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Sue
Apr 24, 07 - 6:22 AM |
Witnessing to my Jewish friend
One of my closest friends is Jewish, and she has admitted to me in the past that she bristles whenever she hears Jesus' name. As such, I have not talked to her much about my faith, but I have often wondered if staying quiet as a sign of respect was just the easy way out for me. Anyway, since my depression, I have been witnessing to people about my faith much more, although I have probably done more harm than good considering how ill I have been! (I'm not exactly a good example of someone who is putting their trust in God) My friend came to see me today and I asked her to read a book for me. It was 'The Case for Christ' by Lee Strobels (a journalist who came to faith when investigating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus). She said she would read it because I asked her to, but that I should know now that she will never want Jesus to be in her life. I think she was quite cross with me for asking her, and said I should respect her beliefs. I wonder whether I took advantage of her, because I think she would have said No outright had I not been ill. So, was I wrong to ask her? Also, am I right in thinking the Bible says that all Jews will be saved? Obviously to you Universalists, that goes without saying, but I'm not fully there yet, so still worry about people being unsaved. Bye for now Sue |
Mike Burke
 Apr 24th, 2007 - 7:32 AM |
Re: Witnessing to my Jewish friend
[Quote] am I right in thinking the Bible says that all Jews will be saved? [unquote] The passage you're thinking of is Romans 11:26 ...all Israel shall be saved... But notice the context: Lest you be self-opinionated (wise in your own conceits), I do not want you to miss this hidden truth and mystery, brethren: a hardening (insensibility) has [temporarily] befallen a part of Israel [to last] until the full number of the ingathering of the Gentiles has come in, And so all Israel will be saved. As it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob. And this will be My covenant (My agreement) with them when I shall take away their sins. From the point of view of the Gospel (good news), they [the Jews, at present] are enemies [of God], which is for your advantage and benefit. But from the point of view of God's choice (of election, of divine selection), they are still the beloved (dear to Him) for the sake of their forefathers. For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] Just as you were once disobedient and rebellious toward God but now have obtained [His] mercy, through their disobedience, So they also now are being disobedient [when you are receiving mercy], that they in turn may one day, through the mercy you are enjoying, also receive mercy [that they may share the mercy which has been shown to you--through you as messengers of the Gospel to them]. For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. (Romans 11:25-32, Amplified Bible.) They will not be saved in their unbelief: ...after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:8-11, Amplified Bible.) [Quote] She said she would read it because I asked her to, but that I should know now that she will never want Jesus to be in her life. I think she was quite cross with me for asking her, and said I should respect her beliefs. I wonder whether I took advantage of her, because I think she would have said No outright had I not been ill. So, was I wrong to ask her? [unquote] But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. (1 Peter 3:15, Amplified Bible.) Perhaps you should have waited for your friend to ask you some questions about your own beliefs, but I wouldn't say you were wrong. I just wonder if your friend's mother and father are still living? What about her husband? Her grandmother and grandfather? It is difficult for Jews to hear what we're saying, but it might help if you let her know that not all Christians believe her dead relatives are lost forever. It might also help if you let her know that there are Messianic Jews who accept Jesus as the Messiah, without denying their Jewish heritage (though these Jews are so controversial that a Messianic synagogue in New York was recently desecrated with swine's blood, there are now over 200 such synagogues in Israel.) God Bless. |
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Darroll Evans
Apr 25th, 2007 - 7:40 PM |
Re: Witnessing to my Jewish friend
Dear Sue, You have received some very good biblical advice from Michael. Now you need to know how to talk to Jews. 1. Don’t talk about Christ Jesus. Instead talk about Yahshua haMesshiach. 2. Use OT verses and refer to them as the Hebrew Scriptures. There are many OT Scriptures that speak of a universal salvation/reconciliation. Here are a few: Learn to say, “The Scripture says….” And, learn the chapters and verses so you may give them if required, but don’t use them under normal circumstances. 2 Sam 14:14 He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him. Ps 2:8 Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations (Goyim/ Gentiles) for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. Ps 65:2 to You all flesh will come. Ps 66:4 All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name. Ps 72:11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. Ps 86:9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. Ps 145:9 The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Isa 25:8; He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces. Isa 45:23 I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath. Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Lamentations 3:31 the Lord will not cast off forever. When you meet Jews on their turf, they will either discuss the issue, or deny. If they deny, you will be in for a long haul. At that point they are denying the validity of the Bible. Darroll |
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