The Perils and Pitfalls of Phalse Churchianity!
An Expose' John Hagee: Stumbling block to the Salvation of Israel!
There are many teachers and televangelists filling the airwaves and bookstores today that are attempting to get in touch with the Jewish Roots of Christianity. In and of itself, I believe this is a very worthwhile endeavor. From my personal experiences of ministry over the last 29 years, I have come to realize that far too many that claim to follow the Lord; know very little of the foundations of the Christian faith, and even less of the Old Testament. Specifically - the Levitical Law, the holy days and festivals established by God. Although the methods have been changed (ie animal sacrifice for sin, etc); God has not changed. "For I am the LORD, I change not." Malachi 3:6 His attitude towards those that claim to follow Him, and the requirements that they live according to His Will has never deviated. And as I have said on many occasions: "Those that forget the past are destined to repeat it." This is much the same perspective that the Apostle Paul expressed in one of his epistles to the Church in Corinth. "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 emphasis mine
These Israelites (mentioned by Paul) - are the Chosen people of God. Yet, they violated their Covenant with the Most High, and suffered for their disobedience.
Nevertheless; they are and remain to be, God's Chosen People.
What a great and profound history and heritage the True believers of Jesus have from their Brethren; the Hebrews that followed Jehovah with all their heart.
But the Truth is, many of those that are Hebrew by birth; do not acknowledge or seek after the True Messiah of Israel. The One known to the world as Jesus of Nazareth.
"But their minds [are] blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away." 2 Corinthians 3:14-16
One such person attempting to "bridge the gap" between Jew and Christian is John Hagee, pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio Texas that boasts an active membership roster of 18,000.1 During a broadcast of John Hagee Today (a show that appears regularly on TBN and Daystar), I listened as Hagee, an admitted adulterer*; testified how he and his partners were supporting Jewish orphans in Israel.
“
Apparently the anointed preaching he speaks of was not “anointed enough” to stop him from committing adultery. John Hagee has a track record of increasing the numbers of attendants to a church, and consequently bringing in more money. Apparently, those that picked him to pastor “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach…Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” 1 Timothy 3:1-2; 122 "The Liberty Flame reported in May 1994 that during the time when Hagee was serving the Charismatic congregation at Trinity Church in San Antonio, he divorced his wife, resigned and married a young woman in the congregation, Diana Castro. Custody of Hagee’s two children by his ex-wife, Martha, went to her. In a letter to the church, Hagee admitted immorality, which later became part of the court records in the custody battle. Martha later also remarried and started another family. Not surprisingly, there is a hiatus from 1976 to 1987 left out of Hagee’s web site biography."3
"The main vehicle for Mr. Hagee's pro-Israel activities over the years has been San Antonio's Cornerstone Church, which he first joined as pastor back in 1975 when it was called Church of Castle Hill, a moribund parish with only a few dozen worshippers and heavy debts. He had quit his previous church the same year during a messy divorce that was quickly followed by his remarriage to a young churchgoer."4 John Hagee has indeed received honors from Jewish officials (both here and abroad) for his contibutions to Christian-Jewish relations and has been the mediator for donations to Jewish interests that number in the millions of dollars. "Just in the last year (2003), John Hagee Ministries has donated over $2,535,000 in support of the Jewish people and over $8,581,000 in the last eight years."5 During certain broadcasts, it is not unusual to see John Hagee draped in a Tallit (a traditional Hebrew Prayer shawl), teaching on the Jewish roots of Christianity, the Feasts of Israel or other such topics. I personally have no problem with Hagee in his efforts of support for Israel by donating for the care of others. The Word of God encourages those that call upon the Name of Lord to take care of orphans and widows as best we can. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child." Exodus 22:22 "Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge." Deuteronomy 24:17 Being of Hebraic heritage, I also have a special place in my heart for the people of Israel. My Lord and Saviour, Jesus (Yeshua) came from my people, and He died for all mankind, that ALL through Him might have Eternal Life. Whether Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised: God created man (all mankind) in His image. "And God said, Let us make man in our image..." Genesis 1:26a Salvation is for ANYONE that would call on the Name of Jesus! "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21 But I have witnessed something within the the confines of "Phalse Churchianity" that troubles me greatly! Those that claim to be a friend of the Jewish people - yet deny the Messiah that came from Israel; by either word, deed or even association. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Ephesians 5:11 "...all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8b John Hagee claims to be a friend of Israel, but in all to typical Phalse Christian fashion, portrays circumstances to garner FINANCIAL support (for his ministry) that is not backed up by factual evidence. Tugging at the emotional heartstrings of his viewers, Hagee focused on his efforts to support Migdal Ohr (Hebrew for Tower of Light), a home for Jewish Children in Northern Israel. According to John Hagee: "There are 6000 Jewish orphans (housed at Migdal Ohr) from Israel and the world - 1800 from Russia."6 Reminiscent of the Holocaust during Hitler's Nazi Regime, he also stated that these 6000 were orphaned: "...for no other reason; than the fact [that] their parents were killed because they were Jews."7 I am not familiar with any news reports concerning this, and according to the website for Migdal Ohr, there seems to be a contradiction. "Migdal Ohr ... was established in 1972 for the express purpose of providing education and social guidance to the children from underprivileged and problem homes in northern Israel. Overcrowded apartments, one-parent families, homes with drug problems, impoverished, crime-ridden families--these are the target populations from which Migdal Ohr draws its over 6,000 pupils at all levels of the educational spectrum. Its goal - to transform these students into loyal and productive citizens of Israel."8 Upon examination, there is nothing on the website of Migdal Ohr, or anywhere else that I could find; supporting these statements from John Hagee. Although I am sure that some of the children might indeed be orphans; neither the staggering numbers quoted nor the fact they are orphans simply because "their parents were Jewish" can be verified. John Hagee also takes great pride in his affiliation with Migdal Ohr and it's leader Rabbi Grossman. During the telecast a picture was shown of Hagee, his wife Diana and Grossman under a sign that reads: "Construction site of the Dormitory Wing in honor of John and Diana Hagee. San Antonio, Texas"9 In the well known fashion of todays Churchianity leaders, many donated - but John and Diana Hagee got the credit! "...for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10b For those that donated at least $1000 or more, their name is listed on "The Giver's Wall" at Migdal Ohr.
Fellowship with Darkness? Of great concern on the Migdal Ohr website is a page entitled "Prominent Endorsements; Important Visitors". One of the important visitors listed is Ovadia Yosef, an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi.10 Rabbi Yosef claimed hurricane Katrina and the ensuing aftermath, was God's judgement against the United States for two very important reasons! 1.) Supporting the Israeli pullout of the Gaza Strip. 2.) The lack of Black's in New Orleans to study the Torah. What is so ironic about Yosef's statement concerning "blacks" in New Orleans is that according to some Talmudic scholars, those of Black African heritage (and other races as well) cannot understand Torah because they are less than human and cursed by God.11 "In his weekly sermon, the rabbi said: 'There was a tsunami and there are terrible natural disasters, because there isn’t enough Torah study… black people reside there (in New Orleans). Blacks will study the Torah? (God said) let’s bring a tsunami and drown them.'"12 Just what is Torah? Torah is defined:
"1: the body of wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred literature and oral tradition.
2 : the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy & Numbers) constituting the Pentateuch."13 It is interesting to notice that John Hagee and Rabbi Yosef are in agreement in their preception concerning Katrina.
