Walking as He Walked: A Journey of Faith, Adoption, Truth, and Covenant
Faith is a journey—an unfolding of truth, obedience, and transformation. My life has been one of learning to walk as Y’shu’ah HaMashiach walked, shedding man-made traditions, embracing the unchanging commandments of Yahuah, and finding my identity in His covenant family. My story weaves together experiences of adoption, military service, ministry, questioning, and ultimately, discovering the profound depths of what it means to be grafted into the true vine.
Adopted and Grafted In: A Story of Belonging
Being adopted as a baby shaped my life in ways I could not fully understand as a child. I often struggled with a sense of not fitting in or truly belonging. Adoption left me searching for identity and purpose, wondering where I fit in this world. But through my earthly father’s love and example, I came to understand the concept of being grafted in—a powerful spiritual reality that would later resonate deeply in my faith journey.
My father prepared a place for me in his home. He welcomed me to his table, provided for me, and taught me the rules of his house. Over time, I grew to love him—not out of obligation, but because I saw his heart and experienced his care. These experiences mirrored a greater truth: that Yahuah, the Creator of heaven and earth, has prepared a place for us in His covenant. Through Y’shu’ah, I am grafted into the house of Yahuah, partaking of His promises and learning to walk in His ways.
Paul’s words in Romans 11:17-24 describe this beautifully: “You, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.” Being grafted into Y’shu’ah’s house is a profound honor. It means eating at the King’s table, partaking of the King’s provision, and living according to the rules of His house—His Torah. Adoption, both earthly and spiritual, has given me a deep understanding of what it means to belong and to be loved by the Father.
From Christian Roots to Hebraic Truth
I was “saved” at the age of seven and grew up in a devout Christian household. My family ran a summer Bible camp, immersing me in church culture, Scripture, and ministry from a young age. I walked loosely in these ways, taking them at face value, but never fully questioning or examining their foundation. After high school, I served seven years in the U.S. Army, including four in Special Forces. Military life instilled in me discipline, focus, and resilience—qualities that would later guide me in my faith journey.
Upon returning to civilian life, I became actively involved in my church, teaching at its local Bible institute. I also practiced street evangelism, using “The Way of the Master,” which emphasized boldness and clarity in presenting the message of salvation. At the time, I was deeply committed to sharing my faith with others, but questions began to stir within me: Was I sharing the full truth? Was the faith I taught aligned with the teachings of Y’shu’ah? These questions eventually led me down a path of study and self-examination that would transform my understanding of Scripture.
Aliyah and the Call to Deeper Truth
In 2000, I made Aliyah, a life-changing experience that connected me to the land of Israel and the Hebraic roots of Scripture. This journey challenged me to reconsider the Christian traditions I had grown up with. The more I studied the Bible in its original context, the more I realized how much of what I had been taught was shaped by man-made doctrines and traditions rather than the Word of Yahuah.
By 2004, I made a bold commitment: I would dedicate one year to keeping the biblical Sabbath, observing Yahuah’s feasts, and following a biblical diet. During this time, I prayed earnestly for Yahuah to reveal His truth to me, asking Him to show me how to walk in His ways. That one-year trial became a lifelong journey. What I discovered was undeniable—the Torah, Yahuah’s eternal commandments, had never been abolished, and the traditions of Christianity were riddled with distortions and pagan influences.
Questioning Christianity: Exposing the Traditions of Men
My involvement in the church was sincere. I taught Scripture, participated in ministry, and sought to lead others in their faith. However, as I began to dig deeper into the Word, glaring inconsistencies became impossible to ignore. I noticed how Christian doctrines often twisted verses out of context to fit theological pretexts. For example, the church’s emphasis on Sunday worship, Christmas, and Easter stood in direct contradiction to the commandments and appointed times established by Yahuah.
When I began incorporating Hebrew insights into my teachings, I was met with resistance. One day, my pastor dismissed my work, claiming that the King James Version (KJV) “corrected” the biblical Hebrew. That statement was a wake-up call. How could a 17th-century English translation override the inspired Word in its original language? This moment exposed the depth of the church’s reliance on tradition over truth and solidified my resolve to seek Yahuah’s Word apart from the distortions of man-made religion.
Rejecting Pagan Practices and Returning to Covenant
One of the most striking revelations during my journey was the realization of how many Christian practices are rooted in paganism. Traditions like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween are steeped in idolatry and syncretism:
Christmas aligns with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, and Easter incorporates elements of fertility rituals honoring the goddess Ishtar. These traditions stand in stark contrast to Yahuah’s appointed feasts, which are eternal and rooted in His Word. Rejecting these practices was not easy—it meant going against the grain of everything I had been taught. But it was necessary to honor Yahuah and walk in truth.
Keeping the Sabbath and Biblical Feasts
In 2004, I began keeping the Sabbath—the seventh day set apart by Yahuah as a sign of His eternal covenant. Unlike the man-made institution of Sunday worship, the Sabbath is divinely ordained and reflects Yahuah’s creation order:
I also began observing the biblical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Shavuot, Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and the Eighth Great Day. These feasts are not outdated rituals but prophetic rehearsals of Yahuah’s redemptive plan, fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled through Y’shu’ah HaMashiach. Y’shu’ah Himself observed the Sabbath and celebrated the feasts (Luke 4:16; John 7:2, 10), demonstrating their enduring significance.
Walking as Y’shu’ah Walked
Y’shu’ah is the ultimate example of how we are called to live. He walked in perfect obedience to the Torah, upheld the commandments, and taught His followers to do the same:
Walking as Y’shu’ah walked is not about legalism; it is about love for the Father and a desire to honor Him.
Becoming a Netzarim: A Branch of the True Vine
Today, I identify as a Netzarim—a branch of the true vine, Y’shu’ah HaMashiach (Isaiah 11:1; John 15:5). Being grafted into His house means eating at His table, partaking of His provision, and living according to His rules—the Torah. This is not a burden; it is a blessing and an honor to walk in covenant faithfulness.
Declaring the End from the Beginning
My mission now is to teach and declare the truth of Yahuah’s Word, proclaiming what was, what is, and what is to come. Y’shu’ah taught the gospel of the Kingdom—the message of redemption, salvation, and restoration—and I strive to follow His example. Through written and video content, I aim to help others grow in faith and understanding, sharing the eternal truth of Yahuah’s Word.
A Call to Walk as He Walked
If you are ready to walk as Y’shu’ah walked, I am here to help. Together, we can explore the depths of Yahuah’s Word, learning how to honor Him in spirit and truth. This journey is not easy, but it is the path of righteousness, rooted in love for the Father and obedience to His commandments. Let us walk this path together, proclaiming the eternal truths of Yahuah and living as set-apart people in covenant with Him. Reach out to begin a personalized study plan, and together, we will grow in faith, understanding, and obedience to our Creator.
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