Daily Topic for May 09, 2009

Romans 4:11
"So then [Abraham] is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them."

Chapter four is an extensive explanation that Abraham’s righteousness came from faith rather than from works, including the work of circumcision. He was counted as righteous before he became circumcised, and so he is able to be called the father of all who truly believe, whether they are circumcised or not. This was a radical statement for Paul to make, but he was explaining to the Gentiles and the Jews in the church at Rome that they both fit into God’s Kingdom on the basis of the obedience of faith from the heart.

Thank the Lord that He has made all the Gentiles potential members of His Kingdom by faith, not by works.

Israeli Jews in Canada

Levi had a blunt question for his Israeli friend as they were having lunch after work. “Gideon, why don’t the Israeli Jews here in Toronto mix into our local Jewish community?”

Gideon shuffled his feet and replied, “In Israel, we never dealt with the question of what it is to be Jewish. Most Israelis are secular, so they look at Jewishness first from the point of nationalism and ethnic identity and less from the point of view of religion. Canadian Jews are much more religious; they go to the synagogue to be with other Jews. How can the two groups find common ground when the Israelis don’t attend synagogue or shuls (Jewish schools)? Another problem is that many Israelis see Canadian Jews as too formal, cold and standoffish. Some of our people think they should just go back to Israel.”

Levi stroked his beard and wondered what it would take to help the 70,000 Israeli Jews feel at home in Canada. He realized that there was a dire need to reach out to the youth, since they could easily become so secular that their Jewish identity can soon be a thing of the past.

Learn more at joshuaproject.net

Pray that these Israeli Jews will open their hearts to God and His plan for their lives. Pray that believers will reach out to the Israelis and lead many to knowing the fullness of God’s love for them.-PD

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