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INTRODUCTION TO “TWO-HOUSE” (“EPHRAIMITE”) THEOLOGY


      INTRODUCTION TO “TWO-HOUSE” (“EPHRAIMITE”) THEOLOGY
The subject I wish to introduce here is so broad and so deep that I cannot do more than simply make you aware of its existence.  My goal is to give you a working basis from which to investigate further in whichever direction you choose.
The subject is a segment of an emergent stream of Christianity known as Hebrew Roots Restoration.  Twenty-five to thirty years ago, an awakening began amongst evangelical Christians who desired to reconnect to a purer, truer form of worship which they believed could be found by eliminating the pagan influences which had collected within church practice over the millennia and by restoring the gospel to its “Hebrew roots,” i.e. first-century context.
Regarding the Hebrew Roots Restoration movement, Professor Desmond Maxwell of Belfast Bible College, Ireland, says:  
"I think if this really gathers momentum, the implications of it require something on the scale of... well, virtually another reformation.”  The Hebraic-Christianity Colloquium   
BACKGROUND
I daresay there is not a church in the world today that has not been affected in some way by this phenomenon.
Not so coincidentally, the so-called Messianic “Jewish” movement got its start at about the same time.  Their paths crossed and brought Jewish ritual inside the church for the first time in perhaps two thousand years.
There is now an entire spectrum of Jewish-influenced groups within the greater framework of Hebrew roots restoration. It runs the gamut all the way from Presbyterians and Lutherans who have added Passover seders to their Easter celebrations to self-described “Torah-observant” Messianic Jewish congregations who build their own “synagogues” out of imported Jerusalem stone, for added authenticity.
Many at the more Jewishly-oriented end of this continuum have convinced themselves that they are more legitimately Jewish than the actual Jews.  And this is where the whole subject becomes a bit muddy.
These distinguish between “Biblical” Judaism (based only upon the written Torah) and Rabbinical Judaism (which includes the Oral Torah as well).  They hold the opinion that the Oral Law is mere “traditions of men” which have been elevated above the Torah, an idea based on New Testament writings and a “sin” for which the Pharisees were richly condemned therein.  In their minds, this already sets them apart as superior to the Jews of traditional Judaism.
Make no mistake.  What they all retain in common is a statement of beliefs which continues to follow the standard of classical Christianity. For example, they claim to worship the “One G-d of Abraham Isaac and Jacob” and then turn right around and say that He “manifests” Himself as Father, Son, etc.(chas v’chalilah)  A cursory perusal of their websites will confirm this.
The depth of (self) deception and duplicity that is inherent in Christianity cannot be underestimated.  Language is all-important.  They can comfortably deny being followers of “Jesus,” because they recognize him only as “Yeshua.”  They adamantly deny being missionaries or proselytizers because they believe that if they can elicit an invitation to “share” the reason for their love, their generosity, or their faith, then this does not meet their definition of proselytizing. 
Missionizing, in their minds, is only such if it is at their initiation and uninvited.  Hence, they deny a missionary agenda and promise not to proselytize, but will gladly and eagerly detail their faith and belief system to any Jew who comes out and asks about it.  All of their humanitarian work is geared to promoting relationships, which will lead to opportunities to “share” their faith.
THE MATTER AT HAND
Important as these issues are, they are only on the periphery of the matter at hand.
At one of these crossing points I described earlier, Hebrew roots restoration collided with Messianic Judaism and created a spark which has now grown into a raging wildfire which threatens to consume Eretz Yisrael.

Gentiles "returning" to the "Jewish roots" of their faith found a comfortable niche within Messianic Judaism, but over time, as Messianic Judaism itself evolved and gained more Jewish-born adherents, it began to distinguish between believer and believer.  Some congregations offered full membership only to Jews while gentiles were eligible only for "associate" membership.  This distinction between Jew and gentile violated clear New Testament teachings that the "middle wall of partition" between Jews and Gentiles was eradicated by the cross since now gentiles were, by virtue of their faith, considered as spiritual children of Abraham and "co-heirs" of the promises with their Jewish brethren.

From the dissatisfaction generated by their relegation to "second-class status," the gentile believers quickly embraced a new teaching that came down from one couple, Angus & Batya Wooten who formed The Messianic Israel Alliance

They wrote: "Who is Israel?" and "Is the Church Ephraim?" These became the foundation for other groups known variously as Messianic Israelites, Nazarene Yisraelites, "Two-House," Ephraimites, Beit Yosef or simply as “Joes” (as opposed to Jews).

