How to Go
What: Dr. Marvin R. Wilson presents, “Studies in Biblical Theology Hasidic Judaism and the Church”
Where: Church of the Messiah, 1180 Upper Bellbrook Road, Xenia
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Cost: Free, but registration required and donations encouraged
More info: 937-374-0147 or www.churchmessiah.org
The Center for Judaic-Christian Studies in Dayton extended an invitation to author and professor Marvin R. Wilson to teach a seminar at Church of the Messiah in Xenia on June 28.
He is a professor of biblical literature at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. He has taught Old Testament and Jewish-Christian studies at the Christian college since 1971. The topic of the seminar will be “Studies in Biblical Theology: Hasidic Judaism and the Church.”
“Christians and Jews have a common origin in the religion of ancient Israel and Second Temple Judaism,” said Wilson. “We share nearly 75 percent of the bible together, worship the same God and share the prophetic hope of redemption, justice and peace upon this earth.”
Wilson authored a widely-used textbook, “Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith.” The book is in its 13th printing, and has been translated into many languages. He’s also worked as both a translator and editor of the New International Version of the Bible. He’s also contributed an article in the ESV Study Bible.
“I hold to the classic, historic teachings of biblical Christianity. These include the authority and trustworthiness of Scripture, the centrality of the Gospel message centered in the teachings of life, death, resurrection, and promise of the return of Jesus,” said Wilson. “But I also strongly believe that the Old Testament, Judaism and the Jewish people have largely been neglected by today’s church.”
To that end, Wilson served as primary scholar for the two-hour TV documentary, “Jews & Christians: A Journey of Faith.” This program has aired on more than 200 PBS stations.
“The church must seek reconciliation with the Jewish people after nearly 2,000 years of mainly contempt and estrangement,” said Wilson. “Though Christianity and Judaism are two different religions, there are many ways Christians and Jews may find common ground to work together.”
Wilson has a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College, an master of divinity degree from Gordon Divinity School, and an master’s degree and doctorate from Brandeis University. He has experience in leading study tours in Israel and building understanding between evangelical Christian and Jewish communities.
In addition to the seminar, Wilson will present a message at 5:39 p.m. the same evening at the church: “The Prophecy of Micah: Relevant Words for Today’s Church.”
Even though the event is free, any donation given during the ticketing process will serve to bless Wilson’s seminar ministry. Every participant must register online so space can be managed at the church. Electronic records of ticket holders will be available at the event itself, so tickets don’t have to be presented at the door. The website for obtaining ticket reservations is: www.jcstudies.com/eventDetail.cfm?eventid=50.
Wilson has mentored students of all ages at Gordon College where he currently teaches Old Testament, Hebrew, Jewish history and culture, and modern Judaism. His new book, “Exploring Our Hebraic Heritage: A Christian Theology of Roots and Renewal,” will be available for purchase at the event.
Church of the Messiah is an inter-denominational, evangelical congregation that values the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith. The church’s congregation is made up of people from many church backgrounds, and the ministry and leadership of the church is shared among several Elders.
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