RABBI TOVIA SINGER'S DISTORTION OF THE SCRIPTURES

 (5) Christian Zionism, is it possible? With Rabbi Tovia Singer - YouTube

American Orthodox Rabbi Tovia Singer is a fierce advocate for the Jewish faith, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. Singer moved from Indonesia to Jerusalem in May 2019 and he now lives in the Jewish quarter of the Old City. He is the founder and director of Outreach Judaism, an international organization that responds directly to the issues raised by missionaries and cults, by exploring Judaism in contradistinction to fundamentalist Christianity. {1} Singer is the author of Let’s Get Biblical! Why Doesn’t Judaism Accept the Christian Messiah? 

The interviewer, Dr Roi Yozevitch, observed that an Israeli-loving Christian is an oxymoron from the Jewish point of view. This is mainly due to the historic persecution of Jews by the so-called church. A major obstacle for the Jewish people is historical antisemitism and the accusation that they are "Christ murderers". From the fundamental Christian point of view, we know that God has not rejected his people as some teach. According to the apostle Paul, at the present time, there is a remnant chosen by grace. (Romans 11: 1-12).

As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. (Romans 11:28-32).

Yozevitch informed his viewers that Orthodox Jews are not allowed to read, or even to have a copy of the New Testament in their homes. We should be under no illusion that Orthodox Jews are an easy group to evangelize; on the contrary, they present a united front and are extremely hostile to the gospel.

Singer is confident and convincing, but he misrepresents the scriptural position on a number of key doctrines. In this post, I will limit my critique to Singer's misrepresentation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as "ritual cannibalism".  

Singer: "Christians teach in the eucharist that you have to eat the body and drink the blood of the messiah Jesus through eating the bread and drinking the wine..  ..to the Christian, when you eat the body and drink the blood, literally Christ dwells in you and you become Christ-like.. it is all about worshipping a God-man who died for your sins and resurrected from the dead, and if you believe in that and his body and blood dwell in you then you are saved and you gain the properties of Christ.. This is what is called ritual cannibalism.."

Singer omits to clarify the parabolic element of Jesus' teaching and his distortions are no doubt repulsive to his Jewish audience. Fundamental bible believing Christians do not believe that when they take communion they are literally ingesting the body and blood of Christ, or that his body and blood literally dwell in them. Realism i.e. the real or physical presence of Jesus in the communion i.e. transubstantiation and its variant, consubstantiation, is generally rejected by fundamental Christians. The doctrine held by many Christians is that the bread and wine consumed in communion are symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus. The elements are a remembrance of the atonement Jesus made for our sins on the cross: Do this in remembrance of me - literally, as My memorial, or, as your memorial of Me. (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24).

The New Testament scriptures teach that it is by grace through faith that people are saved, not by any outward observance. (Ephesians 2:8). When the bread and wine are taken, we do not believe that we are taking into ourselves the essence or the "life force" of Jesus into our bodies.  Believers receive the Holy Spirit when they believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:2; Acts 20:21; John 6:63).

Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?”So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever. Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. 

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:47-68).

This graphic metaphor caused no small controversy amongst the Jews: ..they began to argue among themselves.. After this many turned back and no longer walked with him. This speech had the effect of weeding out Jesus' superficial followers. His habit was to explain the deeper meaning of his sayings to the twelve privately. (Mark 4:34).

On other occasions, Jesus said, I am the light of the world (John 8:12), I am the good shepherd (John 10: 11,14),  I am the vine (John 15:1), I am the door. (John 10:9).

This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:13).

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

1. RABBI TOVIA SINGER SPEAKER BIO | Outreach Judaism (beyneynu.com) 

DECEPTION IN THE NAR IDENTIFIED: MICHAEL BROWN + JOSEPH MATTERA

Dr Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera have recently produced a document identifying deception inside the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Incredibly, Brown has previously denied the existence of the NAR. He has been called out repeatedly as someone who facilitates and gives credibility to NAR false teachers and has been dubbed "the apostle of obfuscation". The document below seems definitive and appears to condemn various heretical NAR practices. However, Brown is someone who should be treated with extreme caution, even when he appears to say the right things. Mark and avoid those wolves who identify themselves as "apostolic". (Romans 16:17).

In light of the controversy surrounding the terms “New Apostolic Reformation” (NAR)
and “Christian Nationalism,” we are issuing this statement of clarification.1

WE AFFIRM the importance of Ephesians 4:11 ministries for the Church today and believe that such ministry functions have existed throughout Church history, even if not described in these exact terms.

WE AFFIRM that contemporary apostolic and prophetic ministries are important for the well-being and mission of the Church, just as evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching ministries are important.

