LCJE Bulletin Issue 129, September–October 2017

11th LCJE European Conference THE REFORMATION — 500 YEARS

Franz Julius Delitzsch Remembering Roger Horwood

Networking Jewish Evangelism

LCJELausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism From the Coordinator We owe a great debt to Martin Luther when it comes to understanding what the Gospel is. As the statement issued by the LCJE 11th European Conference in August 2017 asserts: “we are grateful to Martin Luther and the Fathers of the Reformation who opened the doors for all believers to read and understand the Bible as the true and only authoritative, LCJE Bulletin revealed Word of God....” Nevertheless, at the same time, we also “reject Issue No. 129 Martin Luther’s statements of condemnation against the Jewish people as September–October 2017 completely contradictory to the teachings of the Bible.” 31 October 2017 will mark the traditional date for the 500th anniversary © Lausanne Consultation on of the Reformation, but what are we really marking? It will be the 500th Jewish Evangelism anniversary of the rediscovery of the Gospel by a Gentile (Martin Luther Editor: Jim Melnick and others) of a Messianic Jewish faith (to which Gentiles were grafted Address: LCJE in) that had already been corrupted by Gentiles! (the Roman Catholic P.O. Box 5501 Church). Martin Luther got it right when it came to the core of the Gospel Falmouth, VA 22403 USA - justification by faith and the sola doctrines, but he got it terribly wrong when it came to most of what he wrote regarding the Jewish people, and Printed by: Wave Printing & those writings later had terrible consequences... Graphics, Fredericksburg, VA As someone who grew up in a Lutheran church but came to faith at a USA Billy Graham (Leighton Ford) Crusade in June 1967, I well understand the Individual membership US $25 contradictory nature of Luther’s legacy when it comes to honoring him for annually; subscription US $15 his great contributions to the Reformation while also acknowledging and payable to ‘LCJE’ denouncing his anti-Jewish attitudes. Finding the right balance in this is vital for our joint witness to the Jewish people. We must also continue Payment: By check or bank to educate the Church as a whole. This is a painful process, but we must wire transfer; see www.LCJE.net face the hard truths of the past. Only then can there be true healing and (under “Contact”) renewal. In this issue of the Bulletin, I have tried to strike the right balance between these two poles with both Armin Bachor’s insightful over- CONTENTS view of Luther’s times in “The Secret of the Reformation,” along with my 2 From the Coordinator own review of Richard Harvey’s sobering but very important book, Luther 3 Devotional: Dwelling in the and the Jews: Putting Right the Lies. Word (Part II) 6 The 11th LCJE European The name of Franz Delitzsch is often mentioned in discussions of his Conference in Berlin famous Hebrew New Testament or among lists of great scholars in Jew- 7 Conference Statement ish ministry from past centuries. But as far as I can tell, we have not 9 The Secret of the Reformation published an article strictly about his life and work in the Bulletin. AMZI’s 12 Assessing Luther’s Contradic- Jurek Schulz presented a paper on Delitzsch at the LCJE European confer- tory Legacy - A Review of ence in August, and we are re-printing it here. Luther and the Jews 13 Franz Delitzsch — Fighter for In this issue we also look at recent LCJE regional conferences in Israel the Authority of the Bible and and South Africa, remembering former South Africa Area Coordinator Creator of the Hebrew New Roger Horwood, as well as the ‘passing of the torch’ to the next genera- Testament tion in Israel and the contributions of some of the Messianic pioneers. 15 LCJE South Africa: David Harley’s second CEO devotional opens this issue as we consider Remembering Roger how to deal with some of the pressures of leadership in ministry. Horwood 16 Roger Horwood article: In our sure hope for the coming salvation of Israel. Jim Melnick My Hope is in You All Day Long (reprinted) Isaiah 45:17: “Israel shall be saved by an everlasting salvation...” 17 LCJE Israel Regional Conference [email protected] 19 Passing the Torch to the Next Generation in Israel 21 Upcoming LCJE Meetings Front cover photos: In this issue, the top image is a photo of the 11th 22 Life in Messiah Ad LCJE European Conference held in Berlin from 14-17 August 2017. The sec- 22 LCJE Facebook & Twitter ond row, from left to right, shows a photo of Franz Delitzsch, famed trans- 23 “On the Derekh” Conference lator of the Hebrew New Testament, followed by a cover image of Dr Richard 23 Caspari Media Review Harvey’s new book, Luther and the Jews - Putting Right the Lies, followed by a photo of Roger Horwood, former LCJE South Africa Area Coordinator. 2 Dwelling in the Word: The Pressures of Leadership (Part II) Numbers 11:1–14; 12:1–3 By David Harley, Past LCJE International Coordinator

Editor’s Note: As noted in Issue read in verse 1 they start complain- #128, David Harley’s three-part ing. Verse 1 says they complained series, “Dwelling in the Word,” was about their hardship. The Living one of the most popular segments Bible says they complained about at the Fifth CEO Conference in May their misfortune. Verse 4 says they 2017 in Haslev, Denmark. In this complained about the food. issue we publish Part II. The full The Lord had done so much for series is also now available on the this people. He had rescued them LCJE website at the CEO Webpage. from slavery. He had saved them from Pharaoh’s army. He had guid- Overview ed them and provided for them in In the USA 1,500 pastors leave the desert. He had adopted them their ministries every month due David Harley as his people and given them his to burn out, conflict or moral fail- law and shown them his glory. And ure. 50% feel unable to meet the sandwich and a leg of fried quail. the creator of the universe was liv- demands of the job. 57% would Late at night Moses arrived home, ing among them. And they com- do something else if they could. feeling absolutely exhausted. plain about their misfortune! 94% feel under pressure to have Jethro said to him: “You are Moses hears them. It is just one a perfect family (Pastors at Greater crazy. You will burn out. You will complaint after another. He can’t Risk, by Neil and London, 2003). give yourself a breakdown. You will cope and he cries to God: “Why In the UK, according to a recent have a stroke or heart attack. You have you done this to me? Why survey, 72% of pastors some- can’t go on like this.” have you put me in this situation? times feel they are close to burn Moses’ response was to say that How can I possibly cope with all out. 18% often feel they are on he had to do all this. It was part the people? How can I feed them the verge of burn out or they have of his job description. He was re- in a desert? This is an impossible crossed the line. sponsible. This was what God had task. If this is the way you are go- called him to do. He was a leader ing to treat me, I wish I was dead.” Leaders and burnout who was extremely conscientious. He does not mince his words. Why do so many pastors and mis- He had been appointed to this Moses is not alone in feeling like sion leaders experience burnout? job and he could do things others this. So many committed spiritual One reason is they never stop. can’t. But he couldn’t do every- leaders have felt like that too. It They work 24/7. Christopher Ash, thing. That is the point that Jethro is all too much. They feel that God a leading evangelical in the UK, makes. Sometimes it is wise to lis- is taking them for a ride. They wrote a book called Zeal without ten to your father-in-law! want out. Look at Jeremiah 20 or Burnout. Twice he came to the Jethro said: “You have got to del- the story of Elijah. Here are peo- edge of burnout and had to take egate. You have got to share this ple who are trying to serve God, time out to recover. He realised job with others. Be realistic. Find be faithful to their calling and it he was trying to do too much and people with the right gifts and just becomes too much. Now the solve every problem. His wife said ability, people who are respected advice God gives to Moses is the to him: “When God chose a Mes- within the community, and give same as the advice as Jethro gave. siah, it wasn’t you!” them specific areas of responsibil- You need to share the burden of ity. Then trust them to do the job leadership. You need others who Moses and Jethro - learning to and let them come to you if they will lead with you. Moses is told to delegate have a problem they can’t handle.” gather 70 elders and to bring them Moses tried to do everything. to the tent of meeting where God In Exodus 18, his father-in-law But still there are complaints will endue them with his spirit for came to visit. As Jethro wandered That was good advice and Moses ministry. “Then I will come down round the camp, he found Moses goes some way towards solving and speak with you there, and I surrounded by a huge crowd of the problem. But in Numbers 11, will take of the Spirit who is upon people with a bunch of questions he reaches another crisis point. you, and will put Him upon them; and problems. Moses was trying to The people have left Sinai and and they shall bear the burden of sort it all out. This went on all day, travelled for a few days towards the people with you, so that you with hardly a moment for a manna the Promised Land and now we will not bear it all alone.” (11:17).

