What is the basis for Ger Toshav,

Gentiles or Christians to identify themselves as "Ephraimites"?

After Ephraim broke Covenant with YHWH, most were dispersed into the nations becoming part of the Gentiles.  A remnant of the Tribes of Israel including Ephraim chose not to rebel, these were preserved and are included among those who are called "Jews".  Most modern "Ephraimites" do not claim to be "Spiritual Ephraim", ie walking after the "Calling of Ephraim" or "Spiritual Jews", as following the Torah Mashiyach.  Most "Ephraimites" claim to have blood lineage which is clearly a theological premise rooted in a Dispensationalist and Replacement theology.  Those who claim to be these blood line "Ephraimites" are ex-Christians who still carry "Roman thinking".  In Daniel 2, the Roman Empire is represented by "10 toes", the "Ephraimite" movement is using the 10 Lost Tribes theology to invent a geo-political status for "Israel", their own self-made "empire" (with all the trappings of American Crapitalism), which is Hellenism.  Ephraimites obviously hold very little regard for the Authority of Scripture, thus says YHWH:

However the American Crapitalist sees enterprise and hears opportunity knocking, seizing the opportunity to be a hero and legend in his own mind the call of the Ephraimite goes forth in books, videos, CD's, DVD's, conferences, cassettes etc, even though YHWH Himself says no such thing.  Here are a few of the many Scriptures telling of the "remnant" on both prophetic and historic authority.  "Ephraimites" were never prophesied to "discover themselves" in Egypt, Assyria, Babylon or among the rest of the Nations, i.e. Britain or America.

The Scriptures tell of a very small remnant, or residue of Israel that survived

making the British - America Lost Tribes scenario a hoax.

Where do we find the term "Two House" in Scripture?

The term "Two House" referring to Judah and Ephraim NEVER APPEARS IN SCRIPTURE!!! It is a recently coined term by those who call themselves "Ephraimites".  Judah is mentioned 755 times, Ephraim 162, Judah and Ephraim are together mentioned in the same Verse only 13 times (which is the number of Unity not division).  Ezekiel 37:15-22 is the fundamental "proof text" used (twisted like a pretzel) to support the "Two House" theory, it is the only reference of "two nations" or "two kingdoms" and the context is one of UNITY not division.  The "House of Ephraim" is only mentioned once in Judges 10:9 at a time when Ephraim was down on their blessings.  Those who insist they are "Ephraim" but supply no evidence are akin to someone finding a wallet and stealing the persons identity and "blessings".  The rightful line Ephraim although belongs to the original people of Ephraim, but those who are not of the Toledot (Blood Line) of Ephraim are fabricating a lie. 

If the "Ephraimites" are trying to help YHWH fulfill Biblical Prophecy of Ezekiel they can take a breather, haMashiyach is very capable of sorting this out.  The House of Israel and the House of Judah are mentioned together 9 times in Scripture (Genesis-Revelations).  The House of Joseph and the House of Judah are mentioned 3 times in Scripture (Genesis-Revelations).  The only mention in the Ketuvim Netzarim of the houses of Israel and Judah is in Hebrews 8:8 which is a quote from Jeremiah 31:31, this quote is supplied to explain the office and ministry of Yeshua as High Priest, nothing about the identity or joining together of Judah or Israel is mentioned, except that each received the Covenant.

Here's the "Ephraimite proof text" that is used to sell the "Ephraimite" propaganda.

On the basis of this Scripture, the "Two House" movement has produced artistic renderings to illustrate "two sticks" joining together—imagine two sticks twisted and braided together like a pretzel—you got it.  But the "House of Israel" and "House of Y'hudah" are brothers of ONE Father and never meant to be "two houses".  Sibling rivalry does not annul the calling or intent of YHWH's purposes for Israel as one people.  A title or identity that proclaims "Two House" versus "One House" is divisive and the product of jealousy and ignorance.  The true Body of Mashiyach does NOT erect institutions, identities and walls between Brethren, including bloodlines, genealogy or identities, this is a wearisome stroking of the flesh most certainly not of the Ruach haKodesh.  The Tribes were divided because of their disobedience to YHWH, by pushing their own "identities", programs and one-up-man-ship!  But now thousands of years later the "Ephraimites" are yet another divisive movement that spurns "one house" Believers or "Judah" as being the culpable divider of the family (mainly because Judah hasn't bought into Jesus).

