Winter 2014 Issue by Zealous Magazine

EALOUS Z THE MESSIANIC JEWISH BIBLE INSTITUTE

MAGAZINE

WINTER 2015

Blessings from Zion YESHUA: The Law of God

Living Bread for Ukraine’s Desperate

It Was a “Happy, Happy, Happy” Night!

SMT: A Russian Update

FOR ZION’S SAKE Dr. Wayne Wilks

The whole world wonders the same question: What will come next?

W disappearing or exploding in mid ith wars, political unrest, planes

air, and unbelievable atrocities, it feels like the world is in chaos. Daily the news becomes more shocking underscoring the fact that we need a Peace Maker. It is wonderful and reassuring to know that with all the turmoil, believers have a refuge and a reason to go on living in joyous victory. Yeshua, Messiah of the Jewish people and the nations, has it under control. The whole world wonders the same question: What will come next? We at the MJBI press forward with great excitement looking with anticipation to the things He has called us to in 2015. That is why I am excited about this issue of ZEALOUS! You will find some news about our ever-expanding School of Messianic Theology online school — we are in Russian now! Dr. Gannon has a captivating academic article, “Yeshua the Law of God.” My wife, Bonnie has an inspiring article about the blessings

WINTER 2015

that take place from Mt. Zion. We have some fun photographs and a short recap of our happy banquet featuring Phil and Alan Robertson and Matthew West. You will find a spring schedule enclosed for those interested in taking Messianic courses at The King’s University, online or at the Gateway campus in Southlake, Texas. Details are also enclosed concerning our 2015 tour of Israel in November. We would be honored for you to join us in the Holy Land. This will be unlike most tours, including some off-the-beaten-trail sites and meeting local Messianic believers. I want to extend our most joy-filled greetings for the New Year. We have every reason to hope! The world groans for the revelation of the Sons of Light, and Scripture says we purify ourselves while we hope for His soon return! Be encouraged today amidst the challenges of a world gone wild, and purify yourself with this promise. We keep you in our prayers and hearts as you step into 2015 that hope would be a tangible joy and part of your lives.

For Zion’s sake,

Wayne Wilks, Jr., Ph.D.

ZEALOUS Magazine

Dr. Wayne Wilks Jr. Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL Bonnie Saul Wilks Senior Editor

Carol Adams Editor

ART & DESIGN Giuseppe Rispoli Creative Director

Jacob Wallace

Graphics & Layout

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tara Kieschnick

Managing Editor

COVER “ZION” Art Designed by:

Jacob Wallace SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook.com/ MJBI.USA Twitter.com/MJBI Youtube.com/ MJBIUSA

ZealousMag.org

CONTENTS

P.O. Box 610105 Dallas, TX 75261 (Ph.) 817.864.9300 USAOffice@MJBI.org • www.MJBI.org

ONLINE SCHOOLS SCHOOL OF MESSIANIC THEOLOGY SMT@MJBI.org • www.SMTEnglish.org THE KING’S UNIVERSITY

Accredited Messianic Jewish Studies Program

University@MJBI.org www.TheKingsMJBI.org

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS UKRAINE

Ukraine@MJBI.org www.OrhaMashiah.org

ARGENTINA & PERU

Argentina@MJBI.org www.MinisterioBetEl.org

RUSSIA

Russia@MJBI.org

ISRAEL

Israel@MJBI.org

KOREA

Korea@MJBI.org

WINTER 2015

For Zion’s Sake

It Was a Happy, Happy, Happy Night!

Blessings from Zion

Yeshua: The Law of God

Wayne Wilks

Alisa Stephenson

Bonnie Saul Wilks

Raymond L. Gannon

Living Bread for Ukraine’s Desperate Tatyana Sviontek

SMT: Russian Update Tatyana Sviontek

MEXICO

Mexico@MJBI.org

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia@MJBI.org

> DAT E S TO R E ME MB E R

HUNGARY

Hungary@MJBI.org ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe@MJBI.org

ECFA ACCREDITATION You have invested wisely during your lifetime. Now let these investments make a lasting difference in people’s lives with a gift to the Messianic Jewish Foundation. Your gift will go directly to sharing the Good News with Jewish people and helping strengthen Messianic Jewish congregations and ministry around the world for years to come. Please contact us at 817-864-9300 or foundation@mjbi.org for more information.