"I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that was offensive to God; and they are - were recipients of God's judgment for that...I believe that Hurricane Katrina was in fact, the judgment of God against the City of New Orleans."14
Apparently Pastor John Hagee forgot another very important scripture contained in the New Testament:
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God..." 1 Peter 4:17
Also listed on the page of Important Visitors:
Mordechai Eliyahu; a Chief Rabbi that supports Religious Zionism. An effort in Israel to establish the country under strict Talmudic and Mosaic Law. Most who call themselves Christians are familar with the Ten Commandments and the Law handed down to Moses from God Himself. "...Israel camped before the mount (Sinai). And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel...Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD." Exodus 19:2b-3; 5-8 The Talmud however, is different from the written Levitical Law and is defined as: "...a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history." 15 It is the oral tradition of Judaism that can supercede (if necessary) the Law handed down to Moses, from God on Mount Sinai. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25 The Lord rebuked the Jewish leaders of His day because of their adherence to Talmudic tradition when it violated the Commandments of God. "But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" Matthew 15:3 As testified to by the Lord Himself, He fulfilled the Levitical Law of God established under the Old Covenant.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Matthew 5:17 "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come..." Hebrews 10:1 Under Levitical (Mosaic) Law, justification (forgiveness) was accomplished by the sacrifice of animals to atone for sin. "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made...Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people." Hebrews 9:1-2a; 6-7 But it is now the Blood of Christ, the Lamb of God that cleanses from all sin. "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." Hebrews 10:4 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation (sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2 "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Hebrews 9:14 Under the New Testament instituted through the Lord Jesus, it is by faith that anyone is truly justified before God.
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17 "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them." Galatians 3:11-12 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Romans 3:20-22
Kabbalah is basically Jewish Mysticism, made popular lately by the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears.
The fact is, everyone listed on the Important Visitors page of Migdal Ohr are Orthodox Jewish leaders and teachers. And according to Rabbi Grossman, all of these leaders have given Prominent Endorsement to Migdal Ohr!
Why should this concern those who follow Messiah Jesus? It is necessary to point out that within the rhelms and teachings of Orthodox Judaism, Jesus Christ IS NOT considered the Promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Something I know from personal experience. "Within Judaism, opinion regarding the Messiah is varied. Judaism allows for concepts of the Messiah in both personal and impersonal terms. Some understand the Messiah as a future political or military deliverer. Others, however, understand the Messiah as a golden age of peace and prosperity. Finally, some conceive of the Messiah in nationalistic terms, as a modern State of Israel. Although Orthodox Judaism retains the belief in a personal Messiah and He figures prominently in the liturgy, He does not occupy a leading role in contemporary Jewish thought. Furthermore, the other two positions are even further removed from the concept of a personal Messiah. In spite of this divergence of opinion within the ranks of rabbinic Judaism, they are in essence all agreed in this: Jesus is not the Messiah."16 emphasis mine And according to the Apostle John: "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." 1 John 2:22-23 The Lord testified: "He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." John 5:23b When confronted by the Jewish leaders, Jesus responded: "Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." John 8:19 "Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me." John 8:42 Yet, using a passage of scripture from Genesis 12, Hagee went into great detail to inform his viewers why they should be apart of "Blessing" Israel by donating funds to Migdal Ohr. "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Genesis 12:1-3 Teaching from Luke 7, he proceeded to completely falsify the written Word of God; the Bible! According to this senior pastor from Texas; he imparted this wisdom concerning a certain incident in the life of Jesus. Speaking of the Centurian whose servant was near death, Hagee claims that this Gentile was asking: "How can I get this healing Rabbi