Israel, the Church, and the Last Days

Rating:
Summary: After Sept. 11
Review: As the last days approach, Dan Juster and Keith Intrater present an optimistic view for believers around the world. A restoration of the Body of Christ is beginning to take place as the church asserts her unity, power, gifts and begins to establish the five fold ministry as found in the example of the first century church. What is the key element for the Church in these last days as she asserts her power? Establishing a saved remnant of Israel. How does one help establish a saved remnant, especially a saved Jewish remnant? Through establishing the Kingdom of God in every sphere of life through signs and wonders, deliverance, healing and living according to the law as Christ himself lived.
This book was first published in 1990, ahead of it's time considering the recent trends in publishing with Dallas Willard's Kingdom living emphasis in 1998's Christian Book of the Year - The Divine Conspiracy.
While optimistic for believers, the book also proclaims some bold truths which also seem prophetic in light of recent events, such as page 187 under the title - The Coming Armageddon. After quoting Joel 3:9-10 the authors' write "This is the buildup for the greatest clash the world has ever seen. The three themes of spiritual warfare, the restoration of Israel, and the judgement of the nations are all pending and at hand." Recommend Revelation - The Passover Key as a companion by author Dan Juster

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing approach to interpretation of Scripture.
Review: The writers of this book maintain that Scripture should where possible be interpreted within the context of the "Author intended meaning", which I found was a refreshing and illuminating approach. Care being taken not to take Scripture out of it's true context where it's original meaning could be in danger of being lost or distorted.

The Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures being interpreted in the context of the circumstances in "which they were spoken, to whom they were spoken, by whom they were spoken, and as it would have been understood by all concerned at the time they were spoken". A principle which will ensure, as far as is possible, that there is no misconception in reading & understanding the true meaning behind the Scriptures themselves.. (Eg; when Israel was a nation besieged or the Body of Believers were under persecution etc.).

Many aspects of Scripture are discussed using this principle of interpretation with special reference given to the interpretation of Biblical prophecy, the Gospel message and the numerous Hebrew prophets.

The differing, often controversial, opinions within the Church in relation to the "End Times", including the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium and the appearance of the anti-Christ are also examined, with each position explained alongside the writers' own interpretations and whether or not they agree.

The place of both Israel and the Church are similarly examined in detail, both in their own rights and in so far as they relate to each other, the Gospel and the "End Times".

The authors ask at the outset that the book be read with an "open mind" so I will not "spoil the plot" by explaining the personal interpretations of the writers here. In my experience this often causes either instant dismissal or acceptance of the book with an appropriate vote given to the review. I think that instant dismissal of this book in such a manner would be disappointing as there is so much on offer here.

As I progressed through the book I was pleasantly surprised how much I agreed with the interpretations given in this work. Even those who will disagree with the observations here will surely obtain some enlightenment from this book and will perhaps examine the Scriptures more closely in future. A recommended read.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing approach to interpretation of Scripture.
Review: The writers of this book maintain that Scripture should where possible be interpreted within the context of the "Author intended meaning", which I found was a refreshing and illuminating approach. Care being taken not to take Scripture out of it's true context where it's original meaning could be in danger of being lost or distorted.

The Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures being interpreted in the context of the circumstances in "which they were spoken, to whom they were spoken, by whom they were spoken, and as it would have been understood by all concerned at the time they were spoken". A principle which will ensure, as far as is possible, that there is no misconception in reading & understanding the true meaning behind the Scriptures themselves.. (Eg; when Israel was a nation besieged or the Body of Believers were under persecution etc.).

Many aspects of Scripture are discussed using this principle of interpretation with special reference given to the interpretation of Biblical prophecy, the Gospel message and the numerous Hebrew prophets.

The differing, often controversial, opinions within the Church in relation to the "End Times", including the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium and the appearance of the anti-Christ are also examined, with each position explained alongside the writers' own interpretations and whether or not they agree.

The place of both Israel and the Church are similarly examined in detail, both in their own rights and in so far as they relate to each other, the Gospel and the "End Times".

The authors ask at the outset that the book be read with an "open mind" so I will not "spoil the plot" by explaining the personal interpretations of the writers here. In my experience this often causes either instant dismissal or acceptance of the book with an appropriate vote given to the review. I think that instant dismissal of this book in such a manner would be disappointing as there is so much on offer here.

As I progressed through the book I was pleasantly surprised how much I agreed with the interpretations given in this work. Even those who will disagree with the observations here will surely obtain some enlightenment from this book and will perhaps examine the Scriptures more closely in future. A recommended read.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent insight into the End Times! Believers please read!
Review: This book is a must read for every Believer in Jesus, the Messiah! This book gives indepth analysis of the complex, and everlasting connection between God's people, the Israelites and the Christian Church. I was inspired by the authors' fearless examination of longtime, dearly held traditional beliefs of the Christian Church, confronting basically unscriptural teachings with the timeless truth found in the scripture itself. Their emphasis on the "Kingdom of God" as the focus of the Lord's purpose in the Last Days is truly a revelation from God's Word, the Bible.

As an author of a book on Bible prophecy myself, I found this book to be a source of both information and inspiration as I concluded writing "Mystery Babylon the Great, Defender of Israel, A Search for America in Bible Prophecy". Discovering Keith Intrater and Dan Juster's work gave me confidence that I was not alone in questioning some basic teachings that are inconsistent with scripture.

I congratulate them on this excellent and courageous work that bravely stands on scripture in challenging Christian traditions such as the timing of the Rapture and the idea that the Church has replaced Israel as the focus of Bible prophecy related to the end times. Such traditions have mislead a generation who have misplaced their hope on such erroneous teachings that led to the fiction of the "Left Behind" series.

I must also recommend my own book as one which builds on this theme of "Israel and the Church in the Last Days" with great detail from the Book of Revelation and other scripture into how America will carry out the curious role of being God's tool of the ministry of the Gospel and protector of Israel while at the same time fulfulling the prophecies of Mystery Babylon, the great whore of Revelation.