The Way Documentary - Interview + Giveaway!

Guys, there is something I am so excited to share with you today; a look at the Hebrew faith on the big screen! I can't wait for all of you to watch this and five of you will be able to win a copy of The Way for yourself as well.

Husband and wife team Luke and Kayte started this film with a simple premise: if Yeshua lived a perfect life then why do his followers today do almost everything differently than how he walked? They traveled to meet dozens of people who discuss what drew them from ordinary Christian faith to a Hebrew lifestyle of Shabbat observance, keeping the festivals of YHWH, and Scripturally clean eating. Check out the preview below. 

Not to spoil anything, but the film is even better than the trailer. It was so refreshing to  watch this, to see others who have been on a similar journey, to hear their stories of celebrating the Feasts. If you are someone who feels isolated or alone in your faith then please check out The Way! You'll feel like part of the tribe. :) 

That said, this isn't just a documentary for those in the Hebrew or Messianic movements. I think this would be a great introduction for anyone who is not familiar with this kind of lifestyle. Luke and Kayte did an excellent job of explaining through Scripture the thought process behind the seventh day Sabbath, etc. and even incorporated differing viewpoints as a way to address the 'what abouts' that many of us have dealt with. I would recommend this movie to anyone pursuing the faith, no matter where they are in that journey.

Luke and Kayte

Kayte was kind enough to spend some time sharing more of what went into The Way.

What caused you guys to create this documentary?

The Way started as a seed of an idea in Luke’s heart. He’s a journalist, so he’s super inquisitive and great at finding a story. A few years back, he got a call from his mom that she wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas that year. He thought that was crazy, so he set out to research so that he could set her straight with facts. Except he found that she was right about Christmas’ origins. That led him on a search through scripture and church history that revealed the ways that modern-Christianity has veered from the life of Yeshua and the apostles. In the course of all this, I joined him in this journey and we realized there were countless others around the world seeking to get back to a more biblical way of life. So The Way is the story of those people and the things they’ve discovered.

Why did you feel this was an important venture to undertake?

This awakening is spreading like wildfire right now. There are truths that God’s revealing from history and in His Word that we’d love to help share with the wider world. We think a lot of believers are searching for a deeper connection with God and a richer understanding of His Word, and we hope The Way will help people pursue those things.

How has the process of making this film changed or challenged your own faith?

Our faith has grown tremendously in this process. We’ve spent a year and a half hearing from probably 50 people about the most formative moments in their spiritual lives and the most awesome things they’ve learned from the Word. It’s been a sort of masterclass. Personally, I have such a deeper reverence and awe of God’s goodness, seeing the love and wisdom and justice in each and every instruction He’s given us. Instructions that used to seem archaic or arbitrary are such a joy now. Plus, I feel like I have so much more in common with Yeshua, living this way. :)

Who do you hope will watch The Way?

Anyone who’s curious about the discrepancies between the way Yeshua lived and the way that modern-day Christians live. Or anyone who’s made huge changes in the way they live and worship and are having a hard time communicating their reasons to their friends and family. 

What's something that's going to surprise viewers about this film?

They’re going to learn some crazy facts from some pretty surprising sources - things that made me wonder, “How in the world did I never learn this in 25 years of church, history classes and Bible study?!"

What was it like to work as a couple on a project like this?

It’s been awesome - this project has stretched through for 90% of our marriage! The doc has been the most rewarding and most challenge thing either of us have undertaken. We’ve gotten to work as a team, hear each other’s ideas, pray together constantly, cover each other’s shortcomings and get really good at tackling the insane new challenges that have popped up every day for the last year and a half. And during the early editing process, we’d turn watching the 50 hours of footage into date nights by cooking dinner together and picking an interview to watch through and take notes on while we ate!

How was your experience getting crowd funded through Kickstarter?