into my house?"17 He goes on to explain that the Jewish elders declaration of how the Centurian loved Israel and built a synagogue, swayed the Lord Jesus to go with them. His emphesis being that because this Gentile had blessed Israel, he in turn was going to be blessed by the Lord. Then Hagee made the completely false statement: "And the next verse (Luke 7:10), Jesus is in the house, praying for the servant; which is healed!"18 emphasis mine According to scripture, this so-called pastor is absolutely WRONG! "Now when he (Jesus) had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick." Luke 7:1-10 emphasis mine Jesus NEVER entered the Centurians house, and the scriptures prove something the Jewish elders (and possibly John Hagee) seem to have missed (but the Gentile Centurian realized) - that no man is worthy: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6 Was this just a slip of John Hagee's? Maybe he didn't intend to misquote scripture. Considering the fact that the show was taped, I am sure there was adequate time to correct what he said - had he seen the necessity to do so. Instead he went on to say: "In the verse that I just gave you in Luke 7 is the story of the Centurians servant who was healed by Jesus. Why? Because the Centurian had given to Israel in the building of a synagogue. As many of you are giving to the building of this orphange and it's facilities."19 Is this really the lesson of Luke 7? That outward works to support the Jewish people will earn you a Blessing from God? This Gentile Centurian was a man of faith! Of greater faith than all of Israel according to the Lord; and he was a man who understood the authority that Jesus walked in. The Jewish elders looked at the outward - but Jesus KNEW the heart! "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." Matthew 23:27-28 "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles he did. But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of men:for he knew what was in man." John 2:23-25 Continuing his emphasis that Gentiles need to "Bless Israel" in order to be blessed, he proceeded by citing Romans 15:27: "For if the Gentiles have benefited from Jewish spiritual things, they owe it to the Jewish people to minister to them in their material things, as in financial giving."20 On the surface, it might appear that this passage does back up Hagee's assertion. "It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things." Romans 15:27 But as with his explanation of Luke 7, he seems to at the very least misunderstand the scriptures here as well. If it wasn't misunderstanding, given the mans extensive studies and training, he deliberately twisted scripture for his own greedy purposes! But if we examine the scripture in context, it's true meaning is revealed. Remember, the Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome! "Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you (the Church in Rome): for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." Romans 15:24-29 emphasis mine
Paul was indeed going to Jerusalem, the headquarters for the fledgling Christian Church, to minister to the saints - the followers of Messiah. Those Gentiles in Achacia and Macedonia that had been excluded from Judaism, were now made partakers of the Promises of God by the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first followers of Messiah were all Jews that had been under the Law. These Gentile's recognized that without Jesus (a Jew) and those Hebrew believers, there would have been no Christianity - they would have remained a people with no hope!
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:11-13
But their giving was not to the Jews per se - it was to the saints (followers of Messiah) in Jerusalem, who happened to be Hebrew.
Hagee's motive for this teaching seems to be exposed in the following statement:
"Here we have a command from Saint Paul and we have a story from the life of Jesus that says when a Gentile does something to practically bless the State of Israel, God will bless you with blessings you cannot contain. And I'm releasing that blessing on you and the members of your family as you contibute to these orphans and as you contibute to build this synagogue that was just finished in it's construction."21 emphasis mine
Did you catch that?
Pastor Hagee; Cornerstone Church; John Hagee Ministries and EVERYONE that donated money for this cause; supported the building of a synagogue!
A Jewish synagogue is not somewhere anyone would go to hear the entire Word of God teaching that Yeshua (Jesus) is Messiah! That He died for your sins, rose from the grave and that you need to have Him as Lord of your life!
Those that follow Judaism are still looking for their Promised Messiah! They do not accept Jesus as the Messiah!
But John Hagee still pleads for funds and is outlandish enough to invoke a "blessing" on anyone that contributes.
This is as useful as followers of Jesus donating money for a Mosque to be built, and then believing that God was going to bless them for doing so!
