|
|
|
WMM
E-Mail Bag! |
|
Q. Sam, one Saturday we were at a Bat Mitzvah in a Messianic congregation, but we did not hear the Gospel preached. The Messianic rabbi leading the service did slip “Messiah” in twice, but unless you were already a believer it would go unnoticed. I spoke to the leadership afterwards, and their position was since there were so many visitors they didn't want to offend anyone. What gives? Don't Messianic congregations preach the Gospel at such occasions? *Jack and Diane A. Hi Jack and Diane, I'm of course concerned by what you have stated about the Bat Mitzvah. I am glad the leader at least did mention Messiah twice. God can use even a small seed. We just had a Bat Mitzvah at the Messianic congregation we're planting in Charlotte. Many Jewish (and non-Jewish) friends and family of the three B'nai Mitzvah (we had three young ladies going through it at once!) attended. Its likely that these loved ones would never come to anything else where the Gospel is being proclaimed. The parents of the young ladies prayed that those they invited would seriously consider the claims of Messiah. Family members came prepared to hear about Yeshua: after all, we are a Messianic congregation. They were not disappointed. |
| The Scripture portions were Leviticus 17:11 and Isaiah 53. All three young ladies shared their personal faith in Messiah Yeshua as their Savior, and taught the truth about Him from the Scriptures. I preached on the portion as well, declaring the need for blood atonement, and that Messiah is the final sacrifice for sins for all who will believe. There was much spiritual discussion afterwards at the Oneg (refreshment time) and at the evening events that followed. |
| One of the unsaved relatives actually wrote to say how spiritually meaningful it all was (the note was shared by the family at the following service). What a great opportunity to share Messiah! I say this to demonstrate that Messianic congregations are not intrinsically the problem, but rather, are a vital instrument in the work of God to bring the Great News to our people, especially when Yeshua is clearly, yet wisely proclaimed. I'm hoping the same for the 100,000 Jewish people in your area. Though it is true that we are not to cause offense to anyone (1 Corinthians 10:32), this is meant of course, to not cause offense over non-essential matters- social/cultural issues (1 Cor. 8-10: food, finances, personal preferences, etc). But on the essential spiritual issues of the Good News itself (apart from which there can be no salvation), Yeshua is the very Rock of Offense. To not share the message of Messiah with the lost when they actually come to your services is at best a missed opportunity. I trust that the Messianic leader will think about your words to him. Sam Y |
|
|
