As I’ve posted material here on JGIG, my oldest child has been reading along. She asked me how I was able to see the mistakes, as she put it, in Hebrew Roots/Messianic Judaism doctrine. The answer is that it wasn’t me, it was the Word.
As a school child, part of my schooling was Scripture memorization. Portions from both the Old and New Testaments, in the King James Version. As an adult, I use the NIV, though not exclusively, but still love the language of the KJV passages I learned. In the busy-ness of adulthood and now parenthood, I must confess, there is not much time for Scripture memorization! Now I have more of a map in my head of where to find Scriptures relevant to a discussion or study.
But back to the Word . . .
As I was exposed to the teachings of the HR/MJ movements, the teachings that I was hearing were not matching up 
with what my heart had hidden deep within me – the Word. It is not the ‘teachings from pastors or church fathers’ or the ‘brainwashing of the modern church’ which cause me to disagree with the teachings I have discerned as false, it is the Word in my heart! I’d see a teaching and the thought process behind it (which more often than not seemed reasonable on the surface), but it wouldn’t sit right in my heart. The words of Scripture would come to mind, I’d go look them up, and sure enough, error was revealed in whatever particular teaching by a plain reading of the Word.
So if you have children, encourage the memorization of passages of the Word. Passages, not just verses. Context is sooooo important as our children will be exposed to all manner of teachings/teachers/perspectives as they grow into and become adults. I have a renewed goal in our home toward that end after that little conversation with our oldest . . .
Every Blessing,
-JGIG
Filed under: Belief Sytems, Christianity, Discernment, Family Matters, Hebraic Roots, Hebrew Roots Movement, Messianic Judaism, Religion, Teachable/Unteachable, Uncategorized | Tagged: Belief Systems, Christianity, Discernment, Family Matters, Hebraic Roots, Hebrew Roots Movement, Law of Christ/Law of Moses, Messianic Judaism, Religion, Teachable/Unteachable |
So thankful that God has used you in this way.. and that you have His Word IN you – not just around you. :D I see the Word in us as the words on the page combined with the Spirit in us – without which the Book is not understood. For someone that is raised with the Word, but have false teachings of men impressed into it from their earliest memory, the discernment is more difficult. But the Spirit of Truth (Jesus) still overcomes truth wins out over the lies.
The last few months I have been memorizing again (first time since I was very young) and as you said – whole passages. It’s been one of the most unexpected incredible experiences – the truth becomes so crystal clear and you can sense it becoming part of the fabric of your spiritual being. I can’t even explain it. Thanks for the reminder to pass this on to my kids!
Excellent. Truly, excellent. Keep contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. Your writing blesses me tremendously. My husband is a pastor, and a contender for the doctrines of the gospel of grace…and has come under significant persecution for it in the past year. Your scholarship and careful exposition is of great encouragement to us both. He has shared your link on his Facebook.
(www.harvestchurch1.com)
Thank you so much for the encouraging comment, Sheila. I don’t consider myself a scholar, though . . . just a mom who’s path was crossed with this Law-keeping doctrine and it just didn’t sit right when measured by Scripture =o). My goal is that JGIG be a resource and an encouragement to believers to examine and discern any teaching that comes their way as 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 encourages:
Blessings to you and your husband in your ministry!
-JGIG
Hi JGIG, I got your email tonight and it resonated deeply with me so I just had to come find out your blog. Thanks for doing this. I hope you will keep it up even now, these are much needed words. I love this post on Scripture Memory – it is one of my “heartbeats” for my children.
Hi Amy =o). Welcome!
Ya know, since I wrote that post we’ve changed curriculum and my children are now doing LOTS of Bible memory little bits at a time and really love it. It’s so wonderful to watch their hearts and minds soak up the Word of God!
Blessings,
-JGIG
Our pastor has been dealing with a friend on just this issue. I will be sending your blog addy to him. thank you.
Hi BettySue –
I hope your pastor finds this site helpful.
Blessings and prayers,
-JGIG