The Chosen People July 1985 ISSN 0164-5323

"Missionary, I'm going to kill you." He had already pushed, spit, and tried to grab handfuls of Jerry Gross's tracts. Now he stood on a Brooklyn street cor- ner, taunting Jerry, re- peating his threats over and over. "Mis- sionary, I'm going to follow you home to- night and kill you. My friend across the street has a knife and we will kill you." Jerry moved quickly into a nearby store to call the continued inside From the President July 1 985 The MK I Chosen e

When the Gospel is preached, there is either a positive or a negative reaction. THE CHOSEN PEOPLE is published month y When witnessing to the Jewish people, we seldom get a neutral response. (except August) as a medium of information concerning the Jewish people, Israel, and Recently, because of the overwhelmingly positive response that we have seen the work of the American Board of Missions to the Jews, Inc., 100 Hunt Road, Orangeburg, from Jewish people, we are also seeing increased opposition to the Gospel by New York 10962. some rabbis. As a result of our missionaries distributing tracts in the New York President area, Rabbi Yaakov Spivak wrote the following in his column in the Jewish Harold A. Sevener Press. His article was called "An Open Letter to Missionaries." Managing Editor In the article, Rabbi Spivak stated, "Last week we drove you out by prevent- Jonathan Singer ing you from distributing your literature . . . when you attempted to hand Regional Directors Northeast: New York City, N.Y. drivers your literature under deceptive means, you always found me at the car Sam Nadler first telling them who you were. I watched with great pride as my forewarned, 212-757-6716 Southeast: Reston, Va. fellow Jews either closed the driver-side window to you or tore up your Larry Jaffrey wretched paper right in front of your face. 703-471-0163 "I looked into the face of one of you distributing the literature—a Jew. How Midwest: Chicago, II. John Bell sad. How pitiful. With all it took to build the Yeshiva you stood next to, my 312-338-5959 poor misguided fellow Jew, here you were, a missionary Jew trying to tear down Southwest: Fort Worth, Tx. Dr. Irwin (Rocky) Freeman all that your tradition teaches." 817-731-6991 Rabbi Spivak concluded by stating, "Our attitude towards you is simply this: West: Los Angeles, Ca. If you try to convert Jews, we will stop you cold. And when you finally decide Dr. Daniel Goldberg 818-884-8245 to give up this folly we will be there to welcome you back." National Church Ministries Directs An effective witness for the Gospel always brings opposition. The Word of Barry Rubin God is alive. It is a living seed. As such, it provokes a response. Writing about Israel Tour Director our work in Brighton Beach, the Jewish Press states, "At this very moment there Dr. Irwin (Rocky) Freeman are active Christian missionaries deviously plotting creative schemes with the International Conference Director Tom Walker purpose of annihilating Jewish souls. Many such activities take place in the Board of Directors Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, which is comprised predominantly of Rus- Dr. Daniel Fuchs, Chairman sian immigrants." Roy Adams C. Robert Clemensen The article then goes on to state how missionaries are using relief, meals, gifts, John J. Kubach and so forth, seeking to induce these Russian Jewish immigrants to believe in John E. Melhorn Albert Pasche Jesus. The fact of the matter is that our missionaries simply proclaim the Gospel Harold B. Pretlove in love. We assist where assistance is needed. We give help where help is needed, John L Pretlove always with the understanding that our desire is to see Jewish people come to Albert Runge Harold A. Sevener faith in Jesus as their Messiah and Savior. James W. Straub As you read through this issue of The Chosen People, I know you will be im- Directors Emeritus pressed with the many ways God is reaching Jewish people today. Louis W. Ivins Isaac J. Leonard Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for us and in supporting this Honorary Director worldwide outreach in bringing the Gospel to the Jewish people. Dr. Charles L Feinberg In Messiah, JULY 1985, Vol. XCI, No. 12, THE CHOSEN PEOPLE (ISSN 0164-53: 3) published monthly except August. Copyright 01985 by the American Boar of Missions to the Jews, Inc. Not to be reproduced in any form without permissi on of the publisher. Second-class postage HAROLD A. SEVENER paid at Orangeburg, N.Y., and at adchtio at mailing offices. CREDITS: Ewing Galloway, 7; Al Rothsp n, 10. P.S. As you know, we do not publish an August issue of The Chosen People magazine. Our Midyear Report, which is usually mailed in August, will be combined in this month's issue. Have a blessed summer!

2 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE /MawrRoort1985/ ,Wen Yihere

