The Hebrew-Christian Convention by F. C. GILBERT

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 24, 1915

The Hebrew-Christian Convention

By F. C. GILBERT

THE first convention of Jewish-Christian brethren ever held among us was recently convened at South Lancaster, Mass. It was certainly an interesting meeting. A few years ago such a meeting would have seemed to many almost impossible. We who have faith in the third angel’s message know that with God all things are possible, and whatever the Lord has declared in his Word and through his prophets must surely come to pass.

One by one the Jews are coming in. On account of their bitter and deep-seated prejudices it seems impossible to hold exclusive meetings for them. But the Spirit of the Lord has been blessing the efforts which have been put forth during the past few years in their behalf, so that today there are about thirty in the Atlantic Union Conference, several in the Columbia Union Conference, a few in the Columbia Union Conference, a few in the Lake Union Conference, and we believe a few in one or two other union conferences in this country. For some time we have tried to secure a faithful census of the Jewish believers, but have not yet met with the fullest success.

As we have come in contact with our Jewish brethren and sisters, it has seemed clear that there was need of instruction concerning the definiteness of our work and message. Several have for some time been calling for a gathering of their brethren and sisters in a general meeting, and they have felt that such a meeting would be very profitable. The matter was presented to the Jewish Advisory Committee, and it was thought best to have the meeting this spring.

There were fourteen adults in attendance, and one of our brethren brought his wife and three children with him. This brother has been passing through some bitter experiences with his family on account of his faith in Christ and in this truth, but we are glad that the Lord has answered his prayers, so that his wife is not only favorable to the message, but took steps at this meeting which we believe indicated that her heart was with us altogether. The accompanying picture of the brethren and sisters was taken during the convention.

We had a daily program, and several of the ministering brethren rendered helpful assistance. The meetings were held in the South Lancaster church, and the Jewish brethren were very grateful for the opportunity afforded them of attending the convention. Every one received help and spiritual blessing, and surely the Holy Spirit was present in the meetings.

The first meeting was held on Wednesday evening, May 26, at 7:30. After an opening hymn, the eleventh chapter of Romans was read for a Scripture lesson, and Elders P. F. Bicknell and B. F. Machlan offered prayer. After a few remarks by the chairman, F. C. Gilbert, words of welcome were spoken by Elder Bicknell, in behalf of the South Lancaster church; by Elder E. E. Miles, in behalf of the entertaining committee; by Elder A. Moon, in behalf of the Massachusetts Conference; and by Elder K. C. Russell, in behalf of the Atlantic Union Conference.

There was a daily Bible study at 6 A. M. The need of preparation for service, and the necessity of being deeply rooted in the truth, were emphasized. At 9 A. M. there was a devotional hour, and at 10:30 the convention work was carried on. A number of papers were read by different ones upon themes which vitally affect the work among the Jews. Such topics as, “Can the Jew Be Reached With This Message?” “What the Third Angel’s Message Means to the Jews;” “Orthodox and Reform Judaism;” “How Shall We Reach the Jews?” “How Shall We Deal With Jewish Prejudices?” “Some Ways of Getting the Message to the Jews;” “What Part Can Seventh-day Adventists Act in Bringing the Truth to the Jews?” and other subjects which are closely associated with our work of bringing the message for this time to the Jewish people, were considered.

It was agreed by all present that to carry on our work among the Jews not only is there need of power and the presence of the Holy Spirit, but great

tact must be used that in our efforts we shall draw them rather than repel them. The words mission, missionary, and missionary work should not be named among them, as these terms to the Jews are signals of enmity and animosity. Many experiences were related showing how Jews will come to Seventh-day Adventist churches when they become acquainted with our people, and all those present were unanimous in their belief that for the present time most of our work must consist in circulating our literature, in efforts in connection with our churches and halls in the cities, and especially by our own people doing all they can to make themselves known to the Jews as Christian Sabbath keepers.

Some of the Jewish brethren and sisters were in need of instruction that would enable them to meet many of the Jewish questions and objections, especially from the Old Testament; for we must remember that the Jews do not accept the New Testament as the inspired testimony of God. The Lord helped in meeting these questions from the Bible, and all felt that they had been helped and benefited by the meetings.

During the convention an effort was made to interest the Jews in the neighboring town of Clinton, and on Friday evening quite a number of them came to the service.

A thousand copies of the forthcoming Yiddish magazine were taken by the brethren and sisters, to be distributed or sold among the Jewish people. One Jewish brother was baptized.

On Sabbath afternoon an interesting service was held, and we wish that many of our brethren and sisters might have been present, to hear the testimonies of the young men and women as they told how they accepted Jesus. The Gentile knows but little of what it means to give his heart to the Lord or to accept the Sabbath truth, as compared with what it means to the Jew. All our ministers and lay members who were present at that meeting Sabbath afternoon will better appreciate what it means for a Jew to accept Christ and his truth; and we are sure that they will have more sympathy for the lost sheep of Israel.

The brethren and sisters pledged their loyalty to this most blessed truth, and their hearts are grateful to God for the spirit of prophecy connected with this message. To the Jews, who for two thousand years have been praying to the Lord to send them another prophet, that they may hear the voice of God through his servant as in days of old, it is a wonderful thing to know that from the rise of this message the Lord has connected with it the spirit of prophecy, and it seems to them much like the real religion of Israel when the Lord led their ancestors. The following resolution was passed during the convention:—

“Whereas, The spirit of prophecy has repeatedly stated that many of the Jewish people will yet accept this truth, and,—

“Whereas, We see that some have already taken their stand; therefore,—

“Resolved, That we Jewish Christians in convention assembled, recognize that in our accepting the third angel’s message we see the beginning of the fulfillment of this prediction; and, further,—

“Resolved, That we give thanks to the Lord for his goodness in bringing the light of this truth to us, and we pledge ourselves that with the help of God we will be loyal to this blessed third angel’s message, and do all we can to bring the light of this truth to as many of our Jewish people as we possibly can, and to all others.”

The brethren and sisters were loath to leave when the meeting closed on Sunday afternoon, May 30, but all felt that it had been a blessed and profitable gathering, and went away with the determination to work for the advancement of the third angel’s message as never before, and with the belief that the Lord will yet bring many more of the Jewish brethren into the light of present truth.

F. C. GILBERT.