Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are often helpful to those who want to know "why we are not" part of a traditional "Church." Hopefully, you will take time to study the thinking presented herein... as most misunderstandings have roots in "mis-information," caused by "institutional doctrine," much of which is not accurate Biblical teaching.1. Is Scattered Seed Ministries part of Messianic Judaism?
a. Scattered Seed Ministries is fellowship of people who believe in finding and restoring the faith of wandering, uninformed and misinformed people (Yeshua's Scattered Sheep) who have gotten disconnected from Biblical foundational teaching, or who have not had any Bible teaching at all. Messianic Judaism is a congregational movement. Messianic Judaism is a very specific movement of believers in Yeshua that is focused primarily on evangelism of and ministry to Jewish people by Jewish people. Non-Jewish participants in the Messianic Jewish movement play a secondary, supportive role. While we do share some things in common with Messianic Jewish congregations, the primary goal of Scattered Seed Ministries is to see all of God’s redeemed (Jewish and non-Jewish alike) “living holy and godly lives” (2Peter 3:11) according to the whole of Scripture. Proclaiming the Good News of Yeshua, making disciples, or any other important work for the kingdom are natural byproducts of a Torah-submissive, Spirit-led lifestyle in the Messiah Yeshua. Most of Scattered Seed Ministries people have come out of the “typical” Christian Church of both Catholic and Protestant groups, although we welcome Jewish persons as well. As a note regarding “Judaism” as a stand-alone religion (without Yeshua), that is NOT the same as Messianic Judaism, which has Yeshua as their foundation of faith.2. Is Scattered Seed Ministries part of traditional Christianity?
a. Our people recognize their historical, cultural, and modern lineage from, and connection to the entities and people of both Judaism and Christianity. However, we are not directly associated with any mainstream denomination or institution, although it is our goal to maintain solid, accountable relationships with many in the greater body of Messiah Yeshua and those with roots in various denominational backgrounds. We regard ourselves as part of the protestant tradition of the reformation of the Christian faith. We believe that the modern age in which we live, we will see many “substance seekers” (hungry for YHVH's (Yahweh’s/God's) Word) who are being drawn by His Holy Spirit, to come out of “system churches” and return to Torah observance in Yeshua-like lifestyles… while at the same time, the modern church “entertainment center models” will continue to slide further into syncretism with the world and the ecumenical movement towards the “one world” religious system the Bible speaks of that will prevail at the end of the age.3. My friends say that you’re part of a cult. Is that true?
a. No. We desire to have strong relationships within the Evangelical Church and build accountable relationships within greater Messianic Judaism. Cults seek to draw people under the control of their influence for whatever gain they seek. We seek no monetary or self-gratifying fulfillment from our ministry, as we simply seek to lift up Yeshua (Jesus) and help others to know Him as Messiah, and to lead people to the strength, joy and shalom of a Spirit filled Torah observant life.4. What systems of accountability are in place at Scattered Seed Ministries?
a. Scattered Seed Ministries leadership has filtering processes for articles and teachings (review) in order for them to be published. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” We recognize the power of the written word and we desire to be accountable to all of the Body of Messiah, and will answer challenging questions with honesty, integrity, and resolve using the biblical texts. We, of course, allow others their differing opinions and will respect opposing views and will examine them with the same expectation (of those views) to stand up to the same biblical text scrutiny.5. What version of the Bible does Scattered Seed Ministries use?
a. We primarily use the KJV and the New American Standard Updated Edition based upon its literal translation of the original texts. (However, because of a need for understanding the issues surrounding so much debate on this question, you should learn to study a broad range of reptuable text references and historical documents that will expand your knowledge... and you should pray for the Holy Spirit to help you understand these issues.) You may want to visit this link [Bible Versions] and as with all things... let the Holy Spirit lead your search.6. What do you mean by Jewish or Hebraic roots?