By HAROLD A. SEVENER Dozens of people walked by. No would do something in my life!" Three one wanted to get involved. hours later he received the Lord! "Missionary, I'm going to kill you." When I heard the story, my mind No, we cannot leave Brooklyn. But He had already pushed, spit, and tried raced back to another incident a few if a group of New York rabbis had to grab handfuls of Jerry Gross's months ago in our Brooklyn work their way, they would effectively ban tracts. Now he stood on a Brooklyn when an Orthodox student had come us from Brooklyn and Long Island. street corner, taunting Jerry, repeating into a meeting screaming similar Here is an excerpt from a letter this his threats over and over. threats in Yiddish before overturning a New York rabbinic group sent to the "Missionary, I'm going to follow book table. That time, the police came rabbis of Long Island: you home tonight and kill you. My to arrest the intruder. This time, no "Please contact your Christian col- friend across the street has a knife and one came to Jerry's aid. leagues," the memo said. "Urge them we will kill you." For just a moment, I wondered what to immediately disapprove of The Jerry moved quickly into a nearby would happen if we were to lessen our American Board of Missions to the store to call the police. The witness. I thought of the half a million Jews and of the organization Jews for shopkeeper, an otherwise kindly Jewish people in Brooklyn, many of Jesus. Impress upon them how serious woman, almost let him use the phone whom were hearing the Gospel for the an affront these Hebrew Christian until, out of curiosity, she read one of first time, like, for instance, the Rus- groups are to the Jewish community. the tracts. "Get out of my store," she sian Jewish immigrant Jerry found tak- Ask them to check in their community shrieked, tearing the tract to shreds. ing a break between classes at to determine if The American Board of "Get out of my sight." Brooklyn College. Missions to the Jews or Jews for Jesus Now Jerry's attacker was right Jerry sat down on the same bench has already established itself. behind him. He grabbed Jerry by the and began sharing the Gospel. "If they cannot rent space in a hair and pulled him out into the street. Astonished, this stranger turned sud- church, they may try to rent a catering "Get out of my neighborhood, mis- denly to Jerry and blurted out, "Just establishment or a large restaurant. sionary! Get out!" this morning, I prayed that God continued on following page

JULY 1985 3 MayearReport1985/

continued from previous page orado, our missionaries are speaking 1965, today's numbers are awesome. Please call any such place in your to more Jewish people than ever And not only the missionaries and community and ask the cooperation of before. In the past year, we have the antimissionaries have noticed. In the management in not renting to these visited over 3,000 Jewish homes to the month of May alone, the issue was groups." meet personally with interested a topic of discussion on the "Donohue Such memos are only the tip of the people! In Long Island, we held a Show," on "WABC Talk Radio," and iceburg for antimissionary groups. In Passover Seder for ninety-five people, on WMCA New York's extremely an effort to blunt our impact, they ten of whom were Jewish popular "Barry Farber Show." On one publicly compare our work with that nonbelievers. of his shows, Mr. Farber pointedly of the cults. In one meeting, a asked three guest rabbis to explain spokesman told the audience that our what was happening among the Jewish ABMJ work in Brooklyn abducted 137 people. Farber said that when he was Soviet Jewish children and without Jewish people today growing up, he politely accepted tracts their parents' knowledge took the given to him by Christians. When they youngsters to a camp in upstate New are no longer thought- weren't looking, he threw them away. York, where they were put in rooms lessly ignoring the Farber said he realizes that Jewish full of crucifixes! people today are no longer thought- The sheer absurdity of such charges Gospel. The formation lessly ignoring the Gospel. He pointed would be humorous if it didn't reveal of vocal antimission- to the formation of vocal antimission- so clearly the antimissionary attitude ary groups is proof ary groups as proof that the Jewish that all's fair in the war against the community officially recognizes this as Christian message. that the Jewish com- a growing trend among American Then why do I tell you about this munity officially Jews. opposition? Certainly not to drum up Even in Washington, D.C., a group any ill feeling for the Jewish people. I recognizes this as a of Jewish organizations has filed legal know you understand that when a growing trend among papers opposing our tour slogan, "See Jewish person initially encounters the American Jews. Israel Through Jewish Eyes." The con- truth, it can stir volatile, indeed troversy centers around whether or violent, reactions in him. Even Paul not a Jewish person can believe in persecuted believers—all the while Jesus and still call himself a Jew. If the under conviction—until he came to Trade Commission agrees with us, or faith. Only God knows who within As I travel through the country and should it go so far as the Court of Ap- the opposition today will be an speak in churches and seminaries, peals, this will be a landmark decision evangelist tomorrow. Pray that the there is hardly one where I don't meet for Jewish believers. Jewish people will have ears to hear. three or four Jewish people who have Dear friend, if we just sat back and Besides asking for your prayer sup- come to Christ who are enrolled in withdrew, the ramifications would be port, I mention these things because Bible colleges and seminaries training frightening. If we just gave up our they are also clear indicators that our for the ministry. Even for those of us work whenever there was opposition, ministry is a success! In Brooklyn, who have witnessed the great spiritual if we left the street corners of Long Island, California, and Col- revival among Jewish people since Brooklyn, the churches of Long

