Israel The Church & The Last Days [Paperback]

The writers of this book maintain that Scripture should where possible be interpreted within the context of the "Author intended meaning", which I found was a refreshing and illuminating approach. Care being taken not to take Scripture out of it's true context where it's original meaning could be in danger of being lost or distorted.

The Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures being interpreted in the context of the circumstances in "which they were spoken, to whom they were spoken, by whom they were spoken, and as it would have been understood by all concerned at the time they were spoken". A principle which will ensure, as far as is possible, that there is no misconception in reading & understanding the true meaning behind the Scriptures themselves.. (Eg; when Israel was a nation besieged or the Body of Believers were under persecution etc.).

Many aspects of Scripture are discussed using this principle of interpretation with special reference given to the interpretation of Biblical prophecy, the Gospel message and the numerous Hebrew prophets.

The differing, often controversial, opinions within the Church in relation to the "End Times", including the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium and the appearance of the anti-Christ are also examined, with each position explained alongside the writers' own interpretations and whether or not they agree.

The place of both Israel and the Church are similarly examined in detail, both in their own rights and in so far as they relate to each other, the Gospel and the "End Times".

The authors ask at the outset that the book be read with an "open mind" so I will not "spoil the plot" by explaining the personal interpretations of the writers here. In my experience this often causes either instant dismissal or acceptance of the book with an appropriate vote given to the review. I think that instant dismissal of this book in such a manner would be disappointing as there is so much on offer here.

As I progressed through the book I was pleasantly surprised how much I agreed with the interpretations given in this work. Even those who will disagree with the observations here will surely obtain some enlightenment from this book and will perhaps examine the Scriptures more closely in future. A recommended read.

As the last days approach, Dan Juster and Keith Intrater present an optimistic view for believers around the world. A restoration of the Body of Christ is beginning to take place as the church asserts her unity, power, gifts and begins to establish the five fold ministry as found in the example of the first century church. What is the key element for the Church in these last days as she asserts her power? Establishing a saved remnant of Israel. How does one help establish a saved remnant, especially a saved Jewish remnant? Through establishing the Kingdom of God in every sphere of life through signs and wonders, deliverance, healing and living according to the law as Christ himself lived.
This book was first published in 1990, ahead of it's time considering the recent trends in publishing with Dallas Willard's Kingdom living emphasis in 1998's Christian Book of the Year - The Divine Conspiracy.
While optimistic for believers, the book also proclaims some bold truths which also seem prophetic in light of recent events, such as page 187 under the title - The Coming Armageddon. After quoting Joel 3:9-10 the authors' write "This is the buildup for the greatest clash the world has ever seen. The three themes of spiritual warfare, the restoration of Israel, and the judgement of the nations are all pending and at hand." Recommend Revelation - The Passover Key as a companion by author Dan Juster

As a seminary student, I have begun to find a very problematic atmosphere cropping up in today's churches and intellectuals--the problem is that of replacement theology, the idea that the church fully replaced Israel in importance and significance. This theology is extremely detrimental toward true study of scripture, both historical scripture, wisdom scripture, the Gospels, and all the prophetic literature within the Bible, both Old and New Testament. It undermines God's Covenantal Redemptive History and it leads, I fearfully have to say, to either lack of concern for Israel and her people to downright Anti-Semitism. Postmillennialism, amillennialism, and preterism is rooted in the Anti-Semitic teachings of the church during the first few centuries of the church's life (from around St. Augustine) even up through Martin Luther to today's day and age. Not that I am saying that you are racist against Jews if you do not follow the PreMill point of view, still, you must realize that the other "millennialisms" are washed in almost two thousand years of Gentile racism point of view toward Jews. You are probably not a racist, in fact you (whomever may be reading this) probably deeply loves and cares for both friends and enemies as you should, however you must realize that the birth of other interpretations are borne from racist thoughts and ideas. If the church is what's important, than the church gains the power, and the truth is left to the side. The Bible clearly speaks of the futurist importance of Israel and her people in both the Millennial Kingdom and the New Heavens and the New Earth. Go read the book Unholy War by Randall Price to gain a better realization, along with MacArthur's The Second Coming.

Now, let's get back to this fine book for your library. That is why I am happy to see this work by Keith Intrater and I hope to see new books by him in the future, his other volume being From Iraq to Armageddon. It is a vital importance that you and I gain an appreciation and a love toward the Jewish people and their God-given land, Israel, especially the City where Yahweh dwells with His people, Jerusalem. In this day and age when Israel is fulfilling prophecies found in both Testaments, when the battlelines are being drawn between the world and Yahweh, it is a joy to see Jews coming to Yeshua, Jesus, and rebuilding the relationship that had been broken down in AD 70 between Gentile Christians and hopeful Jewish Christians to come. With each chapter, the reader will gain a fresh understanding of just how important this little bit of land is for the entire earth, and how her people are important integers in the final battle between the forces of light and darkness. This book will help you even if you are like me, a Gentile, who wishes to give love and prayer to Yahweh, God, through Yeshua, Jesus Christ, by holding a hand out to the Jewish people and fighting for their rights, when the whole world and the darkness that lives in the world, wants to destroy the Jews--from Western and Eastern Europe to the radical Islamic nations.

If you like this book, I highly suggest you read the works by Randall Price. It gives a Gentile impression on how we need to band together for the name of Israel and her people, along with the future of the Temple.

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