Master Race or Chosen People? - Tsvi Sadan ISRAEL TODAY

Master Race or Chosen People?

Friday, October 21, 2016 |  Tsvi Sadan  ISRAEL TODAY

Divine election takes the least likely candidate from among the families of the earth to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.

The full article appears in the October 2016 issue of Israel Today Magazine.
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Does the Promised Land Still Belong to the Jewish People? - SAM NADLER CHARISMA NEWS

Does the Promised Land Still Belong to the Jewish People?

 2/12/2016 SAM NADLER  charisma news

Does the Promised Land still belong to the Jewish people? (Wikimedia Commons )

Today there are many different opinions regarding critical issues about Israel and the Jewish people, even among believers. Many have questions such as:

1. "Can a religious Jewish person be saved apart from faith in Yeshua?"  

2. "Are the Jewish people still the 'chosen people'?"  

3. "Does the promised land (Israel) still belong to the Jewish people?"

Such questions tend to create a spiritual ambiguity in the minds of many, which produces an uncertain rather than fervent witness to the Jewish people. As believers, this brings us to a foundational issue: the need for proper discipleship concerning God's promises, plan and purpose for the Jewish people according to His Word.

Let us now look to this plumb line for our faith in order to help clarify the issues raised by these three questions:

1. "Can a religious Jewish person be saved apart from faith in Yeshua?" No. No matter how religious, no one can be forgiven of their sins and accepted by God without personal faith in Yeshua. It was to Jewish men that Yeshua spoke when He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Think of it this way: If there were some other way for Jewish people, or any people, to be saved other than through faith in Yeshua, then God the Father would have been a fool for letting His Son die on a cross! If keeping the Law of Moses could save people, Yeshua would have told people to keep the Law. But instead, Yeshua declared that Jewish people and all people need to trust in Him: "If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me" (John 5:46).

2. "Are the Jewish people still the 'chosen people'?" Yes, according to the Law of Moses (Deut. 7:6; 14:2), the Prophets (Is. 41:8; Amos 3:2), the Writings (Ps. 33:12; 135:4), and the New Covenant (Rom. 9:3-5, 11:1-2). But isn't the body of Messiah called a chosen people as well? Yes, 1 Peter 2:9 declares all believers in Yeshua to be "a chosen generation (or people), a royal priesthood." However, please note that Peter refers to the body of Messiah as "a chosen people," but not as "the chosen people." Though Israel is chosen for a specific purpose (see next question), during this time of Israel's national unbelief, they are "sidelined" from being God's instrument of service until they return to God and confess Yeshua as the Messiah (Matt. 23:39; Hosea 5:15).  

For the present time, the body of Messiah is the spiritually active instrument of ministry, "a royal priesthood" for service and worship. Though Israel is chosen to be a "witness people" for the Lord (Is. 43:10-12, 44:8), they cannot be an active witness until they first believe in Yeshua as Lord (Rom. 10:14, 15). Israel is chosen as a people for God's purpose, which, in the past, was to bring Messiah into the world (Rom. 9:5), and in the future, to bring about the return of Messiah to planet earth (Matt. 23:39; Zech. 12:10). This will happen when the Jewish people collectively confess their national sin of rejecting Messiah (Is. 53). Though nationally chosen for God's purpose, each individual Jewish person still has to have personal faith in God's salvation on God's terms to be saved. Otherwise they are as lost and unsaved as any pagan (Jer. 9:25, 26).

3. "Does the promised land (Israel) still belong to the Jewish people?" Yes! The present spiritual condition of Israel does not change the promises of God, for even though Israel is nationally unfaithful, He is still faithful. This is Paul's argument in Romans 11:1-2, where he writes, "I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite. ... God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew." Israel returned to the land after the Babylonian exile, but that wasn't to be their last return. In fact, Isaiah prophesies Israel's return to the same land for the second time in Isaiah 11:11-12: "Then it will happen on that day that the Lord will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people ... from the four corners of the earth."  The Jewish people's present return to the land is the fulfillment of this promise in Isaiah.

Now this doesn't mean that everything the present Israeli government does is praiseworthy, but it does mean that Israel is entitled to the land, and that we, as believers, must support them in this. Even though this and their status as the chosen people remains unchanged, each Jewish person can only be saved through personal faith in Messiah. For all people, Jew and Gentile, Israeli and Palestinian, there is no peace apart from the Prince of Peace.

