Nazarene Israel Halachah (Statement of Faith)
by Norman B. Willis, Corporate Servant, Nazarene Israel
v4.0, dated 11/30/2011
Shalom, brethren.
Please find below the Nazarene Israel Halachah (Statement of Faith). We have included a lot of detail in order to anticipate specific questions from those who are coming from both a church background, and a rabbinical background. However, our purpose is not to dictate a lot of specifics, but simply to state what we believe at the present time, as a result of Scripture study, and allow people to learn and grow as Yahweh’s Spirit leads them, by regular weekly study of Scripture.
A. Minimum Entry Requirements for Fellowship.
In Acts Chapter Fifteen, Yaakov (James) suggested that those gentiles who were (re)turning to Elohim from out of the nations had to abstain from four abominations before they could enter into the synagogues on the Sabbath.
Ma’asim (Acts) 15:19-21
19 "Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are
turning to Elohim from among the Gentiles,
20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by
idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.
21 "For Moshe from ancient generations has in every city those who preach
him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
As explained in Nazarene Israel, the Renewed Covenant was not “written in a vacuum.” Rather, we can best understand the Renewed Covenant writings when we view them in the context of Judaism as it existed in the first century.
In the first century, the Pharisees (Orthodox Jews) had an established procedure for gentile conversion to Judaism. This procedure required converts to undertake formal training before they were physically circumcised. Only after the gentile converts had undertaken this formal training were they allowed to be physically circumcised, at which point the Pharisees considered them to be part of Israel. What Acts Chapter Fifteen probably records is how the apostles found it necessary to depart from the traditional Pharisaic/Orthodox Gentile conversion process (“Giur Process”). Yaakov (James) pointed out that the Pharisaic Giur process was excessive. YHWH had already shown that these converts were His people, because He had already poured out His Spirit on them. Therefore, Yaakov ruled that the new converts simply had to demonstrate their sincerity by agreeing to abstain from four things Hebraic thought considers ‘abominations’ (and then they could enter in to the assemblies). The four things they had to abstain from were:
a. Idolatry (i.e., spiritual adultery)
b. Sexual immorality (e.g., adultery)
c. Strangled meats
d. Blood
Once the new converts agreed to abstain from these four things, then they could be allowed to enter into the assemblies on Shabbat, as they would not be defiling the space. There they would learn to keep the rest of the Torah over time, as parts of the Torah are read aloud in the assemblies each week. The idea is that the disciples were not just supposed to “hear the Torah being read aloud” in the traditional western sense, but they were to hear it with the idea of taking it to heart, and doing it.
B. Higher Standards for Leaders and Teachers.
Acts 6:1 shows us that leaders and teachers are to be held to a much higher standard than the rest of the people (as they serve in a leadership role).
Ma’asei (Acts) 6:1
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
As explained in Nazarene Israel, the ‘Hellenists’ in Acts 6:1 cannot be “Greeks” as we think of them today, because the first true gentiles were not brought into the covenant until four chapters later (in Acts Chapter Ten). Remembering that the Greeks had occupied the land of Israel a couple of hundred years earlier (under Antiochus Epiphanies, during the era of the Maccabees), the “Hellenists” of Acts 6:1 were probably those Jews who believed on Yeshua, but who were not zealous for the Torah (at least in comparison with the “Hebrews”). Today one might equate the “Hellenists” with Reform Jews who believe on Yeshua (or with the “more worldly” members of Messianic Judaism).
In Acts 6:1, the Hebrews allowed the Hellenists into their congregations, but it was the Hebrews who led and taught. This shows us that those who teach need to be held to higher standards, not only of morality and ethics, but also of zeal for the Torah. Therefore, let us bear these things in mind as we attempt to define the four prohibitions of Acts Chapter 15.
C. Defining the Four Prerequisites of Acts Fifteen.
1a. Idolatry. At its simplest, idolatry is any spiritual adultery. That is, idolatry is when we take our life energies or attentions away from focusing on the invisible, living Elohim, and placing them on any other spirit, person, place, or thing. To be more specific, idolatry is the worship or spiritual ‘service’ of any spiritual entity, image or holiday, apart from the worship the invisible Elohim commands.
As we show in “About Service,” the idea of “worship” or “service” is defined as giving or devoting any time, effort, energy or attention to any object, symbol, thought, concept or thing that Yahweh has not commanded. It is kind of a strict definition, but that is what it is. In its purest sense, idolatry includes any deviation from the worship commanded in Scripture. Purists might define the observance of Christmas, Easter, Sunday, Halloween, and any other non-Scripturally-specified holiday (including birthdays and Thanksgiving) as idolatry. This creates an interesting situation in the Dispersion, because while leaders must not teach these practices, it is only by bringing people inside of the assemblies that they can be taught the truth. Therefore, we should not bar congregants for participating in these kinds of “quasi-Christian” festivals, so long as they are not attempting to lead others away from the true worship. However, if any congregant should practice or promote any overtly Satanic, Wiccan or pagan festival day (such as the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, the Winter and Summer Solstices, the human life sacrifices of Imbolc, Moloch, etc.), leadership should quietly make an appointment with that individual, and ask him gently but firmly to make a decision with regards to his membership within Nazarene Israel.
