Teaching Team
Jews for Jesus pt. 2
As I read some of the comments coming through on the original Jews for Jesus post, I was admittedly disappointed with the tenor of some of the responses in the thread ... Well, maybe "embarrassed" may be a better expression of my emotion. Anyone can string together a series of verses, make them say what they want them to say, and then use them as a club to beat, condemn, and judge others. What shocks me about this general posture is the lack of reality that people demonstrate regarding their own journeys of faith. Some even appear to have a serious case of what I will call, retro-amnesia!
At First Fruits of Zion our approach to teaching and leading people to Torah is to afford space to grow, to give the benefit of the doubt (always), to trust HaShem to work in the lives of His own children, and to focus on ourselves and our own families more than worrying about others. Trust me, there is much fruit that comes from this approach.
Our staff understands that we are not called to enforce change in the lives or thoughts of people. We are very clear in the calling to study and share what we learn, and then to stand back and allow HaShem to effect the changes in hearts and lives. When people start down the path of trying to change others, things go bad real quick. We are only responsible for our own Torah walks, and if we're honest with ourselves, we realize that's more than enough to deal with! Someone once told me that when we point our finger at someone else, we must recognize that three more are pointing right back at ourselves. How true.
My hope is to see the hearts of the disciples of the Master return to and embrace Torah, properly---as an express of our love and devotion to the Father. It may take years. Actually, it undoubtedly will take years. But, it starts with affirming the positive and demonstrating respect within the context of sincere and humble relationship.
I do not know Mr. Brikner personally. But I look forward to getting to know him. There is much fruit that has followed the ministry of Jews for Jesus and many souls who now have relationship with Yeshua that didn't before. I will continue to pursue peace, love peace and love the people of God---all of the people of God. HaShem will draw them closer to Torah in His time. By the way, several FFOZ staff members started thier journey into Torah through the work of Jews for Jesus.
David Brikner and I have exchanged private e-mails. God willing, one day we will have a meal and fellowship. It will be an honor for me to meet him and get to know him, to hear his heart. When we do get together I intend to listen more than share and over time, through the development of a relationship of mutual respect and trust, and if he is interested I will be honored to graciously and respectfully share my perspectives on the Torah with him.
I apprecaite your prayers. I need much guidence, direction and wisdom in my role at First Fruits. All the best and may the Father bless us all.
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Visitor Feedback:
Being honest... I don't always agree with JFJ as far as there approach and I know many of them. Some in high places. but I probably would of never of been where I am (observing the Torah, with Yeshua as the embodiment) if it were not for them. I am a Messianic Jew and not really a "Hebrew Christian" but many Messianic Rabbis or others who "bash" them now came to faith or got there start with them. They were all I knew back them
Word Millah | July 20, 2011 1:45 AM