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." 2 John 10-11
Re-emphesizing a point he made in "Jerusalem Countdown":
"A righteous Gentile who expressed his unconditional love for the Jewish people in a practical manner was divinely selected by heaven to be the first Gentile house to receive the gospel of salvation and the first to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit."22
John Hagee ended this whole flood of error on his broadcast, by closing with this:
"Ask yourself this. Why is it that Cornelius, in Acts the 10th Chapter is the first Gentile to ever hear the Gospel?"23
Pastor Hagee explained:
"Why was this Gentile the first to hear the Gospel? Because in Acts 10, three times the Bible says; 'Cornelius, I have heard your prayers and I've seen your alms giving.' To whom was Cornelius giving this money?...He was giving it to his Jewish neighbors, he was giving an act of practical kindness to his Jewish people. And God said; 'I'm going to send the Apostle Peter, to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, the first Gentile to hear the Gospel. Peter went, he preached the Gospel and before he finished his sermon, all of the Italians in the house of Cornelius were saved and Spirit filled."24
Confused to the Point of Absolute Confusion
John Hagee's confusion concerning the scriptures is even greater as recorded in his book, "Jerusalem Countdown".
Obviously, he was so confused that he mixed the Centurian of Capernaum with Cornelius, the Italian!
"Why did Jesus Christ go to the house of Cornelius in Capernaum and heal his servant who was ready to die? Jesus went because the Gentile centurian deserved the blessing of God because he had demonstrated his love for the Jews by building a sybagogue in Israel."25
Maybe John Hagee needs to hire someone to research the scriptures he uses to make sure they really say what he says they do! Jesus DID NOT go to the house of Cornelius ( this was long after the Ressurection of the Lord)..nor did He heal his servant!
Getting back to the Truth of God's Word; was Cornelius the FIRST Gentile to hear the Gospel? The answer is an emphatic; No! In the 6th Chapter of the book of Acts it is recorded:
"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." Acts 6:1 emphasis mine
Greeks were and remain to be Gentiles! It was from this very situation that the Apostles picked certain men to oversee this ministration. One of those was Stephen, the first recorded martyr for the Lord Jesus.
"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business...And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God...And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Acts 6: 2-3; 8-11; 7:59-60
Obviously, this happened BEFORE Peter was sent to Cornelius.
When the Apostle Peter preached the Gospel to those in Jerusalem as recorded in the Second Chapter of Acts, considering the marketing hub of the Middle East that was there and the fact it was under Roman control; are we seriously to believe that there wasn't a single Gentile that heard the Gospel that day?
Was this another lie from this so-called Pastor designed at bringing in more money?
"For of this sort are they which creep into houses (by way of television), and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts." 2 Timothy 3:6
John Hagee has pleaded for, gathered and used funds to support those that consider the Lord Jesus at best, a decieved individual; and at worst, a false prophet and religious madman that sought the downfall of the Jewish way of life.
Hypocritical Honor
If you have ever watched a service at Cornerstone on TV, or if you have personally attended; John Hagee requires everyone to STAND when sciptures are read. The claim is this is to show respect for God's Word.
How much REAL respect does Hagee show for God's Word?
During the broadcast about Migdal Ohr, he heaped praise after praise over Rabbi Grossman and his school that teaches the "Word of God" to these 6000 "orphans". However, the word that is taught is not all of the Bible; it is not the complete Word of God! It is the Talmud, Kabbalah and Torah; the oral and written Law of God without the Messiah; Jesus of Nazareth.
Every True follower of Christ knows the Bible teaches us that Jesus is the Word of God.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14
So much for the so-called respect of God's Word at Cornerstone Church!
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17-18 emphasis mine
How genuine is John Hagee's support for the Jewish people?
Consider the following:
In the enthusiasm he expressed towards Mel Gibson for making "Passion of the Christ", he offered a hearty "God Bless 'Em" to Gibson for his film. But I wonder, where was the outrage from this so-called man of God after Mel Gibson's melt-down in which he hurled anti-semitic remarks at the policeman that arrested him for drunk driving?26
On the Trinity Broadcasting Network (7/15/04) John Hagee praised Mel Gibson for making the movie "The Passion of the Christ", ending his enthusiasm with a hearty "God bless ‘em". Gibson, a staunch Catholic, based much of the blockbuster on the accountings of a nun named Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich, known for her mystical (and unbiblical) visions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The star of the movie, James Caviezel (also a devout Catholic), in many interviews described how that Mass was given everyday on the set. He explained that after taking the Eucharist, something 'took him over' so he could play the part of Jesus in the movie.
