Being a Jewish Believer in the Church

The simple answer is: YES!

In recent years, there has been some controversy among Jewish believers regarding this question.

But Jesus, in his last moments on earth prayed this prayer:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. (John 17:20-21)”

He wanted his Church to be one – all those who believed in Him – Jew and Gentile.  Paul emphasizes this when, speaking of Messiah, he says,

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… (Ephesians 2:14)”

The truth is that there is only one Church, and that is made up of the entire number of believers in Messiah Yeshua, both Jew and Gentile.  So where-ever there is such a body of believers worshipping the Lord, we have a place in that fellowship.

It is between you and God what is the right fellowship for you.  There is no specifically correct denomination or affiliation that can claim automatic allegiance for any believer, whether Jew or Gentile.

Nevertheless, when looking for a fellowship of believers to belong to, there are a number of criteria that can help us in our search.

1. Does the fellowship teach a solid Gospel message, proclaiming salvation through faith only in Messiah’s crucifixion, death and resurrection?
2. Does the fellowship teach the whole Bible (Old and New Testament), proclaiming its inerrancy and its importance in matters pertaining to faith, life and practice.  Does it encourage the daily study of the Bible?
3. Does the fellowship encourage and practice regular communing with God through prayer?  Does it help you to do this?
4. Is the fellowship a caring community, loving God and loving each other?  Is it a community that shows this care by deed as well as by word?
5. Does the fellowship engage in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).  Does it reach to its community and beyond with the Good News of Jesus Christ?  Does it disciple (teach) those who have come to faith?  Does it encourage you to do the same?
6. Does the fellowship encourage you and give you opportunities to serve the Lord in some capacity?

The old joke is that if you find a congregation that is perfect don’t join it – it will no longer be perfect.  No congregation is perfect.  But these criteria will help you to determine if a church is right for you.  And where there are holes, remember:  God might be asking you to be the person to fill one or more of them.

Whatever fellowship you end up in – whether it’s Presbyterian, Messianic or Baptist (to name but a few) – if you are comfortable there, if it lifts up Christ, if it helps you to grow in your Christian faith, and if it helps you to serve the Lord and be cared for in the body of Christ, then it is a good church.  If you are patient and prayerful, God will connect you with the right congregation.

If we can help you in any way to find that congregation, please feel free to contact us.

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