4 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE MidyearReport1985

Island, or some cities of Texas (where Aires and learn how to reach the time of witnessing they are likely to anti-Semitism runs high), we would be Jewish people. ever experience in their entire doing more than just appeasing the There is a wave that is growing lives—on the streets of New York. enemies of the Gospel. We would be stronger, bringing these Christians Who knows how many thousands of abandoning many thousands of Jewish together because they believe that the souls will be affected for all eternity by Christians who stand united with us in time has come to see Jews come to their words? a testimony. We would be snatching their Messiah. Pray for us. We need to be able to salvation away from more thousands Back home in America, our mis- perceive a heart that is hurting for of Jews who are yet to believe through sionaries are gearing up for another God, so that we can answer the real our witness. Even more, we would be Summer Training and Evangelism Pro- questions within that are crying out faithless to our Lord's command, to gram (STEP). I know that this year, as for answers, even if the questions His example, and to His calling. for the past several years, there will be are crying out in the form of anger, Recently I visited our missionaries fear, and hate. in Argentina and France. In France, I You are also an important part of discovered an urgency to increase our When a Jewish person this end-time scenario, also called to outreach. Originally we established a be bold in your witness to Jew and Paris work before World War II to initially encounters the Gentile.I want you to know that last minister to the refugees escaping truth, it can stir vola- month we also have prayed for you. persecution throughout Europe. Since At our staff workers conference, our then the work has grown steadily. tile, indeed violent, missionaries and their families had a Our missionary in France, Jacques reactions in him.... wonderful time of encouragement and Guggenheim, told me that there were mutual strength. burgeoning opportunities among the Only God knows who Our prayers for you were that your 700,000 French Jews. As we budget within the opposition witness would be strengthened and more money for that work, I know today will be an evan- your walk strong. For none of us are that there is historic anti-Semitism in this alone, but rather we are all part within the French government and gelist tomorrow. of one body, one faith, and one Spirit. among large pockets of the communi- Let us go on in faithfulness, ty. Because of this, the Jewish people together. You have done so much to are likely to be on guard. Pray that make this glorious time in the history God will bless our efforts there too. fervent, committed Christians taking of Jewish evangelism become a reality. In Argentina, I was thrilled to hear part in this arduous training and The rewards are solid and they are Roberto Passo report that increasing witnessing program. eternal. numbers of Christians from Brazil, Perhaps it is in anticipation of this The opposition and trials are just for Chili, and Argentina have come to very program that Satan is churning a moment. I know that if we stand him to learn how to witness to the things up. He knows that when these together and pray together now, we Jewish people in their countries. Many enthusiastic, young missionary will one day stand side by side and of these people are untrained, un- trainees are through with their hear the glorious words of our Lord, funded laymen and women who made classroom preparations, they will join "Well done, thou good and faithful personal sacrifices to come to Buenos us in the most intensive, hands-on servant. Well done." ❑

JULY 1985 5 Last chance! This is your last opportunity to purchase our all-new Jewish Art Calendar before the Jewish New Year begins in September, 1985. A $9.95 value for only $3.00. This is one calendar you won't want to miss. Unlike our previous calendars, this one has been entirely revised to include: • plenty of room to write important appointments and reminders • the work of master photographers Max and Hilla Jacoby, world famous for their books on Israel • heavyweight, coated calendar stock that museums and bookstores sell for three times our price (opens to almost 2' tall) • breathtaking, artist-quality photos of the Holy Land • an uplifting devotional each month and a sensitively written witness to God's love. Order now and think about ordering several. They make an inexpensive but expensive looking gift for Christian and Jewish friends.

SEND TO: ABMJ, BOX 2000, ORANGEBURG, NY 10962. IN CANADA: BETH SA R SHALOM, BOX 4400, STA. D, HAMILTON, ONTARIO L8V 41.8. 0 1 enclose $3.00 for each Jewish Art Calendar (JC6). Please send me copies.

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY C785 STATE By HOWARD SILVERMAN ZIP Missionary, So. Euclid, OH

Ted's car skidded out of control and hit a utility pole before flipping over several times. As he lay trapped inside the car, he could see that live wires were wrapped around the car, some dangerously close to the gas tank. "If there is a God in heaven," he cried out, "help me!" At that moment, Ted saw Jesus. In the same instant, he found the strength and courage to break a window and climb out of the A vehicle. He escaped with only two a minor scratches. I heard this story twenty years after the incident, and I was awestruck. What great love God had shown this Jewish man who had never paid any If you do not attention to the Lord before this wish to tear this copy dramatic encounter! of The Chosen People What amazed me as much as the magazine, please copy all story of Ted's miraculous escape, information on a 3 x 5 card. though, was that in all those many L

6 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE "And if it is true that Jewish people can believe in Jesus, why have we always been taught that we're betraying our Jewishness by accepting Christ?" I explained that a Christian is someone who has a relationship with But it took another 20 years to save his soul. Christ, not just someone who is non- Jewish. Both Jews and Gentiles can be Christians if they are followers of the Messiah. Accepting the Jewish Mes- siah is not a betrayal of Jewishness, but rather a fulfillment of it. At this point I shared several Old Testament prophecies with him such as Isa- iah 53, pointing out that Messiah would be rejected by His people. I encouraged Ted to read the Gos- pels for himself, so he could see that it was a message from the Jewish God. He kept saying, "I need to think about it." We got together again, this time joining us was another Jewish believer, who shared his testimony. But still Ted could not, or would not, respond. After that, I tried to call him several times but could never reach him. Finally I wrote him a note inviting him years since the accident, Ted had to a Bible study we were holding. He never accepted Christ! Howard graduated never responded. "I kept wondering how Jesus could from S.U.N.Y. at About six months later I finally got have helped me," Ted tried to explain Buffalo and attend- a letter from Ted. His eighteen-year- to me. "After all, I'm Jewish and an ed Moody Bible In- old son had been killed by a drunk agnostic." After the accident, God had stitute before joining driver, and the family had moved to even brought some Christians into ABMJ/Chosen Peo- Youngstown. It just so happened I was Ted's life. They witnessed to him and ple Ministries six going to Youngstown the next week, introduced him to a Jewish believer ; years ago. Howard so I called and invited him to the whose testimony impressed Ted. But and Janet are rejoicing in the birth of their church where I would be speaking. still, Ted wasn't able to commit his life first child, Mark. During the service, I was excited to to the "Gentile God." see Ted in the congregation. After- For twenty years Ted had con- settle the issue now." ward, we had a chance to talk. He told sidered and thought about Jesus but That's when we arranged to meet me that after our last visit he had ac- had taken no action. He even helped and I heard Ted's story for the first cepted the Lord. distribute Gospel coloring books to time. It was obvious as we spoke that "God," he said, "gave me much children, thinking that by exposure God had been working in Ted's life. It strength and assurance during the loss

