Paul Luckraft reviews 'Hebraic Church' by Steve Maltz (2016, Saffron Planet Publishing).

This is the latest book from Steve Maltz, and the culmination of many years of thinking and writing about where the Church is today and where it should be. He contends that it is not possible for the Church to change significantly unless it is prepared to think differently. Attempts in the past to reform its practices have all run into the same persistent problem – the mindset has remained Greek. The original Church was Hebraic in its thinking and approach, and a recovery of this is needed if today's Church is to regain its strength and purpose.

The term 'Hebraic Church' is in many ways a strange one, and needs careful explanation, which Maltz provides early in the book. It is not, of course, about becoming Jewish or reverting to Judaism, but it does involve shedding the Greek-based Western influences which have robbed the Church of its Way, Truth and Life.

Contrasting Greek and Hebraic Thinking

The book is in three parts, covering the 'why', 'what' and 'how' of Hebraic Church. The first section includes a brief survey of the journey the Church has made over the centuries and where it has ended up today. Part of this is a review of Alice Bailey's 10 point plan to "wrench society away from its Christian roots" (p27), which over the past 70 years has been so successful in achieving its aim that it is not only a description of society now but also "a huge indictment of the modern Church" (p27) for allowing this to happen.

The Church must be prepared to think differently – with a Hebraic rather than a Greek mindset.

The rest of this section starts us off on the path of 'thinking differently' by comparing how Hebraic thinking contrasts with Greek Western thinking in two key areas: time and space. These vital concepts dominate the way we live.

Time seems to have us in its grip and has become a driving force, instead of a backcloth for remembering the wonderful moments in which God has acted in our world and in our lives. As for 'space' (meaning the objects that occupy space) the key is to think 'function, not form'. We need to change our perspective, understanding and appreciating things (and people!) not primarily for what they look like or how they're put together but for their God-ordained purpose and design. Maltz give details here of how to make the transition in our thinking - as a result, we sense there's a real adventure to go on.

Grappling with God Himself

The second section is the longest and covers five major themes: God, Jesus, the Bible, Israel, the Church. The aim of Hebraic Church is to enable everyone to engage directly with God and to create a people of extraordinary faith and vitality who can reveal God to the world. A man-centred approach to Church has to be abandoned. Instead the desire must be to grapple with God himself, rather than just adhere to the creeds or doctrine. God will always remain mysterious and paradoxical to some extent, and our 'put everything in its box' thinking does not serve us well when it comes to the Almighty.

Our desire must be to grapple with God himself, rather than just adhere to creeds or doctrine.

The chapter on Jesus is a summary of an earlier book, Jesus, Man of Many Names, and is a "whistle-stop tour of the Life and Times of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ), from Creation to New Creation" (p82). Two parts especially stand out: Jesus as the Word and Jesus as Messiah.

In discussing the Bible, Maltz explains that in Hebraic terms study is considered a high form of worship and that the aim of learning is that we might revere God more. The purpose of Bible study is not to engage in an intellectual pursuit but to be able to participate more in its story. Too often the 'form' of the Bible is put ahead of its function - namely the primary means by which God communicates to his people.

In terms of how we study, the Hebraic model is the yeshiva or Beth Midrash, a communal affair involving dialogue, and often noisy! Studying in pairs is a good way of teasing out the truth; challenges and disagreements form part of the learning process.

Changing Church Attitudes

Attitudes towards Israel inevitably form part of the contrast between those who think Hebraically and those who do not. Here is a brief reminder of the differences between those who see Israel as still having a key role in God's purposes and those who have laid aside such considerations in favour of a Church that has replaced Israel.

The chapter includes a fascinating account of the meeting in 2002 between prominent Jews and Christians which was reported by Melanie Phillips in The Spectator under the title 'Christians who hate the Jews'. This is an eye-opener to those not previously aware of this meeting. Maltz points out that Hebraic Church would be remiss if it didn't provide "an active reminder of the history of "Christian" anti-Semitism...and truly work towards the mysterious entity of One New Man" (p120).

Too often the 'form' of the Bible is put ahead of its function - namely the primary means by which God communicates to his people.

The chapter on the Church is not surprisingly the longest. Many aspects come under the microscope including worship, good deeds as an expression of faith, and the use of storytelling (haggadah) as a means of passing on truth and wisdom. Also emphasised are prayer, discipleship, sin and repentance, and the importance of the festivals as God's calendar (his 'appointed times'). Perhaps Hebraic Church is best summed up as "a place where like-minded believers grow together, worship together, and exercise their gifts" (p160).

Working It Out Together

The final part of the book contains quite a bit of repetition of what has been said earlier but it is a useful review, as this section is essentially about putting the previous ideas into practice, best summed up as 'now let's do it!'. There are many practical suggestions all based upon the 'big thoughts' Maltz has been outlining in previous chapters.

Maltz is aware that such a transition into Hebraic thinking is not necessarily easy. For many it will be nothing less than a total transformation and can only occur if there is a practical context. To this end there are 'Hebraic Church' days at his Foundations conferences which are proving increasingly popular and productive. These conferences have become opportunities for testing the ideas in this book.

The author is clear that Hebraic Church is not a bid for a new denomination, nor should it be confused with one! Rather it is just a name, a convenient way of expressing the restoration of the Jewish roots of Christianity and the emerging One New Man movement. He is also aware that 'balance' has to be a key watchword. The Church has limped along in a lopsided unbalanced way for most of its life.

Maltz hosts Hebraic Church days to test out and apply the ideas in the book practically.

He concludes with a useful 'mission statement'. Hebraic Church provides "an environment where we can all meet God individually, discover and exercise all of our gifts (not just spiritual gifts) and callings and to worship the living God, with the correct application of His Word and an acknowledgement of the debt the Church has to the Jewish people, including a desire to bless them" (p202).

