[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Rebbi

Perhaps I can offer some clarification and info. I am a Messianic Pastor.
There are two basic groups of "Messianic" believers, besides Jews for Jesus, which is really a totally different group. We all get along for the most part, but have different basic beliefs, which are easy to miss at first. The following is very general, so don't beat me up on this one, as there are variations. All three believe in Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah and the only way to Salvation.
Jews for Jesus is more aimed at Jews to bring them to Jesus, whereas the two basic Messianic groups are more aimed at bringing Gentile believers in the Jewish Messiah "Jesus" to understand the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible).
The two basic Messianic groups are distinguished as follows:
"One House" believers (such as the one mentioned in Ocala) believe in two Laws. They tend to believe that "Israel" is basically the Jews today. They tend to believe that there are different requirements for Jews and Gentiles (2 laws). They tend to follow Judah as their guide in how to keep Torah and interpret it. They tend to believe that Jews have to keep the Torah and it's 613 laws, whereas Gentiles MAY keep them, but are only "REQUIRED" to keep the "Noachide Laws" ("the laws that Noah kept") which does not include all the 10 commandments.

"Two House" believers believe in One Law. They believe that the Jews (the "southern tribe", Judah, Benjamin and part of Levi) make up the "house of Judah" and that the "lost 10 tribes" that are prophesied to return to make up the "whole house of Israel"; and that they are still scattered in the world and are today beginning to return, some as actual blood relatives, some as "grafted in" believers or "Israel" as Paul calls them.
They believe that the Torah is forever, that God does not change, that there is only One Law for all, and that the LORD has set the Torah before us as blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. They believe that Jesus and the disciples taught and kept Torah. They keep the whole Torah NOT FOR Salvation, but Because Of Salvation, and as a sign of Love to Jesus (Yeshua), who said, "If you love Me, keep my commandments"(and a lot more, which I won't get into here)

Sorry I couldn't answer shorter, but YES, there are Messianic believers in the Villages. There are several from our congregation who live there; perhaps they would like to start a Bible study there. I am a Sabbath keeping "two house", "One Law, One Messiah for everyone" guy if it didn't show through before, not to preach, but just to be transparent. Hope that helps.

Shalom,
Rav. PJ

Shalom, and welcome to TOTV! Thanks for an informative post.