One needn’t be a newshound to experience a daily bombardment of negative news from the Middle East. Suicide bombings, riots, armed rebellion; these are only some of the aspects that contribute to the seemingly interminable conflicts between Muslims and Jews. There is however a growing, untold story of hope to be found in the midst of the pain and conflict. A story that revolves around the Prince of Peace, and the work that He is accomplishing in the hearts of the adherents of two warring religions.
As the Middle East director for e3 Partners (a global church planting ministry, you may have seen their EvangeCubes), this unfolding story is one that author Tom Doyle is quite familiar with. Yet despite growing numbers of Muslims and Jews coming to faith in Jesus and putting aside their hatred and fear, Doyle's seen the mainstream media remain completely quiet on the topic. Many in the western church are largely unaware of the growth of a thriving, vibrant, and often persecuted church in the Middle East.
In Breakthrough: The Return of Hope to the Middle East Doyle brings the amazing stories of the immense increase of believers in the region by focusing in on the personal testimonies of many who are now serving in ministry. The book's main thrust highlights Muslim-background-believers, interspersing their stories with the history and tenets of Islam and comparing its beliefs with Christianity.
A single chapter is devoted to exploring the change of heart experienced by Jews who are coming to recognize Jesus as their Messiah alongside a modern introduction to the faith and culture. An abbreviated history of the church in this region, and of historical interactions between Jews, Muslims, and Christians is also touched upon to ground readers contextually and dispel common misunderstandings.
Article comments
1 - Ruvy
A single chapter is devoted to exploring the change of heart experienced by Jews who are coming to recognize Jesus as their Messiah alongside a modern introduction to the faith and culture.
It hasn't been enough that Christians persecuted Jews for over a millennium and a half, is it? It hasn't been enough that Christians have villified us in every way and celebrated our deaths in rapes, massacres, and finally in death camps in Europe, is it?
Now you want to brag about how successful you have been in stealing Jewish souls for a fake messiah as well?
Judgment isn't in yet, Jennifer. Christianity, along with all the other haters of Jews will find itself gone in not too long a time when the G-d of ISRAEL judges you all. And as one of our prophets warned - there will be no savior for you.
2 - Jennifer Bogart
Hi Ruvy,
I know that there are those who have claimed the name of Christ and persecuted Jews in His name. I agree that such actions are a travesty.
God will judge those who act against His beloved Jewish people, that's very clear in the New Testament. Those who have harmed Jews in the name of Christ have been acting in sin, and not on any mission of His. I can't understand how anyone can read the New Testament and come away with any justification for hating Jews.
Trust me Ruvy, most who claim the name of Christ are not anti-semitic and mourn when your people are persecuted. This issue is actually addressed in Doyle's work as a matter of fact. I understand your anger, but your accusations regarding the wholesale malicious nature of Christians are false generalizations.
Have you investigated the claims of Jesus? His fulfillment of the prophecies found in Jewish scripture? He's a beautiful loving saviour, not a torturing one dear.
3 - Ruvy
Gandhi once said, "Christianity is the best religion that was never tried."
He, also seeing the ugly underside of "Christian love", spoke the truth. If Christianity is such a wonderful faith, practice it amongst yourselves - AND LEAVE US OUT OF IT. Most of us - particularly in Israel - are sick of your pretensions and pretty talk - we've seen what you are really like (maybe I can jew down the price of that car....) and wish you all success and happy lives - FAR AWAY FROM US!
4 - Jennifer Bogart
It's that kind of anger, fear, and bitterness that Jesus came to set us free from Ruvy. I've never used that type of derogatory slang by the way and rebuke those who do - don't throw stones at people you don't know.
The opportunity to share the freedom found only in Jesus is irresistible. Something like having a free invitation to the greatest party ever held and not sharing it with your friends :).
Being human, I can't convince you of anything, but I would encourage you to ask God to reveal the true basis of Christianity to you - I think you'd be surprised.