SBMF News

SBMF News from Ric Worshill, President of and Servant to the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship

I was asked by the Baptist Press to respond to the following LCJE “Resolution On Christian Zionism And Jewish Evangelism”. Below is a copy of the resolution and my response to the Baptist Press. The Baptist Press printed a summary of my response. I choose not to target any individual person or organization in my response. I to believe that all ministries and organizations should be transparent in how they represent their intentions and purpose for operation.

I advise each person to diligently research the ministries and organizations that they plan to support.

The following resolution was passed at the 26th annual meeting of the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism – North America, held in Phoenix, Arizona from March 2-4, 2009. It reads as follows:

The Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism – North America affirms those Christians who have a love for the Jewish people and wish to bless Israel. We affirm those Christians who stand as friends of Israel and recognize her rightful place in the Land. We also affirm the many Christian ministries that bless Israel without compromising a clear proclamation of the gospel.

We believe that calling the Jewish people to accept Jesus (Y’shua) as the Messiah both of Israel and all nations is the biblical mandate and natural loving response to the belief that there is salvation only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, we recognize that some aspects of Christian Zionism as practiced today, work to the detriment of the Jewish people inasmuch as they undermine Jewish evangelism. We believe they can dilute the gospel message by offering comfort apart from Christ, discourage evangelical Christians from witnessing to their Jewish friends and divert gospel resources which could be channeled toward Jewish evangelism.

Therefore, we call on the leading proponents of Christian Zionism today to be transparent with Christians on whether Jewish evangelism is present in their theology. We also call on the evangelical Christian press to provide informative reports on those Christian Zionist organizations, who identify as representatives of evangelical Christianity, yet work to discourage Christians from bringing the gospel to Jewish people. We also call on all those who count themselves as evangelicals to demonstrate their love for the Jewish people by bringing the good news of Y’shua the Messiah to them.

I was not able to attend the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism in Phoenix, AR. this last March. I concur with the saints in the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism. I believe that the Word of G-d is Truth. I believe that we are called to tell the Good News to all people groups. I believe that there are three main reasons why people don’t believe in evangelizing the Jewish people:

1. Some Christians don’t believe that the Word in the Bible is Truth and inerrant. They tend to believe that it is allegory or that the truth was lost in translation. Rabbi Paul tells us in the Bible that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of G-d (G-d breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of G-d may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV] There are not multiple ways to salvation. The L-rd Jesus tells us "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” [John 14:6 NASU] Those who believe in a duel covenant theology paradigm discard John 14.6. This duel covenant idea is true then Jesus a liar. Jesus is G-d and lying is not in His nature.

2. Some Christians believe in and practice Replacement Theology, and in that they don’t believe that the Bible is Truth and inerrant. I believe that this is a large problem related to some Christians thinking we can change the Word of G-d to make us better than others. If G-d has replaced the people of Israel as His chosen people He would not be sealing 144,000 Jewish evangelists to go out in the tribulation period telling the nations about Salvation in Jesus. This is found in the book of Revelation Chapter 7. G-d tells us in Revelation Chapter 14:4b that, “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto G-d and to the Lamb.” If they are following the Lamb of G-d then they are charged to go and make disciples of all nations. If G-d has replaced Israel as the chosen people He wouldn’t mention the woman who represents Israel in Revelation Chapter 12. For the woman to flee to the wilderness and be nourished there for 1260 days, is not just for the Jewish people to be physically fed, but to also be nourished by the L-rd as the Bread of Life. If true this false theology would also make G-d a liar and Truth of His Word untrue.

3. Some Christians are anti-Semitic and in that mindset, they don’t believe that the Word in the Bible is Truth and inerrant. G-d said to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." [NASU]. No matter what version of the Bible you read, there is no difference in this covenant that is given to us from G-d.

In Genesis 17:7-8 G-d said, "I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be G-d to you and to your descendants after you. "I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their G-d." If the Church has replaced Israel and these words in Genesis have been taken away from Israel and are now given to the Church, because of Israel’s “unbelief”, then these words in Genesis do not mean what they say. That cannot be! G-d is not a liar nor does he go back on His Word. Satan is raging a war against G-d and the validity of His Word. If G-d breaks His promise to Israel, then satan has won. If satan can “wipe Israel off the map” then satan has won. Then G-d could not follow through on any of His promises to Israel or anyone else. Thus G-d’s covenants would not be everlasting.

To complete this covenant with Abraham the L-rd caused Abraham to sleep and the L-rd passed in the midst of the sacrifice. This is found in Genesis 15:7-17.