• By “apostolic,” we are referring to visionary leaders who are missional, fathering, and pioneering, such as church planters, networkers, or movement leaders, often marked by their focus on gospel expansion beyond one local region. Such leaders are identified by their function, whether or not they use the term apostolic and whether or not they are Pentecostal or charismatic.
• By “prophetic,” we are referring to Church leaders who understand and declare the mind of God for specific times and seasons, helping the Lord’s people respond biblically. Such leaders are identified by their function, whether or not they use the term prophetic and whether or not they are Pentecostal or charismatic.

WE REJECT the belief that contemporary apostles carry the same authority as did the original Twelve Apostles.

WE REJECT the belief that contemporary prophets have the exact same function or carry the exact same authority as did Old Testament prophets.2

WE REJECT the belief that every church must be submitted to apostles and prophets to be in right order before the Lord.

WE FURTHER OPPOSE the possible abuse of ecclesial titles that manifests itself in self-proclaimed apostles and prophets claiming territorial authority over pastors in a community, city, or nation.

WE REJECT the belief that “new revelation” is essential for the life and growth of the Church or that contemporary apostles or prophets are the only ones privy to such “new revelation.”

WE AFFIRM the full sufficiency of Scripture for the health and mission of the Church.

WE AFFIRM that the spirit of true apostles and prophets should exemplify the attitude and lifestyle of Jesus (Philippians 2:4-12), coming alongside other church and workplace leaders to serve them, not replace them.

In short, WE DENY any affiliation with what is presently characterized as “NAR” in many circles of both Christian and secular press. We also believe that reports of an alleged conspiratorial, worldwide, dangerous “NAR” movement are highly exaggerated and misleading.

As for “Christian nationalism,” WE RECOGNIZE that for some, this simply refers to a healthy form of Christian patriotism, of loving God and loving one’s country. In that sense, the term is benign. 

WE ALSO RECOGNIZE that some media outlets put the worst construction on our words, take us out of context, falsely associate us with dangerous, fringe groups, and unfairly malign us. For those who genuinely want to separate fact from fiction, we make these clarifying statements.

WE RECOGNIZE that America has a rich Christian heritage, despite its many historic failings, and that to the extent we have honored that heritage, the nation has been blessed. And we applaud those who encourage other Americans to pattern their lives after Christian principles that have helped bring God’s favor to our nation through the generations.

In addition, WE BELIEVE that nationalism is a biblical concept in the sense of nations having defined borders and identities, as mentioned by Paul in Acts 17 and by Moses in Deuteronomy 32. God sets national borders and governments and authority spheres for a purpose. 

WE ALSO BELIEVE in the positive value of respecting national borders and national authority, in contrast with an international one-world government.

At the same time, WE REJECT as unbiblical the belief that America is a uniquely chosen nation, similar to Old Testament Israel being the chosen nation of God. (Although God has used the USA in various ways to bless the world with humanitarian aid and military support, and although the Church of America has sent out missionaries worldwide, in the New Testament, Jesus, as the King of kings and Lord of lords has a special assignment for every nation, tribe, kindred and tongue represented on the earth.)

WE ALSO RECOGNIZE that there is a dangerous and unhealthy form of “Christian nationalism,” one that speaks of a potential Christian uprising against the government or hints at the use of force to advance God’s kingdom.

WE CATEGORICALLY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY DENY any affiliation with or connection to that form of Christian nationalism.

Because WE BELIEVE that God made one human race expressed through different ethnicities and races, all of which deserve dignity and respect as His image bearers, WE REJECT all ideologies and movements claiming ethnic or racial superiority.

WE DENOUNCE calls to violent, armed resistance in the name of Christian nationalism or as an alleged means of advancing the cause of the gospel.

WE REJECT the triumphalist, top-down, take-over of society as part of a so-called “dominion mandate,” also noting that we do not know of any major Christian movement that espouses such a top-down, take-over mentality.

WE REJECT the merging of Christian identity and national identity, as if the Kingdom of God and our particular nation were one and the same.

In contrast, WE BELIEVE the biblical way to influence society is by living the cruciform life in which believers lay down their lives in the service of others, resulting in human flourishing for the glory of God. This can include Christ-like engagement in every sphere of society.

And WE DO BELIEVE that Christians have as much right as any other group to have their voices heard in the public square and to influence society, functioning as the salt of the earth and light of the world, and we encourage such activities as good citizens of our various nations and as part of our sacred calling.

WE BELIEVE that Christians should seek to make a positive impact on every aspect of society, including education and media, along with politics, and that by acting on gospel principles, whole nations can be changed.

