We have always tried to keep rules to a minimum in our networks but every now and then someone comes into the group with a view to disturbing its peace and the peace of the individual members by being contentious or engaging in lashon hara. The purpose of this statement is to make some matters clear and inform Group members how we expect them to behave.
1. First of all, we expect the usual scriptural good manners and kindness that devolve upon all Bible-believers to be observed here which hopefully we do not need to elaborate because it's mostly common sense. Love and respect the people here in truth, adhere to the scriptural standards in everything, and generally do unto others what you would want them to do to you. If in doubt, ask us.
2. This room is not 'Christendom' nor is it a part of 'Christendom'. Just because someone names the Name of Christ or the Messiah doesn't automatically make them a 'brother' or 'sister' simply because there are many 'christs' and 'messiahs' out there which people adhere to, most of whom appeal to the Bible as their 'authority' (e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses). The only brothers and sisters we acknowledge are those who are a genuine part of Messianic Israel - trusting/adhering to Yah'shua as Messiah, Lord and Saviour, obeying Torah (the Commandments) and walking in the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit). Furthermore, just because you may be a 'messianic' does not necessarily make you a 'brother' or 'sister' in Yah'shua except in the very broadest sense. It all depends what 'spirit' you walk in. A true brother or sister is under reciprocal covenants in Messianic Israel and is under proper apostolic and congregational authority (i.e. not a 'loner' - Messianic Israel is a community). So we measure brotherhood according to biblical Israelite standards, not the world's or the churches'.
3. Although this is a public room open to everyone to view, membership admission and posting is moderated. Those who join Messianic Evangelical do so with the understanding that our rules operate here. Most of these are common sense and common to all discussion groups online. We expect the members not to approach other members (through the membership lists) without first asking their permission here by posting a request to make contact. If permission is given, then by all means get into private contact by email, IM, etc.. Respect the privacy of others. If you receive unsolicited emails from members of the Group, especially if they indulge in lashon hara, gossipping, private attacks, etc., please contact the Moderators. There are one or two militant atheists, satanists or others who lurk in such groups whose purpose is the destruction of this and other ministries and your faith in Messiah Yah'shua. If you hear from them, either ignore them or let us know.
4. This room exists for members of MLT, catechumens, serious investigators, friends from other ministries, independents, and anyone interesting in learning, and sharing, about our Father in Heaven, Yahweh, and His Kingdom. We also welcome people from other Messianic and Christian congregations who would like to share in some of the things we have learned and who share a mutual love of the Bible.
May you be filled with grace, love and peace in the Name of our Messiah Yah'shua.
The Moderators, 28 October 2008
