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Toward Jerusalem Council II

Romans 16:17 

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

In the April 2003 Newsletter, the following was reported: 

In February 2003 two events occurred simultaneously that were significant in the life of TJC II. While Promise Keepers met in Phoenix, Arizona on the 18th –20th, friends of the initiative from 16 nations met in Vienna, Austria from the 17th –20th for Vienna II Consultation. Most were from European nations, and Messianic leaders came from Israel, England, Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. One major breakthrough and answer to prayer was the participation of Fr. Vasile Mihoc, an Orthodox priest from Romania.

... As in October 2000, Cardinal Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, honored the meetings with his presence. He spoke in a general session on three passages from the Catholic Catechism which emphasize the place of Israel and the Jewish roots of Christian faith. The first passage was paragraph #528 on the identity of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel and the fact that the "nations" can only receive their salvation by "turning toward the Jews" and receiving from them the Messianic promise contained in the Old Testament. He also commented on paragraph #598, which clarifies that all sinners, not Jews alone, are responsible for the sufferings of Christ, and on paragraph #. 674 concerning Christ, the hope of Israel, and the coming recognition by Jews of their Messiah in the end-times...

One great blessing came as the committee members honored and reconciled with Messianic leaders from Israel.

...In another time zone, on another continent, a much larger group was gathering for the Promise Keepers Pastors and Leadership Conference in Phoenix Arizona. In fact, 10,000 pastors came together for three days of reconciliation, worship, and mutual encouragement.

To give the "elder brother" his place, conference organizers asked Messianic Jewish leaders to host the opening ceremony. The emcee was Marty Waldman, executive general secretary of TJC II and representative of the North American Messianic Community as the designated Messianic leader sitting on the PK Board of Directors. He introduced 6 other leaders of Messianic ministries including Bob Cohen of Messianic Jewish Alliance of America and TJC II executive committee. Over 200 Messianic leaders were seated in a place of honor near the platform.

... Joel Chernoff and his men’s team of dancers led in joyful and exuberant worship. In an overwhelming response, participants joined in, forming second and third dance circles.

Other executive committee members had significant parts ...

Jonathan Bernis preached a keynote sermon on the vision of one new man found in Ephesians 2, illustrating the historic hindrances by quoting Martin Luther on Jews. John Dawson was one of the panel speakers.

Don Finto also attended and helped lead certain sessions of the intercessor’s group. His recent book Your People Shall Be My People was given to each participant...

http://www.tjcii.org/news/2003_April.pdf

Apparently some believe in preferential treatment, and even to the seating arrangements, is something to be desired and required. 

Jesus said:

Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

The PK Conference

2 Corinthians 7:14-8:2

"14:Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man."

The Promise Keepers Pastors & Leadership Conference was held February 18–20, 2003. It had been predicted that 50,000 pastors would be in attendance, but the resulting number was 9,000. For more on PK, See: Promise Keepers

The PK conference was in partnership with other ministries including Alpha, Answers in Genesis, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association [See: Billy Graham], Campus Crusade For Christ [CNP's Bill Bright], Focus on the Family [CNP's James Dobson ], Jews for Jesus [See: JFJ], Mission America Coalition, World Vision , Seventh Day Adventists, National Association of Evangelicals, American Bible Society [Clapham; John Mott] and the Abba Anointing Oil Company. 

For Mission America see: 9-11 Ecumenical Faith; Ecumenical Jews, Evangelicals....; LCJE; CNP's Robert Weiner & Maranatha; The Call D.C Plus; Fuller Seminary: The Original Five; etc.

The book by Don Finto was not the only book given out at this Pastors Conference. NavPress gave a copy of “THE MESSAGE: The Bible In Contemporary Language” to all who attended. The Message is a paraphrase, not a translation, although it is promoted as being 'translated' by Eugene H. Peterson into a "modern language paraphrase." For in-depth analysis of The Message please see: The Message: Eugene Peterson's Opinion of the Bible

The Message is merely one of the latest in a list of new Bible's that try to dilute or eliminate the Deity of Christ. Below are some verse comparisons. The Message appears to include occult and New Age terms while deleting or changing Biblical truths. That is, The Message changes and adds to the Word of God, something we are forbidden to do. 

Proverbs 30:6 

KJV-  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 

MESSAGE: So don't second guess him; he might take you to task and show up your lies.

Revelation 22:18 -19

KJV - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

MESSAGE:  I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book; If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.

The Message deletes references to God's Name in some passages and adds a request not voiced by Jesus. For example:

Matthew 6:9  

KJV - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

LITERAL- So, then, you should pray this way: Our Father who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

MESSAGE -  With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simple. Like this: Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are.

 

Acts 11:18

 

KJV - When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

 

 

LITERAL - And hearing these things, they kept silent and glorified God, saying, Then God also has granted to the nations repentance unto life.

MESSAGE - Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. "It's really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!"

1 Timothy 3:16

KJV - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory

LITERAL - And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in flesh, was justified in Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

MESSAGE - This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough: He appeared in a human body, was proved right by the invisible spirit, was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.

Colossians 2: 8-9

KJV - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily

LITERAL - Watch that there not be one robbing you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

MESSAGE - They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly.

Romans 16:17

KJV - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

LITERAL - And brothers I exhort you to watch those making divisions and causes of stumbling contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.

MESSAGE - Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble. Give these people a wide berth.

1 Timothy 4:1

KJV-  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

LITERAL - But the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, cleaving to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons,

MESSAGE: The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars."

2 Timothy 4:3-4

KJV - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4. And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

LITERAL - For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own lusts, they will heap up to themselves teachers tickling the ear; 4 and they will turn away the ear from the truth and will be turned aside to myths.

MESSAGE - You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food - catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.

Revelation 22: 13-14

KJV - 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

LITERAL - 12 And lo, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to render to each as his work shall be; 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and End--the First and the Last.

MESSAGE - "Yes, I'm on my way! I'll be there soon! I'm bringing my payroll with me. I'll pay all people in full for their life's work. I'm A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.

The Message has been publicly endorsed by Jack Hayford, Jerry B. Jenkins, who co-wrote the Left Behind series with CNP's Tim LaHaye; J.I Packer, who amongst many others listed, signed Evangelicals and Catholics Together; Richard Foster, of Renovaré, mentioned in the previous article with regards to the Temple of Understanding, the Episcopalian 'mother' church-- the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which is Madeleine L'Engle's 'home church'. She also endorsed The Message. It is also endorsed by Christianity Today, Leighton Ford- Billy Graham's brother in law--who also endorsed Richard Foster's writings, Joni Earickson Tada and many, many more. 

Alongside the MJAA and other Messianic leadership mentioned above, the PK Pastor's Conference speakers included such notables as Bill McCartney, and Dr. Jack Hayford, who was the moderator of the conference. Hayford has taught the 'little gods' heresy. See: The god IN EVERY MAN

Another keynote speaker was Dr. Max Lucado, signer of the ecumenical Evangelicals and Catholics Together. See also: EJECT2; Unite, Whether Biblically Obedient or Not

A Media Roundtable was held with Dr. Bruce Wilkinson on February 19. Wilkinson is the author of The Prayer of Jabez and founder of “Walk Thru the Bible,” and is also president of Global Vision Resources, which is based in Africa. See also CNP's Christopher "Kit" Mason 

1 Cor 4:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

The Newsletters continued with the following report:

July 2002> 

...In a Spirit-led decision, the October meeting was moved to Paris...Just before TJC II meetings in Ventura, John Dawson convened a Consultation of leaders in the International Reconciliation Coalition, mostly from North America. Three other committee members - Marty Waldman, Peter Hocken, and Johannes Fichtenbauer, attended and spoke on TJC II to the 80 participants. After a time of protocol conducted by the First Nations representatives who were present, many of the participants began to more deeply realized the value of protocol – giving honor to whom honor is due. We are sharing some of their comments with you...

Hocken: "Some things ought to be revered – tradition, honoring elders, and God’s values placed in people groups."

Waldman: "Replacement theology and rejection of the Jewish roots brought an orphan spirit to the Gentile Church."

...- 2 -

Hocken: "We [Gentiles] need a new perception of engrafting. Engrafting implies an invitation. The Jews invite the Gentiles to be grafted in. We Gentiles are too accustomed to seizing the inheritance without reference to the original heirs."

Waldman....We [Messianic Jews] have been brought back to life to be a kingdom of priests for nations and people groups. God wants to bring forth the blessing of the Jews to the Gentile church. No one loses in this. We are mutually encouraged and affirmed."

*Leaders of Promise Keepers have decided to distribute copies of Don Finto’s book, Your People Shall be My People, to 55,000 pastors at a rally in Phoenix Arizona, February 2003.

http://www.tjcii.org/news/2002_July.pdf

Where Waldman stated: "We [Messianic Jews] have been brought back to life to be a kingdom of priests for nations and people groups."

Jesus is our High Priest. Jews and Gentiles have always been part of the Body of Christ. And all who belong to Jesus Christ are considered to be part of the "royal priesthood" and joint heirs, and have full access to the knowledge and grace of God.  It does not come through a particular people. It comes from having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, due to accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

I Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Where Hocken stated, "...The Jews invite the Gentiles to be grafted in..."

With all due respect to another person, regardless of heritage. The Jewish people did not extend the invitation to be grafted in, nor did they provide salvation. God did. 

Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 11 speaks of the Root, which is Jesus Christ, and the natural and grafted in branches. It warns of being caught up in pride, thinking that because one is of Christ, and many Jewish people were cut off because of rejection of Jesus Christ, that made that grafted in branch better or more important than the other branch. 

16 For if the firstfruit [Christ] be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root [Christ] be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches [non-Believing Jews] be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree [non-Jews], wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

It works both ways. Pride is not to be found in any of God's people, which is why the warning of God having not spared those Jews who were 'natural branches.' We are saved by grace because of His love for us. Our focus is to be Jesus Christ, giving Him the honor and the glory and the preeminence.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence

The Jewish people were given a great honor to have been given "the oracles of God." They were also privileged to have had communion with God as His chosen people. The documentation of their struggles, obedience and disobedience is recorded to be appreciated and learned from. They were also privileged to have had prophecies throughout time, that revealed the coming of the Messiah which culminated in the truth of Jesus Christ, who is God come in the flesh. All those who have accepted Him are part of the Body of Christ, regardless of heritage, because Almighty God declared it. Those who reject Him, struggle with the concept of who He is. 

Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Until the focus turns solely to Jesus Christ and obedience to Him where He has the preeminence, this whole movement will continue to be hindered by being focused on things such as lust of the flesh, pride, arrogance, self importance, traditions of men, Biblical disobedience and the minding of earthly things. 

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

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