47 – FFOZ, Messianic Jews, and the Gentile Problem

First Fruits of Zion teaches that the whole Bible, including the Law of Moses, that is, the Torah given to the Jewish people, has relevance and practical application for Gentile Christians. Some Messianic Jews disagree; they argue that the Torah is for Jews only. Today’s guests, FFOZ Senior Educator Aaron Eby and Director of Torah Club Damian Eisner are here to challenge the idea that the Torah has nothing to say to Gentiles.

– Takeaways –

• Terms are confusing if they are not well-defined. Many people stumble on the Jewish Jesus online but many times the source of the information they stumble on is what we would call Hebrew Roots.
• First Fruits of Zion is part of Messianic Judaism, and there are some important distinctions.
• The community of faith is composed of both Jews and Gentiles. But despite us being “one in Messiah,” First Fruits of Zion believes that it is important to maintain our unique identities. Why do we think so, and how do we advise Jews and Gentiles to avoid blurring the lines of distinction?
• Acts 15 documents an important time in the life of the apostles when they decided on the course of faith for Gentiles who were coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah. What does this passage teach about Jewish and Gentile obligations to the Law?
• The Sabbath and the Jewish festivals are full of richness in meaning and blessing. What does the remembrance and observance of the Sabbath and the other biblical holidays look like for Jewish people, and what would they look like for a Gentile disciple?

– Chapters –

(00:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast.
(02:05) First Fruits of Zion is a Messianic Jewish organization, not Hebrew Roots.
(13:08) What is distinction theology?
(20:00) The apostles’ expectation of Gentile disciples.
(25:22) Interpreting Acts 15 and Acts 21 and the four prohibitions for Gentile disciples.
(29:38) The synagogue has always been a place for Gentiles to learn about the God of Israel.
(40:43) What does the distinction between Jewish and Gentile observance of the Sabbath look like?
(55:51) How can Gentiles interface with and observe Jewish holidays like Passover and Tabernacles?
(01:04:51) Is 1 Corinthians 5:8 an invitation to Gentiles to celebrate Passover?
(01:11:34) A biblical model for do’s and don’ts for Gentiles.
(01:15:23) Gentiles are adopted to be part of the family of God.
(01:20:32) First Fruits of Zion does not subscribe to what is commonly known as “one law theology.”

– Resources –

Restoration: Returning the Torah of Moses to the Disciples of Jesus

From Sabbath to Sabbath: Returning the Holy Sabbath to the Disciples of Jesus

The Holy Days: Returning the Biblical Festivals to the Disciples of Jesus.

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The Title problem & Hebrew Roots movement

Don't be offended by the title. It's not referring to Gentiles as a problem but to the problem facing the apostles when Gentiles began joining the Yeshua faith back then (Acts 15).

The speakers can't find anything good to say about the modern Hebrew/Jewish Roots movement but I can: it's often a first step for Christians toward embracing the Torah, the Sabbath, and the Jewish people. A lot of them migrate further, even into Messianic Judaism for all nations.