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If one asks Michael Rood's staff about his religious background, one might be told similar to what (the late) Linda Miller, Michaels' Executive Secretary stated:

"Michael was raised Baptist, taught in John Hagee's church at a later point, and had a profound experience with the Lord while in the Marines.  He has been a student and scholar of the word for many years.  The Lord commissioned him to teach the book of Revelation to a couple in Two Harbors, MN back in 1995.  That launched his speaking career." 8

Except, Michael said in his tapes, that he went business to business in Two Harbor's, pushing what is Ron Wyatt's videos on so-called archeological discoveries, which will be discussed in a later article. One might also be told by Linda Miller or other staff, that currently,

"Michael is living in Israel - has his own apt there.  He does live a Levite lifestyle even though he is married - but he is not a Levite by birth - and of course Levites are allowed to get married  - he has been living a Levitical lifestyle for about 6 years. He observes the Sabbath, dietary laws, feasts and festivals and as many of the 613 laws that are applicable for men.  As a practicing Levite he has no insurance and does not own a car." 9

Although suggesting she had no idea where he pastored a Baptist church, or where he took his theological training, and neglecting that information until reminded that Michael has referred to himself as "Reverend Michael Rood," Linda Miller has stated to one source who shared with this author, 

"Linda said that Michael served as a Baptist minister in Duluth - no name - he also served at John Hagee's church  - he grew up Baptist, but Linda thought he taught some Bible classes. When I reminded her that he has called himself Reverend Michael Rood, that's when she plunked in the Duluth and Hagee "pastorates" - has no clue where he grew up, said she has his dad's name on file somewhere and if emailed she will get the information. Linda was also willing to talk to his daughter Leigh and ask her where he grew up, as she attends a bible study with Linda on Friday nights. " 10

It would be impossible for Michael to have been a Baptist minister in Duluth. He supposedly moved from San Antonio, Texas in 1995, to Two Harbors Minnesota and there are no congregations in Duluth that had him as their pastor. However, information reveals addresses for Michael in Gastonia and Charlotte, North Carolina, from 1995 to 2003, although he was from San Antonio prior to 1995. There are actually no addresses listed for him in Minnesota, although that is the address for his website correspondence and he was staying in Two Harbors on and off in 1995, until about 1998. Prior to 1985, he was in Virginia.

After contacting the Hagee church via email, and enquiring whether they "could validate when and what Michael Rood taught while at Cornerstone Church," which is located in San Antonio, the response was:

"...I have checked with Pastor's personal assistant and we are not familiar with Michael Rood, to our knowledge he has never spoke at Cornerstone." 11

 

Blessings

Terri

John Hagee Ministries 

It is also noteworthy that Brian Samtur, in an email to his list,  "Date:  Tue Jan 29, 2002  7:53 am", with  the "Subject:  An eyewitness report from messianic brother Michael John Rood," referred to Linda as Michael's daughter,

"...Those who wish to make a donation to his ministry can contact his daughter Linda at newmoon6001@hotmail.com" 

NewMoon6001 is one of the email addresses for Michael's website. Brian Samtur has the website We Are Yisrael and works closely with Michael. Brian introduced Chaim Goldman, Michael's producer, 12 to Michael, writes music and on his website states,

"...Our music team produces and composes the original score for the “A ROOD AWAKENING!” TV series filmed in Yisrael with Michael Rood....An urgent need exists to provide a steady flow of materials for international distribution via the “A Rood Awakening!” television series." 13 

Brian also sent out an appeal after lightning fried his computer, and stated,

"Monday, March 17, 2003 6:32 PM..."The computer is used 100% FOR THE MINISTRY. The computer is VITAL and necessary in order to moderate and post to this egroup and , of course for the work we are doing with the A Rood Awakening! TV series from Jerusalem, AND an upcomimg weekly radio show which we will be doing theme music for, TORAH TALK on American Information Radio Network from Jerusalem with Avi Ben Mordechai." 14

By his own words, Avi ben Mordechai, aka Bradley M. Marcus, is a Sephardic Jew 15 and kabbalist (Jewish mystic/occultist), although he has changed his biography to now say that he is, "Jewish Conservative/ Orthodox" or "Conservadox" who studies Biblical "mysticism." He has also stated he has studied under "Dr. James Scott Trimm", mentioned in the article, Doctor James Scott Trimm.  