Zealous Magazine is published quarterly by the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute.

For more information on MJBI visit MJBI.org

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> VIE W TH IS ISSU E O NLINE G o to w w w. Z e a l o u s Ma g . o r g

WINTER 2015

IT WAS A HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY NIGHT! By Alisa Stephenson, Direct of Events and Partner Relations

ur annual fall fundraising event has become a staple in the lives of our faithful donors. This past November’s event, “Inexpressible Joy,” was a bit different. Yes, it was a memory-making, fun-filled event designed to connect people with the mission and vision of the MJBI. But what made it even better was opening the event program up to the public through the generous sponsorships of KLTY radio, “Let the Lion Roar” and Schaefer Advertising. So many new people were able to hear, in a variety of unique ways, who MJBI is and what MJBI does. We were able to use the draw of the wildly popular TV series Duck Dynasty and other public names to bring those in who might not have ever come. The all-star lineup included Phil Robertson, Ms. Kay, Alan Robertson, comedian Dennis Swanberg, Matthew West, and comedian Mike Williams (who served as emcee). The crowd was laughing, never knowing what was coming next, from start to finish. Dennis Swanberg kept us rolling with his impressions of Billy Graham and John Wayne. Mike Williams had us taking “selfies” wearing cardboard cut-outs of Phil’s beard that ended up blowing up Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for days after the event. Alan Robertson entertained us with dog images portraying his family members, Phil showed off his duck calling skills, and Ms. Kay even gave us a surprise visit. In the end Matthew West and his band had us singing and proclaiming we are a “Child of the One True King.” There were, however, a few moments of serious contemplation, such as when Phil quoted passages of scripture and stunned the audience with his onpoint message about our Jewish roots. Another one came when Matthew West ended the night with “Forgiveness,” a moving song/story about the power in forgiveness. For those who attended, we hope that the special memories (and photos) you made have continued to warm your hearts. But most of all we hope that the work of MJBI around the world will continue in your heart— and prayers— for years to come. Z

To view more pictures of the event, visit our website at MJBI.org

ZEALOUS MAGAZINE

Blessings from Zion B O N N I E SAUL WILKS Senior Writer

srael is the home of three major religions, and each is fighting for position and power. There are thousands of tourists who walk her streets daily, visit her holy sites, and frequent her businesses. One of the key spots in the ancient city of Jerusalem is Mt. Zion, located within the Old City walls. With the sounds of city life, the religious, tourists, and businesses — each endeavoring to stake a claim or take something special home from the Holy Land — it can be a very noisy place. Sometimes the sounds of the city, Mt. Zion, and the Hinnom Valley below compete. It is possible to hear a Jewish bar mitzvah and an Arabic wedding echo simultaneously across the city. The Dormition Abbey Church bells from the mountaintop ring out several times a day. The cheerful sound of children playing on the street is always present and welcome. Islamic prayer-chanting is blasted on loud speakers, and sirens wail just before the sun goes down

WINTER 2015

on the Sabbath. On a mid-summer night, the music of the valley is often just for pleasure in the form of a concert, a wonderful way to escape the pressures of life in Israel. Psalm 134:3: “The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion.” Throughout scripture and history, “Zion” is a metaphor for many things -— the holy mountain of God, the place of His presence, the Promised Land, the dwelling of God. This sacred peak is very special to God and man. It is exhilarating to think of a blessing coming from Mt. Zion. All of those metaphors are beautiful and encouraging. Sadly, “blessing” has become a tired word in English. It needs revitalization. “Favor” may be better, but it is broader than that. It is taken from the Hebrew root barak meaning “knee.” And I believe that is important because the definition demonstrates the perfect attitude in which to receive any kind of blessing: with humility, on bended

“Sadly, “blessing” has become a tired word in English. It needs revitalization."

