AND SPIRIT!!!
Secondly we should weigh such individuals in questions by the Scriptures. For example, I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9 gives us a good list to go by regarding qualifications of a religious leader. Things such as marital fidelity, humility, has an all-around good reputation publically and privately, is not greedy or hungry for money or power, has a good and stable family life, doesn’t speak out of both sides of his mouth, not a substance abuser, not a “know-it-all”, and not a new converts. The last mentioned is also reiterated in I Timothy 5:22.
Galatians 5:22 and Ephesians 5:9 gives us the fruit of the Spirit in which to weight a religious leader. Do they display the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, meekness, faithfulness, and self-control.
I Corinthians 12:28-31 and Ephesians 4:11-12 gives us the five -fold ministry which a leader should be operating in one or more of these offices/gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher and Evangelist.
Once again, these are general and not absolute guidelines, nor are they an exhaustive list of red flags to watch for among Messianic/Natsari leaders. Also, please note that they are not given in any particular order.
1. If they have a Criminal Record. This is NOT a solid or soul indicator because “His arm is not too short to save (Isa. 59:1).” Because people can change. Messiah’s salvation after all saved a thief on the cross (Luke 23).
2. If they are on the sexual offenders list. Again, this is NOT a solid or soul indicator, but a stronger indicator than a simple criminal record because on the rare occasion some are falsely accused and again Messiah changed the demoniac (Mark 5, Luke 8) and sexual crime has been demonized by the majority of modern society.
3. If they go by many aliases without acknowledging or denying that they go by other names.
4. If they have multiple names, titles, profiles and ministries spanning multiple religions and or denominations and sects with in a given religion.
5. If they have current affiliations with other religious groups and or secret societies.
6. If they attempt to break away from the sect they are in, begin their own sect and drastically change theology, doctrine and or traditions and reveal new, secret, mystical knowledge and or revelation.
7. If they are not forth coming about their credentials, testimony or past and or experiences.
8. If they are caught contradicting or changing their credentials, testimony or past and or experiences.
9. If they do not or cannot produce the credentials they claim they have.
10. If they are not transparent and are extremely secretive about their life or themselves.
11. If they have a one dimensional personality.
12. If they are extremely egocentric.
13. If they attempt to draw more attention to themselves more so that God, Messiah or the Scriptures.
14. If they proclaim some sort of supreme authority, rule, or knowledge over something.
15. If they claim to personify or be a reincarnation of or a fulfilment of some Biblical or religious personage.
16. If they demand absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
17. If they encourage you to pull away from other believers or teachers and belittles them.
18. If they have no tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
19. If they express unreasonable fear of the outside world in regards to persecution, conspiracy theories, apocalypse, etc.
20. If you run into a former follower and they share a pattern of stories of abuse and reveal warning signs you have seen but choose to ignore.
21. If they make you feel you are never good enough or will never measure up.
22. If they constantly talk to you in such a way that elevates themselves and diminishes you.
23. If they habitually wield or abuse their authority and or position which has nothing to do with or contradicts Torah and tends to attempt to micro-manage others’ lives.
24. If they use exclusivity as a tool for motivation and allegiance.
25. If they plagiarize; often claiming quotes and teachings of others as their own.
26. If they act as if they are above social, personal, religious, tradition, customary or halachic boundaries and excuses himself from breaking them.
27. If they are prone to extreme mood changes and decision changes (James 1:8).
28. If they are constantly being caught in contradictions or outright lies.
29. Failure to admit if they are ever wrong of they were even caught in a lie or mistake.
30. If they always attempt to justify or spiritualize a lie, mistake, bad behaviour, wrong action or contradiction.
31. When they fail to answer simple and direct yes or no questions directly, especially those dealing with integrity and or morality and instead dance around the issue or try and give a spiritual, mystical or ambiguous answer. Or tries to change the subject all together.
32. If they have familial, flirtatious and otherwise inappropriate (sexual) relations with others that is not their spouse or immediate family members.
33. If they tell you that you must confess your sins to them or go through them in order to get to God, absolution, deliverance and or healing.
34. If they employ unusual, non-biblical or biblically out of context, cruel, humiliating, inhumane and or violent physical and or mental punishment to those who disobey them or break group rules.
35. If they do not provide one choices and instead gives demands or ultimatums.
36. If they attempt to isolate their sect or group from family, friends, others and or the world in communal religious living.
None of us are perfect, besides being perfectly flawed and thus always have things to work on personally, but if a religious leader you know or are involved with exhibits 5 or more of the things listed above, you are likely involved with a conman and or cult leader. Make like Lot, run and don’t look back!
Remember, just because one is standing in a garage doesn’t make of a car or a mechanic, likewise just because one claims to be a Messianic or a Natsari leader doesn’t mean they are one. We determine the validity of ones claim by the fruit they bear and hopefully this list will help you become a better “fruit inspector”.
|
|
|
Red Flags of Religious Sexual Predators
| red_flags_of_religious_sexual_predators.pdf |
Whats Wrong with Natsari Judaism Part 1
| whats_wrong_part_1.pdf |
Whats Wrong with Natsari Judaism Part 2
| whats_wrong_2.pdf |
Whats Wrong with Natsari Judaism Part 3
| whats_wrong_part_3.pdf |