Winter 2000
Restoring Biblically Hebraic Worship

Cover Design is a collage of photographs by James D. Ransdell and associates from Jim's extensive file of photography during his involvement in worship arts. Besides being a professional photographer for 26 years, Jim is also a graphic artist and co-director of The David Company, a worship dance team in the Dayton, Ohio, area.

In This Issue....

This issue focuses on restoring to Christian believers the biblical Hebraic concepts and modes of worship which characterized the experience of Jesus in the earliest church.

Shofar Sounds: Thoughts from the Editor Dr. John D. Garr 2
Restoration and Theological Non-Negotiables

Worship: Biblically Hebraic Restoration Dr. John D. Garr 6

Millions of Christians around the world are rising up to throw off centuries of tradition that have obscured the simple truths about worship that were espoused by the ancient Jewish community in which Jesus and the apostles established the church.

Common Roots: Hebrew Worship Foundations Dr. Robert E. Webber 10

The roots of both aspects of a Christian worship service, the liturgy of the Word and the liturgy of the Eucharist, are found in Judaism and the practices of synagogal worship that became the foundation for the faith of Jesus and the apostles.

All My Springs Are in Zion! Randall Bane 14

A return to the wellspring of Davidic worship, the land and people of Israel, restores biblical paradigms of praise that liberate believers to join in the fullest expression of authentic worship that brings honor to God and spiritual intimacy with his people.

The God of Abraham Praise Dr. Bruce Gleason 18

The very idea of singing praise for Christians is rooted in Judaism, in the singing of the psalms and other biblical songs during the time of Jesus and the apostles. This is clearly manifest in a few Christian hymns that still reflect the ancient language and sound.

Restoring Biblical Dance Bee Whitley 20

It has been there all along, right in the text of Holy Scripture. God desires that his people praise him in the dance, a medium that releases the heart to demonstrate with every fiber of the being and with every posture of the body the praises of Almighty God.

Back to the Burning Bush Dr. Lynn Reddick 22

Most Christian worship has been long removed from the spontaneous combustion of the burning bush and crystallized into lifeless ritual. God is now calling believers everywhere back to the bush, back to face-to-face interaction with the living God.

Jesus’ Bar Mitzvah Karl D. Coke, Ph.D. 26

What happened in the life of Jesus when he reached the age of twelve? It was far more than the short allusion to his meeting with the sages of Israel in the temple. Understanding Christianity’s Jewish roots enables us to recognize the impact of Jesus’ Bar Mitzvah.

Jewish Antecedents of Christian Vestments Dr. Terril D. Littrell 30

The Christian church has long recognized the value of vestments for those who lead in corporate worship. These traditions, rooted in practices from the temple and synagogue in biblical and rabbinic Judaism, add beauty and majesty to worship and bring honor to God.

God Loves a Parade Dean & Helena Thomas 34

The act of processing in honor and worship of God is well documented in biblical history. With banners unfurled and shofars blasting, Israel incorporated this form of honor for the King. Now this form is being restored to the total Christian worship experience.

Worship–The Lifestyle Barbara Richmond 38

Worship is both an act and a state of being, a lifestyle of submission and devotion to the Word and will of God. Many of the most worshipful acts of Jewish and Christian devotion have been manifest with no fanfare when believers have accepted martyrdom.

Ancient Sounds for a New Millennium Dean F. Schultz 40

The restoration of Christianity’s Jewish roots is sparking a renewal of ancient sounds and ancient instruments. After centuries of neglect, psalmic worship is being restored to the body of Christ as believers sing the Word of God in the mode of the ancients.

Praise in the Gates: Olive Branch Ministries and Faith Bible Chapel 5
Sound Teaching: Biblical Interpretation: The Need for Hebrew for Interpreting the New Testament by Dr. Douglas Wheeler
Biblical Hebrew-The Language of Scripture: Yodh by Karl D. Coke, Ph.D. 25
Faith to Faith: Christian-Jewish Relations Restoring a Temple Library
Living Biblically: Practical Application Work as Worship

Restoration Foundation (a non-profit [501 (c) (3)] corporation) is an international, transdenominational, multi-ethnic, and interracial teaching resource to the body of Christ. We promote the restoration of Christian unity, the recovery of the Hebrew foundations of Christian faith, and the renewal of Christian love and support for the international Jewish community and the nation of Israel. All donations are fully tax deductible and are receipted as such. Now you can enjoy the satisfaction of making a significant contribution to helping Christians around the world understand their Judaic heritage by supporting Restoration Foundation with your consistent prayers and your faithful giving. We invite you to share in this teaching and equipping ministry by joining our Golden Key Publishing Partners. (For gift of $20 or more monthly, you reap significant benefits.) Great blessing is God’s promise to all those who bless Abraham’s children! Please address all communications relating to Restore! and make all checks, drafts, or money orders payable to Restore!, P. O. Box 421218, Atlanta, GA 30342.

Guestbook | Table of Contents | Restore! Magazine | Restoration Foundation Home