Certainly the "Ephraimite" movement today has been born out of prejudice and fueled by the anti-Torah stance of many "Messianic Jewish" leaders who teach a two class system for Jews and Non-Jews.  Many "Ephraimites" were once part of Messianic Congregations but were not treated as equals in Torah.  Many Messianic leaders teach that non-Jews are not to observe Shabbat, and when non-Jewish believers are having Torah written upon their hearts by the Ruach haKodesh they are spurned by Christians and Jews for being "wannabe Jews" which is shameful and ignorant of Messianic Jewish leaders. 

But the fact is that the Messianic "Jewish" movement is underwritten by Evangelical Dispensational Christianity, so a person should not expect much Torah maturity whether the leaders are Jews or not!  Many "Ephraimites" today have made a return to Torah in haMashiyach which far exceeds the level of Torah maturity of many Messianic Jewish leaders and their congregations and it is also on this basis that "Ephraimites" consider themselves to be not only heirs to the literal physical Land of Israel but also blood linked to the ancient tribe of Ephraim.  The "Ephraimites" should remember that there are catholic priests who are Jewish, and they wouldn't expect a Catholic priest to have much respect for Torah obserance, so why should they expect a Christianized Messiantic Jew to have any?

Scripture bears no coincidence and no redundancy, this is the only verse where "Two families" are mentioned.  Note carefully it is mentioned by those who have "despised my people".  According to YHWH's math, One is stronger than Two.  United We Stand Divided We Fall.  It is shame for "Ephraimites" to dwell on the "Two House" identity shtick, it is both unwarranted and evidence of spiritual immaturity.  "Ephraimites" have inadvertently included themselves in the fold of the naysayer.

"Two House" ideology is all about finding an "identity", if it were not then these Believers in Yeshua would be content to use "Scriptural identities" that are already established by YHWH for the Body of Mashiyach.  There are plenty of Scriptural terms available to identify with.  As a person becomes a New Creation in Mashiyach a new inward identity in Yeshua Mashiyach is supplied by knowing haMashiyach and having His Spirit inside of us.  To seek after an illusive blood connection is divisive and carnal.  How is it that a person would prefer to talk about an identity in physical Israel, rather than their identity in the King of the Universe? Yeshua said, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of Elohim is within you." (Luke 17:21)  Albeit this was a novel concept and a radical departure from the traditional religious perspectives of the Kingdom at the time, as contemporary religions at that time were predominately focused on the literal physical land of Israel being the Kingdom.

Jewish identity among Rabbinical Jews is of course very big deal, observant Jews want to know, "are you Jewish?"  Because if you are then you should be doing the Mitzvot, but if not then according to Rabbinical lore you have no part in Torah.  Jewish identity is at war against all form of assimilation of the Jewish people.  A Jewish person could be a Satanist, pervert, murderer or follow after many gods, but from a Rabbinical perspective, the Jewish soul is a higher status than a non-Jewish soul and has the potential of doing the Mitzvot.

Although bloodline identity has become an idol for many Jews, it is also a bit of a straw man because a Jew is one inwardly who observes Torah and does the mitzvot, not outwardly after the flesh, anyone from any bloodline could be a "Jew".  YHWH is the One who says who a Jew is, Rabbis help Gentiles make conversion to Judaism but it is the willingness and intent of the non-Jewish person to enter into Covenant with YHWH and keep Torah, albeit conversion is often more about having a Jewish identity and following the Jewish traditions.  The "Ephraimite movement" is polarized around the identity of "two houses" and are opposed to "one house" believers who don't see any validity in "Ephraimite identity."  But essentially if anyone wants to be an bona fide "Ephraimite", they simply have to accept the doctrine of the "Ephraimite" leadership, and they're in.

