My local newspaper’s Religious section just put in a request for response to some key questions about Christianity. I was encouraged by a friend to send them my answers, but I fear that my answer may be more than they have room to print so I will post my article here on my blog.

Here are those questions:

• What does it mean to be a Christian?
• Can one follow Christ and not be a Christian?
• Does a Christian have to support everything the Church teaches and does?

The word Christian occurs 3 times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and I Peter 4:16). It comes from the Greek khris-tee-an-os, which in turn comes from khris-tos and means “anointed”.  So Khrist-tos, or Christ originally meant the Anointed One and a Khris-tee-an-os or Christian was a follower of Khris-tos or the Anointed One (i.e., Christ). But if this all seems like Greek to you…. think again, because these ideas are Hebraic in origin and NOT Greek!

The origin of these Greek terms is to be found in the Hebrew verb mashach (to rub or smear with oil). Many have lost the original understanding of the term and think of Christ as a title or even a name for Jesus of Nazareth, but according to the original and thoroughly Biblical concept of anointing, there have been many “anointed ones” throughout the ages, each with a special purpose or task. The ancient anointing oil and its application, set an object or person apart (consecrating them) for a special purpose or task. See for instance Exodus 30:22-33. The priests were anointed (Exodus 28:41; 29:7; 40:15 & Psalm 133), as were Israel’s Kings (1 Kings 1:34-39; I Samuel 10:1, 16:13, 24:6). The Patriarchs are referred to as “anointed ones” in Psalm 105:13-15 and even the Gentile Persian King Cyrus is an “anointed one” according to Isaiah 45:1. The Hebrew equivalent to the Greek Christ is Messiah or mashiach in Hebrew (based upon the Hebrew verb mashach).  Thus, Biblically speaking, the examples above can technically be called “messiahs”.

Apart from the many “messiahs” of the Hebrew Scriptures, a picture of a future eschatological figure began to emerge from the Hebrew prophets. This coming figure was believed to be “The” Messiah – a son of the famed King David who would usher in a golden age often referred to as the Messianic age. He is sometimes assisted by a priestly figure (see for instance Zechariah 6:9-12). Opinions from antiquity were varied. Would there be one or two messiahs? The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls revealed that these questions were being discussed in the Second Temple period. The Qumran community favored an interpretation and an end time scenario involving two messiahs; one a priest and the other a king.

With this background in mind one can’t avoid noticing that John the Baptist is presented as a descendant of Levi (priest) while Jesus is presented as a descendant of David (King). The fact that their “ministries” overlap is also of interest. According to the New Testament writings however, John and his role would decrease while that of Jesus would increase. The writers of the New Testament, particularly the gospels are attempting to show and prove from the Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus of Nazareth was the long awaited and prophesied Messiah par excellence – a son of David.  Christianity was destined to become a faith with room for only 1 messiah. The priestly role would be handled nicely by an obscure reference to a “priest after the order of Melchi-tzedek” (Genesis 14 and Psalm 110) eliminating the need for the Levitical messiah. Jesus would declare the search for the messiah as ended from his hometown synagogue appealing to a passage in Isaiah 61 (see Luke 4:16 ff). Those who accepted his claim to the title would have been messianists in that they would have believed that based upon their understanding of the ancient criteria laid out in the Hebrew Scriptures, Jesus fit the bill.

The various forms of Christianity today are far removed from the original and thoroughly Jewish faith of the first followers of Jesus of Nazareth. The first followers of Jesus were apparently first called “Christian” at Antioch by others and not by themselves (Acts 11:26). All of the first followers were Jews as was Jesus. In fact, though shocking to some, it is fair to say that Jesus was not a Christian. “Christianity”, at first, was not a separate religion, but was comprised by Jews who believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the prophesied Messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures. From the outset of his ministry, Jesus called for disciples (students) to follow him (see Matthew 4:16 ff). In a sense they were a traveling school, following their teacher or rabbi – a common experience in ancient Judaism. Jesus and his first followers attended services in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Saturday) where they read from the Law and the Prophets (Luke 4:16-22; Acts 13:15). Though largely ignored by those who claim to follow Jesus today, it seems that this was supposed to continue (Acts 15:21 ff). They believed in the eternal validity of the Hebrew Scriptures (Matthew 5:17-21), and used these Scriptures to define every aspect of their faith and practice. It was the only Bible they had. I once read that the two things the New Testament did not have when it began were a (1) New Testament and (2) a Church.

For nearly 2,000 years, the followers of Jesus have functioned quite separately from their Hebrew roots. The teachings of Jesus have been interpreted, understood and taught from a Gentile platform, void of proper context.

A growing number of modern Christians however are seeking to understand Jesus and his teachings from a Hebrew perspective. A transformation is underway and the result is a much more Hebrew oriented faith, seemingly more in line with what Jesus and his first followers set out to establish. Most forms of modern Christianity can best be defined as religions “about” Jesus in contrast to the religion “of” Jesus. I propose that one can certainly follow Jesus apart from Christianity (a religion about him) by practicing the faith that he taught through his life and ministry – the religion of Jesus.

According to Matthew, a resurrected Jesus charged his followers with three tasks; (1) To make disciples or students, (2) to immerse them, and (3) Teach these disciples to observe all that he (Jesus) commanded them. Jesus had emphasized doing and keeping the commandments (Matthew 5:17-19). When asked what one must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus said, “Keep the commandments (Matthew 19:16-17).

I am reminded of the statement in I John 2:6. There we read, “Whoever says he abides in him (Jesus) ought to walk in the same way he (Jesus) walked.” Somehow along the way, points 1 and 3 of the “Great Commission” were forgotten. The great commission became the great omission! Those who seek to follow Jesus ought to walk even as he walked. They ought to learn and live by the teachings of his Bible. They ought to eat the same foods that he ate. They ought to keep the same festivals he kept. They ought to proclaim the coming Kingdom as he did. A Kingdom where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

If Jesus was not a Christian, but rather a Jew – ought not those who follow him look more Jewish than they currently do? As his followers seek to imitate him in their faith, I propose that they will. I further believe that the more they follow him, the less likely they will be to follow modern forms of Christianity. So long as there is a vast difference between forms of faith that talk about Jesus and those that truly seek to follow his teachings, there will be those who claim to follow Jesus but do not call themselves Christian. It is time for those who claim to follow Jesus to “walk even as he walked.”

Ross Nichols is a Bible teacher and the leader of Roots of Faith and the Synagogue Without Walls. He currently leads a weekly Sabbath service every Saturday morning at the Temple Sinai Synagogue in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. His classes are broadcasted live via the internet at 10:30 AM CST (www.shma.tv). For more information about Ross Nichols and Roots of Faith, visit them on the web at www.rootsoffaith.org.

Jeremy Gimpel, an internationally known TV, radio and internet personality is coming to Saint Francisville – all the way from Jerusalem, Israel! Jeremy is a host on some of Israel’s most popular television and radio shows; Tuesday Night Live in Jerusalem, A Light Unto the Nations – aired on Israel National Radio and The Singer and Gimpel Show, aired in over 100 Million homes across North America!

Jeremy is in the United States to educate people about Israel, the prophetic ingathering of the exiles (the return of the so called “lost tribes” of Israel) and the importance of Israel in the future of humanity.

He and his co-hosts have dedicated their lives to Israel, the Jewish people and the dream of Zionism. They seek to unite others who stand for these same goals by sharing their visionary message in the mass media and through public lectures. Their sometimes controversial and always entertaining presentations stand in opposition to the mainstream media’s negative view of life in Israel. Rather than presenting Israel as a place of terror and fear, Jeremy and his co-hosts set the record straight by sharing an optimistic view of life in the land of Israel.

Jeremy and his co-hosts have taken the Biblical mission of “being a light unto the nations” to heart and have devoted themselves to sharing this mission through their inspiring message. They seek to build bridges between Jews and non-Jews based upon a shared and common vision of Jewish history and Biblical values.

For more information on Jeremy Gimpel, see his website at www.thelandofisrael.com. The lecture is scheduled for February 11, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. Central Standard Time from Temple Sinai Synagogue in Saint Francisville, Louisiana (4740 Prosperity Street). Roots of Faith is hosting this event and invites all those who love Israel to attend.

There is no charge for admission, but attendees are encouraged to contribute to Jeremy’s organization.

For those who cannot attend the event in person, you will be able to watch via the web at www.rootsoffaith.org/streaming-video.

The book of Maccabees records that “many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Very great wrath came upon Israel.” In the midst of these trying times a priestly family rose to the occasion. From a garrison in Modein, a man named Mattathias and his five sons mourned over the situation. They were approached by the officers of Antiochus with an offer of riches for violating the covenant of their fathers. Not only did they refuse to profane the covenant of their fathers, but they led a rebellion that ultimately defeated the armies of insolence.

Three years to the day that the altar was defiled, the altar was re-dedicated. It was then determined that every year on this date that for eight days, beginning on the 25th of the 9th month a time of joy and gladness should be observed. Since that time, the re-dedication of the altar has been commemorated in the eight-day festival known as Hanukkah.

