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CJF Ministries® R B RA
OL Y
PO Box 345 DN
San Antonio, Texas 78292-0345 “God has not forgotten the Jewish people, and neither have we.” ES
S
April, 2010
With major earthquakes in the news, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear people speculating that the
Telephone end of the age is near. After all, didn’t Jesus say in Matthew 24 that there would be earthquakes
(210) 226 - 0421 in various places? Yes, He did, but He also said such events would only mark the beginning of
birth pangs. Scientists tell us that hundreds of earthquakes strike the world every year—it’s just
that most of them are under the ocean, far from large population centers, or not of the magnitude
Fax reported in Haiti and Chile.
(210) 226 - 2140
Scripture is replete with references to earthquakes. There was an earthquake, for example, when
God gave the Law at Sinai (Ex. 19:18). In Numbers 16:31-32, when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
E-mail rebelled against Moses’ leadership, God arranged for the earth to split open and swallow up not
info@cjfm.org only the men, but also their families and property. There was an earthquake before God revealed
Himself to Elijah in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11). Matthew 27:50-54 tells us an earthquake
accompanied Jesus’ death, and a second one occurred three days later in connection with His
OrderLine resurrection (Matt. 28:1-4). We know that Paul and Silas were freed from their prison chains in
(800) 926 - 5397 Philippi by a great earthquake (Acts 16:26). Scripture also tells us that earthquakes will be part of
God’s judgments in the Tribulation Period (Ezek. 38:19; Rev. 6:12, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18).
Website The Bible reports another kind of “earthquake”—one associated with events following Peter and
www.cjfm.org John’s healing of the lame man in the Temple courts. Their public activities and healing of the
crippled man had aroused the wrath of the religious leaders. These leaders then threatened the
disciples, forbidding them to ever again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Well, clearly the dis-
ciples could not obey such an order. But they had every right to fear the consequences of their
actions. So what did Peter and John do about this dilemma? They reported the situation to their
companions and immediately held a prayer meeting. And the result? “And when they had prayed,
the place where they were assembled together was shaken (emphasis mine); and they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
That was one serious prayer meeting! It says the power of God came down and shook the place
where they had gathered! I wonder—when we encounter opposition to the Gospel, do we shrink
back in fear or do we pray unitedly and with confidence like Peter and John did? By God’s
grace, may our prayers be so powerful, and so intense, that they “shake” others into going out
into the world and speaking the word of God with boldness!
Thank you for being our companions in faith and ministry. May God richly bless and encour-
age you—and give you boldness!
Gary Hedrick
ROBERT WEISSMAN, LONDON
Quoting an Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center report on the growing influence of
Hamas in England, Israel National News stated that “London has become the epicenter of Hamas’
political, legal, and propaganda campaigns in Europe. . . . Hamas operatives . . . have been par-
ticularly successful . . . initiating widespread anti-Zionism throughout the country” (see www.
israelnationalnews.com/news/news.aspx/136170).
Even without the problems generated by Hamas, anti-Semitism in England goes back hundreds of
years. In 1290, Britain expelled all Jewish residents (estimated anywhere from 4,000-16,000), and
English authors as far back as Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) have portrayed Jewish characters negatively.
CJF Ministries worker
Remember Shylock from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice? Britain’s institutionalized anti-Sem-
Robert Weissman itism was also well documented in the Academy Award winning movie, Chariots of Fire, which
pitted the motives of Cambridge’s Jewish runner Harold Abrahams against Scotland’s missionary
runner, Eric Liddell. Such ingrained anti-Semitic attitudes in any “Christian” nation (but especially in England) complicate
Robert Weissman’s evangelistic efforts among Jewish people.
According to the Jewish Virtual Library, approximately two-thirds of Great Britain’s 350,000 Jewish population lives in
London. Within the city, there are several large Jewish communities—each with its own unique flavor. Some communities,
for example, are more “artsy,” others more “genteel,” still others more “scholastic.” Robert, a CJFM worker and Jewish be-
liever, focuses mainly on the Golders Green area, where professional and religious Jewish people live. Both his door-to-door
outreach and his Bible studies at the Jewish Community Centre lead to some interesting conversations.
