Israel, the Church, and the Last Days

by Keith Intrater, Dan Juster

As the last days approach, Dan Juster and Keith Intrater present an optimistic view for believers around the world. A restoration of the Body of Christ is beginning to take place as the church asserts her unity, power, gifts and begins to establish the five fold ministry as found in the example of the first century church. What is the key element for the Church in these last days as she asserts her power? Establishing a saved remnant of Israel. How does one help establish a saved remnant, especially a saved Jewish remnant?

Genres: Israel, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality

276 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1990

Reviews

[RANGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Israel, the Church and the Last Days is a decent overview of Bible prophecy from a Messianic perspective. Co-authored by Keith (Asher) Intrater and Dan Juster, it's really more like a collection of topically unified prophetic essays with each "co-author" taking turns writing chapters. This gives the book a somewhat disjointed feel. For the most part it covers prophecy from a modified dispensationalist point of view that most evangelicals would be comfortable with. And while the authors emphasize the need for greater unity between Messianic Jewish groups and Gentile churches they don't push the issue of making Gentiles act "more Jewish" in order to be "more saved" -- a refreshing stance coming from these two Messianics who otherwise promote the Hebrew roots goal of restoring the Jewish Church to its rightful place among Gentiles and motivating Gentile churches to evangelize in Israel. The broad brush approach to prophecy topics is a bit tedious for people who have a strong background in eschatology -- no epiphanies here. But for new believers, especially Jewish converts who are wary of Gentile Christian insensitivity toward Israel (or outright anti-Antisemitism) and bogus replacement theology thinking, this is a great place to start. The authors do divert from classic dispensationalism in a couple of important areas. They seem to be a little unsure about the placement of the Rapture in the prophetic timeline. They seem to place it shortly before Christ's return at Armageddon... like days or minutes depending on where the subject comes up in the book. This is a classic evangelical point of disagreement and can be forgiven. But their wishy-washy approach vexes. They fully embrace a European Anti-Christ interpretation although many Messianics see that now in a restored Middle East Caliphate. And they do take a very strong position for the evangelization of Israel -- a position I support -- confronting Dispensationalist lukewarmness on this issue in the opening chapters. The book's strongest point is its chapters on the Millennial Kingdom of God. Very good, insightful and scriptural with a few remarkable off-the-wall insights for what is otherwise an understudied prophetic topic. I had the pleasure of worshiping at Rabbi Intrater's Tel Aviv congregation last year and found him to be a very warm and welcoming pastoral host. His congregation is a mature, well-established Messianic church that resembles, in doctrine and worship style, most modern evangelical and charismatic churches. There are special Jewish customs and blessings added but the only Jewish dancing I saw was by an American Gentile tourist who probably is way too into the Hebrew roots thing back at home. But congregations like this are one of the keys to opening Jewish hearts in Israel to Jesus Christ. This book is recommended for new converts, especially new Messianic believers. It is interesting for all others and recommended for those who want to learn more of the thinking behind the ministries of its authors. Shalom!

[Kami · Rating 5 out of 5]

May need to read again because it’s packed with so much. Read this one with my Bible open because it truly is scripture upon scripture and truth upon truth.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off slow, but it really picked up steam. In the middle was a section describing the basics of the main options for possible views on end times. I found this helpful, as it was easier to see why people believe/act in certain ways ... often linked to their end times perspective. Since end times is a popular topic amongst new believers, it's easier to see how much this really influences us. The second half of the book is their (Intrater and Juster) positions on end times ... very interesting. I've studied at IHOP, and it's pretty similar. There speculation is more through a Jewish lense though, so it makes more sense on how it may practically materialize. I'm going with theirs for now because of the clarity, as well as the fact that they are some of the top Messianic Jewish leaders of our generation.

[Thomas Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good overall breakdown of the end times and millennial reign of Jesus. I was struck by the consistent pairs throughout the Bible including Messiah's 1st (Lamb) and 2nd (Lion) coming, the plagues of Egypt and plagues of Revelation, great battle for Jerusalem at the end of the tribulation and the last battle at the end of the millennium, resurrection of the saints at the return of the Jesus and the resurrection of the "rest" of mankind at the end of the millennium, judgment at the return of Jesus and judgment at the end of the millennial kingdom etc. Basically, it is consistent throughout Scripture for the Messiah to have a two-fold purpose that is separated by time and for the Word to prophecy that it would happen this way.

[David Schiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

an excellent book to get a better understanding of the roles of Israel and the church in these last days also how the Jewish feasts can help to explain Revelation.