How do I talk to family about my transition to following Torah?
When we first come to Torah, explaining it to family can be a little frustrating. Most of us probably left behind family members still walking in modern Christianity, or possibly they are not believers at all. Having this discussion can sometimes make people uncomfortable, and it can make us uncomfortable. It does not make sense to people that you would leave a mainstream belief that has been taught for generations to embrace another lifestyle, which seems very archaic and irrelevant. I believe it is important to be sensitive to these things, yet we also should not be ashamed of the Truth. We know that the GOSPEL begins in Genesis and is found throughout Scripture. We are told to not be ashamed of the gospel and that every Word is profitable. We know Yeshua lived Torah. Instead of feeling like we can’t address things with family, we should be prepared to give an account for what we believe. That is always the best testimony! Be calm. Be confident. Be patient.
None the less, as we celebrate our newfound revelation, we also have to answer some questions that may create conflict within our families or loved ones. So today, I thought I would just share some typical questions you may hear from family members. I will share some of my responses to these questions but encourage you to seek YHVH for how He would have you respond to sharing your testimony with others.
1. Do you think you have to follow the law for salvation? You have fallen from Grace.
It is a very common misconception that when you pursue Torah you have changed your salvation thinking to now believe that salvation is not by grace, but by works. Debunking this myth is easy. It is important to share with family that this is not true. Those who are Torah pursuant still believe in salvation through grace by the blood of Yeshua. Here is the difference: We believe that BECAUSE of Salvation by Grace THROUGH FAITH (as the scripture says) and BECAUSE of our love for our Elohim, we obey His commands. Why? Because He has asked us to.
Here are some scripture references:
John 15:10 “If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His life.”
John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments”
James 1:22 “Be doers of the Word, and not just hearers only, deceiving yourself”. The Word James is talking about is the Torah. There was no other written Word at the time.
Exodus 20:6 says YHVH will “show steadfast love to those who love Him AND keep His commandments.
There are many more scripture references that talk about the significance of keeping His commandments. We desire to pursue Torah, not out of some sort of obligation or legalism, but because we are so thankful for salvation. He asked us to love HIM by obeying His instructions. We continue to be very thankful for HIS grace. One does not replace the other.
2. How can billions of people be wrong worshipping on Sunday?
This is a great question and one that SHOULD be answered. Let’s just agree now that every day is a good day to worship YHVH! But one day he has set apart. Shabbat can be a difficult concept for those outside of Torah to grasp. I would start with this: Sabbath, or Shabbat, was the first thing YHVH called HOLY. Look at the creation story. It was from the very beginning, before Jew and Gentile.
History teaches us the early church changed the Sabbath day to Sunday. This is Catholic history. They claim by their own authority, they changed the solemnity of the day. My question is this: Can you show me anywhere in scripture where YHVH gave permission for the Sabbath to be changed? This is usually all that needs to be said here. Because there is no scripture to be found. Yeshua kept the 7th day Sabbath and Paul kept the Sabbath even after Yeshua was resurrected. I often share with family that we were given a warning in Daniel 7:25 “He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law…” YHVH was very aware this would happen, but we need to understand, permission was not given by Elohim (God) and there is no authority to change what God has written. It stands forever.
Exodus 31 “therefore the people of Israel shall keep the sabbath, observing the sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.” If you belong to YHVH, Sabbath is indeed for you!
Ezekiel 20:12 “I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know I am YHVH who sanctifies them.” This is what sets us apart as a Holy people. His holy days matter!
Hebrews 4:9 “there remains a sabbath-keeping for the people of God.”
Our desire to keep HIS sabbath is simply because we cannot see anywhere in scripture where authority was given to anyone to change it.
3. Are you trying to be Jewish?
I would be surprised if you have not been asked this question. But I simply share, my Messiah was a Jew and his customs were important to Him. He was the one perfect example of how we are to live, because he was the Torah in the flesh, which we see in 1 John 1:14. The goal is not to be more Jewish, per say, but to more like Messiah. We are told to walk as He walked, that includes incorporating Yeshua’s culture into our daily walk. Matthew 16:24 Then Yeshua told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
4. Why are you giving up family traditions like Christmas and Easter? Aren’t they all about Jesus?
Now, some of you may not be at the point of giving up these traditions, but if you are ready and you worry about backlash from family, let me share with you my thoughts on how to approach this topic. YHVH was pretty clear of the dates and times He wants us to remember and celebrate in Leviticus 23. Every single one of these feast days point to the Messiah, his death, burial, resurrection, and His future coming! HalleluYah. I know when I came to Torah I felt very convicted to honor the feast days and to set other holidays aside. I wanted to grow in intimacy with my Creator and meet with Him at these appointed times. When it came to Christmas and Easter, I personally felt an immediate pull to separate. There is a lot of misinformation out there and these sacred “religious” holidays are important to so many people across the globe, including atheists'/pagans. For many it is the one time a year families gather, or the one time of year there is household peace. I would encourage you to do your own research about the history of these non-scriptural holidays, and pray about this. We should be a light and example to others without bringing condemnation. Have you considered inviting your family to your new feast days to celebrate? And sharing the Truth about these meaningful and prophetic events? Maybe that is a good place to start.