There are many un-biblical renderings in "The Passion", and many obvious references to the Blessed Virgin of the Roman Catholic Church. According to Catholic Tradition, all must obey her – even Jesus. “At the command of Mary, all obey, even God.” Alphonsus de Ligouri, “The Glories of Mary” p. 181 John Hagee, pastor of Cornerstone church in San Antonio Texas USA, praises Mel Gibson and asks the Lord to bless him? Perhaps he has never read the following scripture.
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 10-11 KJV (emphasis mine)
The Heresy Driven Life http://thewildernesscry.com/page8.html
Teachers, teachers everywhere!
John Hagee is only one of many that is dedicated to the pursuit of the Jewish Roots of Christianity.
Perry Stone, another TBN and Daystar regular also teaches on the subject.
"In this new book, discover God's appointed times and how these yearly seasons and cycles can impact your spiritual destiny and unlock divine favor. Learn how God sets his will and decisions for you in motion in 12-month cycles on his calendar, and how your personal season of repentance can release a season of joy.
If you enjoy detailed Hebraic research and illumination from the Scripture, then this book will be a tool for your spiritual growth and will expand your concept of repentance, prayer, and moving in God's will. This book is filled with exciting research and Hebrew word studies that will amaze you."27
Perry Stone goes to great lengths to show how God's Festivals and appointed days relate to the Christian Church.
But when it comes to the ancient celebration of the sun god that is labeled Christmas, according to Stone's website; it's perfectly OK to be a partaker.
Perry Stone's wife Pam writes a column for his website, and according to her:
"To me, the birth of Christ is the same. We choose to honor His birth by tradition and custom at this season."28
John Hagee also compromises the Word of God in the application of Pagan holy days. In October of 2006, Cornerstone Church, under the tutelage of Hagee; celebrated the Hebrew Festival of Tabernacles.
Why? Because according to his ministry website:
"The New Testament Church celebrated the feasts. St. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:8) 'Therefore let us keep the feasts.'"29
Yet, with all of his posturing and bravado concerning support for Israel, the Jewish Roots of Christianity and the Feasts of the LORD as spelled out in the Word of God; John Hagee chooses to indulge in the celebration of the so-called birth of Jesus called Christmas. [On December 9th and 10th of 2006, the ANNUAL Christmas Pagent at Cornerstone Church took place].
The celebration known as Christmas, with all of the subsequent trappings (trees, presents, Santa, etc), pagents, galas and heraldry is something the New Testament Church, under the direction of the Apostles NEVER participated in.
(For further information on Christmas, please read "Blinded by the Sun". www.thewildernesscry.com/page14.html)
Another advocate of the Jewish Roots is Benny Hinn. Recently Hinn, on his This is Your Day program offered an extensive disortation on the meaning of the Tallit, including the knotted tassles.
Like John Hagee, Benny Hinn has aligned himself with Conservative Jews in Israel. He is at the forefront of efforts to have the Temple of Solomon re-built.
"Because many people of Jewish heritage do not believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, they are still looking for their Messiah to come. The Temple must be rebuilt before this occurs. Many Christians are supporting the Jews in this error by helping the people of Israel in rebuilding Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Benny Hinn is blatent in his efforts to have this accomplished.
'It's time we believers begin to pray that the Temple be rebuilt.'"30
The Last Days, Anti-christ and the Temple
Possibly, in the hope of quickening the Appearance of Jesus in the clouds:
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Hinn has gathered not only prayers, but monies (numbering in the tens of thousands) to support this rebuilding effort.
The Temple is the most significant structure in all of Judaism. It is also where the Anti-christ will set up the image of the Beast.
The Temple must be rebuilt for the Levitical practice of the daily sacrifice to again take place.
