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Post by alon on Jun 7, 2013 9:47:30 GMT -8
What kinds of outreach programs are you or your synagogue involved in?
I've asked, and around here the focus is in getting mainstream folks to convert. What about the lost I the community? How do we go about reaching them? Or do we even want to bother?
From what I've seen, those in mainstream who make the change are the ones who were smart enough to see some things were not adding up. They were already looking, so why put all our efforts into reaching them?
Does anyone know of any good messianic resource material for a study group? It would have to pretty much conform to the statement of faith on this site. If I can find the people to do it, I'd like to start a Shabbat home meeting. Thanx.
Dan C
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Post by Frank T. Clark on Jun 7, 2013 13:32:29 GMT -8
We need to reach all. Those close and those afar. I am surprised you are having problems finding material. The Internet is loaded with options. There is some nonsense and some good. My personal ministry focuses on those very close (Seventh-day Adventists) who already accept the Sabbath and some of the  . It is very tough to get them to go the rest of the way. I find it a good community to worship with, ignoring or confronting (as gently as possible) the occasional error. They claim to follow the Bible so carefully that it is easy to quote scripture that makes them think. So close and yet so far. |
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Post by messianicmama on Jun 7, 2013 13:41:09 GMT -8
Biblically, I think the concept of evangelism was to reach those whom you personally know, live an example, and when they express interest, share. Then, once they've"converted," bring then to the congregation. Biblically, the synagogue wasn't a place to bring nonbelievers. I only know of one Messianic congregation that operates that way anymore.
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Post by Frank T. Clark on Jun 7, 2013 13:50:27 GMT -8
Definite agreement on the ideal evangelism. I live, work, and attend church with those I am working to reach. It is so easy to get started because of God's perfect witness specified in Number 15:37-41. I also try to use the Internet as much as possible to reach out to all. I am only a search result away from an opportunity to witness to a seeker for truth.
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Post by alon on Jun 8, 2013 13:49:52 GMT -8
... The Internet is loaded with options. There is some nonsense and some good. ... Yes, and therein lies the problem. Sorting the nonsense (and worse) from the good can be a massive undertaking, which I generally tend to get wrong more than right. Was just wondering if any of you had any recommendations. The other problem is, as I hinted at, most of the outreach I've see here is to convert mainstream folks. Not being harsh on the Messianics here; they are just now starting to establish themselves in the region. My guess is this is the quickest way to build a base. I'm involved in three ministries through a mainstream (AoG) church. However I'd like to start channeling more effort into Messianic outreach. Just looking and cogitating right now, so thought I'd ask. Dan C |
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Post by Yedidyah on Jun 9, 2013 11:43:04 GMT -8
A good way for a home study is to find a teaching on what you want to talk about and go through the bible on the subject along with the teaching. I have been talking to some others at the Synagogue about creating a home study program but it is only talk at the moment. Our Synagogue's main focus is reaching the Jewish community. There is no reason one has to give up being Jewish to be a follower of Messiah. We try to make it a comfortable place for anyone Jewish or anyone with interest in the . We do the prayers in Hebrew and hold to many of the Traditional Jewish Shabbat service traditions and prayers. The only difference between our Synagogue and the Jewish ones down the street is we see Yeshua as the promised Messiah  If I find anything else Dan I will let you know. Shalom to everyone! Yedidyah |
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Post by smashingjerry on Jun 9, 2013 18:28:22 GMT -8
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tonga
Full Member
Posts: 243
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Post by tonga on Jun 11, 2013 9:49:52 GMT -8
The only difference between our Synagogue and the Jewish ones down the street is we see Yeshua as the promised Messiah Yedidyah What is the affiliation of the shul down the street? And when you say there is no difference, are you speaking theologically or ritually? |
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Post by Yedidyah on Jun 11, 2013 16:05:02 GMT -8
The only difference between our Synagogue and the Jewish ones down the street is we see Yeshua as the promised Messiah Yedidyah What is the affiliation of the shul down the street? And when you say there is no difference, are you speaking theologically or ritually? Whenever you have any group of people no two will agree 100% on everything. With that said there a few other Synagogues that all have there own way of doing things. I would have to say we have some of both theologically and ritually along with traditions that would make any Jewish person coming from say a Chabad background would find to be a comfortable place to spend a Shabbat. We are not all Orthodox but find the beauty that can be found within the Talmud and other sages. My point is that we do not teach against Jewish theology for it was the Jews that were entrusted with the oracles of Hashem so I think we can learn allot from our brothers as well as presenting Yeshua as the promised Messiah. Think about it, what has most of the christian churches been doing to make anyone jealous? It should be something that humbles us and challenges us to live in a way to brings glory to the Father. Shalom, Yedidyah |
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Post by Yedidyah on Jun 25, 2013 18:36:26 GMT -8
I did want to add that we do worship with guitars and other instruments so we are not Orthodox which could be a hindrance to some more Orthodox Jewish standards.