Brian Samtur is also "Music And Cantorial Services: Cantor Chaim Baruch Samtur" with Michael's friend, Rabbi Moshe Konuichowsky's , Your Arms to Israel, and submits articles to that site as well, which is based on the Two House beliefs rooted in British Israelism. 

See also the Series: The Spreading Hebrew Roots

Brian Samtur stating that Linda Miller is Michael Rood's daughter, certainly brings into question Linda Miller needing to speak with Michael Rood's daughter Leigh, or "check the files" for Michael's father's name. He would be her grandfather if Samtur is telling actual facts. It would also obviously mean that Linda Miller and Leigh are sisters or half sisters or ? 

Some might suggest that he probably meant Michael's daughter, Leigh. But, that is highly unlikely as Linda is the email contact listed on the website, and Michael has mentioned both Leigh and Linda in his reports. Eric Fransen is Leigh's husband. In 1999 Michael went so far as to state that at that time Leigh answered all his emails.  But he also mentioned both Linda and Leigh. For example, in a 2000 statement he said,

 "...We are in a 'beans and rice' mode in the north woods with Eric, Leigh and Linda. Linda is helping me catch up on my email that became delinquent in the throes of this last 400- hour teaching tour..." 16

[Please note that Linda Miller died July 13, 2004] 

Linda Miller and her husband John, appear as Home Fellowship leaders under Nazarene Israel's website, which belongs to Norman Willis, a friend of Michael Rood's, and which also lists his friend Jeff Weiss as having a home fellowship. Norman Willis also posts to Michael Rood's website. Linda Miller has stated that Michael Rood's daughter Leigh attends their study.(regathering.com/fellowships.htm) 

For more on Norman Willis See: Michael Rood: WAY Colleagues, Occult Calendars & False Prophecies; Tom Mitchell, Board Member of the Union of Two House Messianic Congregations; Michael John Rood: Messianic Karaite Rabbi;  Marshall Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky; The James Trimm & Michael Rood Factor; Michael Rood & James Trimm & The WAY

Linda Miller graduated from Minnesota's Grand Rapids High School, class of 1961. That would mean Linda Miller would be in her late 50's and it would be impossible for Michael John Rood to be her father, being that he is 51 in 2003. An older sister maybe, but not his daughter. Unless, of course, Michael is in his mid 70's or early 80's, which is impossible since he was born in 1952. 

Various individuals relate Mr. Rood's very defensive posturing, anger and blustering and refusing to give his background information when asked. Omitting The Way International involvement is clearly an attempt to hide his cult background and leanings.  Others recount that when Michael has actually given a 'resume' to pastors, and particularly one church board, they found all his references were bogus and noticed that his listed 'college' was that of The Way International. 17  

We know that a man of God is to have certain qualities, so that shame is not brought upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

 

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

As far as his "Rev." title, it would be impossible for Michael to have become a Reverend in anything but The Way International, because he joined the cult at the age

of 20 or 21. That is where he got his "Bible scholarship." Based on various information, The Way International was his religious affiliation for a minimum of 22 years and most of his adult life.

In fact, depending on the speaking engagement, he's promoted as "Reverend", "Former Baptist Minister" or as a "Rabbi", "Rabbi Michael Rood" or "Messianic rabbi (teacher) Michael Rood", "Messianic Kairite Rabbi", "Messianic Jewish Rabbi, " and is even referred to as “honorary mohel”--all depending on the audience to be indoctrinated. 

An example of his "Baptist Minister" promotion was found "Web posted Saturday, December 1, 2001" 19

Former Baptist minister to talk about end times

Former Baptist minister Michael Rood will speak about "God's message to his people during the last days" at 7 p.m. Monday night at St. Andrew By-the-Sea Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island, said Rabbi Jeffrey Weiss of For the Glory of Yahshuah Ministries. There is no charge.