3 Spiritual leaders - similar crisis Many spiritual leaders go through a similar crisis. They have answered God’s call, they are totally dedicated to his service, they are conscientious, well-qualified. They have loads of experience. Then they get appointed to the top job. They want to do it to the best of their ability. They work as hard as they possibly can. They get involved in every aspect of the work. They take on extra speaking engagements and they join extra committees because they think that is what they should do. They feel they must do everything. They work 24/7 and they run them- of Meeting and are filled with the has said, “If you are in Christian selves into the ground. Sometimes Spirit. But two stayed in the camp. leadership and expect to avoid the consequences are disastrous They also received the spirit and criticism, you are living on another on them, their families and their began to prophesy on their own. planet.” colleagues. Joshua is terrible concerned. This Moses faced constant criticism for I have seen several leaders who is out or order. This isn’t how it forty years. It started from his first failed morally and one of the rea- should be. This is outside Moses’ day back in Egypt. He was criti- sons was they were living on the control and a threat to his author- cised, misunderstood. His motives edge, near exhaustion. ity (11:28). We can’t have every were called into question and so I have seen wives who are totally Tom, Dick or Medad just doing was his competence. Now Miriam neglected because their husbands their own thing. It’s outside the and Aaron attack him and his lead- are never at home. proper structures. ership (12:2). I have seen children turning away It is easy to feel threatened when What was hard was that these from the faith because their father others show initiative. Delegation were the dearest and nearest to never had any time for them. brings risks. It means living dan- him. They were his brother and I have seen colleagues in a mis- gerously. You delegate and you sister, his leadership team. They sion put under intolerable pressure discover that some members of had shared so much together. because their CEO works 24/7 and your agency are better at doing They had done so much together. expects them to work 24/7. some things than you are. Better They had served the Lord together. teachers, better administrators, They had witnessed amazing dem- So how do we avoid burn-out? better at personal evangelism, onstrations of God’s power. Now We need to recognise our limita- better counsellors. The tempta- they turn round and attack Moses. tions. We are not supermen or tion can be for us to clamp down What was worse was they at- superwomen. We can do so much on them, to want to control them. tacked his wife (12:1). It is one and no more. We may be able to But we can be in danger of killing thing to be criticised yourself, but it work under pressure for a short initiative and hindering a genuine is much harder when people criti- while, but if we keep on pushing work of God. cise a member of your family. ourselves and burning the candles Joshua goes running to Moses at both ends, it will catch up with and says “Stop it.” Notice Moses’ Criticism - a constant us. We need to realise our bound- reaction. Our reaction will say a lot companion of leadership aries. about our motivation. If my prime Criticism is a constant companion We need to trust others and share motive is for my own glory and of leadership. It happens in the the responsibility of leadership reputation, I will feel threatened secular world. It happens in the with others. We need to be clear and will try to stop it. If my prime church. Christians are often worse. about the responsibilities we give concern is for the glory of God and It is particularly hard when we feel them and we need to trust them the growth of his kingdom, I will the criticism has no justification. to do the job and not spend all our rejoice. So how do we respond to criticism? time looking over their shoulder This may depend on your tempera- and checking up on them. Handling personal criticism ment. If you are an extrovert you The appointing of 70 solves one If one pressure that faces spiri- may simply reject the criticism and problem and creates another. The tual leaders is overwork, a second start attacking the person who crit- 70 gather with Moses in the Tent is criticism. George Verwer of OM icised you. If you are an introvert

4 you may not say anything but you the moment when the people of for Israel. Israel has come to the may feel terribly hurt. If you are Israel worshipped the golden calf. brink of total disaster. He has come a very holy person, you may say: That must surely have been the close to the end of his ministry. He “Let’s pray about this.” greatest crisis Moses faced. is so aware of how weak he is, and God had blessed this people in he wants to find renewed strength So how should we handle criti- a way he blessed no other nation. and gain deep refreshment for the cism? There they were on Sinai, the cho- task of leadership. 1. We should listen. There may be sen people of God. They had seen There are times when we may feel something valid in what is said. We the glory of God revealed on the as Moses did. Everything seems all make mistakes. So ask yourself, mountain. Yet, they get bored of to go wrong at the same time, in do they have a point? Try to anal- waiting for Moses and they get our agency, our personal life, our yse the reason for their criticism. It Aaron to fashion a golden calf. families or our local fellowship. We may be legitimate. They offer sacrifices to the idol and may feel the pressure of our work then indulge in a wild party. or the pain of repeated criticism. 2. Think about them. Recognise The consequences of what hap- We try our best to overcome our that the person who is criticising pened could not have been worse. problems but the time comes when you may well be hurting. Try to First, the covenant, so recently we feel too exhausted and have no understand their pain. Ask your- concluded, is broken (32:19). Mo- energy left. We wonder whether we self why are they upset? Where ses throws the tablets of the law can carry on with our work, our role, are they hurting? It is a mark of onto the ground and they are with our faith. Moses’ reaction is to a good leader that you are more smashed to pieces. God’s covenant pray for a fresh vision of God’s glory concerned to understand your with Israel was his greatest act of to give renewed courage and pow- team than have your team under- grace towards the human race and er for the task God has given him. stand you. now it is in ruins. The covenant He may have expected to see agreement is broken, torn up like God’s beauty and his majesty. He 3. Do not take it personally. It a marriage certificate while the ink may have anticipated flashes of sometimes is the case that it is not is still wet on the paper. God says lightening, peals of thunder, and you but the Lord they are strug- he is going to abandon the proj- a vision of a heavenly throne sur- gling against. This was so often ect. He says he will no longer go rounded by angels. What he is giv- the case with Moses. The people with them (33:3). At which point en is not a sight of God’s face but a were nearly always complaining Moses pleads with God in a most description of his character, not an against God and Moses was the moving and effective prayer of in- overwhelming vision but a procla- one they hit out at. tercession. mation of his essential nature. God At the end of which, Moses must declares himself to be compassion- 4. Pray for them and trust that the have been exhausted emotionally, ate, gracious, holy and just. From Lord will bring good out of the situ- spiritually and physically. The ap- his hiding place in the rock Moses ation. Sometimes it is right to an- palling nature of Israel’s idolatry may have glimpsed something of swer the criticism and to respond and the terrible tragedy that befell the glory of God, but what he is with a full explanation. Paul does them as a consequence, so domi- told is of greater importance than that in 2 Corinthians, though he nates his thinking that he finds it what he sees. God may not grant didn’t feel very comfortable about difficult to look beyond the events us a spectacular vision, but he will it.. Sometimes, as here, it may be of the present to the great purpose grant us a deeper understanding right to say nothing, and just to God has for the future. Can he of his nature and his character. pray. Moses is silent and leaves it continue to lead? How can he pos- How can we cope when we are to God. (v3 – I presume that he sibly cope with the huge demands faced with a crisis, when the pres- didn’t write that, or he was so that are put on him? sure just gets too great, when it humble he didn’t feel proud about seems that everything we have writing it). There is a place for per- Seeking a glimpse of worked for is coming apart? We sonal defence. There is a place for God’s glory can pray to God “Show me your silence. The Lord Jesus was the His answer is to ask to see God’s glory. Give me a fresh vision of supreme example. glory. If he can see something of Jesus.” God’s glory, if he can be refreshed How did Moses cope with the by a glimpse of the divine pres- David Harley situation? ence, if his faith can be renewed by [email protected] In conclusion to this session, I an encounter with the living God, want to ask the question: How did perhaps he will be able to contin- Moses cope as he faced one cri- ue. Perhaps that will help him to sis after another? To answer that look beyond this present tragic fail- question, I want us to go back to ure to the eternal purpose God has

5 11th LCJE European Conference in Berlin By Rolf Heitmann, LCJE European Coordinator

