Customer Reviews

Why Care about Israel?: How the Jewish Nation Is Key to Unleashing God's Blessings in the 21st Century

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As a Bible scholar, a specialist in Jewish studies and one who has lived in Israel, I find Sandra Teplinsky's book theologically sound and humanly engaged. The Jewish people have been the vehicle of some (or most) of Western civilization's greatest goods-not least the Biblical ethical foundation underlying our legal ethics, our sense of time (progress and sabbath rest), our value of the individual as created in the Image of God, and many others. Today this same people-who have given so much, suffered so much- are again facing threats from very near (Hamas), and further (Iran) to annihilate their lone tiny state of Israel. Why should we care? Teplinsky captures the character of the Biblical God of Israel, whose truthful covenant promises are certain, and whose unfailing love for His people has not abated. Modern western Christians-awash in information overload, and often pulled emotionally in many directions-need both Biblical truth and renewed heart allegiance to the issues that are close to the heart of God. Teplinsky's book delivers on both counts. True to the Hebraic Biblical worldview-and contrary to modern dichotmomy of mind (rationalism) and heart ( emotionalism)- this book gives an integrated wisdom that will inform and help you sort your sentiments to align with what is true. You rarely find such integration. The book is eminently readable, with beautiful imagery and clear intelligent prose. Even if you have read other Jewish or Christian books about Israel, this one will be different. Highly recommended. Bill Bjoraker

I have read other books on this subject, but Sandra Teplinsky's book reveals how God feels about His people and makes it brilliantly clear that unless we see as He does on this subject, we will not see clearly. The author portrays the character of God as being exemplified in His unchangeable love for His people, and so we can put our total dependence on Him.
This book has great depth of thought - it is provoking.
I loved the passion the author conveys. One of the top books on this subject.

This inspiring work opens with an explanation of how the promised blessing and curse of Genesis 12:3 operate and their relevance in the context of contemporary international politics. The chapter Blessing For Blessing examines the root meaning of the Hebrew word "bless" and interprets the prophetic Book of Ruth that recounts this Moabite woman's loyalty to her grief-stricken mother-in-law Naomi whom she chose over her country and people. Teplinsky explains why this book of scripture has profound significance for our day.

In the chapter Accursed: Who, Why, When, the author praises the beautiful symbolism and allegory of scripture but observes that the validity of literal interpretations must not be sacrificed. History demonstrates how those who cursed Israel paid the price. Examples include the fall of the Roman Empire, the Crusades which brought bubonic plague in their wake, Imperial Spain's brief flash of glory, and Britain's loss of empire after breaking the Balfour Declaration promise, repeatedly reducing the territory meant for Jewish settlement and most cruelly, blocking entry to refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe. The German people suffered terribly in defeat and the country was divided. It took a bit longer, but the Soviet Union's support of Arab aggression against Israel resulted in its sudden implosion and the on-going, dramatic decline in Russia's population.

Part Two: Father's Heart, discusses God's abiding love for Israel through the writings of St Paul in the Book of Romans and in Ezekiel 16, Hosea, Jeremiah and the Psalms. It also contains valuable information on intercessory prayer and reconciliation. Revisiting Romans 9 in Part Three: Israel's Identity, the narrative examines the meaning of Hebrew words like Yeshua, Hebrew, Abraham, Judah and Israel. Important concepts like Shekhinah, the covenants, the law, the promises, temple worship and the family tree of Jesus Christ are discussed in chapter 7: An Irrevocable Calling.

The severing of Christianity's Jewish roots is explored in Part Four: The Salvation Of Israel. Paul's warning to gentile believers was ignored as witnessed in the words of church fathers like Melito of Sardis & John Chrysostom amongst many others, decisions of church councils like Nicea I & II, Antioch, Elvira and Agde and in the deeds of Emperor Constantine. Augustine's accursed Replacement Theology was accepted by the Reformers, entered Protestantism and continued its deadly work. The abomination of Christian Antisemitism is exposed in books by Fred Wright, James Carroll, Edward Flannery and Franklin Littell.

Today's version of Christian Antisemitism singles Israel out for criticism reaching levels of demonization; for evidence see the books Bearing False Witness by Andrea Levin and The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control by Abraham Foxman as well as The New Anti-Semitism by Phyllis Chesler. The author next turns to theological issues in the chapter The Jews And The Gospel, where she discusses the dual covenant, the times of the gentiles and Israel's twofold restoration, whilst in chapter 10: Revival Of The Remnant, she deals with the rise of Messianic Judaism and its significance.

In Part Five, the ancient roots of the Middle East conflict are identified. Reflecting on Abraham's family feud, Teplinsky analyses the history of Isaac, Ishmael, Abraham's other sons and the war in the womb between Jacob and Esau. Chapter 12: Incursion Of Islam, appraises the nature of the deity Allah, the idea of Jihad and the ancient power portals of the Middle East, explaining why Israel and the USA are being cursed by terms like "the little Satan" and "the great Satan".

The struggle is investigated further in Part Six: Unraveling The Arab/Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, with special emphasis on mass media bias against Israel in the chapter Discerning Truth In Perplexing Times. On this issue, those interested will find valuable information in Can We Trust The BBC? by Robin Aitken and The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism by Bernard Harrison. The horrendous Anti-Semitism in the Arab media is noted, as well as the lies built around the Arab refugee problem. More comprehensive coverage is available in From Time Immemorial by Joan Peters and Peace by Arieh Stav.

