Table of Contents
Welcome to our Biblical Perspectives page.
The following articles were written by HaDavar Messianic Ministries Director, Pastor Bob Morris. The essays were written in response to current events surrounding the modern State of Israel. Because of the overabundance of teaching and opinions found in the Christian community regarding the modern state and end-time prophecy, enormous confusion is running unchecked.
The problem causing the confusion is shallow exegesis of biblical books and passages dealing with these very important and popular topics. Many of the positions publicly taught are not based on an in-depth, in-context, literal and conservative examination of scripture but rather on spectacular and sensational associations with newspaper headlines. In addition, very little attention is paid to the Jewish backgrounds in which the scriptures were written.
For example, one “exegete” sent out an e-mail presenting his opinion on the meaning of Jeremiah 1:13-16. The Jeremiah passage talked about an invasion to come upon Judah from the “families of the kingdom of the north.” He states that the “families of the kingdoms of the north” is a reference to NATO – the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and that on Rosh HaShanah (the day of judgment) God will “utter My judgments against them.” Then he admonishes his readers to “Keep an eye out on these future events, especially this fall season (Fall 2006).” This is a classic example of “newspaper exegesis.” Speculation abounds and many are confused.
This collection of articles is an attempt to end that confusion by presenting specific issues from a strong biblical position that incorporates the Jewish perspective. It is hoped that the views presented here will eliminate confusion rather than add to the morass of current opinions.
However, while I have stated that I will present these issues from a strong biblical perspective, these articles are not designed to provide detailed biblical exegesis of the subjects covered. Instead these are intended to give an overview of the issues and the conclusions drawn from the scriptures. Biblical citations will be provided, but it will be left to the reader to go to and study those specific passages. In many cases, I will not be presenting the reasoning behind the conclusions. Sometimes that reasoning will be self-evident when the scriptures are consulted. At other times, the reasoning and conclusion drawn from a section of scripture will not be obvious. Feel free to contact HaDavar if you have any questions or would like a clarification.
If a detailed presentation of the applicable scripture portions are desired, I recommend the book Footsteps of the Messiah, by Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum. Footsteps of the Messiah is available through HaDavarMessianic Ministries. An alternative to the book would be an invitation from your church for me to come for a conference on the Middle East. The topics presented here, as well as many more topics, are available to be examined. At such a conference, a detailed exegesis supporting the conclusions found here will be presented.
My hope is that these articles will be helpful in alleviating fears that Christians feel regarding End-Times Prophecy and the nation of Israel. At the same time, I hope they will stimulate concern and interest in Jewish outreach. May God use them for His glory.
Pastor Bob Morris – September 2006, Irvine CA