Overview churches have already made state- The 11th LCJE European confer- ments saying that the Church has ence was held in Berlin from 14-17 no Biblical mandate to do mission August 2017 with more than eighty among Jews. Martin Rösch also participants from 12 countries. The gave a presentation on Johan Chr. conference theme was “The Refor- Spitttler, the founder of St. Chris- mation and Its Impact on Jewish hona missionary school in Basel. Evangelism, Messianic Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations.” Arne Pedersen message - “He became our reconciler” Martin Luther, the Reforma- 11th LCJE European Conference Arne H. Pedersen of Danish Israel tion and attitudes toward the Mission brought a message to the Jewish People Jirsch, Paul Althaus, and others. In conference titled, “Jesus - our rec- Papers and presentations on this a more radical rather Marcionite onciler.” Arne ended his sermon topic included Armin Bachor, who form (with a complete rejection of with these words: “When you were spoke on “The Secret of the Refor- the Old Testament), it became the reconciled to God in Christ you be- mation.” His paper starts on page 9 theology of the ‘Deutsche Christen’ came a new creation - you became of this Bulletin. in Nazi Germany and is still pres- an ambassador for Christ who is Rev. Ulrich Laepple spoke on ent in Lutheran circles today. (As committed to participate in the “The Reformation and the Jewish an example, I mention Prof. Slen- ongoing creation and re-ordering People.” Laepple’s view of Luther’s scka, a Lutheran theologian at the of the world. So wherever there “anti-Jewish outbursts” in his later theological faculty of the Humboldt is injustice, wherever mercy is not years is that they were no aberra- University in Berlin. He recently an option, whenever death and tion: “I am convinced,” he writes, caused a veritable uproar when he darkness and destruction seem to “that the anti-Jewish outbursts in suggested removing the Old Testa- get the upper hand - there we are Luther’s later writings are no slip- ment from the biblical canon).” called to be Christ’s ambassadors ups by an old man but are rooted of life and light and love and res- in his very theology in a consis- Other presentations urrection so that the new creation tent way.” Ulrich further stated Bible readings at the conference can burst forth right in the midst that, although “We have wonder- emphasized key Reformation pas- of this one. ful examples of biblical studies by sages in Romans, with Christian “Jesus made all this possible when Luther, especially on the Psalms,” Rasmussen speaking on Rom. he became our reconciler. He in- nevertheless, the “Christological 2:13-3:26 (By Grace alone), Steve vites us all to live a reconciled life. glasses through which he read Cohen teaching on Rom. 6:12-23 And thanks be to God who really the Old Testament led him to in- (“Serving by Grace), and Rich- only has one question left for us: terpret everything good he found ard Harvey presenting on Rom. Do you want to join? Amen.” there to be for the benefit of the 3:27-4:25 (By Faith alone). Har- Church. Luther related the good vey, together with David Zadok, Papers on Franz Delitzsch and promises to the Church and left Armin Bachor and Ulrich Laepple, Joseph Frey the bad things to the Jews. He was part of a panel discussing the Papers on “Franz Delitzsch - a thereby stole the Tanach from the broader topic, “Luther and the fighter for the authority of the Jews. What got lost in this concept Jews,” in which Richard challenged Bible and creator of the Hebrew is the fundamental biblical insight: the Church to repent and show by New Testament” and “The Life and the fact of the validity of the cov- love and deed that she dissociates Work of Joseph Frey” were pre- enant of the people of Israel from herself from Luther’s anti-Jewish sented at the conference by Jurek Abraham up to the eschatologi- statements. Harvey also presented Schulz and Rosa Blandford, re- cal perspective in Romans 11:26.” his new book, Luther and the Jews spectively (the paper on Delitzsch This led to a “blatant superses- – Putting Right the Lies. Avi Sny- can be found starting on page 13 sionism in the following sense: der discussed his new book, Jews of the Bulletin. These papers will The Church has taken the place of Don’t Need Jesus – and other mis- also soon be available online under the Jews that the Jews had lost.” conceptions, in which he address- “Conferences” on the lcje.net web- Laepple adds that “This Lutheran es some of the arguments he has site, along with an accompanying concept of ‘Law and Gospel’ was met against mission to the Jews, PowerPoint presentation). influential up to Friedrich Schleier- a debate which is very relevant macher, Adolf v. Harnack, Emanuel and important in Europe, as some 6 Other European regional developments A new proposal for organizing our European branch was also considered: We want to establish our European Facebook page in order to improve contact and communication, and for sharing information and prayer requests. The conference was very inspiring and personally I got a lot of encouraging feedback. About half of the participants at the conference were new-comers - many of them young adults. Rolf Heitmann [email protected]

------The Reformation and Its Impact on Jewish-Christian Relations and Mission The 11th European Conference of the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism Conference Statement

Over eighty participants from 12 countries, including Israel and USA, gathered in Berlin on August 14-17, 2017 to exchange information and reflect on the impact of the Reformation on Jewish-Christian relations in the past, present and future. They issued the following statement:

We, the participants of the 11th European Conference of the Lausanne Consul- tation on Jewish Evangelism (LCJE), as Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus the Messiah, are grateful to Martin Luther and the Fathers of the Reformation who opened the doors for all believers to read and understand the Bible as the true and only authoritative, revealed Word of God We affirm that salvation is available by grace to all who believe in Jesus as their Messiah and Lord. This message was delivered first to the Jewish people and is still necessary today for the Jewish people first, and the Gentiles (Rom. 1:16). We reject: • Martin Luther’s statements of condemnation against the Jewish people as completely contradictory to the teachings of the Bible • Ongoing anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic preaching and teaching within the churches arising from incorrect understanding of the Jewish people, their faith, lifestyle and religious practice. We regret the Church’s ignorance and misunder- standing of its relationship to the Jewish people through the biblical covenant. We rejoice: • That Protestant agencies and churches throughout centuries have actively shown God’s love through words and deeds towards the Jewish people, especially in Europe • In the openness of the Jewish people towards the Gospel of Jesus the Mes- siah and the growing number of Jewish people who believe this Good News,

7 both in Israel, Europe and worldwide • That Jewish and Gentile Believers are active together in world evangelism and therefore are fulfilling the call to restore Israel and be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). As we celebrate with gratitude the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and consider its heritage, we cannot and will not allow ourselves to ignore Luther’s statements against the Jewish people and the impact of those words through history. Therefore we challenge churches and individual believers: • To speak respectfully and truthfully about the Jewish people and to repudiate all forms of anti-Judaism anti-Semitism, both historic and contemporary • To acknowledge the biblical Jewish roots of the Christian faith and the familial relationship between Jewish and Gentile Believers (Rom. 11:18). • To accept and advocate for the identity of Jewish Believers in Jesus/Messianic Jews as fully Jewish, and at the same time fully belonging to the Body of Jesus the Messiah • To share the Gospel – in both words and deeds – with their Jewish friends, neighbours, and acquaintances because we believe that “the Gospel is the power of God to salvation to all who believe; to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16) We thank God for loving us so much that He sent His Son, the Messiah Jesus, to die for our sins and rise again from the dead so that all humanity, both Israel and the nations can be reconciled to Him.

* * * * *

David Zadok Armin Bachor Ulrich Laepple Richard Harvey

LCJE European Conference panel on “Luther and the Jews”

8 “The Secret of the Reformation” By Armin Bachor, Director of Evangeliumsdienst für Israel (EDI)

