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Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.
Click Here for the oringinal letter
My exposure to Jews for Jesus goes back to 1973, and I have known their
founder, Moishe Rosen, since the early 1960s. Sadly (to me), I cannot
take a public stand in favor of every organization identifying itself
with Jesus. But Jews for Jesus is #1 on my list of missions worthy of
respect, trust and support.
For one thing, I respect Jews for Jesus as a thoughtful group of
people. Don't be fooled by their good humor. They certainly are fun
and innovative. But they take seriously their responsibility to think
things through with solid, credible answers for intelligent seekers.
I respect their humility. They have made themselves accountable to the
highest standards of theological and financial governance. Our church
donates money to Jews for Jesus with every confidence that it will be
managed responsibly. If I have a question, I get an answer, not an
evasion.
I respect the courage of Jews for Jesus. They love a challenge, because
they know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life for everyone
everywhere. Maybe that is what makes some people mad. In a world of
radical uncertainty, confident principles can be perceived as
threatening. But then, didn't the prophets of ancient Israel get the
same reaction? The real motive for opposing certainty is a proud
unwillingness to face the possibility of truth-claims.
If I had two lives to live, I would spend the first one fulfilling my
present calling. Then in my second life I would apply for a position
with Jews for Jesus. It would be a privilege to serve with them. But
would they take a gentile like me? As I said, they have a sense of
humor.
Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.
Senior Pastor
First Presbyterian Church
Augusta, Georgia |
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