Such conversations cover topics that include the debate between creationism and Darwinism, the virgin birth, and even
the divinity of the Messiah. Very interesting discussions have also ensued when Jewish people discover—much to their
chagrin—that various words in their Hebrew-English Tanakhs have either been mistranslated (e.g.,“virgin” in Isaiah 7:14),
or left out altogether. In some cases, the translation of Isaiah 53 is totally missing. This chapter alone (which is so clearly
messianic) provides Robert with many opportunities to discuss the Messiah’s role as the sacrifice for our sin. Robert is able
to plant seeds, even if many Jewish people are not yet ready to take that final step of faith.
Make no mistake; discipleship is costly for Jewish people. Dr. Charles Halff, the late founder of CJFM, told his own story
in the book, What it Costs a Jew to Become a Christian. He—like many other Jewish believers—was not only rejected, but
actually persecuted by his family. Dr. Halff’s father beat him, had him arrested, and literally disowned him. Dr. Halff went
from being a well-heeled, upper-class young man to a castoff who didn’t know from where his next meal would come—and
his experiences are not that unique.
Why is there such a violent reaction from Jewish families and communities? Most Jewish people are convinced that those who
believe in Yeshua are no longer Jewish, but rather, they are joining the camp of the enemy—those who were, and still are, per-
petrators of anti-Semitism. At the same time, they believe that the Jewish “turncoat” is also depleting the ranks of an already
shrinking Jewish population. Thus, a Jewish person who believes in Yeshua threatens the very existence of the Jewish people.
Robert’s challenge—indeed, the challenge for all who would share the Gospel—is to demonstrate that Jewish believers are
still Jewish; that believing in the Messiah is the most Jewish thing they can do. It means educating a Jewish person about God’s
plan for him. In the early Church, a believing Gentile was not forced to become Jewish. In the same way, a believing Jewish
person does not become a Gentile; he remains Jewish! Both the Jewish people and the New Testament Church have a place in
God’s plan. And central to that plan, as well as to all of history, is the sinless Son of God—the Jewish Messiah.
Pray that Robert will be able to overcome all that hinders a Jewish person from coming to faith. Pray for wisdom, persis-
tence, and boldness, as he brings the Good News to the Jewish people of London.
Director of International Ministries Gideon Levytam and his wife Irene traveled to South Africa to
visit Louise and share this milestone anniversary with her. They were struck by the realities of life
Louise Newmark—faithfully
in this crime-ridden city—multiple locks on home and apartment doors, as well as housing com- serving the Lord among the
munities surrounded by locked iron gates topped with razor wire. Louise uses wisdom when going Jewish people for 50 years.
on her daily visitation rounds, but clearly, the Lord has watched over and protected her.
During the visit, Louise escorted Gideon and Irene on a “God is always in
walking tour of the city. As they strolled through one of
the markets, they engaged several of the local people in
the business of
conversation about the Lord. Most were very willing to freeing us and
speak with them, and to hear what they had to say about bringing us to
Yeshua. depend totally
on Him . . . my
During the Levytams’ visit, Louise also introduced them life is not always
to some of the many Jewish people whom she visits on a
regular basis. Some are now believers, others, not yet. But
easy, but it’s
on each visit, Gideon was able to open the Word of God exciting.”
and share the Scriptures with them. The first evening,
Gideon and Irene were met by a leader of another Jewish evangelistic group and
through him, was introduced to other Jewish believers in the city. The man also
invited Gideon to speak at their messianic congregation. Gideon chose Psalm 1
for his message, showing how that Scripture points to Yeshua—the perfect Man.
As long as the Lord gives her strength, 75-year-old Louise (who doesn’t own a car)
Director of International Ministries Gideon Levytam will continue walking from street to street, and from door to door, sharing the Good
preaching at Beit Y’shua, a messianic congregation News with the Jewish people of Johannesburg. We congratulate her on her anniver-
in Johannesburg. There are nearly 50,000 Jewish sary. Truly, “How beautiful . . . Are the feet of him who brings good news, . . . Who
people in the city.
proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isa. 52:7).