WE BELIEVE that Christians should be politically informed, should exercise their right to vote, should hold elected officials accountable, and when called by God, should run for political offices themselves.

BUT WE SEE IT AS SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS IF/WHEN…

1. We wrap the gospel in the American flag (or any national or state flag).
2. We equate our country with the Kingdom of God.
3. We confuse patriotism with spirituality.
4. We compromise our ethics to keep our party (or leader) in power.
5. Our church/denomination/ministry becomes an appendage of a political party.
6. We put more trust in earthly methods than in spiritual methods.
7. We marry the cause of Christ to the cause of a political party (or leader) as if they were one and the same.
8. We become as vulgar and rude as the candidates we follow.
9. We look to the White House or any branch of government in any nation more than to God.
10. We make a human being into a political savior.
11. We equate loyalty to God (which should be unconditional) with loyalty to a party or political leader (which should be conditional).
12. Our prayers and our prophecies become politically partisan.

FINALLY, WE CONCLUDE BY CONTRASTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH EXTREME NATIONALISM:

• The Kingdom of God prioritizes the advancement of the gospel. Extreme nationalism prioritizes the advancement of its ideology even at the expense of the gospel.
• The Kingdom of God produces loyalty to Christ above all else. Extreme nationalism produces loyalty to one’s nation above all else.
• The Kingdom of God raises the banner of Jesus above all else. Extreme nationalism raises the national flag above all else.
• The Kingdom of God promotes the interests of God above the world. Extreme nationalism promotes the interests of one’s nation above the Kingdom.
• The Kingdom of God views the world through a biblical lens. Extreme nationalism views the world solely through a geopolitical lens.
• The Kingdom of God is dependent upon neither an earthly kingdom nor an earthly ruler but upon Jesus as the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Extreme nationalism is dependent upon both the ideology of an earthly nation and its ruler.
• Followers of the Kingdom of God are passionate about a Christ-centered global awakening. Adherents of extreme nationalism are focused primarily on a political/ideological awakening.
• Christ-followers are primarily identified with the Kingdom of God. Extreme nationalists derive their primary identity from their nation.
• Christ-followers derive their primary value from being children of their heavenly Father (Romans 8:14-17). Extreme nationalists derive their primary value from being citizens of their country. 

May the Church put God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first so that He can trust true believers, who genuinely represent His heart, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

1. By “NAR” we are referring to a phrase coined by several leaders in recent years to describe what they perceive as a new church reformation led by apostolic leaders. Because “NAR” means different things to different people, both positive and negative, we wanted to clarify what we do believe and distance ourselves from what we do not believe.

2. For further details of our view of prophetic ministry today, see the statement at PropheticStandards.com

Issued 10/10/22 

NAR & Christian Nationalism Statement – The controversy surrounding the terms “New Apostolic Reformation” (NAR) & “Christian Nationalism” (narandchristiannationalism.com)

FIVE RED HEIFERS: THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN OXYMORON

On the 25th of September Israel365 announced the news that five red heifers landed at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. The heifers were discovered and brought to Israel with the help of the Boneh Israel (Building Israel) and its founder/team leader Byron Stinson. Stinson is an American Christian who describes himself as a "Judeo-Christian believer". {1}

In the Old Testament, the red heifer was essential for ritual purification resulting from proximity to, or direct contact with, a dead body. (Numbers 19:1-22). Since the destruction of the second temple in 70AD, the cessation of ritual sacrifices, and the absence of a red heifer, all Jews are presently considered ritually impure. The red heifer is therefore a critical component for Orthodox Jews and their hope to reinstate the Temple Service and their plan to rebuild the Third Temple on the Temple Mount. The quest for an unblemished red heifer has been underway for about a decade, with hopes raised and dashed during the process. According to 12th-century Jewish scholar Rambam, the rebuilding of the third temple will be a major sign that humanity has reached the End of Days. {2} 

Stinson: “We are not just Christian as a nation. It is Judeo-Christian. I believe that there is a bloodline for many Christians that calls us by the Spirit to be part of this land. I believe I am one and these people who are called to this, their hearts make them come.” {3} 

John Enarson, the non-Jewish Christian Relations Director for Cry For Zion, believes that reinstating the Red Heifer and Temple service would be a positive step for Christianity. Cry for Zion is a movement of Jews and Christians for Jewish sovereignty and freedom on the Temple Mount (Zion). {4} Enarson acknowledges that this is a controversial subject and that many Christians view the arrival of the red heifers and the prophetic establishment of the Jewish Third Temple with apprehension. {5}

This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and on which a yoke has never come. (Numbers 19:2).

