This short book isn’t just another study on the importance of the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. ‘The Healing Power of the Roots’ has an extra dimension, as the author believes the Lord has shared with her how ministering the Jewish roots to the Church can bring actual healing of the body and the mind.

Testimonies of healing and hearing

The opening chapter contains testimonies of healing and deliverance that have occurred once people realised the need to become reconciled to their Jewish roots. Often it was the lack of such acceptance that had originally blocked such healing. Bierman also demonstrates that prayers of repentance release the healing power of the original gospel of the Jewish Messiah, and that it is this gospel which is the key for true discipleship.

In the second chapter Bierman gives examples of how she hears from God and goes with whatever he says, however painful and costly this might be. She does this because she believes that ministering the Jewish roots to the Church is a matter of spiritual life and death, for without these roots the Church will wither and die because Israel and the Church are connected forever.

She believes that ministering the Jewish roots to the Church is a matter of spiritual life and death.

Meaning of Torah

Later chapters contain some familiar historical details of how Christianity became estranged from its Jewish roots. Of particular interest is an excerpt from the letter of the Emperor Constantine to those not present at the Council of Nicea (quoted from Eusebius, Vita Const. Lib III 18-20). Here Bierman shows how this effectively unleashed a new non-Jewish Church and religion.

There is a good understanding of the true meaning of Torah as based upon Matthew chapters 5 and 7. Here, Bierman warns against the two extremes; those who violently oppose Torah in the mistaken belief that this might put people under the law, and those who become over-zealous regarding law-keeping and who thus fall into a religiosity that lacks the intimate leading of the Holy Spirit. Both of these reactions, Bierman believes, are incorrect and harmful, and require repentance.

Helpful explanations

Of further interest in the book is the usual explanation of the pagan roots of our Christian festivals, and also some helpful and enlightening information on the natural difference between a wild olive tree and a cultivated olive tree. There is also a useful discussion of the term ‘fullness of the Gentiles’ as used in Romans 11:25.

Disconnection from the roots, Bierman is convinced, leads to a sort of schizophrenia, which divides Old Testament from New.

One chapter focusses on compassion and in particular states what the author believes is a prophetic word on selfless compassion which is essential for an anointed ministry.

Personal checklist

Disconnection from the roots, Bierman is convinced, leads to a sort of schizophrenia, which divides Old Testament from New, and effectively creates two separate gods, or at least two versions of the same God. The author is passionate that we are entering a new era of history in which such schizophrenia must be dealt with.

She includes an invitation for everyone reading the book to search their heart see if any antisemitism remains. Her checklist starts with ‘Have I ever hated the Jews or blamed them for killing Christ?’, takes in attitudes of replacement and partaking of derogatory jokes against the Jews, and ends with “Am I willing to answer the call and lay down my life for them?”

This is a challenging list and is followed by a simple prayer to help people through the process.

Overall this is a helpful extra book on this important topic and worthy of further consideration, especially if you are looking to minister to others on this issue or simply want a resource to pass on to others.

The Healing Power of the Roots (76pp) is published by Zion's Gospel Press and is available from Eden Christian Books for £11.65 (inc p&p).