By: Sondra Baras
Tuesday May 1, 2018
As I write this newsletter, I am on a plane from Dallas to Tuscon, during the early days of a speaking tour in the US. As always, I spent Shabbat with the Jewish community, praying in a local synagogue. Everyone was so friendly and people were eager to learn who I was and where I was from. When I told them that I was in Dallas to speak to Christians and that I was moving on to other cities in the US for the same purpose, they were intrigued. While they have all heard of the burgeoning awareness and support that Israel receives from American Christians, for many, this was the first time they had met someone who is actually involved in this work.
One fellow expressed surprise that Christians would be able to connect to Jews. His question focused on the theological aspects. And I understood exactly where he was coming from.
He referenced the ages-old accusation of the church that the Jews had killed Jesus and that Christianity had supplanted Judaism. Against that context, he was perfectly right to question how Christians could have a relationship with Jews if they think that we have no legitimacy as a religion or as a people.
I agreed with him that those in Christianity who continue to believe in replacement theology or who continue to blame the Jewish people for the death of Jesus could not connect with Jews. But what he was not aware of and what I explained to him was the large number of Christians all over the world, including whole denominations, who have rejected replacement theology and who refuse to blame the Jews for Decide.
Christians all over the world, I explained, are seeking a more authentic Christianity. Unlike Catholics who for centuries were discouraged from reading the Bible, Christian Zionists are coming from traditions that encourage the individual Christian to read the Bible and seek understanding from the plain meaning of the text. As I remind my Christian friends in my talks, 80% of the Christian Bible is the Jewish Bible — what a wonderful basis that is for cooperation and respect!
Interestingly, the days before this encounter in the synagogue, I had occasion to meet and speak with a number of Christian leaders who support Israel. In the course of conversation, one of the pastors that I was talking to mentioned his own search for meaning in Christianity by exploring the Jewish roots of his faith. Over and over I heard people talking about finding the original Christianity, the one that most closely connected to what Jesus taught before it was changed, or corrupted by the Roman church. It is well known that Constantine introduced rabid anti-Semitism into Christianity in the 4th century, together with a number of other changes that introduced pagan elements to Christianity.
As I reflect on these various conversations, with Jews who are trying to understand new developments in Christianity and with Christians who are trying to understand their connection to Judaism and to Jews, I realize that while the main goal of CFOIC Heartland has always been to connect Christians to Israel and specifically to Judea and Samaria, so much of what I am doing is far broader than that. I am teaching Bible to Christians. I am helping them understand how Jews read the Bible that we both share. And I am there for them to answer their questions, about Jewish beliefs, customs, life-styles and values.
I have met Christian women who are struck by our customs of modesty in dress and who have adopted some of these styles, or who just appreciate the styles that we have adopted. I have hosted Shabbat dinner programs for Christians, usually not actually on Shabbat, where I explain the religious and family values that underlie our Shabbat experiences. I have no interest in convincing Christians to become Jews or even to adopt Jewish customs. Not at all. And I would never have taught on these subjects if I had not been asked to by Christians. But what I am finding is how many Christians are looking to Jews for guidance and ideas as to how to combine faith with modern life. How to find meaning in the crazy world we all share.
I realize that most Christians who support Israel are not looking to change their life-styles and that is just fine. But I do believe that most Christians who support Israel are looking to connect to Israel and to the Jewish people in a deep and significant way. We have our theological differences and we both need to respect those differences. I have no interest in debating them in any way. But there is something so beautiful in its innocence, so heartwarming in the fundamental change that we are witnessing in the history of Christian-Jewish relations over the centuries, that we cannot remain indifferent.
It is a miracle. It is part of the redemption that we are all so sure is closer than ever. It is part of G-d’s plan to bring humanity closer to one another and to look to Him for guidance and understanding as He directs the redemption process. We may have different views of exactly how that redemption will play out, but we all know that redemption centers around the Land and People of Israel. An amazing bond connects us!
Thank you, my dearest Christian friends, for the journey you and I have been traveling on for more than 20 years. We are making history. I pray to G-d that He will give us all the strength and courage to follow this wonderful path for many years to come.
It is a miracle! His miracle, during this spectacular confluence of the ages! His awesome brooding Presence is fulfilling redemption for both Jew and Gentile, PTL!
Thank you Sondra for coming to us — we love you!
Kristina, Christian Zionist
A GREAT thanks to those helping people see through the lens!
There is also a huge Hebrew roots community emerging. Are you aware? Many who do don’t consider themselves ‘Christian’ but take a more Hebraic BIBLICAL belief and understanding to scripture. Such as Shabbat and the feasts of YHVH for all who seek Him and His ways are commanded to keep.