From the MIA website:
The Messianic Israel Alliance began in 1999 as a gathering place for believers in Messiah who were awakening to their lost heritage as Israel. By connecting these believers, the MIA was able to birth relationships throughout the world. Those who once had lost their heritage now had a place they could call home; a place where both Jew and non-Jew could worship the God of Israel as equal brothers in Messiah. 

If they couldn't be accepted as gentiles, then they invented a new identity as Israelites---descendants of the ten lost tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Enter Brit-Am , Yair Davidy & Avraham Feld), a Jerusalem-based Jewish organization whose website states the following:

Brit-Am is an organization centered in Jerusalem capital of Israel and comprised of Jews and non-Jews.  Brit-Am traces the Lost Ten Tribes to Western Nations. The evidence that Brit-Am relies upon is Biblical in the light of Rabbinical Commentary supplemented by secular studies.  Brit-Am avoids the discussion of religious differences between Judah (the present-day Jews) and the Lost Ten Tribes represented by "Joseph".  

Tribal Identities: The English-Speaking Peoples Today Descend from the Tribe of Joseph

As a result of the work of these two parallel organizations, an entirely new theology evolved. Based on these teachings and this passage from Ezekiel 37:16-19...
"As for you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it: 'For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.' Then take another stick and write on it, 'For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel, his companions.'  "Then join them one to another for yourself into one stick, and they will become one in your hand.  " And when the children of your people speak to you, saying, 'Will you not show us what you [mean] by these?' --  "say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Surely I will take the stick of Joseph, which [is] in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will join them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand." ' 
...massive numbers of gentiles, still holding basic Christian beliefs, have come to view themselves as Israelites with an equal inheritance in the Land of Israel. The only difference between this and replacement theology is that they have moved over and made room for us to sit beside them.  But know that it is no longer enough for them to be spiritual Israel.  They want to be recognized as physical Israel as well. And they are demanding the "right" to make aliyah and this is the most pressing problem of the entire matter.
They believe that they (Israel) must re-connect to Torah and that the Jews (Judah) must accept Yeshu as Mashiach and they must join us here in Eretz Yisrael, becoming ONE PEOPLE IN THE LAND, before the Redemption and Mashiach can come. (See The Challenge of Establishing The Messianic Kingdom)

This is the crux of all.
To facilitate these goals, they have established the following:

1.  Advance groups within the Land of Israel to prepare the way physically and financially if the State chooses not to recognize them officially and offer them a sal klita. (See Addendum 2 & 3)

2.  They've made inroads politically through the Christian Allies Caucus in the Knesset.  Their interim goal seems to be to obtain rights to long-term visas for visiting Christians so they are not encumbered with leaving the country every three months to renew them.  This becomes an unbearable hardship on people who are determined to stay here long-term.

3.  They have received coaching from Jews to refrain from using certain terminology and to accept calling themselves Bnei Noach, appearing before the nascent Sanhedrin to take an oath as Bnei Noach in order to receive Ger Toshav status.  They've been led to believe this might be one possible way to gain a foothold in the land until a more satisfactory arrangement can be obtained.  (See Addendum 4)

4.  The creation of a "Provisional Israelite Council in Exile" in the USA.
"This is a first step in re-establishing the fraternal bonds between B'nai Yosef (Sons of Joseph) and their companions, and his brother, Judah and his companions, with the goal of having one united and eternal house of Israel." 

RESPONSE REQUIRED
Torah-motivated leadership must take action to protect Am Yisrael.  This movement is already showing the potential to cause a much trouble for Jews. 

Quotes:

1. Where are these needed numbers? (To support keeping the "West Bank" Jewish.) They are the lost sheep (probably most of them are Christians of one flavor or another) scattered throughout the world. For the most part they are lost to a physical affinity with the people of Israel and the land of Eretz-Israel. Rather their goal is a kingdom in heaven. This perspective of the lost sheep is unfortunately encouraged by the present Jewish state denying them any portion in Eretz-Israel. The first step in changing the perspective of these lost sheep is for them to realize that they are not second class citizens, and that they have an equal portion in the physical Commonwealth of Israel. The likelihood of opening the door to acceptance in Eretz-Israel by these found sheep, by the present state, or a new state that would be formed on the West Bank, will increase in direct proportion to the increasing numbers of found sheep. See Celebrating Hanukkah in Judea and Samaria.

2.  Ken Quinn, Amsterdam, 04/06/07 04:15
We are not Jewish and do not want to be Jewish. However, we have a lot gifts from our forefathers, Joseph, Israel, Issac, and Abraham. And these gifts are spiritual and physical. And you mistakenly confuse the whole nations with the individuals WHOSE HEARTS ARE RIGHT. BECAUSE, IF YOU KNOW YOUR TORAH, G_D LOOKS ON THE HEART. Of course the ''nations'' of England and America are really a diseaster and the politicians and so called leaders are little more than elite scum. This is all true but it will not change the regathering of the people by G_d. And believe me, I am ready for this to happen because if you want to know the truth, THE LAND IS MY INHERTIANCE ALSO. Ha Ha, and wait until the Aaarrrrraaabs find out the Ephraim is going to move in on them as well, AND SOON.  (Comment on Maariv article submitted by Brit-Am, 

3. We were not there to replace our brothers, but rather to help them survive as a nation. In order to make this a reality, Judah would have to find a resident status for us that did not require conversion to Orthodoxy. Over and over, we repeated the fact that we would not deny Yahshua as the divine son of Elohim. In the beginning, these conclusions may lead to Ephraim coming to the land for an extended period of time without the rights of citizenship. We may need to prove our loyalty before we acquire the right to vote, serve in the army etc. ...I went to Israel to “spy out the land”, and get to know the people. I am still a believer in Yahweh Elohim, and the Master Yahshua Messiah. I will not convert to Orthodoxy, but if Judah will take me as I am, I promise to support her to the best of my abilities. I will come along side her and be her helper. 
 (Spies Report from Heidi)

4. In the short time of two weeks we were privileged to meet and hear from our brother Judah from different walks of Israeli life, about 62 speakers in all. Some brothers were not aware of the scriptural references of Ephraim’s return home. Some brothers wanted us to come home as soon as possible. Rabbinical rabbis presented the requirements they believed Ephraim must meet to come home. All this gave us a better understanding of brother Judah and what Ephraim may be dealing with trying to come into eretz Israel. As representatives of Ephraim it is our hope that brother Judah will begin to see our genuine desire to stand along side them in coming home to eretz Israel.
It was by no means a surprise that the largest stumbling block for Ephraim to come home is our belief in Messiah Yahshua and that some Rabbinical Jews think our sole purpose of coming into the land is to proselytize them. We tried to explain with integrity and without arrogance that we were Ephraimite believers in Messiah Yahshua, that we could not deny or lie about this belief and that our intention was to stand along side Judah. Despite our differences, Yahweh will bring the stick of Judah and the stick of Ephraim together as one. (Spies report from Alan and Susan)

5.  Our purpose in the meetings (encounters) was to have an open dialogue with Judah regarding their perspective of the ten lost (or scattered) tribes and to introduce ourselves as descendents of this House of Joseph, or Israel.
The reactions were very interesting and varied. Some were not aware of this at all. However, most understand what the prophets of the Tanak have written and believe that Messiah won’t come until their long lost brothers are brought home. These also believe that it is incumbent upon Judah to “bring” Joseph/Ephraim home and that their brothers will need to convert to Judaism in order to return. The challenge for us was to let them know that our belief in Yahshua as Messiah, and HIS divinity, is a core belief and is central to who we are. While we are Torah observant and express our faith in a Hebraic way, for us to convert to Judaism would mean that we would become Judah and trade one lost identity for another. We also made our belief clear that it is by the Hand of YHVH that this “regathering” would happen and that we believe that “Hand” to be Yahshua HaMoshiach. (Spies report from Ben and Ruth)

6.  Two of the main goals of this tour were to look into Ephraim’s return to the land and to meet with brother Judah.
Before Ephraim can return, there is a lot of work to be done by tearing down the “wall of partition” that keeps the two houses divided, namely, pride and prejudice. We need to build communication lines. This includes coming along side our brother Judah and working on areas that we have in common, such as, a love for the Land, Torah, and the Elohim of Israel.
Our brother Judah is very special and Ephraim longs to build a friendship based on unity and trust. Our actions will speak louder than words. For the past two thousand years there has been suspicion and misunderstanding between brothers. Eventually Judah will see that Yahueh has shown favor to Ephraim also, and as we humble ourselves through repentance, walking in belief rather than doubt, we can be brought together again, and restored in the land, a goodly land that Yahueh has given us to posses in tribal community. (A Call to Ephraim and Judah from Cherith)

7.   There are, indeed, “giants in the land” and they are our brother Yahudah. They are brave beyond comprehension, resourceful, to the utmost, strong, cautious, but happy people and they are not all against Ephrayim’s return. In fact, all Yahudites long for Ephrayim’s return home. They know we are the arrows for their bows. We are the helpers to develop the land, we are the boost to their economy and maybe, most of all, we are votes in the Knesset to stave off and defeat Muslim control.
Many Yahudites pointed their finger at us and say “no aliyah without conversion” and we rose up equally aggressive saying we will not return to the land without our Messiah and King, Yahshua, who redeemed us from out of the Gentiles. Without Yahshua, we would not know who we are. 
... We had meetings and planned encounters with over 62 different people, all the way from the Israeli Minister of Tourism, head Rabbi’s of Yeshivas and Torah schools, Rabbi’s and leaders of settlements, common people whoinvited us into their homes and fed us meals and begged us to come home. (Spies Report from Nachshon)

8. Brother Judah was, for the most part, happy – at least interested – OK, sometimes scared – to meet us. We were pretty amazed at meeting brother Judah. The most lasting impact I feel of the people is that Judah is laying down their very hearts, souls and lives for The Land. Their Land and Our Land.
...To live there and join our brothers and sisters is now my passionate dream. These people make me want to be a better me. Those who are too steeped in their Talmudic traditions to find time to read their Tanak will be surprised when Yahweh brings us home without giving up Yahshua.... (Rivka)

9. To be able to share my deepest faith in Messiah Yahshua with my brother Judah was at times a challenge, but because we as a group were faithful to do so, many seeds were planted and I know without a shadow of a doubt they will grow and mature into what Yahueh has always planned for His people Israel.
...I was able to see and touch the land that has and is being prepared for us by Yahueh. Oh how wonderful it will be when we get to go home!!!  (She visited Ruth Matar's home - (Sheryl Burnham)

10. Both Houses of Israel, that is Judah and Ephraim (usually called Israel in the prophets, in contrast to Judah) are chastised and rebuked, but the language of Jeremiah 3:6-14 is most important and interesting. Judah is called treacherous while Israel is called faithless (lit. turned, slidden away), but v. 11 says that “Faithless Israel has proven herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.” That, no doubt, becomes the source of the jealous that Isaiah 11 speaks about, and it is echoed in the Prodigal son story. Judah is very reluctant to give up her privileged place of “faithfulness” to a backslidden Israel–but it is Judah’s attitude that has to change. In the end, though falling into great apostasy, Joseph is proven MORE RIGHTEOUS, and returns home. Also, based on the words of Jacob in Gen 49 it does appear that the Scepter departs from Judah and eventually goes to Joseph also–from him comes the Stone, the Rock of Israel–or Shiloh…This will surely be a surprise to all the world, both Jews and Christians, who are so focused on a Davidic Messiah figure. 

11. Can you please help me? As far as I know, I do not have Jewish blood line however I have for over 30 years felt Jewish. I study the Bible daily and see the command to make Aliyah for the ones Elohim has scattered. His promise is to gather the house of Ephraim along with the house of Judah back into the land at the end days. I know the Orthodox pray three times a day for Ephraim to come home. Yet, I can not find anywhere that we are accepted into the land as a citizen. I have found 61 passages calling ALL Israel home. As far as I can tell, only Judah has returned to the land and that is perfectly according to scripture in Zech 12:6-10 that the tents of Judah shall be saved first.
How can Ephraim make Aliyah
thank you for your time,
shalom
tina


List of names & organizations
Brit-Am Allies
Eddie Chumney, Steven Collins, Stephen Spykerman, Craig White, and W.F. Dankenbring are all Christian writers who have a similar message to Brit-Am and with whom Brit-Am is on friendly terms.

     

Rabbi Moshe Koniuchowsky: Your Arms to Israel
Union of Two House Messianic Congregations 
Note: Since posting the various articles, the name of Union of Two House Messianic Congregations has been changed to : Union Of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations, as of  October 26, 2003

Monte Judah: Lion and Lamb Ministries

Dan Juster

Angus and Batya Wooten:Messianic Israel Alliance(House of David) Ministries

SANJ: Society for the Advancement of Nazarene Judaism; James Trimm.

Source: http://www.hebroots.com/.
Rabbi Moshe Joseph Koniuchowsky: The Two Houses of Israel Teachings
 Rabbi Moshe Koniuchowsky: Your Arms to Israel website

 Union of Two House Messianic Congregations 
Note: Since posting the various articles, the name of Union of Two House Messianic Congregations has been changed to : Union Of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations, as of  October 26, 2003

Michael Rood,   Tom Mitchell; Ed Nydle;   Brad Scott;   Avi ben Mordechai

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