What is the “secret of the Ref- Philipp (June 1530): ormation”? First of all, I am the least to speak “To your great anxiety by which on what the secret of the Reforma- you are made weak, I am a cor- tion is all about. There is no need dial foe; for the cause is not ours. to mention that the one who can It is your philosophy, and not your spell out the secret of the Refor- theology, which tortures you so, mation reveals that he obviously as though you could accomplish has not fully understood even its anything by your useless anxiet- basic implications. I want to avoid ies. So far as the public cause is that. concerned, I am well content and Secondly, as I will take you into satisfied; for I know that it is right some of my personal reflections and true, and, what is more, it is about the Reformation, I am well the cause of Christ and God him- aware of the fact that I am just self. For that reason, I am merely considering a small fraction of a spectator. If we fall, Christ will it. Since I was raised in my early Armin Bachor likewise fall; and if he falls, I would years of faith in the sphere of Lu- rather fall with Christ than stand theran Pietism and, later on, the- were not at all similar in character. with the emperor.“ ologized (socialized) in the context Martin wrote of Philipp, in the pref- of more Lutheran theology, I feel ace to Melanchthon’s “Commen- Martin was a powerful preacher more comfortable talking about tary on Galatians” (1529): to the people, Philipp, a thought- some aspects of the Lutheran ref- ful teacher to the scholars. Philipp ormation. Please forgive me for my “I had to fight with rabble and dev- systematized Luther’s ideas and “sectarian“ approach. ils, for which reason my books are defended them in public. He struc- But let us now dive into the ad- very warlike. I am the rough pio- tured them to become a manual venture to unveil some aspects neer who must break the road; but for religious education. Philipp be- of the Reformation. Why has the Master Philipp comes along softly came the “Teacher of Germany“, Reformation become such a pow- and gently, sows and waters heart- as he has been called ever since. erful event - an event we still ily, since God has richly endowed Even up until now liberal arts col- talk about, even after 500 years? him with gifts.“ leges have returned to construct- Somehow the Reformation has in- ing curricula according to Melanch- deed changed the world. Martin was the warrior, Philipp the thon’s ideas. One of the secrets of peacemaker. Martin exemplified the Reformation was the powerful 1. Get a friend and change the strength of faith. He was some complementary ministry of those world“ - The principle of com- kind of a revolutionary visionary. two men. God called Martin, gifted plementary ministry Philipp, on the other hand, was the him and sent him. And God did the incarnation of caution and temper- same with Philipp and put him at Martin Luther had a huge number ance. He exemplified a mind of Martin’s side. of enemies. We all know that. He moderation. He was blessed with a God had done this before - with had quite a number of patrons conscientious and irenical, peace- Moses. He put Aaron at his side. and companions in the church making character. Moses was the microphone to- and in the political sphere, but he Martin Luther once in a while wards God. Aaron was the loud- had only one intimate friend. This mixed it all up. Philipp restructured speaker towards the people. God friend was Philipp Melanchthon. In the chaos, reshaped thought and called David as well and put Jona- German, his name was Schwarz- theology, recreated order. He re- than at his side - a friendship of erd, which is translated as ‘black formed things. sacrifice and loyalty. God called earth’. His German name was con- Both Martin and Philipp shared Naomi and put Ruth at her side - a verted from the Greek language: a common task - the Reformation. friendship of provision and protec- Melanchthon. But they adhered to a slightly dif- tion. And they indeed influenced ferent but - I think - still comple- history. God called the Apostle To make it easier, I will call him mentary hermeneutical approach Paul. He put Barnabas at his side Philipp. His dearest friend, I will to Scriptures. The distinction be- - Paul the speaker and Barnabas, call Martin. Both men were person- tween Martin and Philipp is well the moderator of things. ally close to each other, but they brought out in Martin’s letter to If you feel that God has given you 9 the task to change the world - we scholasticism. Moreover, there was at least a printed New Testament all should in a sense feel like this - no Bible written in a language that in the German language. In conse- pray for a friend at your side. Do ordinary people could read and un- quence, the translation of the Bible you want to change our world to- derstand. sparked education for all, leading day? Get a friend and change the Martin Luther did not invent the to the founding of schools. world. gospel; he has not discovered it. In addition to that, doctrine and He just re-discovered it. He has teaching within the Church could 2. “Let the light shine“ - Re- been overwhelmed by the power now be checked against the Scrip- discovering the Gospel of the gospel as he - being a pro- tures. Lies about the Jewish peo- fessor of theology - turned in faith ple, anti-Judaistic polemic could Let us fly back into the Middle Ages, to God who accepted him in Christ be detected and repudiated by the the “Dark Ages.“ Those centuries alone. Luther was gripped by plain statements of the Bible. The were indeed dark: there was no grace. He experienced the power German Bible was the unbiased education for common people. The of grace for spiritual liberation per- arbitration, judging even against vast majority of people couldn’t sonally. And he proclaimed it pub- Luther’s own growing anti-Judais- read or write. In the church of the licly. The rediscovery of the pure tic misconceptions and polemic Middle Ages there was basically no gospel sparked Luther to make it against the Jews. Bible and no sermon in a language known to others. The rediscovery of the gospel by that ordinary people could follow Despite the authoritative, in a Luther created another beacon of and understand. They were indeed sense, divinely inspired Latin Vul- light and hope at the end of the “dark ages”. gate (the Latin translation of the Dark Ages. There was, however, in the midst Bible), Philipp Melanchthon ad- of broad darkness but one beacon: vised Luther to translate the New 3. ”Euangelion and Evange- Judaism. The synagogue. Judaism and Old Testament into the Ger- lism“ - Luther, the Gospel and had it all: the Hebrew Bible and man language. He was Luther’s the Jewish people the Hebrew language, the source principal assistant in translating of revelation and truth, the basis the Old Testament into German. Luther has rediscovered the gos- for faith and ethics.The synagogue The Jewish Virtual Library states pel. Romans 1:16-17 are the so- was a beacon of intellectual illumi- the following: called “reformation verses“: nation and spiritual formation that provided the chance of education “To translate the Old Testament, “For I am not ashamed of the gos- for ordinary people. Reading and Luther needed help. He consulted pel, for it is Godʼs power for salva- writing for all, not only for selected Jewish scholars, and the great tion to everyone who believes, to celebrities who went into the mon- Christian savant Melanchthon was the Jew first and also to the Greek. asteries and were educated by the particularly helpful. Luther made “For the righteousness of God is Church. wide use of the commentaries of revealed in the gospel from faith to On the one hand, the Jewish Nicholas de Lyra, a French scholar faith, just as it is written, people had been humiliated and who drew heavily on the com- “The righteous by faith will live.” suppressed by the lofty Church mentary of Rashi, “whom he tran- for many centuries. On the other scribes almost word for word.“ So Wonderfully interwoven in those hand, “as the elect and dearly frequently did Luther draw from two verses is both the nature and loved people“ (Romans 11:28) de Lyra that a well-known cou- purpose of the gospel on the one - by God´s provision - since “the plet asserts, “Si Lyra non Lyrasset, hand and the challenge to pro- gifts and the call of God are irre- Luther non saltasset” (“Had Lyra claim it on the other hand. It is a vocable“ (Romans 11:29), Judaism not played, Luther could not have challenge, however, to keep both remained the only place of true danced”). distinguished: the message of the enlightenment for ordinary people gospel on the one hand and the during the Dark Ages. Some in the For translating the Bible, Luther evangelistic mandate on the other Church appreciated this. drew on sources of Judaism. He hand. The power of the gospel sensed something about the value does not evolve from my evan- The Year 1517 of this beacon of intellectual illumi- gelism. The power is inherent in nation and spiritual formation. By the gospel itself. Luther also knew We write in the year 1517. Biblical translating the Bible, Luther uncov- that the gospel is not only for the truth - the gospel - was not widely ered and brought to light the plain Greek, the non-Jewish people. He intelligible, not visible. The gospel gospel, so that all people could was challenged by his own refor- was covered up by the tradition know about it. In about a decade mation discovery to change his at- and superstition of the church. the complete Bible was reprinted titude towards the Jewish people. Augustine’s theology of grace had eighty times, and in one tenth of At the time of Luther, Jews were been overgrown by Aristotelian all German households there was not residents in smaller cities like 10 Wittenberg. He met just a few He emphasized that God had hon- put his own evangelistic motives Jewish people, but never visited ored the Jews by the gift of Torah correctly into a wider biblical per- a synagogue. As he was redis- and prophecy as no other nation. spective. The apostle Paul knew covering the gospel, Luther - at In the end, Luther recommended something about the secret of the the same time - rediscovered the a pedagogically graduated preach- hardening of heart of his own Jew- Jewish people as a distinct people, ing of the gospel: the Jews should ish people and the minimal results loved and elected by God and first be made known to the man his own reasoning in Jewish syna- called to embrace the gospel about Jesus as the true Messiah. Later, gogues would affect: the Messiah. they should be taught that Jesus A few years after his personal is also true God, thus overcoming “Now I am speaking to you Gen- gospel encounter, Luther shocked their prejudice that God cannot be tiles. Seeing that I am an apostle Christianity with the notion that man. to the Gentiles, I magnify my min- “Jesus was a Jew“. Some might The former Rabbi Jakob Gipher, istry, if somehow I could provoke have known this, but you were not who was probably baptized in my people to jealousy and save allowed to say it within the Catho- 1519 because of Luther’s sermons some of them.“ (Romans 11:13) lic setting. In his 1523 essay, “That and then taught Hebrew in Witten- Jesus Christ was Born a Jew“, berg, supported Luther in writing Paul knew deeply, not least from Luther challenged both Pope and his booklet, “Jesus Christ was born his own biography, about God’s pulpit to reconsider the fate of the a Jew.” For both, the goal was to loving patience for his chosen peo- Jewish people under the rule of the integrate Jews into society in order ple, and accordingly, Paul exempli- oppressive Catholic church. to be able to convert them more fied this attitude in his own minis- Thus he argued in his booklet: successfully. try towards the Jewish people. By Luther didn’t see any positive visiting regularly the synagogues, “They have dealt with the Jews as spiritual or cultural inherent value he was aware that he might only if they were dogs rather than hu- in Judaism or the Jewish people save some of his own people. man beings… When they baptize themselves. Luther continued to them they show them nothing of cling to the Augustinian notion that Conclusions Christian doctrine or life, but only the Jewish people played a “nega- The challenges of the Lutheran subject them to popishness and tive role“ in relation to the “positive Reformation are in front of us: mockery... If the apostles, who position“ of the church. also were Jews, had dealt with Luther’s fervent desire was that 1. “Get a friend and change the us Gentiles as we Gentiles deal Jews would hear the Gospel pro- world“ - Team up for change! with the Jews, there would never claimed clearly in his essay and We will not change our world if we have been a Christian among the by reading it be moved to convert are cruising around alone or even Gentiles ... When we are inclined to Christianity. Moreover, Luther in a team. Take on the challenge to boast of our position [as Chris- wanted the truth of the Reforma- of a personal complementary min- tians] we should remember that tion to be proved biblically correct istry! Pray for a close companion we are but Gentiles, while the Jews against the doctrines of the Catho- beside you. are of the lineage of Christ. We are lic church by the success of evan- aliens and in-laws; they are blood gelical missions. This excessive ex- 2. “Let the light shine“ - Com- relatives, cousins, and brothers pectation contributed to the later municate the Gospel in new of our Lord. Therefore, if one is to disappointment of Luther and his ways! boast of flesh and blood the Jews radical change of course in regard Be gripped anew yourself by grace are actually nearer to Christ than to the Jewish people. alone! Find new ways and ventures we are… If we really want to help In this way he put the gospel in to communicate the true and pure them, we must be guided in our front of his own “missionary mo- light of the gospel! dealings with them not by papal tives“ without considering how law but by the law of Christian his motives could possibly restrain 3. “Euangelion and Evange- love. We must receive them cor- the “power of the gospel“ itself. lism“ - God is able! dially, and permit them to trade Luther intermingled “euangelion Be aware of not mixing the power and work with us, that they may with evangelism“. He confused the of the gospel with your well-meant have occasion and opportunity to gospel message with his zealous motives and powerful actions as associate with us, hear our ambition for evangelistic results. you reach out to the Jewish peo- Christian teaching, and witness our By his zealous motives he covered ple. The gospel itself should be Christian life.“ up again the inherent power of the always clearly distinguished from euangelion and eventually may well-meant evangelistic motives. In the second part of this treatise, have hindered its power to reach The gospel has power - not our Luther tried to prove Jesus of Naz- the hearts of the Jewish people. methods of communicating it. Let areth to be the promised Messiah. Luther missed the opportunity to us keep always in mind: 11 “And even they (the Jews who still reject their Messiah) - if they do not continue in their unbelief - will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.“ (Romans 11:23)

