Be Mature in Understanding

This book has been written out of a deep concern to see Jewish believers in Yeshua-Jesus playing their part in the worldwide church of Messiah, using their knowledge of God's word, their Jewishness, their natural and spiritual gifts, and a humble, thankful heart. Knowledge of the truths of Scripture is a vital key to love for God and fruitfulness in his service, and this book focuses on both the Bible's unfolding story (biblical theology) and its specific doctrines and their interrelationship (systematic theology). Our aim is to build a biblical framework of thinking in the heart and mind. It is written from an evangelical understanding and in a way that interacts with the main forms of Judaism and Christianity. It is a study book, with questions to answer and further reading suggestions. Similar books of doctrine with the same scope have been written, but few if any take account of the context of Jewish readers and the issues which are important to them. The authors have attempted to achieve this within the context of the whole counsel of God. Error sets no one free but truth does; the hope of the authors is for readers to be free to love and serve the Lord with all their mind and heart.

Ben Midgley is married to Sian, and is Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and a graduate of the London Seminary. His first degree is in Fine Art. Raised in a Jewish home, Ben came to believe Jesus to be the Messiah while at University.

Martin Pakula grew up a regular synagogue attender. He is an ordained Anglican minister and teaches Hebrew and Old Testament at Bible Colleges in Melbourne, Australia.

Paul Morris was born in the UK and has a non-Jewish, nominal Christian background, coming to faith in 1970. He worked as a civil engineer before entering the ministry. He is married to Judy and they have a son and a daughter and six grandchildren. He studied theology with the Evangelical Movement of Wales and was ordained by Park Hill Free Church, Brighton, in 1979. He began work as a missionary to the Jewish people with Christian Witness to Israel (CWI) [now International Mission to Jewish People] in 1979, engaging in many forms of outreach, and while based in London led the Shalom Ministries team and initiated the CWI Summer School. In the 1990s he travelled widely, witnessing and seeking to open new fields of witness in Russia, Belarus, Romania, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Turkey. Paul and Judy moved to Sydney, Australia, from 2001 to 2011 where Paul led the ministry of CWI and established the annual Edersheim Lectures. Paul is the author of two books: Telling Jews about Jesus and Jewish Themes in the New Testament. He is now the Chairman of the Council of Management of International Mission to Jewish People and engages in a writing and teaching ministry.