But no formal statement can adequately summarise what it is really about. Perhaps better is the thought that this is a dynamic way to rediscover that church can be exciting! In short, it is an adventure to set out on, with others, and with God.

You can buy Hebraic Church (222 pages, £10) by clicking this link.

*EVENT NOTICE: FOUNDATIONS CONFERENCES*

Steve Maltz's next Foundations conferences are in Suffolk (Bungay) from 30 September to 2 October 2016, and in Devon (Torquay), 2-4 December. Click here for more information and to book – places are still available but going quickly!

Paul Luckraft interviews Piers Crow, Bible teacher and director of The David House, a charity and para-church ministry with a vision to share God's heart for the Jewish people.

When I met Piers over a late breakfast one sunny morning, I soon realised I was in for a fascinating time. The more he shared the clearer it became that this ministry has an important role to play in what God is doing, not just in this country but elsewhere around the world, especially in Ukraine. Moreover, his own background and the way he was led into this work offers encouragement and stimulation for those seeking to serve God in similar ways.

Prior Preparation

Piers had the benefit of a Christian family and upbringing, but rebelled in his teenage years and dropped out of school. However, at the age of 19 he was saved and his journey with God began. After beginning A-levels again, Piers chose to study Christianity, Judaism and Islam and went from there to study Theology at Cardiff University. He describes this experience as intellectually stimulating but spiritually dry. However, one major plus point from his time there was meeting a Swedish girl who would quickly become his wife.

However, God had a plan for all that study and a 'chance meeting' on a shuttle bus going to the airport in Sweden led to a conversation about biblical prophecy. Chatting with his fellow passenger during this brief journey, Piers was challenged by the fact that the Bible has so much to say about Israel and the Jewish people - something that he had not come across before, either in his university degree or at his church. This made a lasting impression and was a turning point in his life leading to more and more study of the Jewish roots of his faith. But what should he do about this new revelation?

The David House charity has two main aims – to reach local Jews and to teach Jewish roots to the wider Church.

Piers Arthur-Crow, director of The David House.Piers decided that the next step was to enrol for a year at a Bible school in Sweden known for its heart for Israel. This was a much more inspiring experience which ignited his faith and helped him grow towards what God had planned for his life. Yet, where was all this leading? Piers was not at all clear about what to do next but he was determined not to lose sight of the Lord and the life of prayer and study he had encountered whilst away.

He took up a part-time job as a postman so he could continue to study Hebrew and the word whilst praying into God's plan for him. Then, in 2007, out of the blue, The David House came into his life.

Encountering The David House

The David House was not a new venture at this time. It had been started in the late 1960s by Ken Price and since 1966 it had been the UK distributor of the Vineyard magazine, a world-wide publication which aims to stimulate readers to faith in God and his Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua). This magazine is still going strong and is available today.

In 1972 The David House became a charity with two main aims: to reach local Jews ('local' meant in the Cardiff area) and to teach Jewish roots to the wider Church. Ken never went out of his way to seek funding, standing on the word God had given him from Isaiah 49:23, "for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me". He simply prayed and the finances came in, even when the charity grew to such an extent that it was necessary to purchase a building in Cardiff out of which to operate the ministry. God clearly had his hand on this work.

Looking back, Piers finds it astounding that this ministry building was on the same street where his father had had his family business and where Piers had lived as a student in Cardiff. He had passed The David House building many times, never knowing what a key part it would play in his life and calling!

Piers first joined The David House as a trustee, but God had destined a greater role for him there. He later left the Board in order to become an employee of the charity, with the specific remit of running The David House in the UK. Piers very much wanted to continue in the way that Ken had operated and with the same degree of faith. He regards himself as having inherited the mantle from its founder.

The ministry stresses to Gentile believers the need for a firm understanding of the Jewishness of Jesus and the Hebraic nature of God's word.

Mission: The One New Man

What does The David House do today? Its aims have not changed over the years. A primary goal remains to reach the Jewish people and share God's love and purpose for them. But alongside this is the equally essential task of teaching the Church about God's heart for the Jews and of the nourishing root they provide to the Gentile branches of the Olive Tree. It is a key part of the ministry to constantly stress to Gentile believers that without a firm understanding of the Jewishness of Jesus and the Hebraic nature of God's word, it is impossible to fully discern God's plans and purposes for the world, both today and in the future.

In recent years the Lord has impressed upon those involved in The David House the global work he is doing in this day to bring together Jew and Gentile as 'one new man' in Christ, as laid out by Paul in Ephesians 2:11-22. This work was won at the cross (Eph 2:16) but for so long the Body of Jesus has not realised the fullness that Jesus has purposed in bringing Jew and Gentile together in himself.

The stirring of the Gentile Church to realise its Jewish roots goes hand in hand with the steady and significant growth of the Messianic movement in the last few decades. Piers is reminded of Romans 11:12, "Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!" Rather than a passing phase, it is part of the promise of the return of the Jewish people to their Messiah as the Gentile Church becomes ready to provide a greater witness and welcome than it ever has before.

This might seem a daunting task, especially as similar initiatives elsewhere have not always proved successful. But it has become increasingly clear that the One New Man movement is not just the work of a few enthusiasts trying to spread their ideas. Rather, this is both spontaneous and Spirit-led, the mark of God himself upon his Church, clearly indicating the direction in which it should, and eventually will, go.

The Lord is currently doing a global work in this day to bring together Jew and Gentile as 'one new man' in Christ.

Fruitful Conferences

It was perhaps most astonishing to hear that Ukraine is at the forefront of this. God is clearly moving most significantly in that country and The David House has recently started running conferences there, beginning in the spring of 2015 and continuing at six-monthly intervals, with its fourth conference being held in Kiev this coming September.