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Post by Frank T. Clark on Jun 26, 2013 10:11:44 GMT -8
Isn't it  that there are so many relatively little things that divide the family of God? On the other hand isn't it shocking the huge differences in Biblical understanding, which divide the family of God? This is the subject of much prayer for me. I am reminded of a parable. Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. |
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Post by Yedidyah on Jun 26, 2013 16:40:29 GMT -8
Isn't it that there are so many relatively little things that divide the family of God? On the other hand isn't it shocking the huge differences in Biblical understanding, which divide the family of God? This is the subject of much prayer for me. I am reminded of a parable. Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. I would agree it is . Those who are willing to search for truth will find it, I honestly believe that. |
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Post by alon on Jun 26, 2013 19:14:01 GMT -8
... Those who are willing to search for truth will find it, I honestly believe that. Jer 29:13 When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly; Mat 7:7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Agree some divisions are . Minor divisions on halakah are no problem, but the divisions on issues that are clearly laid out in the Bible because some place traditions equal to scripture are the ones that are not good. Deu 12: 29 "When ADONAI your God has cut off ahead of you the nations you are entering in order to dispossess, and when you have dispossessed them and are living in their land; 30 be careful, after they have been destroyed ahead of you, not to be trapped into following them; so that you inquire after their gods and ask, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I want to do the same.' 31 You must not do this to ADONAI your God! For they have done to their gods all the abominations that ADONAI hates! They even burn up their sons and daughters in the fire for their gods! 32 "Everything I am commanding you, you are to take care to do. Do not add to it or subtract from it. Dan C |
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Post by alon on Jul 16, 2013 16:49:29 GMT -8
I am being asked to step up the ministries I am involved in at the AoG church where I go after Shabbat. Honestly, I see God working in these ministries. Conversely, there is no real interest in a Messianic studies group here. Some have said they are, but they never show up. My quandary is that it would be confusing to give two messages, especially to new believers and the lost. And I won't lie if asked what I believe. But I really have to tone it down when I do talk about Messianism, and often just have to back out of the conversation and leave it with their doctrine. The ministries I'm involved with are : - Chronic disabilities- I work with, help provide support and information for the disabled and their caregivers. I also lead a Bible study each month geared to the group. I'm being asked to hold more meetings and include people from the substance addiction ministry.
- Men's ministry- I'm committed to help with two very powerful ministries, which are both time consuming and require a lot of effort. Possibility of a third, and the qualified workers are few. I'm signed up to go for more training this fall.
- Jail ministry- I was actually looking at this as an opportunity to share the word from a Messianic perspective and see where it took me. But if I do it through the AoG and their contacts, this wouldn't be right or honorable. And this would be the most difficult to not cross the line as it would be one on one. Honestly, I think I'm going to have to tell them no on this one. And I don't know if I'll have the time to do it on my own either; but the possibility is out there.
The main thing in all is the salvation message. I won't interfere with this nor get into doctrinal disputes when this is on the table. I do stress repentance, trust and working out your salvation when I give this message. However even here I have to be careful, as there are some who will want to argue that "salvation is not by works !!!" I guess, if it's more important for them to be 'right' than for someone to come to the Lord ... But this is where I've been put, so I guess I'll just have to learn to deal with it. Dan (just really wonderin' "  ") C |
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tonga
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Post by tonga on Jul 18, 2013 22:58:35 GMT -8
I find this interesting. Why do you feel the need to convert traditional Christians? Do you feel they must accept the laws in order to be "saved"? Doesn't their belief in Jesus as the savior/messiah grant them salvation? |
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- there are 70 faces to 
that there are so many relatively little things that divide the family of God?
") C