Rood and his message have been featured on numerous Christian programs, including "The Prophecy Club." He is the author of the book "Mystery of Iniquity." ...

For more information, call [Jeff] Weiss at 342-2777." 

The contact, Rabbi Jeff Weiss, speaks with Michael on various platforms, and has no congregation of his own. His ministry called, For the Glory of Yahshuah Ministries has the address, http://www.forthegoym.net .  "For the Goym," of course meaning, 'for the nations" or "the heathen.' 

For More on Jeff Weiss see: Mainstreaming the Fringe; MJAA Executives & The Hebrew Roots Fringe

For an in-depth discussion from a reader about the various Names, please see: Yahshua, Yehoshua, Y'shua, Yeshua, Iesous, Iesus, or Jesus The Sacred Name or True Name or Taking the Name, The Mark & the Number

One would not have to be a graduate of a Baptist Seminary, but one would have to actually pastor a Baptist congregation in order to be a "former Baptist Minister." Being "raised Baptist" doesn’t even come close to attending a Baptist seminary or being ordained a Baptist pastor in a congregation, neither of which are even an option in the religious background and stated source of Biblical scholarship provided by Linda Miller.

Dr. John Juedes, is a Lutheran minister whose research into the Way has spanned over 25 years, with resulting articles found on his website, Messiah 7's Way International site. According to Dr. Juedes, Way members have often misrepresented themselves. Referring to Michael Rood, he states,

"Just because he was introduced as a Baptist minister doesn't mean he was. I've seen other ex-wayers misrepresent themselves. They may say something like, "I was a Baptist" (which may be decades ago when as a child they went to Sunday School in a Baptist church)  once" and "I am a preacher/clergyman" (which means they were TWI leaders and/or TWI clergy. They lead people to think that their "clergy" experience was in a legitimate church rather than in TWI.  Plus, look at Rood's age (21) when he joined TWI. That doesn't leave any room for legitimate seminary." 20

The Bible tells us we are to do things honest, without lying, duplicity and insincerity. That means all, but leadership has a far higher accountability.

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2 Corinthians 8:21  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Titus 2:7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

In one cassette tape, recorded in 1997-98, where he could so easily have explained his involvement of the Way, and declared that he repented and rejected it, instead Michael stated,

Tape: Doctrine of the Nicolaitains

 

"....format of a cult...some cults have good cult leaders some have bad cult leaders...I belonged to a cult, I grew up in a cult, the Baptist church...we were taught and believed in the baptism of water but any time any scriptures were about the baptism of the spirit, speaking in tongues, interpretation of  prophecy, any of these things, we said we believed the whole Bible but guess what,  we never read that part... now that is ...a cult format. We say we believe the whole Bible but there's something' s that we step past real fast. 1 Cor 12:13, 14 I never learned until I got out of that particular group. Now is the Baptist church a bad cult? Well, It depends I guess ...they aren't giving people poison, and telling them to go meet a space ship that's following a comet, heh, ...it's not that far out but...this kind of structure exists in a lot of ways in a lot of areas..."

Michael "got out" of said "Baptist cult" when he was 20 or 21 and moved right into The Way International cult.  In his teaching tape, "Mikveh: The Doctrine of Baptisms," Michael makes one more mention of the "Baptist cult" he was raised in, implies he spent most of his life in the Baptist church, and then mentions being part of another cult, which of course is The Way International. But the implication is that it was a brief encounter and that their doctrine of the Holy Spirit was accurate and other theology was just incomplete.

"... Now you would think that after 40 some years that someone who has raised as a Baptist would understand baptism and yes I was raised as a Baptist ...I was raised in the Baptist cult. and when I say cult, we believed the whole Bible was the word of God but anything concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit we either completely ignored or read by very quickly, entire sections of Scripture we did not read because even though we believed the  whole Bible things that we didn't actually want to believe we just completely ignored. And so I was raised understanding the baptism of water as far as obedience and following the initial steps in following the Lord but , this about the baptism of the Holy Spirit I knew nothing about. and was taught nothing about it. 