The worship of images is an integral part of Satanism, paganism and Wicca (witchcraft). However, we worship an invisible Elohim. Therefore, some purists argue that it is idolatrous to display any religious image or icon in a place where Yahweh has not commanded it. For example, Yahweh commands certain religious icons to be displayed in the Tabernacle or Temple. However, that does not mean it is alright to make copies of them, and display them in our homes, or in our assemblies.
From a purist’s standpoint, it is idolatrous to display any religious image that Scripture does not command us to display. Purists would shun images with symbolic meanings such as the Cross (the symbol of the sun god Tammuz), the Star of David (the Hexagram), the Menorah-fish, the Hamsa Hand (Kabbalah all-seeing-eye hand) and others. Purists would say that these distract us from focusing on our invisible Elohim; and that we should avoid them at all times. However, this does not prohibit non-religious images such as schematics, wire diagrams, educational videos, children’s movies, and so forth. These would not be idolatrous because the point of these is not invoke feelings of reverence, praise, and worship. They simply convey information.
Many Ephraimites come out of the church system, where pagan religious iconography is customarily displayed, and pagan religious festivals are also routinely observed. Further, the Jews also customarily display religious icons and symbols. It is also sometimes said that Judaism customarily exalts physical objects (such as Torah scrolls) over the One who gave them; and that this also distracts from maintaining one’s focus on the invisible Elohim. It is not Nazarene Israel’s policy to condemn anyone for displaying religious icons quietly at home in the Dispersion. It is also not Nazarene Israel’s policy to police people’s homes. However, it is Nazarene Israel’s duty to help educate people as to what the Torah says, and to help them cultivate a heart attitude of wanting to obey all of Yahweh’s Torah eagerly, out of a fullness of love for YHWH. Because of this, leaders and teachers are encouraged to keep their places of assembly free from all unnecessary images, so as not to violate the First and Second Commandments.
1b. Sexual immorality. Yeshua tells us that one of YHWH’s ideals is that one man and one woman get married, and then remain married for life (e.g., Matthew 19:8-12). Scripture also tells us that if we want to remain part of the Nation of Israel, the only legitimate avenue for sexual expression is that of a loving, dedicated marital relationship. With only a very few exceptions (which we will explain below), marital unions should be monogamous, and last for the life of both partners. This is the general rule.
Lifetime celibacy is a valid alternative for those whom YHWH has called to it, but it should absolutely not be attempted unless one is sure that the call comes from YHWH. Polygyny (often called polygamy) was originally intended as a means of raising up children to a deceased brother, to keep his name alive; and it was also a social support mechanism for widows. Polygyny should never be used as a means of ‘increasing marital satisfaction’ or seeking sexual pleasure. Scripture also specifically limits spiritual leaders to a maximum of one wife (1st Timothy 3). Scripture commands those who take second wives and those whose marital situations are not stable to step down from positions of spiritual leadership (1stTimothy 3). We should also add that while having more than one wife per se is not illegal in America, the issuance of more than one marriage license at a time is illegal. Therefore, it cannot be endorsed in America (or in any other country where it goes against the laws of the land). Further, children born out of wedlock are not afforded the same societal privileges or positions as those born inside of wedlock. For all of these reasons and others, polygamy should be strongly discouraged, and under no circumstances should leaders or teachers ever practice polygyny.
If it should come to the attention of leadership that parties within the synagogue are engaged in adultery (extra-Scriptural sex of any kind), leadership should make an appointment with those parties, and ask them gently but firmly to make a decision regarding their membership in Nazarene Israel. If leaders become involved in extra-Scriptural sex, or in polygamous relations, that leader should quietly step down. If the leader refuses to step down, the corporate servant will make an investigation, and then issue a binding ruling with regards to his status. Those leaders whose marital or household situations are not stable should also step down at least until such time as their marriages become stable again, as they are not in a position to be good examples to the flock.
1c. Strangled Meats. Some people believe that when the apostles prohibited “strangled” meats, they were establishing rabbinic “kosher” as the standard, based on the fact that the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Chullin, 18a) tells us that if animals are not drained of blood in accordance with rabbinical “kosher” killing procedures, then “it is as if (the meat) had been strangled." Nazarene Israel rejects this view, for a number of reasons. First, it has always been lawful in Torah to eat hunted game, provided one bleeds the animal (e.g., Genesis 25:28, 27:3, etcetera). The apostles would not have set a standard different than the one in the Torah. Second, even if the apostles hypothetically did establish a different standard than the one Yahweh set in His Torah, it would not be lawfully binding. This is because the words of men can never supersede or modify the words of Elohim (Yahweh the Father, Yeshua the Son, or the words of Yahweh coming through one of the prophets [during the time he is prophesying]).