God is able! Elohim yakol (Hebrew)! God has the unrivaled patience and enduring and prevailing power to reach the hearts of his own chosen people. Elohim yakol! God is able. This is the secret of the reformation.

Armin Bachor [email protected]

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Assessing Luther’s Contradictory Legacy — A Review of Luther and the Jews — Putting Right the Lies By Jim Melnick, LCJE International Coordinator

The Impact of Buchenwald newal. He writes that for many Richard Harvey opens his new Lutherans, “there is a great sense book, Luther and the Jews - Put- of guilt at the way Luther taught ting Right the Lies (Eugene, Or- about and wanted the Jewish peo- egon, USA: Cascade Books, 2017) ple to be treated...” At the same with the moving story of his visit time, they “have not found practi- to the Buchenwald concentration cal ways of putting right the lies.” camp, where some 11,000 Jewish He writes as one “who has an ad- people died under the Nazi regime miration for much of the good that during World War II. Harvey was Luther discovered and taught,” yet at Buchenwald as part of a group he “urgently want[s] something meeting “for prayer, repentance, to be done so that the lies may and confession in the run up to be put right, and my own people Wittenberg 2017, the 500th an- might hear from Lutherans not niversary of Martin Luther’s nail- bad news, but good.” (pp. 4-5) ing of his ninety-five theses on the door of the Castle Church in “Angry, sad and afraid” Wittenberg,” the event that “ef- But to get there will require work fectively launched the Protestant and dedication. Richard writes Reformation...” (Preface, p. xi) that, “As a Jew, Luther’s writings Cover of Richard Harvey’s book The scene from Buchenwald is on Jews and Judaism make me a very sober one, yet it nonethe- angry, sad and afraid. How could less was a quite appropriate way to find those areas where his “Lu- a man of such learning, with such with which to open this book. It theran friends and those indebted genius, great insight into the key forces one to ask the hard ques- to Martin Luther and his theology truths of the gospel, who loved tions which must be asked about [can] have something good to the Bible as God’s word, and who Luther’s attitudes toward the say about him - good news for had such a profound experience Jewish people and what was the Jews and Jewish believers espe- of the grace of God, be so vitri- end result of those attitudes. cially - that will be well-received, olic and intemperate in his hostil- understood, and appreciated.” ity to the Jewish people?” (p. 66) “Can Anything Good Come He adds: “Likewise I want my It is a question we must ask, and Out of Wittenberg?” Jewish family and friends, and Harvey does not shy away from it. Richard’s introduction is cleverly especially Messianic Jews, to en- titled, “Can Anything Good Come gage with the many positives that “What if....?” Out of Wittenberg?,” and he be- can be found in Martin Luther’s Richard closes his book on Luther gins by stating that, although life, learning, and legacy, and not and the Jews with a fascinating Luther was a man of vision and dwell exclusively on the undeni- chapter titled, “What If...?” In it, courage, he was also “profoundly ably significant and overwhelm- he examines how things might anti-Semitic.” At the same time, ing legacy of his anti-Judaism have been different had Luther Richard notes that one of his main and anti-Semitism...” (pp. 2-3) written five additional theses (to reasons for writing the book was Richard’s book is a cry for re- add to his 95) that could have

12 dealt with the Jewish people, particularly if he had “repented of the slanders perpetuated against Jewish people by church authori- ties...” For example, Richard’s imaginary Thesis 98 states: “That Christians renounce and repent of the anti-Semitism of the early church that demonized the Jewish people and condemned them as Christ-killers.” (pp. 109-110) On a similar note, he also posits the question of how history and Luther’s own attitudes might have changed if he had taken the very real step of being willing to meet with Rabbi Joseph (Josel) of Ro- Luther’s On the Jews and The “Judensau” sheim, one of the main Jewish Their Lies (1543) (The ‘Jew-Pig’) in Wittenberg leaders in Germany at the time, who earnestly sought to meet with Luther in order to urge his ing of how these historical events the Jews and Their Lies. Richard support with Elector John Freder- might have occurred differently, devotes a section of the book to ick, Elector of Saxony, with whom Richard leaves his readers with a his petition to have the Judensau he had influence. Frederick had concrete goal for “righting” in our removed and relocated (pp. 102- issued an edict forbidding Jews to day at least one of the shameful 106). It is a campaign worthy of traverse his lands, or to live or do legacies of the past - that is, re- our support. business there. Rabbi Josel want- moving the “Judensau” (the ‘Jew- ed an audience with Luther to Pig’), a disgusting and disgrace- Jim Melnick plead his case, but, sadly, Luther ful anti-Semitic sculpture built in [email protected] refused even to meet with him. 1305 on the facade of the Stad- kirche church in Wittenberg where Petition: https://www.change. Removing the ‘Judensau’ Martin Luther preached. A draw- org/p/remove-the-wittenberg- (The ‘Jew-Pig’) ing of the Judensau can also be judensau But beyond his imaginary rewrit- found in Luther’s 1543 book, On

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Franz Delitzsch — Fighter for the Authority of the Bible and Creator of the Hebrew New Testament By Jurek Schulz, Theological Lecturer for AMZI

Early years and lived in the house of the Del- There are people who show even itzsch family. All his life Hirsch was years after their passing away Franz‘s friend, supporter, sponsor how God uses their ministry as a and benefactor. Hirsch covered blessing for many. One of those Franz‘s tuition costs that his par- was Franz Julius Delitzsch. He was ents could never have afforded. born on February 23rd, 1813 in Due to the ministry of Franz, Levy Leipzig. His father, Johann Gott- came eventually to the conclusion fried Delitzsch, traded with used that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. clothes. Apart from his parents, his godfather Franz Julius Hirsch Coming to faith in the Messiah was a formative person for Franz As a young adult, Franz Delitzsch Delitzsch’s life. Hirsch, who origi- commenced his studies of lan- nally had Levy as a first name, was guage, literature and philosophy a Jewish antiquarian bookseller Franz Delitzsch and eventually did a doctorate in