Hundreds of leaders are attending with an approximately 50-50 split between Jews and Gentiles. Believing rabbis meet with Christian pastors to consider topics such as the identity of Israel, the nature of the Church, the Hebraic context of the Bible, the curse of anti-Semitism and God's will to establish the One New Man. Overall the growth of one new man through these conferences has the dual success of defeating Replacement Theology within the Church and providing a strong Messianic witness to the Jewish people.

The David House also runs conferences in the UK, both on the south coast and in south Wales, and puts on events to celebrate the main feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles to bless and edify believers.

Overall, talking to Piers gave the impression that this is just the beginning and that the One New Man movement is really gaining momentum. The outcome of efforts so solidly biblical and providential is more certain and the fruit more lasting. This is definitely the case in those areas where The David House is involved.

To find out more about The David House or for regular mailings please contact Piers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or PO Box 5395, Hove, BN52 9YD.

Christine Burden reviews 'In Time with God: Daily Devotional Bible Readings in Accordance with the Biblical Hebrew Calendar' by RK Bamber (2012).

This book is not your usual daily devotional resource. It does not begin on 1 January but instead at the start of the Biblical New Year, which begins with the month of Abib (or Nisan).

In the introduction, Bamber states: "The aim of this book is to give you scriptures and 'daily devotionals' which are related, as much as possible, to the actual day on which you are reading..." (p9). The biblical calendar is a lunar calendar; it is not the same as the Gregorian calendar that we normally use, which is a solar calendar.

This may seem confusing, but the author carefully explains how the reader can accurately find the passage appropriate for any given day of the Gregorian calendar, so there is no need to worry. One can also purchase a dual calendar with the book, and additional website resources for navigating between the calendars are also provided. It is not a problem but an education!

The book devotes a page for each day. Included on this page are the biblical date, titles and a portion of Scripture accompanied by helpful teachings and explanations. At the end of the page there is a question or personal challenge for the reader, followed by references that one might wish to follow up by way of further study.

Attention to the Feasts

This is a devotional that is well-researched, is challenging and has invaluable teaching on the Hebraic roots of our Jewish Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).

Bamber includes helpful explanations of how Yeshua (Jesus) fulfils the feasts. Yeshua "fulfilled the prophetic meaning of the feasts on the actual days that they occurred" (p9). For example, The Feast of Passover falls on the 14^th day of the first month (Lev 23:5) of the lunar calendar, when the moon is full, and not on a fixed date of the Gregorian calendar. It was on Passover, when the blood of a lamb was shed for redeeming the Israelites, that Yeshua died.

Incidentally, on the 14^th day of any month in the lunar calendar there will be a full moon; one has only to look up at the sky (provided that it is a clear night) to see when we have reached Day 14.

There are also detailed and interesting charts for each month beginning with the first month of Nisan (referred to as the month of Abib in the Bible). These charts are nicely set out, providing an overall view of the book. In addition to the feasts, the charts include information and Bible texts on a varied selection of other biblical topics. For example, one topic covered is 'The Seven Species of Israel', with days each devoted to a different botanical species mentioned in Scripture. I would say there is something here for everyone who enjoys God's word.

This book is not your usual devotional resource - it works to the Hebraic lunar calendar.

Difficult Topics

The author does not shy away from difficult topics such as the Lord's plan for Israel, anti-Semitism, Replacement Theology or end time topics.

There is a discussion on Israel's enemies (p386), where the text from Numbers 24:20 looks at the words spoken by Balaam about the Amalekites, Israel's enemies. The author traces the lineage of the Amalekites, beginning with their putting fear into 10 of the 12 spies sent out by Moses, right through to modern times in which, she states, "Amalek is the spirit which tries to thwart God's plan of redemption". We are reminded that Haman (who was an Amalekite) tried to destroy all the Jews in Persia, as recorded in the book of Esther (incidentally, ancient Persia is today's Iran, a very present threat to modern-day Israel).

Care and Dedication

I found as I read this book that there was an anointing on each page that brought me the peace and comfort of the Lord. On one page the author talks about 'The Prepared Bride' (p300). Here, discussion centres around the woman who was forgiven much "for she loved much" (Luke 7:47). The reader is challenged by the author who states that the woman's great love for the Lord is a picture of the Church, the Bride of Yeshua.

I love the care, dedication and attention to detail that has gone into the writing of this book. After following it daily through a whole year I have found that it has become a favourite that I return to often for spiritual refreshment. This is an excellent book for these times as the Church continues to re-discover its lost Hebraic roots.

As I read I found there was an anointing on each page that brought me the peace and comfort of the Lord.

In Time With God (414 pages, In Time With God Publications) is available from Rosemary Bamber's website, www.intimewithgod.com, which also contains further information about the book and navigating between the lunar and solar calendars.

Rosemary Bamber studied Theology at Avery Hill College, London and spent four years studying and serving in Jerusalem, where she was inspired to write this book.

Paul Luckraft reviews 'God's Tapestry' by Steve Maltz (2015, 224 pages, Saffron Planet)

God's Tapestry completes Steve Maltz's trilogy on the Old Testament and asks the key question: what do we do with the Hebrew Scriptures?

The task he has undertaken is to explore if the Old Testament is still valid (a big 'Yes!') and then whether it is still applicable (an intriguing 'not all of it').

Undaunted by the enormity and complexities of the task, Steve shines his usual bright light into areas of confusion. The result is another shrewd and witty contribution towards helping the Church recover its identity and discover its destiny.

Feasts, Sabbaths and Covenants

All the expected big topics are tackled: Sabbath, Law, Festivals, Covenants. But he is clear that Gentiles within the Church can appropriate all these without becoming Jewish. These are our roots - but we remain wild branches grafted in. For instance, we can appreciate Yom Kippur and see its fulfilment in Jesus, and then share this in love as an outreach to Jewish brothers and sisters.