The "Ephraimite" movement has taken root out of prejudice, ignorance and jealousy, it is not only divisive but it is taking a Name and Identity from others which is not rightfully theirs to be taken.  If one identifies himself as a Christian, Messianic, Netzarim, Believer, a Jew, Follower, Disciple, Talmid, a Spiritual Israelite, or someone with a Jewish Heart, Heart of a Jew, or Hebrew heart, they do so by their Faith.  Anyone can choose to be a Jew, a Christian, a Netzari, a Believer etc, but to call oneself bloodline "Ephraimites" without physical evidence, is by material point of law, theft.

Those who claim to be "Ephraimites" are also claiming to be a portion above their brethren, although a very small percentage of people having a love for Yeshua, Torah, Israel, the Jewish People, Hebrew, Aramaic etc claim to have any blood connection to Israel.  "Ephraimitism" is an unsanctified division within the Body of Mashiyach and causing divisions within friends, families, and congregations.  Most individuals are interested to grow their Faith in Yeshua and Torah, instead of being sold "Ephraimite" theories and "Lost Tribe" propaganda at Holy Convocations.  It is wrong to hold meetings in the name of "Two Houses" and spend the majority of efforts and discussion around this motif, there are much more vital and important matters at hand.  Prophetic passages in the Tanakh and Ketuvim Netzarim direct us to grow in haMashiyach and go out and make Talmidim, thus creating the bond of Unity, we are not to focus on political and genealogical theorem.

"Moreover I have given to thee one SHEKEM (portion) above thy brethren,

which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow."

Genesis 48:22

One of the fallacies of the "Two House" movement is based on this verse that Ephraim was to receive a "portion above thy brethren" as if to receive some behemothic blessing.  The Hebrew word for portion used here is "SHEKEM" NOT "CHELEQ" which is the common Hebrew word for "portion".  This is the ONLY verse in Scripture where King James translators wrote "portion" for "shekem".  The word Shekem means "shoulder", check this in Strongs Concordance #7926, it is mentioned 22 times in Scripture.  This verse speaks of Ephraim having a literal "Shekem" shoulder, the words "above thy" do not appear in the Hebrew text, they were added by translators, who interpreted Shekem as a "shoulder above", the "Two House" theologians clearly use dubious methods to stroke their egos and build false theories.

The place called "Shechem" Strongs #7927 is within Ephraim's proposed boundaries.  The fact of the matter is that Ephraim was so very disobedient to YHWH that as a Tribe they accomplished great military exploits as the other Tribes, neither did they become the largest in number, far from it.  Scriptures indicate that Ephraim let Canaanites dwell in their territories.  The Canaanite idolatry rapidly brought Ephraim down physically and spiritually.  To teach that Ephraim, irregardless of their crass rebellion to YHWH became or will become a great people, is antithetical to Scripture.

Relationship dynamics between Ephraim and Judah

"The envy also of Ephraim shall depart,

and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah,

and Judah shall not vex Ephraim."  

Isaiah 11:13

Judah vexes Ephraim: the Hebrew for "vex" is TSARAR, also rendered as adversary, oppress, besiege, bound up, distress, shut up, afflict, enemy, and trouble.  Judah vexed Ephraim but, "let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart." Zechariah 7:10 the correct response to one who is vexing another is to seek Righteousness and not become ensnared or enemy centered.

Ephraim envies Judah: the Hebrew for "envy" is QINAH, also rendered as jealousy 25, zeal 9, envy 8.

If we factor this into the theoretical "Two House Movement" then "Ephraim" better be wary of their flesh rising up.  Let's say that modern "Ephraimites" can delineate each article of vexation which has come upon them by Y'hudah, this still doesn't make a their cause of "Ephraim" legitimate any more than going to McDonalds makes them into hamburgers.  If you feel animosity by those who confess haMashiyach then consider yourself the wiser!  "Ephraimites", make sure that you are not suffering because of your own flesh, and if you've been marginalized by Hellenized Christo-Pagan Messianic Jewish leadership then you should come have come out from among them anyways, Jews or not, they're not walking in Torah!