 

In common with Orthodox Jews, many Christians view the building of a literal temple as a critical eschatological event. However, a significant number of Christians view the Third Temple negatively due to the prophetic material in Daniel 9 repeated by Jesus. (Matthew 24:15). Paul confirms both Daniel and Jesus in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). We therefore have strong evidence that the Antichrist will defile the temple at the close of the present age. 

Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” (Daniel 9:24-27). 

According to Daniel, the Third Temple sacrifices will occur during the first half of the period known as "the 70th week of Daniel" (a week of years i.e. seven years). (Daniel 9:27). The above passage describes the destruction of the second temple by Titus in 70 AD. (Daniel 9:26). Daniel goes on to describe a particular individual (the Antichrist) who will make and break a strong covenant with many for one week". The short, but devastating reign of the Antichrist will commence with the event known as "the abomination of desolation" at the midpoint of the 70th week. (Matthew 24:15). Daniel 9:27 is a critical verse that indicates that temple sacrifices will be reinstated at the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel and that the Antichrist will put an end to them at the midpoint of the week. This ties in with the Olivet discourse and Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians which describes the "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) who will take his seat in the temple of God and declare himself to be God at the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel. 

So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. And let no one in the field return for his cloak. How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. See, I have told you in advance. (Matthew 24:15-25).

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

A covenant with death and hell. (Isaiah 28:14-18). These verses probably refer to Judah's covenant with Egypt (eighth-century BC). However, it does tie in with Israel's ultimate covenant with the Antichrist in the middle of the 70th week. (compare Isaiah 28:15; Daniel 9:27).

Red heifer typology

The sacrificial law of the red heifer is a type and shadow of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The children of Israel became ritually clean following contact with a corpse through the ashes of the red heifer. However, it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that it is possible to be cleansed from sin and death. (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Jesus' prayer in the garden at Gethsemane took place on the Mount of Olives where the red heifer sacrifice took place. In the Old Testament, the red heifer was the only sacrifice that was offered "outside the camp". (Numbers 19:3,9). Jesus Christ suffered outside the gate.. 

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. (Hebrews 13:12-13).

And it shall be a statute forever for them. (Numbers 19:21).

Gill: And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them,.. To the children of Israel, throughout their generations, unto the coming of the Messiah, when the ceremonial law, which stood in divers washings and purifications, was abolished: {6} 

(4) Is the Third Temple the Temple of the Antichrist? - YouTube

The above video gives some insight into the thinking of John Enarson, and presumably other Christian supporters of the Third Temple. 

The group of three men discussing this subject are Josh Wander (Jewish author), Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz (Israel365 News), and John Enarson. Enarson begins by stating that the Antichrist or "the ultimate false Messiah" is not a concept known within mainstream Judaism. This is a very significant point that effectively positions the Jews in an extremely vulnerable position. 

Enarson claims to understand the prophecies of both Jesus and Paul regarding the defilement of the future temple as explicit references to the Jewish story of Hannukah in Maccabees i.e. the Jewish revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes IV (167 BC). Enarson: "Both Jesus and Paul say something like the Hannukah story will repeat itself". Most New Testament scholars agree that Antiochus Epiphanes IV is a significant type of the Antichrist. (Daniel 11:21-35). A number of teachers believe that Daniel 11:36-45 goes beyond Antiochus and refers to the future Antichrist. (Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:1-18; Daniel 10:14; 12:1).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: "The wilful king here, though primarily Antiochus, is antitypically and mainly Antichrist, the seventh head of the seven-headed and ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-18, and the 'beast' of Armageddon (Revelation 16:13, 16; 19:19)."  {7} 

Enarson views the belief that the Third Temple will be "the temple of the Antichrist" as a misconception even though he admits that both Jesus and Paul anticipate a repeat of the Hannukah story.

Enarson: "It is the temple of God, it is holy to the God of Israel, the God of the bible not say that it is a temple of antichrist that will be built for the antichrist! The “man of lawlessness” can only defile something that is holy to God." {8}

Paul speaks about "the temple of God" without any other qualification in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. It appears that the Third Temple will ostensibly be "God's temple". The concern that many Christians have is that the Antichrist will initially deceive the Jews into thinking that he is their powerful ally. He will make a "strong covenant with many" (including or primarily Israel) for seven years, and he will probably facilitate the construction and function of the Third Temple. However, halfway through this period he will put sacrifice and offering to an end. (Daniel 9:27). At the midpoint of the week, the Antichrist will reveal his true agenda and will openly blaspheme God and he will exalt himself against every so-called God, including false gods with the true God. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). My present view is that the Antichrist will not be Jewish since he will rise up from the sea i.e. the nations. (Revelation 13:1).