knee. In that stance, one is truly ready to be blessed. Gary Smalley and John Trent wrote an amazing book a few years ago, The Blessing. They explored the power of our words to bless others, especially our children. It revolutionized family and community life and underscored the parents’ obligation to speak edifying words to their offspring regularly. But this concept is as old as time. Blessings have been spoken in Jewish families from the time of the patriarchs. One of the reasons I love the Erev Shabbat liturgy before the Sabbath meal is that it contains so many important blessings essential to life. God is blessed for the light of the evening, the bread, and the wine. He is worthy of blessing because He gives us life, food, and rest. The husband also blesses his wife and then his children. These edifying statements are spoken weekly. Billy Yount heads up an outreach to prison inmates,

“Behind the Wall.” He understands the importance of blessing and often asks the men in prison if they had received a kind or encouraging remark from their parents as they grew up. Over and over the answer remains no. Yount encourages those men to change the course of their own children’s lives by speaking good words over them, emphasizing potential and character qualities. He says, “I have been in prison ministry for twenty-three years throughout the state of Maryland. I never met one Jewish boy or man in prison in all those years! The percentage of Jewish men in prison is only about one percent nationwide. Scripture tells us the heart is desperately sick and wicked. Every person has the potential to end up in prison for law breaking, but it has been proven that the spoken blessing of parents does create a healthy environment for good citizenship and well-adjusted personal lifestyle and practice. Children thrive where there are positive expressions of love and affirmation. Our words bless and so do our prayers. Through these vehicles, we have the power to set in motion life and not death to those around us. I choose words of favor, encouragement, and joy to be a blessing. I am changed in that the Lord God who made heaven and earth deigns to bless me from Mt. Zion, to bless you from Mt. Zion. There is a blessing promised to those who love and are good to Israel. I encourage you to come visit her sites and meet her people. The miracle of ancient and modern Israel has the power to bring you to your knees in awe of a great God who keeps His promises to the Seed of Abraham. It is the place you should be to receive a blessing from Zion! IN HIS STEPS See our advertisement on the back page about our upcoming Israel tour with Dr. Wayne & Bonnie Wilks!

ZEALOUS MAGAZINE

YESHUA THE LAW OF GOD

Raymond L. Gannon, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs

eshua stated without equivocation, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets: I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” He continued in Matthew 5:17-20 to assure His Jewish audience that the Torah is destined for ultimate accomplishment, and keepers and teachers of Torah will be the greats in the Kingdom. He concluded that the righteousness of the most pious Torah-obsessed Jewish leaders must be exceeded by virtually anyone entering the Kingdom! Yeshua’s provocative teaching on Torah calls into question the traditional Christian misinterpretation of Paul’s sentiments in Romans 7:6; 8:2,4: “we have been released from the Law, so that we serve . . . not in oldness of the letter;” “Yeshua has set you free from the law” and we “do not walk according to the flesh,” and Galatians 5:18, “you are not under the Law.” Thus, we are confronted with the classical conflict over the Law of Moses: Is Torah to be followed . . . or escaped? Those wanting to bless Israel, the Messianic Jewish Community, and international Jewish ministries like MJBI (which is so committed to 21st Century biblically-based Jewish discipleship), are compelled to ask the same questions now in the third millennium: What is the role of Torah? As written, does it apply to Jews today? Is Torah obligatory for Messianic Jews or even Gentile Christians? How should one understand and apply the Law to contemporary life? How do we reconcile Yeshua’s Torah statement with what Paul wrote? The Torah was purposely issued in space and

WINTER 2015

time to a newly formed slave nation otherwise lacking the experienced benefits of self-government, political infrastructure, or national laws. The loving Redeemer of Israel provided His people the tools needed for survival in their national infancy and indeed universally meaningful and applicable social principles. National Israel, now functioning under the authority of God, needed an immediate constitution and by-laws to equip their new prophetic and priestly led polity to preserve the newborn and vulnerable nation. Torah codes fostered longevity of Israelite nationhood, e.g., laws relating to agriculture, monotheistic worship, righteousness (charitableness), commerce, real estate boundaries, water preservation, healthy cuisine (food codes), hygiene, etc. Social codes were needed to create a wholesome population, e.g., the honoring of parents, caring for orphans and widows, and responsible marital fidelity and sexual behavior. Social ills were identified and condemned, e.g., promiscuity, thievery, gluttony, homosexuality, idolatry, dishonesty in business practice, lying, cheating of any variety, etc. The Law was a strong