In our own day, during this season, we should make an extra effort to stand for the holy covenant and to stand against pagan practices and those influences that oppose the Torah. Around the world, Torah oriented people will be kindling the lights in keeping with the tradition of Hanukkah. I pray that you have a blessed season of renewal to the covenant – a re-dedication of your life to the Torah. It should also be pointed out that today marks the ONLY date on the Hebrew calendar that is specifically attached to a blessing. The promised blessing is found in the prophetic book known as Haggai (2:10-23). There we read the following words; “From this day on I will bless you.”

You are invited to join the congregation of Roots of Faith for a Hanukkah party at Temple Sinai. We would love to see you in person, but you are also welcome to attend via the internet (www.rootsoffaith.org/streaming-video).

I pray a special blessing on all who read these words, and as always – thanks for your continued interest in Roots of Faith. Shalom!

James Tabor is scheduled to be in New Orleans this weekend for academic meetings but has graciously agreed to spend Shabbat with us.

Dr. Tabor is a popular lecturer among academic as well as non-specialist audiences. He is frequently seen in the media and is a best-selling author.

I hope that you will be able to join us live at 10:30 A.M. CST on Saturday for this exciting class. If you can’t make it to Temple Sinai in person, please join by Internet;

service link

Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat

You see, I began my journey towards truth from the rank and file of fundamental Christianity. As I read and studied my Bible I soon discovered a vast difference between the religion of Jesus and the religion about him (Christianity). Years ago I came up with three statements that helped me along the way. Since I came from a Christian background, I used my familiarity of the New Testament texts to find my way to the truth. I began to see that “Jesus” had been misrepresented by the “Church”, and felt that I had inherited lies, vanity and things wherein there was no profit – Jeremiah 16:19. I still maintain the highest regard for the historical Jesus of Nazareth who believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and in the eternal validity of the Hebrew Bible and taught the people of his day to return to the true faith. Below are the three statements that helped me find my way to the God of Jesus – a WAY that is clearly defined in the Bible that Jesus read. Jesus sought to bring about the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth – which is the goal and meaning of history. His followers would do well to take his yoke and learn from him.

I put my faith in the God of Jesus – commonly referred to as “the LORD”, but known by the designation YHVH in the Hebrew Bible, and referred to by Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament by the Aramaic term Abba / father. This God is one, and beside him there is no other, neither in heaven nor on earth. He is the Ancient of Days, El Shaddai, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Matthew 19:16ff; John 17:3; 20:17; I Corinthians 15:24; II Corinthians 11:31; Ephesians 1:3, 17; Colossians 1:3; I Peter 1:3; Acts 2:22: 10:38). I do NOT believe that the historical Jesus is or was the God of Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Furthermore, I do not believe that he ever claimed such.

I put my faith in the Bible that Jesus read – commonly referred to as the “Old Testament”, but strictly and properly referred to as the Hebrew Bible or TaNaKh, an acronym formed by the first letters of three Hebrew words used to designate the three main parts of the Hebrew Bible (Torah – Law, Neviim – the Prophets and Ketuvim – the Writings). (Matthew 5:17ff; Luke 16:16ff, 29; 24:25, 32, 44ff; John 1:45; 5:39, 46; Acts 13:15, 26ff; 15:21, 17:2, 24:14, 26:22; Romans 1:2; 7:12, 14, 22; 10:4; 15:4; 16:26; I Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 3:24; II Timothy 3:15)

I put my faith in the authentic teachings and mission of Jesus – to bring about the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, to seek and save the lost sheep of the house of Israel (hitherto unaware of their true identity), and to do and teach the Torah of YHWH. (Matthew 5; 10:6; 15:24)

A lecture by
Professor Geza Vermes
Tuesday, Sept. 29
5 p.m.
Hill Memorial Library Lecture Hall
Reception and book signing following the lecture

Geza Vermes is Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies and Emeritus Fellow of Wolfson College, Oxford University. He has edited the Journal of Jewish Studies since 1971 and in 1991 was appointed director of the Oxford Forum for Qumran Research at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies. He is a Fellow of the British Academy (1985) and of the European Academy of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (2001). He is the author of more than a dozen books on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Judaism, Christianity, and the life and religion of Jesus.

Sponsored by the LSU Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies
and the LSU Libraries

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Illustration: Psalms (Tehillim) 11QPs. Copied ca. 30 – 50 C.E. Reproduced from http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/deadsea.scrolls.exhibit/Library/psalms.html

Ross does speak for a short period and then he opens the floor for people to talk about how they “got here” to keep this ancient festival.

Joseph Good and Walter Oakley speak as well.

For those that are interested, the 2nd of 4 classes on the “Return of Israel” in which I appear with Joe Good, has been published on the Universal Torah Network’s website. A link to the shows appears on my website. In these classes, Joe and I discuss this topic extensively.