The chapter on the festivals ('Times of Remembering') is very helpful as Maltz discusses whether these are 'for all time' and 'for Gentile Christians as well as Jews'. He explains how a Passover demonstration can be adapted from a purely Jewish haggadah into a Messianic one. And he quotes at length from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem's website on why Christians are visiting Israel to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

In another shrewd and witty contribution, Maltz undertakes to explore how the Old Testament applies to Christians today.

Maltz's consideration of the Sabbath is very enlightening as he distinguishes between a day of rest and day of worship; one is for the home, the other is for the church. Confusion has arisen by not recognising the difference between these two: a day free from work and dedicated to relaxation, and a day when the Church meets together as a congregation.

The chapters on covenants are especially instructive as Maltz carefully and thoughtfully explains their differences, especially between those made with Abraham and Moses, and what God intended through them. Above all Steve makes it clear that "the covenant with Jesus, established on better promises, is superior to the conditional covenant with Moses, not the everlasting one with Abraham (Hebrews 8:6)" (p91). Anyone who seeks to teach the Bible will benefit from the vital understanding these chapters provide.

Understanding the Torah

But the main heart of the book concerns Torah, which Steve asserts should be thought of as primarily "instructions for life given by God to man to be able to live and worship in the environment in which they lived" (p94). As such, Torah existed before Moses, before it was enshrined in 613 commandments for the Israelites specifically to turn former slaves into a nation fit for purpose - God's purpose. And it certainly exists still, now a Torah of the heart, written there for the same purpose of guiding us along our walk of faith. Being Torah-observant is still valid, even though some practices as given to Israel are no longer appropriate for Gentile Christians.

Maltz unpacks aspects of Jewish living that, as wild branches grafted in to the olive tree, we can appropriate.

If you work through Maltz's thinking on this you will be greatly rewarded and hopefully released from confusion on this important topic. To help us along, he does something that has rarely been done before. In the Appendix he lists the 613 commandments of the Torah of Moses (in biblical order), reproduced by permission of John J Parsons from the Hebrew4Christians website. Taking these as the raw material he explains how we can strike off many of these today, starting with the 200 or so which are specifically concerned with the sacrificial system, priests, tabernacle and Temple.

He continues to reduce the list until we are left with the New Torah of Jesus, about 160 that are relevant and compulsory, with another 100 that are optional. These are the ones to be written on our hearts, our Torah upgrade whose purpose is not to take the place of faith but to give faith substance and enable us to live our faith out. He then gives pointers to their application, drawing on the gospels and Paul. This overall approach clarifies so much and will repay further detailed study for those with time to do so.

Fully Rewarding

As in all his books, Maltz is adamant about ditching Platonic Greek thinking and emphasises repeatedly the need for a Hebraic mindset. He spends a little time discussing the Hebrew Roots movement as "there's an awful lot of confusion triggered by those three words" (p139). He is keen to dispel the false ideas that can surround such terminology.

Maltz lists all 613 of Moses' commandments and pares them down to those that apply to us today – clarifying the New Torah of Jesus, which is to be written on our hearts.

Overall, here is a book that fully rewards the time invested in it, and can be profitably read again and again. Even if you are already familiar with some of the material and topics covered there is still a benefit to be gained as Maltz's approach will drive it home still further. Each chapter ends with a 'Let's Ponder' - two or three questions to help you reflect on what you have just read. The whole book is fascinating and extremely helpful, a great ending to the trilogy. Highly recommended.

Buy 'God's Tapestry' from Saffron Planet Publishing for £10, or together with the other two books in Maltz's 'God trilogy' for £20.

**CONFERENCE ALERT**

Meet Steve Maltz and Prophecy Today's Paul Luckraft at the up-coming Foundations conference (East Anglia)! A weekend of solid teaching, worship, fellowship and opportunity to explore our Hebraic roots - 30 September – 2 October 2016, Belsey Bridge conference centre, Bungay, Suffolk. For prices and information on how to book, click here!

Paul Luckraft reviews the second book in Steve Maltz's 'God' trilogy (2014).

In his follow-up to God's Signature, Steve Maltz offers us an overview of the entire Old Testament, emphasising its Jewishness and unearthing some of the deeper meanings of the Hebrew text.

In the prologue he admits this is not an exhaustive commentary on the Hebrew Scriptures "but rather a meandering and we won't be visiting the popular beauty spots...Instead, we will be lifting up stones and poking around in the undergrowth...following the unique quirks of the Hebrew mind [and] making connections...often crossing over boundaries erected by theologians to keep us nice and ordered" (p9).

Part One: the Old Testament Story

The book is in two parts, with Part One ('Word') tackling all the books of the Old Testament but in a slightly different order to most English Bibles. Here, as in God's Signature, Maltz is using the One New Man Bible, which he describes as "like walking a well-worn route, but with better fitting boots" (p10). So Job is placed early, among the patriarchs, and Ezra-Nehemiah towards the end, providing a better chronological understanding than our usual Bibles.

Part One forms 90% of the book and is largely a re-telling of the Old Testament story, seeking glimpses of patterns and repeated ideas. Maltz promises us observations, remarks and curiosities as we go on this journey through the Hebrew scriptures, but for most of the time we are simply given a re-capping of the texts. For me there were not enough of these titbits and extra insights to make the book totally absorbing.

Maltz offers an overview of the entire Old Testament, emphasising its Jewishness and unearthing some of the deeper meanings of the Hebrew text.

Nevertheless, this is a very useful resource for teachers and preachers to get a feel for an Old Testament book before turning to commentaries and other material for more concentrated study. Younger Christians would also benefit from the overview Maltz provides and this book will act as an encouragement to get to know the Old Testament better.

