Editorials

Views and opinions expressed in the Letters to the Editor, articles, reviews and advertisements do not necessarily reflect those of The Messianic Times. Writers are directly responsible for the accuracy of their facts and information. The Messianic Times reserves the right to publish or not publish submissions, as well as to edit articles for clarity and space.

From The Editor

Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur always coincide with our September/October issue, and each year, we try to examine both High Holy Days from a fresh perspective. Our purpose is not to dictate the “right” or “wrong” way to celebrate, but to show the diverse ways Messianic Jews choose to observe these Biblical events. “To Fast or Not to Fast” examines various viewpoints on the subject of atonement, while “Rosh HaShanah: A Tale of Two Breads” explains the symbolism of challah—along with a luscious recipe of this holiday treat.

We are pleased to feature Howard Silverman, leader of Beth Messiah and current President of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, in “Congregational Profile,” as part of this ongoing series. “Women at the Forefront,” tells the story of singer and promoter Polly Grimes, a staunch supporter of Israel, who legitimized Gospel music in America, and brought it to the Land in respectable concert format.

“Staunch supporter of Israel” equally describes Trent Franks, a Christian congressman from Arizona who is not afraid to speak his mind. You’ll find his story in “A Voice Crying Out in the
Legislature.”

From Phoenix we go to Amsterdam, Holland, the location of the first European conference of the International Al l iance of Mes s ianic Congregations and Synagogues, which took place in May. Be sure to read the story in “The Rekindling of Europe.”

Speaking of Europe, Great Britain is where you’ll get the scoop on the history of the British Messianic Jewish Alliance, in “Jolly Good Show—Two Centuries of Messianic Jews in the United Kingdom.”

Even if you don’t know the meaning of the word “blog,” “The Rosh Pina Project” shows how 23 year-old Joe Weissman has developed an innovative way to combat anti-missionary prejudice. In fact, one of the most encouraging aspects of the Messianic Judaism is to witness the devotion and dedication of the under 30 set. The Messianic Youth section illustrates their shiny examples in every issue. You’ll be inspired by the personal testimony of 16 year-old Jimmy Compton—plus our standard survey posed to four believers, who share their opinions about the subject of outreach. Many young people are starting their own ministries, such as Heather Halpern (“Commitment , Connection, Collaboration”) who has launched the Young Messianic Adult Coalition, otherwise known as Y-MAC. Be expecting more reports on the exciting involvement of the next generation.

Finally, don’t miss the article on Messiah Comes—from New Zealand, a fresh new resource for use by ministries of all kinds in reaching the Chosen People with the news of Messiah Yeshua.
Happy new year!

Karen S. Meissner
Managing Editor

To The Editor

In Danny Cohen’s Messianic Youth article [March/April 2010 issue of the Messianic Times], four young Jewish believers were polled about which direction they think the Messianic Movement should be steered. Katie Repogle said she “would like to see more traditional Jewish prayers, practices and customs implemented in the worship,” alluding to various rabbinic laws and regulations. (Yeshua addresses this issue in Matthew, chapter 23).

Judith Seidner mentioned, “I have been a follower of Yeshua and plugged in to a Messianic congregation my entire life, but I’ve never been on a mission trip, whereas my church friends go on these outings almost every school break.” Katie suggested a “conversion process” intended only for Messianic Gentiles…which would include “knowledge of traditions and prayers.” (The Apostle Paul, sent by Yeshua, counters the subject of Gentile conversion in the Book of Galatians).

I was raised in a Conservative and Orthodox upbringing. Five years ago, Yeshua revealed Himself to me, and pulled me out of the trappings of Rabbinic Judaism. Therefore, I find it surprising that three of the four young Jewish believers would embrace and encourage extra-Biblical laws and practices that are contrary to D’Var Elohim (the Word of God).

Danny Cohen’s article concludes by stating we are to “remain faithful to the Word.” Although the comments of these young believers are not representational of all Messianic youth, their quotes might give the opposite impression to the reader.

—Aviad Cohen
Messianic music artist

The views and opinions expressed in the Letters to the Editor, articles, reviews and advertisemets do not necessarily reflect those of The Messianic Times. Writers are directly responsible for the accuracy of their facts and information. The Messianic Times reserves the right to publish or not publish submissions, as well as to edit articles for clarity and space.

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From the Publisher

Fall and Redemption

Dear Fellow Workers,

Through doubt, the Adversary caused our first ancestors to disobey their Creator. From that time, mankind has questioned whether they could count on God’s provision. We came to rely on our own self-effort, producing more insecurity.

Out of this, we began to seek advantage over others to assuage our anxiety about our well being. Clusters of individuals started clinging together to gain dominance, out of which tribes and nations developed.

Satan’s thin edge of the wedge had markedly increased influence, playing on peoples’ frailties. So, there has been a continuing downward spiral from generation to generation. A “world system” developed in highly sophisticated and competitive fields, such as finance, politics, and the military.

Today, we see the gravitational pull toward bigger government as a means of banding together to attempt to gain control over our circumstances. There can also be a personal similar dynamic. As others act out their self-centeredness, we can be trod upon and hurt. When we feel there is no help, we seek to numb the pain of life with narcotics, alcohol and food (see related article “Which God Do You Serve?” on page 6). We also can become addicted to power or social status. None of us is immune. Our human nature holds us captive.

Does it sound right that a God powerful enough to create all things would lack the means to correct this terrible difficulty? Do we wonder whether he cares, because He is too busy for us, since we feel unimportant?

No, the Almighty is well aware and will not allow the Adversary to prevail. The Lord cannot allow the Devil to win and have his universal power broken. He will cause Satan to be confounded.

The “redemption process” began with the Jews. First through prophets and sages, then through our Messiah; Jews have been involved at every turning point. It is likely the Jewish people will play a central role in completion of the process.

The Children of Israel were scattered and fragmented throughout the nations. This was so we could be broken and open to the mercies of believing Gentiles, who are wooing us back
to our own faith.

A way this will be accomplished is captured in Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the Good News, since it is God’s powerful means of bringing salvation to everyone who keeps on trusting, to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentiles…

For so very long, the Jewish people seemed to be out of the picture. Now it is becoming increasingly clear that the Biblical focus is shifting back to Israel. The drama is heading more towards a conclusion and once again Jews are crucial to the story line.

Our movement is only in its infancy. We, who can see the whole picture, are energized to play a part in Israel’s salvation. Our Messianic vision is having an impact on the traditional Jewish community. In turn, this will cause Israelis to inquire. This inevitability is underway, and we get to be a part of it.

How often have we thought how great it would have been to be a Biblical character fighting for God’s cause? Yet, today, we have our opportunity. Our exploits will be rewarded in the Book of Life. For all eternity, we will be able to celebrate all that we endured. We overcame, we supported, we trusted, we accomplished. The tangible evidence of our faith is recorded. What a privilege to work in the vineyard’s Jewish sector!

In Yeshua,

Paul Liberman
Publisher