A 4 and contact, whatever was holding was just as obvious that Ted had prob- of my son." him back would be removed and he ably heard everything I could tell him. Ted continues walking with the could inch his way into belief. But Nevertheless, as I prayed about it, I Lord and is part of a growing con- nothing had worked. When he moved found myself telling him many of the gregation. Please join us in praying for to Cleveland, he decided to settle the same things he had surely heard time the• salvation of his family and in matter once and for all. and time again. praising God for saving Ted's life, not "I've been thinking about Jesus for a "But if Jesus is the Messiah, surely just in this world from a car accident, long time," he said, "and I want to the rabbis would believe," he said. but for all eternity.

JULY 1985 7 I 'ThrewAwayMy Bibles But I Couldn't Forget the Lord Judy was adamant. Either I gave up Jesus or our marriage was off. I had suffocated the voice of the Lord so often that I went along with her.

8 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE By ISRAEL COHEN God, he said I needed a psychiatrist. memories of my relationship with Missionary, West Orange, NJ Well, I wasn't ready for that, but when God. The trunk, filled with Bibles, study my boss gave me the phone number of For five years things went from bad books, and notes from dozens of Bible a "nice Jewish girl," I thought he might to worse. Business was thriving, but studies I had attended, was so heavy it have the answer. though I had buried my Bibles, I took both of us to haul it out to the By my third date with Judy, I real- couldn't bury the living Word that had trash. As I watched the garbage men ized I was getting serious and we need- been planted in my heart. Our mar- heave it onto the truck and mash it ed to have a heart-to-heart talk. riage was a farce; we barely got along. between two steel plates, my heart was "Listen, you've got to know some- Socially we were very involved in a so heavy I could hardly stand there. thing," I explained. "I believe in Jesus Jewish lodge, and though I liked our But one look at my fiancee reminded and I can't marry you if you don't friends, I couldn't stand their mores me that now we could get married. believe the same thing." and values, which had no basis in Now that I had fulfilled my promise to Before I could continue, she was God. Torment is a very strong word, "bury this Jesus nonsense." screaming at me and insisting I take but even that can't describe the unhap- It was a sunny day in Cherry Hill, her home. The next morning she piness I was suffering underneath my New Jersey. Only the darkness inside telephoned me and gave me an carefree salesman's banter. of me remained as a witness to the One day I was driving home and great joy with which I had received the suddenly everything broke. I began Lord when a friend in the Navy told One day I was driving crying uncontrollably. Because I me of His great salvation only four home and suddenly couldn't see through my tears, I had to years before. pull off to the side of the road. I couldn't live this way any longer. Two While I was in the Navy, I was in a everything broke. I Scripture verses came to mind—Mat- state of born-again bliss as I memo- began crying uncon- thew 6:33 and Psalm 119:9-11. I knew rized Scripture, studied God's Word, trollably. I couldn't I had to begin seeking God's righteous- and walked with the Lord. But when I ness and I had to begin studying the got back home, though I didn't plan live this way any Bible. Still out of control, I cried out, on backsliding, I soon decided that I longer. I cried out, "If "If You are real, God, and if Jesus is had been overly ambitious in my plans the Messiah, bring me a Bible now." to attend Bible college. Gradually I You are real, God, and With my prayer, a fog that had been quit attending church and spent less if Jesus is the Messiah, inside of me for years suddenly time reading the Bible. cleared. I looked up and, much to my Before long I had become quite ill. bring me a Bible now." amazement, saw that I had stopped When I told my doctor that I was sick my car right in front of a Christian because I was running away from ultimatum in no uncertain terms: book store. I marched in and said, "I "You've got to give up this Jesus stuff. want a Bible." Israel Cohen is You're Jewish and that's all there is to I realized I wasn't exactly free from now a full-time it." all fear when the woman began show- missionary with By that time I had suffocated the ing me a large selection of Bibles. ABMJ/Chosen voice of the Lord so often that I went "No, no," I explained frantically, People Ministries along with her. After a few more "my wife isn't a believer and I need in New Jersey. months, I proposed. something small." I bought a pocket- He travels to "Will you marry me if I say ok?" I sized King James Version, and when I Montreal once a asked. got back into my car, I took out a red month to help establish an outreach "Yes," she agree d. marking pen and wrote inside the there, and is active in training mis- So we set our wedding date. A cover, "Back with Jesus this day, sionaries through STEP, our Sum- month before our wedding, we held 9/20/70." mer Training and Evangelism Pro- our little "funeral service" with the I was back on the track. Sort of. gram. garbage men for all the remaining For two years I secretly read that