The Arab-Israeli wars are dealt with in Agenda To Annihilate, together with the sinister Palestinian Church and its liberation theology. Referencing the Book of Obadiah, Just Peace In The Land takes a prophetic approach to future wars and their consequences. The author argues that Anti-Zionism equals Antisemitism in the section Living Sacrifices. This opinion is becoming harder to deny as anti-Zionism intensifies from three sources: Islamists, Left-Liberalism in its secular form like the mass media, academics like Walt and Mearsheimer and European elites as well as its "christian" versions like Jimmy Carter, the World Council of Churches, elements within mainstream denominations attempting divestment and theologians like Stephen Sizer, Colin Chapman and Gary Burge. The third is the Isolationist Right or Paleoconservative movement of which Patrick Buchanan is a prominent example.

In the chapter Israel On A Last Days Altar the author offers advice to Christians based on prophetic scripture passages. The true Bride of Yeshua will cling to Israel like Ruth clung to Naomi. The final chapter The Sacrament Of Sacrifice warns true believers that Standing With Israel may come at a heavy price whilst encouraging them to make the right choice; the example of Ruth will ultimately bring about global joy and blessings.

Calling on Christians to constantly pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Teplinsky offers profoundly spiritual insights and hope founded on the rock of our salvation. Books with encouraging evidence of reconciliation between Jews and Christians include In Defense of Israel by John Hagee and God's Promise and the Future of Israel by Don Finto.

This is a very well written book on a very difficult and controversial subject. The research and documentation are thorough and complete. All who love God should aspire to love what He loves, and Sandra Teplinsky walks us through God's love affair with Israel and the blessing that awaits those whom embrace the apple of His eye. She deals fairly with the Arab/Israeli conflict at its root core. It is a must read!!

With hundreds of hard and paperback books on eschatology and bible history in my library this book easily has to rate in the top ten, perhaps even the top 5. Pulls no punches in describing how many Christian churches and other entities are marginalizing the Jews and Israel. Instructive reading for pastor and layperson alike. Parallels to some extent our own article on the resurgence of anti-Semitism at www.aquatechnology.net/RESURGENCE.html.

Sandra Teplinsky has written an important book for all Christians to read and puts the plight of the Jews in a well researced format. Sandra is articulate and theologically insightful. We should all care about God's people and support them any way we can.

I read Sandra's book and was completely edified. At the time, a new follower of the Messianic Way, I already had a heart that burned for Israel that God Himself put within Me for His own purposes. One things that struck me right away when reading the Scriptures through my 'new eyes' was that God has a specific way He desires to be worshipped. Specific times He desires to communicate and meet with us. And specific protocols to uticlize when dealing with our brothers and sisters in Messiah. We are to do things His way, not the way we think they should be done. Sandra's book not only teaches us about Israel, but also explains these divine statutes clearly.

If I may quote from Sandra regarding 'to the Jew First' (a phrase often spoken in Scripture), "Protocol relates to proper order and respect of divine and delegated authority in the Body of Christ. Following protocol in the Spirit pleases Him, makes for more fruitful ministry, and helps us steward our resources effectively." (p.148, Jewish-Gentile Protocol for "One New Man")

When I finished the book, I was a different person. A person more ready than ever to see God the way He presents Himself. Now I grow in deeper understanding of Him daily, and never do I become bored with my Savior.

Recommended to anyone who believes...

Ellen C Maze, author
(a new kind of vampire tale)

Israel is so small on the world globe, but is such a vital key in understanding all that is happening today. Sandra Teplinsky, a Messianic Jew, does an outstanding job of explaining why and how. My husband and I have been Christians for many years, and in recent years our interest in Israel has grown. This book opens up the scriptures from a Jewish perspective and is most enlightening--and motivating. We will be buying extra copies to share with friends.

This book has been thoughtfully and powerfully written in real LOVE for both the Gentile Church and the connection both Jew and Gentile have as an inheritance in Christ. Easy to understand, biblically sound, a must read for the times we live in.

...who are of Israel nor because they are Abraham's seed are all children, but in Isaac a Seed will be called to you...." Throughout the Sacred text the underlying theme is those that by faith trust God for their very existence/being are the remnant and true Israel of God. It is not a matter of fleshly, earthly, physical heritage. The author obviously hasn't received this truth and focuses on race, which regardless how one says it, is still racism. The entire focus of Romans 9 and 10 is that of faith and trust in God and focus on the heavenly Jerusalem, as opposed to being mire men with worldly focus on what one can do for oneself. Hebrew is more aptly defined as a sojourner, one that is not of this world, an alien, Hebrews 11 clearly defines these people. Continuing with significances of names...notice Jacobs name wasn't changed until his experience at Jabbok where he wrestled with God. He wouldn't let go until God blessed him for he had come to realize he'd reached the end of his ability to deliver/bless himself...hence Jabbok = "to empty". How will the Jews ever be able to empty themselves and receive God's blessing if they continue in this attitude of being the "chosen"? IMHO the author isn't helping them by pumping them up on who they are in the flesh....but is in fact laying the stumbling stone directly in their path. Peace to the Israel of God!