Louise regularly visits a number of Jewish people in Johannesburg. On this In Louise’s black bags are tracts and pamphlets she uses when witnessing.
visit to Brian, Gideon shared the story of Nicodemus. Louise is known as “the woman with bags who talks about God.” May God
move us to share the Gospel with the same fervor!
LIVE THE LAND—AUGUST 6-18, 2010
Now is the time to acquire first-hand knowledge of events and
places in the Bible, and discover the Jewish roots of your faith.
Transform your life. Go to Israel and “Live the Land!”
e
Beatitudes. e Land participants
R A Higbe
st
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, the Judea Directly above: Pa udy Matthew Chapte
n desert. rticipants
you will receive” (Matt. 21:22). prepare to rs 5 —7 on the Mou
rappel dow nt
n the face of
of a clif f in
Please pray for:
(If you would like to pray for CJFM and our supporters
on a weekly basis, contact Della at dellam@cjfm.org. to experience a deep connection with the
She will answer any questions you may have about Land, and see first-hand where God will
receiving our weekly email prayer list.) bring human history to a close. For more “He who overcomes, I will make him
detailed information, see cjfm.org/tours. a pillar in the temple of My God . . .”
(Rev. 3:12).
Resources for April, 2010
GOD, TORAH, MESSIAH
by Dr. Louis Goldberg, RADIO BROADCASTS
edited by Dr. Richard A. Robinson
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Written by a former distinguished professor of by Dr. Gary Hedrick
Theology and Jewish Studies at Moody Bible
Institute, this first-of-its-kind comprehensive Dr. Hedrick shows the amazing parallels
reference volume is an essential addition to between ancient Jewish wedding customs
the library of those students wishing to survey and God’s prophetic plan for His bride, the
systematic theology with a distinctly messianic Church.
Jewish emphasis. The volume concludes with
ecclesiology and offers thoughts on this doctrine CD (#GT-18 CD) $6
for messianic congregations. For more details on Cassette Tape (#GT-18) $6
this book’s extensive content, index, and bibliog-
raphy, see MessianicSpecialties.com.
The Promise of His Coming
Book (BB-145) 750 pages, $40 by Dr. Gary Hedrick
The New Testament warns that in the last
days unbelievers will scoff at the idea of
a literal second coming of the Messiah.
They will argue that everything is continu-
ISRAEL IN THE PLAN OF GOD ing just as it always has, with no divine in-
by David Baron tervention. Dr. Hedrick shows how those
who scoff at Bible prophecy are actually
David Baron was raised in a devout Jewish helping to fulfill it!
family and studied Hebrew in rabbinical school.
After completing his own study of the Scriptures, CD (#GT-21 CD) $6
he converted to Christianity and devoted himself Cassette Tape (#GT-21) $6
to a twofold ministry: explaining Christianity
to the Jewish people and explaining Judaism to
Christians. These two objectives form the basis
for his classic work, Israel in the Plan of God. The Christian’s Greatest Discovery
by Dr. Gary Hedrick
Israel’s past and future—from her national elec-
tion by God to the final judgment of her ene- We must understand (and apply) this one
mies—is covered in this balanced, biblical study central truth of the Scriptures before we
by an astute scholar. can experience consistent victory, peace,
and joy in our daily lives.
Book (#IPG) 320 pages, $16
CD (#GT-34 CD) $6
Cassette Tape (#GT-34) $6
Based on James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He Why didn’t the Jewish leadership accept
will draw near to you,” this work offers some Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah when He came
elementary thoughts on the great subject of the the first time? Dr. Hedrick explains that
Christian’s hidden life, while describing the the answer, in part, is found in ancient
experienced reality of revelation and prayer. rabbinic teachings and the messianic ex-
pectations of the first-century Sanhedrin.
Book (#THL) 291 pages, $14
CD (#GT-16 CD) $6
Cassette Tape (#GT-16) $6
Listen to “Messianic Perspectives” Monday-Friday on the following stations. Access the webcast or subscribe to
the podcast anytime at cjfm.org/perspectives.