What Every Christian Should Know About The Jewish People

Matt 23:39 For I say to you, In no way shall you see Me from now on, until you say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Psa. 118:26


This is what Jesus said to the Jews after He had wept over Jerusalem crying out how He desired nothing less than to gather her children under His wings like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But the Sanhedrin was not willing for that to happen. How deeply Jesus desired them to be willing.

I watched a Day of Discovery program in 2009 which had a Messianic Jew featured. He explained that Jews are ingrained with so much of the Old Testament without the benefit of any knowledge of the New Testament. This is one reason why Jews cannot accept Jesus as the Son of God. He explained so much else as well. The Jews have a perception that the Messiah must be perfect and without sin, yet Jesus went to the cross and willingly accepted the sin of the world. This is a huge roadblock to their understanding.

Sheryl Young has written a book called What Every Christian Should Know About The Jewish People. It sounds so fascinating and is on my list of books to read. I am so excited about this book that I am posting this before I read it because I want you to read it, too.

Why is it imperative for every Christian to gain a fresh, love-filled perspective toward the Jewish people today? What makes a person consider him or herself Jewish? And the question usually on every Christian's mind: Do Jewish people really need to be “converted”? In Sheryl Young’s book, “What Every Christian Should Know About the Jewish People,” are answers to these questions and many more! Come discover the key to building bridges between the only two faiths who believe in the one true God.

Even if you don’t know any Jewish people, maybe you've wondered why it's so hard for them to accept the Gospel. Or you want to know how our two religions can work together in these times of renewed anti-Semitism and anti-Christianity. Who better to explain this than a Jewish person who has found Jesus as her Lord and Savior?

When Sheryl's husband gave his life to Jesus, she thought, "How can I, a girl from a Jewish family, be married to a Christian?" She set out to prove the Gospel wrong. But the moment she really studied the Old Testament and dared to compare it with the New, everything changed. She fell in love with “Yeshua,” saw her Jewish heritage with new appreciative eyes, and realized the two could fit perfectly together.

Sheryl has been a “Jewish believer in Jesus” since 1987. She wrote this book for Christians to answer the many questions Christians have asked her over the years about Judaism, the Jewish peoples’ culture, faith, and why Jewish people are hesitant to accept the Gospel message of Christ as their true Messiah.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin

I have just spent a delightful week with Jane and the editors of Bethany House. It is called the Insight Edition. It was with great anticipation that I opened the pages of this book for I had never read it before. I had only watched the movies which lent me great enjoyment. I knew, having read other Austin classics that the novel would be much better than the movies, and Jane (and her story) proved to be a most amiable companion.

What sets this edition apart from any other, except Pride and Prejudice, is the wealth of added information from a Regency historical aspect, tidbits of opinion which evidenced delightful humor, and movie trivia. I even learned there was a S&S under the sea movie which I had heretofore never heard.

Astoundingly, I was somewhat surprised at myself because I truly enjoyed someone else's pain and agony for a change of pace. For fully 30 chapters, Marianne was just as full of passion and sensibility at Willoughby's disgraceful treatment of her as any movie depicted. Elinor was just as full of suppressed passion and sense as the movies depicted her, and of course Mrs. Dashwood was so much more sensible than Mrs. Benton of P&P fame, which made for quite satisfying reading without the frustration of stupidity.

If you do not have a copy of Sense and Sensibility for your library, I suggest you pick up this copy. It is well worth the money and is quite a satisfying read. It is available for purchase here. Also at bookstores.

Jane Austen, daughter of a clergyman, is the beloved author of some of the most acclaimed fiction of all time. Though writing about provincial life in late-18th century England, she captured timeless themes that transcend centuries and languages. Almost as popular today as ever, Austen is undoubtedly the most influential female novelist ever.

A Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

This second in the Acts of Faith Series is truly a work of art. I love everything that T. Davis Bunn has written. He has a flow to his writing that draws the reader in and he paints the imagination with words and phrases which makes it so easy to read. Add his ability to that of Janette Oke's romantic largess and you have a wonderful read. This is well worth the money and it is a keeper.

Even though this is the second novel in the series, you do not feel like you've walked into the middle of a movie or that the story opens in the middle. Almost before you realize it the story of Ananias and Sapphira unfolds.  Peter, James, Stephen, and all the others have cameos and you find yourself smiling because the way they are depicted you think, "Ah, yes. That is how I pictured them."

I found the second one so much better than the first one was. This story runs smoothly like a well-tuned, high performance car. It is fresh and breezy as if you've let the top down and the sun is warmly caressing you as you speed down the storyline. You can purchase it here.

ABOUT the STORY...

In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored. Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling Church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.

Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen?

Mission Possible

Brief Author Bio

Deborah began her journey of creative writing soon after coming to know Jesus as her personal savior in 1989.  She uses her spiritual gifts of encouragement and teaching in her home church.  She also enjoys in-depth bible study in her personal time, and is a small business owner of over twenty years.  Her love of the Holy scripture and bible study are evident in her poetry and literary works.  She and her husband attend Hibernia Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, and reside in Fleming Island, Florida.  Her primary goal is to share her personal testimony with others while bringing hope and practical help through her books.

