Got An App For That

Finally, there is a counter-missionary app for smartphones.  Rabbi Stuart Federow, the author of Whatjewsbelieve.org, has turned his wonderful website into a free app for Android phones.  Here is the link to the Google Play shop to download it for free: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=jewish+mission+control&c=apps

Is Jesus the Servant of Isaiah 53?

Is Jesus the Servant talked about in Isaiah 53?  Most Christians, including members of Messianic "Judaism", believe that Isaiah 53 discusses Jesus and use this as a primary source for their religious beliefs.  However, I believe they miss a crucial point.  The subject is called "My servant" by G-d in Isaiah 52:13 (the speech of Isaiah 53 begins in chapter 52) and 53:11.  There are a few key points to focus on here.  First, the Servant of Isaiah 53 clearly serves G-d.  By definition, the Servant is subservient to G-d.  A servant serves his master while G-d is the Ultimate Master of the Universe and serves no one. In standard Christian (including Messianic) belief, Jesus is both the Messiah and divine. 

Here is the logical problem with asserting that Jesus is the Servant of Isaiah 53.  G-d as Master of the Universe can never be called a "servant."  If Jesus is truly divine, then he cannot be the Servant.  It is false, and insulting, to refer to G-d (or any aspect of G-d) as a "servant."  So, if Jesus is part of the Trinity, he cannot be the Servant of Isaiah 53.  Then again, if you believe that Jesus is definitely the Servant of Isaiah 53, then he cannot be divine.  Again, we cannot call G-d a "servant."

For those who like math, here is the problem with asserting that Jesus is the Servant of Isaiah 53, set up as a simple syllogism.

According to Christian-Messianic belief:

G-d = Jesus
and
Jesus = Servant
therefore

G-d = Servant

As the Ultimate Master of the Universe, we can logically know that the conclusion that is derived from believing that Jesus is the Servant is false.  G-d is never a servant.  So, Christians-Messianics must either reject the notion that Jesus is divine if they accept Isaiah 53 to be about Jesus or reject the notion that Jesus is talked about in Isaiah 53 if they believe he is divine.

Judaism and Christianity: A Contrast

Rabbi Stuart Federow of What Jews Believe (www.whatjewsbelieve.org) has a new book, "Judaism and Christianity: A Contrast."  In his book, he explores the key differences between the two religions, with in depth analysis of the Biblical text. 
Rabbi Federow has a great deal of expertise on both Judaism and Christianity.  He is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who takes confusing concepts and brings them clarity.  I highly recommend his book! 
http://www.amazon.com/Judaism-Christianity-Rabbi-Stuart-Federow/dp/1475954727/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Rosh Hashanah Message

As we are about to begin Rosh Hashanah 5773, our minds are brought to G-d's Judgement of us.  Keep in mind the words of Ezekiel 18:19-22  in which we learn that each of us are responsible for our own sins and that personal repentance leads to forgiveness. 

Yet you say: Why does not the son bear the iniquity of the father with him? When the son has done that which is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes, and has done them, he shall surely live.  The soul that sins, it shall die; the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father with him, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son with him; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all My statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for his righteousness that he has done he shall live.


   

Missionaries in Israel

Counter-missionary organization Jewish Israel gave an interview on the state of missionary activity in Israel.  Ellen Horowitz of Jewish Israel is definitely worth listening to.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Radio/Player.aspx#0#4162

Missionary Trick

Yad L'Achim caught a missionary group trying to trick Jews into receiving an evangelism booklet.  Nice job by Yad L'Achim!  http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/156533#.T81szVI4fh0

Who Is G-d's Firstborn Son?

One of the parts of the Exodus/Passover story that is often missed is the identification of G-d's firstborn son. Now, Messianics will generally tell you that Jesus is G-d's firstborn son. But G-d says something quite different in the Bible. In Exodus 4:22-23, G-d orders Moses to say"And you will say to Pharaoh: Thus says the L-RD: Israel is My son, My first-born. And I have said to you: Let My son go, that he may serve Me; and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will slay your son, you first-born.:"

So, we learn in story of Passover that the true firstborn son of G-d is not Jesus, but the Jewish people.