a.This terminology is not found in the Scriptures, but rather birthed from the concept found in Romans 11 of the olive tree. Speaking of the olive tree as an analogy of life in the Messiah where grafted in branches are broken off, re-grafted in, or wild olive branches are grafted into the life of God. Because all trees are nourished by roots, the concept behind this terminology is that man’s modern faith is being nourished by the deep, ancient roots of the Hebraic faith (faith as Abraham had), which faith was to defined and grounded in YHVH’s Word that was later given Moses in the form of the Torah. Since the Hebrews were the original recipients and practitioners of the true and only “God (YHVH/Yahweh) founded” faith, then true believers today having these same “roots of faith” are said to have Hebraic roots. Faith from any other origin, or in any other doctrine or precepts leads to the realm of death.7. Do you keep the Torah?
a. Yes, we keep Torah. We call this Torah submission rather than obedience because we are not capable to be obedient to all of it because of factors beyond our control (Not being in Israel to offer the first fruits). For more detail on this: What is Torah?8. Why does it seem that there is more of an emphasis on Torah rather than the other sections of Scripture?
a. We can understand how this may be perceived. One of the primary purposes of Scattered Seed Ministries is to instruct, declare, and proclaim the value of the Torah and how it relates to our lives. It is not that we believe the other sections of Scripture are not as equally inspired or authoritative as the Torah, it is simply that we believe in having strong roots and our mission is to connect people with the proper understanding of the Torah. The Torah is a safety net, as a way to catch the “fallout sheep” from “church” traditions, which leave people dry and lifeless; and Torah revives them with spiritual healing as well as true relationship with God (YHVH/Yahweh). Torah also refocuses them on Yeshua and delivers them from the “intellectual” philosophies (Greek mindsets) that keep them from further departure from the faith by sliding into the trap of Judaism... which is a natural “mind path” if faith in Yeshua is not grounded in Torah. This trap is easily entered where lack of Torah wisdom is missing when studying the New Testament and the “question” of the fleshly arguments of Judaism tinker with difficult Pauline and Gospel writers “Greek” translations. Faith, by its own definition implies that one does not “know” (can intellectually prove, a “mind path” exercise), which uninformed (Torahless) sheep are endangered by… as they normally exit most modern system churches woefully ignorant of Torah based faith. Yeshua is the goal, and Torah is the foundation. Further, one well founded in the principals of the Torah will always have a faithful mind reference when pondering a "spiritual" issue... as the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will never lead one away from the "written" Torah Word... it is therefore a protection from "lying spirits."9. Do you feel like the rest of Scripture is not as inspired as the Torah?
a. No. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that all Scripture is, “profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.” Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s word “will not return to Me empty.” His word will do all that it is commanded to do. The challenge is to get the “sheep” to feed on it daily… all of it, from Genesis to Revelation. It is however, true that when Paul spoke this truth, there was no "New Testament," and if one is founded in the Eternal Torah Word, and views the way Yeshua "walked out" the Torah principals, they will be able to apply the teachings of the New Testament with accurate perspective and thereby include it as "inspired."10. How can I order some of your materials?
a. There is nothing for sale on our Scattered Seed Ministries Website. We show some excellent “links” on our “links” page that connect you with other Torah based ministries who believe in Yeshua and that offer excellent materials. We do welcome you to email us and share your interest and questions, etc. We will try to direct you to a “link” for the material you want… or perhaps we can answer part or all of your questions.11. Is the Old Testament still valid for today?
a. It had better be! The majority of our Christian faith depends upon this fundamental historical and theological foundation. See Psalm 119:105.12. What is Torah?
a. Torah is from a Hebrew root word, an archery term meaning “to take aim, to shoot” —as in shooting an arrow to hit a target. The essence of the word Torah is to “hit the mark.” In the context of its usage, "teaching" or "instruction" is a better definition for Torah than "law." The Torah is specifically the first five books of the Bible, but because of its definition (teaching or instruction) can be applied to the entire Bible. Moses and Law of Moses are also used as a synonym for the Torah. See Mark 1:44; Mark 12:26 For more detail on this: What is Torah?13. By keeping the Torah aren’t I going directly against Paul’s admonition to me in the book of Galatians?
