The Vision of Beth YeshuaThe Vision of Beth Yeshua

Messianic CongregationMessianic Congregation

No Vision = People PerishNo Vision = People Perish

““Where there is no Where there is no visionvision, the people , the people perishperish...”...”

Moses Kept the Vision Before the Moses Kept the Vision Before the PeoplePeople

And thou shalt write upon them all the And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, words of this law, when thou art passed when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the over, that thou mayest go in unto the landland which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a landland that floweth with milk and honey that floweth with milk and honey; as ; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath the LORD God of thy fathers hath promisedpromised thee. thee. Deuteronomy 27:3Deuteronomy 27:3

Vision = Promised LandVision = Promised Land

Land flowing with milk and honeyLand flowing with milk and honey. . Deuteronomy 6:3Deuteronomy 6:3

Land of your ancestors. Land of your ancestors. Deuteronomy 19:8Deuteronomy 19:8

Land of your possession. Land of your possession. Joshua 22:4Joshua 22:4

Keep the Vision Before the PeopleKeep the Vision Before the People

As Moses kept the vision before the As Moses kept the vision before the children of Israel, so we need to keep the children of Israel, so we need to keep the vision before the congregation.vision before the congregation.

What is our purpose?What is our purpose?

Why do we exist as a Why do we exist as a congregation?congregation?

What is our calling?What is our calling?

Where are we headed?Where are we headed?

Why do we do what we do?Why do we do what we do?

#1 Reason: Lift up Yeshua!#1 Reason: Lift up Yeshua!

Why do we exist as a Why do we exist as a congregation?congregation?

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."

John 12:32

YeshuaYeshua

Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah!Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah!

'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.' " Matthew 2:6

Why do we do what we Why do we do what we do?do?

House of Prayer for All PeoplesHouse of Prayer for All Peoples

““For my house shall be called a For my house shall be called a house of house of prayer for all peoples”prayer for all peoples”

Isaiah 56:7Isaiah 56:7

Jew & Non-Jew TogetherJew & Non-Jew Together

Provide an environment where Jews and Provide an environment where Jews and non-Jews can share, as one, the joys and non-Jews can share, as one, the joys and blessings of biblical Jewish traditions in blessings of biblical Jewish traditions in light of the Messiah.light of the Messiah.

Beth Yeshua – A Messianic Beth Yeshua – A Messianic CongregationCongregation

Operates essentially as a synagogue, as in Operates essentially as a synagogue, as in the First Century model.the First Century model.

Hebraic OrientationHebraic Orientation

Hebrew (“Jewish”) OrientationHebrew (“Jewish”) Orientation

Original “church”Original “church” operated as synagogues…operated as synagogues…

“…“…the Christian communities worshipped the Christian communities worshipped and operated essentially as Jewish and operated essentially as Jewish synagoguessynagogues for for more than a generationmore than a generation.”.”

Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of ChristianityEerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity, copyright 1977, Wm. , copyright 1977, Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, page 68B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, page 68

Called aCalled a “Synagogue,” not a “Synagogue,” not a “Church” “Church”

““22 For if a man comes into your *For if a man comes into your *assemblyassembly…”…”

James 2James 2

**assembly - Greek = synagogue – The assembly - Greek = synagogue – The word “church” wasn’t even invented back word “church” wasn’t even invented back then!then!

Called an “Ecclesia”Called an “Ecclesia”

Greek “ecclesia” had an original meaning Greek “ecclesia” had an original meaning of "assembly, council", literally of "assembly, council", literally "convocation." "convocation."

Hebrew “kehilat” or “adat” is the equivalent Hebrew “kehilat” or “adat” is the equivalent of the Greek word “ecclesia.”of the Greek word “ecclesia.”

Hebraic OrientationHebraic Orientation

Follow certain Biblical traditions.Follow certain Biblical traditions.

Do “Jewish” things.Do “Jewish” things.

Public Reading of the WordPublic Reading of the Word

““Until I come, give attention to the {Until I come, give attention to the {publicpublic} } reading {of Scripture,} to exhortation and reading {of Scripture,} to exhortation and teaching.” teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:131 Timothy 4:13

Where it StartedWhere it Started

Nehemiah and Ezra (Nehemiah 8) – around 445 B.C.E.Nehemiah and Ezra (Nehemiah 8) – around 445 B.C.E.

““Now when the seventh month came, Now when the seventh month came, the the whole people gathered as one manwhole people gathered as one man in the in the open space before the Water Gate, and they open space before the Water Gate, and they called upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the called upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of the law of Mosesbook of the law of Moses which the LORD which the LORD prescribed for Israel.” prescribed for Israel.”