…Is Torah to be followed…or escaped? ZealousMag.org

ACADEMIC C ORN ER

“Yeshua said, ‘Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill…’”

indicator of what the Holy One condoned and what He condemned. Curiously, there was nothing in Torah related to life in the hereafter, e.g., a burning hell, everlasting reward for good works, forgiveness of sins in relation to eternal bliss; no, nothing of what we would now link with “personal salvation.” Salvation was just not a personal consideration in Torah. The salvation God offered in Torah had to do with the perpetuity of the political institution. Compliance with God’s newly issued Constitution and By-laws was mandatory for national continuity. As Israel would live in harmony with the divinely issued Torah, the nation would maintain the character and practices it needed for survival. The Torah was but a snapshot, a symbol, an indicator, and surely not the full revelation of God’s entire universe of eternal and interGalactic Law. God’s Law characterized His eternal activities among all the galaxies. At Sinai, God provided a brief look into His everlasting and universal operating system so that Israel may recognize the tools it immediately needed to implement to nationally function according to God’s purposes. The Torah provided important tribute and witness to the far grander universal reality of God’s own eternal space-transcending Law. Yeshua came to enable Israel and all those spiritually redeemed to comply with the omnipresent Law of God’s righteousness. Yeshua said, “Do not think that I came to abolish

MJBI.org

the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. . . . For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” The rabbis concurred two millennia ago that the Torah could not be kept as Moses penned it without the existence of a subject Jewish political entity in Zion. Without national existence, land control, infrastructure, etc., Torah as constitution and by-laws could not be applied except by imaginative rabbinic allegorical interpretive extensions. The early Apostolic Community came to an enlightened understanding of Torah application, e.g., all the rich teachings of Torah should be fully harvested but through the illuminating agency and application of the Holy Spirit, the One who inspired the written Torah in the first place. In fact, it is impossible to practice Torah as originally issued to national Israel over 3,000 years ago. But believers in Yeshua, whether Messianic or Christian, have access to the bright illumination of the Spirit of God to enable us to ultimately attain to the very highest standard of God’s righteousness, the very Person of Yeshua Himself, the exact representation of the Holy and altogether righteous God. Yeshua calls us to that standard of righteousness the Torah-adhering community could never attain. Rather than make everyone good Jewish religious citizens, God wants Israel and all humanity to be like Himself. Faith in Yeshua commences the believer’s Spirit-illumination and ongoing transformation into God’s own likeness. Paul registers clearly that if we are guided by the Eternal Law of the Spirit, we are not subject to the Torah’s natural limitations. Yeshua brings us into richest expression, the epitome, the grandest display God’s lawful righteousness as we submit to the inter-planetary Law of God.

Rather than make everyone good Jewish citizens, God wants Israel and all humanity to be like Himself.

ZEALOUS MAGAZINE

Living Bread for Ukraine’s Desperate By Tatyana Sviontek, MJBI Ukraine “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (MK 3:7-8).

e are witnessing the fulfillment of this biblical passage in east Ukraine. During this recent conflict between pro-Russian activists and Ukrainian citizens, over 4,000 lives have been affected and some are missing. Many have become refugees and have migrated to Kiev, Kharkov, and Odessa. Odessa ranks third in receiving and settling those who have become strangers in their homeland. Many believers are actively involved in helping such people who do not have shelter, clothing, jobs, and savings by providing housing, work when possible, and food. Truly they are becoming Living Bread for the desperate. We are feeling the upheaval in our congregation and even in our home. We have had refugees living with us and have helped others find food and shelter. Although it is a strain on the community in some ways, it is a season of joy and hope too. People are so hungry for the Good News of salvation and are embracing Yeshua with open arms. It is a season of revival!