HALLELUYAH He is bringing order back to humanity for those who will embrace the Truth.
I have visited you in 2012, since then I have been following your weekly reports. I must tell you that most of the Christians in Sri Lanka wants to linkup with Isrelites-our Christan roots with the Isrelites. Gospels tell us we are grafted to the Olive tree. We totally reject the replacement theology. We both are waiting for the Meshia, lets be patience till then- He will reveal more things.
Shalome
Nihal
I came to your place with Ps Shauka
The work you are doing is a blessing to many! After meeting you in Israel last year, I met you again in Dallas at the 70th anniversary dinner banquet. I’m sure you don’t remember me as you meet so many people, but just know I appreciate your work and pray for God to bless you in all that you do. I’m a Christian, though I have a hard time calling myself that, as I don’t agree with most of what are considered Christian teachings. I have kept Shabbat and feast days and food laws of Lev. 11, Deut 14 my whole life, and strive to continue to follow the written Torah to the best of my understanding. It’s been a tremendous blessing to my life and my family. Praise HaShem for his wonderful Torah. Blessings to you! Lisa
That was a beautiful letter, it brought tears to my eyes to see how God is showing us love for one another in such a trouled and confused world today. Keep up the good work Sondra you are such a blessing to so many.
love you, Sharon (Leviah Yehudah Ben David)
We are so pleased to have met you about 20 years ago in Dr Young’s Taiwanese Church, Cupertino, Ca and have supported your great mission to have more BIBLE-BELIEVING BELIEVERS to know the TRUTH about the Mountains of Israel, Judea & Samaria from biblical perspective. We KNOW that the real borders of His Land will again be expanded after enemies of the Lord will again attack Israel, for He promised to return ALL the tribes to the Land of THEIR INHERITANCE. In the days of King Solomon the borders were what was COVENANTED with ABRAHAM in Genesis 15, & 17, from the River NILE to the River Euphrates. Get ready for there are at least 80 MILLION of the Tribe of Judah out of EPHRAIM (SEPHARDIM) that will someday return from where they were scattered across South & Central America, Mexico, Canada, and ESPECIALLY CALIFORNIA and other southern States of America, in addition to ISRAELITES from African nations, Burmah, India, China, etc. according to over 100 prophesies in the scriptures. There are many wonderful teachers of the Hebrew roots of the “church” spreading the TRUTH of the WORD, but it is those “JEWS” (JUDAH= Praise) IN THE Promised Land, who will bring the fulfillment to the world as the days of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
That began after the Balfour Declaration of November 1917, and increased from “partition” in Nov. 1947, and exponentially increased in 1967 after six-day war when Jerusalem was RESTORED to ISRAEL after almost 1900 years from Roman destruction of 2nd Temple. But a new chapter began in 2017 as the centennial of the Charge of Bersheba by Australian Cavalry was celebrated in Israel, That was the end of 400 years of the Ottoman Empire from 1517-1917. Unfortunately we have a Turkish madman trying to rebirth the Caliphate to which they should be evicted from Nato. Israel must be informed about the scriptures warning Israel about invasion from the land of the NORTH. It is TURKEY, NOT RUSSIA, which is disintegrating from within. Judgement for their Anti-Semitism, along with the termination of the hostile U.N,. as their 70 years were up in 2017, after the warnings of the BLOOD MOONS of 2014-2015. & also the crumbling of the E.U. (BREXIT is just the beginning), mainly since the “Quartet” that tried to divide Israel. America is more than the evil State Dept. so God has given us MERCY and an ANOINTED President, with the Wisdom of Solomon & the HEART of KING DAVID. Remember that Pres. Harry Truman turned the curses away in 1948 as FIRST to recognize the REBIRTH of ISRAEL, and now Donald John TRUMP (ISAIAH 58:1, Numbers 10:10) ISAIAH 45:1-5) is to open the American Embassy in Israel’s Eternal, UNDIVIDED Capital of YERUSHALAYIM on Solar calendar date of 70th Anniversary of Independence Day, on 14th May, 2018.
SHALOM
A wonderful article !!… What so-called Christianity lacks today is faith in G-d’s promises as recorded in what we call the Old Testament, and particularly the promises regarding Israel and the role they will play in the times of restitution. A theological difference but one priceless to me. Israel is still God’s chosen nation !!
Baruch Hashem!
Thank you so much Sondra, as I was reading your words I was reminded of the words of the prophet Zechariah where he says in chapter 8:20 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.”
23 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
You are the fulfilment of this prophetic word. Be encouraged my sister as we walk the road together.
Such a well spoken article. Enjoyed every word and wish you God-speed on your journey.
Appreciation and support for you and CFOIC.