““On the first day of the seventh month, therefore, Ezra the On the first day of the seventh month, therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. men, women, and those children old enough to understand.

““Standing at one end of the open place that was before Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till he read out of the book from daybreak till middaymidday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those , in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.attentively to the book of the law.

““Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platformEzra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion… that had been made for the occasion… Ezra opened Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see itthe scroll so that all the people might see it (for he (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people roseas he opened it, all the people rose..

Public Reading of the Word - Public Reading of the Word - YeshuaYeshua

““1616 And He came to Nazareth, where He And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His had been brought up; and as was His custom, custom, He entered the synagogue on the He entered the synagogue on the SabbathSabbath, and , and stood up to readstood up to read. . 1717 And the And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written…” the place where it was written…”

Luke 4Luke 4

Davidic DanceDavidic DanceFirst Century Temple worship included First Century Temple worship included priests who led the people in dancing.priests who led the people in dancing.

“Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.” Psalm 150:4

“Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.”

Psalm 149:3

"Pious men and men of affairs danced with torches in their hands, singing songs of joy and of praise, and the Levites made music with lyre and harp and cymbals and trumpets and countless other instruments" Mishnah Sukkot 51a

What is our purpose (calling)?What is our purpose (calling)?

Support the biblical role of the people and Support the biblical role of the people and nation of Israel in God's plan, praying for nation of Israel in God's plan, praying for the peace of Jerusalem and the the peace of Jerusalem and the return of return of the lost sheep of Israel to Messiahthe lost sheep of Israel to Messiah. . (Genesis 12:3, Psalm 122:6, Jeremiah (Genesis 12:3, Psalm 122:6, Jeremiah 30:3, Matthew 15:24). 30:3, Matthew 15:24).

To reach out to the Jewish people first To reach out to the Jewish people first with the Gospel (Good News) of Messiah with the Gospel (Good News) of Messiah Yeshua.Yeshua.

“…“…to the Jew First...”to the Jew First...”

““For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation tois the power of God unto salvation toevery one that believeth; every one that believeth; to the Jew firstto the Jew first, , and also to the Greek.”and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16 Romans 1:16

Proclamation of the GospelProclamation of the Gospel

“…“…you shall be My witnesses both (Greek: you shall be My witnesses both (Greek: “not only”) in “not only”) in JerusalemJerusalem, and in all Judea , and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." part of the earth."

Acts 1:8Acts 1:8

Pattern that Shaul (Paul) FollowedPattern that Shaul (Paul) Followed

Corinth synagogue: Acts 18:1-6Corinth synagogue: Acts 18:1-6

Pisidian Antioch synagogue: Acts 13:13-Pisidian Antioch synagogue: Acts 13:13-5151

Iconium synagogue: Acts 14:1-22Iconium synagogue: Acts 14:1-22

Thessalonica synagogue: Acts 17:1-4Thessalonica synagogue: Acts 17:1-4

Berean synagogue: Acts 17:10-12Berean synagogue: Acts 17:10-12

Shaul’s Heart for his PeopleShaul’s Heart for his People11 I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, Spirit, 22 that I have great sorrow and unceasing that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. grief in my heart. 33 For I could wish that I myself For I could wish that I myself were accursed, were accursed, separatedseparated from Christ for the from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, the flesh, 44 who are Israelites, to whom belongs who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the templetemple service and the promises, service and the promises, 55 whose are whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9Romans 9

To the Jew First…To the Jew First…

““{There will be} {There will be} tribulation and distresstribulation and distress for for every soul of man who does evil, of the every soul of man who does evil, of the JewJew firstfirst and also of the Greek, but glory and also of the Greek, but glory and and honor and peacehonor and peace to everyone who to everyone who does good, to the does good, to the JewJew firstfirst and also to the and also to the Greek.” Greek.” Romans 2:9, 10Romans 2:9, 10

Notice theNotice the ResultResult Shaul’s MinistryShaul’s Ministry

As he ministered to the Jews, As he ministered to the Jews, multitudesmultitudes of non-Jews came to faith in Yeshuaof non-Jews came to faith in Yeshua!!

Not Not outsideoutside of the Jewish frame of of the Jewish frame of reference, but reference, but withinwithin it! it!

“…“…the Christian communities worshipped the Christian communities worshipped and operated essentially as Jewish and operated essentially as Jewish synagoguessynagogues for for more than a generationmore than a generation.”.”

Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of ChristianityEerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity, copyright 1977, Wm. , copyright 1977, Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, page 68B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, page 68

Jews received the Torah FirstJews received the Torah First

G-d gives them the G-d gives them the first opportunityfirst opportunity to hear to hear the Good News of Messiah Yeshua. When the Good News of Messiah Yeshua. When they reject it, it then goes to the Gentiles.they reject it, it then goes to the Gentiles.

Church today has the Emphasis on Church today has the Emphasis on the Opposite Footthe Opposite Foot

The church’s emphasis is on spreading the The church’s emphasis is on spreading the Gospel to the Gospel to the worldworld; not focused on the ; not focused on the Jewish people.Jewish people.

“…“…and you shall be My witnesses…and you shall be My witnesses…

even to the even to the remotest part of the earthremotest part of the earth.“.“

Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8

both in both in JerusalemJerusalem, and in all , and in all JudeaJudea and and SamariaSamaria, and, and

“…“…both in both in JerusalemJerusalem, and in all , and in all JudeaJudea and and SamariaSamaria…”…”

Churches have often spiritualized Churches have often spiritualized Jerusalem to mean their local area:Jerusalem to mean their local area:

Jerusalem

Knoxville is our primary Jerusalem. It is the very area in which most of us live, work, go to school, and play. First Baptist Concord combines words of conviction with works of compassion in order to be an asset to the Knoxville community. We minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the whole person. We also partner with local organizations that combine Good News with good deeds. Click on the links at the bottom to view the individual websites of some of the ministries we

support and endorse. Your missions dollars through our Faith Commitment Offering for Missions helps

support the following local ministries. Click the links to learn more!

Are any of these Missions dollars Are any of these Missions dollars actually going toward Jewish actually going toward Jewish

outreach?outreach?

Are they actually going to “Jerusalem?”Are they actually going to “Jerusalem?”

Are they even reaching to the Jewish Are they even reaching to the Jewish people in their own communities?people in their own communities?

Has the Church Forgotten Israel?Has the Church Forgotten Israel?

Historically, in the Church Historically, in the Church at largeat large, witness , witness to the Jewish people (Israel) has been to the Jewish people (Israel) has been negative, limited, or non-existent. negative, limited, or non-existent.

Focused on outreach to the world.Focused on outreach to the world.

Church has done a GREAT job Church has done a GREAT job of outreach to the world’s non-of outreach to the world’s non-Jewish people!Jewish people!

That’s GOOD! ALL people need salvation!That’s GOOD! ALL people need salvation!

If there is no salvation outside of faith in If there is no salvation outside of faith in Yeshua, then Jewish people need Yeshua, then Jewish people need salvation, too!salvation, too!

Church’s Mixed FeelingsChurch’s Mixed Feelings

Some denominations are beginning to see Some denominations are beginning to see the need to evangelize the Jewish people.the need to evangelize the Jewish people.

Two Different Statements on Two Different Statements on “Jewish Evangelism”“Jewish Evangelism”

In June of 1996 the Southern Baptist Convention In June of 1996 the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a resolution affirming the Convention's adopted a resolution affirming the Convention's commitment to evangelization of the Jewish commitment to evangelization of the Jewish people. In response, New York bishops of the people. In response, New York bishops of the Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic Churches issued a statement affirming the Churches issued a statement affirming the commitment of their communions to Jewish-commitment of their communions to Jewish-Christian Dialogue.Christian Dialogue.

Even with the Southern Baptist Convention’s Even with the Southern Baptist Convention’s desire to evangelize Jewish people, their efforts desire to evangelize Jewish people, their efforts will be largely ineffective. will be largely ineffective.

??? Why ?????? Why ???

Why isn’t the Outreach that the Why isn’t the Outreach that the Church Uses in Reaching the World Church Uses in Reaching the World

Effective in Reaching the Jews?Effective in Reaching the Jews?

Problem lies in culture and orientation.Problem lies in culture and orientation.

Problem lies in lack of application of Problem lies in lack of application of Missions 101 principles.Missions 101 principles.

Application of Missions 101 Application of Missions 101 PrinciplesPrinciples

Jewish Outreach: Accepting the Call to the Jewish Outreach: Accepting the Call to the Mission Field – to the Jews inMission Field – to the Jews in Our “Jerusalem” Our “Jerusalem”

11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? Romans 10

Why Did Shaul Go to the Why Did Shaul Go to the Synagogues…Synagogues…

……Unless Jewish people needed to hear the Unless Jewish people needed to hear the Good News (Gospel) of their Messiah and Good News (Gospel) of their Messiah and be saved, too?be saved, too?