NONE in Mashiyach—especially leaders—should need approval or validation from others for their Faith, especially from Torahless Messianic Jewish leadership.  Some Jews call themselves "Messianic Catholics", "Messianic Christians", "Messianic Seventh Day Adventists", "Messianic Charismatic", and every other flavor of pagan Christian denominationalism under the sun.  The designation of "Messianic" by a Jew often indicates that they have been sold anti-Torah Hellenism, there are also self-hating token Jews in many Christian and socio-political institutions who endorse paganism, so it should come as no surprise that Jews adopt paganism under the motif of "Messianic".  However, YHWH is a Jealous Elohim who promises to supply ALL our needs according to His Riches and Mercy, we need not seek an identity outside of Him.  What benefit would a person have in adopting the title of an "Ephraimite" or "Spiritual" Ephraim?  "Ephraim" isn't such a "Spiritual" designation to begin with, neither does it hold such powerful prophetic or religious implication—except the portion above thy brethren status—which as already stated is a vast overstatement based on a Greek and/or English manipulation of the text.

Relationship dynamics between YHWH and Ephraim

2 Chronicles 30:10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

Isaiah 7:8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.  And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son.  If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Isaiah 17:1-4 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.  The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.  The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, says YHWH of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

Isaiah 27:3-8 The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:  And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looks upon it sees, while it is yet in his hand he eats it up.  In that day shall  YHWH of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, And for a spirit of judgment to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.  But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.  For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

Jeremiah 7:15 And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim.

Jeremiah 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hosea 6:10 I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.  Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for you, when I returned the captivity of my people. 7:1 When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoils without.  And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.  They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.  They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceases from raising after he has kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.

Hosea 9:11-17 As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.  Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!  Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer.  Give them, O YHWH: what will you give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.  All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters.  Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb.  My Elohim will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

Hosea 11:12 Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet rules with Elohim, and is faithful with the saints.

Hosea 13:1-2 When Ephraim spoke trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.  And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Psalm 78:66-68 And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.  Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:  But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

If ye will NOT believe, surely ye shall NOT be established...

When were the Ancient Ephraimites Lost?

YHWH knew where Ephraim was in the days of Zechariah, and so did everyone else who wanted to know, they were in Egypt and Assyria, EPHRAIM WAS NOT LOST then, there was NO break in history where Ephraim could not identify itself so that they suddenly appeared somewhere else.  The whole fiasco of the "Two House" identity is an allurement of the enemy, beware of it!

A look at the numbers of Ephraimites...

Even if we join the numbers the two tribes of Ephraim (10th largest) and M'nasheh (smallest) together we have 72,700, still lagging 1900 souls behind Y'hudah, so Ephraim (fruitful) clearly does not have great numbers here.  So where then does Ephraim begin to realize it's behemothic blessings?  Here's the next bit of info about the children of Yoseph from Joshua:

If anything the children of Yoseph are needing a bit of hand holding, but Y'hoshua encourages them with something like "you want it, then go get it boys!"  We are definitely not seeing some inherent tour de force here, nachon? The next thing we discover is that Ephraim made a very bad choice to become assimilated with the Canaanites.

Ephraim experienced the earliest and largest single slaughter of all of the tribes.

Adding more trouble to the Ephraimite woes they were stupid enough to join forces in an attempt to overthrow David, the battle was waged "in the wood of Ephraim" where Israel took a Royal beating and their numbers diminishing by 20,000 men.  No, I don't say this lightly or in jest, it was a very, very sad part of history, but let's not overlook these facts.

The census that David took indicates that there were 800,000 from Israel and 500,000 men from Judah, a whopping 62% all the tribes were Yehudah?

The tribe of Ephraim never amounted to much, simply because YHWH's blessings are conditional upon obedience to Covenant.

Some "Ephraimites" point out that YHWH says He will have mercy upon Ephraim according to Jeremiah 31, and therefore Ephraim has to show up somewhere for this to happen!  Here's the verse.