13 philosophy. Influenced by mission- self-made tracts. He also sought Delitzsch himself. That is why “Del- aries of the London Jews Society, opportunities to talk to Jewish itzschianum“ was later added to especially by the Jewish Christian students and academics, visited the institute’s name. This institute Johann Peter Goldberg, he came sick and poor Jews, fed them turned into the most prominent of to a living faith in Jesus Christ. and travelling proselytes as well. the comparable institutes in Eu- From now on he turned to theol- rope. Its concern was covering the ogy. At the same time he began to Understanding rabbinical Zentralverein‘s need for qualified intercede for Jews and supported Judaism as a precondition for missionaries among the Jewish them. Apart from theology he Jewish evangelism people by in-depth teaching of the did research in the entire Jewish- Due to his connections to mission- Hebrew language, Jewish litera- religious literature, accompanied aries of the London Jews Society, ture, Jewish thinking and practical by studies of Hebrew, Aramaic he came to the conclusion that a life. This seminary would become and Arabic plus Oriental studies. better understanding of rabbini- unique for ministering to the Jew- cal Judaism is a precondition for ish people in Europe. It sent out His outstanding opus - evangelism to the Jewish people. renowned graduates and was soon The Hebrew New Testament Therefore, all his Judaic studies able to employ its own lecturers. It His outstanding scientific opus is and Bible expositions were not continued to minister until Novem- Brit Chadasha, the translation of just aimed at understanding rab- ber 12, 1939, when it was closed the New Testament into the He- binical Judaism but also at wit- by the Gestapo. The main organ brew language, edited in 1877. nessing for Jesus as the Messiah. of the Zentralverein was its maga- More than 51 years of labour he zine, called Seeds of Hope, with its poured into this work of transla- “Zentralverein” subtitle, ”Magazine for the church’s tion. Even on his deathbed in 1890 Initiated by Delitzsch himself, the mission to Israel“. Between 1874 he hardly slept as he was still re- Evangelical-Lutheran Central Agen- and 1888, Delitzsch functioned vising his opus. This Hebrew New cy for Mission among Israel (called as its editor. This magazine be- Testament is being read to this “Zentralverein“) was launched in came the most important source very day – worldwide and also in 1871 – with Delitzsch himself as its of information for Jewish missions. Israel. His primary concern was director. This was a joint venture of not just translating the letters of the already cooperating evangeli- His extraordinary life the New Testament – as was being cal Lutheran agencies for Jewish and ministry done in England from 1817 on – missions, based in Bavaria, Sax- The extraordinary meaning of his but above all, clothing the Hebrew ony and Norway. Especially with life and ministry was due to the spirit into the Hebrew language. It the Norwegian agency (founded fact that Franz Julius Delitzsch was this characteristic quality of his in 1865) and its founder Carl Paul was actually listened to - for op- translation that made it so popular. Caspari (1814-1882), Delitzsch ponents and proponents alike. shared a deep friendship. Many Throughout his life he continued Seeking out poor and sick Jews smaller and larger institutions to be the ”critical conscience“ Franz Delitzsch turned into a re- joined the Zentralverein, followed who challenged others to listen markable figure in the area of by the launch of mission stations to the Word of God anew and to evangelism to the Jewish people. in many German-speaking coun- fulfill His will. Part of that was the Following his conversion as a tries, all of them promoting evan- fact that loving your neighbour student he intended to become gelism among the Jewish people. includes loving Jesus’s blood rela- a missionary to the Jewish peo- tives. A quote: ”The anchor of our ple, a wish that was not fulfilled. Institutum Judaicum launched hope is the prophetic-apostolic This, however, did not keep him by Delitzsch word that is about to be fulfilled.“ from looking out for Jews in the On November 3rd, 1886, educa- streets and on the markets of tional programs of the Institutum Jurek Schulz Leipzig, witnessing to them with Judaicum started, launched by [email protected]

Website for the “Institutum Judaicum Delitzschianum” today http://www.uni-muenster.de/EvTheol/ijd/ Editor’s Note: As best as can be determined, the Institutum Judaicum Delitzschianum in Germany today that carries the Delitzsch name (see website above) does not engage in any sort of Jewish evangelism or missionary training but actually eschews it. An attempt to establish contact with the institute to determine this aspect of its recent history had not been answered by the time we went to press. Nevertheless, the Institute is dedicated to research on Judaism and Judaica and to renewing the relationship with the Jewish people, which are admirable goals in themselves, but these are separate from the Institute’s former key purpose as founded by Franz Delitzsch. Jim Melnick [email protected] 14 LCJE South Africa: Remembering Roger Horwood ”Life really is hopeless unless you know the One who invented the concept.” Roger Horwood Remembrances from Cecilia Burger, Michael Sischy, Byron Spradlin, Andrew Barron

Editor’s Note: Roger Horwood Andrew Barron served as the LCJE South Africa I was setting up to speak at a local Regional Coordinator from 2003 to church in Johannesburg in 1991. 2007. I heard a booming voice behind me: “Is that Andrew Barron?” Cecilia Burger I turned and there was Roger Roger was the chairman of the Horwood smiling at me: “You Board of Jews for Jesus in South are much better looking in Africa and worked closely together person than in your picture!” with Michael Sischy and others. I knew I was going to like him. Roger was my predecessor as LCJE Roger and I became fast friends. area coordinator for South Africa. He was very enthusiastic about Though I knew his name, I only what Jews for Jesus was doing in met him when we both attended South Africa and around the world. the LCJE international conference Roger Horwood He was eager to get involved and I in Hungary. He then stepped down was building a local board of direc- and I took over from him as area tors. He fit in easily and eagerly. Byron Spradlin coordinator. (I’m not sure how A couple of years later the Chair- There are few people we meet many years, but he was area co- man of the Board, Austen Massey, on earth who reflect the fullness ordinator for at least four years). passed away suddenly and we of Christ, but Roger Horwood is Roger’s positive outlook on life asked him to prayerfully consider one of them: full of love, wisdom, and his love for people was inspir- taking the position. He respond- faith, humor, delight of life, cour- ing. Even when he was ill he still ed immediately. It was no small age, hope and faith … and one looked at the bright side of things. job for a man who was already who marinated in the life and pur- Someone commented that after busy pastoring a growing church. poses of Jesus. And every one of examining twenty of his lymph Roger traveled to the USA and Eu- us here, I’m sure, has benefitted glands the result was that ten rope several times for Board meet- from his loving us; and everyone were cancerous. Roger remarked, ings. He spoke in local churches of us has experienced, through “Ten are not cancerous.” Right to in and around Cape town on our Roger (and Sharon), the reality the end his example as a servant behalf. He loved the Lord and the and the healing-love of GOD!! May of the Lord encouraged many. Gospel. He loved woodworking we turn to GOD ourselves, simply and was a bit of a celebrity build- because we KNOW that Roger was Michael Sischy ing miniature furniture. He loved one of HIS choice servants and Roger Horwood went to be with his diving and sailing. He had grit. He showed us how life should truly Messiah after 72 years of journey- loved his wife Sharon and his kids be lived—and therefore we our- ing in this world. After a seven-year Lee-Ann and Tim. Cancer took a selves have experienced GOD’s brave fight with cancer that- in lot away from him, but he contin- love through knowing Roger! spired us all he said farewell. Roger ued to fight. His doctors restricted Again, tears are in my eyes as I will be sorely missed especially by his travel and the only time he savor the love of such a brother, his wife Sharon and their beautiful flew was when he came to Johan- and of God through such a brother. family. Byron Spradlin and Andrew nesburg for Board meetings. Just Barron pay tribute: - Michael Sis- a couple of months ago he called chy, Jews for Jesus South Africa. to say he would not be able to do

”Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” PSALM 116:15

15 that. He had to resign from the Board. It was a loss to our Jews for Jesus family. Roger was loved and we will miss him.

May his memory be a blessing zikhrono livrakha.

“My Hope Is in You All Day Long” (reprinted from LCJE Bulletin, No. 75, 2004, p. 3) By Roger Horwood, South Africa

In our home, Saturday is the day we read the weekend newspapers – although sometimes I wonder why. There’s not very much good news and plenty of bad news, and I often come away with a feeling on hopeless- ness.

But hope is a powerful word which we often misuse in our conversations today. Generally we say something like “I hope it’s not going to rain tomorrow.”, meaning that there’s no certainty about that at all.

In the Bible hope is always positive, never uncertain. Psalm 33:18 says “but the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,’’ Now, as God’s love is unfailing, hope in that love is absolutely positive, because God never ever fails.

Also, hope should be constant, and that seems to be our responsibility largely. One of my favourite lessons on this subject is the story of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26. He became the King of Israel at the age of 16 and did a great job following his father’s example, and God blessed him with power and success. But then it started to go to his head and he began to rely on himself more than on keeping in line with God. The final straw was when he decided to usurp priestly functions and entered the temple himself to burn incense. He must have been quite an impressive man because 81 priests went together to tell Uzziah that what he was doing was radically wrong. Predictably, Uzziah became angry with the priests and, as soon as he did, a spot of leprosy broke out on his forehead – and that was the end of him. A lesson for us to keep our hope in God and our obedience to Him constant.

And, hope is forward looking. In Psalm 25:5 the writer says to God, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Yesterday has gone, we either made a mess of it, or it was good. The mistakes God forgives – the good is to His Glory. But today and tomorrow are the important ones. If your life is in God’s hands, the future is never hope-less.

