Who Are the Hebrew Israelites?

During the 30+ years that I’ve been doing street evangelism, I’ve learned that cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses are hard to reach with the gospel because they misinterpret Scripture. Another group I’ve found difficult to witness to are the Hebrew Israelites. They are mostly African-Americans who insist they (some include Hispanics and Natives) are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites. Often they do outreaches dressed in traditional garments like robes, sashes, and turbans. They are not to be confused with black Jews.

Hebrew Israelites are a fragmented movement with various groups and leaders holding diverse viewpoints. Most I’ve encountered have been rude and abrasive while proclaiming legalistic doctrines. The first time I recall interacting with Hebrew Israelites was in New York City. They were holding an open-air preaching session. I don’t recall what I said to them, but they responded with insulting remarks.


One time in Tampa, Florida, a man with a suitcase called out to me asking for a dollar. I offered him a granola bar and then a tract. Jorge said he just got out of jail and was going to heaven because “I’m one of the 144,000.” I pointed out there are approximately 2 billion professing Christians in the world, plus Romans 10:13 says, “… whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Jorge eventually revealed he was a Hebrew Israelite and brought up numerous objections to the gospel. Among them was the name of Jesus supposedly didn’t exist until 500 years ago. I replied, “The name of Jesus works for me. I’ve cast out devils and healed the sick in His name.” This man continued rambling. So I left.


Another time in Buffalo, New York, I took part in an outreach with a pastor who carries the cross (à la Arthur Blessitt). We noticed three Hebrew Israelites hanging around a corner. Ironically, one of them was white. I chose not to talk to them. My pastor friend and a woman with us tried ministering to them. He later realized none of them came from Israel. So how can they call themselves Israelites?


It’s unfortunate that the Black Hebrew Israelite movement is essentially repackaged racism, similar to the Nation of Islam. They promotes anti-Semitic views and insist only certain races of people will get into heaven. This is contrary to the Bible. God is “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). True ministers of God also demonstrate the fruits of the spirit. That includes speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). 


Unless the Lord gives me something to say, I shy away from interacting with Hebrew Israelites. Some folks cannot be reasoned with.


“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” - Romans 16:17


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Gospel Soul Winning Script

Image
During my early days with evangelism, I developed an approach called the Survey Technique . By asking short direct questions, you can maintain control of the conversation and find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are. Although the Survey Technique has helped me lead thousands to the Lord, I’m still open to utilizing new methods in reaching people with the gospel. Rodney Howard-Browne 's ministry uses a tool called the Gospel Soul-Winning Script , which originated during their Good News New York campaign in 1999. I became familiar with it a few years later during evangelism outreaches with Rodney’s church in Tampa, Florida. At first, I resisted using the script. I found it restrictive and thought sinners wouldn’t be receptive to me reading a scrap of paper to them. Then while taking part in a 2009 outreach with Rodney’s ministry in Washington, D.C., my team leader asked me to “stick with the script.” Wanting to maintain unity, I complied with his request. Initially it f...
Read more

Toking the Ghost Revisited

Image
Back in February 2007, a fellow missionary I was traveling with started talking about “smoking the weed from heaven.”   He would pretend to have a joint of marijuana between his fingers and have “smoke breaks with Jesus.”   He also encouraged other believers to take “hits.”   I was a bit uncomfortable with this idea but didn't contest it. Then in October of that year, I heard John Crowder preach on “toking the Ghost” at a church in my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.   I was inspired to make a video with John to share with my missionary friend.   During the filming, I experienced much laughter. I decided to make the video public figuring other people might enjoy it also. Two weeks later at a church in Minnesota, I heard Benjamin Dunn share testimonies of people getting healed from “toking the Ghost.”   This was just before he and John Crowder started ministering together.   I believed this was God confirming His word in the mouth of ...
Read more

Looking Back @ the Toronto Blessing

Image
With friends I met in 1996 Twenty-five years ago today, a supernatural move of God began at a church near the Toronto airport. When guest speaker Randy Clark prayed over congregation members that night, they started shaking, hollering, and doing other things religious folk would consider disruptive. However, there were changed lives as a result of what became known as “The Toronto Blessing” (or “The Father’s Blessing” as Pastor John Arnott prefers calling it). Soon people from all over the world flocked to Toronto Airport Vineyard to experience a fresh touch from God. By 1995, both pastors and lay people from my home church in Minnesota were making pilgrimages to Toronto. One woman who visited there invited a group of us to watch videos of services from Toronto Airport Vineyard. Initially, I wasn’t impressed because the preaching didn’t sound “charismatic” enough. The worship music gradually appealed to me because of its unique passionate sound not often heard in churches b...
Read more