Welcome to
Congregation Beth Yeshua

"Paul’s principle of 'to the Jew first' should raise the following questions for Gentile Christians: Do I have a sincere love for the Jewish people? Do I value the Jewish roots of my faith? [Or] has [the false and repugnant doctrine of] replacement theology shaped my understanding of the gospel? When was the last time that I shared with a Jewish friend about Yeshua (Jesus) the son of David? Is Jewish ministry a priority of my church? Do I encourage Yeshua-believing Jews to retain their Jewish identity as a matter of calling, or to assimilate for the sake of being “one in Christ”? Do I have relationships with Jewish followers of Yeshua? If so, are these relationships characterized by interdependence, mutual blessing, and mutual humbling? Do I give to Jewish charities and advocacy organizations? Do I fight antisemitism in the Church and the public square, or look the other way? Do I regularly pray for Israel and the well-being of the Jewish people worldwide? All of these are spheres of life that will be impacted when we experience Spirit-led vision to bring the gospel to the Jew first as Paul taught."             

- Dr. David Rudolph

The heart of God for Israel is a multifaceted perspective deeply rooted in biblical narrative and theology, emphasizing God's enduring love, faithfulness, and purpose for the Jewish people and their land. This concept is explored through various lenses, including God's covenant with Abraham, the prophetic writings, the Gospels and letters of the New Covenant writers. Ultimately, God's heart for Israel is inseparable from His heart for redemption and His overarching plan for humanity. 

1. Covenant and Election:

• God made an eternal covenant with Abraham, linking His name, reputation and faithfullnes to Abraham's descendants, the Jewish people. 
• This covenant establishes a unique and enduring relationship between God and Israel. 
• God chose Israel to be a model nation, a light to the nations, showcasing His truth, His pattern for life and for blessings as well as the human condition of rebellion and a need for a savior. 

2. God's Unchanging Love and Faithfulness:

• God's love for Israel is steadfast and unwavering, even amidst Israel's failures and disobedience. 
• He is depicted as a loving father, a tender shepherd, and a devoted husband to Israel. 
• His promises to Israel are seen as eternal and unchangeable. 

3. Prophetic Significance:

• The prophets foretold God's restoration of Israel and the ultimate return of the Jewish Messiah. 
• Aliyah, the beginning of the return of the Jewish people to Israel, is seen as a precursor to Messiah's return. 
• Understanding God's prophetic plan for Israel is crucial for believers. 

4. Redemption and Restoration:

• God's ultimate plan for Israel involves their reconciliation to Him through faith, through return to His ways outlined in Torah, and ultimately through the redemption only found in Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah. 
• Romans 9-11 speaks of God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of both Jewish and Gentile believers in His plan of redemption. 
• God's heart for Israel is inseparable from His heart for the redemption of all humanity. 

5. A Call to Action:

• Believers are called to understand and embrace God's heart for Israel. 
• This includes praying for Israel, standing with them prophetically, especially in the midst of persecution, and sharing in God's passion for their restoration. 
• Standing with Israel prophetically informs but in many ways is distinct from political or other perspectives. 

In essence, God's heart for Israel is a testament to His enduring love, His faithfulness to His promises, and His overarching plan for redemption and restoration, involving both the Jewish people and all of humanity.