Unfortunately the "Ephraimites" neglect to read the context of this chapter which is the giving of the Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant) where Torah is promised to be on the hearts of YHWH's people, from the least to the greatest, ALL will know YHWH!  In this context Jeremiah speaks of Rachel weeping for her children in Ramah, which is in the territory of Binyamin which is a clear prophetic link to the coming of Mashiyach who was to bring the New Covenant and make the offer of the Kingdom of Elohim.

Rachel had two sons, Yoseph was her firstborn and she died giving birth to Binyamin.  Most believers recognize that Rachel's weeping (spoken of in Jeremiah) was a prophecy pertaining to Herod's slaughter of all the males in Bethlehem which were two years of age or younger. However it is clear that YHWH shows great mercy and love for all of "Rachel's offspring".  Ya'akov passed his mantle on to Yoseph (the coat of many colors), and Ephraim was Yoseph's firstborn which is why YHWH also calls him His firstborn!  Simply because of YHWH's limitless compassion for His people, but anyone who uses this as some political identity ploy is really missing the boat here.

The Ephraimite identity crowd sees a behemoth physical re-gathering of Israelites to the Land of Israel, whereas the prophets foretell of the Day of YHWH shaking down all false governments and religions and during this time of great peril YHWH will install his Government over all the nations, and redraw the borders etc..  Then there will be a universal re-gathering of YHWH's people, of those who are alive at Mashiyach's return and those of the first resurrection.  But among the Ephraimites—believe it or not—there are men who are pining to be the big dog on the porch, even "king of Israel", who literally think they are the head and have some sort of right to kingship and that at any moment they're going to start a massive revival etc..  Don't laugh, it's not funny.  It's fantasy, pride and arrogance clothed with ignorance of the Malchut Elohim.  The reality of Ya'akov and Rachel's lineage through Yoseph points to MASHIYACH and a universal Kingdom, NOT some bloodline Ephraim-itish denominationalism.

The Batya and Angus Wooten material regarding the "Ephraimite theory" has been in print for many years, much of it comes right out of the British Israel Identity movement, but without open hatred toward Jews.  British Israel theories were adopted by the Worldly Wide Church of God and are still maintained among WCG's scattered & battered frozen chosen flocks.  While the "Two House" Brethren are in a quest for Mashiyach, Torah Observance etc., my concern is how the posturing of the "Ephraimite" identity could be an offense to YHWH and the Body of Mashiyach and yet another a religious trap. 

First off, it is vexing to hear people calling themselves physical "Ephraimites" without a shred of proof!  The theories and posturing required to support the claims of the "Two House" identity are extensive.  The theory has even become a "testing truth" for some "Ephraimites", you are either with them or against them as pertaining to their identity as "Ephraimites", and for this we must say a resounding... GROW UP Ephraimites!!!

I'm in no way critical of brethren seeking Mashiyach and who are zealous for Torah, but the institution of "Two House" brothers sparring off against "One House" brothers is an offense to YHWH.  Granted, it may be reactionary because of the treatment that some of these non-Jewish souls have received at the hands of Jews for Jesus, Messy-antic, Evangelical, Lausanne Convention self hating anti-Torah Jews who despise Gentiles for wanting to do Torah!!!  Baruch haShem YHWH!  Let all Elohim Fearers who suffer consider themselves blessed of Mashiyach!  But not all "One House" folk are warning Gentiles off Torah, or waving their Jewish flesh all over town at the expense of the rest of the Fearers of Elohim.  The point is that, isn't your identity in Mashiyach the most important thing you have?  What? is being yoked with the Master of all Masters and King of all Kings not a good enough identity for you already, that you need to go looking for some "Ephraimite" blood?

