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Reflections and Poetry

To be or Not to be Evangelical: response to a borrowed post

Recently, I was sent an excellent, thought-provoking post from Brian Stiller, a fellow Canadian and faithful follower of Jesus. It raises some of the issues surrounding the term Evangelical.

At the heart of Sabbath Rest Ministries is a love for Jew and Gentile — followers of Yeshua and those who are not, but who seek Truth to marry history with theology.

Here is the post

To be or Not to be Evangelical

Here is my response

Dear Brian,

This is an important post. I’m glad you’ve written it.

The problem with “Evangelical” is not political although that off-shoot has arisen because of a weakness in Evangelicalism in its own right.
There are many good things. But it has a root problem and that is anti-semitism. Luther, as you rightly point out, has a piece of Evangelicalism in his teaching; however, his teaching is also tainted with anti-semitism. But that is only half the issue addressed. The other half is that the root of Protestantism is still based on Rome, when it divided the Gentile church from its Hebraic roots.
I truly believe the LORD is not happy with anything that removes His roots from any practice.
And so, in order to be truly Evangelical, we need to address the Sabbath, the Feasts, all orchestrated by GOD – Yehovah Himself – long before even the Jews had a nation or the Hebrews a family.
The root problem with Christianity is that its roots are twisted. We need to straighten them by following Jesus, including his Hebraic roots. He came not to replace but to fulfil the Law. It is not legalism to follow GOD’s calendar, it is integral to following Jesus. If being Evangelical could include that, then the label must remain. If it cannot, then following Jesus needs to have a new label which will include re-aligning with GOD’s calendar.
Although in Canada, anti-semitism and replacement theology are not obvious, they are in the UK where I currently live. I believe we need a clean sweep of our practices to embrace the roots that Jesus and the Apostles encouraged.
Keep writing Brian. It’s good stuff.
God bless, Shalom and in His love,
Sarah

By Dr Sarah Tun

Dr Sarah Tun began her professional career as a teacher. Years later she became a performing artist and administrator to property development. She felt the Call to write full time in 2004. Dr Sarah has traveled extensively, and lived in New York City (for a year), London England (for a long time) and Hong Kong (briefly) before returning to her home in Ontario, Canada, then to Spain and finally now, has re-settled in her adoptive home of England. She graduated with degrees in Drama, Education and diplomas in Acting and Theology. Most recently she was awarded Honorary Doctor of Ministry and became ordained. Her favourite experience to date has been following her Creator and Lord. She doesn't think Life can get any better! Dr Sarah Tun is author, singer, preacher, writing coach and all-round enthusiast, celebrating and seeking to inspire all of us to quench our thirst for deeper intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit.

3 replies on “To be or Not to be Evangelical: response to a borrowed post”

I would be most interested in this new thing you are setting up. I was also interested to read the training you have had, all the same subjects as myself although I am not using them much now….

However I am preparing a leaflet for my own church which has no prayer life apart from read prayers in services, encouraging them to look into all forms of prayer and to begin coming to my monthly prayer meeting. Also liking pryer with a ministry of healing.

Let’s pray together that folks at the church will openly and enthusiastically receive your leaflet with curiosity at least and a proactive response at best. Prayer is the most needed part of our walk and so often is used as our last resort.
Shalom and Blessings. Thanks for sharing:)

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