JULY 1985 9 ally enough. "He's Jewish and he—he ing me, and my insistence that Jesus believes in Jesus!" Then Judy broke was Messiah and that I wasn't going to down. "He wants to quit the lodge. deny Him. Won't you talk him out of it? Won't Finally we came to an uneasy truce you tell him he can't do this and. . . 7" by living separate lives. I was involved She probably would have continued in my activities; she went out with her for some time if the pastor hadn't in- friends. Her name remained at the top terrupted her and asked to speak with of the list in the prayer group I attend- me. ed, but there seemed no hope on the Pastor Goodheart (Judy could hard- horizon. ly believe that was his real name) Then one Sunday night when I got spoke with me briefly, offering to home from church, I knew something had happened. Judy was already home, even though she made it a prac- tice to purposely stay out late when I was at church. "Sit down," she said solemnly. That night when she went roller skating with a group, one of the people said he had to go to church to lead the singing. Judy asked if she could go with him. During the service, God spoke to her and she came under conviction. Afterward she told her friend, "I think my husband is right. What can I do to be saved?" 1 So when we sat down for our talk, it was to tell me she had received Christ and to ask my forgiveness for what Israel and Judy Cohen (both far right) worship at Beth Messiah Congregation, East Hanover, N.J. had happened during the past years. Two weeks later she was baptized. Bible, careful not to make Judy come right over. I was more appre- Not long after all this, Ruth suspicious. I never told anyone what I ciative for his love than I could ex- Wardell, an ABMJ missionary, spoke was doing. One day I knew this press, but we decided the next night at our church and put Judy and I in couldn't continue. I called Judy into was soon enough. touch with a group of other Jewish the living room. When Pastor Goodheart came and believers. As we took part in the "Sit down, you're not going to like listened to our tale, I don't think fellowship, I knew God was calling me this," I said. "I'm going to go to Solomon could have been more tactful into full-time service. church. I'm quitting the lodge." or wise. He had us agree that I would When I look back on the years I was Hysterical isn't even the word to continue going to the lodge and Judy away from God, I am amazed at His describe what happened next. Within would begin coming to church with faithful lovingkindness. How glorious minutes she was on the phone with her me. Well, it was wise, but it didn't that though I took it upon myself to mother, the two of them frantically work. After two trips to church, Judy "bury Jesus," no force could keep Him deciding what to do. They finally refused to continue. from the resurrection victory and the agreed that the best plan was to call a We put in an emergency call to surety of His living in my life. minister and have him talk me out of Pastor Goodheart. Judy agreed to try this betrayal. Judy got the name of a again. This continued for several Israel attended Philadelphia College nearby church and called. months. Screaming refusals to con- of the Bible, then moved to New York "It's my husband," she began ration- tinue going to church, threats of leav- to work in Jewish evangelism.

10 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE By BEN ALPERT Field Evangelist They asked no questions, and except ABMJ/Chosen People Ministries for one couple who got visibly angry `Enter and stormed out, no one showed any I had just walked into my motel deep emotions. room when I heard a knock on the I went through the Scriptures, in- door. I glanced at my watch. It was a cluding Exodus 12; the Gospel ac- little late. I wondered who would be All counts of the Last Supper; Isaiah 53; here at 9:30 at night. For just a sec- and Psalms 22, 23, and 24. As I ond, I thought about ignoring it e ended, I explained, "Now I have because I was so tired. I had been in shown you how Jesus fulfilled the Nashville for three days, and on this promises about the coming Messiah day, like all the others, I had started and how we are freed by His sacrifice. out early and visited a number of Hungry' The decision is yours." churches and friends of our ministry. After a moment's silence, I asked if That evening I had given a Christ in there were any questions. There were the Passover presentation at a local none. church. But then I heard another "Can we have a word of prayer knock, so I walked over and opened together?" I asked. the door. "No," one of them replied. "We'd Standing in front of me was a rather not." group of young people. Within seconds, they had gathered "Are you the person who taught their things and were out the door Christ in the Passover tonight?" one just as quickly as they had appeared. of them asked. As the door shut behind them, I "I am." wondered again what had motivated "Well, we're students at Vanderbilt them to come. Were they spiritually University. We're all Jewish, and we interested? Merely curious? Gather- heard about your demonstration, but ing information to refute mission- we didn't want to go to a church." aries? One thing I knew was that I just stared at them, waiting to see these were ten people whom God what would come next. It crossed my wanted to hear the Gospel. No matter mind that they might be an anti- what their motives, God meant the missionary group, here to threaten Bonnie, Ben, Michael, Nathan and "Tar Alpert evening for good in their lives. He me, but they were all neatly dressed had seen to it that if no one could take and quiet. Not at all menacing. "Are you the person who the Gospel to them, they would come Their spokesman, a handsome stu- taught Christ in the Pass- to the Gospel. dent in his early twenties, continued. As part of the Passover dinner, an "Would you mind showing us this over tonight?" When ten invitation is issued, "Let all who are demonstration now?" people show up outside hungry come and eat." How I pray "Sure," I said. "Come on in." your motel room at 9:30 that these uninvited but welcomed There were five men and five p.m. asking questions, guests of mine will soon recognize women. They made themselves com- their spiritual hunger and taste the fortable on the bed and chairs as I you can't be sure what's Bread of Life, Jesus the Messiah. ❑ took out my Passover materials. coming next. I braced When I was ready to start, some of myself and said, "Yes." Dr. Ben Alpert is a field evangelist, them took out notebooks and pens. traveling throughout America and Throughout the entire presentation church earlier in the evening, show- Canada to keep churches and Bible they watched intently. I shared with ing how Jesus is the Messiah, the colleges informed about the work of them just as I had shared with the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice. the ABMJ/ Chosen People Ministries.

