Month: January 2009

  • Messianic Rabbi Unknowingly Gives Tacit Evidence for Location of Modern-Day Ephraimite Stronghold (Revised 2012)

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    Messianic Rabbi Unknowingly Gives Tacit Evidence for the Location of the Modern-Day Ephraimite Stronghold

    by Aviel E. Rodriguez

     

      

    Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s ‘N.Y. Times Bestseller’ book, The Harbinger, reminds me of an old adage which says that “the fruit does not fall far from the tree”.  In other words, there’s a great likeness to be found between the child and the parent.  In relation to this statement, however, one would have to say that the Messianic Jewish movement (to which the Rabbi belongs) adamantly denies any sort of connection, whatsoever, between the “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel” (collectively known as ‘Ephraim/Israel’) and the Ephraimite or Christian Zionist movements of today. Therefore, unfortunately, within Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s excellent book, there is to be found, as well, this shortsighted and possibly biased prophetic “disconnect”.

    Nevertheless, in studying this article and its connecting ‘links’, the objective reader will- I believe- discover that the Scriptures draw for us a compelling case by which to understand that the modern-day Ephraimite, Hebraic Roots, and Christian Zionist movements are but separate embers contributing to the same flame of latter-day revival within the House of Joseph… the father of ‘Ephraim’. This is alluded to by the prophets. (Obad. 1:18; Hos. 6:1-3Zech. 8:22-23; Isa. 11:12-13; Jer. 31:4-7) In fact, I believe that Rabbi Cahn has in his book contributed greatly to this picture; although in his mind, it appears to be purely a matter of archetypes… i.e., the symbolic likeness between ancient Ephraim/Israel and ’post-911′ America. Nonetheless, by his drawing out this significant connection between the ancient Ephraimites and modern-day USA, I believe you will see that the Scriptures bare significant revelation to back the assertion that indeed America is the preeminent (chief) land of governance inhabited in its plenitude by the modern-day descendants of Ephraim/Israel. America is Ephraim’s modern-day stronghold! From its inception, America- as the Mount of ‘Ephraim’- has been in the vangaurd for the proclamation of the Gospel. It has led the world in the exporting of the ‘Good News’ to the nations (Matt. 21:42-43; John 11:53-54); but now, it has turned its back on its Maker and become as Babylon of old… purveying every sort of lust for mammon, flesh and power. Thus, bringing us to the full prophetic implication of ‘The Harbinger’. (Ps. 83:3b; Isa. 17:1, 3aJer. 50:12-13; 51:9-11)    

    Most who’ve heard Rabbi Cahn’s truly important and riveting message of ‘The Harbinger‘ are unaware that the consistent reference to ’Israel’ is, in context, alluding to the ancient people of Ephraim/Israel. They were, alternately, referred to as the ‘Northern Kingdom of Israel’ as opposed to their brethren, the ’Southern Kingdom of Judah’. The ‘Southern Kingdom of Judah’ is represented today by the Jewish people and the State of Israel. However, the Southern Kingdom (Jewish people) were not conquered by the Assyrians; nor are they the ones alluded to in the book.

    The book is alluding to those of the Northern Kingdom of Israel… a.k.a. ‘Ephraim’. This Kingdom- upon whom God pronounced judgment due to their persistent spiritual adultery- was conquered by the Assyrians and eventually became the “Ten Lost Tribes of Israel”. Moreover, this has been the hallmark of their judgment… i.e., that they would return to Egypt (i.e., figuratively… speaking of the nations… ”the world’s system”); and there, they would become scattered, mingled and ultimately absorbed into all the nations. They would entirely lose their Israelite identity. In other words, because they had so wanted to be like their foreign neighbors, it was decreed that they would become as the nations. No longer “Israel”, these people of YHWH, now, would be ‘outcast’… cast far off and become indistinguishible from the nations. They would become ’Gentiles’ (Hos. 1:9-10; Hos. 8:8-13; Amos 7:10-13; Amos 9:8-10; Jer. 31:2-6; Jer. 31:18-19, 21; Isa. 10:20-22; Mic. 5:2, 3, 7, 8); and would remain blind to their true identity for a determinant period of time. (Hos. 6:1-2); (Mic. 4:7-10)      

     

    Nevertheless, they were the sons of the beloved patriarch Joseph. As such, because of Joseph, they were promised fruitfulness, prosperity, and the gates of their enemies. (Gen. 22:17; 49:22-26). The early Pilgrim settlers of America saw themselves as ‘Israel’; and just as Ephraim is considered by many to be the 13th Tribe, curiously, the Pilgrim’s descendants went on to become part of 13 colonies that, ultimately, became the United States of America.

    I believe that Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn has in his excellent book inadvertently given us tacit, but yet, compelling evidence for the location of the modern-day Ephraimite “stronghold”.  This evidence is further contained in the two videos clips situated at the bottom.  However, before proceeding to that, I would like the reader to please consider two very pertinent understandings that I’ve derived from the Scriptures that follow.  They shall, I believe, help to further highlight the Rabbi’s unwitting, yet amazing, revelation concerning the chief, modern-day stronghold of a people known as Ephraim/Israel:  

     

    The first consideration…. “And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers [and] streams of waters [yivley mayim… from Strong’s #2988 ‘yabal’ meaning stream, watercourse; but also- it stems from Strong’s #2986 ‘yabal’- inferring the following: to bring, lead, carry, conduct, bring along] in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.” (Isaiah 30:25)

      

    THE ONLY OTHER TIME IN ALL OF SCRIPTURE where this particular grammatical form of ‘yabal’ appears again… i.e. as ‘yivley/streams’, is in the midst of the following passage from Isaiah

    “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

      

    And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses [yivley mayim… i.e., from Strong’s #2988 ‘yabal’].

