Hi All,<br><br>Recently at work I've been in conversation with a guy that is part of a group called the Hebrew Israelites. Here is one of their websites: http://www.hebrewisraelites.net/.<br><br>From what I know of them they are a predominantly black group that believes that blacks are the "true" children of Israel. However, when I asked the gentlemen I've been speaking with about other race groups or ethnicities he says they are more than welcome and are present in their group.<br><br>Our main topic of discussion has centered around the Old Testament Law. They still feel that, even as believers in Christ, they are to uphold all parts of the law with the exception of the sacrificial law. They keep the sabbath, do not eat pork etc. I've used verses out of Galations 2, Ephesians 2:11-22 & Colossians basically all to no avail. He has used the following verses in defense of keeping the law: Rev. 12:17, Rev. 14:12, Isaiah 8:20(a favorite a of Messianics in my opinion, but I guess I don't understand the verse to well) [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/shrug.gif" alt="shrug" title="shrug[/img] Zech. 14 & Ps. 119: 142, 150-152. <br><br>He often asks me why I can't use the O.T. in defense of my position and I ask the same of him about the N.T. I suppose there are a couple of areas that I've began to examine about my own faith as a result of these discussions. First, my inadequacies of studying the Word and really knowing the Scriptures O.T. & N.T. Secondly, I never really considered there to be any use for a Sabbath day...a day of rest and commitment to the Lord. I'm not saying I have a heathen's view of the Lords Day, but other than worship services I've never singled out any day as "sacred". Also, we've had many discussions about Christian holidays...Christmas, Easter etc. and their roots in paganism. My defense has always been that we as Christians would not dare associate these days with anything pagan no matter the roots, but I've also been thinking to myself would it be wrong for a believer to celebrate the feasts & festivals of the O.T. that were shadows of what was to be fulfilled in Christ.<br><br>I would greatly appreciate any Scripture, opinions & insights regarding the issues above. Thanks much.<br><br>