Nazarene Israel understands that the prohibition against strangled meats is just exactly that: a prohibition against eating meat from animals that were strangled. This means that the clean and unclean meat laws of Leviticus 11 would also apply, because those are also in Yahweh’s Torah. Other prohibited meats would be things that cause natural revulsion, such as animals that have died of natural causes, animals that have died due to illness, animals that have been torn by beasts (e.g., Exodus 22:31), road-kill, and
German Bloodwurst (blood sausage).
Nazarene Israel does not believe that the ‘kosher’ designation accurately describes the Scriptural standard. Meats that are clean for human consumption are listed in Leviticus 11.
1d. Blood. Nazarene Israel believes this is a prohibition against eating or drinking blood, and/or products made with blood (such as German Bloodwurst (blood sausage).
There is an argument that the apostles were establishing the rabbinical “Laws of Niddah” (or the “Laws of Family Purity”) as a requirement for entering the synagogue. However, there are issues with this, in that the rabbinical “Laws of Niddah” are based on the ritual purity laws of Acts Chapter 15, which apply to the temple, rather than synagogues. (For more information, please see, “About Ritual Purity”).
D. The Ten Commandments.
In addition to clarifying the meanings of the four minimum entry requirements of Acts Chapter Fifteen, we have been asked to provide common definitions of the Ten Commandments. It is a lot of detail, but we have included it, so as to provide for common ground in understanding, so we may all learn and grow together.
1. Worship only YHWH.
Shemote (Exodus) 20:1-17
1 Then Elohim spoke all these words, saying,
2 "I am YHWH your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out
of the house of slavery.
3 " You shall have no other Elohim before Me.
Purists might argue that the observance of converted pagan festivals such as
Christmas, Easter and Sunday worship, as well as the display of any and all non-commanded or non-necessary images (such as the Cross, the Star of David, the
‘Menorah-Fish’, the Hamsa Hand and others) is in reality the worship of foreign deities. While Nazarene Israel agrees with this, we should also be careful to make a distinction between what intentionally and unintentionally practiced. Acts 17:30 tells us that truly, YHWH overlooked our times of ignorance in the past, although he now commands all men everywhere to repent. This shows us that while we should be patient and tolerant with those who unknowingly practice error, there also need to be higher standards for those who teach, so that those coming into the congregations will eventually be brought to the full knowledge of the truth, slowly, lovingly, and over time.
2. No idol worship.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in
heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.
5 "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, YHWH your Elohim, am
a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the
third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,
6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and
keep My commandments.
If leadership finds anyone in blatant idol worship, such as the worship of Buddha statues or figurines, an appointment should quietly be made, and the matter discussed. If the member is aware of what he or she is doing, but continues to do it, then leadership should ask the congregant politely but firmly to make a decision with regards to his membership. In the cases where the idol or object worship is not overtly either Satanic, wiccan or pagan (such as lighting candles to figurines, Mary candles, the display of crosses, stars of David, the Kabala-Hamsa Hand, pictures or statuettes of
Yeshua, or Miriam, the menorah-fish, etc.), leadership should lovingly try education first. If education is not effective, the matter is not to be considered grounds for disfellowship so long as the individual is not attempting to recruit others to his point of view.
The worship of idols and images in any form is not permissible for teachers or
leaders, as it sends the wrong message to His people.
3. Do Not Take His Name in Vain (do not misuse His name).
7 "You shall not take the name of YHWH your Elohim in vain, for YHWH will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
The word ‘vain’ is Strong’s Hebrew OT 723, ‘shav.’ This word indicates not only misusing YHWH’s name, but also letting it fall into disuse. In short, any failure to use His name the way He wants it used results in “missing the mark” (which is sin). However, misuse of the name does not constitute grounds for mistreating our brothers and sisters in Messiah in any way.
As important as it is to use YHWH’s name correctly, and not let it fall into disuse,
Nazarene Israel is not a “sacred name only” organization, but a “sacred name preferred” organization. While we believe it is very important to use the true Hebrew names of the Father and Son, we also understand that a great many people have been saved while calling on the Hellenized versions of the names (e.g., ‘G-d’, ‘L-rd’, and ‘J-sus’). We also understand that YHWH’s hand is not limited in any way, and that it is well within His power to save whomever He may choose, at whatsoever time He pleases, and in whatever name He chooses to have them call. However, at the exact same time, Nazarene Israel believes that once we are introduced to the clean names, then we should begin using them whenever possible; and leaders should only use the Hellenized names (‘G-d’, ‘J-sus’, ‘L-rd’) when they are explaining what the true Hebrew names are, as many consider the use of the Hellenized names an infraction of the Third Command.