      

    One shall say, I [am] YHWH’s and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto YHWH,  and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.”  (Isaiah 44:3-5)

    It would seem to me- due to their eschatological nature and their unique grammatical association in Scripture- that the two passages above are attesting to two uniquely singular and prophetic events that are tied together.  It, therefore, appears that in the prophesied “day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall“ there would be an outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) that would then begin to ‘bring’ [i.e., yabal/yivley] us along into a latter-day process of- as it were- reorientation, or better said, “re-identification”.  For the Scriptures, again, would appear to indicate that at that time there will arise in awareness three distinct groups of “blood-washesd/Spirit-filled believers”- which relates, I believe, to the following: i.e., those who say ”I am YHWH’S” (blood-washed/Spirit-filled Christians)… those who say “I am Jacob” (blood-washed/Spirit-filled Messianic Jews)… and last but not least, those who say of themselves “I am YHWH’s; and will ascribe to themselves the surname of ‘Israel’” (blood-washed/Spirit-filled Messianic Israelites…aka Ephraimites).

    The second consideration that I will offer is related to what the Prophet Isaiah tells us concerning another certain ‘last days’ scenario.  He tells us that YHWH will in the latter-days place “watchmen[Strong's #8104... literally, 'shomrim'/guardians, protectors] upon Jerusalem’s walls as guardians and ‘intercessors’ for Jerusalem and for Zion’s sakes. (Isaiah 62:1; 6-7).  It is this very prophecy which I believe we’re seeing fulfilled before our very eyes, as we see multi-denominational Christian Churches and Messianic congregations of all sorts- all over the world- enthusiastically responding to the call of becoming “watchmen” (i.e., guardians/protectors/intercessors) for the established State of Israel; and for the Jewish people worldwide.  Nevertheless, of still further interest to me is the very strong clue- as I believe it to be- that is put forth by the Prophet Jeremiah as to just who these ”watchers” or “watchmen” may specifically be.

    In both ‘Jeremiah 4:16‘ and ‘Jeremiah 31:6‘ the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) inspired Jeremiah to use an interestingly distinct hebrew word that we’ve also translated as the ”watchers” and “watchmen”- of the latter days.  I say this even though I believe that Isaiah’s watchmen and Jeremiah’s watchmen are one and the same.  What’s utterly fascinating to me, however, is that Jeremiah’s “watchers” and ”watchmen“ are both translated from the hebrew word ”notzrim” [Strong's #5341... "notzrim” in the Masoretic text] which, interestingly, is the same modern-day hebrew word for ‘christians‘.  That’s right!..Jeremiah’s word for the latter-day ‘watchmen’ is the same word that’s used by Israelis, today, when referring to Christians!  But also, by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), Jeremiah tells us that these same “watchmen” [Strong’s #5341, “notzrim”] are to be found- most curiously- ”upon the mount Ephraim“… which signifies their stronghold; the place of their principle governance from upon which they intercede on behalf of all Israel: 

     For there shall be a day, that the watchmen [notzrim/christians] upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto YHWH our Elohim.

      For thus saith YHWH [relating to these 'watchmen/notzrim']; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shoutamong the chief [just as one refers to Genesis as B'reishiyt / in the beginning; so too, b’rosh (among the chief) should, I believe, be more accurately translated as in the chief]of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O YHWH, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. (Jer. 31:6-7)

     The modern-day ‘Ephraimite movement’, and ‘Christian Zionist movement’ have their moorings in the United States.  Despite the fact that the Ephraimites and the Christian Zionists exist worldwide [as prophetically indicated in Amos 9:9 and Isaiah 11:12-13], they are, nevertheless, most prominent here within the ‘CHIEF’ of the nations, known as America!

     

    In light of all the above, I believe that “Dormant Ephraimites” abound in America.  Why do I say that?  Well, especially, because of what the Prophet Isaiah declares:

     

    I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

     

    A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; [cf. Hosea 8:11-12] 

     

    Which remain among the graves [of the Assyrian-Babylonian system], and lodge in the monuments [Strong’s #5341, notzrim], which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

     

    Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.  (Isaiah 65:2-5)

     

    In conclusion…. please consider again, if you will, that “notzrim” (watchmen) is the Hebrew word used in modern-day Israel to refer to Christians!  America has had the exalted position and destiny of being in the vanguard [the chief of the nations] in order to bring the gospel to the nations… to bring forth fruit for the ‘Kingdom’.  But, like our ancient Israelite forefathers, we’ve turned our backs on YHWH, our Maker, our King.  Yes, “Dorment Ephraimites” abound in America; and so, as it is written, “many are called, but few are chosen”.  Nonetheless, the call continues to go out to Ephraim to awaken from his slumber and to shake off his Assyrian-Babylonian grave cloths.  This harbinger’s call is coming even from the most unexpected sources.  As in the case of the unwitting Messianic Rabbi (recorded below) who tacitly provides clear and astounding evidence for recognizing the direct prophetic connection between the USA and “the mount” [or stronghold] of Ephraim as described in Jeremiah 31:6.  In so doing, he reveals the true identity of the many Christian ‘lovers of Israel’ that fill most Messianic Jewish congregations here in America and worldwide as well.