a. Scattered Seed Ministries does not teach that one needs to keep Torah in order to earn or keep favor with God in regards to one’s salvation. We do say, “Once we are saved by grace, through our faith, we have become a new creation set free from the law of sin and death, and are now a people that are free to be obedient for the very first time.” What was taking place in Galatia was that non-believing Jewish people were telling believers they must do Torah in order to gain right standing with God. Again, this is not what Scattered Seed Ministries is teaching. See Romans 8:2; 2Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8–9. Caution!! It is not uncommon that persons who misunderstand our position default to typical “church” opinion that Torah is “Old Testament”(under the law) teaching. Paul DID NOT teach that and neither do we.14. If I have the Torah written on my heart, why do I need to do the old law?
a. If I’m married to my wife, why do I need a picture of her on my wall, or wear my wedding ring? The Torah serves the purpose of reminding us who we are. James calls the Torah a “mirror” which lets us see what we look like in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). See James 1:22–25. Torah, and the observance of the Sabbath, festivals and YHVH’s instructions are simply “preparation” for our future kingdom life… and it is also the instruction Yeshua expects His “bride” to be prepared by while awaiting for the call “the bridegroom commeth.” Observing Torah is our privilege… because we love Him, as He said, if you love me, keep my commandments. When he made that statement… the only commandments in existence was the Torah… there was no New Testament, or other recognized “commandments.” After all, what is sin?15. Didn’t Yeshua demonstrate love and mercy compared to the harshness of the law to the woman at the well? How do you resolve this conflict?
a. Yeshua did show love and mercy to the woman at the well; by rebuking her sin and bringing conviction to her heart, which led to repentance (turning from sin to righteousness defined by the Torah). These are functions of Torah; to convict of sin and lead to Messiah. The Torah has always been a tool to point away from sin and towards righteousness. Yeshua said that it pointed to Him in John 5:39 and Luke 24:27. Yeshua is also called the Word (Torah) made flesh. In Jewish thought “word” refers to the Torah. So Yeshua is the walking and talking version of the Torah, He is the one who shows us what Torah looks like when it is lived out in the fullest. Yeshua did not come to do away with the Torah, but to help us understand it. And as we live the Torah out in the fullness of it, the way Yeshua did, we will look like Him. See 1John 4:17.16. Wasn’t the Torah nailed to the cross with Messiah?
a. A surface reading of Colossians 2:13–14 would appear to say that, but this is not the case. What Paul is saying is that the certificates of debts, consisting of decrees against us for our sins, were being cancelled. It was the record of our sins being nailed to the cross—our debt owed to God for sinning against Him. But Yeshua paid our debt through His work on the cross, and we owe God nothing because Yeshua paid our debt. Let us do our part in remaining debt free… Torah shows us how to do that as we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit… who keeps Yeshua “alive” in our hearts… empowering us to live overcoming lives as we keep our faith in Him.17. What is the difference between legalism and the Torah?
a. These words are often confused when discussing the relevancy of Torah with other believers. Legalism is anything we do to try and earn the love, acceptance, and salvation of God. Whereas Torah itself serves many purposes. First and foremost, as sinners, it tells us that we are not living up to God’s standards. It is essentially a measuring stick. However, after we become believers (in Yeshua’s redemptive work) we are now free from the law of sin and death. Sin is no longer our identity, righteousness is—we are accountable for our actions. See Romans 7:7; 8:2; 1John 3:4; 2:3–6.18. Is there a difference between Torah and Law?
a. Technically yes. The difference lies in understanding. It is more than a set of laws, although the Torah itself does contain laws. The Torah is God’s teachings. Law, at times, has a negative connotation that implies a list of rules, a list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” When we follow God’s teachings, His Torah, we experience great life and blessing. We are able to be a people that display His name and character to this world. See Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:46–47. For more detail on this: What is Torah?19. What is the difference between the written and oral Torah?
a. The written Torah is the first five books of the Bible given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai. This is what we call the covenant of Torah. Many Christians call this the Pentateuch. The oral Torah is what the rabbis say was given to Moses at the same time as the written and passed down through verbal communication. Although we recognize that oral tradition did exist and Yeshua did participate in some of the oral tradition of the day we do not think that the oral Torah is authoritative where we believe the written Torah is.20. I have visited several Messianic Congregations and they appeared to be very Jewish in their expression. Do I have to become a Jew or look Jewish in order to live a Torah lifestyle?