YHWH spoke definitively about Ephraim breaking Covenant with Him, but He also called Ephraim His "firstborn", indicating His intimate desire was for Ephraim to respond to Him as a faithful son, but Ephraim would not!  Those who are now coming out of "the woodwork" and calling themselves "Ephraimites" are calling YHWH's Word a lie, unless they are speaking as Ephraim in the light of Jeremiah 31 and the New Covenant.  YHWH said He would reduce Ephraim to "not be a people" after the blood, but NOT after the promise that is within the gathering of souls into His Kingdom, so we either believe YHWH or we believe "Ephraimite" theories.  Ephraim bloodlines do not need to appear on the scene for the Word of YHWH to be satisfied.  Rachel's children are those of the Promise, not after the flesh, these are after the Faith of Avraham which is a continuum of the Malchut Elohim from Adam right through to the Olam Haba.  But even though they are "children of promise", it surely doesn't mean their bloodine is going to save them from their sins!

Consider Revelation 3:9 "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews , and are not, but do lie."  The "Ephraimites" do not say they are Jews, but Jews have come from all of the 12 Tribes, (which were never lost) and through conversions since the time of Ruth the Moabite there have been millions of souls who became Jews, and millions of Jews who were never bloodline Jews, so there is no difference whether one calls themselves physical Ephraim or Jews when they are not, a Jew is one who is a Jew inwardly, not outwardly and this has always been the case.  If anyone wants to become a "Jew" there is nothing stopping them, conversion precedent is found throughout the Scripture.  "Ephraimites" do not have a conversion process, they come out of Christianity, everything "Ephraimites" follow is borrowed from either Christianity, Messianic, Netzarim, Rabbinical Judaism or Karaite faith, there are no halachic Ephraimite Rabbis or sages—don't laugh it's not funny!

Those who don't subscribe to the "Two House" theory are branded as "One House".  We find no place in Scripture where the Kingdom of Elohim has people going about calling themselves "Two House", although "One House" does have a "ring" to it as in, One Body, One Mashiyach, His Name Shall be ONE.

The British Israelite Identity Movement, from which gave birth to the "Ephraimite" movement openly promotes racism, to these folks G-d invented racism, their thinking follows that G-d chose some and didn't choose others, some were blessed others were not, they teach G-d invented "racism", and they interpret racism to give themselves the upper hand, it's not pretty, but the "Ephraimites" are now making a similar religio-political stand.

One of the "Ephraimitish" leaders states on his website: "We believe that the house of Israel, led by Ephraim, who is scattered in the nations and their future reunion with the house of Judah is one of the most significant Messianic prophecies concerning the role and function of the Messiah of Israel. Yeshua / Jesus stated that He needed to die on the tree so that His two houses or sheepfolds could become one (John 10:14-17). (bold italics mine)

NO, this verse focuses on the "other sheep", which are "not of this fold", Yeshua is referring to those who are not in the Kingdom of Elohim as yet, he is definitely NOT referring to the "Ephraimites" joining with Y'hudah.

When we think of sheep, the first thing that comes to mind is Ya'akov accumulating sheep while working for Lavan, and how he made an effort to separate those which were his own from those of Lavan's.  Sheep are used in this case to show Ya'akov's honesty.  When the Princes of the 12 Tribes of Israel brought their offerings in Numbers 7:12-83 each one made a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and one sheep.  Rashi noted that the young bull represents Avraham, as it says "He brought a young bull" Genesis 18:7; of Yitzak, as it says "And he took the ram" Genesis 22:13; and of Ya'akov it says, "And Ya'akov separated the sheep" Genesis 30:40.  Each of the Princes was also symbolically indicating their Unity in the Kingdom of YHWH, as unto the Elohei of Avraham, Yitzak and Ya'akov.  When the Mashiyach speaks of sheep that are not of this fold, he is specifically talking about those who are NOT yet of His Kingdom, regardless of bloodline.

The Maharal points out that Israel is likened to sheep.  When one Jew transgresses (as in the case of Achan, see Joshua 7), the whole nation suffers.  Yeshua stated He has sheep who will become part of the Israel of Elohim, who He must bring in, it is arrogant and rude to state this is referring only to "Ephraim" or to those who have blood lineage in Israel.  It's a lie and it's racism, YHWH did not create human life to watch it suffer and become fuel for burning Hell, every life is precious in His eyes and He seeks men everywhere to repent and put their Trust in Him.

