Shalom John. Thank you for your e-mail.

First, the two young gentlemen you met at the farmer's market are members of MTOI/Beth Shalom. They are young in the faith and dedicated to learning the truth.

Allow me to make a clarification regarding a statement you made. You said, "...someone who claims to be a Christian..."

We do not claim to be "Christians." Moreover, we are in no way associated with the so-called Hebrew Roots movement.

MTOI/Beth Shalom stands between Christianity and Judaism. We are best described in Revelation 12:17 and 14:12.

Their perceived "reluctance" to answer your questions was no doubt based on Titus 3:9 and 2 Timothy 2:23.

Our position on the title "Rabbi" and Matthew 23 is explained in one of our "In Focus" teachings, Call No Man Rabbi.

This teaching is available free on YouTube or Podomatic, should you be interested in watching.

As for our position on "Grace" being "merited favor" rather than "unmerited favor," please watch the series Search For the Doctrine of Grace, also available free on YouTube or Podomatic.

Rabbi Steve is also the "Nasi" (president) of MTOI. MTOI is comprised of Messianic Israelite congregations in a dozen or more countries around the world. As such, he simply has neither time nor inclination to engage in "dialog" or debates. Neither does anyone in leadership positions.

Again, I invite you to watch the above-suggested videos. If you should agree, well and good. If not, that's your choice.

Rabbi Tom.