The Kickstarter experience blew us away. We knew there were pockets of people who’d be excited about seeing this story come to life, but we had no idea of the scope of the support we’d receive! We were nervous about our initial fundraising goal of around $12,000 - we wondered if we could make it - so by the end of the Kickstarter when the project had been 330% funded, we knew God was telling us that He’d supply everything we needed to make the best film possible - and not just financially, but also in terms of interview leads, prayer support and people with wisdom we needed.

The Kickstarter campaign was also how we met our incredible composer, Jake Hull, and many of the wonderful interview subjects you’ll see in the film. Lots of people reached out to us with their stories after hearing we were making the film. So even though we thought we were finished shooting interviews, we ended up doing lots of travel and shooting more interviews after the campaign - and some of those interviews became core to the story.

Is there a certain message or takeaway point you hope to impart to viewers?

We want people to finish watching the film and to think, “Wow, maybe there’s actually some timeless goodness still in the instructions God gave in the Old Testament. And maybe there’s a way that the whole Bible can work together as one story - with the patriarchs and the apostles and modern-day Christians all with core commonalities in their walk. And maybe I should take a second look at traditions I’d never thought to question before.” But most of all, we hope that (as Zac Bauer says) people “go home and read their Bibles."

What kind of responses have you gotten to this so far?

We’ve had lots and lots of people tell us that they cried! It blows us away. I think that there’s something powerful about seeing your story echoed back to you in a medium like this. It’s very human and affirming. We’ve also had believers who’ve gone to church their whole lives tell us that The Way answered questions from the Bible that they’ve wondered about for years. And lastly, lots of people have told us they’re excited to share The Way with friends and family, to start a conversation about what they’ve been learning in their walk with God.

How can we learn more about The Way? 

You can watch the trailer for The Way, clips from the film, read FAQs and of course, buy a physical or digital copy at The Way's website.

We’re also always on Facebook hanging out with everyone there and posting video clips from the film (or cut scenes) so come on over!

Thanks so much Kayte for taking time to talk with us! Doesn't she feel like a kindred spirit? I loved the 'real life' that went into this. Mom announced we aren't celebrating Christmas anymore - I can relate! And the creativity of incorporating the making of the documentary into date night. You'll hear more from Kayte when you watch The Way as she makes a couple of appearances! And a huge shout out to Kayte and Luke for providing five copies of the DVD to give away! Here's your chance to watch the documentary at no cost, or if you've seen it already win a copy to share with a friend. 

This giveaway is only open to readers in the US, sorry my international friends (you can still download a copy at the website) but I will have something special for you guys in a couple weeks. A huge shout out to Kayte for sharing their story and generously giving away five copies of the movie! Winner will be announced Sunday.

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25 Things the Bible Says About You

This post takes a look at what the Bible says about you, so that we can be rooted in our identity in the Messiah and his work in us. This list is not conclusive, but is an excellent reminder to focus on what God says instead of what the people around us say or even our own thoughts. Sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves, My identity does not depend on this test or that diagnosis. I am worth more than my salary or what that person said. As believers in Messiah we are called to know our identities in him!

Did you know in Scriptures there are many things that the Living God says about you. Psalm 139:17-18 says that YHWH's thoughts of us are more numerous than the sand. Here are just a few of the thoughts God has about you.

The Living God describes you as:

-His (Isaiah 43:1)

-Called by the name of Israel (Isaiah 43:1)

-a renewed creation in the Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:17)

-set apart (Ephesians 1:4)

-loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)

-a priest (1 Peter 2:9)

-made clean from the filthiness of idolatry (Ezekiel 36:25)

-called, justified, and esteemed (Romans 8:30)

-precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4)

-inscribed with God's word on your heart (Jeremiah 31:33)

-not forsaken when seeking YHWH (Psalm 9:10)

-given strength (Psalm 29:11)

-blessed with peace (Psalm 29:11)

-healed from disease (Psalm 103:3)

-satisfied with good things (Psalm 103:5)

-traded joy for morning (Isaiah 61:3)

-given the Spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

-able to have a joyful heart even in the worst circumstances or most extreme poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2)

-a restorer of the paths to live in (Isaiah 58:12)

-set apart by the learning of the Word (John 17:17)

-ransomed from death (Psalm 103:4)

-healed of backsliding into idolatry and faithlessness (Hosea 14:4)

-not judged by appearance (Isaiah 11:3)

-pruned for great fruitfulness (John 15:3)

-called to walk in the same ways as the Messiah (1 John 2:6)

Learn these things! This is what the Living God says about you. Speak and pray these things over yourself. Saying things like, "Thank you that I am given peace. Help me to experience that," or "Teach me what it means to restore the paths to live in," are great ways to sink these truths into your being. Learn what YHWH says about you so you know who you are.