IMMIGRATION TO ISRAEL Current events in Kiev, the annexation of the Crimea, and the prolonged conflict in the east of Ukraine have led many Jewish people to search Jewish archives for possible Jewish roots in order to immigrate to Israel. This is God’s finger for this time. In our congregation, Or HaMashiach, six families are in the process of moving to Israel. These are receiving a revelation about the spiritual importance of Jewish people returning to their homeland. We are glad that we can become participants in this action, although we are faced with corruption in the government as Ukrainian Jews seek to find and process documentation. Please pray for Boris and Lena; Alena and Paul; Dennis and Galina; Kirill and Anya; Lena and Tom; Yefim (he is disabled and needs lots of help to immigrate) and Elijah as they step out in faith to make the Holy Land their land of promise. Z

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TATYANA SVIO NTE K

SMT Russian

Update

“We are rejoicing that the MJBI’s online School of Messianic Theology is now in Russian. Here are a few words of testimony from three students in Odessa, Ukraine.” KING’ S UNIVE RSITY Messianic Jewish Studies

Oleg Schepansky My life in God is related to the constant study of the Holy Scriptures. I am a member of the spiritual council and a deacon (shamashim) of the Messianic congregation, Or HaMashiach. I develop home groups, and I am grateful for the training I am receiving both theologically and practically so I may serve where I am called. Because I must work to support my family, schooling has been difficult for me. In my spare time, I can study through the Russian SMT program. It is easily accessible on the Internet and it is exactly what is needed for people, like me, who want to serve and reach the Jewish people. I am very glad that there is such an opportunity to study, and I recommend it to anyone who can’t attend school full-time.

Kirill Nefedov Living in a modern world of technology, it would be wrong not to take the opportunity to engage in the SMT program. The lessons are taught by the best professors of the Messianic movement from around the world. Their knowledge and experience is a treasure of information, study and experience. I think that it is a great privilege and blessing to listen and to learn from these teachers.

Sergey Stetsenko As a businessman, education is a priority for improving my personal qualifications. As a believer, training is also a priority in my spiritual life. I think the SMT program helps to accomplish this goal of gaining more knowledge and becoming better equipped to serve. The SMT is convenient, and it is solid spiritual food. As a person who studies the word of God, I would strongly recommend training through the SMT program to anyone who wants to seriously grow in the qualification of the Holy Scriptures.

Visit SMTEnglish.org to begin an online course today!

SMT

M J B I Uk ra i n e

SPRING 2015 SEMESTER Undergraduate Modular Classes, Gateway Dallas Campus

“Sacred Days of the Hebrew Calendar” January 7-10, 2015 Dr. Raymond L. Gannon “History of the Jewish People (Since Yeshua)” March 4-7, 2015 Dr. Raymond L. Gannon Online Undergraduate Course “Paul and the Jewish Mission: Romans and Galatians” January 12 – February 27, 2015 Dr. Raymond L. Gannon “Messianic Prophecy” March 16 – May 1, 2015 Dr. William Bjoraker GRADUATE SPRING 2015 COURSES Graduate Modular Class, Gateway Dallas Campus

“Avodah: The Art of Jewish Worship” Feb. 4-7, 2015 Dr. Jeffrey Feinberg Online Graduate Course “Two Millennia of Messianic Jewish Faith” March 16-May 1, 2015 Dr. Raymond L. Gannon ZEALOUS MAGAZINE

MESSIANIC JEWISH BIBLE INSTITUTE P. O . B o x 6 1 0 1 0 5 D a l l a s , Te x a s 7 5 2 6 1

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ARLINGTON, TX PERMIT #255

Attention Tyler, Abilene & Amarillo! “Inexpressible Joy” is heading your way in February and March, 2015! For more information, go to: www.MJBI.org/Events

2015

IN HIS STEPS ISRAEL TOUR

Nov 28-Dec 6 Join Dr. Wayne Wilks and the MJBI for this fun and spiritually impacting tour of Israel. Visit the land where Yeshua lived and walked. For detailed information, go to: