Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

> Dear Brother Buddy A friend of mine suggested that I should check out

> your web site and asked for my opinion. Unfortunately it appears I am

> not welcome because I am a Jew (a christian by faith and a jew by

> bloodline, which I guess you chose to call "messianic jew").

Rebekah,

Thank you for writing. Perhaps I can help a bit.

To begin with we do not restrict Christian Jews from our Hebraics forum. (I think this may be what you are talking about.) We have Messianic Jews as members.

We do have the following statement on the HF home page: "This forum is not for Yahwists or Sabbatarians, or for any who view the term 'Christian' in a derogatory way. Membership is considered upon completion of a questionnaire."

You said that you were a Jew by bloodline and a Christian by faith. Why not subscribe to the forum by completing the questionnaire. Go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hebraic-Foundations/. Every questionnaire is carefully considered. If there is a problem area we communicate this to you.

I recently had a discussion with a Messianic elder concerning the HF forum. After explaining our purposes for the restricted membership, this is what he had to say:

"Thank you, Brother, for your thoughtful response. I see where you are coming from and have been in similar situations, unfortunately. It seems that Messianic Judaism is a magnet for all kinds of errant beliefs and teachings. It is a continual struggle for us to identify where people are coming from and either correct their errant understanding, or get them to leave..."

> It made me so sad to find that Satan is doing such a great job in

> cutting the body of Christ into pieces. I believe that any

> denomination, by any name, if it has a "hollier than thou" attitude.

I think you are misinformed about the Hebraic-Foundations forum as well as Christian Challenge International (The sponsoring ministry.) We believe that the Lord has people both within and outside of denominations. If you knew me personally you would not use the 'holier than thou' statement.

HF is actually an educational forum. Its purpose in having a restricted membership is no different than any other group that may have a restricted membership. Many churches have forums for their church membership. Our purpose is to give traditional Christians a place to dialogue within a framework that is culturally Christian. You name the Christian denomination and you will likely find someone in our membership from that denominational background, including both pastors and laity.

However, HF is not a debate forum. Everyone is invited to express their thoughts but they must do so in a respectful manner. Any of our members will tell you that Hebraic-Foundations is one of the most pleasant forums around. We allow a great freedom of expression, but always within the perimeters of gracious speaking.

> Whatever reasons you have for rejecting people who happen to be Israel

> by flesh as well as by Spirit, I hope you find it in your heart to

> realise that this CAN NOT be the Lord's work.

Where did you get the idea that we reject people who happen to be Israel by flesh? If the Israeli by flesh is a Christian, then they are welcome to subscribe to the forum. (Of course consideration is given to their completed questionnaire.)

> I would disscuss it further, but as I mentioned earlier, I am not

> welcome... Peace and Grace be with you, and may the light of the Son

> shine on you always. Sister Rebekah Arad Israel

Let me know what your concerns are. I will try to address them.

The Lord bless you,

Buddy
Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org

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What would you like to "Ask the Pastor?"

Your full name:
Your email address: (e.g.: you@aol.com)
PLEASE include your email address or we won't be able to send the answer to you.

Your question

(Note: Please include your full name and email address. Answers will be sent by return email. Christian Challenge reserves the right to reprint your question and edit it for clarity and content on our "Ask the Pastor" web page. Please note that we will not divulge your full name nor your email address. Typically we'll use your first name only. Not all questions are posted on this page - many more are responded to privately. Please let us know if you do NOT want your question listed or if you'd prefer it to be listed anonymously. We respect your privacy and will NOT sell/give/loan your name and email address to any other organization/business/entity.)

Back to the Christian Challenge International home page!