Related posts:
Overlooked Truths in Proverbs 31
Why Biblical Law is for All Believers
The Northern and Southern Kingdoms in the Bible (and why they matter)

Shabbat Shalom Printable

I wanted to make a printable as a fun way to celebrate Shabbat, YHWH's set apart day. No matter what season of life you are in or how many things you are juggling, Shabbat is a day for shalom. Print it off and set it out in your home to remind yourself of YHWH's peace.

Click here to download my Shabbat Shalom printable. It's free for your personal use. I hope you like it!

Non-Overwhelming Ways to Share Truth

2 Timothy 2:24-26
"And the servant of YHWH must not quarrel; but be gentle to all men, able to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose him; so YHWH somehow will give them teshuvah to their acknowledging of the truth; and that they may come to their senses and leave the snare of s.a.tan, who has taken them captive to do his will."

One thing this verse is saying, "Servants of YHWH must be able to meekly instruct those that oppose them, so that YHWH will somehow give them the desire to repent when they acknowledge the truth."

Teaching and instructing those who disagree. How does that sit with you?

I am okay with not quarreling. Gentleness and patience too. I am all for getting people out of the snare of the enemy and to teshuvah. Even teaching is doable. But teaching those that are against truth? That's not exactly the most comfortable thing ever. It's hard when people don't share our views. But this is what Scripture says.

Don't panic. Let's look at what this passage is not saying. Just before this, in verse 23 it says, "Avoid foolish and unlearned questions, because they breed arguments." And earlier verse 14 expressly states, "Do not engage in word battles." So apparently YHWH distinguishes between arguing and instructing. Therefore, this is not a call to endless debates and hostile disagreements. What a relief! We are to instruct, not argue. 

But what does it mean to instruct someone with meekness? While many of us tend to think of meekness as something akin to being a pushover, the meaning in this context is that of gentleness. I don't know about you but it's easier for me to learn when the instructor is kind and patient with me. It's difficult to learn algebra when the teacher is overly critical or won't slow down to help a student understand something they're missing. Learning a new job skill is much easier when the trainer is kind, and doesn't call you an idiot for not getting it right the first time. So in this context meekness has a lot to do with fruits of the Spirit like gentleness, patience, humility, and kindness.

Okay...but I'm not a teacher! Actually, if your desire and intention is to be a servant of YHWH, you should be teaching others his Word. Why? Because this is the means that YHWH uses to bring people to teshuvah--to repentance and turning to him! I love the word play here with 'instructing' YHWH repeatedly describes the Torah as the instructions. We are to teach others YHWH's instructions in the Torah on how to live so they can turn and repent. Does this mean you have to have a degree in teaching or start a Bible study? While those could be used to instruct, that's by no means a prerequisite for following the instruction to teach others. There are many different ways to do that.

How can we instruct others?

1. Be obedient to the Word. Honoring Shabbat, celebrating the festivals of YHWH, eating as he instructs, and so forth. When others see you doing something different from the cultural norm it is an opportunity to learn that YHWH has better ways. Most people will see your actions before they hear your words.

2. And tell others why you're doing it. Telling your friends you can't go shopping on Saturday because you want to honor the Sabbath is okay to do! Sharing with your coworkers that you are taking time off to celebrate Sukkot is great! Letting others know why you live the way that you do is an invitation for them to follow suit.