But hope has to start somewhere and, like faith, it cannot exist in a vacuum, it has to have an object. Life really is hopeless unless you know the One who invented the concept. (Ps. 63: 1-8)

LCJE South Africa - Special Conference

On 1 September 2017, DR RICHARD HARVEY spoke at an LCJE South Africa-sponsored conference at George Whitfield College (a theological college - website: www.gwc.ac.za) in Cape Town on the topic, “Luther and the Jews: Putting Right the Lies” - the title also of his recent book (see page 12). An audio file of his talk is available at Academia.edu.

Visit the Lausanne Movement website: www.lausanne.org

16 LCJE Israel Regional Conference By Efraim Goldstein, LCJE Israel Area Coordinator

Opening of meeting David Zadok opened the meeting with a message from the Book of Joshua, chapter 1. He emphasized the need to have courage to face whatever the Lord has for each of us.

Introduction to the Beit Sar Shalom Center The 2017 LCJE Israel Regional Conference was held on Thurs- day, June 22, 2017, from 10:00 to 15:00 at the new Chosen People Ministries Beit Sar Shalom Center in Ramat Gan. The Beit Sar Shalom Center opened in January 2017 Efraim Goldstein with the following main goals: Akiva Cohen – Discipleship the word of God, why is it different • Create an atmosphere for believ- Involved in messianic education in from other religious scripture and ers to share the gospel Israel, partly in Bible College and how is it the authority over our • Do own activities and partner university, teaching the New Testa- lives. Then we will deal with other with other organisations – doing a ment. issues such as post modernism parenting seminar / course in Au- We are always asking the question and engage with readings of texts gust ‘What is discipleship?’ and how we around particular cultural subjects • Want to do all kinds of creative are we culturally relevant to those to facilitate a conversation rather activities to reach each different outside of the body of believers? than a lecture. sector of society What are the challenges of the o Slichot Emet – Truth conver- • Transport – on the main street 2nd generation of believers in their sations (leading conversations of Ramat Gan and so most buses faith? around how to engage the culture stop right outside and it’s a 7 min- We started a program called ‘Met- we are living in with the kingdom. ute walk to the station siliach’ reaching out to young Takes place in the Galilee the first people who are about to start their two weeks in September. Ministries represented studies either after the army or Some twenty people attended high school. The program begins Zev Sigulim – Mega Voice the conference, which was host- in Bereshit, talking about bibli- Manufacturing solar power audio ed by Jason Rose, Rachel Davis, cal worldview and also creation. bibles for 17 years. Started a proj- Robynne Bruckenstein and Jean- Unpacking how the scriptures are ect two years ago that partnered nie Goldstein and included at least six people under 35 years old. The main agenda for the meeting was to provide ministries an opportunity to share an update. Min- istries represented at this regional conference included: Jews for Jesus, Chosen People Ministries, FIRM, the Joseph Project, Mega Voice, the National Evangelism Committee, Israel College of the Bible, Danish Israel Mission, CBN Ministries - Israel, Baptist Israel, HaGefen Publishing, and Matzliach Young Leaders. Here are some brief reports from Inside photo of the new Chosen People Ministries center in some of the ministries represented: Ramat Gan where the Israel regional conference was held. 17 with InTouch ministry to give out who had stayed in the lodge and Filipinos being sent out to coun- audio bibles; they gave out 500 bi- we know that every single person tries to different parts of the world bles a month. Both Megavoice and had a conversation with someone most of them to Arab countries. InTouch ministries experienced fi- about Yeshua. The Ramat Gan Filipinos are very relational and nancial growth when they gave out centre will act to serve as a follow are very caregiving and nurturing the bibles in Israel. Looking to give up place to Israelis who want to CBN trains ministries to send out to away these audio bibles to minis- connect back in Israel. serve the lost and broken. tries in Israel who will distribute them. Small catch is that you need Noam Hendren – Director Ariel – Joseph Project to provide a tax code / name as of NEC Established in 2000. Largest im- they are made and distributed in Congregations are coming together porter of humanitarian aid to Israel Israel. A good way to get Israelis to enable to support and train mis- – brings in donated goods and dis- to read it is to ‘loan’ it to them and sions to have inter-congregational tributes it to national organisations not give it to them. outreach and to be able to work in Israel. Trying to show without together. Since the new age festi- words that Christians love Israel. Michael Mistretta - FIRM vals shut down in 2010, there has Most Jews associate Christian- FIRM specifically targets pastors, been more focus on street evange- ity with persecution, and so the leaders and millennials around the lism and Internet connections. Our Joseph Project is trying to show world. This is a gospel-centred and belief is that we need to equip the that Christians care. Yeshua-centred way to bless Is- mission groups on how to do follow rael. Every year we run Jerusalem up. We are working on developing Discussion: Where can we go Encounter. This year 1200 people a training program for congrega- from here? from all around the world including tions to be spiritually mature and - David Zadok - The challenge is 300 Israeli believers attended. We to be able to help those who are finding the niche that would be want to put God at the centre of seeking to have conversations with helpful to the Body of Messiah. the conference rather than roman- them to come to a point of making - Mark Davis – have a Thompson ticising Israel. Our heart is to con- a decision to follow Yeshua. Daniel reference in Hebrew translation. nect the living body with first time Carlson is director of this project. Having evangelistic methodology travellers to Israel. FIRM helps to in Hebrew. create a connection between the Daniel Karlson – - Are the ministries that are doing nations and the local ministry. We Companionship project similar missions talking to each also put on a worship night called Moved back from the States re- other and building connections Jerusalem Praise which connects cently. Project based on intimacy with each other? Is there a need travellers to the living stones in and relationship. to have an event that gets them Israel. Wayne’s heart is to not pro- Exposure evangelism – short term all together, e.g. a conference that mote ourselves but to bless others e.g. video on fb and have a quick would get people in the same room and give the Glory to God. chat online, or visiting a hostel for that are all involved in outreach or 3 days and having conversations evangelism, a conference that is Robynne Bruckenstein – Beit with believers. How do you take the meaningful, educational and prac- Sar Shalom / CPM positive interaction with the gos- tical? During the last 9 years we have pel and connect it with the wider - Creating an interactive blog for been leading teams to minister to body? How do we form a relational LCJE by people in the network so Israelis to New Zealand. Chosen network where Israelis can have that other people in the network People have a youth hostel in New contact with the body of Christ and can like it and share it and add to Zealand, ‘The Zula Lodge.’ About have follow up from their initial ex- it – instead of a paper. 6 months of the year it is used to posure? Creating small groups that - Michal – some of the established host Israeli backpackers, it’s free to are discussing the word, informal, leaders are busy, so it would be Israelis for the first 3 days. They in a house, a family atmosphere great to see more young lead- know it’s run by believers, and they that they can invite people to. The ers connecting and brainstorming are invited to do communal activi- first and third Sunday and Monday with one or two established lead- ties such as hummus making. They in July we have training. ers curating the session. Then the have the opportunity of listening to established leaders can meet less a young Israeli believer share a Melina – CBN regularly to discuss the young testimony. They have groups of Is- There are some 40,000 Filipino leaders’ ideas and agree on how to raeli believers who volunteer there workers in Israel. They are not roll out some of those ideas. It also for a time. Young Israelis are open necessarily believers, but some inspires and empowers the young there to hear stories and want to are. CBN aims to be relational, to leaders to bring ideas. Young peo- stay in touch back in Israel. Last create exposure and to always be ple want to feel attached to some- season there were 1300 people intentional. There is an exodus of thing bigger than them and be em- 18 powered to make a difference. partnering on some projects and to of like mind can post blogs and - People located in areas of Israel also get feedback interact with ideas related to LCJE that aren’t so connected into the - It’s not an ‘exclusive’ network. concerns. This would be a closed body have no idea what is going so it is open; however it is secure list not open to the general public. on in other ministries, so it would because of certain discussions that Eli Birnbaum felt that this approach be good to have a space to hear are happening. would bring in more people to the about what everyone else is doing. - Zev – having more of an open LCJE network who until now have - Having a closed secure LCJE net- meeting so it’s not just certain not been aware of the network and work online leaders who are invited what other people and organiza- - The disconnect with respect to tions are doing in the Land. Anoth- organisations in Israel actually Thoughts about the future er suggestion was that there could working together (not just meet- After lunch there was an open dis- also be smaller LCJE meetings or ing and praying) cussion over how LCJE Israel can forums where people could get to- - Would it be a good initiative for move forward in the future. The gether to discuss issues relevant ministries to set aside some of feeling was that more people need to Israel and evangelism. These their budget aside solely for a new the opportunity to interact with re- could be more regional in nature idea that is working with four or spect to their local ministries. The and involve people in specific areas five other mission groups? younger people expressed a lot of of Israel. - Act as an incubator for young positive feedback that there should The meeting was closed in prayer leaders wanting to do something be more meetings and we should by Mark Davis. in the land by creating a way for look to develop some type of social young people to dialogue media blog site where more peo- Efraim Goldstein - Creating a way to help organisa- ple can be involved in Israel in the [email protected] tions reach out to other organisa- LCJE network. The plan would be tions to see if they would be up for to post blog entries where people