Enarson: "The New Testament in the book of Hebrews says clearly that the temple on earth.. and all the sacrifices there, were never meant to save your eternal soul for the world to come. It served a different function..    Unless you make personal shuva (repentance) then the sacrifice is meaningless." 

The animal sacrifices of the Old Testament were used to offer atonement for sins, albeit they were a temporary covering until Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The animal sacrifices foreshadowed the complete, perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. It is regrettable that Enarson did not explain this clearly to his Jewish friends during the discussion. 

Enarson submits that just as it was God's mandate for the Jews to rebuild the Second Temple (Haggai 2:1-5; Zechariah 4:8-10); Nehemiah 1:9), it is unequivocally God's mandate for the Jews to build the Third Temple. In other words, the prophetic mandate to rebuild the Second Temple has been reapplied in order to justify the existence of the Third Temple. There is a mountain of evidence in the New Testament to refute this view. Jesus' prophecy concerning the destruction of the Second Temple and the establishment of the new covenant in His blood absolutely negates the necessity for a Third Temple and the reinstatement of the Mosaic system.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37:39).

But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”(Matthew 24:2).

These appear to have been the last words Jesus spoke as he left the temple, never to re-enter it again. Jesus abandoned the temple following his denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees earlier in chapter 23 and their fate is duly sealed. The only future hope for Israel from now on is the time when they repent of their rejection of Jesus Christ, their Messiah.  

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10 cf. Hosea 3:4-5).

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture).. (John 19:28).

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Matthew 27:50-51).

by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, (Ephesians 2:15)

Strongs: "I make idle (inactive), make of no effect, annul, abolish, bring to naught, (b) I discharge, sever, separate from." {9}

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthains 11:25 cf. Hebrews 9:15-22).

Reinstating animal sacrifices and rebuilding the temple is viewed by many Christians as tantamount to rejecting what has been accomplished on the cross by Jesus Christ. Technically the Mosaic Law has been fulfilled i.e. it has been rendered inoperative and its requirements no longer apply. For all practical intents and purposes, the Mosaic Law is therefore abolished. (Romans 3:31). 

Jesus Christ declared himself to be the completed, atoning sacrifice: It is finished. (John 19:30). 

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve tee living God. (Hebrews 9:11-14 cf. 1 Peter 1:2)).

Ezekiels Temple - Ezekiel 40-48

The proposed Third Temple should not be confused with the Millennial Temple i.e. Ezekiel’s Temple. The book of Revelation speaks of vast topographic changes on the earth when the seventh angel pours out his bowl. The "great city" is probably Jerusalem. (Revelation  16:19; 11:8).

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. (Revelation 16:1-720).

The land area dedicated to the Millennial temple and to its service will be one-mile square. It appears that the temple will be situated on Mount Zion and will measure approximately one mile in height. The land surrounding the Millennial temple will measure approximately 52 miles long and 21 miles wide. The proportions of the proposed third Jewish temple have not been divulged, but clearly, the Third Jewish Temple will not be remotely comparable to the vast proportions described by Ezekiel. 

The reinstatement of animal sacrifices during the Millennium is a subject that has puzzled many bible scholars. (Isaiah 56:6-7; 60:7; Ezekiel 43:18-27; 45:17-23; Zechariah 14:16-21). Some hold the view that Millennial sacrifices will be a memorial in much the same way that the Lord's Supper is a memorial. An interesting theory is that animal sacrifices during the Millennium will serve as ritual purification. Mark Hitchcock: "During the Millennium, a holy God will be dwelling on earth in the midst of people in their glorified bodies but also in the midst of sinful people living in natural, unglorified bodies. These sacrifices prevent these worshippers from defiling God’s holy Temple when they come to worship Him. It is a matter of ritual purification. Sacrifices during the Millennium will not be a substitute for Christ’s atoning work. Instead, they will provide ritual purification for unglorified people on earth who approach the holy God in worship." {10} 

John Enarson's skewed logic. 

Berkowitz points out that even if the Third Temple is a setting for the Antichrist, it is not something that Christians should "prevent" because it is actually part of the prophecy. Enarson: "If you are working for the ultimate redemption to bring it closer, then are you thereby bringing something bad into the world by troubles that are promised to come? 

This is tantamount to saying "The end justifies the means". 

And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. (Romans 3:8 cf Romans 6:1,15).