By understanding these critical, sometimes volatile issues, and having biblical answers to address them, believers in Messiah can have a boldness and confidence to share their faith with Jewish people. Outside of God's miraculous, heart-changing power found in the Good News, there is no solution to the present and future problems we see in the Middle East, and the world.

So get involved! Share this with your friends! You can help get the message out. Since God has not forsaken the Jewish people, let us not forsake our responsibility to proclaim Yeshua to Jewish people.

Dr. Sam Nadler is a Jewish believer in Jesus who has been in Messianic Jewish ministry for over 40 years. Sam is the president of Word of Messiah Ministries, which is bringing the Good News to the Jew first but not to the Jew only, and planting Messianic Congregations in Jewish communities worldwide. To encourage and equip the Body of Messiah in our shared calling, Sam is invited to speak in churches across the country, and has written multiple books on Jewish evangelism, discipleship, and the Feasts of Israel. For more information and resources, or to invite Sam to speak at your church, visit: wordofmessiah.org.

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"I Will Make You a Light of Nations" ✡ Israel's Secret Formula for Search & Rescue - ISRAEL365

I will make you a light of nations, so that My salvation shall be until the end of the earth. ISAIAH (49:6) וּנְתַתִּיךָ לְאוֹר גּוֹיִם לִהְיוֹת יְשׁוּעָתִי עַד קְצֵה הָאָרֶץ ישעיהו מט:ו u-n'-ta-tee-kha l'-or go-yim li-h'-yot y'-shu-a-tee ad k'-tzay ha-a-retz

Today's Israel Inspiration One of the most misunderstood concepts in Judaism is how one nation could be "chosen" over all others. In fact, the term "Chosen People" does not imply racial superiority at all, but rather a unique responsibility. The Jews are charged with being "a light unto the nations" by upholding morals, ethics and belief in one God. The ZAKA organization truly represents this Jewish calling. ZAKA is Israel’s primary rescue and recovery volunteer organization, with thousands of volunteers on call 24/7 to respond to any terror attack, accident or disaster, wherever they may occur. ZAKA's assistance at major international terror attacks and natural disasters led the United Nations in 2005 to recognize ZAKA as an international volunteer humanitarian organization. “Caring for the welfare of people all over the world is one way to reveal Godliness in the world,” says a ZAKA volunteer. Your donation to ZAKA will be doubled now! » How Does Israel Deal with So Many Terror Attacks? From Shimon Peres and Bibi Netanyahu to ordinary citizens of the nation, see why ZAKA is Israel's most beloved humanitarian organization in this inspiring video. Watch here » Urgent Campaign for ZAKA Ambulances With the surge of terror that Israel faces daily, unnatural deaths are at a high, and the ZAKA organization's resources are taxed to the fullest.  You can help ZAKA purchase 5 new ambulances with an urgent 'causematch' campaign going on now. Along with a matching donor, ZAKA needs to raise $550,000! Help ZAKA purchase more ambulances so that they can help the living and honor the dead » "Jerusalem Beckons" Painting There is something about Jerusalem that calls out to people of all ages, religions and cultures. It’s a city with a living history, and a story behind every door. "Jerusalem Beckons" is a beautiful painting which encapsulates the personal and yet mysterious quality of the homes that make up this ancient hub of the world. The painting by Jordana Klein depicts a dozen Jerusalem doorways and windows welcoming people to the city. Straight from the artist's studio in the Old City of Jerusalem. The painting comes in 10″ x 13″ canvas. Get this Great Deal » Today's Israel Photo Sunset over the Judean Hills by Rebecca Kowalsky. See more photos by Rebecca Kowalsky » Thank You Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Nancy Galdabini of Drain, Oregon.  Todah rabah! Sponsor a day and receive a free devotional book » “Beautiful and Amazing Emails” It’s great to hear from so many of you - stay in touch and let us know where in the world you are enjoying Israel365! Stay in Touch » Thank you Rabbi Tuly for you and your team's dedication. Gregg Peck, North Carolina Good day, my name is JR, I'm from South Africa. Thank you for such beautiful and amazing emails, it has helped me through some of my darkest days. Stay blessed Shalom, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

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COMMENTARY: Is Israel a Chosen People? - November 09, 2015 | Brian Hennessy - ISRAEL TODAY

COMMENTARY: Is Israel a Chosen People?