Themes and Threads

As always, Maltz is keen to be 'un-Greek' in his approach and reveal how the Hebrew mindset is the best way to tackle these texts. Typically, he will say 'here's the usual understanding' and then explain that though this is not necessarily wrong, it is not the only way - and here's more to think about.

Maltz is successful in convincing us that there is nothing 'old' about the Old Testament. Rather, in its pages we can discover a living God, a real character who is thoroughly involved in the affairs of men.

Finding recurring themes is a good way of demonstrating the validity of these scriptures and the nature of God. One such connecting thread, 'The Way of the Lord', is particularly informative, with clear links into the New Testament and to Jesus himself.

Maltz successfully convinces us that there is nothing 'old' about the Old Testament – rather, in its pages we discover the living God.

The Beginning of a Journey?

Part Two ('Themes') attempts to draw together some of the themes that have emerged in Part One under three main chapter headings: 'Some things we learn about God', 'Some things we learn about man', and 'Some other things we learn' (a typical Maltzian miscellany!).

In some ways, Part Two deserves more space than the remaining 10% of the book allowed. Many themes are rather briefly dealt with and I felt a bit short-changed at times. Nevertheless, there are some very good topics considered here, such as 'The Jews have an undeniable future' and 'There's a lot that hasn't happened yet' – though two pages hardly does justice to the many yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies!

Overall, this is another high quality offering from a fertile mind that is soaked in the scriptures and Spirit-informed. Here is a book that can be read through all at once and also dipped into later as a Bible study aid. The end of the book is really a beginning, as it inspires you to go back to the Old Testament and read it again and again and...

God's Blueprint (220 pages) is available to purchase from Saffron Planet Publishing for £10. All three of Steve Maltz's 'God trilogy' are currently on special offer for £20 (you save £10), until 6 July 2016.

Paul Luckraft reviews 'God's Signature' by Steve Maltz (2012)

God's Signature is the first of a trilogy of books by Steve Maltz in which he turns his attention to the Hebrew scriptures. Subtitled 'The Wonders of the Hebrew Scriptures', the author claims that we will gain "a whole new layer of understanding of our wonderful God and His wonderful book though our exploration of His wonderful language, Hebrew" (p11).

His aim is to find God's unique signature within the scriptures. This is not a book about man's ideas and interpretive approaches to God's word, rather it explores how God chose to say things, the method and manner by which he communicated his divine will and purpose. When God decided to speak to mankind through people like Abraham and Moses, he had to give them the best language possible to reveal his thoughts and feelings. And that language was Hebrew.

Dip into the Delights of Hebrew

Maltz assures us that his book is not intended as a Hebrew primer or a series of tutorials. Rather, it is a dip into the delights of the Hebrew language and how it can help us understand God's word. We are treated to a series of word studies, plus several insights into how Hebrew works as a language and why it is so different from English.

However, he does rather dart around and the overall impression is one of 'bits and pieces', rather than an organised journey. Patience is required to cope with his diversions and asides (some of which don't really go anywhere) and comments such as 'more on this later', 'we will ask again later' and 'it is time to have another look at...'. This makes it a complex, rather than straightforward, read (there is no index to help you if you want to go back to something mentioned earlier) and it may leave you wondering what to do with all these titbits.

But Maltz does explain that "Like a meandering stream, we are now going to wander through the Hebrew Scriptures, unearthing little gems on the way" (p155) and once we realise the author's intention, we can sit back and enjoy what he serves up.

This is not a book about man's approaches to interpreting God's word – but about how God chose to say things.

Helpful Sections

Towards the end of Part One, there is a good discussion of the Masoretes who produced the Hebrew (Masoretic) text of our translations, and some excellent sections on ancient manuscripts and modern translations, which he surveys very well. For me, the book is worth it for these chapters alone.

In Part Two we are back to a collection of word studies, roughly grouped into chapters entitled Men, Messiah, Mysteries and Miscellany. Here there are often echoes of things considered earlier in Part One and again there is a rather miscellaneous feel about the whole section. Some of these studies may be a bit too detailed for some readers, but others are very meaningful.

Perhaps the most helpful are those which shed light on 'sin' and 'Messiah'. There is also an interesting introduction to the idea of 'midrash', a particularly Jewish way of connecting up scriptures via key words in order to squeeze more meaning out of individual texts. This method of study is a consequence of the nature of the Hebrew language, and is perfectly valid once we accept there is one overall author, a Divine signature behind all the scriptures.

The discussion of the Masoretes is good and the sections on ancient manuscripts and modern translations are excellent – it's worth it for these chapters alone.

During the book Maltz also introduces us to a new translation, the One New Man Bible, and quotes from it regularly. He explains why this version is worth promoting and includes an excerpt from a review by Peter Sammons which, with his permission, we reproduced in full last week.

God Chose Hebrew for Good Reason

Overall, Maltz makes a convincing case that God's signature "could not have been in any other language" (p117) and that "God chose Hebrew as His language of revelation for a good reason" (p118). We can agree with this even if by the end of the book we are still a little unsure exactly how it all works and where it leaves those of us who are non-Hebrew speakers/readers.

Certainly we will gain the sense that if we look hard enough, we will discern God's personal signature written all over his word and get to know him better.

God's Signature (revised 2014, 190 pages, Saffron Planet) is available from Saffron Planet Publishing for £10. We will be reviewing the other two books in Maltz's trilogy over the coming weeks.

Peter Sammons reviews the One New Man Bible - a 2011 translation by William J Morford.

The One New Man Bible (ONMB) is a helpful modern translation by William J Morford, an American bible translator and Hebraic specialist.

It aims to bring greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the power given to believers for their daily walk.