I do not imagine that Christians can prevent the construction of the Third Temple. However, we would be remiss if we fail to warn the Jewish people that their present course of action will lead to the devastating time known as "Jacob's Trouble". (Jeremiah 30:7 cf. Zechariah 13:8-9). Christians who actively support the Third Temple are facilitating Satan's ultimate plan to deceive the Jews, and ultimately the entire world. (Revelation 13:3).     

 

Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes. (Matthew 18:7).

The mandate given to believers is to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19). 

Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. (1 Corinthians 15:1-7).

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16).

1. ISRAEL365 EXCLUSIVE: Red Heifers arrive in Israel [WATCH] (israel365news.com)
2. Will God or the Messiah Build the Third Holy Temple? - Israel News (israel365news.com)
3. Christians weigh in on the relevance of the red heifer (israel365news.com)
4. Temple Mount | Cry For Zion
5. Christians weigh in on the relevance of the red heifer (israel365news.com)
6. Numbers 19 Gill's Exposition (biblehub.com)
7. Daniel 11 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary (biblehub.com)
8. What About the Temple of Antichrist? (cryforzion.com)
9. Strong's Greek: 2673. καταργέω (katargeó) -- to render inoperative, abolish (biblehub.com)
10. Millennial Sacrifices - (apologeticanswers.org)

JUSTIN PETERS DOUBLE STANDARDS

 Has Benny Hinn Really Repented of the 9 Member Godhead? - YouTube

Justin Peters goes into great detail about Benny Hinn's false teachings, his dishonest methods, and the steps he should take in order to truly repent. While I agree that Benny Hinn is a blatant wolf, it is disconcerting that Justin Peters has not bothered to respond to the accusation of dishonesty against himself regarding his association with JD Hall! {1}

Following the ill-conceived discussion between Chris Rosebrough, Phil Johnson and Justin Peters on the 7th of July regarding the arrest and public disgrace of JD Hall, the silence has been deafening. {2} The double standards of these three "watchmen" really is something to behold. Hall was arrested on the 11th of May for DUI, and the later charges of domestic violence with a weapon and embezzlement. Both the embezzlement and domestic violence allegations are under police investigation according to the Sidney Police Department. {3}

In February, Hall declared bankruptcy after being sued for libel by Adrian Jawort, a transgender native lobbyist who alleges that an article about her damaged her reputation. {4} According to his attorney, Hall was discharged from bankruptcy on June 8th. It has also been confirmed that Hall has purchased his estate back for $40,000. It is puzzling how Hall came up with $40,000 considering his reported cash assets of just $24. {5}

The full extent of Hall's empire has been reported in The Montana Freepress:

"The bankruptcy also opened a window into Hall’s otherwise opaque financial world. In documents filed with the court, he reported ownership of Gideon Knox, the umbrella company behind Hall’s business ventures, and “various websites,” a 10% stake in Real Montana News LLC, and total ownership of a federally licensed, appointment-only arms dealer called Black Robe Rifles. He reported owning more than a dozen guns, four cars, an ATV and two trailers. His assets totaled $190,969, against $533,144 in reported liabilities. Fellowship Baptist Church, which owned part of his house in Sidney, paid him a gross salary of $4,250 monthly.." {5}

Justin Peters' dishonesty

Justin Peters: "For the last several years I have not publicly connected myself with Jordan, I have not promoted any of his teaching.." (23:00 mark) 

Justin Peters at Fellowship Bible Church Church 7th March 2021: Good morning. I hope everyone is doing well this morning. It is a joy to be with you, it truly is. I have been here once before and it's been a while, seven eight or so, nine years ago maybe, it's been quite a while, so it's a joy to be back. I appreciate so much Jordan's friendship and the kindness and support that he has shown me.." {6} 

Perhaps Justin Peters would like to explain this "discrepancy" for the benefit of those of us who have questioned his impartiality and his ability to tell the truth? 

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. (Psalm 34:13).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST
DAYS: SHAME ON YOU CHRIS ROSEBROUGH / PHIL JOHNSON / JUSTIN PETERS RE JD HALL (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

2.(3) F4F | The Fall of JD Hall - YouTube  

3. PDP22-00477.pdf
4. Jordan Hall files for bankruptcy | - Legal Advocate
5. The gospel, and the GOP, according to Montana pastor J.D. Hall (montanafreepress.org)

6. SermonAudio - Media Player

MIKE WINGER VS JOHN MACARTHUR

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10).

The discussion continues regarding Mike Winger's defense against accusations about his teaching from Doctrinal Watchdog and Tim Hurd (BTWN) regarding Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church Redding) and his comments about John MacArthur.    

Mike Winger has made some excellent videos refuting Calvinism and I do appreciate his efforts to seek to portray others in a positive light. However, for the sake of the gospel, false teachers should not be tolerated or endorsed on any level, even though they may teach some truth. (2 Corinthians 11:20).

Mike Winger: "I do disagree with him (John MacArthur) on first Corinthians and speaking in tongues and several other things, but that doesn't mean I'm trashing him. That's obnoxious and I don't think John MacArthur would think that... I greatly love and respect John MacArthur and I love the ministry he's done, and he's been a stalwart champion for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I think he's a good teacher, a great teacher. I love John MacArthur, 'but he's Calvinist Mike', I know, but I still love him and I love a lot of Calvinist teachers and that's my opinion of them.."

I agree with Faith on Fire (below) that there are inconsistencies in Mike Winger's teaching that he needs to address. Mike Winger seems to have some kind of double standard; on one hand, he teaches against Calvinism, and on the other hand, he strongly endorses John MacArthur. (Psalm 119:113). John MacArthur is a false teacher on many levels and he teaches a false gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). Apart from the humongous error of Calvinism, MacArthur denies the blood of Jesus Christ and he says that it will be safe to take the mark of the beast. (Revelation 14:11). Such a wolf cannot be a "good/great teacher" and "a stalwart champion for the gospel of Jesus Christ". Any well-meaning endorsement of false teachers carries with it the unacceptable risk of causing believers to stumble by throwing them to ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:15). This is acutely demonstrated by the experience of Alana L on the link below. 

Mike Winger Defends John MacArthur: Beware of Calvinism, Joel Osteen and Unwise Endorsements

Faith on Fire: "Mike Winger defended himself against accusations from BTWN Guy and Doctrinal Watchdog (Active) channels and clarifies his view of John MacArthur and Calvinism. This video is a warning to pastors and Christian influencers on social media to be careful who you endorse. Also, see what amazing lengths Mike Winger goes to in order to avoid the dubious discernment channels from taking Joel Osteen quotes and attributing them to Mike Winger's beliefs. We also see a clip from Leighton Flowers Soteriology 101 interview with Alana L on being saved out of Calvinism after 15 years of being a 5 point Calvinist and the role John MacArthur played in her early indoctrination." 

Further Links

Mike Winger Videos: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS0QO... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHtQS... 

Soteriology 101 Alana L interview: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQTHc...

DANIEL LONG AND STEVE KOZAR: LUTHERAN HERETICS

(8) “Long and Kozar Talking about their New YouTube Channel: The Wartburg Castle - YouTube

In this video Daniel Long and Steve Kozar explain why they have created their new YouTube channel The Wartburg Castle. Long and Kozar are "Confessional Lutherans" or "Conservative Lutherans"  which they differentiate from liberal Lutheranism as practiced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).    

I would describe Long and Kozar's agenda of discouraging criticism against Lutherism as Machiavellian. (Genesis 3:1). Kozar's dominant personality comes to the fore throughout this video and he frequently interrupts Long. He explains that they don't want to get into super detailed issues about doctrine or church history and the differences between denominations, but that they are setting doctrinal issues aside. Kozar and Long apparently want to "discuss Lutheranism" without discussing Lutheranism! Kozar suggests that those of us who differ should "respectfully disagree", and he asserts from the outset that severe censure against Lutheranism on their platform is unwanted and unacceptable. In effect their aim is to do what many false teachers do, they introduce heresy through the back door without clarifying their core doctrines. In order to "respectfully disagree", I would have to imply that there are only minor differences of opinion between bible believing Christians and Lutherans. In fact, Lutheranism undermines the very doctrine of salvation itself. (2 Corinthians 11:4). It is not possible to "respectfully disagree" when the bible gives such stark warnings against false teachers. (2 Corinthians 6:14). 

Long and Kozar follow the bad example of their mentor Chris Rosebrough. Kozar: "Everything we do has got a huge stamp of Chris Rosebrough's ideas on it". According to Kozar, Rosebrough's initial idea was to critique false NAR teachers without revealing his Lutheran beliefs because he knew it would be controversial. It doesn't seem to have occurred to either Long or Kozar that Rosebrough's tactic of obscuring his Lutheran beliefs is deceptive. Why would anyone with sound theology want to obscure their beliefs?  Rosebough has labelled false teacher Michael Brown "the apostle of obfuscation", but this label might just as easily be applied to himself. Rosebrough's deception was painfully encountered by Laura (End Time Apostasy) in 2017. Laura had listened to Rosebrough's teaching for nine years without realizing that he was a Lutheran! Her appeal to Rosebrough and his wife was subsequently ignored. Laura makes some very good points in the following video and is obviously very upset. *Proviso: I am not in agreement with Laura's view of OSAS (once saved always saved). 