. The answer to this is no. While the Torah was handed to the Jewish people and preserved by them, it does not mean that you have to become a Jew, or look Jewish, to take an active part in the Torah. There is ample provision in the Scriptures for non-Jews to partake of the blessings of Torah. All of God’s children are held to the same standard. But as you learn Torah and begin to apply it to your life you may appear to be Jewish to others because of the close association between the Torah and the Jewish people. See Numbers 15:16; Acts 15:21; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:15; James 1:25. Another important issue is that of Judaism as a religion. Having Hebraic roots faith and observing Torah is NOT practicing Judaism in any sense of the matter. The term “Jewish” has many different meanings to many people. Suffice it to say, in the context of this brief note, the Jewish flavor of a Messianic Congregation that loves and follows Yeshua certainly does not mean one is into Judaism… which is a common assumption many “church” people have.21. What is important about this time in history regarding the restoration of the Torah to the Body of Messiah?
a. Peter asks us in 2 Peter 3:11–12, “what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?” God is calling His bride, Israel, to be pure and spotless; holy, as we allow ourselves to be defined by God’s Word to be prepared for His soon return. There is no better way to define “preparing the bride,” than by observing Torah. Yeshua is (and was) the “living Torah,” or “Torah in the flesh” and to observe Torah makes one ready as His bride.22. I’m afraid that if I follow Torah I’m going to lose my salvation. What do you say about that?
a. Following Torah has nothing to do with salvation. If following the Torah was to put us under the law, or deny the grace of Messiah, then everyone we read about in the New Testament would not be saved. It is clear that all of Yeshua’s disciples, James, Paul, Peter kept Torah. At the same time they were commanded and exhorted to share the Torah with the world. We do not follow Torah in order to be saved, we follow Torah because God saved us! See Matthew 5:17–18; 28:19–20; Acts 21:20; Romans 7:12; James 1:25; 1Peter 1:15–16.23. This is interesting teaching, but how does it affect my daily life now?
a. Excellent question. As we submit our lives to Torah, we are submitting to God’s standard for life and we are changed. Deuteronomy 28–29 talk of the blessings and curses for Israel dependent upon their faithfulness, or unfaithfulness, to God’s Torah. We have found many blessings in our personal lives for practicing the Torah. Many have seen it take deep root in their children’s lives by giving them convictions that give them discernment and wisdom when making decisions. They are given a sense of direction for life that is defined by the Scriptures. Torah itself teaches and trains us what holiness looks like, how we can be holy, and gives us strength and ability. Through continual practice it becomes easier to say no to the things of this world. See Psalm 19:7; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 6:4–6; Leviticus 19:18.24. How can I study more about the Torah?
a. You can study more of the Torah by joining into fellowship with a group that loves and serves Yeshua, and who have weekly study sessions for the Torah cycle (one specific study for each week) and focusing your study of the Bible in a orderly front to back review. You can also find excellent Torah study tapes, books and other educational materials on the website links we show on our “links” page.25: Is Yeshua (Jesus) God?
a. Yes, see our Foundational Beliefs Statements26. What is so important about the modern state of Israel and its establishment?
a. It is declared in the Torah that all of heaven and earth will testify that God is covenantally faithful (Deuteronomy 30:19). The modern state of Israel is a fulfillment of God’s promise to bring His people back to their land. By keeping our focus on, and praying for the people of Israel, God is displayed through His faithfulness to His people. At the same time, in a practical sense, more media outlets and news bureaus are established in Israel than any other country in the world. In our opinion, it seems that the world is simply waiting to see the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness.27. What is Israel’s significance in God’s plan?
a. First and foremost, the Messiah will be returning to Israel. He will split the Mount of Olives in two. Most of all the Jewish people will be looking upon Him and saying, “Baruch haba b’shem Adonai,” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” The significance of Israel is that it holds critical importance in the end-time events of the return of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. See Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 23:39; Revelation.28. What is replacement theology?