Nazarene Israel encourages all His people to use the true names, but does not consider a congregant’s use of the wrong names to be a disfellowship offense. Nazarene Israel encourages all leaders to use the traditional Jewish substitute appellations (e.g., ‘Adonai’ and ‘HaShem’) infrequently, as these terms are not frequently used in Scripture. Rather, in ancient times, YHWH’s people used His name, (e.g., Numbers 6:24, Ruth 2:4), and we are told that His name is a memorial to all generations (e.g., Exodus 3:15).
4. Set the Sabbath Apart.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it set apart.
9 "Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a sabbath of YHWH your Elohim; in it you shall
not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your
female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.
11 "For in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all
that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore YHWH blessed the
Sabbath day and set apart it apart.
Nazarene Israel teaches the Seventh-Day Sabbath, which lasts from the evening ending the sixth day (Fr-day night) to the evening ending the seventh day (S-turday night). Although Nazarene Israel does not judge those who keep the so-called “Lunar Sabbath”, we are unable to accommodate them in the organization, as they meet for worship on different days.
Leviticus 23:3 calls the Sabbath a “holy convocation” (i.e., a “set-apart gathering”).
In Hebrew, this word is “miqra” (מִקְרָא). The root of the word is kara (קרא), which means “to call”, plus the prefix mem (מ), which indicates “massing.” The word picture is that of the nation massing together as one on His set-apart day. For this reason, Nazarene Israel strongly encourages all believers to assemble on the Sabbath with the other believers in their area whenever possible. There is great value in fellowship, not just for the social support aspect, but also the aspect of refinement, both personally, and collectively (as a nation). For this reason, leadership should either offer or attend meetings in their own local area, and strongly encourage others to attend.
5. Honor Your Father and Mother.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which YHWH your Elohim gives you.
While the ideal is that one’s biological parents should always behave in an honorable manner, there are many times when one’s parents do not behave honorably. This does not relieve us of our responsibility to honor our parents whenever possible. However, wisdom must be applied in interpreting this rule. Jonathan honored his father King Shaul, and even died remaining loyal to him (1 Samuel 31). Nonetheless, Jonathan sided with David when he knew David was in the right (e.g., 1 Samuel 19-20). Michal also lied to her father when she knew David was blameless, and it would save David’s life (1 Samuel 19:17). Similarly, Yeshua honored His father and mother, but He also knew that if His biological family either opposed, or failed to be involved in YHWH’s work, then His greater loyalty needed to lay with those who were actively seeking to do
YHWH’s will (e.g., Luke 18:19-21). This shows us that while we should honor our father and mother, if our biological father and mother are not part of YHWH’s spiritual family Nazarene Israel, then we need to favor our spiritual family.
6. No Murder.
13 "You shall not murder.
There are many times that Israelites are commanded to kill. What Scripture prohibits is violence without a cause (i.e., murder). If a congregant commits murder and sincerely repents, he should not be removed from the congregation. However, he should not hold a leadership role until complete repentance has been achieved, and there is full transparency in their lives and their testimony.
7. No Adultery.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
All flagrant acts of adultery should quietly but firmly be addressed by leadership.
Persons refusing to repent of adultery should quietly be asked to make a decision regarding their continuing membership in Nazarene Israel. Persons committing adultery should not hold a position of leadership until it is clear that complete repentance has been completed, and there is full transparency in their lives and their testimony.
The word ‘adultery’ means, ‘to mix.’ ‘Mixing’ in any context is generally against YHWH’s desire for His people, whom He calls to be pure, and set apart from the common and profane. Leaders and teachers should endeavor to walk the purest possible paths, as led of the Ruach HaQodesh (the Set-apart Spirit).
8. No Stealing.
15 "You shall not steal.
Those who steal should be put outside of the congregation. This includes what by the world’s standards would be even ‘minor’ infractions, because he who is not faithful in little is not faithful in much. This also includes stealing from the government, via tax evasion or tax fraud. If someone steals and sincerely repents, he should be let back inside of the congregation. However, he should not hold a leadership role until after he has sincerely and completely repented, and there is full transparency in his life and
his testimony.
9. No False Witness against your Neighbor.
16 " You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Wisdom needs to be applied in interpreting this passage. One’s loyalty needs to remain first and foremost with YHWH Elohim, and then secondarily with YHWH’s people Israel, provided they are upright. Thirdly, one’s loyalties need to go to those who are doing right, whether they are of YHWH Elohim or not. Examples of ‘righteous lying’ do exist in the Torah. For example, David feigned madness in order to save his own life (1st Samuel 21:14). Michal lied to her father King Shaul in order to save David’s life when she knew David was not at fault (1st Samuel 19:17). Ya’akov (Israel) deceived his father Isaac at his mother Rebecca’s request (Genesis 27:13). What we see here is that it is alright to tell a lie in order to save a life, or in order for the right thing to happen. However, it is extremely important to remember that such lying is the exception, rather than the rule, and that it has to have a purpose in Him.