JULY 1985 11 From the Exile To the Christ: ThQPropheticScripturesand theExile

By DR. DANIEL FUCHS God rejected Ahaz. Isaiah then prophesied of a perfect One of the reasons modern philosophers of history, King, Immanuel, who would arise "from the stump of such as Arnold Toynbee, consider Israel a fossil of Jesse" (Isa. 11:1). history is their a priori tenet that there is no such thing as From the "Book of Immanuel" we see that Isaiah prophecy. On the other hand, the perseverance of the prophesied concerning a historical situation. After the Jewish people during and after the exile is one of the king rejected God, Isaiah then foretold of the future King, marvelous proofs of the inspiration of the Scriptures. It the Messiah—He will be of David's line and will be the vindicates prophecy. antithesis of Ahaz, the ideal Judge, Statesman, and King. A prophet was a man who spoke for God. Prediction The "Book of Immanuel" also tells of imminent judg- about future events was not the only part of his mission. ment, not only on Israel but also on Assyria. Yet it looks He spoke for God to Israel about the past, present, and forward to a still future event when the "remnant that is future. left of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from "And we have the word of the prophets made more Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a from Hamath and from the islands of the sea" (Isa. light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the 11:11-12) will be reclaimed. morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must This is a remarkable instance of prophecy being par- understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by tially fulfilled in the past yet not being completely ful- the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never filled until the return of our Lord and the Millennium (see had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God Isa. 11:1-16). as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. Nebuchadnezzar first invaded Judah in 735 B.C., and 1:19-21, NIV). the first step of the exile began in 605 B.C., 130 years later. Isaiah Foretells the Exile When Isaiah, in response to Ahaz's stupid decision, We are so accustomed to study the sublime Messianic wrote the "Book of Immanuel," both Israel and Judah still prophecies of Isaiah that we often neglect the fact that occupied their territories. Neither the Assyrian nor the Isaiah was the first prophet to foretell the exile to Babylonian captivities had begun. Babylon. On two occasions when Judah was threatened Nevertheless, Isaiah boldly proclaimed that God's by calamity, Isaiah gave wise counsel. The first was people would return to the land after being scattered all when Ahaz, king of Judah, persisted in making a des- over the earth. "He will assemble the scattered people of perate alliance with Assyria against Syria and Israel. This Judah from the four quarters of the earth" (Isa. 11:12). history is found in Isaiah 7:1 through 12:6. This section Isaiah clearly indicated that the initial return would not has been called the "Book of Immanuel." The student be universal; only a remnant would return: "A remnant should carefully study this section. Although it is a dif- will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty ficult passage, some facts are clear. God. Though your people, 0 Israel, be like the sand by Isaiah vigorously tried to dissuade Ahaz from making the sea, only a remnant will return" (Isaiah 10:21, 22). the disastrous treaty. The real issue was the choice be- When Isaiah confronted Ahaz, he brought his son tween faith in God's promise or faith in a desperate Shear-Jashub with him. Shear-Jashub means "a remnant alliance. Ahaz refused to listen to Isaiah and decided to will return." It was well over a century later when the trust Assyria! As a result, because Ahaz rejected God, captives of Judah were deported to Babylon that the sym-

12 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE

bolism of the name became prophetic. When Hezekiah proudly displayed his treasures to the Isaiah's prophecy to Ahaz foretold the exile by infer- envoys from Babylon, they undoubtedly made a full and ence. But when Isaiah dealt with Ahaz's son Hezekiah, he complete report, which Nebuchadnezzar used when he prophesied concerning the exile to Babylon in a clear later despoiled the Temple and robbed its treasures. manner. Hezekiah was a good king, but he was some- However, there was one treasure he left for the sons what like Peter in the New Testament. His life was a mix- and daughters of Judah as they were exiled to Babylon, ture of faith and impatience. Much of Isaiah's ministry one that had far greater riches—the written Word of was warning the well-intentioned Hezekiah not to make God, the Scriptures. impetuous international alliances of intrigue against Among the Scriptures was the prophecy by Isaiah, Assyria (see Isaiah 20). His father, Ahaz, had rejected who had not only prophesied concerning the exile, but Isaiah's counsel, but Hezekiah obeyed, and Jerusalem had also foretold the return. Isaiah, chapters 40 through was miraculously delivered. (See Isaiah 36-37.) 66, exults in the truth that God is still fulfilling the Hezekiah's actions at this time were noble. He in effect continued on following page acknowledged that it was God's Word against Sen nacherib's threatening word. And God's Word prevailed. CAN THE GOSPEL LIGHT BE "Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian DARKENED BY FEAR? camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria Opposition. In timid men it brings shadows of doubt broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and and fear. When Rabbi Saul went house to house persecut- stayed there" (Isa. 37:36, 37). ing the first Jewish believers, might there not have been This began Assyria's decline. The neo-Babylonian Em- some in those congregations who wanted to run and pire was on the ascendancy. This time, however, hide? Who said, "Wouldn't it be better just to live quietly Hezekiah did not seek counsel from Isaiah. He not only and let our lives be a witness?" received envoys and gifts from the king of Babylon, he Praise God that the Holy Spirit would not allow the was very eager to blatantly display all of his treasures. new Church to be born in silence. The very turmoil 'There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom caused by the opposition empowered men and women to that Hezekiah did not show them. Then Isaiah the live boldly for Messiah. prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, 'What did Today your ABMJ/Chosen People Ministries mission- those men say, and where did they come from?' From a aries must stand firm in the face of those who try to distant land,' Hezekiah replied. 'They came to me from oppose us into silence. As more and more Jewish people Babylon.' The prophet asked, 'What did they see in your accept Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the battle lines are be- palace?' They saw everything in my palace,' Hezekiah ing drawn. said. 'There is nothing among my treasures that I did not Never before have we so appreciated you, our family show them.' Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the in Messiah, who stand with us praying and giving, mov- word of the Lord Almighty: The time will surely come ing forward even when opposition tries to hide the Gos- when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers pel light under a basket of intimidation. have stored up until this day, will be carried off to If you are not currently part of our prayer family, now Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. And some may be the time. Won't you ask Him right now what of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will your part should be, and join us in reaching beyond the be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become shadows of opposition with the light of the Lord. eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon'" (Isa. 39:2-7). One hundred thirty years later, Isaiah's prophecy to El Yes, I want to uphold ABMJ, making this ministry part Hezekiah was literally fulfilled. "He brought up against of my prayers each day. them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young El Please find enclosed my gift of $ in men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither support of ABMJ's missionaries. young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God

handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar. He carried NAME (Please Print) to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both

large and small, and the treasures of the Lord's temple STREET ADDRESS and the treasures of the king and his officials" (2 Chr. 36:17, 18) (italics added). CITY STATE ZIP

JULY 1985 13 Abrahamic Covenant and that there will be a return. These verses are the basis of the attack of many "But you, 0 Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have historians on the historical trustworthiness of the claim chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took that Isaiah wrote the entire Book of Isaiah. Such proph- you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I ecies are not considered possible by those who deny the called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen supernatural content of the Scriptures. you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am One who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ should have no with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will difficulty believing that the Holy Spirit could predict by strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my name the person and ministry of any man. The Scriptures righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:8-10). identify the names of eight men: Ishmael (Gen. 16:11), Isaiah gave many minute details of events that would Isaac (Gen. 17:19), Solomon (1 Chr. 22:9), Josiah (1 Ki. accompany the restoration of Jerusalem and the return 13:2), Cyrus (Isa. 44:28), Immanuel (Isa. 7:14), John the from exile. "This is what the Lord says: . . . I am the Baptist (Lk. 1:13), and Jesus (Mt. 1:21). Lord, . . . who carries out the words of his servants and The passage from Isaiah 44 and 45 gives other evidence fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of of the trustworthiness of the prophetic Scriptures. Note Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the towns of Judah, the words, "Who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I 'They shall be built,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore will dry up your streams— (Isa. 44:27) and "to open them,' who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I will doors before him so that gates will not be shut" (Isa. dry up your streams,' who says of Cyrus, 'He is my 45:1). shepherd and I will accomplish all that I please; he will "The river Euphrates, which passed through Babylon, say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, was walled on each side. Brass gates in these walls were "Let its foundations be laid."' This is what the Lord says the entrances to the city. On the night that Belshazzar to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of was killed (Dan. 5:30), those gates had carelessly been to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their left open. The Medes (44:27) turned the course of the armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be river and, marching along the dried river bed, entered the shut" (Isa. 44:24, 26-45:1). city and finally conquered it." How minutely God literally fulfilled the predictions of Pilgrim edition of The Holy Bible, p. 924. Isaiah during the exile! In this passage, Cyrus was named The Prophecy by Isaiah was a treasure that both "shepherd" and "anointed." Isaiah also prophesied Nebuchadnezzar didn't destroy. It was one of the Books that he will be the one who would order Jerusalem and of Prophecy that comforted the exiles in Babylon. These the Temple to be rebuilt. Isaiah predicted these events 100 books motivated the Israelites' faithfulness to God, and years before the fact, even giving the name of the king they returned to the land a different people. In our next who would be the king of a different nation and who lesson, we will study the transforming effect that the would be both "anointed" and "shepherd." prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel had on the exiles.

tion against the estate, claiming that amount available for distribution. MAKING YOUR they should inherit Sarah's assets Since such a regrettable claim might under the law of intestacy. In their be initiated against anyone's estate, WISHES KNOWN petition to the probate court, they those with similar intentions as Sarah's Sarah, a long-time supporter of claimed that she "had been influenced should discuss with their attorney Jewish missions, left her substantial by parties unknown who were adverse what they might do to attempt avoid- estate in equal shares to ABMJ/ to their relationship." Further, they ing such a contest of their wishes. Chosen People Ministries and three claimed she must have been mentally Also, we could suggest how our other Christian organizations, one be- incompetent at the time her will was friends might arrange deferred gifts to ing her church. She had borne no chil- executed since her entire estate was be- this ministry in order to reduce the dren and had no close relatives, but queathed to Christian organizations! likelihood of such an incident. her attorney nonetheless had wisely Fortunately, that petition was dis- If you are interested in exploring inserted the customary will clause missed without merit, and the execu- this subject further, please write the stating that she was purposely omit- tor was allowed to distribute the estate President, ABMJ/Chosen People Min- ting bequests to any existing relatives. as Sarah had planned. However, istries, P.O. Box 2000, Orangeburg, Nonetheless, an uncle and a second many months of delay were caused by NY 10962. Kindly include your phone cousin, neither of whom had con- the relatives' frivolous petition. More number so we might contact you tacted Sarah for several years, could important, the estate incurred extra privately. If you prefer, you may not be dissuaded from jointly engaging expense defending the validity of phone the President's office at (914) another attorney and bringing an ac- Sarah's will, thereby reducing the 359-8535.