Monday, November 09, 2015 |  Brian Hennessy

To ask whether the family of Abraham was uniquely chosen by God may sound like a foolish question to those who call themselves ‘Zionists.’ Yet entire Christian denominations today hold fast to a theology that denies God the freedom to show special favor to anyone, including the Jews. And I’m not speaking of Replacement Theology.

The theology I’m referring to is Arminianism. It was named after Jacob Arminius who obviously didn’t take seriously the words of God spoken by the prophet Amos, “You only have I chosen from among all the families of the earth” (Amos 3:2). Or Jesus: “You did not choose me. But I chose you” (John 15:16). Or Paul: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).

Instead, Arminius’s belief informed him it would be unfair for our Heavenly Father to favor one part of His human creation above the rest. It insisted all should be treated equally. In so teaching, Arminius completely ignored Paul’s response to man questioning God’s freedom to do as He pleases, when he wrote, “Who are you, O man, who answers back to God?... Does not the potter have the right over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” (Rom. 9:20,21)

Worse, this teaching feeds into the anti-Semitism of Replacement Theology that specifically wants to remove all consideration of the Jewish people from having any favor with God today. It may grudgingly admit God chose Israel for a time in order to bring forth the Messiah. But once Yeshua came it’s believed God did away with the idea of having a chosen people and the Jews are just like every other unsaved person now. 

Of course, when Arminius first promoted his ‘unchosen’ theology in the late sixteenth century the Jews were not uppermost in his mind. Replacement Theology, along with the Jews’ fallen state of affairs, had pretty much taken them out of the running. No, he was mainly trying to counter the teaching of John Calvin who had taught God was graciously drawing to Jesus only those He had pre-chosen to be saved (as John 6:44 clearly states). Arminius insisted God had left it up to each individual to choose his own fate by either his acceptance or rejection of the Gospel. For him man’s free will was inviolable, and God’s free will must bow to it. But that not only undermines God’s sovereignty, it mocks the very definition of a Supreme God…”who works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).

I bring up this centuries-old controversy of Arminianism because I believe it is contributing greatly to the confusion among believers today regarding the restoration of Israel. For if God is not hand-picking those who are to be His people in the Israel of God, how can He call forth the remnant of Abraham’s seed? Doesn’t the very word ecclesia mean “called-out ones?”

For me, one of the strongest arguments that shows God reserved for Himself the right to choose who He wants as His people is Paul’s teaching on the twin boys, Esau and Jacob. “Though the twins were not yet born, and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said [to their mother], ‘The older shall serve the younger.’ Just as it is written, ’Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated” (Rom. 9:10-13).

Now I don’t believe God actually “hated” Esau. He was just trying to convince Israel of His everlasting commitment to bless them by using strong contrasting language. Malachi even reminds Israel that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was the proof of His love! (Mal. 1:1-3)

I’m convinced the fact that God has a chosen people has been the underlying cause of anti-Semitism in the world. Look at how angry and jealous Joseph’s brothers became when they saw the extreme favor their father showed towards him.

Nevertheless, that’s how God set it up. That’s why if you have received the gift of faith to believe in Yeshua (of whom Joseph was a foreshadowing) – be in awe! It means you are among those few chosen by Almighty God to be part of the remnant of Abraham and the coming Kingdom of God. 

Just don’t be surprised when the world hates you for no apparent reason. 

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Brian Hennessy is the author of Valley of the Steeples, available at:ketchpublishing/BrianHennessyBooks.htm

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Messianic Pastor: Israel Not Perfect, but Still the Chosen People

Thursday, February 12, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff

In the March issue of Israel Today Magazine we explored the mounting wave of corruption plaguing Israel at this time, what Israelis think about it, and what can and should be done.

We also provided examples of how while this corruption is a stain on the Jewish state, it is also an opportunity for Israel to fulfill its role as a light to the nations, all of which likewise suffer from corruption, and how that opportunity is being seized with greater frequency.