In each generation Jewish people need to In each generation Jewish people need to hear the message and be given the choice hear the message and be given the choice to accept or reject Him!to accept or reject Him!

Who’s Going to Preach to Them?Who’s Going to Preach to Them?

“And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" 16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of

Christ.” Romans 10

But But wewe areare SentSent!!

“…“…and you shall be My witnesses both in and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Acts 1:8Acts 1:8

1919 "Go therefore and make disciples of all "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Spirit, 2020 teaching them to observe all that I teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28Matthew 28

Reaching Jewish People with Reaching Jewish People with the “Good News” (Gospel)the “Good News” (Gospel)

of Messiah Yeshuaof Messiah Yeshua

When churches When churches sendsend missionaries out to missionaries out to the world, they:the world, they:

Missions 101 - The Mission Missions 101 - The Mission FieldField

Teach them the language of the people Teach them the language of the people they are witnessing to.they are witnessing to.

Some missions send their missionaries Some missions send their missionaries to language school!to language school!

When churches send missionaries When churches send missionaries out to the world, they:out to the world, they:

Teach them to avoid offensive words, phrases, Teach them to avoid offensive words, phrases, behaviors, etc.behaviors, etc.

(Not really an effective outreach to people if (Not really an effective outreach to people if the language - or behavior - you are using is the language - or behavior - you are using is equivalent to swear words in their culture…)equivalent to swear words in their culture…)

Avoiding Offensive Words, Avoiding Offensive Words, Behaviors, SymbolsBehaviors, Symbols

Words have Power!Words have Power!

““Death and Death and lifelife are in the power of the are in the power of the tonguetongue, And those who love it will eat its , And those who love it will eat its fruit.” fruit.” Proverbs 18:21Proverbs 18:21

“…“…But Words Can Never Hurt Me?”But Words Can Never Hurt Me?”

Old adage:Old adage:

“ “Sticks and stones may break my bones Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me?”but words can never hurt me?”

Is that TRUE?Is that TRUE?

Ask that to Joseph GoebbelsAsk that to Joseph Goebbels

Nazi propagandist who Nazi propagandist who through the persuasion of through the persuasion of words caused the death words caused the death of millions!of millions!

He knew the power of He knew the power of words! Words can kill!words! Words can kill!

Words that Kill…Words that Kill…

Words contain cultural meanings: To one Words contain cultural meanings: To one culture, they may bring life or thoughts of culture, they may bring life or thoughts of endearment, to another, they may “kill” or endearment, to another, they may “kill” or bring thoughts of fear.bring thoughts of fear.

""The Jews are a nervous people. Nineteen The Jews are a nervous people. Nineteen centuries of Christian love have taken a centuries of Christian love have taken a toll.toll.""

Benjamin DisraeliBenjamin DisraeliBritish politician; British politician;

British prime minister 1868, 1874-1880 British prime minister 1868, 1874-1880

We are the recipients of the last 1900 We are the recipients of the last 1900 years of “Christian” witness to the Jewish years of “Christian” witness to the Jewish people.people.

Semantic Minefields Caused by Semantic Minefields Caused by Our “Ancestors” in the “Faith”Our “Ancestors” in the “Faith”

We didn’t We didn’t cause itcause it, but we need to be able , but we need to be able to to deal with itdeal with it in our outreach to the Jewish in our outreach to the Jewish people! We need to be sensitive as to the people! We need to be sensitive as to the words we use.words we use.

““Jesus” or “Christ”Jesus” or “Christ”

To true Christians who love the Lord, the To true Christians who love the Lord, the Name “Jesus” brings good thoughts: Name “Jesus” brings good thoughts: Thoughts of love and peace and joy. Thoughts of love and peace and joy.

Not so Not so to the Jewish people who have been to the Jewish people who have been persecuted even to death by those who have persecuted even to death by those who have followed that Name!followed that Name!

Entered Jerusalem, Entered Jerusalem, rounded up the rounded up the Jews into the Jews into the synagogue, burnt synagogue, burnt down the great down the great synagogue with synagogue with them in it, singing, them in it, singing, “Christ we do all “Christ we do all adore thee!”adore thee!”

Crusaders: 1099 ADCrusaders: 1099 AD

The CrossThe Cross

With the Crusader With the Crusader operating under the operating under the sign of the “cross” you sign of the “cross” you can imagine the warm can imagine the warm feelings generated by feelings generated by the Jewish people the Jewish people toward that symbol.toward that symbol.

““Convert”Convert”

Over the centuries, Jewish people were Over the centuries, Jewish people were forced to “convert” to Christianity under forced to “convert” to Christianity under duress.duress.

