Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome! You may have a few questions about us and our beliefs. While the website probably has the information you are looking for, here is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you still don't see the answer to question, simply use the Contact Form to reach out.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Watchmen of Israel is a religious organization dedicated to preserving the original message of Scripture, guiding believers in loving Yahweh, having faith in Yeshua, Torah observance, and fostering the community of believers. We aim to be a central resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture in its original context, historic context, and covenantal agreement in order to build faith and connect with others in discipleship and assembly gatherings.
"Natsarim" (or "Nazarene") refers to a group of Torah-observant followers of Yeshua who strive to live in accordance with the teachings and commands found in the Scriptures. The term "Natsarim" is derived from the Hebrew word "netser," meaning "branch," and relates to the prophecy of a righteous branch (Isaiah 11:1) that would come forth from the lineage of David, referring to Yeshua. The Natsarim seek to follow the example of Yeshua in obedience to the Torah.
While Watchmen of Israel does share some beliefs with the Hebrew Roots movement—particularly the emphasis on Torah observance—we differ in some key areas. The Natsarim believe in adhering strictly to Scripture and strive to avoid the influence of post-biblical traditions. Our focus is on the original intent of Scripture and observing Yahweh's commands as taught in the Tanakh and by Yeshua and his disciples in the "New Testament" writings.
Watchmen of Israel teaches that all Scripture is to be used and studied. This includes the Tanakh (the Torah, Prophets, and writings), the entirety of the "New Testament" writings, and some non-canonical texts like The Book of Enoch.
Torah observance means following the instructions, commands, and teachings given by Yahweh in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). These instructions are the terms of the covenant He made with Israel. We believe that these instructions are eternal and serve as the foundation for righteous living. Our faith in Yeshua causes us to be adopted as Abraham's seed (Galatians 3:28-29) and as such we are part of the covenant and must adhere to its terms. By observing the Torah, we honor Yahweh's covenant with His people and align our lives with His will as followers of Yeshua and Yahweh's people.
Watchmen of Israel emphasizes adherence to the Torah and the teachings of Yeshua, focusing on scriptural truth rather than post-biblical doctrines. We believe that Yeshua did not come to abolish the Torah but to fulfill and exemplify it. Unlike mainstream Christianity, which often teaches that the Torah was "done away with," we see it as relevant and essential for all believers.
Yes, we believe in the New Covenant as described in Jeremiah 31 and other scriptures. We understand that the New Covenant is a renewal of Yahweh’s relationship with His people, established through Yeshua, and that it calls for the Torah to be written on our hearts. While we recognize that the New Covenant has been inaugurated, we also believe that its complete fulfillment will occur upon Yeshua’s return.
We believe that salvation is made possible through faith in Yeshua (Jesus), the promised Messiah, who reconciles us to Yahweh. However, faith, according to Scripture, is not simply belief but is demonstrated through obedience to Yahweh’s commands, including Torah observance. We hold that true faith is accompanied by actions that align with Yahweh’s will.
At Watchmen of Israel, we prioritize a historical and scriptural approach, avoiding church traditions and doctrines not found in the Bible. We focus on understanding Scripture within its original Hebrew context and use it as our sole guide for faith and practice. This approach allows us to maintain an accurate and authentic understanding of Yahweh’s instructions for His people.
Yes and no. While we don't have any training or resources to offer at the moment, it is paramount goal in our organization and we are working diligintly to create them. We will offer guidance for individuals who feel called to start their own assembly or home fellowship. Watchmen of Israel will provide a structured curriculum and training resources, including courses for those who wish to lead others in understanding the faith from a Scriptural perspective. We believe in empowering our members with solid biblical understanding to support and lead the community effectively.
While we plan on creating a membership program early in 2025, for now we need you to be part of our community! Start by joining our mailing list, don't worry about us spamming you, we promise not to send more than 2 email per month. Next you can use our website to learning about our foundational beliefs, and getting involved in our community. We encourage you to connect with a local assembly or start your own assembly through our resources when the become available. In these ways you will be aware of opportunities to support and participate in various projects, outreach efforts, and teachings as they come up! We greatly desire a loving, active, and engaged community of Natsarim and hope you'll be part of it.