I think that it is wonderful that Christians are supporting the Jews. It is good that you are answering their questions and helping them to understand how Jews read the scriptures. We have to continue to be on our guard for those who still want to change us or believe in replacement. I have to wonder what they do believe if they do not believe in replacement. The problem I see is that Christianity is replacement. I am puzzled. The question I ask is whether or not Jesus was a Christian or not? I say no he was not a Christian, but rather a Jew.
I just wanted to thank Sondra for the wonderful talk she gave our group (Mark Biltz’s group) in Israel last week. I’m committing to share the truth whenever and wherever I have the opportunity about the need to restore the heartland of Israel back to Israel. We look forward to the day when we can celebrate the return of the entire promised land to the Jews, may it be soon and in our lifetime!
Shalom,
Lisa Scott
Tulsa, Oklahoma
I thank you because I am one of those Christians you are talking about (however I no longer consider myself a christian in the since that most people apply the term christian) What I am is a Torah pursuant believer in Yashua the one who Christians call Jesus.
My wife and I along with others like me keep the Shabbat we also keep the feast that YAWH told us to keep. I love the Jews and without them I would not know YAWH (I say his name with the most reverence as it is his holy name above all others. I think we can say it but very carefully and always with a prayerful attitude and mind because he let us know what his name was. (I pray I am correct in this as I never want to make his name small or say it without reverence) But the Jews were not responsible for Yashua’s death. The Romans (Gentiles) are the ones who flogged, beat, spat on him, and nailed him to the tree. Even with this his words were “No man takes my life from me I gladly lay it down” I believed him to be the Passover lamb. No the Jews were not solely responsible and I don’t fault them. The mystery is he was a Jew and he stated that we as gentiles would have to be grafted in. Grafted into what grafted into Israel. Therefore I truly consider myself grafted into Israel and therefore love the people of Israel because I think of them as my brothers and sisters. Jews follow the Torah and rightfully so. Christians should but don’t. Strangely It is very difficult to do this in America because the culture is of one that does not follow. Yes difficult but not impossible. I will continue to read study and keep Shabbat, and the feasts that we were told to keep. I will also continue to strive with all my heart to follow the Torah. G-d’s holy law that he put into place for our own good. He created us and he knows what is best for us. By the way I used to be Baptist before the Holy Spirit showed me where I was wrong and led me to the truth. I have the Jews to thank for that. Keep up the good work. I am praying for you. I think that many eyes are being opened by G-d’s grace and His Spirit. I thank G-d most of all for revealing himself to me that I might also be saved.
Hi Sondra, I have met you a few times in a small town, Townsville in North Queensland in Australia. I have been to Israel four times, in love with the authenticity of my journey and my surroundings and feel so alive to be able to touch and taste what is so genuine and special to my faith. The scriptures have opened up to me, and I had a wonderful Israeli man, Michael who tried to teach us Hebrew, and took 18 months to go through Genesis. This time I treasured. Thank you for the genuine advocate that you are, you are valued and appreciated. Blessings to you and your family.
Toda rabah Sondra for reaching out to the Christian community. I always appreciate your Torah lessons and articles.
Shalom,
Susan Mello
Belmont, NH
If all goes well my husband will be making his first journey to the promised land, Israel, in Sept. Please keep us informed of your trip to Judea this Fall during Sukkot, I would love him to go to the caves where Avraham and his family are buried then to the Jewish communities.
Christianity has, since C4, ignored the Jewish Bible (what we call the Old Testament). That is the reason Christianity has lost all its savour. Israel is G-d’s favourite nation for ever. And I mean forever because the Bible says so!!
Shalom Sondra. Thank you for your newsletter. It was again both an inspiration and an encouragement. Thank you too for teaching us Christians in fulfillment of Scripture that the word of the L-RD will come forth from Zion.
I sometimes feel discouraged when I see the enormous job still to be done to combat replacement theology and anti-Semitism which so often rears its ugly head in the guise of anti-Israel within the stream of my churchmanship. But we live in hope not least because the scriptures tell us that G-D loves His people.
We send you and all the team of CFoIC special greetings for a very joyful Shavuot.
Kindest regards
David and Frank.
I have always supported Israel and the Jewish people. I am happy I found your site. God bless you and Israel!
I am an evangelical Christian. I understand Ms. Troup has devoted 22 years to Israel. At the direction of the Lord, I have written and copyrighted a Christian book a year for the past 25 years. I have identified messages from the Lord on the face of the Rosetta stone (196 B.C) 14 years “After” I started documenting these messages, I found the following on the internet. “Fireside Chat with Bob Jones-Jan 2004” Look it upon Goggle. Please respond “After” reading this Prophecy.”
God Bless,
coyocoker@hotmail.com