     

    I would hasten to add and emphasize that I am not advocating Anglo-Israelism, for I believe that the collective Lost Ten Tribes of Israel are scattered worldwide.  However, I do believe, as stated above, that the USA is at present the prophetic “stronghold of Ephraim”.

     

    In light of all the above, please listen to Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s amazing prophetic declarations which demonstrate that for America and its abounding “Dormant Ephraimites”, indeed, “the fruit has not fallen far from the tree”.  His message is presented in the following two videos:   

     ‘It’s Supernatural’_Sid Roth & Guest/Rabbi Jonathan Cahn (speaking on ‘The Harbinger’_Pt. 1)

     

    Rabbi Jonathan Cahn with Sid Roth_Pt. 2… ‘Harbinger: The Shaking’

     

    See a curious ‘Ezekiel Sticks’ mission to NYC just after ’911′.  

    Also, watch as an Orthodox Jew reveals a hidden mystery to a Christian in the last moments of this linked video… i.e., concerning the return of ‘Ephraim’.

    Finally, learn more about “Ezekiel’s Two Sticks”; and how they, actually, represent the Two Houses of Israel!

  • Signs Of The Times!

    Signs Of The Times!

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    Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matt. 24:29-30)

    We’ve seen some pretty world shaking financial and political events occur with the inception of this new Jewish Calendar year.  Is the Biblical calendar, in conjunction with a set of recent and exactly calculable future celestial events, in fact telling us that we are indeed about to enter the “great tribulation” aka “the time of Jacob’s trouble”?  Is YHWH indeed presently warning His people of the fast approaching endtime “tribulation” just as He indicates that He would [Gen. 1:14]… i.e., through advance notice by way of signs in the sun and the moon? 

    Check out these fascinating videos below.  Rabbi/Pastor Mark Biltz reports his

    amazing discovery concerning signs in the sun and the moon that would seem to serve as demarcation lines or “book ends” [if you will] that specifically cordon off this coming seven-year period beginning now in late 2008 and stretching through to late 2015.  Are these, amongst many other signs, also heralding the return of Yeshua?  See for yourself.

     

    Mark Biltz; Blood Moons And Solar Eclipses_Part 1

     

    Mark Biltz; Blood Moons And Solar Eclipses/9th of Av_Part 2

                      

                     

    *** Don’t forget to keep in mind, Pastor Biltz’ statement, that these three consecutive years… i.e., 2008, 2009, and 2010 will all see a complete or partial solar eclipse fall on the exact same day… on the first of Av in each of those years.  We’ve already had the first one back in August; and we are now experiencing some very turbulent times.

    Hebraically, a sign that manifests in the sun is considered a bad omen for the nations.  Conversely, a sign that manifests in the moon bodes ill for Israel.  Therefore, as stated earlier, and on the basis of Hebraic interpretation, it would appear that the seven year period- beginning from the latter end of 2008 through to the end of the Fall feasts of 2015- has been cordoned off with some special significance.  Let the “wise virgins” take heed.

                    Lunar Chart_Mark Biltz

    Click on the following to see some amazing corroborative evidence: 

    Daniel’s Timeline (Prophecy)

    Shalom

  • An Ephraimite Speaks Out Regarding Messianic Jewish Bias Against ‘Ephraimites’

    An Ephraimite Speaks Out Regarding Messianic Jewish Bias Against ‘Ephraimites’

     by Aviel E. Rodriguez

     

        sad-face  

    The Sad truth is that, generally, people tend to evaluate and judge matters on a very superficial level… all too often, on the basis of appearances and emotions. As a matter of fact, ‘Madison Avenue’ has counted upon this particular human proclivity for decades with respect to their prime target… i.e., ‘the American Consumer’. Yes, the public’s inclination to ’superficially appraise’ things has enabled Madison Avenue to rake in decades of massive revenues. Revenues obtained by their alluring and seductive promises to endow the consumer with  some sort of power, sex-appeal, security, love, acceptance… or whatever; and all by means of the product that they happen to be advertising. 

     

    Madison Avenue counts on the ‘passive mentality’ of the American Consumer to accept their claims as authoritative. However, what if Madison Avenue had to suddenly deal with a vast new breed of ‘knowledgable’ American Consumers? I believe that then the chances of maintaining the status quo would be greatly diminished.  Their profits would take a sharp dive in very short order.  Nonetheless, let us in additon consider- in relation to this illustration- that though a manufacturer’s intentions and advertising might be sincere his product, nevertheless, may be faulty and lacking in its promised results.

     

    You may be wondering what does any of this have to do with the topic of ‘Messianic Jewish Bias Against ’Ephraimites’? Well, there is a slogan that’s popular in Messianic circles today. It is, essentially, propagated as “Jew and Gentile… One in Messiah… One new man.” It is definitely promoted from the pulpits; and often advertised on televison by a particular Messianic ministry.

     

    Please understand that I wholeheartedly believe that my Messianic Jewish brethren have the very best of hopes and sincere intentions when they go about promotiing this slogan; and of course, that the slogan is rooted in Scripture:

    For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

    Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace… (Eph. 2:14-15)

    However, they consistently fail to notice that the Apostle Paul prefaced that statement by declaring to his hearers that they were once “Gentiles” (strangers to the covenants and the commonwealth of Israel); and concluded in declaring that they were now full-fledged citizens in the ‘Israel of God’. This is an ‘Ephraimite’ perspective.

     

    Unfortunately, Messianic Judaism’s promotion of the “one new man” Gospel truth has been tinged by an essential ’Dispensational‘ belief, namely, that the Church and Israel are two separate entities. Consequently, Messianic Judaism’s ’interpretation’ and subsequent pronouncement of this particular Gospel truth becomes– due their interpolation vis-a-vis Dispensationalism– fraught with what I’ve come to call “Messianic double-speak”. In a nutshell, despite the pronouncement that “Jew and Gentile are one in Messiah…one new man”… nevertheless, in the same breath- so to speak- they’ll declare that the Jewish people are God’s ‘Chosen People’; but, Gentile Believers are part of Christ’s “Called-Out Assembly”…??? Moreover, many Messianic Jews rejoice in declaring that Yeshua actually made them more ‘Jewish’ (“Completed Jews”) after coming to faith in him. On the other hand, they say that Gentile Believers should not seek to become ‘Jewish’; but rather, be content with that identity which they were born into. Thus, logic dictates that all things being equal (i.e., one new man) that the “Gentile Believers” should, therefore, somehow, be able to joyfully proclaim the following: ”Yeshua has actually made us more ‘Gentile’ (strangers/aliens to the covenants & the commonwealth of Israel) than ever!” I think that you would agree with me in saying that… that does not compute!   

     

    Please take a moment to consider the following verses of Scripture; and then read on…

     

    “…for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1Sam. 16:7)

    “Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

    O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.” (Isaiah 63:16-17)

     

                                                               

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    I now address myself, specifically, to those who have this yearning to see the ‘one new man in Messiah’ promise truly be fufilled in our day. That unquenchable desire to be united with your brother, Judah, in the quest of “Kiddush Hashem” (the Sanctification of the Name) is not a coincidence nor an accident. It’s been put in your heart by the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit) for a reason… a very prophetic reason. Though our Messianic Jewish brethren can’t seem to recognize us as ‘Ephraim’; nevertheless, YHWH knows all the places to which Abraham’s seed were driven to.  He knows who Abraham’s seed are; and He hears their hearts cry (Jer. 31:18-19).  Therefore, I believe that our Messianic-Jewish brethren’s dismissive attitude towards the “Ephraimite/Two House” teaching is something that- for the most part- is rooted in emotional and ‘superficial assessments’ by them; as well as, a presumed authoritative position on their part. Nonetheless, I believe that a sincere, objective, and diligent study of the ”Two-House” teaching will continue to result in thousands upon thousands of non-Jewish Messianics becoming ‘knowledgable’ adherents to the Ephraimite position and understanding.  

     

    I am not seeking to divide brethren… i.e., to divide the non-Jewish Messianics (aka Christian Zionists) from their Messianic Jewish brothers and sisters.  God forbid!  Rather, I am seeking to awaken them both; and to enhance their unity!  However, there exists an emotionally charged postulate (even if only implied)… i.e., that ‘Messianic-Judah knows best’; and this continues to hold many Zionist Christians [i.e., dormant Ephraimites] in a passive state.  They’re unwilling to provoke Messianic-Judah’s ire by questioning his particular slant on the ’one new man’ motto… which, simultaneously, placates and anesthetizes other dormant Ephraimites into accepting “one-ness” while, pardoxically, branding themselves with the stigma of “gentile” (i.e., one who is “of the nations… an alien to the covenants” and, therefore, “not of Israel!”). 

     

    Unfortunately, just like many passive-minded American consumers, it would appear that many Christian Zionists (“dormant Ephraimites”) find it much simpler to accept the status quo of misconceptions, misperceptions, and misinterpretations that are leveled against ‘Ephraimites’ by Messianic Judaism- than to sincerely and diligently pray about, investigate, and study the matter for themselves.  Instead, they continue to neglect and ignore their promised heritage as full-fledged born-again Israelites… available to them through the New/Renewed Covenant in Yeshua’s blood! [Jeremiah 31:31]

     

    Sadly, these Christian Zionists are like the woman in the following parable: 

     

    There was a young Gentile woman named Ruth Smith.  She married her beloved Jewish fiancée, named Boaz Goldberg.  In this story, it happens that the young Jewish man had been alienated from his family for many years prior to their meeting.  After several years of married bliss, it happened that one day a distant relative of his contacted him to inform him that his Orthodox Jewish family desired to be reconciled with him.  After all that time, the announcement came at long last as a hopeful promise for a joyful reunion with his parents and brethren.  So he and Mrs. Goldberg promptly packed their bags and were on the next flight out to see his family… the Goldbergs.  Now, his wife was very happy and excited in knowing how her husband longed to be reconciled to his blood relatives.  Moreover, she recognized that she, too, was now a member of the family.  She, too, was a ‘Goldberg’; and so, she was very excited about meeting her kin.

     

    They arrived at the Goldberg family home and Boaz took a deep breath as they stepped upon the porch and approached the door.  Ruth lovingly glanced at her husband and gave him her full love and support- for they were one.  He knocked, and the door opened.  There stood the entire Goldberg family apparently ready to receive him back despite what they had formerly viewed as his non-conformist religious views.  Boaz crossed the threshold and embraced each one.  Then he turned to introduce Mrs. Goldberg; but instead, in a fraction of time, he envisioned a very real potential threat to the tenuous reunion if he should suddenly introduce this non-Jewish woman as his wife.  In a moment of selfish expediency, he turned back to his family and said “this is my very close friend and co-worker, Ruth Smith.”

     

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    But YHWH’s word says:

     

                                        And other sheep [of the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel] I have,

                                        which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall

                                        hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

                                        (John 10:16)           


     

     

     

     

    Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel his companions:



     

    And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. (Ezek. 37:16-17)

    And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they

    all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statues, and do them. (Ezek. 37:24)

     


    Sadly, I’ve come to believe that it’s a “Boaz Goldberg-like” perspective on the part of Messianic Judaism; and something of a ”passive-consumerist” mentality on the part of Christian Zionists, that keeps Messianic Judaism from honestly and sincerely communicating with those in the ‘Ephraimite movement’.  It keeps them from openly and honestly discussing these matters in their congregations… i.e., with the use of equal weights and measures. 

     

    It would appear true in this instance that where a need is not felt, a desire is not birthed.  Therefore, Messianic Judaism seems to have asked of itself this question:

    “What, if any, is the need for such a teaching?”… to which it’s apparent response has been:  “None… unless you aim to confuse and upset Jewish and Gentile believers… None… No, none whatsoever!”

     

                                                           

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    Sadly, I would call Messianic Judaism’s perspective on this issue one of ’selfish expediency’. By way of an admittedly crude analogy, I would liken it, somewhat, to a benevolently-inclined Plantation owner living back in the ‘antebellum South’; who might’ve questioned himself, and said: “What purpose would it serve for me to consider my servants as equal to me… i.e., as native-born Americans? Afterall, as we’ve interpreted the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, they have their place and we have ours. Moreover, identifying them as equal to “Americans” would only upset the status quo, anger my fellow plantation owners; and confuse the servants.  So why create a problem where none exists?!”  Yes… blind, selfish, expediency!

     

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    Despite our Messianic Jewish brethren’s apprehensions, the Christian Zionist/Hebraic Roots movements are returning to the ancient paths prescribed by their Heavenly Father; and they’re seeking to support and exhort their brother, Judah, to a place of true unity as the “one new man” in Messiah’s household… i.e., the Israel of Elohim. They are indeed demonstrating that the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is at work in Ephraim.  The Ruach HaKodesh is awakening them to their true heritage and to their true identity as “born-again Israelites”!  Thus, as they are led of the Spirit, they are beginning to fulfill their part in YHWH’s prophetic word that’s found in Isaiah 11:13.  Therefore, they’re returning to Torah (the Kingdom’s constitution) and ceasing from all former “replacement theology” perspectives- as they move forward in support of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people worldwide- to the praise and glory of YHWH!… b’shem Yeshua HaMashiach! 

     

    We, simultaneously, have seen many in Traditional Judaism being deeply moved by the testimony of ‘Ephraimites’; and consequently, opening doors of communication to both Christian Zionists and “Aware-Ephraimites” alike.  Tragically, however, there are still so many in Messianic Judaism that unwittingly (yet stubbornly…like the elder brother pictured above) resist the fulfillment of the latter portion of that prophetic verse- which reads as follows:  “… and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.”

     

     

    Nevertheless, YHWH’s word says:


     

     

     

     

    On that day, God will again [reveal] His might to redeem the remnant of His people – those remaining in Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Ethiopia, Elam, Shinar, Chamath, and the isles of the sea.

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    He will signal to the nations, assemble the exiles of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

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    Ephraim’s jealousy will cease, and their enemies in Judah will be destroyed.  Ephraim will not envy Judah, and Judah will not trouble Ephraim.  (Isaiah 11:11-13)… [taken from a Jewish translation... 'The Living NACH', Moznaim Publishing Corp., NY/Jerusalem 5756]

     

     

    As the Living NACH translates it (above) “Ephraim’s jealousy will cease, and their enemies in Judah will be destroyed.”  I’m of the opinion that the “enemies” being spoken of here most likely alludes to elements within Rabbinic Judaism that may someday- I believe- both vehemently and violently oppose Ephraim’s prophesied return back to the Land of Israel.  Notwithstanding, I continue to believe that it would very much behoove our Messianic Jewish brethren to recognize, from the verses above, how very important and serious the matter of this ”Two House-into-One House of Israel Restoration” is to our Abba YHWH.

     

    In the meantime, Christian Zionists need to hearken to the voice of the Shepherd of Israel and to indeed awaken!  They need to cast off their “gentile-ized” grave-cloths; and, through Yeshua Tzidkenu (Yeshua our Righteousness), put on their new biblical identity as “returning Ephraimites”… i.e., as born-again Israelites! 

     

    Click on the ‘WATCHMAN’ icon below… to AWAKEN!

                   

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  • Looking Closer At The Ephraimite Debate

     

    magnifying glass Looking Closer at the Ephraimite Debate

    Note: The following text is from a new report written by Sandy Bloomfield, a Messianic Jewish Believer, and published by the Messianic Israel Alliance. It provides an interesting, “insider’s” view of the religious politics surrounding the Ephraimite debate. Considering the enormous positive response that was generated from the previous topic on this same subject, I’m sure this will prove of interest to this online community. (For more information on this report, visit http://www.ephraimiteerror.com)

    Introduction

    In May 1994, Dan Juster (then president of The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations) opened up a breach within the Body of Messiah, which, to this day, has yet to be resolved. Serious accusations were leveled at that time without benefit of the facts (as repeated requests for meetings to correct and clarify misunderstandings were ignored) and despite several attempts to address the issues, the false allegations continued for the next 15 years. Batya Wootten (later of the Messianic Israel Alliance) was labeled a heretic in an inflammatory and pseudo-scholarly document entitled “The Ephraimite Error,” which used defamatory language such as “racist,” “militant,” and “replacement theology” and was based almost entirely on misrepresentations, errors, and lies.

    Hebraic Hate Speech

    Most people in Messianic and Hebraic circles are familiar with the term lashon hara (the evil tongue), which is considered a sin whether the information involved is true or not. But a second (and even worse) category of evil speech is motzi shem ra, literally, “propagating a bad name or bad reputation.” The reason this is worse is that it involves slander and the spreading of lies and disinformation which damages the name of the targeted person. In Judaism,

    lashon hara is considered identical to the sin of sinat chinam (baseless hatred), and both lashon hara and motzi shem ra are given the same weight as murder, since they are considered an assassination of another’s character and credibility. This brief summary of the controversy seeks to finally toss into the “eternal trash bin” the evil speech regarding this issue, and is an open call for biblical accountability and restored relationship among and between the Messianic communities. Of course, no one can force affection or fellowship upon another, but we must do our best to be “repairers of the breaches” amongst ourselves. Otherwise, how can we — in good conscience — offer Abba’s love to an unbelieving world when we withhold it from each other?

    Controversy Overview

    ·                  In 1983 Wootten wrote a newsletter article titled “Is the Church Ephraim?” then the books, In Search of Israel (1988), The Olive Tree of Israel (1992), and Who is Israel? And Why You Need to Know (1998).

    ·                  In 1994, Juster, then president of the UMJC, published a 10-page paper entitled, “Is the Church Ephraim?” His paper was not accurate in its representation of the Restoration of Israel teaching, which was its focus. Wootten responded with a 67-page answer that disproved each of his errant claims and was included in a comprehensive 152-page bound report. Copies were sent to UMJC Theological Committee members, asking them to please correct it — with the single stipulation that they use Scripture to refute it — but they did not respond at all.

    ·                  In 2000, Kay Silberling, with Dan Juster and David Sedaca, wrote “The Ephraimite Error.”

    ·                  Moshe Koniuchowsky learned about “both the houses of Israel” (Isa 8:14) through the Woottens. Starting in 1999, he worked with the Messianic Israel Alliance (MIA) for a time, and was thus named in the paper. Koniuchowsky responded to “The Ephraimite Error” with his own document, “The Truth About All Israel,” but he soon chose to go his own way (early 2001), due to increasing doctrinal differences from those of the Woottens and the MIA.

    ·                  In 2000, the Woottens’ newsletter (The House of David Herald) included an article by Israeli author, John Hully, titled, “Do the Rabbis Expect to See the Lost Tribes?” In the article, Hully, a Harvard graduate, soundly refuted Silberling’s mistaken claims about rabbinic opinion in the matter and pointed out fatal flaws in her reasoning. 

    ·                  In 2001, John McKee refuted the UMJC’s accusations, particularly the false charges against Wootten, in his 102-page work, ‘The Ephraimite Error’ Errors.

    ·                  In 2002, MIA leadership published a concise paper titled, “We Declare,” its purpose being to officially refute the false claims. Copies were mailed to the UMJC, the Messianic Jewish Alliance, and many of their congregations, plus it was (and is) posted on the MIA’s website (www.messianicisrael.com).

    ·                  Twice in 2002 and once in 2003, the MIA’s attorney (the late Mary Elizabeth Orr), wrote to UMJC President Russ Resnik, asking for a meeting so their allegations could be confronted. They refused each time. 

    ·                  Over the years, Angus Wootten, Batya’s husband and founder of the MIA, made repeated phone calls to Juster and Resnik about the situation and even offered to pay the bill if Juster, who was living in Israel, would return his call. (He was told that Juster “could not spend ministry money on phone calls.”) Angus also called David Chernoff of the Messianic Jewish Alliance. All refused to meet with him or the MIA’s leadership.

    ·                  In 2003, Dan Juster, Paul Fink and Paul Wilbur met with Monte Judah and Eddie Chumney (of Lion & Lamb and Hebraic Heritage ministries, respectively), both of whom had begun to teach about both houses of Israel. But it was a closed meeting, and they refused to allow the MIA to attend. In fact, Juster encouraged Judah and Chumney to “distinguish their teachings from Batya Wootten’s (the focus of the UMJC papers)” so they might “treat them as brothers with whom we agree or disagree, but who are not considered heretical.” This clear use of “differing weights and measures” raises serious questions about the intentions of Juster and the Messianic Jewish leadership who have been driving the controversy.  Holding “secret meetings” does not demonstrate good faith in dealing with brethren, and instead nurtures division and worldly partisan behavior in the Body of Messiah.

    These actions are unsupportable and do not deal in truth. “The Ephraimite Error” is rooted in baseless hatred and is the product of an evil tongue. Like trash, it needs to be thrown out. Let’s look once more at some of the false claims made against Wootten that have never been corrected or removed from circulation despite the evidence provided many times over the years.