And he said unto him, I am the L-rd that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, L-rd G-d, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. [KJV]

G-d passed between the pieces of the sacrifice, alone. This way the covenant is irrevocable as G-d never breaks His word.

When Jesus walked this earth, He first came to the house of Israel. Because of their unbelief, the doors of salvation were open to the gentiles also. Remember that Genesis 12:3 said that in Abraham all the families of the earth will be blessed. What is that blessing? The blessing is that the Savior of the world would be born through the line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The first people to receive this blessing of salvation were Jewish people. Remember the Apostles were Jewish. The earliest Church was Jewish believers in Mashiach Yeshua.

Today, the way of salvation is still through Jesus. Nothing has changed. To not preach the Good News of Jesus as L-rd and Savior to the Jewish people would cheat them out of salvation. Contrary to some teaching, the Jewish people are not automatically saved, simply because they are Jewish. The means of salvation is the same for everyone. Romans 1:16-17 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of G-d for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of G-d is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

It all comes back to believing or not believing that the Word is Truth. G-d tells us in His Word to, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” [Matt 28:19-20 KJV]. He also told us to, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” [Mark 16:15 KJV]. If G-d has replaced the Children of Israel as His chosen people then the Word of the Bible would not be True and G-d would be a liar. Has G-d ever broken His Word?

If we, as Bible believing Christians, do not tell the Jewish people about their true Mashiach Yeshua (Messiah Jesus), then who will? The Word tells us that, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." [Acts 4:12 NASU]. I am a Jew who is eternally grateful that some wonderful Christians loved me enough to tell me the Gospel of Salvation in Mashiach Yeshua.

There are several groups out there that want to bless Israel. Some of them give money for humanitarian aid to the Israeli people. There are other groups that specifically give donations to foundations in Israel who do not wish the people that they help to hear the Gospel or any mention of Christ or His offer of Salvation. There is also Christian Zionism groups out there that are not Christian at all. On the other hand they use some of the funds that loving Christians give to them to fund anti-missionary organizations.

We need to be discerning about the Christian Zionist groups or Israel blessing groups that we support. Be careful who you give your love offerings and donations. Make sure that the organization you support is being honest about their intentions and where the money will truly go.

I believe that there is one way to truly bless the children of Israel. That is to love them enough to tell them about ha'Mashiach Yeshua. If you can't do that directly I recommend that you support true Christian organizations that have the ability to spread the Good News to the Jewish remnant of Israel. I also believe that humanitarian aid to the needy is essential. If the basic needs are supported, the ear can be open to the message.

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [John 14:3 KJV]

To love someone is to tell them in truth what you believe. If you love someone you will care enough to stick your neck out and speak your heart. You can only plant seeds. The true blessing to Israel is when we see another Jewish person come to faith in Yeshua and find the True Messiah who is the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.

G-d is about reconciliation with all His creation. He sets the rules about how we come to Him in Salvation. There must be a blood offering for sin. The Word of G-d commands us to sacrifice a blood offering in the Temple, for the forgiveness of sin. There is no Temple right now. It all comes back to the real question. Do you believe that the Bible is Truth and inerrant or do you pick and choose what parts of the Word you believe and make up your own rules? Who’s on the throne? You or G-d.

Our dear brother in the L-rd Jim Sibley was also interviewed for this Baptist Press article. Brother Jim serves in a position with the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism. Please read the Baptist Press article please go to:

Why I believe the Bible (by: Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr.)

"It is a reliable historical document, written down by eye witnesses, during the lifetime of other eye witnesses, they report to us supernatural events, that took place in fulfillment of specific prophesies, and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin." http://www.voddiebaucham.org

Ref: 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 2 Peter 1:17-18; Psalms 22:6, 12, 15, 16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Jeremiah 15:16; Ps 119:103-104; Psalm 119:54-55; Psalms 119:11-12; Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:148.

2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by G-d (G-d breather) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of G-d may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASU

The testimony of presidents
The Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:

"It is impossible to govern the world without G-d and the Bible."

"The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life."

"In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift G-d has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it."

"Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people."

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. [Romans 9:1-5 NASU]

Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. [Romans 10:1-4 NASU]

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. [Matt 28:19-20 KJV]

We are what we eat. Feast on the Tree of Life. Be filled with the Light and Life of Yeshua. Read the Word.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. [Revelation 1:3 NKJV]

The L-rd bless you, and watch over you; The L-rd make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The L-rd lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. [NASU Numbers 6:24-26]