As Christianity became the dominant As Christianity became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire, large religion in the Roman Empire, large numbers of Jews were forcibly baptized. numbers of Jews were forcibly baptized. The earliest detailed account is on the The earliest detailed account is on the island of Minorca in 418. island of Minorca in 418.

King Manuel of Portugal embarked on a King Manuel of Portugal embarked on a systematic campaign of forced conversion systematic campaign of forced conversion initially directed against the children, who initially directed against the children, who were seized and dragged from their were seized and dragged from their parents’ arms in the hope that the adults parents’ arms in the hope that the adults would follow suit, and later against the would follow suit, and later against the entire population. This explains both why entire population. This explains both why by the end of 1497 not a single professing by the end of 1497 not a single professing Jew remained in Portugal. Jew remained in Portugal.

Waves of forced Waves of forced baptismsbaptisms include one include one which swept through the kingdom of which swept through the kingdom of Naples in the last decades of the 13th Naples in the last decades of the 13th century, and one in Spain from 1391, century, and one in Spain from 1391, which started with the riots led by the which started with the riots led by the archdeacon Ferrant Martinez. Hundreds of archdeacon Ferrant Martinez. Hundreds of Jews were massacred and entire Jews were massacred and entire communities forcibly converted.communities forcibly converted.

““Baptize”Baptize”

““Church”Church”

To true Christians, the word holds To true Christians, the word holds endearment, a place of sanctuary.endearment, a place of sanctuary.

To Jews, a place of listening to forced To Jews, a place of listening to forced sermons aimed at converting them. sermons aimed at converting them.

The sermon became a regular way of The sermon became a regular way of abusing Jewish community life. Jews were abusing Jewish community life. Jews were compelled to send a regular quota of compelled to send a regular quota of people to churches to listen to the friars, people to churches to listen to the friars, and hear sermons while beadles armed and hear sermons while beadles armed with rods saw to it that they paid attention, with rods saw to it that they paid attention, and examined their ears to see that they and examined their ears to see that they were not plugged. were not plugged.

Change of TerminologyChange of Terminology

If we’re going to be effective in Jewish If we’re going to be effective in Jewish outreach of the Good News of our Lord, outreach of the Good News of our Lord, we are going to have to learn to change we are going to have to learn to change our terminology (way of saying things)!our terminology (way of saying things)!

Instead of:Instead of: Say:Say:

JesusJesus YeshuaYeshua

ChristChrist MessiahMessiah

ChristianChristian BelieverBeliever

BaptizeBaptize MikvahMikvah

ConvertConvert Come to faithCome to faith

CrossCross TreeTree

ChurchChurch Congregation/Body of Congregation/Body of MessiahMessiah

New TestamentNew Testament Brit HadashaBrit Hadasha

Old TestamentOld Testament TANAKHTANAKH

What Value is It?What Value is It?

Why should I have to change my Why should I have to change my terminology?terminology?

Missionaries learn quickly that they learn Missionaries learn quickly that they learn the terminology of the people they are the terminology of the people they are witnessing to in order to bring them to the witnessing to in order to bring them to the Lord! Lord! Not the opposite way around!Not the opposite way around!

Be as ShaulBe as Shaul2020 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jewsmight win Jews; to those who are under the Law, ; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; the Law; 2121 to those who are without law, as to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. win those who are without law. 2222 To the weak I To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; became weak, that I might win the weak; I have I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. means save some. 2323 I do all things for the sake I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.partaker of it. 1 Corinthians 91 Corinthians 9

Not a Spiritual “Chameleon”Not a Spiritual “Chameleon”

Just related to people where they were at Just related to people where they were at so that they could come to faith in Yeshua.so that they could come to faith in Yeshua.

At Mars Hill in Athens: Acts 17:16-34At Mars Hill in Athens: Acts 17:16-34

Culture and OrientationCulture and Orientation

When churches send missionaries When churches send missionaries out to the world, they:out to the world, they:

Teach them about the culture of the people Teach them about the culture of the people they are going to witness to.they are going to witness to.

Teach them to avoid the cultural “turn-offs.”Teach them to avoid the cultural “turn-offs.”

Church not “Jewish”Church not “Jewish”

As far as Jewish people are concerned, As far as Jewish people are concerned, unlike the First Century, the Church unlike the First Century, the Church doesn’t look “Jewish,” act “Jewish,” or doesn’t look “Jewish,” act “Jewish,” or relate to Judaism.relate to Judaism.

The “culture” doesn’t relate to Jewish The “culture” doesn’t relate to Jewish people!people!

Hard for non-Jewish believers to relate to Hard for non-Jewish believers to relate to the Jewish people!the Jewish people!

Though Christianity has the same God, Though Christianity has the same God, and the same “Older” Testament in our and the same “Older” Testament in our Bibles, we don’t share the same culture.Bibles, we don’t share the same culture.

The Key to an Effective Jewish The Key to an Effective Jewish EvangelismEvangelism

Is not simply reciting Messianic prophecies Is not simply reciting Messianic prophecies in the Scripture to Jewish people.in the Scripture to Jewish people.

BUT!BUT! The Apostle Paul gives us a hint of The Apostle Paul gives us a hint of what it is in Romans 11: what it is in Romans 11: a provocation to a provocation to “jealousy”“jealousy”

Provocation to JealousyProvocation to Jealousy

““But by their transgression salvation But by their transgression salvation has has comecome to the Gentiles, to make them to the Gentiles, to make them jealousjealous.”.” Romans 11:11Romans 11:11

“… “…if somehow I might if somehow I might move to jealousymove to jealousy my my fellow countrymen and save some of them.” fellow countrymen and save some of them.”

Romans 11:14Romans 11:14

The Christian Church, as it is today, does The Christian Church, as it is today, does NOTNOT provokeprovoke the Jewish people to the Jewish people to jealousyjealousy!!

It doesn’t speak “Jewish,” it doesn’t look It doesn’t speak “Jewish,” it doesn’t look “Jewish,” it doesn’t act “Jewish,” it is NOT “Jewish,” it doesn’t act “Jewish,” it is NOT “Jewish”!“Jewish”!

JealousyJealousy

You can only be You can only be jealousjealous when someone when someone has something you has something you wantwant!!

Jealousy is an emotion experienced by one who perceives that another person is giving something that s/he wants (typically attention, love, or affection) to a third party. For example, a child will likely become jealous when her parent gives sweets to a sibling but not to her.

The Church doesn’t have something that the The Church doesn’t have something that the Jewish people Jewish people perceiveperceive that they want! that they want!

““Jesus, the Christ,” is a Gentile god, Jesus, the Christ,” is a Gentile god, redeeming Gentiles who believe in him.redeeming Gentiles who believe in him.

Jesus causes the Gentile church in His Jesus causes the Gentile church in His name to persecute and kill Jews.name to persecute and kill Jews.

Jesus forces Jews to “convert” to Jesus forces Jews to “convert” to Christianity and become Gentiles!Christianity and become Gentiles!

Church forced Jews to “Convert”Church forced Jews to “Convert”

Jews for centuries were told they must give Jews for centuries were told they must give up their Hebrew heritage when they up their Hebrew heritage when they became believers in Jesus.became believers in Jesus.

Were told to give up 7Were told to give up 7thth day Sabbath, day Sabbath, moedim, dietary laws, etc.moedim, dietary laws, etc.

Church “provoked” Jews, but not to Church “provoked” Jews, but not to jealousy.jealousy.

Messianic Non-Jews: Provocateurs Messianic Non-Jews: Provocateurs of Jealousyof Jealousy

When Messianic non-Jews worship and live life When Messianic non-Jews worship and live life in the Hebrew frame of reference (Biblically), in the Hebrew frame of reference (Biblically), keeping the commandments, observing Biblical keeping the commandments, observing Biblical holy days (Shabbat & other Moedim), wearing holy days (Shabbat & other Moedim), wearing tallits, making challah, etc., and are living Torah tallits, making challah, etc., and are living Torah submissively, Jewish people ask: “Why?”submissively, Jewish people ask: “Why?”

This gives non-Jewish believers an opportunity to This gives non-Jewish believers an opportunity to share Messiah Yeshua with a non-believing share Messiah Yeshua with a non-believing Jewish person.Jewish person.

Conclusion: Importance of Jewish Conclusion: Importance of Jewish OutreachOutreach

Jewish People need salvation through Jewish People need salvation through Messiah Yeshua, too!Messiah Yeshua, too!

Is it worth us (being the only congregation Is it worth us (being the only congregation in the area equipped to reach out to the in the area equipped to reach out to the Jewish people) having to change our Jewish people) having to change our terminology at Beth Yeshua in order to win terminology at Beth Yeshua in order to win Jewish people to the Lord?Jewish people to the Lord?

WIFM?WIFM?Corporate world looks at things from a Corporate world looks at things from a ““Cost/BenefitCost/Benefit” perspective.” perspective.

Believers shouldn’t look at things that way…Believers shouldn’t look at things that way…but we often do…So we’ll talk about that for but we often do…So we’ll talk about that for a minute…a minute…

What was the Cost/Benefit for What was the Cost/Benefit for Shaul to Reach All People with the Shaul to Reach All People with the

Gospel?Gospel?“…“…in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. without number, often in danger of death. 2424 Five times I Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.lashes. 2525 Three times I was Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 2626 I I have beenhave been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from dangers from robbers, dangers from mymy countrymen, dangers countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 2727 I have beenI have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. exposure. 2828 Apart from Apart from suchsuch external things, there is the daily external things, there is the daily pressure on me pressure on me ofof concern for all the churches.” concern for all the churches.”

2 Corinthians 112 Corinthians 11

Well, That’s the Cost…Well, That’s the Cost…

… …What’s the Benefit???What’s the Benefit???

Let’s see what Shaul has to say about it…Let’s see what Shaul has to say about it…

A SPIRIT OF STUPORA SPIRIT OF STUPOR

77 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 88

just as it is written, "just as it is written, "GOD GAVE THEMGOD GAVE THEM A A SPIRIT OF STUPORSPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT , EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY." THIS VERY DAY."

Salvation to the GentilesSalvation to the Gentiles

1111 I say then, they did not stumble so as to I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! fall, did they? May it never be! But by their But by their transgression salvation transgression salvation has comehas come to the to the GentilesGentiles... ... Romans 11Romans 11

Value of Our SalvationValue of Our Salvation

Most non-Jewish believers in (Jesus) Most non-Jewish believers in (Jesus) Yeshua would say their faith resulting in Yeshua would say their faith resulting in salvation is the most valuable thing in their salvation is the most valuable thing in their lives.lives.

Before that: Not a part of the Saved Before that: Not a part of the Saved People of G-d!People of G-d!

1111 Therefore remember that formerly you, Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," "Circumcision," which iswhich is performed in the performed in the flesh by human hands-- flesh by human hands-- 1212 rememberremember that that you were at that time separate from Christ, you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God promise, having no hope and without God in the world. in the world. Ephesians 2Ephesians 2

But now…But now…1313 But nowBut now in Christ Jesus you who in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ... near by the blood of Christ... 1919 So then So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household…and are of God's household…

Ephesians 2 Ephesians 2

Now, A Part of the Commonwealth Now, A Part of the Commonwealth of Israel and partakers of the of Israel and partakers of the

Covenants of Promise!Covenants of Promise!

1212 “… “…rememberremember that you that you werewere at that time at that time separate from Christ, separate from Christ, excludedexcluded from the from the commonwealth of Israel, and commonwealth of Israel, and strangersstrangers to to the covenants of promise…” the covenants of promise…” Ephesians 2Ephesians 2

The Non-Jewish Believers are now The Non-Jewish Believers are now a Part of Israel!a Part of Israel!

Partakers of All the Covenants of Israel: Partakers of All the Covenants of Israel: Moses AND the B’rit Chadasha!Moses AND the B’rit Chadasha!

21 "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath." Acts 15

Implication? Non-Jewish people hear Implication? Non-Jewish people hear Moses every Shabbat!Moses every Shabbat!

Torah ObedienceTorah Obedience

As non-Jewish believers in Yeshua grasp As non-Jewish believers in Yeshua grasp hold of this: that the promises and hold of this: that the promises and covenants apply to them, too – more and covenants apply to them, too – more and more of them find themselves more and more of them find themselves more and more obedient to the Moses (Torah).more obedient to the Moses (Torah).

Provocation to Jealousy DynamicProvocation to Jealousy Dynamic

As more and more non-Jewish believers As more and more non-Jewish believers become more and more Torah obedient, become more and more Torah obedient, the dynamic of the “provocation to the dynamic of the “provocation to jealousy” (Romans 11:11, 14) occurs.jealousy” (Romans 11:11, 14) occurs.

Non-Jews are doing the things that the Non-Jews are doing the things that the Jewish people should be doing!Jewish people should be doing!

Salvation to the Gentiles!Salvation to the Gentiles!

Well, logically, if the Jewish People’s Well, logically, if the Jewish People’s rejection of Yeshua be salvation for the rejection of Yeshua be salvation for the Gentiles, then we should Gentiles, then we should notnot bring Jewish bring Jewish people to acceptance in Him so that people to acceptance in Him so that moremore Gentiles will be saved!Gentiles will be saved!

??? Right ?????? Right ???

Wrong!Wrong!

