Posted on 05/30/2006 6:30:48 AM PDT by Dark Skies
Unlike so many generations of Christians in Europe, evangelicals interpret the word “Israel” in the Bible to mean “the Jews” and not “the Church.” This small change in interpretation has enormous theological ramifications. It means that the Jews are still the chosen people, that they are still in covenant with and beloved by God, and that they are still the rightful heirs of the land of Israel. Christians who read their Bible this way tend to reject anti-Semitism and embrace both the Jewish people and their national aspirations in Israel. This positive theology towards the Jews originated with some small Protestant sects in Europe. When the seeds of these ideas crossed the Atlantic, they took root and richly flourished to the point that they have become the dominant theology in America. How, indeed, can we explain such rapid growth?
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel.
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Fascinating article. Thanks.
Eze 37:19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
This is the first I've heard that Euros think "Israel" means "Chuch." I think the dichotomy is rather weird--since when have either Jews or Israelis referred to Israel that way?
This writer, like most RINOs (he works for Specter) take an uneasy and tentative approach to evangelicals, as if they're some kind of exotic and species in a zoo that might present some dangers.
Maybe a better and more interesting book to write would be about Jews' attitudes toward evangelicals. The title could be "Condescending to One's Only Ally--Can We Ever Persuade Him to Use Deoderant?"
Brogs also speaks as if he's confident that evangelicals will continue to provide the bulk of cultural support for US policies to protect Israel. I don't think that the evangelical's ability to be patient and withstand discouragement is infinite, nor their power or resources.
There is a whole lot more written in Genesis than just 12:3 AND these words were spoken to Abram and verse 2 says AND I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
The article is full of unsupportable generalizations and at least one outright fiction, namely that the Founding Fathers "seriously considered" making Hebrew - a language which was no one's vernacular at the time - the official language of the US.
Ping!
Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, but I Believe the most Jewish thing a Christian can do is share the Gospel with someone that's Jewish. And, I also do Believe that it does speed up the second coming of Christ to do that.
Jesus, Himself, said more than once in The Gospels, "I have come for the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
In John 8:21 & 23, Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews of His time, "If ye Believe not that I am He, you will die in your sins." And, that has (not) changed since then.
I Believe that "Jewish Evangelism" should be the Christian's first priority, and I feel it is often a very negelected priority instead in many or most churches. And, I myself don't believe in doing this to try to win browny points with them. I Believe in doing the other too, in trying to minister to the physical needs whenever possible: but to ignore the Gospel message in sharing it with a Jewish person, is going against The Lord's Command. The Great Commission give by The Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28, "Go ye into (all) the world and preach The Gospel to every creature in the Name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost....." not only includes the Gentile; but, it also includes the Jew.
It is "urgent" that Saved Believers share The Gospel with the Jews. Jesus is coming back very soon and there is no time to waste. There is a Heaven to gain and a HELL to shun for both Jew and Gentile.
None of us have time to waste to Repent and get Saved.
I don't disagree with you but I believe the best thing a Christian can do to demonstrate the Love of Jesus is to show that Love to a Jew (unconditionally).
Conversion is by the Holy Spirit...and that comes by prayer and example.
Grabbing the collar ala Lyndon Johnson produces poor results with all potential converts.
G-d will remove the scales from eyes at the appropriate time.
Until that time, the Jews and Israel deserve our full support, friendship, and prayer.
But hidden in the article are some obscure gems that I hope are not thrown out with the bathwater.
Many evangelicals from all Christian denominations support Israel without quid pro quo and without plans to convert or bring about the "end of days."
I am one.
Thank you for your reply. Amen brother!
First, by taking a strong stand against anti-semitism whenever and wherever encountered. Secondly, by supporting Israel. And thirdly (and most importantly), by showing brotherly or sisterly love the way Jesus asked us to love all other people.
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