It is a "light thing" to raise up the tribes of Ya'akov by comparison of MASHIYACH being a LIGHT TO THE GENTILES! and by my YESHUA (salvation) unto the end of the earth!  Being as the earth is round, the end of the earth must mean EVERY SOUL ON EARTH! 

So please do your homework "Ephraimites", anyone who interprets the Ministry of Mashiyach as primarily unto the "Two Houses" is teaching a "bald faced pathetic self serving lie", it is shameful teaching!  The focus on re-uniting Judah and Ephraim bloodlines is of much less importance to YHWH and His Mashiyach than the "Ephraimites" would want you to know.  If it were of such importance there would be many Prophecies to address it, but there are none so the "Ephraimites" have to stretch the Scriptures hard to make a name for themselves.

There is NOT ONE MENTION of "Ephraim" in the Ketuvim Netzarim (Netzarim Writings), only a reference to the "city of Ephraim".  There are NO prophetic directives of this "joining" in the historical writings of the Netzarim or Christian communities.  Orthodox Jewry and their religion however does have both a political and a religious interest in a future prophetic "joining" of the Tribes.  The vast majority of Orthodox Jews deny Yeshua as the Promised Mashiyach, therefore by their traditions He is not considered to be a "Light to the Gentiles".  However, haMashiyach has a Universal calling to Unify the World in Righteousness, therefore as Orthodox Jews do not accept Yeshua, any joining of "Two Houses" would have to be accomplished under Rabbinical authority and directives.  If Rabbinical Judaism were to endorse the "Ephraimites" on behalf of all Jews, they then could clearly point out that Yeshua haMashiyach could not be the True Mashiyach.  To submit and follow Orthodox authority in order to facilitate a "joining" of the two sticks is extremely problematic.  With the one world government propaganda machine hard at work, "Ephraimites" stand a very good chance of being recognized as a bona fide denominational religion.  A bit of money and political lobbying and the Beast would be happy to comply and let the Ephraimites in on their hierarchy so they can control their souls, yes ecumenical "Ephraimitism" is probably coming soon to a theatre near you.  Haven't you ever wondered how the Messianic Movement got so messy, and so anti-Torah?

Yeshua first commanded His Talmidim;

LOST SHEEP

NOT

LOST TRIBES!

Don't you hate that when people twist the Scriptures to suite their own theology?  The "LOST TRIBES" theology made way for the British "monarchy" to give itself authority to rape, plunder and pillage the rest of the world under their "god given" right to rule.  The American nation has given itself "superpower" status to rape the freedom and resources of every nation they "visit" under the guise of their shameful "god given" Christian message.  Certainly many American people are wise to the infidelities of their nation, many Americans try hard to rectify the evil brought upon the world by their evil governments and corporations.  But Americans pay their taxes to the Beast, the little good they do is a drop in the bucket against the instability and tyranny wrought upon the world by American greed and lust for power.  But most religious people in America believe they have a god given mandate to police the world, which evolved in the same "Christian" manner as the Bloody British.  And of course nothing good will ever come out of nationalistic British or Americanism, because "identity" is not community, it is not equality, it is one-up-man-ship and it opposes the Malchut Elohim.  Clearly the "Ephraimite" movement is essentially another American white cult movement, where they can profess to others, "god chose US!"

Then Yeshua commanded His Talmidim;

The "Good News" does not prejudice one nation against another or one part of the Body of Mashiyach against another.  But Ephraimite leaders are teaching that the "Good News" is that they are of ancient Israel lineage and are destined to dominate and rule the world, they think themselves to be a shoulder above their brethren...

Ya'akov (James) knew where the 12 Tribes of Israel were hiding out and how to get in touch with them.

Some teach this means it was an open letter to all Israelites and therefore the physical "Church" is Israel, but the problem with that is there is the Israel of Elohim (spiritual Israel), the bloodline Israel which is no guarantee of belonging to YHWH, and a myriad of curious spectators who are wondering what is going on.  The Ephraimite "religion" is clearly going after the latter group and the carrot is really the offering to be the head, not the tail.  As this chap says, "We believe that the house of Israel, led by Ephraim," clearly states that he wants to be the big dog on the porch.  Really?  The House of Israel also includes Judah, so Mr. Ephraimite really doesn't have an equality mindset, no, he sees hierarchy and this is the pride of the American Ephraimite movement.  There are even American "Ephraimite" leaders who are gunning to be king of Israel, their fantasies and pride are carried over from their Hellenistic American dream superpower Christian identity.