14 THE CHOSEN PEOPLE By GARY DERECHINSKY Questions and Answers

QUESTION: When do the Jewish of Justice delays it, why do we await ciples in Antioch doing the work of people believe the Messiah will come? it?—To be rewarded [for hoping], as evangelism in the name of Christ it is written, blessed are all they that wait became known as Christians after ANSWER: Rabbis throughout the for him." Him. centuries have speculated as to the The twelfth principle of the thirteen The term Christian denotes those time of Messiah's coming. However, principles of faith formulated by R. who are adherents of Christ, or those the authoritative Orthodox position Moses Maimonides, and to which all who belong to Him. This word is on the subject is that no one knows Orthodox Jews must adhere, states: "I based on the proper name Christos when the Messiah will come. We read believe with perfect faith in the coming meaning "Messiah," and thus charac- in the Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin Messiah, and though he tarry, I will terizes all those who are partisan to 97b; "Blasted be the bones of those wait daily for his coming." Jesus as the promised Messiah. This who calculate the end. For they would term, based on the use of a proper say, since the predetermined time has name, is analogous to the word Hero- arrived, and yet he has not come, he QUESTION: Why were the followers dian, which described the followers will never come. But [even so], wait of Jesus called Christians? of Herod (Mt. 22:16; Mk. 12:3). for him, as it is written, Though he tarry, ANSWER: The term Christian occurs Why these disciples were called wait for him. Should you say, We look only three times in the New Testa- Christians at this particular juncture forward [to his coming] but He does ment: Acts 11:26; 26:28, and 1 Peter is unclear. Calvin suggests several not: therefore Scripture saith, And 4:16. Acts 11:26 states, ". . . and the possibilities. "Whether it were be- therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be disciples were first called Christians cause at Antioch much people was gracious unto you, and therefore will he be in Antioch." grown together into one body, as well exalted, that he may have mercy upon you. The Greek verb krematisay trans- of Jews and Gentiles, or whether it But, since we look forward to it, and He lated "were called" literally means "to were because the church might be bet- does likewise, what delays [his coal- handle a matter" or "to transact ter ordered in time of peace; or ing]?—The Attribute of Justice delays business." To transact business in the because they were more bold to con- it. (Ed. note: Because we are not yet name of someone is to be known by fess their faith" is not stated. worthy of it.) But since the Attribute that person's name. Thus, the dis-

For more information about introducing your Jewish friends to the Messiah, please contact a regional director near you WESTERN USA SOUTHWESTERN MIDWESTERN USA SOUTHEASTERN NORTHEASTERN USA WESTERN CANADA USA CENTRAL CANADA USA EASTERN CANADA

Dr. Daniel Goldberg Dr. Rocky Freeman Mr. John Bell Mr. Larry Jaffrey Mr. Sam Nadler 20442 Sherman Way 3417 Hulen 6057 N. Kedzie Ave. P.O. Box 2303 250 West 57th St. Canoga Pk., CA 91306 Suite 124 Chicago, IL 60659 Reston #230 New York 8181884-8245 Fort Worth, TX 76107 312/338-5959 VA 22090 NY 10107 817/731-6991 703/471-0163 212/757-6716

JULY 1985 15 N GOD'S WAITING ROOM

Now through special arrangement with Moody Press, we are proud to offer Dr. Lehman Strauss's newly published IN GOD'S WAITING ROOM IN GOD'S for 20% off the list price . . . only $3.95. Last month many of our Chosen People readers were blessed and comforted by Dr. Lehman Strauss's article WAITING ROOM "In God's Waiting Room." At that time, Dr. Strauss graciously allowed us to condense and excerpt some of Learning Through Suffering his previously published material for The Chosen People.

LEHMAN STRAUSS

This valuable book is the tender, sensitive account of the ups and downs, the patience, and the victory in knowing God's love in times of need. After preaching many years on the Christian's response to sickness and suffering, Lehman Strauss has had to learn firsthand about the afflic- tion God allows for His own. Dr. Strauss felt for himself the agony of helplessness and despair when his wife, Elsie, suffered a severe stroke. Dr. Strauss's willingness to bare his own feelings, and his expert exposition of key Scripture passages on suffering, will encourage every Christian who is called upon to spend time in God's waiting room. Lehman Strauss has been preaching and teaching GOd's Word for more than fifty years. He has written several books, including The End of This Present World and Sense and Nonsense About Prayer.

LEHMAN STRAUSS Now due to popular demand for this important title, Moody Press has just published the all-new edition with revised and additional new material by Dr. Strauss. You won't want to miss the opportunity to own ABMJ/CHOSEN PEOPLE MINISTRIES this unique volume at a sizable discount. BOX 2000, ORANGEBURG, NEW YORK 10962 A wonderful gift too—isn't there someone you know who could benefit from experi- 0 Please send me copies of Dr. Lehman Strauss's IN GOD'S encing the "God of all comfort" at this WAITING ROOM (B107). I enclose $3.95 for each copy. I understand this price time? also includes postage. Chapter titles include "God Is in Con- NAME trol;' "The Arrows of the Almighty," "In ADDRESS Time of Need;' and "The God of All CITY STATE ZIP Comfort." A785 Foreign postage invoiced at current rate. All monies due in U.S. currency! El MOODY PRESS E THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST A MINISTRY OF MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE