Odd title for a thread, but please hear me out.

The messages in YY about how religion has been perverted and abused throughout history,
how we should question what we're taught and compare it against scripture,
and not trust the commonly available translations blindly, are all worthwhile.
But if over-emphasized, they can make us lose the message that we are to be both Called-Out, and an Assembly.

Called-Out of Babylon, out of the corrupting influences around us. Yada Yahweh drives that home.
It's the Assembly piece we seem to struggle with.

Many have reported unpleasant experiences sharing the truth in Sunday churches.
And ended up feeling alienated and alone, because we're so spread out.

Here's your encouragement...

About two years ago, I tried talking about some of the ideas in Yada Yahweh to a friend at work.
He wasn't too interested, but said, "you know, you really ought to try a Sabbatarian church", even though he's a Sunday keeper himself.
I didn't even know there was such a thing, but checked the phone book. There was one listed. Downtown, in a rough neighborhood. I took a chance, and found a small but loving group of Sabbath Keeping, Feast Observing people. We don't always agree, but we're all hungry for truth, and they have been accepting of many ideas found here, when backed by Scripture. I've found joy in worshiping together, learning together (I'm still new at this), and sharing.

We even started a series of classes this winter to try to spread the word; and I was asked to be one of the teachers.
So far I've been able to cover the timeline of history (1000 year increments), fulfilment of Firstfruits, even use of names instead of "the Lord". After Passover, I'll be teaching "the Story of Easter" -- that should be a fun one.

And my experience is not unique. I gave Yada Yahweh to my mother-in-law, she loved it -- and shared it with a Messianic congregation in another state. They loved it -- divided the chapters, and it's made its way through most of the congregation.

I encourage you to step out, give it a shot.
Accept that even those who want the truth, will find it hard to understand or get used to sometimes.
Build relationships instead of pushing. (Remember: Knowledge alone is not the key to Salvation, Love is fulfillment of the Torah.)
Don't come across as condescending, or angry. Just slowly share what you've learned, in a loving way.
(Don't leave in a huff the first time someone says "Praise the LORD". Simply smile, reply "Hallelu-Yah", and wait. Eventually, someone will ask why you always use the names instead of saying "Lord". That's when they'll accept the answer.)

Start with those who share some common ground, and build on it.
Sabbatarians.
Seventh-Day Churches.
Messianic Congregations.

Don't neglect fellowship, it's very rewarding.
And it's out there, if you're willing to take the risk.

In His Love,
RidesWithYah.

Thinking about this suggestion, I found a sabbatarian website: http://www.sabbatarian.com/#Anchor-Site-menu777, but in a little reading they promote two disturbing doctrines:
1. Yahshua was an ordinary man and not the human manifestation of Yahweh, and
2. satan is the personification of sin.

I can't say I've done a lot of research into these teachings, but this is the second group I've come across that promotes these two things. The other group calls themselves Christadelphians.

Although there seems to be some good things on the Sabbatarian site - I really like the new (for me) term "christopaganism" - I wouldn't seek fellowship with this group. I'm very thankful for the kindred spirits and the incredibly great scholarship I find here that I haven't found elsewhere. After that, I'm very cautious.

I ran that tread mill - lots of running without getting anywhere, fell off when I ran out of steam (still healing from the bruising and treadmill rash, and I'm still working out the cramping in my legs)

I check out an assembly 3 hrs away, met with the "elder" before we could attend a Sabbath meeting at his house - it was mandatory for my wife to wear a dress or skirt for any Sabbath or Feast gathering

Checked out a group 1.5 hrs and one 2 hrs away - both were BIG on Judaism and rabbinic traditions, reciting rabbinic prayers and liturgy - it was more about religious traditions and obedience (even if there was no understanding the command) than it was about a Knowing relationship with Yahuweh

That was before I discovered YY and knowing what I know now, but I still knew they were on the wrong track
I had rejected christian traditions, and I wasn't about to fill that void with Jewish and rabbinic traditions - I was done with religion and it's desert mirages that does nothing but leave sand in your mouth [I was a new-ager, wiccan, and even practiced native-americanism with a "rainbow" tribe (they took non-native peoples) before I journeyed thru christianity

I've wasted much to much under false teachings and religious traditions, that I can't waste anymore
I could no more stomach a christian brew-haha or a rabbinic with a little Messiah thrown two-step, than than I would do another sweat, moon-dance or circle - they all have the same source (just a different skin put on it to hide it's reality)

I've come to realize that groups don't change shipping lanes very easily - the captains and navigators are stubborn and set on course
I've now reset my compass to find other seekers as individuals, they don't have to agree with all I believe, just have a desire to KNOW the Creator & TRUTH - void of religious traditions & trappings
I haven't been successful since readjusting my fellowship sights
Oh to just have 1 person to fellowship with......

