Statement of Faith: Messianic Congregation Shema Yisrael Boise Idaho

Congregational Statement of Faith

The Messianic movement contains many different congregations which embrace a wide variety of worship styles, theologies, and practices. Many see themselves as a type of Judaism, along with the traditional Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements. Others see themselves as a type of Christianity, as practiced in the spirit of the First Century Messianic congregations founded by Paul and the other Apostles. It is incumbent upon the leadership and members of Congregation Shema Yisrael to provide the community and the general public with a declaration of our principles of faith, so that everyone we encounter will understand our perspectives and the nature of our desire to draw close to God and to serve the Messiah.

We believe that God is One and that Yeshua is the Son of God and the Messiah, sent to humanity the first time to gather the lost sheep of Israel, to die for the sins of all human beings, and to rise on the third day, giving the promise of eternal life to all who believe. -Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 26:63-64, Matthew 15:24, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:20-58

We believe the Torah is the Word of God and His preferred lifestyle for the redeemed community, and that Yeshua is our "living Torah", who in human form, lived out a completely Torah consistent and sinless life. -Deuteronomy 30:11-20, Psalm 119:105, John 1:1-3, Hebrews 4:15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We believe that through Yeshua, Gentiles are grafted into the Hebraic root and become equal sharers in the covenant promises of God, with both Jews and Gentiles retaining their ethnic distinctiveness and the Jewish people remaining uniquely Chosen of God as stated in the Torah. -Deuteronomy 14:2, Isaiah 41:8-10, Romans 11:11-24

We believe that all men and women are equal before God, before the Messiah, and before the Torah and that no specific group receives a greater love from God than any other. As Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua." -Galatians 3:26-29, Ephesians 2:11-22

We believe that Jews and Gentiles are directed to come together and worship Messiah Yeshua and the One true God together and in peace, and that we have an obligation as a faith community to reach out to the society around us to share the Good News of the Messiah, welcoming all who are called and willing into our congregation. -Psalm 133:1, Romans 15:7-12, Ephesians 2:11-22

We believe we have a responsibility to represent God and Messiah in our individual lives by doing good, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and in this way, we sanctify and uplift the Name of God. -Matthew 25:34-40, James 2:15-18

We believe the Messiah will return to join all human beings together and that he will reign in Jerusalem and be our King and we will be his people. -Micah 4:1-5, Mark 14:64, Revelation 22:3-4

At the end of all things, we will all worship God and He and the Lamb will be our light and our Temple. -Revelation 21:22-23

If you have further questions about who we are and what we believe, please feel free to Contact us via email or telephone.

Shalom!

Congregation Shema Yisrael is a 501(c)(3) corporation and your contributions are fully tax-deductible.