Adiaphora

Adiaphora are matters not regarded as essential to faith, but nevertheless as permissible for Christians or allowed in the church. Kozar demonstrates his skewed mindset: "Don't park your car in the parking lot of the church because it doesn't say in the bible to have a parking lot at your church". Firstly, parking lots have nothing to do with the church service, and secondly, without an opportunity to park their cars, many people would not go to church. According to Kozar, vestments fall into the category of adiaphora because the bible doesn't say what a pastor should wear. In that case, any of us could turn up to church in vestments, but I don't think that would be seen as acceptable! Although Kozar claims that vestments are worn by the pastor in humility as a servant, the distinct impression given is that they elevate the pastor above the congregation. This impression is further compounded by the pastor speaking in the first person of God when he gives absolution. In fact, a biblical case can be made against vestments. Christians are instructed not to make distinctions amongst themselves or to make a show of outer appearance or adornment. (Matthew 23:5,8; 1 Peter 3:3-4; James 2:2). According to Protestant Reformer John Hooper, these requirements were vestiges of Judaism and Roman Catholicism, which had no biblical warrant for authentic Christians since they were not used in the early Christian church. {1}

Baptismal Regeneration?

Long's advice not to read our presuppositions into the text and to let the text speak for itself is sound advice, but sadly he does not apply it to himself. The scriptures confirm believers' baptism. A definite order of events is involved concerning salvation i.e. faith invariably precedes baptism.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19).

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31). 

..because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved . For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10).

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:35-38).

And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:41-42).

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6).

The defects of Conservative Lutheranism

Absolution from a confessor as if from God himself; infant baptism; baptismal regeneration; the doctrine of the Real Presence in the Eucharist aka the sacramental union or consubstantiation (i.e. the Body and Blood of Christ are "truly and substantially present in, with and under the forms" of consecrated bread and wine (the elements); vestments; over-emphasized liturgy. statues, amillennial eschatology. {2} The very foundation of the Christian faith is misrepresented by Conservative Lutheranism. The fundamental principle of justification by faith alone is violated by baptismal regeneration and infant baptism. Lutheranism is a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4).  Furthermore, vestments and granting absolution in the first person is unbiblical and puts a false distinction between the pastor and his congregation. I have heard the Lutheran spin on all these questions, but no matter how much they equivocate, it is impossible to justify these practices. For anyone to grant absolution in the first person is blasphemy. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5). 

Rosebrough defends the indefensible and condones idolatrous statues of Christ on the altar as "liturgical art".

The early church

When the church began in the first century Jesus' disciples met very simply in homes. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42,46;16:40). 

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. (Acts 12:12).

So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:40).
To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: (Philemon 1:1-2)

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. (Romans 16:3-5).

Church buildings began to spring up in the middle of the third century during the reign of Constantine after Christianity was legalized. Prior to this time, the emphasis was never on buildings, the ecclesia were the people of God and believers met wherever they could. (Matthew 18:20). Roman Catholicism introduced adornments and embellishments.

Kozar: "If you’re burdened by not being a “good enough” Christian, even after many years of trying, Lutheranism might be the relief you’ve been looking for!"  {3} 

Kozar focuses on how charismatic teachers like Todd White put believers on a guilt trip and make them feel that they are "not good enough". As a former charismatic I agree with this assessment. My own experience in charismania was extremely debilitating. However, I cannot agree with Kozar that Lutheranism "might" bring relief. Lutherans and Calvinists have become quite good at mopping up Christians who have become disillusioned with charismania. However, neither of these options represents the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ is the answer! (John 8:31-36).

I watch Long's YouTube channel Long for Truth videos regularly. His videos are well presented and are a useful resource insofar as they expose the false teaching and the dubious history of the Word-Faith/Pentecostal/NAR movement. Kozar's channel The Messed Up Church follows a similar agenda but his videos are chaotic and difficult to follow. As with Rosebrough, it is indefensible that both Long and Kozar obscure their core heretical Lutheran beliefs. As Laura points out, these men are heretics exposing other heretics. 

1. Vestments controversy - Wikipedia
2. Eucharist in Lutheranism - Wikipedia
3. Lutheran Stuff — The Messed Up Church

Further Links

The Small Catechism · BookOfConcord.org
(12) #340 Chris Rosebrough's Defence of Idolatrous Statues of Christ | MEGIDDO RADIO - YouTube
Lutheran Heresies! - What's wrong with the Lutheran religion? (jesus-is-savior.com)