To the Jew first ?

What if Jesus really is the King of the Jews?Did you know Christ was not Jesus’ last name? It was a title – “Messiah,” the anointed one,from the tribe of Judah, throne of David. He would usher in the “Kingdom of God” on earth (Acts 1:6), which would be centered in Jerusalem, Israel. Unfortunately, today too many within the evangelical church are denying the clear Scriptural mandate to share the Gospel to the Jew first (Rom. 1:16).http://www.gnfi.org/King_of_Jews_ad.pdfI found this today, and thought about you guys and decided you needed a farewell present, as I am off on a 6 month sabbatical to complete my book.Bless God, and keep sharing the love you have found in Jesus,Aeryck:-P:-P:-P “How odd of God to choose the Jew, but not as odd as those who choose the Jewish God, but hate the Jew.” – Francis Schaffer

Here is a wonderful sermon on the subject by Art Katz. The Eternal Gospel.https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=173&min=80&orderby=titleA&show=20It is well worth a listen. Art really make you think and brings up some things we don't usually hear and talk about.I'm not quite sure what I think and am interested in what other have to say about this subject.One think I think for sure - is that every Christian church should have an ongoing Jewish evangelism program! I haven’t heard of many that do.

Hi Christ-is-King,Thanks for the comment and link to AK [my first]I was meant to be on sabbatical, but your post brought to mind a lot of stuff, that goes back to the early years in the Assemblies of God circa. '76 - '81, during which time I met some of the people from ~ 'International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.' They had this Friday night prayer meeting. Years later the the Embassy helped me out of a dark place.Aren't we supposed to pray for the Peace of Israel....[getting involved] In Yeshua ha Massiach,Aeryck:-P The Feast of the Tabernacles :-D

I'm not quite sure what I think and am interested in what other have to say about this subject.At least one of 'us' has expressed on opinion. ;-) Art Katz - Israel and the Church - a critique

Hi Philologos,'Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.' [Romans 10:1]getting involved [a quote from your link]'In my opinion Art's theology is chained to his eschatology; I cannot accept either as being biblically based.'This thread is not about Art Katz's eschatology or theology, which you have certainly covered well on your linked thread.The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem's ministry to Israel has been going on for many years and I was hoping that the loving and caring ministry that has been towards Israel for many years, might be shared and learned from by us here at Sermon Index.Obviously this is not the total focus of this thread. The thread is about Jesus' love for Israel. Maybe if you were to give us a simple outline about this, it would inspire.I have a nice link for those interested of a discussion held between a young Messianic Jew and a Rabbi. It is pretty heavy going but certainly insightful. click here!In Messiah,Aeryck:-P Once again, what I think really blesses my heart is the fact that Gentiles are welcome in this celebration and from the joy and blessing that is central to this, we have much to understand about our Lord's heart towards Israel.edit-add: Y E S H U A

The thread is about Jesus' love for Israel. Maybe if you were to give us a simple outline about this, it would inspire. I had thought that to the Jew first probably implied that you had wanted to discuss 'Jewish priority in evangelism'. You ask for a simple outline about 'Jesus' love for Israel'. My understanding of Jesus' love is expressed in the verse “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, KJVS)...which, interesting enough, was originally said to the people of Israel.I see your sign off is a quotation thought to be from Hilaire Belloc"how oddof Godto choosethe Jews" I am not sure whether or not Hilaire Belloc was being anti-semitic or just trying to be funny. The Jewish rejoinder is certainly funny, but might also show the attitude that has sometimes provoked ant-semitism;"Not odd of God. Goyim annoy 'im.";-)

Philologos,Perhaps it might be nicer to use the word 'agape' instead of 'evangelism' it is such a cold word, for what we are to be doing in this life.I forgot to thank~you for turning me on to Alfred Edersheim. I was really reluctant to go for his writings, but after finding that so many reputable scholars pour accolades over his work, I have now more to read than ever before.Perhaps you don't remember, well here it is for anyone else who really wants to learn about Judaism from a very reliable sourse:http://philologos.org/online.htmAlfred EdersheimThe Temple: Its Ministry and ServicesSketches of Jewish Social LifeBible History, Old TestamentThe Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Regarding the quote there seems to be some confusion as to who orginally wrote it, this one site I went to a Hebrew Christian site seemed to believe it was originally said, by non other than Benjamin Disraeli.[and the connotation seems complimentary to the article rather than hostile?] Now seeing that you have opened this topic up so wide. Tell me how do you feel about the ministry of International Christian Embassy Jerusalem? Do you think the that we have some emphatic destiny to fulfill with Israel, or not?In Jesus,Aeryck:-P Shalom

Perhaps it might be nicer to use the word 'agape' instead of 'evangelism' it is such a cold word, for what we are to be doing in this life.The process of declaring the glorious good news a 'cold word'. How so?

Now seeing that you have opened this topic up so wide. Tell me how do you feel about the ministry of International Christian Embassy Jerusalem?I don't know much about its work but I always thought the idea a misguided one. Christians are a spiritual people and Israel is a nation state. Christians have no territorial rights while a nation state may claim many territorial rights. I think the idea of a Christian embassy to a nation state is not applicable. If if were there ought to be such embassies to USA, RSA, UK, Palestine, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and every other nation state.

Slow down, Please.Boet you have got to come to South Africa, and let me cook you a pooitjie.When my Mom was alive; she would go into that kitchen and cook and what came out of there you could not buy at the Lord Nelson Hotel. As my Dad said, it had that 'magic ingredient'. He would then look all sort of misty eyed, and say it the same everytime. 'Son, it's the love. Never leave the love out of the preparation'It is just sometime our big sounding theological terms are really sterile, don't you think?Did you read anything else I wrote or do you have an agenda, for this thread?Come on you are not being very friendly at all. Play a little.In Jesus,Aeryck:-P alt-addYou will have to wait until this old man replies, or consider a little longer before replying so quickly. So you are not infavour of ICEJ, wait, do you then say we should do nothing at all for the Jewish people?

Hey Philologos,Sorry it is my turn to double post, I only noticed that it is running really late and with my goose in London, I have to wake up super early tommorrow. It is 12.11pm here so it is bedtime for me. Sweet dreams friend. Time to sleep on your meditations and preparations and we will pick this up again on Tuesday sometime.:-P In Jesus,Aeryck alt-add: 'It seems one of International Christian Embassy's Roles in Jerusalem is to obey Ps 122:6 by providing 'comfort' to Israelcomfort Seems like a good thing to me, hey?

So you are not infavour of ICEJ, wait, do you then say we should do nothing at all for the Jewish people?Please define 'we' and 'Jewish people'.

Dear Philologos and brothers and sisters in Jesus,Philologos, you requested that I define 'we' and 'Jewish people'~ These are the passages from the comfort section at International Christian Embassy Jerusalem:And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. [Genesis 12:3] Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. [Isaiah 40:1] Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. [Psalm 122:6] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.[Romans 11:31] They seem to be fulfilling Jesus' command to love his brothers. With a 'Social Assistance Program'[Isaiah 40:1] & 'Home Care'[Jeremiah 31:8.,Isaiah 49:23] & 'Jerusalem Ministry Center'[Matthew 25:35&40] & 'Beit HaTikvah'[Jeremiah 30:3]."For I was Hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me." The Lord said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." [Matthew 25:35 & 40]In Jesus love, Aeryck:-P International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is represented in 46 countries, check this link:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P:-P 'Now back to my working sabatical, take care everyone'

There are some interesting Bible reference points for 'Jews' which we should keep in mind.Rom. 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, In this passage Paul speaks of those who are 'called' or 'named' as 'Jews'. He does not dispute their right to this label, but he has some challenging statements to follow.“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:28-29) Now Paul is denying that one 'called a Jew' is in reality a Jew, unless he has a circumcision which...“is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:29)There are frequent references to 'the synagogues of the Jews' in the period up to Paul's house arrest in Acts 28, but when John recorded the Revelation there is an ominous reference; ““I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Rev. 2:9, NKJV) This is some 30 later than the Act's references. What is this thing that Christ calls 'a synagogue of Satan'? Is this the synagogue in Ephesus?Paul says only those who are circumcised in heart are Jews. Christ says that those who call themselves Jews in Ephesus are actually 'Satan's gathering'. Perhaps my question needs to be rephrased;" who are the Jews, biblically?"

Dear Philologos,I suppose we could keep dancing around in a circle."Please define 'we' and 'Jewish people'?"I answered you question."Who are the Jews, biblically?"You answered your question.I think I was pretty clear in my presentation, don't you think? In Yeshua ha MassiachAeryck :-P

"Please define 'we' and 'Jewish people'?"I answered you question.I'm sorry, but I don't think you did, I see nothing in your response about who your "we" is referring to and nothing about "Jewish people".

"Please define 'we' and 'Jewish people'?"I answered you question."Who are the Jews, biblically?"You answered your question.Perhaps we are talking past each other. Can I just ask the simple question what do you mean when you say 'Jewish'? Do you mean the Israeli nation state? or do you mean the physical descendents of Abraham? or do you mean people who are committed to Rabbinic Judaism? Or do you not see any distinctions between these options?

Hi Philologos, thank-you for your good reply. I am note really that complicated at all, the verses that I found on International Christian Embassy, I believe address how I feel about the matter. I am aware that Paul, said that a real Jew is one who has recieved the circumcision of the heart. However, when it comes to reaching out to Jewish people, I guess that is everyone who is of Jewish descent, however I am no an exlusivist, if that is the word people use. I think we are to love all men, and be at peace with them, it is just over the years I have experienced a strong prompting by the Holy Spirit when I am in the company of a Jewish person, be that a zealot or just a wayward soul who goes to Synagogue ever so once in a while, I cannot explain it, it is just something inside, so when I read the verses, something jumped in me, and a witness with the Scripture that it is right to care for people from the Israeli nation, I have been in over thirty bands in my short life, grown up in a school that had a very large Jewish contingent, been to barmitzva's, I think that is how one spells it, played rugby with, and well, finally when the Lord Jesus revealed himself to me, at eighteen, I seemed to get really wierd when I am around people that are Jewish, I suppose it is because they have grown up celebrating the Sabbath that we find completion in the rest, the Passover, where we experience the sprinkling of the blood, and well, when they talk, it is strange it is like my heart wants to jump out of my body and hug them and tell them that their Messiah is loving them through me. Maybe I am just wierd, but it has been about 30 years that I have felt this way, even when I was a little boy, I have had a deep awareness and understanding of a unique difference in the way they behave, and the way the just are different to any other race on this planet, God certainly did touch his people in a very peculiar way, even when they are not saved....just a personal observation of living with Jewish people for 5 and a half years. Now as to who is a physical descendant of Abraham, how one would determine that, certainly James I think addressed 12 tribes and Paul was prepared to lose his faith so that they could be saved, I am not sure if I can keep going much longer as doo-doo time commenced an hour and thirty five minutes ago..lol. But my energy levels are up after ministering in song, for four hours earlier today... I do not know what Rabbinic Judaism is. I would presume people who are now Jews who are living under the teaching of the Jews, I did a little study on the Kabbalah, the Chuck Missler stuff and read a little, still to go to your main boy...what is his name, I have the site like Philologos, like your alias. Oh, you are right there are distinctions, between.1. Jewish2. Israeli Nationalists3. Physical Descendants of Abraham4. Rabbinic JudaismI personally think though so many Jews I know here in South Africa, like a friend of mine Hoshi who plays manic guitar, is Jewish, has lived in Israel the Nation, is a physical descendant of Abraham, I guess, as he is an authentic Jew? ... and though he grew up learning the way every Jew does around here, going to Shool(?) my spelling is terrible, sorry. He also has has Christian education and prefers the teachings on Jesus though he hates Jews for Jesus, and other Messianic Jew breakaways. I shared a cup of coffee in the pub, one night and he broke most of this down to me, I cannot remember all, just that I was really overjoyed to listen to him, talk, I don't know what it is, there is a holiness (whoops) that seems to permeate through them, something about JHWH, like a seal, I could be wrong, but that is just some of my crazy rambling.Gnasher, did you get your name from a philosopher? I think my verse choices really did give a feeling rather than a direct answer, I love to read God's word and when verses like that pop up, I just wanna obey them and experience the joy of God's blessing simple obedience, maybe I am a nutjob, and my theology sucks, but I am enjoying my life in Jesus, it is the twightlight, 30 years and trucking, fallen and had some big dings, but it is nice when the Mansion Builder breathes in his life, and one can walk in that Grace, mentioned at the end of Hebrews.By the way do any of you have a copy of Mansion Builder, I lent it to a young singer who did not know Jesus, and it used to help me worship the Lord in the mornings, and it is so hard to find...maybe I will see if I can order it at Kingdom Music...well that's a rap.Take care and thanks for the love, blessings in Jesus to you both and God allow to make know the mystery hid from all ages as you minister this weekend.Aeryck.:-P:-P:-P ps. Here are these verses again, I gotta write them down and memorize...sho.And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. [Genesis 12:3]Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. [Isaiah 40:1] Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. [Psalm 122:6] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.[Romans 11:31]alt-add:Do you listen to Lamb...I got nearly everything and most of Jews for Jesus, that music is also great in the mornings, started out with Prepare ye the Way, sing Scripture, but their is a reverance not in CCM and other, that is no where else found but in this music...Lamb..is cool, Jews for Jesus, is a bit older but still cool.

Hi Philologos,I went back to the one site where the young Messianic Jew was talking to his Rabbi and noticed this section of the site dealing with the problem of anti-semitism. How should we as Christians respond to this? It was Paul by the Holy Spirit,who said he wished that he were cut of for his brethren's sake....?http://www.gnfi.org/anti-semitism.htmlIn Jesus,Aeryck

Hi, brothers and sisters, instead of starting a new thread, and seeing this is from the same site check out this 'multi-media presentation' regarding current anti-semitism.clicketh hearith and seeithIn Jesus,.A.:-( alt-add: This is a site showing the History of the Middle East Conflict, some really eye opening stuff... click here