Category Archives: Jewish Issues

Jesus’ Warnings in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, part 3

Peter Ditzel

The parable of Luke 15 contained a warning that was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem. The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70 painted by David Roberts (1796-1864).
Throughout His ministry, Jesus pointed out to the Jews their misconduct, including in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He warned them what would happen if they didn’t repent. But they didn’t listen. The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70 painted by David Roberts (1796-1864). CC0 1.0 DEED

Until recently, I’ve been able to read the parable of Luke 15 without grasping Jesus’ warnings in it, and, specifically in what is called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I saw that the father was quick to forgive his repentant son. I understood that the elder son was unrepentant, and his father was patient with him. But I was missing so much! What was Jesus saying, specifically, for the first-century Jews? And, what warning does it carry for twenty-first century Christians, both Jews and Gentiles?

Read more… →

Zionism, the Christian Heresy, part 2

Peter Ditzel

Francesco Hayez: The destruction of the temple of Jerusalem. Christian Zionists believe the Jews must rebuild the Temple.
God used the Roman army to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70. Christian Zionists believe that the Temple must be rebuilt. Francesco Hayez: The destruction of the temple of Jerusalem. CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED

In part 1 of “Zionism, the Christian Heresy,” we saw that the land promise that is foundational to Christian Zionist thinking was physically fulfilled in Old Testament times and was also a spiritual type. Now, let’s look at the Christian Zionist belief in the continued distinction of the Jews.

Read more… →

Zionism, the Christian Heresy, part 1

Peter Ditzel

His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.
This is the letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild that contains the statement called the Balfour Declaration. When it was published a few days later, it became the first public support of Zionism expressed by a major world power. Both Balfour and his Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, were Christian Zionists. Public Domain.

Zionism is a form of Jewish nationalism that arose in the nineteenth century. This article’s purpose is to examine a form of Zionism known as Christian Zionism. I intend to show that, by focusing on physical Israel, the adherents of Christian Zionism have fallen into a heresy that misses the reality of God’s promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This being the case, I believe Christian Zionism opposes the Gospel and deserves exposure as a teaching that spiritually blinds its disciples.

Read more… →

Who Is the Man in Romans 7? | Part 2

The man in Romans 7 also said, "Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!"
The man of Romans 7 sees the victory through Christ. Yet, he ends by saying, “So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, the sin’s law” (verse 25b). How odd!
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Peter Ditzel

In Part 1, I covered Paul’s purpose in writing Romans, who his audience was, the historical context, and the textual context of Romans 7. In this final part, I will directly answer the question, “Who is the man of Romans 7?” I will also show you why learning the lesson of the man of Romans 7 is immensely important for Christians today.

Read more… →

Who Is the Man in Romans 7? | Part 1

The man in Romans 7 says, "I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died" (verse 9). Picture credit: Monk Contemplating a Skull, Thomas Couture, Oil on Canvas, c. 1875
Who was once alive apart from the law, died when the commandment came, and was delivered by Jesus Christ?

Peter Ditzel

Who is the man in Romans 7? This is a continuing controversy among Christians and a question I am often asked. Usually, I’m asked whether I think the man is Paul before or after his conversion. I find it impossible to directly or quickly answer because it is the wrong question. But who is this man whom Paul refers to as “I,” and who seems to believe the Gospel while, at the same time, he struggles with the law and sin?

The only way to properly understand the answer to this question is to understand Paul’s purpose in writing Romans, the historical context of Paul’s letter to the Romans, and the textual context of Romans 7. I hope you’ll find this study as interesting as I do. I also hope you’ll see how relevant the lesson we will learn is to our spiritual lives today. For, while the man of Romans 7 is quite historical, his “ghost” still haunts us.

Read more… →