3. Plant small seeds and ask questions. We all need to break the nasty habit of giving verbal acquiescence to beliefs and philosophies that are against the truth, just because it's uncomfortable to disagree with someone. However, it doesn't do anyone any favors when we don't give them an opportunity to understand Scripture better. "Yahusha also said..." "Where does it say that in the Bible?" "How does that fit with this verse that seems to say something different?" These are all gentle phrases that plant a seed of learning more truth.

4. Learn to say, "Because that's what the Word says." There are a million and one arguments against Creationism, keeping Torah, not eating pork, or marriage as defined by Scripture. It's not about having a comeback, perfect theological understanding, or amazing explanation of the 'why' behind YHWH's instructions. It's just about living as he says we should. I don't understand everything about Scripture. I just follow it because he said to.

5. Have these words on your gates. Mezzuzahs on your doorpost, a menorah on the mantle, and bookshelves with resources for studying and understanding Scripture show your guests that you take your faith seriously. And guess what? These teach truth even when your words don't. The delivery man can see an outdoor mezzuzah when he drops off a package, your children can be reminded of Scripture when it's framed or written on a chalkboard even when you aren't home.

6. Clothe yourself in Yahusha. I am convinced that when YHWH instructed us to have his words on our hands it wasn't only for our reminder and benefit. I get asked about my Shema bracelet all the time, from cashiers, friends, and new acquaintances. Others can learn about the Netsarim faith by how we dress and present ourselves.

7. Share truth online. Post better translations of Scripture verses on social media or share a picture of a feast day celebration. While we shouldn't get into debating there are a lot of forums that ask religious questions and there aren't many answers that line up with the Hebrew or Netsarim faith. Most of Western culture spends at least some time online each day. I hope they get to see things other than sensationalized news, gossip, and funny videos. 

8. Put a Google Yahusha sticker on your car. This was a recent thing for me. Now people who pass me on the freeway or see my car parked (who I would probably never get a chance to meet or talk to) are invited to find out the real name of the Messiah.

9. Bring it up! We don't find it unusual when someone mentions the bad day they had, work frustrations, a new recipe they tried, the garage sale they're hosting this week, what they thought of the political debate, and so on in conversation. So why do we hesitate to mention the new Scripture study we are taking part in, or how much we are looking forward to Shabbat? I certainly would like to live in a world where YHWH's ways are part of everyday discussion. That starts with me.

10. Give advice based in truth. When someone comes to you for advice or your opinion make it clear that your words are based in Scripture. This goes for everything from what to do about conflict with a coworker to what to have for dinner. Our friends and family need to see the Word of YHWH as a place for practical advice and instructions on how to live.

11. Create content or support someone who does. You have probably noticed that resources for the Hebrew faith are very limited. What are you doing about that? Are you financially supporting ministries you attend and learn from? Have you considered supporting a translation of Scripture that uses the name of YHWH? What about putting your skill set to work writing or editing books, volunteering to help at your congregation, creating Torah school curriculum for children, or making lovely Scripture designs to post on Pinterest? These are all a means that others learn from.

12. Pray! We all need to pray for opportunities to instruct others and for the skill and creativity to do so well. We should also pray that YHWH would use us to cause others to turn to him.

So this list shows us that instructing others in YHWH's ways doesn't mean you have to teach a class or debate someone on the merits of obeying Scripture. And remember, we are told to share with those who not only disagree with us, but who oppose the truth. A lot of them are going to keep opposing YHWH's truth after we offer instruction. As much as we would like our teaching to be light bulb moments we must also recognize there are times when we will be met with scoffing and rude remarks and that's okay. That doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong. It's not about being an eloquent speaker or seeing amazing results. Moshe's words to Pharaoh were met with ridicule and scorn and he never did get Pharaoh to teshuvah, but YHWH's goal was still accomplished. 

We have to remember that far too many are dying without Yahusha and that real compassion is sharing truth with them, no matter how we may be mocked and hated for it.

This isn't about your teaching ability. It is about your willingness and YHWH working through you. Even when it's hard and your words or actions are ridiculed, YHWH is giving others the desire to teshuvah.