"And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up..."Daniel 12:11a
"Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place." Matthew 24:15
"And he (the false prophet) had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." Revelation 13:15
Conservative and Orthodox Judaism have a very real interest in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Because they have not accepted the Nazarene (Jesus) as Messiah; they fully believe that without the Temple, the Messiah cannot return to Israel.
The late Rabbi Kaduri expressed his desire that Jews the world over would return to Israel, so they could see the "revelation" of the coming Messiah.
"I am ordering the publication of this declaration as a warning, so that Jews in the countries of the world will be aware of the impending danger and will come to the Land of Israel for the building of the Temple and revelation of our righteous Mashiach (Messiah).” 31
According to those that knew the late Kaduri, he met the coming "messiah" in 2003!
"The rabbi's closest followers say that Rabbi Kaduri told them he met the Messiah on Cheshvan 9, 5764 (Nov. 4, 2003)...Rabbi Kaduri was also quoted of late as saying that the imminent arrival of the Mashiach will 'save Jerusalem from Islam and Christianity that wish to take Jerusalem from the Jewish Nation - but they will not succeed, and they will fight each other.'"32
When the False messiah comes, the majority of the people of Israel will readily accept him.
"I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." John 5:43
Saved by Faith, or by heritage?
Many of those that espouse the Jewish Roots theme within Christianity believe that Jews are saved by physical heritage - it is salvation by Bloodline with Messiah, not faith IN Messiah.
Some, like John Hagee, see no need to reach out to the people of Israel with the Gospel, because he sees them as supernaturally saved!
"It's the 25th year Hagee's put on the gala. When he came up with the idea in 1981, he couldn't persuade any mainstream Jewish leaders to attend, although he pledged he wouldn't proselytize to Jews. Hagee says he discourages that to this day." 33
"His (John Hagee's) message: There would be absolutely no proselytizing or missionizing associated with Christians United For Israel, the group he established in February to nationalize Christian pro-Israel lobbying." 34
"According to John Hagee, if Jewish leaders were more Jewish; Jewish kid's would NEVER want to become Christians: 'When Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, director of Jews for Judaism, raised this issue with Hagee at a Los Angeles meeting, Hagee’s genial Southern folksiness took on a harder edge. 'If rabbis would put more emphasis on putting Jewish kids into Jewish schools, young Jews would never want to become Christians,' Hagee said."35 John Hagee sees no need to preach the Gospel of Salvation to the Israelites!
By claiming to be a supporter of Israel, yet refusing the Words of the Lord Jesus:
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 b,c
Hagee is doing the people of Israel a dis-service and violating his position as a Christian and a pastor!
He is going to let the Chosen of God perish, because he has not the desire nor the fortitude to preach the Gospel and carry out the directive of the Lord Jesus!
He is a DECIEVER! And I am sure the devil is rejoicing that he holds so much sway over this so-called man of god!
There is no doubt about it, Hagee is a pawn in the hands of the spirit of anti-christ!
Millions will perish in the Lake of Fire because of this man!
Unfortunately, many of them may be my brethren of Hebraic extraction!
Before the Hate Mail Starts
I have never been compelled to give my testimony as I see it as only necessary for certain situations. Modern Christianity seems to be flooded with people that love to talk about themselves.
But there are some things I believe are important concerning the content of this newsletter.
1.) I myself am of Hebraic lineage. I have a love for the people of Israel and a desire to see them accept Messiah Yeshua! I was not raised in a religiously Judaic home. Although Jew is a label that has been placed on all those that are Hebrew in heritage, the fact is; there were 12 Tribes. Judah was only one of them. More than likely, I hail from the Tribe of either Benjamin or Dan.
2.) My wife and (therefore my daughter as well) come from a long line of Sephardic Jews. Hailing mainly from Spain.
3.) My wife and I are followers of Jesus (Yeshua), but we do not consider ourselves Messianic's. For more info, visit the "We Believe" page of The Wilderness Cry.
