Daniel Juster On Attending the “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference in Bethlehem

March 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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An excerpt from Daniel Juster

A small contingent of Messianic Jews attended the Christ at the Checkpoint conference in Bethlehem this week.  As Messianic Jews we were warmly received and invited to share our perspective.

The conference had an overwhelming emphasis on the injustices suffered by Palestinian Christians and Muslims in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Those testimonies are credible and painful.  The checkpoint is a case in point.  Israel needs checkpoints to prevent terrorists and others without work permits from entering Israel west of the green line.  However, it is not necessary that the people be herded daily through checkpoints, waiting for 3 hours, to be able to get to work 30 minutes away by 6:00 A. M.

The persecution of Christians by Muslims and the dangers of radical Islam was a minor theme compared to the above.   It should be noted that Israel ended the occupation of Gaza only to get Hamas, missiles and suicide bombers.   This is not emphasized adequately.  [Read more...]

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A Statement of Concern About the “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference

February 29, 2012 by 1 Comment

The “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference will be held in Bethlehem next week exacerbating the matrix of pain, strife, and hostility that has long plagued the region. With prominent leaders like John Ortberg, Lynne Hybels, Shane Claiborne, and Tony Campolo lending credibility to the event by giving keynote messages, there is reason to grieve and motivation to pray. 

Below is a video of Russ Resnik, Executive Director of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC), reading a statement of concern about the gathering. It was issued by the UMJC, Messianic Jewish Alliance of America, International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues, and International Messianic Jewish Alliance.

I share Resnik’s concerns and pray the organizers, speakers, and attendees would honestly consider them. 

For the glory of Christ and true reconciliation of Isaac and Ishmael,

Dalton Thomas

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Christ at the Checkpoint 2012 Conference – Fighting For Justice at the Expense of Truth

October 21, 2011 by 6 Comments
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There are many Zionist Christians who believe that Israel can do no wrong and that any who challenge the State for any reason by default already are. When the righteousness of the Israeli government’s political decision making is questioned they call it “anti-Semitic.” They think “Palestinian” is a synonym for “Terrorist.” They watch Glenn Beck more then they read the Bible. And they say “Hallelujah” when Netanyahu so much as burps.

While I’m being somewhat sarcastic, this is no hollow caricature. These people are as real as the liberal journalists and talk show hosts who hate them. Not knowing where their political conservatism ends and their Zionist Dispensationalism begins they say absurd things like

The United States must join Israel in a pre-emptive military strike against Iran to fulfill God’s plan for both Israel and the West… a biblically prophesied end-time confrontation with Iran, which will lead to the Rapture, Tribulation, and Second Coming of Christ. (John Hagee)

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