11 I say then, God has not rejected His I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? people, has He? May it never be!May it never be! For I too For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. of the tribe of Benjamin. 22 God has not God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.rejected His people whom He foreknew.

Romans 11Romans 11

God has not Rejected His People!God has not Rejected His People!

Fulfillment = Greater Riches for Fulfillment = Greater Riches for the Gentiles!the Gentiles!

1212 Now if their Now if their transgression is riches for transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the the world and their failure is riches for the GentilesGentiles, , how much more will their how much more will their fulfillment befulfillment be! ! Romans 11Romans 11

We “Ain’t seen Nuthin’ Yet”!We “Ain’t seen Nuthin’ Yet”!

1515 For if their rejection is the reconciliation For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, of the world, what will what will theirtheir acceptance be acceptance be but life from the deadbut life from the dead? ? Romans 11Romans 11

Finally: Where are we headed?Finally: Where are we headed?

Besides Heaven???Besides Heaven???

Missions 101 -Missions 101 - The Mission FieldThe Mission Field

When churches When churches sendsend missionaries out to missionaries out to the world, they:the world, they:

Teach them how to teach the people they Teach them how to teach the people they are witnessing to how to live Biblically.are witnessing to how to live Biblically.

Not trying to Make non-Jews into Not trying to Make non-Jews into JewsJews

However,However, when believers in Yeshua walk when believers in Yeshua walk like Yeshua, they act more like Yeshua, they act more BiblicallyBiblically (“Jewish”) because that’s how He walked!(“Jewish”) because that’s how He walked!

(Which correlates with the provocation (Which correlates with the provocation to jealousy!)to jealousy!)

Walking like YeshuaWalking like Yeshua

Desire of all believers should be to “walk Desire of all believers should be to “walk as Yeshua walked (1 John 2).”as Yeshua walked (1 John 2).”

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

1 John 21 John 2

Reminder…Reminder…

“…“…the the Christian communitiesChristian communities worshipped and operated essentially as worshipped and operated essentially as Jewish synagoguesJewish synagogues for for more than a more than a generationgeneration.”.”

Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of ChristianityEerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity, , copyright 1977, Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand copyright 1977, Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, page 68Rapids, MI, page 68

19 "Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. 21 "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

Acts 15

Doers, Not Simply HearersDoers, Not Simply Hearers

for {it is} not the for {it is} not the hearershearers of the Law {who} of the Law {who} are just before God, but the are just before God, but the doersdoers of the of the Law will be justified. Law will be justified. Romans 2:13Romans 2:13

But prove yourselves But prove yourselves doersdoers of the word, and of the word, and not merely not merely hearershearers who delude themselves. who delude themselves.

James 1:22James 1:22

ConclusionConclusionMessianic Judaism brings the best of both Messianic Judaism brings the best of both Judaism and ChristianityJudaism and Christianity

Ministers to BOTH GroupsMinisters to BOTH Groups

Messianic Judaism ministers to Messianic Judaism ministers to BOTHBOTH Messianic believers (Jew Messianic believers (Jew andand non-Jew) non-Jew) ANDAND non-believing Jews. non-believing Jews.

BothBoth Groups Need to Come to a Groups Need to Come to a Common Point of ReferenceCommon Point of Reference

JudaismJudaism needs to needs to recognize and accept recognize and accept YeshuaYeshua as the as the MessiahMessiah..

ChristianityChristianity needs to needs to recognize and accept recognize and accept TorahTorah as a standard of as a standard of holy behaviorholy behavior..

Messianic JudaismMessianic Judaism

HasHas BOTH BOTH Reference Points: 1) Yeshua Reference Points: 1) Yeshua as the Messiahas the Messiah ANDAND 2) Torah as a 2) Torah as aStandard of holy behavior.Standard of holy behavior.

The Messianic Congregation – A The Messianic Congregation – A Mission to the Jewish PeopleMission to the Jewish People

Learn the cultural “turn-offs”Learn the cultural “turn-offs” : symbology, : symbology, words, actionswords, actions

Learn the languageLearn the language - Hebrew - Hebrew

Learn how to live Biblically (culture)Learn how to live Biblically (culture): : TorahTorah

Bridge to BOTH CommunitiesBridge to BOTH Communities

Able to reach out to the Jewish community Able to reach out to the Jewish community that doesn’t yet believe in Yeshua.that doesn’t yet believe in Yeshua.

Able to reach out to the Christian Able to reach out to the Christian community that doesn’t yet believe in the community that doesn’t yet believe in the application of Torah to the life of a believer application of Torah to the life of a believer in Jesus.in Jesus.