YHWH tells us that He hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17). It should be clear that a habit of not telling the truth is extremely negative, as is ‘twisting’ the truth to serve one’s own purposes. Family loyalty is not an excuse to commit injustice before YHWH, and no untrue statement should ever be made if it would hinder or obstruct YHWH’s justice and righteousness. To tell even small lies for personal gain is a strong sin, because to do anything for selfish reasons indicates a selfish (rather than a selfless) attitude. Selfishness and lies are not of YHWH, but of the Adversary.
If someone should be caught lying and should sincerely repent, he should be allowed back inside the congregation. However, he should not hold a leadership role until he has sincerely and completely repented, and there is full transparency in his life and testimony from that time forth.
10. No Coveting.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
YHWH Elohim is completely in charge of all things, and gives us what He wants us to have. That being the case, we always have whatever we need; and thus there can be no need to desire anything more than what He has already given to us. This is why coveting is such a grave sin, is that it effectively denies the full extent of YHWH’s true power.
E. Other Issues.
Beyond the four entry requirements of Acts Chapter Fifteen and the Ten Commandments, there are several other issues that frequently come up. We felt it is beneficial to establish the following points for study and discussion. If there are other issues that should be included, please write me, at servant@nazareneisrael.org.
3a. YHWH. We believe that YHWH is the Creator of heaven and earth, the sea and all that is within it. He is eternally pre-existent. It is our duty to praise Him, serve Him, and obey His Instructions. He commands that we worship Him and Him alone (exodus 20:1-2). He also tells us not to worship him in the manner that any of the other false elohim (‘g-ds’) are worshipped. This is a “salvation issue,” and we do not ordain teachers who are not in agreement with this point of doctrine.
3b. Yeshua. We believe that Yeshua is the Son of the Living Elohim, born of the virgin Miriam and the Ruach HaQodesh (the Set-apart Spirit), paradoxically both man and divine. He is a manifestation of Elohim. More details can be found in the study, ‘Manifestation of Elohim’ (also called ‘About Yeshua’s Divinity’). We make some allowance for congregants who are not sure about Yeshua’s deity, but we do not ordain teachers who do not agree that Yeshua is the Son of the Living Elohim.
3c. Canon. We accept the twenty four books of the Hebrew Tanach (“Old Testament”) and the forty-two books of the Renewed Covenant (the “New” Testament) as Scripture. We do not subscribe to the Catholic doctrine that all of the words of Scripture are equally inspired. Rather, as explained in the fourth edition of Nazarene Israel and later, the words of Elohim (Yahweh, Yeshua and the words of the prophets when they were prophesying from Yahweh) are inspired. All of the other words are important, but no words of man can ever take precedence over the words of Yahweh. To put this in plain and simple terms, the words of the apostles are never to be thought of as “equal” to the words of Yahweh, and they are never to be used to “explain away” the words of Yahweh, Yeshua, or the words of the prophets when they are speaking Yahweh’s words.
We believe in a Semitic inspiration of the Renewed Covenant. Preference is given to the Semitic languages, and especially the Hebrew. We believe the Apostle Shaul’s works, though easily misunderstood (2 Peter 3:15-17) are part of the canon. The Talmud, Kabala, and the Apocrypha and the Gnostic Gospels are not part of the canon.
The Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch are referred to in Scripture, but are not part of the Scripture. They form a special category, but are not considered part of the canon.
3d. Circumcision. Reference the Nazarene Israel study, physical circumcision is one of at least three eternal signs of the Covenant (the other two being the Sabbath and the Passover). Physical circumcision is not required to attend the synagogue, but physical circumcision is required in order for males to partake of the Passover (Exodus 12:48). Circumcision is ideally performed on the eighth day of a male child’s life, but if circumcision was performed on some other day, or if the exact date of physical circumcision is not known, ‘re-circumcision’ is not necessary. It is not necessary to remove the whole foreskin, but only to be circumcised “in the foreskin.” For more details, please refer to: http://www.nazareneisrael.org/Study/HalachicIssues/HomeCircumcision.aspx
3e. Calendar. Nazarene Israel teaches the Torah Calendar (i.e., the Aviv Barley and Crescent-New-Moon Calendar). Use of the Rabbinical Calendar is not encouraged, but does not constitute any grounds for disfellowship. However, leadership should not teach the Rabbinical Calendar, or any other calendar apart from the Torah Calendar. Without judgment, Nazarene Israel is unable to support those who observe the so-called “Lunar Sabbath” Calendar, because they meet on different days.
