Don’t Give Your Money to IFCJ :: By Geri Ungurean

Published on: October 10, 2020 by RR7

Since I wrote the original article, warning the body of Christ to NOT give donations to IFCJ led by Rabbi Eckstein, he passed away, and now his daughter (Yael Eckstein) is running the ministry.

As I clearly stated in the original article, Rabbi Eckstein (and family) are not Messianic Jews. The Rabbi was vehemently against Jews such as myself. After writing the article in 2015, many of the brethren wrote to me that they were very disappointed that they had been under the impression that IFJC was a Messianic outfit, and had given so much money to them for years.

The Rabbi’s annual income was well over $1 Million a year – much more than other leaders of ministries for the Jewish people. Also, the other ministries are Messianic, so the people of Israel are getting the Gospel and food supplies from the Messianic ministries.

We should pray for Yael to be saved, but as of right now, she follows in her father’s footsteps and loathes Jews who believe in Yeshua. She is also taking the exorbitant salary as did her father.

I have decided to republish the original article from 2015. Please remember that Rabbi Eckstein passed away in February of 2019, and the organization is now being run by his daughter, Yael.

Original Article

We have all seen the commercials from Rabbi Eckstein of IFCJ (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews) asking for your money to support his cause. He shows Jews in Israel [and countries such as Russia] – so hungry, that they are fighting each other to get the boxes of food. He says “Jews are so poor, they cannot even afford to buy matzo for Passover.”

Well, I have a few things to say about the good Rabbi – did I say good? Maybe you won’t think so after reading about this man and his organization.

Years ago, I began getting emails and mail from IFCJ. At first I thought that this was wonderful. But I wanted to vet this man to make sure he was on the up and up.

I knew many believers who gave religiously (pun intended) to Rabbi Eckstein. They seemed to think this man could do no wrong, and wanted to be a partner in supporting the Jewish people.

I started reading about him. He was not a believer in Yeshua. As a matter of fact, he is an Orthodox Rabbi. I actually wrote to him several times, and told him of my belief in Yeshua. I told him that he could not be saved without the forgiveness and belief in Yeshua. I never received a reply.

A few years ago, I saw Rabbi Eckstein on a Christian TV station. He was singing Jewish songs and talking about Judaism. It seemed to me that his purpose in doing this was perhaps to get his followers to become Jews. Now, with the Hebrew Roots cult abounding everywhere, I wonder how many of these folks were influenced by the Rabbi.

Before Moishe Rosen of Jews for Jesus went home to be with Yeshua, he wrote in “Moishe’s Musings” an article in which he spoke of Rabbi Eckstein. Here is an excerpt from his article:

From Moishe’s Musings of Jews for Jesus

“There is another kind of “lifestyle evangelism” that I can’t endorse. It’s the kind where people congratulate one another that actions speak louder than words, and that if others know they are a Christian, they need not say anything about Jesus so long as they live exemplary lives.

Isn’t it interesting that Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, an Orthodox Jew, promoted this kind of evangelism in his article “Witnessing vs. Proselytizing,” which was posted online at the Christianity Today website. Eckstein concludes,

“If Christians want to share their faith with Jews, they should start by being good friends and neighbors, and wherever possible, ‘good Samaritans.’ Evangelicals call this style of witnessing ‘lifestyle evangelism,’ and it seems to me a self-evidently superior form of outreach.”

[Before you take that ringing endorsement of how to witness to Jewish people, you need to know that] Eckstein is a man of great sensitivity and tact, but he is not a believer, and his goal is not to see other Jews become believers. Helping people win Jews to Christ would make Eckstein anathema in the Jewish community. Yet some Christians regard him as an expert on how to successfully share their faith. Eckstein claims to uphold the Christian mandate to witness, but eventually he discloses his opinion that it is arrogant for Christians to think that Jewish people need Jesus.

I think that Christians should be concerned that Rabbi Eckstein has gained quite a platform among evangelical Christians. As reasonable and affirming of the Christian religion as Eckstein might seem, his commitment as an Orthodox rabbi is still at odds with those of us committed to seeing all people, including Jewish people, find salvation in Jesus.

I’m afraid that some Christians have been so flattered by Eckstein’s approach that the utter lack of logic in using him as an authority on Jewish evangelism escapes them. In a way, I am glad that Eckstein speaks so highly of “lifestyle evangelism” because it affords thinking Christians the opportunity to reflect on how to fulfill the Great Commission. The kind of lifestyle evangelism Eckstein praises centers on how nice people can be, whereas the Bible centers on why the cross is so necessary. And then there is the matter of his income. Oy vey – WHAT an income!

I found this information on many credible sites, but this from Charisma Magazine articulated the facts so well:

As the head of a nonprofit that is almost entirely supported by donations, what makes Yechiel Eckstein’s compensation noteworthy is its proportion to his organization’s overall income compared to other ministries. While the salary and benefit package of the head of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (ICFJ) is at least five times higher than any other leader of an Israel-related ministry, clocking in at $1.2 million, Eckstein’s compensation is more than double what the president of World Vision—a ministry with a budget 10 times larger—earns.

World Vision’s Richard Stearns earned $456,718 in salary and benefits in 2011, according to the organization’s tax return. But World Vision has a $1 billion annual budget, whereas last year IFCJ’s budget was $113 million.

Meanwhile, Billy Graham, founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), earned $228,448 in total compensation in 2011, and his son, Franklin Graham, president of BGEA, earned $115,307. The organization is similar in size to the IFCJ with $92 million in revenues in 2011.

Linda Lampkin, resource director for the Economic Research Institute office in Washington, D.C., calculated the average direct compensation for executive directors at similar-sized religious organizations and found Eckstein’s pay is well above the average, which is $276,807. The computer-generated comparison showed executive directors at organizations with similar-sized budgets—$100-$110 million—earned anywhere from $163,675 to $389,938 annually.

“It is fair to say an executive director at a religious organization who makes nearly $500,000 annually in direct compensation and also has significant other compensation is paid well outside the mean ranges of executive directors at similar organizations with an approximate $100 million to $110 million in revenues,” Lampkin told Charisma.

How much are those in charge of these Israel-related ministries actually making?

It’s often implied that any leader of a nonprofit ministry or organization who earns more than Mother Teresa is somehow gouging the public. Obviously, that isn’t true. Running a large organization—whether a college, a hospital or a church—is complicated and requires hard work. By not paying market-rate salaries, the talent needed to run such organizations tends to go to where he or she can be compensated commensurate with his or her ability. Even Jesus said a “laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7).

Some organizations don’t like to reveal what their leaders make, however, because they fear donations would decrease if people knew. In the world of Christian ministries, that’s especially true—as proven by such examples as the short-lived “scandal” surrounding Franklin Graham’s compensation package as the head of both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

At the same time, in American culture there is a feeling that some financial matters should be out in the open. For example, it’s required by law that the public knows the salaries of elected officials. And those who run a publicly owned company must publicize the salaries of top management so investors can make investing decisions based on whether they feel those leaders are looking out for the investor or themselves.

Even the Bible says people do things differently in the light than in darkness. So in that spirit, Charisma inquired about the salaries of some of the ministries’ leaders.

We found ministry leaders’ pay ranged from zero to that of Eckstein. By comparison, leaders from three of the other largest Israel-related ministries earned substantially less: Jonathan Bernis earned $224,233 in total compensation (salary and benefits), Jews for Jesus Executive Director David Brickner earned $200,000, and Chosen People Ministries President Mitch Glaser earned $174,767. (The salary and benefit package of Christians United for Israel Executive Director David Brog could not be obtained.)

Among the other ministries, no salary was above $90,500. And with Eckstein’s removed from the equation, the average salary of those leaders willing to disclose their compensation—and including those who take no salary—was $85,856.

How We Came Up with This Report

Given the magnitude and importance of the mission of Israel-related ministries—and in an effort to help promote financial transparency, integrity in fundraising efforts and the proper use of donations—Charisma requested financial information from 17 Israel-related ministries.

To begin its seven-month investigation into the financial stewardship of these ministries, Charisma requested financial information from each organization, along with an interview with its president or lead representative. We also obtained the 990 tax returns that some of the ministries voluntarily filed with GuideStar, which tracks the finances of more than 1.8 million IRS-recognized nonprofits. Under federal law, ministries are not required to publicly disclose tax returns, but some do so voluntarily to be financially transparent.

In its examination of ministry finances, Charisma also consulted with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which accredits various ministries, and Charity Navigator, an independent nonprofit organization that evaluates American charities. Of the 17 ministries, the following seven are accredited by ECFA: Chosen People Ministries, Jews for Jesus, Christian Friends of Israel, Bridges for Peace, Maoz Israel, Jewish Voice Ministries International, and the Messianic Jewish Israel Fund.

Having worked with many of the ministries in the past and seen their fruit up close through the years, Charisma’s intent was not to dig up any figurative buried skeletons, but instead to inform our readers as to the unique vision, purpose and scope of ministry for each organization. We believe financial stewardship goes hand in hand with this and, as a result, celebrate those Israel-related ministries that are taking every precaution to be faithful with what God has given them. – Source

Over $1 million a year?? That is absolutely sinful and wrong on so many levels. There is a word for a person like this in Yiddish – Goniff. It means a thief. I’m sorry to have to use this term, but what else can I call him?

If you give to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you may want to find another organization to which to donate your money. The Charisma magazine mentions some very good ones.

Do your homework! We have the Internet, and you can vet a person or organization very easily.

Personally, hubby and I give to Chosen People Ministries. It’s a wonderful, transparent organization.

Please continue giving to the Jewish people. Some very good ministries help Jews in Europe to make Aliyah.

Thank you for caring!

How Can I Be Saved?

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA!

grandmageri422@gmail.com

The Gospel According to Luke: Part 46 :: By Dr. Donald Whitchard

Published on: October 10, 2020 by RR7

An Exposition

Luke 17:3-10: “Forgiveness, Faith, and Service”

“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him. And the disciples said to the LORD, increase our faith! And the LORD said, ‘If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. But which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me until I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink?’

“He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So, you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves, we have done only that which we ought to have done.’” (Luke 17:3-10, NASB).

When teaching, preaching, or studying the Word of God, there are passages that really need no deep analysis or meaning of what is plainly written. The teachings that the Lord Jesus gives to His disciples in these passages are clear and straightforward. When a follower of Christ does or says something that is in conflict with what is expected of him according to Scripture against another believer, the attitude of the offender should be one of repentance and a desire to perform restitution towards the person that he offended or wronged. There is no need to discover some deep theological meaning behind what is obvious and clear. True followers of Jesus Christ should have an attitude of forgiveness towards one another for the mistakes, errors of judgment, or times where the flesh has gotten the better nature of them and they say or do something that is not in line with their normal behavior or attitude.

It can be difficult to accept an apology or repair a broken trust between each other, no matter how spiritual we seem. It can be difficult not to hold a grudge or let go of something that someone did to them back when dirt was first invented, and they have not gotten over it. Because people did not either repent of a wrong done in the body of Christ or make amends, or ask for forgiveness and then drop the issue altogether, too many churches have split or closed altogether over the years and have ruined whatever witness they had in the town or area.

Due to misunderstandings, cruel words, gossip, deceitful tactics to keep a position of power in a church, or playing the game of calling a pastor every two years only to run them off for the slightest error, too many people have been burned and hurt by churches and now avoid anything to do with the Gospel; and the devil smugly places another notch of evil on his belt.

Jesus says to first rebuke the erring brother or sister, establish forgiveness and correction between them, then carry on and let it go. Life is too short to tear apart the fellowship and love that should be a major trait of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Everyone in history has been wronged at some point in their lives, and that is just a fact of life no matter how devout you are. No one is exempt from unkind words or deeds, but it shows maturity and a development of character that is in short supply to rise above the pettiness and shallow nature of the behavior and plain sinful nature of fallen men. Grudges and a lack of forgiveness and the necessity to carry on with one’s life is not a burden I would personally wish to carry with me all my life.

No one in history has ever been more wronged than the Lord Jesus or has been the target of rank hatred as He was when He was beaten senseless and nailed to a cross and suffered such as no one has ever experienced in the annals of civilization. He endured insults from the crowds and the ridicule of the religious officials who had accused Him of blasphemy and other false charges in order to get rid of Him. The Roman soldiers had mocked and beaten Him as well, and even one of the thieves that was crucified beside Him mocked and slandered Him. This was no ordinary teacher they were attempting to kill off and bury, but it was and is God in the flesh come down from heaven to be one of us and to take our place as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

He took the punishment upon Himself that we deserve for our rebellion and reprobate behavior throughout history. We deserve eternal punishment in hell, but He died to keep us from having to pay our sin debt that can never be redeemed in our fallen nature. We cannot save ourselves in any way, shape, or form save through the intercession of the Lord Jesus, plain and simple, like it or not.

From the cross, the Lord Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who were participating in the act of murdering Him. He prayed for His enemies. He allowed His fallen creation to treat Him this way, while having the authority and power to call down a multitude of angels to rescue Him and put everyone living on the earth to death. He had every right and the authority to say one word and render creation gone. He had every right to begin anew and throw the rebellious angels into the hell He had made for them (Matt. 25:41).

Considering that the Lord Jesus has the power to shut every mouth, stop every heartbeat, and every act of inhaling of every one of us, how in the blue blazes do we even think we have the right to question or demand answers from Him as to why things do not go as planned, or why tragedies happen, or declare that we have been wronged and demand justice or revenge? When He gave the parable of the two sons (Luke 15:11-31), He was teaching that in spite of what seemed to be an unforgiveable attitude of the prodigal, the love, graciousness, and open arms of the loving Father were there to welcome this repentant son home and wipe the slate clean.

I have had a lot of wrongs and hurtful episodes come my way in my time on this globe. Some years ago, I held both a grudge and a bad attitude towards one church and its blatantly ungodly behavior in the way they had run off a new pastor for reasons that bordered on the ridiculous. I kept this incident in the back of my mind and dwelt on it for some time until I came to realize that no one was benefitting from it, and it was a hinderance to future relations with churches and true brethren who operated in a spirit of love and concern as the Lord Jesus would expect. I had better things to do than dwell on an incident that I could not alter or change and decided to leave the issue in God’s hands. He could handle it far better and settle it once and for all.

I am not naïve. I am perfectly aware that many of you have had some terrible things happen to you at the hands of people both reprobate and allegedly redeemed. It hurt, brought about a lot of anger, resentment, and unresolved issues that have been left to twist in the wind and be nursed by bitter memories and the sense that someone needs to pay. It seems that we who call ourselves Christians spend a lot of time shooting our wounded instead of fighting the devil who has been the unseen culprit and the cause of our troubles and deviant actions. Still, we need to imitate our Lord Jesus and follow His guidance in settling the issues, rebuking the wrongs and restoring the relationships that we should emulate as His followers.

He will have the last word and will righteously judge all people, settle all disputes, right all wrongs, give justice to the oppressed and abused, punish the guilty, and make all things new. His word declares this, He has promised this, and He will bring it to pass as He has declared. Lay your hurt and tears at the foot of the cross, and then leave them there. We have other work to do as the time approaches for us to depart this troubled world and meet Him in the air. He expects no less.

Any wrong that has been done to us is no excuse on our part to stop doing the work that the LORD expects of us if we say that we are really His followers. I have said many times in previous studies that when you surrender your life to Christ, He owns you from that point on and may do with you as He pleases. This can involve placing you in new situations with new responsibilities and get you out of your “comfort zone” for you to be in the center of His sovereign will. You are His servant, not His advisor, and you do not argue with Him since He made you in the first place and does know what is best for you. Trust Him to make you into a fit vessel, ready to do His bidding.

He graciously bestows gifts and talents upon us to be used in presenting the Gospel to a world that is racked with confusion, lack of direction, purpose, and heading in a direction that will result in eternal misery and torment if not for the intervention of Christ and the message of salvation that He has entrusted to us to proclaim. The specific task He has given you may bring about sacrifice of those things we consider precious and valuable or bring about the end of a relationship. It may mean a variety of hardships and difficulties.

None of the apostles had it easy, and all died as martyrs for the cause of Christ, and all came to the end of their lives in horrendous ways, save for John, and he ended his days in a penal colony. Paul talked about his hardships to the church at Corinth. Stories abound of people called to mission posts in nations and among hostile tribes and territories bringing the message of Jesus Christ only to have their lives taken or to undergo suffering that we cannot imagine.

Preachers and evangelists have taken the Gospel to cities, countries, and remote areas in this nation and the nations of their origin, such as Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Sam Jones, Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, and others who surrendered all they were and all they had in order to serve the Master and King of Kings. Men and women who owned businesses, taught in schools and universities, did manual labor, ruled in courts of law, practiced medicine, made clothing, made furniture, and who were craftsmen of every type of trade and skill have been graciously used by the Lord Jesus to be instruments of His grace and mercy throughout history.

No one who has been redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ is without a use, purpose, talent, gift, or calling. We are to be His servants here in this world and the one to come. We have the privilege of serving our great Redeemer, Creator, and Sovereign. We know Him personally and can come to Him at any time for advice, comfort, and reassurance that we are in the center of His divine plan and objective. We have a benevolent Master who loves us, cares for us, and sees to our well-being. He will never leave or forsake us, and He will not leave us in the dirt when we fall.

We should not expect thanks or lavish praises for the jobs we do, but be thankful that He loves and trusts us, and that He has us in His hands, never to let go. We are His friends as well as His servants, recipients of crowns for service and duty that we will place at His feet when we are gathered around His throne the day we are caught up to meet Him in the air.

The Lord Jesus Christ has made it possible for you to enter into His kingdom and dwell in His saving presence for all time, with the promise of peace, forgiveness of sin, assurance of eternal life, freedom from the pain and sin of this present world, and the assurance that He loves you now and always. Repent of your sins and wicked behavior, call upon Him to save and redeem you, and surrender to Him as Lord and Savior this day. He waits with open arms.

donaldwhitchard@gmail.com