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Our Aims and Values
A code of practice for CMJ workers
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Biblical
Christianity commits its adherents to evangelism. As men and women called by
God to make known by word and deed the good news of the Messiah we wish to act
in accordance with biblical and ethical principles to promote responsible
evangelism and give no grounds for offence to anyone, except that of the
offence of Messiah himself. (I Corinthians 1, 23-24.) |
"Therefore seeing we have this
ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced things of
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God
deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
everyone's conscience in the sight of God."
(2 Corinthians 4, 1-2)
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We wish to
affirm certain principles of right evangelism: |
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We wish to
emphasise that the following are contrary to such principles, and against the
honest and open work we are engaged in: |
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To have respect for all,
regardless of their views. Whilst respecting as people those with contrary
beliefs, to affirm that meaningful dialogue can only be based on the honest
expression of real differences of faith and practice. |
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To act with honesty and
integrity. |
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To communicate faithfully the
truth of God's saving love to sinners through the sending of his Son, the
Messiah Jesus, to be our only means of atonement and righteousness. To allow
for differences of opinion to be fully expressed, and to make know alternative
views. |
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To be motivated by love.
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To admit our own unworthiness
for the task. |
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To be thoroughly acquainted with
Jewish belief and custom, and able to relate sensitively and sympathetically
with Jewish people. |
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To understand and respond to
objections to the Gospel, accepting that these must be dealt with to the
satisfacion of all. |
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To be responsible and
accountable in use of finance, resources and staff. |
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To show clearly that Jewish
people who believe in Jesus remain Jews, and are in fact fulfilled in their
Jewishness, so that familial, social and political responsibilities, where they
do not militate against the Messiahship of Jesus, are still to be recognised.
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To respond to hostility, whether
physical, verbal or attitudinal, in love. |
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To correct misinformation,
misrepresentation or wrong accusation wherever possible. |
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Inviting people to events and
activities under false pretences. |
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Dressing up or posing as
something we are not in order to hide our true identities, employers or
functions. |
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Using illegitimate or unfair
means of persuasion, such as manipulation, brainwashing, "love-bombing", sleep
deprivation, thought control, subliminal suggestion, high pressure techniques
denying freedom of thought and action, any form of emotional, psychological or
spiritual "blackmail". |
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Failing to make known the full
implications and consequences of becoming a disciple of Jesus, in the light of
potential family and social response to declaration of faith, and the possible
misunderstanding to be encountered in the church. |
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Involvement in discussion with
minors (under 18 years of age) without the knowledge of parents or guardians.
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Offering any form of financial
or material gain as an inducement to become a believer in Messiah. |
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Prejudicing or vitiating the
attempts of other Christians less outwardly evangelistic to build links of
friendship in the attempt to establish genuine dialogue and mutual
understanding between Christians and Jews. |
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The Aims of CMJ
CMJ's has seven principal aims - Proclamation,
Intercession, Vision, Compassion, Co-operation, Education &
Reconciliation:
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Proclamation |
...of the gospel in culturally
sensitive ways in accordance with a strict Code of Practice and in the context
of listening to and learning from Jewish people. |
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Intercession |
...for Jewish people to come to faith
in Messiah and for the mission of the Society. |
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Vision
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...pointing to God's continuing
commitment to the Jewish people explaining how his future purposes for them
(Romans 11) are an encouragement to mission. |
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Compassion
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...as part of holistic mission.
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Co-operation |
...with Messianic believers to
evangelise and disciple Jewish people. |
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Education
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...teaching the Jewish roots of our
faith as an incentive to prayer and mission. |
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Reconciliation |
...between Gentiles and Jewish people,
seeking to combat antisemitism (because reconciliation is at the heart of the
gospel) and to overcome barriers to mission. |
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Aims & Values 