3f. Marriage and Divorce. The traditional two-parent family unit is the basic building block of all successful societies, and Nazarene Israel believes that the overwhelming majority of Nazarene Israelites will be called to marry and raise a family. This is a vital and important institution, as it carries on the faith to the next generation. Scripture shows us that marriage is a blood covenant, which makes it set apart. Transgression of a blood covenant incurs the death penalty (e.g. Leviticus 20:10). Once husband and wife are joined together in set-apart union they become one flesh (Genesis 2:25). This is the basic rule that the entire discussion of marriage and divorce must rest upon, and refers to.
Ideally, Spirit-filled believers would marry only other Spirit-filled believers, so as not to become unequally yoked (2nd Corinthians 6:14). The ideal is that both spouses will put YHWH first in their own lives, and also in their marriage; and that they will then raise their children to believe and to walk the same way (Proverbs 22:6). In this way, each generation should ideally be better than the one before. YHWH tells us that He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Yeshua tells us that what YHWH has joined together (in marriage), let man not separate (Matthew 19:6). Yeshua also tells us that adultery is the only legitimate reason for one Nazarene Israelite to divorce another; and that the reason divorce is allowed in the case of adultery is only that it is a more compassionate alternative than stoning (Matthew 1:19). Yeshua also specifies that if a Nazarene believer puts his spouse away except for the cause of fornication, he commits adultery (Matthew 19:8-12), and that anyone who marries a wife who was put away for adultery also commits adultery. The text does not indicate the past tense (‘committed’ adultery), but the present tense (‘commits’ adultery), meaning that it sets up a wrong condition that remains wrong until corrected. This underscores the vital importance, set-apartness and inviolability of the marital union. For more information, please see the study, “Yahweh’s Heart in Marriage.”
http://www.nazareneisrael.org/Study/CovenantRelationshipsBookbyChapters/Ya
hwehsHeartinMarriage.aspx
While pornography is a sin, pornography does not constitute physical adultery, and therefore it does not constitute grounds for divorce. If a woman notices her husband viewing pornography, she should first speak with him about it privately. If that is not successful she should then contact leadership for intervention and marital counseling. While divorce may be prescribed if there is extreme abuse or neglect, pornography alone does not justify divorce. Rather, the one who is viewing pornography needs to recognize that he is not modeling set-apart behavior, and that this shows a wrong heart condition (which needs to be corrected).
3g. Tithes, gifts and offerings. Tithing is a privilege, and an early responsibility for all Israel. Being chosen to give to YHWH’s work is a blessing, and YHWH ordained that His priests should be supported by the tithes and offerings of His people (Numbers 18:20-24). YHWH also promises to pour out abundant blessings on those who willingly give to Him and His work (Malachi 3:8-9). The primary concept that needs to be realized in the lives of believers is that of ‘stewardship’. Stewardship goes beyond tithing, and says that a believer has a responsibility not only just to tithe, but also to steward all of his resources so as to do the maximum amount of good overall for His kingdom. It is this desire to honestly utilize everything that YHWH gives us for the furtherance of His work that YHWH so much loves to see.
While the main thing is that YHWH loves a cheerful giver, and that His people should give back to Him willingly, not grudgingly or of necessity (i.e., of being forced), there are some specifics to the tithes. Before the Levitical Order was ever instated, YHWH’s people tithed to the Melchizedekian Order (Genesis 14:20, 28:22). Because the Melchizedekian Order does not require a standing temple but the Levitical Order does, YHWH re-commissioned the Melchizedekian Order back in the first century, because the Temple was going to be destroyed (Hebrews 7:11-12). The Melchizedekian Order will remain in active service until the Temple is rebuilt, and the Levitical Order is re-instated (Isaiah 66:21, Ezekiel 44).
Once the Levitical Order is re-instated, there will be three tithes (plus gifts, plus offerings). However, there is only one tithe (plus gifts, plus offerings) mentioned with regards to the Melchizedekian Order (Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22). Yet apart from the legal specifics, the principle is that YHWH’s people should be eager to support and assist YHWH’s ministers in the furtherance of YHWH’s work, both with their time, and with their money. If people are not faithful in finances, they are not faithful in much else (see also Luke 16:10). Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us that as each man purposes in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity (i.e., only because he is made to), for YHWH loves a cheerful giver. Verse 8 also tells us that YHWH is able to make us abound, should we obey Him in this.
There is a popular argument that since the Levitical tithes in Torah applied to farm produce, that only farmers are obligated to pay tithes. This argument does not make sense, and it essentially alleges that YHWH employs unequal weights and measures between His people. Further, it neglects the fact that tithing is a central part of the worship, and is actually an extreme privilege that YHWH rewards in mysterious ways.
There is also a popular argument that since we are called to be a nation of kings and priests (1st Peter 2:9, etc.), that there is no longer any Melchizedekian or Levitical Order to tithe to. However popular this argument may be, it asks us to ignore huge swaths of Scripture, including the fact that the Apostle Shaul clearly requested help from the people in supporting the priestly work.
If YHWH wills, a more complete discussion of Melchizedekian and Levitical tithes
will be given in Torah Government. However, as long as Nazarene Israel remains in the Dispersion, the tithe and the offering will be treated as voluntary, for those who want to receive the fullness of their reward.
For those who wish to receive the fullness of their reward, the first and third tithes will be collected at the congregational level, much as the Apostle Shaul collected the people’s tithes, gifts and offerings as he traveled. Congregational leaders should then send a tithe of the tithe to Nazarene Israel headquarters (reference Numbers 18:25-31), plus whatever gifts and offerings the people desire to send earmarked for the benefit of the poor, special projects, educational funds, etcetera.
When Nazarene Israel is finally restored to the Land of Israel and the Levitical Priesthood is ultimately re-established, first tithes will again be brought to the Temple (Deuteronomy 12:5-9, Nehemiah 10:35-39), and distributed throughout the priesthood from a central point. Nazarene Israel will also attempt to bring all schooling, legal and judicial establishments for the nation inside the priesthood at that time, as part of the priesthood’s function has always been to teach and to judge the nation. This should have the added benefit of decreasing the tax burden on the people, as it will be covered by the tithe.
Those congregations practicing the third tithe should both collect and distribute the third tithe in their local area. Congregations that are relatively well off may wish to send their third tithe funds up to headquarters, for distribution to the poor of Nazarene Israel worldwide.
3h. Merchandising. Yeshua tells us that YHWH’s house is not to be made a house of merchandise (John 2:16), and YHWH tells us that His word is supposed to be made available without cost (Isaiah 55:1). These two passages alone tell us that YHWH’s word is not supposed to be sold for profit.
There are many poor people worldwide, and when materials are sold for profit, it effectively makes it so that the poor cannot obtain the materials they need, because they cannot afford them. Additionally, when materials are sold for a profit it introduces several problems into the quality of the material. Difficult but important topics are suddenly avoided as ministers begin to pander for “market share” in the easier and more-popular topics.
The overall effect of merchandising is to divide the Body up, and to destroy unity. Since people follow after this minister or that, they see no reason to join together in one organization, and thus unity within the Body of Nazarenes is thwarted. Because merchandising is so destructive to unity within the Body, and because merchandising has such an undercutting effect on sound doctrine and teaching, for-profit merchandising will be cause for immediate termination of leadership or teaching status within Nazarene Israel. Simply put, if one is calling one’s work ‘ministry’, and receives of the people’s tithes and offerings, then it is wrong to charge more than cost for materials.
Music forms a special category. Musicians may join the ministry, and may receive of the people’s tithes and offerings, provided their works are made available at no more than cost. Alternately, music may be sold for profit, but then the musicians may not be supported by the people’s tithes and offerings, as they are engaging in business, rather than ministry.
3i. Titles. At Matthew 23:8, Yeshua tells us not to be called either ‘rabbi’ or ‘father.’ It is possible to quibble with Yeshua’s words, and justify the use of these titles, but Nazarene Israel finds this prospect repulsive. If the Son of the Living Elohim tells us not to call ourselves either ‘rabbi’ or ‘father’ then why should we, when perfectly acceptable alternate titles exist? It should also be noted that none of the apostles ever referred to himself as “Rabbi” or “Rav.”
Nazarene Israel prefers the Hebrew terms given in 1st Timothy 3: Ro’eh (pastor), Rosh Kehillah (bishop/overseer), and Shammesh (deacon). Nazarene Israel does not use these terms as titles, but only as positions. In Scripture, with the exception of the High Priest, Israelite brethren were always addressed by their first names, without titles. Thus one does not address a pastor in Nazarene Israel as “Ro’eh Yochanan”, but rather, as “Yochanan, who is our ro’eh (pastor).”
While Hebraic custom and tradition is not to call people by titles (but rather to refer to people by first name), authority and respect is always afforded to the one holding the position, based on the fact that he holds the position. Further, the education and learning of the person is always respected.
3j. Gender Roles. There are three classical offices in Scripture, that of the king, the priest, and the prophet. The judge is a special combination of the offices of the king and the prophet, and Scripture gives us examples of women judges (e.g., Deborah in Judges 4). This shows us that women can serve as judges, especially when no qualified males are available to fill the positions. Because of Deborah’s example in Judges 4, Nazarene Israel has no issue with female national leaders, and/or with female prophets. However, there has never been an example of a female Levitical priest, and the Levitical priesthood has always been exclusively the domain of men. However, Scripture does give us examples of women teachers, particularly under the Melchizedekian Order (Acts 18:26, et al.). However, when women teachers operate, they always operate under the headship and accountability of her husband, who serves as her head.