4.) I do not believe it is necessary to follow the Mosaic Law to be justified by God. As stated in this newsletter and elsewhere on this website; quoting the Apostle Paul: I believe the just shall live by faith.
5.) However, out of respect for Jehovah and His Word, I hold to both Old and New Testament.
The LORD set in his Word what the people of God should observe!
I and my family honor the Sabbath, not out of religious obligation, nor for justification; but to show respect for God.
Neither I or my family partake of ancient religious holy days based on sun god worship; even though they may be called Christian.
Specifically Christmas or Easter, the most celebrated holidays of modern Christendom .
God's Word forbids all those that call upon His Name to be partakers of these Pagan festivals.
6.) We do however honor and recognize the holy days and Feasts as dictated by God's Word. Rosh hashanna, Purim, Yom Kippur, Tabernacles, Passover, etc.
End Notes
1. John Hagee, "Jerusalem Countdown", 2006, Frontline, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746 2. S. David Mitchell, "Blinded by the Sun", p. 159 http://thewildernesscry.com/page14.html 3. G. Richard Fisher; The Other Gospel of John Hagee, Christian Zionism and Ethnic Salvation http://www.pfo.org/jonhagee.htm 4. Andrew Higgins; Texas preacher leads campaign to let Israel fight; http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06208/709076-84.stm 5. John Hagee Ministries website http://www.jhm.org/honorisrael.asp 6. John Hagee; John Hagee Today broadcast, Nov. 28, 2006 7. John Hagee; John Hagee Today broadcast, Nov. 28, 2006 8. Migdal Ohr website http://www.migdalohr.org/1migdal.htm 9. John Hagee; John Hagee Today broadcast, Nov. 28, 2006 10. Migdal Ohr Website; http://www.migdalohr.org/1visitors.htm 11. Michael A. Hoffman, The Truth About the Talmud; http://www.revisionisthistory.org/talmudtruth.html 12. Y-netnews.com "Rabbi: Hurricane punishment for pullout" http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3138779,00.html 13. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Torah 14. Interview of John Hagee by Terry Gross on NPR; Sept. 18,2006 http://www.jewsonfirst.org/06c/hagee_fresh_air.pdf 15. Talmud, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmud 16. http://sub.namb.net/root/resources/beliefbulletins/religions/judaism.asp 17. John Hagee Today; Nov. 28, 2006 18. ibid 19. ibid 20. ibid 21. ibid 22. Jerusalem Coutdown, p. 198 23. John Hagee Today; Nov. 28, 2006 24. ibid 25. John Hagee, Jerusalem Countdown, p. 197 26. TMZ.COM Gibson's Anti-Semitic Tirade - Alledged Cover-Up http://www.tmz.com/2006/07/28/gibsons-anti-semitic-tirade-alleged-cover-up/ 27. Perry Stone Ministries. "40 Days of Teshuvah". http://www.voiceofevangelism.org/store/store.cfm?CFID=2118369&CFTOKEN=76967569&fxn=detail&pid=TS-54 28. http://www.voiceofevangelism.org/pams_corner.cfm 29. John Hagee Ministries website http://www.jhm.org/currentevents.asp 30. S. David Mitchell, "Blinded by the Sun" pp. 275-276 www.thewildernesscry.com/page14.html 31. Rabbi Yitzachak Kaduri, "Kabbalist Urges Jews to Israel Ahead of Upcoming Disasters." Sept 21. 2005 Arutz Sheva, Israel National News.com http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=89850 32. Hillel Fendel; "Over 300,000 at Funeral of World´s Senior Kabbalist Rabbi" 33. Guy Raz; Pro Israel Christians Lobby in Washington; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5554303 34. Ron Kampeas, A gift horse or a Trojan horse? Pro-Israel preacher goes a-lobbying. http://stlouis.ujcfedweb.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=187457 35. ibid
|