In the words of its Preface: "The One New Man Bible...makes the Jewish roots of Christianity come to life" having been "edited from a public domain English translation. The English has been brought up to date and many words previously translated according to tradition have been changed to the literal. The New Testament is the Power New Testament, a fresh translation of the Fourth Edition United Bible Society Greek Text. An effort has been made to keep the text as free as possible from denominational biases and doctrinal interpretations".

Healing the Enmity

Why the name 'One New Man'? The inspiring text is Ephesians 2:16 where the 'enmity' between Jew and Gentile is finally healed, these two becoming One New Man. Ephesians 2:14-22 is provided in the preface as a sort of Scriptural raison d'etre for the new translation.

Certainly the Hebraic root of Christianity comes uniquely to life in the ONMB. Hebrew is a very expressive language, so this translation brings out much of the power that has commonly been omitted from traditional English translations. The ONMB will undoubtedly help to open the eyes of the Church to appreciate its Hebraic roots, and to recognise that Yeshua (Jesus) was born Jewish, that He grew up Jewish, and that He is the same today as He was then (Heb 13:8).

The ONMB will undoubtedly help to open the eyes of the Church to appreciate its Hebraic roots.

This fresh translation adopts the Jewish ordering of the books of the Old Testament, which helps readers to recognise a direct link between the chronicle of the Jewish story with the chronicle of Jesus and the apostolic church. Hence the Old Testament ends with Chronicles.

Translation Surprises

Scripture translated with the power and meaning of the original language really does come alive! One early surprise is in Genesis 12:1 when God does not say "Go" to Abram, but "Get yourself out of here!" Later He tells Moses to order Pharaoh to "Send My people away!" instead of pleading "Let My people go."

These passages are the literal translation from the Hebrew. Some words have been translated differently because the traditional translation conveys something not intended by the author. One of those words is the Greek word ecclesia, which means a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. Ecclesia is commonly translated 'church', but because of our association of 'church' with both a building and an organisation, in the ONMB, ecclesia is translated 'congregation'.

This fresh translation adopts the Jewish ordering of the books of the Old Testament, which ends with Chronicles.

The One New Man Bible achieves its goal to be a very readable text that flows from one book to another while preserving much of the Jewish flavour, especially the Jewishness of Yeshua, and much of the sheer power in many Hebrew and Greek expressions. If I have one minor complaint, it is that Morford failed to address the poor translation of John 3:16 which should better be translated as "God thus loved the world" rather than misusing the 17^th Century language of "God so loved..." which, in a modern idiom, seems to be so hard-wired into modern translations.

Another core strength of the ONMB is its very extensive glossary at the back. This brings out many treasures that are missed in commentaries and indeed other translations. One simple example:

HOSANNA – is the English spelling of Hoshea.na, meaning Deliver Us Now! This comes from the same Hebrew root as Y'shua, the Hebrew name of Jesus. The ending, "na", is something we do not have a translation for in English, a demanding "NOW!" which is not rude or impertinent. It is properly translated as "please" or "I pray you". The greeting and waving of palm fronds and branches were traditionally done on the sixth day of the feast of Sukkot, welcoming the reigning messiah to assume the throne in Jerusalem. All those shouting "Hoshea-na!" knew this and believed Y'shua was the Messiah Who had come to claim His throne, there and then.

Verdict

My verdict on the ONMB? This translation is more than a useful addition for the serious Bible student. It is something that every such student should have available.

Would it be a reliable stand-alone, general purpose Bible? My first impression was 'no' but I have to say that with frequent use this fresh translation does 'grow' on me as a reader. I am enjoying it more and more. I believe that over the next 20 years this fresh translation will become far more widely adopted. It is priced competitively with higher quality translations.

Available leather-bound for £40 (+P&P) from Glory to Glory Publications, also Saffron Planet Publishing. The One New Man Bible has its own website – click here to find out more.

Paul Luckraft reviews 'To Life!', the final instalment in Steve Maltz's trilogy on the Western Church (2011, Saffron Planet)

With this book the author completes his Way-Truth-Life trilogy (see previous reviews of How the Church Lost the Way, and How the Church Lost the Truth) and fittingly divides his final volume into three parts named The Way, The Truth and (the longest section) The Life.

As always, Maltz writes in an illuminating and witty manner, challenging us to rethink our traditions and natural tendencies in order to gradually shed our Greek way of thinking and become more Hebraically, and hence more biblically, minded. He explains that while the Greek mindset may have enabled us to make certain advances which we call 'progress', it is not comfortable with the supernatural, nor does it offer the correct tools for understanding God's word. Overall, Greek thinking "does not provide a natural interface for our dealings with God" (p38).

The Way: What 'Church' Should Look Like

In Part One, Maltz describes the early church and the way it operated, contrasting it with today where organised structures and hierarchies dominate - both in terms of buildings and management. Western churches now seem like distant cousins of those founded by the first apostles. So much baggage has been added over 2,000 years, largely squashing the original idea of church as a collection of 'called-out ones' each functioning according to gift and calling.

He devotes a few pages to certain small groups who did seek to exist independently of the mainstream Church and apply biblical principles. Brief outlines of such faithful (but often persecuted) remnants include the Waldenses, Albigenses and Hussites. Appendix 1 contains recommended reading for anyone wanting to learn more about this aspect of Church history.

So much baggage has been added to the Church in 2,000 years, squashing the original idea of a collection of 'called-out ones' functioning according to gift and calling.

He asserts that 'church' may have started out as a group of called-out ones but "once Greek thinking and personal ambition had been added to the mix, it had reversed metamorphosised, from the beautiful free butterfly of the earliest expressions to the ugly caterpillar of State control" (p36). He goes on to ask the key question: is any of this reversible? Is there a way back? He is not optimistic but in the remaining sections he explores this further.

The Truth: The Battle for Our Minds

In Part Two, The Truth, the author claims that what we usually classify as wisdom is very different from the wisdom that is 'from above'. We naturally strive to acquire wisdom by our own efforts and thought processes rather than by faith. Such pride can only produce a wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, even devilish, rather than the pure kind which is transmitted to us directly from heaven itself (James 3:15-17). To highlight this the author takes us back to the Garden of Eden and the Fall to show us how Adam's thinking changed and what our default position now is.

The battle for our minds can be summed up as Hebraism versus Hellenism. The Greek mindset is man-centred, where self-fulfilment dominates our thinking. It drives us to exploit God for our own needs and creates a thirst for more knowledge, independent of that which God desires to give us. Greek thinking tries to work God out - to find out how he ticks.

It aims to remove all mysteries as it "seeks to know the unknowable, understand the un-understandable...To the Greek mind, the intellect must be exercised, even if this exercise is futile" (p100). By contrast the Hebraic mindset is one of reverence and respect which accepts God's majesty and greatness, and simply aims to please him by doing what he wants. Only this way can we be led into real truth, his truth.

Maltz contrasts Hellenism with Hebraism, outlining the battle between man-centred 'logic' and the Hebraic mindset of reverence, mystery and faith.

The author suggests that ideally, we need to install a new operating system and reboot our brains, but recognises this is impossible! The only realistic approach is an incremental one, a gradual process to encourage us to think more as God would want us to and less as the world has trained us to. In his third section he explores how this can happen as we head 'To Life!'

The Life: Working Out Kingdom 'Logic'

Part Three is more thematically arranged, including topics such as the family, money, the Bible and Jesus himself. The author argues that the Kingdom of God is not arranged according to Greek rules and logic. It is not always predictable and orderly. God is far bigger than this.

Maltz is equally concerned that we learn to act Hebraically, not just think Hebraically. He offers many practical tips to help our transformation and transition. There is also an informative chapter on the One New Man concept which would radically bring the Church back into line with God's purposes. The author critically examines its current situation and what is needed to make it a greater reality.

Maltz is concerned that we learn to act Hebraically – not just think Hebraically.

In this book Maltz continues to ask all the right questions which, if we are not afraid of them, will motivate us to change. Overall this is another absorbing read from a refreshingly honest writer, whose heart is to see a worldwide family of believers who are following the one who in himself is The Way, The Truth and The Life.

'To Life' (223 pages, paperback) is the final book in a three-part series by Steve Maltz on the state of the Western church. It is available from Saffron Planet Publishing for £10.

Next week: an interview with Steve Maltz!

Paul Luckraft reviews the second instalment in Steve Maltz's trilogy on the Western Church.

This is a natural follow-up to Maltz's previous book, How the Church Lost The Way. One consequence of having lost The Way is that certain truths have not fared well on this erroneous journey and have inevitably got lost themselves.

The main part of the book forms an analysis of five key battlegrounds where the truth has faced enemy attack: creation, Israel, salvation, hell and the end times. But before we can engage in these battles, the author asserts that it is necessary to examine the Bible as the ground of our truth, and then embark on a tour of Christian history to discover how things have gone wrong, who the enemies are, and what weapons they have.

Setting the Scene

Part One provides an argument (for those who need it!) of the value of the Bible, especially the Old Testament and Torah. For those who don't need such convincing it can be skipped or skimmed quickly.

Part Two contains four chapters on the usual evaluation of Greek thinking on Church history. In many ways this is similar to Maltz's first book, but it is actually a very worthwhile read in itself, with some helpful extra information especially in areas not always covered in such detail (eg the Medieval period). Maltz shows how philosophical analysis and Greek rationalism won the day over Hebraic faith, and highlights the outcome of mixing up Holy Scripture with Aristotle. There is also a very good summary of Aquinas and his influence.

The main part of the book analyses five key battlegrounds where the truth has faced enemy attack: creation, Israel, salvation, hell and the end times.

Christianity had become "a philosophical system, fuelled by rational argument rather than the supernatural acts of God" (p77). Early on in Church history a genie had been unleashed from the bottle which not even the later Reformers could put back. The Reformation was also stunted by Greek influence and continued the rejection of Hebraic roots. The later trends of higher criticism and liberal theology were also based on Greek methods and the slide from truth continued.

The author apologises that these chapters may seem a chore but argues they are necessary to "set a context, a framework for us to be able to see where the Church went off the rails" (p100). He needn't have worried. Far from being irksome, this section is a delight to read, both satisfying and inspiring as he brings out of the storehouse treasures both old and new. Here is excellent knowledge and analysis - it would be difficult to find a better overview.

To ease his own worries, Maltz provides a separate summary chapter (just three pages) of the previous four chapters, in case you found them tough or want to skip them to get to the main action quickly. A useful idea perhaps, but don't feel the need to take this option!

Five Key Battlegrounds

Part Three shows how to fight back against the errors and bad influences, starting with the creation/evolution debate. He points out that evolution has become the most reasonable explanation for many, whereas creationism is to be ridiculed and denigrated. Here is the dilemma: we want to believe one thing but 'reason' might divert us away. This illustrates the challenge we face.

Regarding Israel, the dilemma is between chosen forever, or rejected and replaced. Maltz provides the usual information on this theme, then throws down the challenge: God has made his choice, what is ours? Do we agree or decide that our attitude can be different?

The issue of salvation has also been subjected to analytical thinking which rejects the exclusive claims of Jesus. Is he The Way or just one of many?

Maltz calls hell that 'horrible doctrine', one we naturally want to ignore or tone down. However, it stubbornly remains "the festering corpse of the elephant in the room of the Christian faith" (p160). He surveys various opinions from Jesus onwards, showing how Greek thinking has reduced its impact or eliminated it in favour of a sentimental view.

