119 Ministries is an organization founded in 2008 by a married couple, Rivkah and Ross Nichols. The ministry is based in Lebanon, Tennessee and focuses on helping Christians return to the Hebrew roots of their faith. The name “119 Ministries” comes from Psalm 119, which emphasizes the importance of studying and following God’s Word.
Some of the key beliefs and teachings of 119 Ministries include:
- God’s instructions and commandments in the Old Testament are still relevant for believers today
- The Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy) provides the foundation for properly understanding the rest of Scripture
- Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17)
- Both the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God and should be studied together
- The biblical Sabbath is on the 7th day (Saturday) not Sunday
- God’s appointed feasts and festivals (like Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) have important symbolism and meaning for Christians
In addition to their teachings, 119 Ministries produces many resources to assist people in studying the Bible from a Hebrew perspective. These include video teachings, audio podcasts, study guides, an online school, and written articles. Some of their most popular video series cover topics like the Hebrew alphabet, the biblical feasts, the Sabbath day, clean and unclean foods, and more.
119 Ministries has gained a substantial following, especially among Christians who have come to appreciate the Jewish roots of their faith. However, some disagree with the ministry’s teachings on points such as Sabbath-keeping and adherence to the Torah. Critics argue that Christians are not under obligation to follow the Mosaic Law and that some of 119 Ministries’ interpretations lack proper biblical support.
Those who appreciate 119 Ministries point to passages like Matthew 5:17-19, where Jesus says he came to fulfill the Law and not abolish it. They argue the New Testament affirms the continued relevance of God’s instructions and commandments, even if some ceremonial and civil aspects of the Law do not directly apply anymore. 119 Ministries teaches the Torah contains timeless principles and provides the framework for truly understanding Jesus as the Messiah.
In response to critics, 119 Ministries claims they are simply trying to present what Scripture says, not force their theology on others. Their goal is to encourage Christians to study the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) carefully for themselves. They maintain that through in-depth study of the text, believers can come to their own conclusions about how God intends for them to live and worship.
Overall, 119 Ministries aims to promote greater biblically and Hebraic literacy among Christians. Their work centers on educating believers about the Jewish roots of Christianity, while also affirming that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Studying the Bible through a Hebrew lens, they believe, brings greater depth and clarity to understanding God’s plan across both the Old and New Testaments.
119 Ministries provides many free teaching resources through their website and YouTube channel. They also offer paid video courses and sell books and study materials. The ministry is funded through the paid resources, donations, and conferences they host throughout the year. The Nichols family remains actively involved, along with a staff of volunteers who assist with digital media, graphic design, video production, and other aspects of the ministry.
While 119 Ministries has its share of critics, it continues to have an impact among Christians seeking to understand the Jewish context and Hebrew foundations of their beliefs. Studying the Bible from this perspective has enriched many believers’ understanding of their faith. At the same time, 119 Ministries encourages its followers to evaluate its teachings carefully in light of Scripture, not simply accept every interpretation. The ministry aims to stimulate thoughtful biblical study and analysis, not tell people what to believe.
Some key questions and issues that arise regarding 119 Ministries include:
- What role should the Old Testament Law and Torah play in the lives of Christians today?
- How much continuity vs. discontinuity is there between the Old and New Covenants?
- Were aspects of the Mosaic Law (like Sabbath, feasts, dietary laws) intended only for Israel or also for Christians?
- Does keeping the Sabbath and Torah commandments earn merit before God or contribute to justification?
- How are Old Testament passages to be interpreted in light of the fuller revelation in Christ?
These questions merit deeper study and discussion within the Christian community. Believers of goodwill can analyze the relevant biblical passages and arrive at different conclusions. 119 Ministries openly acknowledges many of these issues are complex and not directly addressed by the text. They aim to promote thoughtful analysis rather than dogmatism about disputed matters of interpretation.
Overall, 119 Ministries has highlighted for many believers the benefit of studying the entire Bible through the lens of its original Hebrew context. Their work has encouraged Christians to appreciate the Jewish roots of their faith and see the Scriptures as an integrated whole. At the same time, responsible analysis requires examining whether some of their particular interpretations impose meanings or applications not intended by the biblical authors. As with any teaching resource, Christians should evaluate 119 Ministries’ perspectives in light of the whole counsel of Scripture.
Passages Frequently Cited by 119 Ministries
Matthew 5:17-19
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
119 Ministries emphasizes that Jesus clearly states he did not come to abolish or do away with the Law of Moses, but rather to fulfill it. They argue this means the commandments of the Torah are still relevant for his followers.
Acts 17:11
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
This passage is cited to encourage believers to study the Scriptures (including the Old Testament) diligently to rightly understand God’s truth.
Acts 21:20b-24
“You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.”
119 Ministries teaches this shows the Jewish believers in the early church continued adhering to the Law of Moses, indicating it was not abolished or done away with.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
They emphasize “all Scripture” includes the Old Testament, which must be studied along with the New Testament.
Hebrews 4:9-10
“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”
119 Ministries teaches this demonstrates the weekly Sabbath day of rest goes back to creation and continues for believers in Jesus.
Hebrews 8:10
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
They see this as indicating God’s law is written on the hearts of New Covenant believers.
James 2:8-12
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.”
119 Ministries uses this to support keeping the commandments in the Torah, arguing violating part of the law makes one guilty of breaking the whole law.
Evaluating 119 Ministries
Like with any teaching ministry, Christians should evaluate 119 Ministries’ perspectives carefully in light of Scripture as a whole. There are biblical scholars across the theological spectrum who arrive at different conclusions about aspects of the ministry’s interpretations. Christians seeking to grow in their understanding of the Bible’s original Hebrew context and the Jewish roots of their faith may benefit from some of 119 Ministries’ materials. However, as with any resource, believers should exercise wisdom and discernment in assessing the conclusions drawn from specific passages.
Here are some key considerations when evaluating 119 Ministries:
- Examine the full context of the biblical passages cited – do they support the specific application or interpretation made?
- Consider the overall narrative and theological themes of Scripture.
- Analyze whether their teaching aligns with the work of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant.
- Remember salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
- Be wary of teachings imposing legalistic adherence to Old Testament laws.
- Test interpretations via cross-referencing other Scriptures.
- Investigate respected biblical scholarship on disputed issues.
- Pursue truth while extending grace to those with differing views.
Healthy discussion and debate can lead to clarity on disputed matters. Christians should avoid dogmatism and remember that finite, fallen human beings see through a glass dimly (1 Cor 13:12). Humility and grace should characterize the pursuit of understanding God’s truth revealed in Scripture.