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.
A Christian Pastor’s Thoughts Concerning the Carlson-Huckabee Interview
Recently Tucker Carlson flew to Israel to interview U. S. Ambassador Huckabee. Carlson’s intentions were to set forth questions relative to the legitimacy of the modern state of Israel. It did not appear as if he was interested in Ambassador Huckabee’s responses to his questions. From this interview and other statements made by Mr. Carlson, I conclude that he sees his purpose as undermining Evangelical Christian support for Israel.
Carlson asked Ambassador Huckabee to justify Israel’s claim to the land. I believe that there are multiple answers to this question. The first is based on ethnicity. Throughout the 20th century, there was a cry for a Jewish homeland. This was most emphatic in the wake of the Holocaust. Jews needed a place of refuge. Secondly, those who practice the religion of Judaism have claimed a Biblical right to their ancient homeland. Those who practice Judaism have been distinguished throughout the ages by participating in communal synagogue activities as well as advocating and living a Torah lifestyle. Biblically speaking, they have been distinguished by observing the Shabbat. The Bible declares that Shabbat is a special sign between G-d and the people of Israel (Exodus 31). I have read rabbinical statements to the effect that: “We (the Jewish people) have not kept the Shabbat, but the Shabbat has kept us”. To further distinguish the Jewish people from other groups, Christians moved their special holy day to Sunday while the Moslems moved theirs back to Friday. Finally, there is the mystical element of faith. I have witnessed the testimony of different Jewish people who spoke of a deep inward call to return to the land of Israel in accordance with and responding to ancient Biblical promises.
[Read more…] about A Christian Pastor’s Thoughts Concerning the Carlson-Huckabee InterviewBible Study: Genesis 44-47
As noted in previous studies, the latter section of the book of Genesis is prophetic in nature (chapters 37-50). The future leadership of the nation of Israel is described hundreds of years before the fact. Joseph is a unique type of Messiah. His descendants, Ephraim and Manasseh will become leaders of the northern tribes of Israel. Judah, on the other hand, will be the dominant tribe in the south. Through Judah, God will preserve a remnant to complete His purpose of redemption. Messiah will come from the tribe of Judah. Even though the division of Israel between Judah and Joseph is only temporarily healed from time to time during the first kingdom era (1447 – 586 BC/BCE), the unification of the whole house of Israel will be accomplished in the diaspora. Ezekiel prophesied of this unification (Ezekiel 37:15-23).
[Read more…] about Bible Study: Genesis 44-47Is Christian Zionism Heresy?
In recent comments, Tucker Carlson stated that Christian Zionism is a heresy that should not be embraced by Christians. This video investigates the broad Biblical basis for Zionism – Israel’s mandate to live in the Land of Israel.
[Read more…] about Is Christian Zionism Heresy?Revival in the US and Spiritual Identity with Israel
Is the revival among young adults in the US sustainable? Understanding how our national identity changes when we become followers of Messiah Jesus is key to the current movements ability to be more than a “MAGA” movement dressed in Christian garb.
Bible Study: Genesis 12-17
In this section of the Bible, the Lord began to lay down revelation of His plan of redemption. In what we will call the pre-historic period, we see God moving to limit the manifestation of evil through (a) the flood, (b) the shortening of lifespan and (c) the confusion of languages at Babel. With these things accomplished, God initiated a plan that would require millennia to complete. He would establish a King that would rule over all of mankind. It began with the call of Abram. Abram was on the leading edge of this revelation and, today, we find ourselves on the trailing edge. We believe that the completion of the redemption process is near.
Abram lived in Mesopotamia. The Mesopotamian valley was an early civilized area. To the west was Egypt, which was also a civilized area from very early times. God called Abram to leave his home and go to the place that He would show him. God led Abram to the land of Canaan, an area between these two main civilized areas of the ancient world. We must ask the question, “Why did God choose to bring Abram to the land of Canaan”? We will attempt to answer this question later.
[Read more…] about Bible Study: Genesis 12-17