"Later on I got involved in a cult which believed in nothing about obedience but only in the power of the Holy Spirit. And so I was seeing both ends of this and I knew that there's more to it, I don't understand this. .."

We are reminded by God's infallible Word, that nothing good can come from a false or evil root:

Matthew 7:15 

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

It should be understood that the founder of The Way International, Victor Wierwille, whose own doctorate came from a degree mill 21 dispensed ordination 22 on his Way clergy, based on their having taken his various studies. Studies which proclaimed Wierwille to be the God ordained "one" to provide the Biblical truth which was 'lost since the time of the apostles.' 

John Juedes noted that The Way International taught, as do many of it's splinter groups, for example, John Lynn's Christian Education Services, that, "Both CES and TWI believe that the church went into widespread apostasy and heresy by the time the Apostle John died at the end of the first century. By that time, most all Christians had rejected true doctrine (which CES and TWI now teaches) and substituted false, pagan teachings like those believed by Christians today." 23  CES is the group that had the conference that Jamie Louis was noted to have attended in 1998.

This is what "Reverend" Michael Rood was "ordained" for, and continues, as he now proclaims himself to be the bearer of truth that was lost since the time of the apostles. Something which he states in many ways in his tapes and lectures. For example, from his tape series,  The 70th Week Ministry of the Messiah, Tape 1 of 4, he states, 

"The Messiah is calling his people out now, he's letting them know that the Feasts of the Lord are very important, he's calling us back to our Hebrew Roots to get again attached to the root, and fed from the root and to shed all of this Gentile Paganism  that has been absorbed into the church from the time of Constantine the sun god worshipper, ... and mixing all of the paganism in to the Roman religious system to make a one world religious system. At that point is when the faith that was once delivered to the saints was for the most part lost and gone."

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and faith delivered to the saints, lost and gone until Victor Wierwille or Michael John Rood were called to proclaim their version of "truth"? That goes entirely against such Scriptures as:

2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Is it important to know what The Way International and Michael Rood embraced and taught and believed as truth? Yes it is.

Is it important to know whether what Michael Rood teaches now is in any way a reflection of his 'former' Way beliefs? Yes it is.

We fully believe that it does matter. And Biblically so. We're to know them that labour amongst us. And we're to try the spirits.

1 John  4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

Update: Due to the 2007 controversial breakup of A Rood Awakening Ministries, the organization was split into two groups. One held by Jamie Louis in the original A Rood Awakening! Ministries Oregon office, and one held by Michael Rood and some new staff. Michael Rood launched a new corporation in Michigan, where his new office is, called A Rood Awakening! Ministries International. Two new websites were launched by the Rood camp, one called reallyrood.com in competition with the original aroodawakening.tv, unroododespertar.tv and aroodawakening.com, all of which have since been shut down. The new michaelroodministries.com was launched in direct competition to the original michaelrood.com, which has been shutdown. Jamie Louis also included in his Ya'akovlevi site the name of a new business called Torah to the Nations, based in Oregon. On December 14, 2007, Michael Rood's Michigan attorney's filed lawsuit against Jamie Louis. For more on this See: A Real Rude Rood Awakening Concerning Alleged Torah Observant Activities

 

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Michael John Rood: Continuing The WAY

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Michael John Rood: WAY Days

A Real Michael Rood Awakening Concerning Alleged Torah Observant Activities  >>Due to size also broken into 3 articles for those with dialup > Page 1 A Real Michael Rood Awakening Concerning Alleged Torah Observant Activities Page 2 Change of Heart? or the Real Michael Rood?  Page 3 Old Habits, New Ways

Michael Rood's Complaints

The Ever Changing Michael Rood > Michael Rood Teachings       Michael Rood Teachings 2      Michael Rood Teachings 3