"You don’t expect much passion when you open a theological book."
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--Review by Julia Blum, Messianic Times, January-February, 2011
You don’t expect much passion when you open a theological book. However, Messianic Foundations is not only a wonderful exploration and clarification of many theological principles, but indeed a book of passion—God’s love. Author Sam Nadler says he sees the whole purpose of Messianic theology as expressing the faithfulness of God. “God’s hands are outstretched to His people all day long,” Nadler explains, asking, “Where are His hands today? They are yours and mine.” What an awesome challenge —to be God’s hands outstretched to Israel! This book is written in order to help to embrace this calling.
First, Nadler considers God’s plan for Jewish believers. He speaks about the necessity and prophetic significance of Messianic congregations. Traditional Jewish concepts, such as Tikkun Olam and Kiddush HaShem, are infused with a Messianic meaning. Following this line, we can sum up the first part of the book with Nadler’s version of the well-known Hebrew words Am Yisrael Chai b’Shem Yeshua! (The people of Israel live, in the name of Yeshua!) According to the book, Messianic believers and Messianic congregations are the greatest testimony of God’s faithfulness. The Messianic remnant is the guarantee not only of the future national revival, but of the national survival as well. If Yeshua is indeed the Jewish Messiah, the preservation of Israel can’t happen apart from Him. Only faith in Yeshua saves. God’s mercy is offered in the Messiah alone to all who believe—to the Jew first, but also to the Gentiles.
Thus, Nadler moves on to discussing God’s role for Gentiles within Messianic movement. How do they fit into God’s plan of redemption? The book presents a clear and well-grounded understanding of this issue. Gentiles who believe in Yeshua are still Gentiles; they must embrace their mission as Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. While never replacing Israel, they are to identify with the Jews in devotion and service, as part of God’s family. To support this, Nadler goes to Romans 11, offering new and non-traditional interpretations of the Apostle Paul’s masterpiece. Concepts such as “the fullness of the Gentiles” and “the olive tree” are then seen in a new light.
Finally, the book turns to the subject of New Covenant Messianic faith. Taking a close look at differences and continuities between the covenants, Nadler presents a new view on “New Covenant Torah.” This section provides many interesting points for those seeking an answer to the controversial question of Messianic believers in relation to the Torah.
Not many books simultaneously satisfy your heart and your mind, but Messianic Foundations is one that does. Whether Jewish or Gentile, you are required to demonstrate God’s faithfulness to Israel—and this book will definitely deepen your understanding of this calling.
You don’t expect much passion when you open a theological book. However, Messianic Foundations is not only a wonderful exploration and clarification of many theological principles, but indeed a book of passion—God’s love. Author Sam Nadler says he sees the whole purpose of Messianic theology as expressing the faithfulness of God. “God’s hands are outstretched to His people all day long,” Nadler explains, asking, “Where are His hands today? They are yours and mine.” What an awesome challenge —to be God’s hands outstretched to Israel! This book is written in order to help to embrace this calling.
First, Nadler considers God’s plan for Jewish believers. He speaks about the necessity and prophetic significance of Messianic congregations. Traditional Jewish concepts, such as Tikkun Olam and Kiddush HaShem, are infused with a Messianic meaning. Following this line, we can sum up the first part of the book with Nadler’s version of the well-known Hebrew words Am Yisrael Chai b’Shem Yeshua! (The people of Israel live, in the name of Yeshua!) According to the book, Messianic believers and Messianic congregations are the greatest testimony of God’s faithfulness. The Messianic remnant is the guarantee not only of the future national revival, but of the national survival as well. If Yeshua is indeed the Jewish Messiah, the preservation of Israel can’t happen apart from Him. Only faith in Yeshua saves. God’s mercy is offered in the Messiah alone to all who believe—to the Jew first, but also to the Gentiles.
Thus, Nadler moves on to discussing God’s role for Gentiles within Messianic movement. How do they fit into God’s plan of redemption? The book presents a clear and well-grounded understanding of this issue. Gentiles who believe in Yeshua are still Gentiles; they must embrace their mission as Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. While never replacing Israel, they are to identify with the Jews in devotion and service, as part of God’s family. To support this, Nadler goes to Romans 11, offering new and non-traditional interpretations of the Apostle Paul’s masterpiece. Concepts such as “the fullness of the Gentiles” and “the olive tree” are then seen in a new light.
Finally, the book turns to the subject of New Covenant Messianic faith. Taking a close look at differences and continuities between the covenants, Nadler presents a new view on “New Covenant Torah.” This section provides many interesting points for those seeking an answer to the controversial question of Messianic believers in relation to the Torah.
Not many books simultaneously satisfy your heart and your mind, but Messianic Foundations is one that does. Whether Jewish or Gentile, you are required to demonstrate God’s faithfulness to Israel—and this book will definitely deepen your understanding of this calling.