a. It is the idea that the Jewish people rejected God’s law, killed the Messiah, and as a result God forgot them because they were a stiff-necked people. To replace unfaithful Israel, which He divorced, he took the Church (which is called the “new Israel”), and gave to her all of the blessings and promises that once belonged to the Jews. It is a bad doctrine and has NO Scriptural foundation without twisting the meaning of the holy writ. It is enjoined by several groups and is a widespread error. Unfortunately, many mainstream Christian Churches are deceived with this teaching.29. My friend began to understand Torah and how it relates to his life. Next thing I know he is telling me that he is Jewish and part of the 10 lost tribes. Have you heard of this thing called the Two House theory?
a. Yes we have and Scattered Seed Ministries does not recognize or endorse any position which would claim that "non-Jewish" believers are the genetic descendants of Israel (although some may be). The New Testament is very clear about the inclusion of non-Jews into Israel (See Ephesians 2:14 for example), yet this does not mean that they are the lost tribes of Israel. This subtly propagates the misconception that the Torah is for Jews only and non-Jews do not share a part in the blessing of it, and inadvertently opposes the unity between Jews and non-Jews. Not all groups who teach “two house” doctrines are claiming “genetic” pathways to Israel, and we have many common beliefs with those from the prophetic and spiritual position… namely that ALL those who come to faith in Yeshua and follow Torah are fully a part of the “Commonwealth of Israel,” and are fully enjoined with all Gods provisions for His Israel… one Torah for all. However, not to understand the "restoration of the fallen Tabernacle of David," which includes the reuniting of the Northern Kingdom (House of Israel... Israelites, not Jews technically) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah... Jews, includes Benjaminites and some Levites), which two Kingdoms are the "two houses" of Israel, really causes errors in understanding the prophetic issues of the Bible... there are several good articles of this subject on this website. For more detail on this: Commonwealth of Israel.30. Where’s the Spirit in all of this?
a. The Spirit leads us to God’s truth founded in His Torah (See John 16:13). The Torah has been denigrated, devalued, maligned, and completely ignored by many that proudly declare connection to the God of Israel and the Messiah of Israel—Yeshua. The Torah is truth and is the historic and prophetic voice of YHVH that testifies of Yeshua and proclaims Him as Messiah to the world. The Torah teaches the requirement of righteousness and makes known the need for justice and holiness. The Spirit of God leads us to the importance of revering, searching, and listening to the written Word and appreciating the beauty of the Holy Scriptures. Torah IS the Holy Scriptures. The Spirit, the Torah (written, and Yeshua-Torah in the flesh), and the Father are all in agreement and are inseparable.31. It seems that in your writings you lift up the Scriptures above the Spirit. Doesn’t the Spirit teach us and lead us according to the stipulations of the New Testament?
a. In the context of Jeremiah 31:31–34, yes. This is true. The Spirit will never contradict the Word, and the Word will never contradict the Spirit. It is the Spirit that writes the Word (specifically the Torah) on our hearts. It is impossible for them to disagree. If you are listening to a "spirit" that disagrees with the "written Torah," you are hearing a "lying spirit."32. How do I share this message with myfriends and family?
a. We encourage you to be as patient as possible. Do not be condemning or judge them. Remember that you are no more holy than they are. All that has happened is you have had a filter lifted from your eyes that enables you to see the blessing of the Torah. Be an encouragement and blessing to them by letting them see your faith rather than hearing it.33. My pastor told me I’m going back under the law. Is that true? What do I say to him?
a. You’re welcome to have your pastor contact us. Give him this website link www.scatteredseedministries.org We would be happy to dialogue with him. But again, we do not believe that living a life defined by God’s Word is going back under the law. That terminology is used to refer to people who are seeking righteousness from works, not faith. We do not endorse this kind of practice, but encourage submission out of a heart of thankful love for what the Savior Yeshua has accomplished for our salvation.Thank you for considering these vital issues.