3k. Judicial Authority. Nazarene Israel has historically employed a classical ecclesiastical leadership structure, and continues to do so at the present time. However, the Corporate Servant considers himself more of a servant than a “leader” in the traditional sense. It is his desire that people will continue to seek out Yahweh on their own, and his role is simply one of facilitating that process. There are time, however, when judicial decisions have to be made, and the Corporate Servant will adjudicate in that capacity.
3l. Pro-Semitism. Nazarene Israel is a pro-Semitic organization, with the purpose of bringing both Jews and Gentiles together as one in Messiah Yeshua. Any hateful or disparaging remarks towards any Jewish, Ephraimite or Christian person or group of persons will be considered anti-Semitic. Anti-Semitism is hateful towards YHWH’s people Israel, and is divisive. Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated.
3m. Equal Weights and Measures. Historically, many gentiles have joined themselves to the Nation of Israel. All that is required to join the Nation of Israel is to accept Yeshua, to surrender to the Spirit, to repent of Torah (Law) breaking, to put away all false worship and false ways, and to worship as the Scriptures say. There is one Torah for the foreigner, and for the native born (Exodus 12:49, Numbers 15:6, etcetera.) Notable persons who have no Israelite descent, but who have joined themselves to the Nation of Israel include Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and King Solomon's son's wife Na’amah. That the last four of these notable women were a part of the royal lineage shows us that gentiles have always been able to graft fully into the Nation of Israel.
3n. Respect for Government. We acknowledge the importance of obeying the governments established over us (Romans 13:1-8, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Titus 3:1-8), insofar as they do not prevent us from witnessing our faith in Yeshua. It is only when the governments of men ask us not to witness our faith in YHWH and in Yeshua that we must disobey them (Acts 4:19-20, Daniel 3:12, et al).
After the Ingathering, Nazarene Israel will attempt to incorporate the duties of schooling and the justice system inside the priesthood, since part of the duty of the Levitical Priesthood was always to teach and to judge the nation. This should help to alleviate the tax burden somewhat. Nazarene Israel is aware of the subversive activities of certain secret-society groups in government, but does not support or condone tax evasion, or anti-government activities in any form (Romans 13:1-8, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Titus 3:1-8).
3o. Clothing. Scripture commands us to wear tassels (tzitzit) in the four corners of the garments with which we cover ourselves, so that we may look upon them, and remember to perform all of Elohim’s commandments (Deuteronomy 22:12, Numbers 15:38). According to Torah, these tassels are to have a thread of blue in them. Archaeology and word studies indicate that the blue used was probably natural indigo. However, since Scripture does not specify an exact shade of blue or an exact dye, Nazarene Israel does not specify an exact shade of blue or a specific dye, but only suggests that natural indigo is the color. Further, since failure to wear tzitzit only impacts the reward of the person who fails to wear them, the wearing of tzitziyot is not a disfellowship issue.
Nazarene Israel does not believe that sea snails are the source of the blue dye specified in Scripture, since this dye was too rare to be found in the quantities necessary in the middle of the Wilderness of Sinai. However, indigo dye was commonly traded in that area, in that time.
Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:9-11 both indicate that we are not to mix fibers in clothing. However, these two passages are translated into English in various ways. This is perhaps because the original Hebrew is not entirely specific, and is capable of being translated in various ways. However, it is clear that the context of these passages is generally against mixing, no matter what the context. For this reason, Nazarene Israel recommends the wear of pure fibers in clothing (i.e., 100% linen, 100% cotton, 100% wool, etc.), but since the Hebrew can be interpreted in various ways, Nazarene Israel does not treat this as a point of doctrine.
Exodus 39:28 tells us that the priesthood was always required to wear two headcoverings when on duty in the Temple: a turban, and a ‘bonnet’ underneath the turban. Once the Temple is restored, this will again be the standard for the Levitical Priesthood. However, no standard was ever set for the Melchizedekian Priesthood in Torah. While some believe that head-coverings are appropriate for wear both by Melchizedekian Priests and congregants, others point out that there is no direct Torah commandment to wear a head covering, and some also point out that the priesthood was commanded to leave their priestly garments inside the physical Temple when they were off duty (e.g., Leviticus 16:23). Because of this, and also because of a common mistranslation of 1st Corinthians 11:4, there is no general agreement as to when, or even whether or not men are to cover their heads. Because there is no direct commandment to wear a head covering in the Torah, Nazarene Israel does not consider male head-coverings a point of doctrine. However, since the Renewed Covenant is clear about female headcoverings during prayer, Nazarene Israel strongly recommends that all congregations require female head-coverings during services.
3p. Yahweh’s Word is the Final Authority. It is the duty of all Israelites to read and study Yahweh’s word for themselves. This is a living document. If at any time we become convinced that any point can be amended, to make it more Scriptural, we will do so. Yahweh’s Word is always more important than man’s.
Norman B. Willis
Corporate Servant
Nazarene Israel