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SUBSCRIBE NOW to read the full story “The Eleventh Plague: Corruption”

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As part of our investigation into this issue, Israel Today spoke with a Jerusalem-based Messianic pastor, who asked that we not use his name in publication. While there was not room for all his remarks in the magazine article, they are important as the pastor spoke strongly regarding those who would use the imperfect nature of nation of Israel to argue against the modern rebirth of the State of Israel.

His argument is as follows:

The problem of corruption is ever present in the Bible. Despite being a chosen people, the people of Israel experienced corruption.

The nation of Israel today, just as in the past, is not perfect, and does not live according to the Word of God. Nevertheless, the nation of Israel remains the chosen people and the beneficiaries of an unbreakable covenant with God and many accompanying promises. However, Israel can not fully enjoy these blessings until it stands before God clean of sin.

God returned the People of Israel to the Land of Israel not because of our purity, but rather despite our impurity and lack of repentance. (Ezekiel 36:16–32)

There are critics who say that as the chosen people, the nation of Israel must live according to the Word of God in order to enjoy His blessings. These critics insist that so long as Israel is not practicing biblical morality, they can not be the chosen people and certainly can not enjoy the blessings of God, including possession of the Land of Israel.

These arguments have a certain legitimacy. But if we use the same argument in looking at all the nations that claim to be Christian, or all the Christian Churches and Evangelical communities, we suddenly realize that God chose to dwell in and work through imperfect human vessels. If God were to wait for people perfect and without sin, then the Kingdom of Heaven would be empty.

He who would argue against Israel for failing to practice biblical morality must judge all nations by the same standard. Every person, of every nationality, race and sex is called to live according to God’s moral code, and every person has fallen short and is in need of redemption and forgiveness.

God has a plan of redemption for all mankind, [and] in this plan there is a place for the salvation of Israel as the chosen people, and for all other nations. God is implementing this plan now in Israel and the surrounding nations.

SUBSCRIBE NOW to read the full story “The Eleventh Plague: Corruption”

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Happy To Be God’s Treasure - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Happy To Be God’s Treasure

- Now Think On This

by Steve Martin

“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:2 NKJV

“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed. We always carry in our bodies the dying of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua may be manifested in our bodies too.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 Complete Jewish Bible


A chosen people, called by God, to do His work – the One New Man, Jew and Gentile, saved and appointed together to be His feet and hands on this planet. That is who we are.

I like how Peter says it, being ones chosen by God as “God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others…from (being) rejected to accepted.”

1 Peter 2:9-10 in The Message version reads, “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you - from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”

We are God’s treasure, chosen by Him.

But I don’t recall thinking of myself as His treasure.

I am very familiar with the verses that speak of Him being the treasure, the One that we are to go out and seek in the field, and the verses that tell of the Jews being His special treasure above all the peoples on earth, which now also includes those of us grafted in with them into the olive tree.

But to think of ourselves also as God’s treasure? Wow, that is really special!

Knowing the high value placed on treasure of any kind - be it gold, silver, jewels, or more importantly a dear friend, one who is very close to us – for us to be known as a treasure to the Lord gives us value beyond all of these in comparison to His love He has for us.

When you have treasure, you protect it, secure it, guard it from being harmed, lost or stolen. You keep it in a safe place. But you at times also let it be displayed, for all to see the glory and the beauty that it is. Be it as a piece of art in a gallery, or an ancient artifact that has been found, making it very rare and precious, you even display it for many to see. That is how the Lord views each of us.

Along with being His treasure, we have the honor of manifesting the life of Yeshua (Jesus) in our lives too, so that those we walk among may see Him shining through us. Though “We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed” as Paul states in 2 Corinthians. We have Him, this treasure in us, to be evidence of His power working through us. That will not only give hope to us in our daily walk, but to those we come in contact with - our families, those we work with on our jobs and the ones we gather with on occasions.

I am happy to be God’s treasure. Knowing of the value He has placed on us and in us, showing forth His love for me and you, strengthens our hearts and emotions, in order to let others know of their value they also have because of Him, their Creator. They too can receive His salvation through Jesus, and be a chosen vessel for His good pleasure.

May you know deep in your heart that you are His treasure, highly esteemed and valued, loved and admired, known by Him, and thus enabled and empowered to let others know of Him.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

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Now Think On This #156 “Happy To Be God’s Treasure” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (6.18.14) Wednesday at 5:15 am in Charlotte, NC.

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on our newest website: Now Think On This