A well known and published "Ephraimite" writes:

"Caiaphas prophesied that Yeshua / Jesus died on the tree to redeem and reunite both houses of Israel (John 11:49-52). However, the physical reunion of both houses of Israel from the nations and their return to the land of Israel has not yet taken place. Messiah was asked by His disciples when this event would happen (Acts 1:6). The Apostle Paul preached the regathering of both houses of Israel after the death of Messiah on the tree (Acts 26:6-7). Since the New Covenant was given distinctly to both houses of Israel (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8) and the Messiah commissioned fishermen (Matthew 4:18-20) to go seek and find the scattered "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6), the Messiah's role as the Great Shepherd (John 10:14) is best pictured in the redemption, restoration and regathering of Ephraim with Judah." (bold italics mine)

"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE: Did Yeshua die on the tree to redeem and reunite both houses of Israel (John 11:49-52)?

NO, if John meant either Israel, Y'hudah or Ephraim he would have said it, he did NOT!  

This subjective reading into the text is a bald face lie and distortion of truth.

John wrote, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."  NOT ALL, but myriads of His own received him, but the Jews who denied Y'shua also said some VERY TELLING things about themselves;  John 7:34 "Then said the Jews among themselves, Where will he go, that we shall not find him?  Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?"  Yes indeed, make no mistake about it, "the Jews" had a VERY good idea what haMashiyach came to do, didn't they?  There Y'shua goes off to the Gentiles to fulfill the prophecies of Mashiyach!!!   It seems like almost everyone on the planet knows and understands this, except for a handful of "Ephraimite" leaders.

Isaiah 56:8 YHWH Elohim which gathers the outcasts of Israel says, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.  Read the entire chapter, who is "the stranger"?  It it most definitely NOT only "Gentilized" Israel.  No, the central theme of Mashiyach harmonizing the Universe doesn't end with joining "Two Houses", nor did Y'shua begin with it.  The "Two Houses" came about as a product of disobedience and rebellion among the ranks, Mashiyach has a much bigger and more Magnificent Universal calling than this.

NO, even the term "scattered abroad" is applied universally as well as locally as in;  Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."   Matthew 26:31 Then said Y'shua unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.  Scattered abroad refers to souls being divided from YHWH and His Kingdom, as physical geography isn't a big deal for the Ruach haKodesh.

"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE:  Messiah was asked by His disciples when the "physical reunion" would happen (Acts 1:6)?

NO, they never asked about the "physical reunion" of the Two Houses, the Kingdom of Israel as they knew it was under brutal ROMAN OCCUPATION.  Yeshua's Talmidim were hoping Yeshua was going to make a move as Mashiyach Ben David and ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD WOULD BECOME THE KINGDOM OF YHWH!  They wanted the Spirit of King David to arise, like the good old times, it was the only logical thing they could think of at the time, and who wouldn't?  It's obvious, and self evident, but not for "Ephraimites".

But look carefully at how Yeshua answered; "and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  In other words He said, NO, you guys have a job to do so quite the day dreaming...  If MASHIYACH wanted to say "Two House" he would have said it, HE doesn't need an "Ephraimite" to try to put words in His Mouth or twist the Scriptures to say what suits their own religio-political agendas.

"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE:  Did Paul preach the re-gathering of both houses of Israel

after the death of Messiah (Acts 26:6-7)?

NO, what is the "Hope of our Fathers"?  Paul is most certainly NOT referring to the re-gathering of both houses, this is leaning beyond stupidity toward evil now.  The Hope of the promise made to All 12 Tribes of Israel, the ULTIMATE HOPE, the JEWISH HOPE, religious Jew, secular, or every Jew whoever drew a breath as well as the CHR