New ideas such as limbo or annihilationism aim to reduce our embarrassment or move us away from an ancient imagery that suggests cruelty or indifference. Maltz describes how he tried to find out what the various denominations believe these days and how difficult that task proved to be. It seems hell is no longer appropriate!

For each of the battlegrounds Maltz outlines, he unpacks the dilemmas modern Christians face and how we should fight back against error.

As for the end times, a literal millennium is now seen as too Jewish (Messianic) or too unbelievable. The dominant ('reasonable') view is to deny it as a real period to come. The negative Greek prefix 'a' provides a much better alternative – amillennialism! A simple verbal change, but with such profound consequences. Maltz does an excellent job sorting out what people have said on this topic over the centuries and why they have said it. Once again, a Hebraic approach will restore the truth of what God will one day do.

Fighting the 'War on Error'

The final section is a good review of the 'war on error' and what has happened over time to the truth.

Maltz accepts we may disagree with him in places - he makes no claim to have a monopoly on truth - but he has done his homework. In the end he simply wants us to ask ourselves from where our ideas and beliefs stem and how much of our current thinking is really grounded on faith.

'How the Church Lost The Truth' (2010, 206 pages, paperback, Saffron Planet) is the second book in a trilogy by Steve Maltz on the state of the Western Church (tune in next week for our review of his final instalment). It is available from Saffron Planet Publishing for £10 .

Over the next few weeks we are pleased to feature the work of Steve Maltz. This week, Paul Luckraft reviews Maltz's 'How the Church Lost The Way...And How it Can Find it Again' (2009, Saffron Planet)

In this engaging and entertaining book, the author is very clear about his agenda: "to restore the understanding of the Hebraic roots of Christianity that has been lost, since the early days of the Church" (p43). Equally clear is that in this book he has succeeded in making a considerable contribution towards what is an immense but vital task.

Maltz's style is chatty, but not trite. He pulls no punches – he admits he may not just be upsetting the occasional sacred cow but disturbing the whole herd – but his aim is analysis, rather than attack. Certainly at every point he makes you think, and feel, and search for a proper response.

His title is apt in two ways, suggesting a straying from a correct path, but also reminding us that the early Christians were originally called The Way (Acts 9:2, 24:14), rather than the Church. Maltz points out that there has been a process of stripping out every trace of Jewishness from the established Church, starting early in its history and developing over time. The Body of Christ was meant to be One New Man (Eph 2:15) with both Jewish and Gentile elements in balance, and without this it is greatly diminished and largely unfulfilled.

How We Wandered

In Part One, the author tells 'a tale of two summits', taking us to two important councils: Jerusalem in AD 49 and Nicaea in AD 325. In an entertaining fly-on-the-wall (or rather peering-round-the-pillar) account, Maltz contrasts these two occasions, the former advocating the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, the other the exclusion of Jews.

The most telling quote is from Constantine's letter circulated to churches throughout the Christian world concerning the timing of Easter: "Let us then have nothing in common with the most hostile rabble of the Jews" (p48).

In chapter 2, Maltz provides a fascinating potted history of the main Greek thinkers: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, highlighting their 'big ideas' and the equally big consequences of those ideas on Church history. He demonstrates how the early Church fathers reconstructed Christianity in Platonic terms, mixing the Bible with Platonic thinking.

Maltz provides a potted history of the main Greek thinkers – Socrates, Plato and Aristotle – and the influence their ideas have had on Christian thinking.

As we are shown the long slide away from our Jewish roots into Greek dualism we are given excellent summaries - neither too long nor too short - of Philo (and allegory), Origen, Augustine, and Aquinas. In each case there is just enough detail to convince us that "the great doctrines of Christianity had become a philosopher's playground" (p42).

This may only be an introduction to a very large topic, but the main point comes across clearly. The Church is "far more Greek in its outlook than people could ever imagine and this is not a side issue, but very much a key battleground for the truth" (p60).

Reclaiming Our Heritage

Part Two is largely comprised of a series of vignettes highlighting different aspects of the Hebraic worldview that we need to reclaim.

Maltz starts by looking at the Bible itself and how it should be interpreted from a Hebraic perspective, and then goes on to examine the Hebrew language, family life and marriage, the Sabbath and especially the Jewish festivals and calendar. This latter section is the longest and most informative. The Jewish biblical festivals are "so instructional, so rich in meaning, so bursting in Jesus, that it can do us nothing but good to be aware of them" (p106).

Part Three revisits the idea, mentioned earlier in the book, that the body of Christ is meant to be One New Man. Here is a fascinating discussion on what this should entail, namely a balance between the two distinctive elements of Jew and Gentile. Not a blurring into one but a partnership, and a preparation for heaven!

Maltz's discussion is fascinating, looking at the balance that should exist between the two distinctive elements – Jew and Gentile.

No Apology Needed

At one point towards the end the author seems to apologise that he has meandered all over the place (though he adds hopefully, not randomly). In fact, there is no sense of meandering as you read through this book. It can be taken as a whole, or in parts. Although there is no index, there is an appendix of recommended further reading, helpfully arranged to coincide with the chapters of this book.

It covers its main themes well, and also ends with a plea for each Christian believer to take personal responsibility to examine the Bible through the eyes and experiences of the early Jewish believers, rather than the contact lens of Greek philosophy.

If we all individually re-evaluate our image of God and attitude to worship and fellowship then, as the subtitle suggests, the Church can find The Way again.

'How the Church Lost The Way' (190 pages, paperback) is the first of three books by Steve Maltz on the state of the Western church. Steve's website, Saltshakers, can be found here. It is available from Saffron Planet Publishing for £10.