    Indefensible and False Accusations

    The Lineage of Israel

    FALSE CLAIM: Silberling writes: “Proponents of this movement contend that members of the born-again segment of the Christian church are, in fact, actual blood descendants of the ancient Israelites who were exiled in the Assyrian invasion of Israel in 722 B.C.”

    FACT: Batya Wootten did not say they “are, in fact,” but that they could be descendants.

    Messianic Judaism says the non-Jew is not part of Israel, but descent from the patriarchs is essentially un-provable, for Jew and non-Jew alike. The Early Church was “Jewish,” and Batya suggests many non-Jewish Believers could be their heirs, that many Believers could descend from exiled Ephraim, and that all Believers in Messiah belong to Israel’s commonwealth. Batya does not seek to prove descent, but to disprove the flawed teaching that non-Jewish Believers are not part of Israel (Eph 2:11-22). She writes in her book Redeemed Israel:

    “Most people define Israel based on some idea of physical descent, regardless of how abstract or vague their definition. Perceived physical descent from the patriarchs or a presumed lack thereof, is most often the deciding factor in everyone’s ‘Israel decision.’ To understand Israel, we are forced to address this universal standard — because it is the underlying and misleading presumption in most conclusions in the matter. We challenge the validity of this misconceived rule, because the errant answers that have grown out of it have affected the very fundamentals of our faith. When coming to know Messiah Yeshua, one naturally asks some important questions: ‘Who are His chosen people? Who are Abraham’s heirs? Who is Israel?’”

    Racism as a Ruse

    FALSE CLAIM: In “The Ephraimite Error,” Silberling writes: “The Ephraimite message undermines the great power of … the Apostolic Writings. It tries to change a message of hope and comfort for all peoples regardless of their heritage… into a racist and race-based plan of salvation for those with the proper bloodlines … God’s relationship with Israel is not racial. … Israel … [has] never claimed racial priority as the basis for their covenant relationship to God. Jewish identity is based not on racial deliberations, but on a shared communal memory and on choice.”

    FACT: God’s relationship with Israel is racial to the extent that Abraham’s heir was from his loins, his seed was to be greatly multiplied, and Israel’s heirs are called the chosen people (Gen 15:4; 22:17; 24:60; 26:4; 28:3; Deu 7:6; Jer 33:24; 1 Pet 2:9). Silberling’s charge is disingenuous. Non-Jewish Believers cannot return to the land of Israel based on “shared communal memory” or “choice.” One must instead have a Jewish birth or conversion certificate. Neither can one “choose” to join her organization, which offers full membership only to those who were born Jewish, or are married to a Jew. Non-Jews can be “associate members,” and are encouraged to support the Jewish community financially, but cannot enter into their “shared communal memory” or “choose” to be a full member. The problem turns serious when they tell non-Jewish Believers they are not part of the people of Israel (despite scriptures like Eph 2:12,13 declaring otherwise).

    This has led more than 200,000 to deny faith in Yeshua and convert to Judaism (to be equal to the Jew). In “The Other Side of Evangelism,” Ronda Robinson writes, “A funny thing often happens on the way to trying to convert Jews to Christianity: The Christians convert to Judaism” (Jerusalem Report Magazine, Dec., 2001).

    The doors to Israel’s commonwealth were to be open to all who wanted to sojourn with them (Exo 12:48-49; Num 15:15-16; Isa 56:3-8; Eze 47:22; Eph 2:11-19). The MIA excludes no one from full membership, yet Silberling calls us “racists.” She uses race(s), racist(s) racism, 39 times in her paper. To the contrary, Wootten says Israel is found in every nation, are likely of every skin color, and no one can know for certain who is a biological Israelite. Silberling falsely claims Wootten promotes “white races” (six times), “Anglo-Saxons” and “British Israelism” (11 times). Yet, only six times does Batya mention race: once to say it is “wickedness” for man to include or exclude anyone on its basis and once to point out that Peter called the “aliens” a “chosen race” (1 Pet 1:1; 2:9-10). Apart from speaking of fields white for harvest, and of white robes and horses for the righteous, she does not even mention these words.

    Use of “Goy” and “Goyim”

    FALSE CLAIM: Silberling asserts, “Wootten claims every time the Hebrew word, goy, is employed, it is a reference to a Gentile or a Gentile nation … The first contention, then, that goy or goyim is always translated as Gentile or Gentiles is patently incorrect.” Yet Silberling footnotes her accusation, and in it, contradicts herself: “Wootten … acknowledges that it sometimes refers to Israel … she asserts that by the time of the conquest of the land by Israel, the name referred primarily to the foreign nations” (Who Is Israel?, pp. 82-83).

    FACT: It is wrong to say “Wootten claims that every time … goy, is employed, it is a reference to … a Gentile nation.” The truth is, Wootten said goy is “primarily used” in this way and gives verses where goy is used to describe Israel. Wootten has never contended that it is “always” translated as Gentile or Gentiles. Silberling proves her own charge is false yet accuses Wootten of “contradictions.”

    Blanket Accusations of Heresy

    FALSE CLAIM: Silberling and Juster refer to “Wootten and Koniuchowsky” more than 40 times in their paper, which was updated in 2007, but emails sent in 2002 between Koniuchowsky and Juster prove he knew Koniuchowsky left the Woottens/MIA in 2001. It is wrong to continue to categorize Wootten with Koniuchowsky; Juster knows he left because the Woottens would not allow him to continue some of his teachings under the MIA banner. People should be judged on their own works (Jer 31:30; 2 Cor 5:10). Yet, the UMJC accused “Wootten and Koniuchowsky” of things that Wootten never wrote, said, or believed.