 Intro

           Mission Possible is a unique book in the Christian marketplace.  It addresses a subject that is often overlooked and misunderstood.  It is a candid look at my struggles and quest to reach my husband for Christ.  I became a believer seven years into our marriage.  It is written as I have lived it, and applies scripture and biblical context to each chapter.   The book has bible study application questions at the end of each section, as well as three self-reflection points to help the reader “digest” what they have read.  Mission Possible was nominated for Christian Small Publisher’s Assoc. Book of the Year Award for 2009.

Mini-Interview

Tell us a little about your background.

  I grew up in a Navy family and moved frequently as a child.  I married my first husband right out of high school.  That marriage ended in divorce four years later. I remarried in 1982 (to my current husband) and we’ll be married 28 years in January 2010.  Seven years into our marriage, I gave my life to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

What inspired you to write this influential book?

 

  I was involved with a local intercessory prayer group at the time, and was prompted by God during prayer to write down what He was conveying to me about my husband and his salvation.  It was quite literally written while inspired, and without much effort on my part.  I just typed on the computer as He led me to bible verses and topics to talk about.  I remember writing down the names of the (7) chapters during prayer time on a tablet - just looking at them afterwards in awe.  It was quite

a moving experience. 

What primary advice do you have for women who are married to "non-believing" husbands?

  I think the most important advice is to have faith in Who God Is and His sovereignty.  We can't "pre-package" our spouse's conversion experience, and God will always do what will bring Him the "most glory".  We also have to remember that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood.  Our spouse (if unsaved) isn't governed by God's Spirit - so we have to release them from that accountability.  We must have faith that rests in God and not in our own understanding, or by sight!

What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?

  I have had great reaction to my little book.  Some women love it because it is not lengthy, and they can read it quickly - yet refer back to it over & over again.  One woman emailed me a testimony that she was nearly ready to leave her husband, but after reading the book, felt that God was leading her to give her marriage another try.  That was very humbling and gratifying for me.  I just want to help women see that there is an alternative to being miserable in an unequally yoked marriage.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?

  I would love readers to discover that God has a plan for each marriage that is in spiritual disunity.  It involves us, but it is always done HIS WAY!  I want readers to know that it is a process that evolves over time, that we must not put Him (God) in a box, but give Him room to move in our spouse's life.  They need to know that because we are not perfect and continue to sin, that satan will harass us (women) and try to influence us to believe that our "mission" is not possible - but with God, all things are possible!

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

  Just that I know how difficult it is to be married to a spouse who doesn't share your love and devotion to the Lord Jesus.  I, like many of my readers, get frustrated and disillusioned, but I know God has perfect timing and our best interests at heart overall.  He wants our spouses to come to a saving knowledge of Him and embrace a future together that brings glory to Him. 

How can our readers learn more about you and contact you directly?

 

  They can visit my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com or email me at deb@alabasterboxpublishing.com  They can also visit my Blog page at www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com.  My book is available on my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com or at www.Amazon.com , and several other online retailers.  I have my book available in (4) different forms:  as a trade paperback, audio book on CD, downloadable MP-3 format, and as an E-Book.

Connecting Peace, Purpose, and Prosperity by Rob Severson

Rob Severson's sage wisdom expressed in this compact book will help others to see how giving up manipulative control, forgiveness, and being others-centered leads to a life full of peace and purpose. (Paraphrase of the first paragraph.)

Severson says in the preface that he wrote this for his children not to tell them how to live their lives, but to pass along the fundamentals of survival. I believe he managed that purpose. Even though this isn't an epic by any stretch of imagination, it is packed with wisdom and examples of how choices we make affect our lives. I wish I'd had this book when I was twenty. I don't know that it would have made a drastic change in my choices and decisions, but learning from other's mistakes as well as successes is so much easier than the hard-knock experience.

This is not an in-your-face Christian book. He doesn't preach at you or beg to to "find Jesus". However, Severson does draw you closer to Biblical principles and this helps you to see how those principles can alter a life when applied to the decision making process.

There are two pages in this book than need to be expanded into a text book for employees and employers. Developing Transferable Skills, in my opinion, has the absolute best advice and is worth the whole cost of this Surviors Guide and Memoir. Managing and improving our skill sets yields an excellent payoff in our ever changing job market. If employers could just recognize that round pegs really do fit into square holes if the square is just a bit broader than the peg. I believe a lot more people would be at work today if employers would broaden the hole that needs to be filled with some creative thinking and application.

This is a keeper and needs to find a place on your bookshelf. To order go to Severson's book page.

Rob Severson has run a successful financial consulting business for more than 18 years. When not working or volunteering, Rob enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, making new connections, and trying on new hats. He lives with his wife Judy in Deephaven, Minnesota.http://www.robseverson.com/book/