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation in Israel By Efraim Goldstein, LCJE Israel Area Coordinator

Three Key Events Nalbandian organized a memo- Messianic believers who have been Here in Israel the process of pass- rial service to honor the years of impacted for the Gospel of Yeshua ing of the torch of Messianic leader- service, testimony and commit- by this dedicated and unselfish ship has been underway for awhile. ment of her beloved parents. The couple. In the Spring of 2017 there were event was hosted at the Chesed three events that occurred that and Emet Congregation in Gedera. David Stern - A Living honored four people who served Over 100 people gathered to honor Testimonial the Body of Messiah in the Land and remember Warren and Linda. A few weeks later on April 25, and now leave behind a legacy. Warren and Linda started the Mes- there was a living testimonial to We gathered to honor three peo- sianic Assembly of Jerusalem Chil- Dr. David Stern. It was sponsored ple who have passed into blessed dren and Youth Camp program in by Maoz Israel Ministry in honor of memory and one, David Stern, 1971. Until 2000 they laboured the publication in Hebrew of the who is still very much with us. each summer with the support of Jewish Bible Commentary. The the Messianic Assembly, dozens of Commentary was complete and Warren and Linda Graham volunteer counselors, helpers and, translated into Hebrew and was Warren and Linda Graham were of course, the children. the occasion to honor David for his known in the Israel as two faith- The stories that were shared contribution to the Messianic be- ful and dedicated missionaries with spoke of the loving care Warren lievers. David’s loving wife Martha the Christian Missionary Alliance and Linda had for the children. The and Shira and Ari Soko-Ram put who served, lived and gave their highlight of the evening was when together this incredible testimonial all to the emerging Messianic Com- we all sang together the “Camp” dinner for David. munity from 1968 - 2002. In 2014, song. This was the song written Warren passed away and then in especially for the Messianic As- At least one hundred leaders of the 2016, Linda passed on. Both are sembly Camps, and if anyone ever Messianic community in Israel and buried in the State of Washington. attended the Camp as counselor or from abroad gathered at a restau- In the spring 2017 on April 6, camper you knew the Song. A fit- rant in Jaffa to celebrate David’s their daughter Debbie Graham ting legacy is three generations of achievements. It was good to have

19 David alive and well for this occa- with cancer and was laid to rest and Linda, the testimonial dinner sion even though his health is fail- in the Land he loved. David and for David and the funeral for David ing. We had the chance to appreci- Karen Davis made Aliyah to Israel Davis are living reminders that our ate David’s tireless work in moving in 1989 and established two insti- days are numbered. These events forward the cause of Messianic tutions that changed the face of also should be a reminder that Judaism with great scholarship Messianic ministry in Israel, Bet we must be totally dedicated and and humility. Certainly David’s Nitzachon and Kehilat Hacarmel. committed to the cause of Yeshua contribution to Messianic theology Shumel Birnbaum, of Yam as these four brothers and sister and practice will continue to be an Ahavato congregation expressed were. That is their legacy to us and influence for generations to come what many of us understood about for the generations to come. should Yeshua tarry. David: “...he was a man I greatly admired. He was a role model, pio- Efraim Goldstein David Davis neer, a man who stood for great [email protected] On May 9, 2017, David Davis values, holiness and integrity.” passed away after a lengthy battle The memorial service for Warren

Warren and Linda Graham

David and Martha Stern David Davis

UPCOMING LCJE MEETINGS

LCJE Japan: ”Jewish Evangelism in East Asia: Looking for Opportunities, Making Connections” 13–15 November 2017

This will be a landmark conference to connect churches in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other parts of East Asia, to Jewish mission organizations from outside the region. The conference will be held in Wakayama City, Japan. For more information, see www.lcje.asia

LCJE North America — Atlanta, Georgia, USA 16–18 April 2018

SAVE THE DATES! LCJE 11th International Conference (Toronto) 11–16 August 2019

“ON THE DEREKH — HELPING THE HAREDIM FIND YESHUA”

This is not an LCJE meeting per se but will be an historic conference in the spirit of LCJE in which many LCJE members and others will participate.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, known today as Haredi Jews or the “haredim,” are probably the most closed group in Judaism. They are made up of many different segments of strictly observant Jews, including both Hasidic and some non-Hasidic groups. This conference will be the first of its kind in the modern era (at least since the Holocaust) dedicated to reaching them with the Gospel. The dates are:

JANUARY 9–12, 2018

The conference will be held in Brooklyn, New York at the Feinberg Center. A separate Advanced Apologetics course with Dr. Michael Brown will be held prior to the main conference from 7-9 January 2018. For further information on registering for this or the main conference, please contact Jim Melnick at: [email protected]

21 ”Sharing God’s heart for the Jewish people” Executive Director Job Posting

Life in Messiah International is seeking a godly and collaborative leader to direct its growing staff of approximately fifty personnel in eight countries. The ideal candidate would model a humble personal walk with the Lord, exhibit outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and have a reputation for working well with others in Jew- ish ministry.

Qualifications include five years of ministry leadership experience, with Jewish ministry preferred. An advanced degree in Jewish studies, or educational experience in Israel would be considered an advantage.

Life in Messiah International has ministered to Jewish people since its inception in 1887 as the Chicago Hebrew Mission (aka American Messianic Fellowship). The ministry is dispensational in theology and non-charismatic in practice. Currently, most activities are directed out of our headquarters in Lynwood, Illinois. Frequent travel to our various points of ministry is required. General information about Life in Messiah can be found at www.lifeinmessiah.org

For detailed information about this position and the application process, please go to https://exec.lifeinmessiah.org/

LCJE FACEBOOK and TWITTER Accounts

LCJE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: LCJE TWITTER ACCOUNT: LCJE.Intl @LCJE_Intl TO ALL LCJE MEMBERS: For those who are on Facebook or Twitter, please take the opportunity to ‘like’ our LCJE Facebook page and to ‘follow’ our LCJE Twitter page!

22 For more information about this special conference on trying to reach the haredim (ultra- Orthodox Jews) with the Gospel, please contact Jim Melnick at: [email protected].

Caspari Center - Media Review CASPARI CENTER for Jewish and Biblical Studies The work of the Caspari Center is enabled through the prayers and financial support of organizations and individuals all over the world. The Media Review is a weekly English- language synopsis of articles that were originally published in the Israeli press, mostly in Hebrew, focusing on issues related to Messianic Jews, Christians in Israel, Jewish Attitudes toward Christians, Anti-Semitism, Anti-Missionary Activity, Archaeology, and similar themes. To subscribe to this free publication, please contact: [email protected] While offered for free, we would be grateful for donations in any amount to help underwrite the cost of producing this vital chronicle of Messianic/Christian history in Israel and to help us continue distributing it to as many people as possible. Donations online to support this work can be made via credit card or Paypal at: www.caspari.com (see “Donate” button at lower right-hand corner of page) Cheques for donations can also be made payable to: Caspari Center Caspari Center P.O. Box 46 - OR - P.O. Box 147 Jerusalem 9100001 ISRAEL Wheaton, IL 60187 USA (tax-deductible in the U.S.) 23 Networking Jewish Evangelism LCJE Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism

International Coordinating Committee (ICC) President Tuvya Zaretsky [email protected] International Coordinator Jim Melnick [email protected] International Committee Members Dan Sered [email protected] Bodil Skjøtt [email protected]

Area Coordinators AustralAsia Mark Polonsky [email protected] Europe Rolf Gunnar Heitmann [email protected] Hong Kong/China Mark Lam [email protected] Israel Efraim Goldstein [email protected] Japan Charles Klingensmith [email protected] Korea Jeong Jacob Lee [email protected] Latin America David Sedaca [email protected] North America Gary Hedrick [email protected] South Africa Cecilia Burger [email protected]

International Coordinator & International Mailing Address Jim Melnick, LCJE, P.O. Box 5501, Falmouth, VA 22403 USA [email protected]

Website: www.LCJE.net Facebook: LCJE.Intl Twitter: @LCJE_Intl

ISSN 1016-2089