    In 2002, Juster wrote to Koniuchowsky, “My paper for the UMJC was not a wholesale rejection of Batya’s work, but nuanced. It argues that there is something prophetic to the Ephraim issue, but that it is wrongly developed.” Additionally, his letter to Eddie Chumney and Monte Judah, requesting them to “distinguish their teaching from Batya Wootten so they could be accepted as brothers” presents contradictions and points to a problem beyond scripture interpretation.

    FACT: A “nuanced” point speaks of a shade, subtlety, or delicate difference. To be “heretical” is to have an opinion that is profoundly at odds with orthodox views and, for the Believer, in clear conflict with Scripture. Juster, like Silberling, contradicts himself.

    The truth is that — over “nuanced” differences in a teaching — Juster, the UMJC, International Messianic Jewish Congregations (IMJC), and the MJAA have blacklisted the Woottens, the MIA, and their associates for years. They warn musicians and speakers that, if they ever participate in an MIA event, they too will be blacklisted. They persist in this despite detailed counter-claims to their false charges.

    Replacement Theology

    FALSE CLAIM: Silberling uses incendiary words like “replacement,” “supplant,” and various forms of “supersession” 29 times in her attempts to incite people against Wootten and the Ephraimite teaching, to warn of Wootten’s supposed “militant” desire to replace Jewish Israel.

    FACT: Batya writes in her book Who Is Israel?:
    “[Replacement Theology] violates Paul’s Romans 11:18 warning … not to be ‘arrogant’ toward the Jewish branches. And one definitely finds a taste of arrogance in the bitter fruit of Replacement Theology. Moreover, this insidious ideology added fuel to Hitler’s Holocaust flame. By leading people to expect persecution of the so-called ‘rejected’ Jew, it encouraged a condescending placidity in the presence of gross evil.

    “Our God is by no means finished with Judah. For there is coming a time when, ‘On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, there will be deliverance … I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,’ says Yahveh Elohim (Joel 2:32-3:1). … He ‘will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people … and will … gather the dispersed of Judah.’ And, He caps this promise with a fearsome pledge: ‘Those who harass Judah will be cut off’ (Isa 11:11-13).

    “As promised, Judah is once again in the Land of our forefathers. And in view of the pressure currently being brought to bear against this tiny nation, it is imperative that Believers not be counted among those who, with unrighteous motives, come against her (Joel 3:2).

    “Judah remained a kingdom because they were beloved … This remains unchanged. Romans 11:28 says of the Jew, ‘From the standpoint of God’s choice, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.’” (pp. 90-92, 31-32.)

    Batya Wootten’s writings often caution Believers against wrong attitudes toward the Jewish people. She speaks against anti-Semitism, and she also stands up for the non-Jew, showing that they too are part of the “chosen people” (1 Pet 2:9-10). It is good that Jewish Believers are awakening to the Messiah, but they must learn to allow for the hundreds of thousands around the world who are similarly awakening to the truth about their own role in the coming reunion of Judah and Ephraim (Eze 37:15-28; Jer 50:4-5; Hos 1:11; Zec 10:7-10). There are hundreds of verses dealing with Ephraim’s last days return, and we must allow room to “agree to disagree” regarding them without labeling brethren or breaking fellowship. To handle differences in biblical interpretation, we must meet scriptural guidelines and correct with the eternal word of God. Scripture itself gives only three essential salvation doctrines: belief in the deity of Yeshua, in His resurrection, and in our salvation by grace. Apart from these, the Body of Messiah must allow for discussion and exegesis of the biblical text. Exegesis means “to draw the meaning out” which implies some messy digging and earnest pursuit of the truths found there — and in order to divide the scriptures in truth, personal agendas and political motives must be set aside as secondary.

    An Olive Branch and a Plea

    We sincerely pray that the days of the error-based “The Ephraimite Error” might finally come to an end; that we might collectively dispose of it and begin to walk together as brethren who can appreciate — if not fully understand — each other’s different callings and part in kingdom purposes. Why do we bring up this matter up once more? Because many in the Body of Messiah continue to be rejected, confused and even wounded by those who deny their scriptural identity within the commonwealth of Israel. The Nation of Israel needs friends who will stand strong with them.

    Understanding about their brotherhood brings rejoicing to both Judah and Ephraim; it leads to a greater honoring of the Father’s commands and causes Ephraim to want to stand with and support brother Judah. The Promise to Abraham is clear, and our God is now regathering His scattered and hidden ones. He is doing a new thing in the earth.

    Israel’s last days’ restoration is a glorious thing, and we do not want to be found opposing it. We who see His hand in this choose to enter into that new thing with all our heart (Gen 48:19; Jer 31:7-9 Eze 37:15-28; Hos 5:3; Zec 10:6-10).

    Our hope is to make peace with all involved and to step up to a new level of commitment to one another despite our differences, and to stop grieving the heart of our heavenly Father.

    So once more, for the sake of a unified Body, we extend the hand of fellowship and humbly invite our brothers and sisters to sit with us and begin dialogue on this important end-time matter. The goal is not for either “camp” to try to convince the other of its truths, but simply to respect and fulfill Yeshua’s last prayer for Believers. In John 17 He prayed that we might be unified so that the world may believe. Let us work together toward that scriptural end.

    “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psa 133:1)