In June 1967, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount were restored to Jewish sovereignty during The Six Day War. Although the significance of this event – alluded to by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke – remains largely unrecognized, it will one day be viewed as pivotal in God;s plan of redemption.
Why Christians Should Celebrate Purim
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
— 2 Corinthians 4.18
Paul tells us through the Christians at Corinth that what we see with the eye and what is really happening are two different things. “Things are not what they would seem” is a central theme in the Book of Esther. While the events of Esther do not receive particular emphasis in the Christian calendar, they do in the Jewish calendar as the holiday of Purim (פורים / Porim). As Christians, we can learn a lot about God’s plan of redemption by becoming familiar with the observance of Purim.
What is Purim?
Purim (pronounced “pore-eem” in Hebrew and “pur’m” in American English) is the Biblical holiday that was initiated by and commemorates the events recorded in the book of Esther. The holiday comes in the final month of the Hebrew calendar. In Jewish communities, the day of Purim can look a lot like Halloween – without the whole focus on death and satan – as people dress up in costumes and attend synagogue for an “all-in” reading of Megilat Esther (the Scroll of Esther) found in the Bible. We’ll look at the significance of wearing costumes and other observances in the Jewish community. We’ll also investigate the treasure of meaning the book of Esther and the holiday of Purim offers to Christians seeking to understand God’s plan of redemption.
[Read more…] about Why Christians Should Celebrate PurimBible Study: Exodus 18-20 (Yitro)
In this section of the Bible the most powerful manifestation of God to this date is recorded. Nothing in history compares to it, however, I believe that it is prophetic of an even greater manifestation in the future.
The timing of Israel’s encounter with God will define the second of the Biblical festivals, Shavuot, described in Leviticus 23. Israel arrived at Mt. Sinai on the first day of the third month (about 42 days after the Exodus from Egypt). After a few days (we will assume seven days total) God descended onto the mountain and a covenant was made between God and the nation of Israel. The exact timing is not specified but after their arrival, there was a three day purification period. Later the festival of Shavuot is specified to occur on the 50th day following the Shabbat after Passover. I therefore arrive at the speculation that an additional four days were spent at Mt. Sinai after their arrival before God initiated the covenant.
[Read more…] about Bible Study: Exodus 18-20 (Yitro)Should Believers Be Concerned About Artificial Intelligence
In the coming years, the artificial intelligence we see popping up all around us will reach a level that greatly exceeds human intelligence. What will be the effects of the rise of this “super intelligence” and how should believers walk when faced with societal and governmental pressure to conform?
Is the Israel-Iran War the Beginning of Armageddon?
The Book of Revelation speaks of the battle of Armageddon. Is the current conflict between Israel and Iran connected to it? We’ll look at the conflict between God’s plan to dwell in our midst and the opposition by the nations of the world. God promises judgment to the nations but deliverance and reconciliation to individual people. Armageddon is not the end of the world but the beginning of a new age of deliverance, peace and beauty.
The Significance of Jerusalem Day
The most significant event of the 20th Century will one day be recognized as a turning point in world history. Jerusalem Day marks the establishment of Jewish control over biblical Jerusalem and the Temple Mount that occurred on the 28th of Iyar or June 6, 1967. Jeremiah, Isaiah and Zechariah – among the other biblical prophets – as well as Jesus placed special significance on Jerusalem and its return to Jewish sovereignty.