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For more than a year, I have devoted a large amount of time to researching, reading and writing about the life of Moshe ben Maimon (1138-1204) as I
prayerfully will be finishing my PhD studies at Liberty University this May!
I have jokingly referred to Maimonides as he is known today as my "boyfriend" because I have spent so much time learning about this 12th century Jewish scholar--a scholar who in my opinion did tremendous damage to the Jewish world. His views that discounted belief in the miraculous, created confusion over life after death, and cast God as this distant and remote figure is still felt today in the heart and soul of Judaism.
Therefore, if you will allow I would like to share with you a few simple truths just involving American Judaism that I believe are crucial (note that the worldwide numbers are worse--especially in Israel):
- Only 31-35% believe religion is important to their lives
- Only 11% of believe the Torah (OT) is the literal Word of God
- Only 37% are absolutely certain that God exists
- Only 17% turn to religion turn to religion to make right/wrong decisions
- Only 41% believe in heaven/22% believe in hell
- Only 55% bother to pray
- Only 1% of God's Chosen People know Jesus as their Messiah
The Jewish people are in desperate need of a personal relationship with Messiah Jesus. They need to know that Maimonides was wrong. That miracles are still possible! That there is life after death! That God is not only close but wants to have a relationship with them through Jesus the Messiah. However, how can they know unless they hear (Romans 10:14-15).
This is why Tzedakah Ministries exists. This is why the vision project of
Explore Messiah...? that I have laid out to you before is so needed. This is why I am going to be as transparent and honest as I have ever been with you. Here is one more simple truth ...
Tzedakah Ministries
needs YOU right now. We need your financial support. We need your prayer support. We need to know that you believe in Jewish evangelism as much as this ministry does.
This has not been an easy few months financially for the ministry. People have been distracted by politics. People have been distracted by the economy. People have just been ... distracted. None of these distractions will change. We have a long time until November (sigh) and the economy is what it is; however, the Jewish people still need to know Jesus and that will NEVER change as well.
All I can ask is simply -- Would you pray and do as God leads? Shalom!
Acts 20:24,
Am
y Downey -- Director
Tzedakah Ministries, Inc.
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