I am new to the Natsarim community but have found my way here through much diligent reading and study; plus more than a few bumps and bruises. That process has taken many years, some would say a lifetime.
Anyway, I admit to being just a little confused (Ok, may a lot). There seems to be little agreement among various groups in this community on who exactly is a Natsari. I also find it to be painfully isolating. Being a 24/7 caregiver, a retired senior citizen and member of the "at risk" population has been more than a little difficult. Sometimes I long for my old "Church" days, but just for the fellowship. I need no more beatings.
My study has lead to me placing a much greater emphasis on the Torah and that has been exciting and rewarding.
One issue I would like to understand better, how do you keep the Feast Days? Do you go all-in and celebrate much like a Messianic Jew or do you only keep the feasts in your heart, or maybe something in between.
Hi Tom, it is not easy to follow the truth, as our enemy will use every means at his disposal to prevent and disrupt your walk. We walk a narrow and difficult path, but you are doing so well in taking the steps in faith that you already have.
Family members particularly can make it very difficult, but be patient , pray, study and keep faith. Your family need to see a reason to change their views, but also you need to be able to respond to situations that may arise with the truth from the Scriptures, just as the Messiah did when he was tempted. We are here to help you and we will pray for your strength.
Our education and the way we are trained to think from birth make it very for anyone difficult to see and learn the truth, and take that first step in faith. So let them keep seeing your walk in the Fathers Word with humility, patience and kindness.
I think any of the readers here, including myself, would say that what you have found is no different to what each of us has found.
To me, one of the greatest lies is e-a-s-t-e-r, which is designed by our enemy to remove the power of the Messiahs sacrifice and hide the salvation plan, merging it into paganism. We are heading to the spring feasts (schedule of appointed times is a page here), and this could be a time to point out to them how churches twist the truth, enough to hide the truth.
Anyway, if you would ever like to chat, particularly if you things get really hard, come and have a chat, I would be pleased to talk to you, or anyone in your family who would like to talk. Praying and sharing with others can help carry heavy burdens.
Baruch Hashem Adonai
Ron and Aviyah
Thank you for your response, I find it very helpful. I have been trying to read all the material on this site to avoid asking a question that is already answered.
I am doing my best to keep the Sabbath, at least in my heart. It is difficult (I think nearly impossible) when we live in a culture that does not. I also understand what you are saying about the High Sabbath days, I find those words encouraging.
Like everyone else, I love my Christian family and friends and especially those who trust YHWH and follow Yeshua, ofttimes in spite of the church. I have been open about my beliefs and most certainly respectful of others. One family member has been supportive and even encouraging, most have been skeptical or even suspicious. This has been more difficult than I anticipated.
Hi Tom, apologies for the delay in replying to you. The Set Apart Spirit has taught you and guided you to the point you are at. For me it took close to a lifetime also, but the change was so rapid once I understood that my education prevented me from seeing the truth. From that moment, the Scriptures came alive.
It does not matter what views there are in the community, what matters is your spiritual walk with the Father and Messiah. Natsarim were watchman, and we proclaim the path to Salvation set out by the Messiah, the renewed covenant, and the use of the Father, Messiah and Set Apart Spirit actual Names (it is respect).
You are correct to place emphasis on the Torah. The Torah sets out the Fathers requirements to Worship Him, as well as the behaviour he expects of us, such as the Commandments, and also the Fathers salvation plan for mankind in the form of the Feasts. While some of the Feasts have been fulfilled and the sacrificial system is no longer necessary due to the Messiahs sacrifice, we remember the fulfilled spring feasts, and celebrate the great in-gathering (autumn Feasts) that will occur with the Messiahs return.
For the Feast days, we respect the High Sabbath days, these are non-servile days. We spend those day in celebration, prayer and study, remembering what each Feast day represents. The Feast days for 2022 are set out in the website on the page titled "Feast days 2022". High Sabbath days are shown in red.
Let me know if you would like to discuss further, the Torah is such rich, ineresting information. The Torah detail is unfortunately missed by many denominations who consider that the Feast Days do not apply - however as noted above, they set out the Fathers Salvation Plan and were a command to all believers, including Israeli and non-Israeli.