Last fall, the leadership of New Hope Chapel shared a vision to tell our local community about the importance of looking at Scripture, Jesus, and Christianity in general in light of its Jewish context.  While it has always been a vision of our church and of our Pastor, Gary Derechinsky, we believed that it was a message that should be shared outside of our church doors.
What started as radio spots on WRBS that hit the airwaves around Baltimore has grown to a message that is disseminating to the four corners …

Jesus the Messiah said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “I tell you the truth…You must be born again.” What does it mean to be “born again?” I’m Gary Derechinsky and this is Christianity is Jewish.
According to Jesus for one to enter the kingdom of heaven he must experience two births, not just one. The rabbis taught, “All Israel has a share in the world to come.” In their minds only one birth was necessary. Today, many …

The prophet Daniel teaches that Messiah will come “with the clouds of heaven.” Zachariah the prophet says that Messiah will come “humbly,” “riding on a donkey.” Which one is it? Will he come in the clouds or will he come on a donkey? I’m Gary Derechinsky and this is Christianity is Jewish.
Both of these passages refer to the Messiah. One way the rabbis attempted to reconcile them was to say that, when Messiah came if Israel was worthy he would come in the clouds of heaven. But if they …

What is the significance of Jesus referring to himself as the Good Shepherd? I’m Gary Derechinsky and this is Christianity is Jewish.
When Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd he is deliberately identifying himself with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Two passages in the Old Testament reveal this to be the case. Ezekiel the prophet speaks of the “Sovereign Lord” as a shepherd who looks after his flock of sheep. Of course that flock is the nation of Israel. And he promises that as a good …

Does the Bible really teach that Israel will experience a spiritual rebirth in a single day? I’m Gary Derechinsky and this is Christianity is Jewish.
The Bible does teach this truth. Isaiah points this out when he asks, “Can a country be born in a day, or a nation be brought forth in a moment?” Of course the answer is no. But, with God all things are possible and Israel shall be restored in one day. Zechariah the prophet also states, “…I will remove the sin of this land in …