I know what you mean HebrewHippie!

I'm truly a foreigner in the country I live. I've searched online for believers, in this huge city I live in who believe the same or similar, but I haven't had much luck. But I'm generally a loner, or should I say prefer keeping to myself and my close-knit group of friends even when some of them are unbelievers. Even when I was still living in my home country I tried to attend a few churches but never felt comfortable, and this was even before I knew Yahshua the way I do now. I just never felt comfortable with their teachings, as if they taught but weren't practising and not agreeing with their teachings. As you're an Ozzie, maybe you'll understand the surfing terminology, I prefer surfing alone and just with mates where the waves aren't too great instead of surfing the main breaks that are crowded with surfers, especially those I don't know.

I'm almost in daily contact with forum members here on the forum, via TinyChat, Skype and Facebook. And I sometimes feel this is sufficient, but I do too sometimes wish for like-minded people who live close by where one can drink a cup of coffee at the same time instead of seeing the message "brb, off to make myself a brew!"

Count yourself blessed
Every time I check tinychat, no one's there




Fellowship - one of the more foundational things for a proper healthy life - seems soooo elusive for those who desire to seek after Yahuweh in Truth


How much are we expected to compromise to obtain some kind of level of face-to-face interaction?

Accept church and bible as legitimate and foundational to fellowship?

Socialize in non-faith type settings and keep our beliefs locked in the closet?
But in today's hyper-charged environment you seem to have to fit into either the liberal or conservative or other camp - it's hard to hold the tongue when people so readily fling their fav pundits sound bites as a form of conversation
People don't want to interact with anyone that my challenge what they believe and think - TRUTH isn't a valued or welcomed commodity

I feel like I'm in the wrong dimension and have nothing basic in common.
Couldn't give-a-hoot about the NFL, NBA, NCAA, NRA ect...
I'm not a pretender, put on which-ever social mask, and keep light fluffy meaningless dialogue to get by type person



TOTALLY
As the saying goes "I feel your pain" - but not in the shallow way people use it - cause we're having the same pain (and I'm tired of using pain-killers that only semi-dull the pain)

Not only

but they don't want to look at your pages or book
we're like homosexuals back in the 40s & 50s - keep it hidden deep in the closet

I ask myself "Is this Yahuweh's A plan? His best?"
But that's for another discussion

Or one could contend with them and curse them, then smite them and pull our their hair! Nehemiah 13:25

Shalom,

I bring some sad news: a young friend who enquired of Yahweh and brought her mother into the Light of His Word was recently killed in a car accident in Medan, Sumatra while on a company assignment.

Amy was a beautiful young woman who just married three years ago at the age of 29. She wanted to know who her Creator is and I had the privilege of sharing the information with her. She was childlike in her quest to know the Truth and she was changing her life to walk in His way, from recognising His Name to knowing His Sabbaths and Teachings. I had counted on her to be part of our little Family in Malaysia and losing her was like losing a sister. Other than the few Messianics here, our group is now back to a senior citizen, my wife and I.

Amy's mother came by and said that she wants to continue Amy's quest to yada Yahweh, and I am yearning to help bring her to The Way. Please pray for her as she is among unbelievers, and that Yahweh will show me how to share with her His Word.

I am now galvanised and emboldened to share with as many people as possible because there is no other time left and little to fear as we have the best of times in all of history to share His Word with the others. Of course, we shall tread lightly and be cautious as this society frowns on those who scoff at religion, especially if it is their religion.

Bitnet,

I am sorry for your loss. It is comforting to know that she had found the truth and was doing her best to observe it and keep it. The loss of someone dear however is never an easy thing to go through. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully her mother's eyes will be open to the truth as well. Sounds like her she loved her daughter a lot.

Fellowship is a hard thing to find.


I felt that same way right around Christmas and Easter. I work at a Christian daycare and a lot of the people there are not very receptive to the truth. My boss is the pastor of a Baptist church. I try to have conversations with him while not getting to heated and I think that a part of it gets through but he just brushes it off. The thought of going into an actual church and trying to talk with any of them seems like it probably wouldn't work.



I have tried sharing the true name of Yahuweh as well as the importance of the name to Him. One of the examples that I used to tell one of my friends was about the Catholic church making a new version of the bible that replaces the Lord with Allah. She was reasonable upset about that and so I told her how it wasn't the first time that it has happened and how Lord was used to replace Yahuweh and that the Lord is a title for Bail. She was shocked and actually seemed to be thinking about it. I might try using your real life examples for my family however because no matter what I tell them they just say, "Oh, God knows what I mean. It doesn't really matter." grrrrr. A little frustrating.

RidesWithYah,

I am so happy that you have found a place to fellowship like that. I might try and do the same. You're right it is our job to try and tell as many as we can. :)