DOCSLIB.ORG

Jesus Went Throughout Galilee, Teaching in Their Synagogues Matthew 4:23

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Jesus Went Throughout Galilee, Teaching in Their Synagogues Matthew 4:23 3rd Quarter 2015 • No 184. Christian Friends of Israel UK Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues Matthew 4:23 INSIDE TRIBUTE TO LANCE LAMBERT HEBRAIC BIBLE STUDY TOURS & CONFERENCES REPRESENTATIVES’ INTERVIEWS HEBREW WORD STUDY RESOURCES & EVENTS Education • Advocacy • Aid Every word that comes from the Jacob Vince mouth of God About us ollowing on from my last editorial which concerned the primacy of CFI-UK seeks to bless Israel by scripture, I want to elaborate on this a little further. In considering means of practical and moral Fany subject, our starting point is the authority of scripture. support, and to serve the Church in As Paul writes to Timothy in his second preaching to the men of Israel (Acts 2:14- teaching about God’s purposes for letter, ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is 40; 3:11-26), with the response that, ‘Those Israel and the Hebraic heritage useful for teaching, reproof, correction and who accepted his message were baptised, and training in righteousness’ (2 Timothy 3:16). of our faith. about three thousand were added to their As far as Israel is concerned, I think we number that day’ (Acts 2:41) and on the CFI also produces a monthly need to emphasise the word ‘all.’ Prayer Letter and distributes a second recorded occasion, ‘But many This follows in line with Jesus’ words who heard this message believed, and the Middle East Update and Haverim when responding to his temptation. number of men grew to about five thousand.’ Hebraic teaching CDs/MP3s. ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on (Acts 4:4). See also Stephen’s speech Please send for full details of every word that comes from the mouth of before the Jewish Sanhedrin (Acts 7:1- projects in Israel and also of the God.’ (Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4 - quoting Deuteronomy 8:3). Every word, not just 45) and Paul’s proclamation at Pisidian many teaching resources available. some. Antioch to men of Israel and Gentiles As an educational charity, This all-embracing aspect is, in turn, who worship God (Acts 13:13-52) and we carry a variety of picked up by Luke as he records what its response, ‘When the congregation was resources relevant to our the apostle Paul refers to as, ‘the whole dismissed, many devout converts to Judaism purpose. We do not [counsel] or will of God’ (Acts 20:27), very followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to necessarily endorse every significantly speaking to church elders them and urged them to continue in the view expressed by our at Ephesus for the last time. The whole grace of God’ (Acts 13:42). guest writers or authors counsel, not just some. True there is both positive and of these resources. So, our primary source is the complete Canon of Scripture and all it contains. negative reaction, but Israel remains the context for the message, as Paul’s words Published by: Secondary and tertiary sources should in Rome suggest, ‘For this reason I have CFI Charitable Trust be seen as such – including current asked to see you and talk with you. It is PO Box 2687 affairs. because of the hope of Israel’ (Acts 28:20). Eastbourne In this connection it is worth noting BN22 7LZ that whilst the church is very good at The response to this was that, ‘They recognising instances in the gospels arranged to hear from Paul on a certain Tel: 01323 410810 where the Bible was obscured by its day, and came in even larger numbers to the Fax: 01323 410211 religious teacher’s adherence to extra- place where he was staying. From morning biblical tradition, during Jesus’ time, it Email: [email protected] to evening he explained and declared to them can equally be said that the Church and the Kingdom of God and tried to convince Websites: www.cfi.org.uk its various theological positions today them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and www.keshercourse.org.uk can likewise obscure the Bible by what we might call extra-biblical convention. from the Prophets. Some were convinced by facebook.com/cfiuk Tradition versus Convention – both what he said, but others would not believe’ equally as potentially damaging. (Acts 28:23-24). Does this not remain the Clearly, how we are to apply Scripture pattern till today? twitter.com/cfi_uk requires contextual exegesis (reading So we must ensure that we live by what is there), not eisegesis (reading every word that proceeds out of the Registered Charity into scripture what is not) and careful mouth of God, not just some, recognising No. 1101899 hermeneutics (how to apply it today). that God has ordained for His covenants However, what is particularly Registered Office c/o made with the house of Israel to remain Caladine, Chantry House concerning in much material summaris- an integral aspect of how He has chosen ing the gospel message today is the 22 Upperton Road to reveal His distinctiveness and bring Eastbourne, BN21 1BF selective use of Scripture, which too Company No: 0498515 easily airbrushes out Israel. salvation to the world. As Paul writes, VAT Registration No: GB678780275 within the context of Israel, embracing This is not the pattern we see in the Bible as a whole, including its record of both Jew and Gentile, ‘I am not ashamed Front Cover Image: the early Church. Israel is an integral of the gospel, because it is the power of God First Century Synagogue part of communicating the gospel and for the salvation of everyone who believes: in Magdala the response to this Israel-integrated first for the Jew, then for the Gentile’ message is spectacular. Consider Peter’s (Romans 1:16). 2 IN TOUCH • 3rd Quarter 2015 Standing in His Glory A TRIBUTE TO LANCE LAMBERT Extracts from David Soakell’s Watching Over Zion weekly news, commentary and prayer email report. In the letter of Paul to the believers and inspirational in leading Intercessory in Philippi, he sums up his desire prayer. He had a full understanding of to be literally “with the Lord.” In Israel as God’s servant nation and the the same way that Moses had an Church as the bride of Christ, responding family died in the Holocaust), Lance intimate relationship where the to the finished work of the Lord Jesus became an Israeli citizen in 1980 and Christ. We offer our condolences to Lance’s Lord would speak face to face with for many years lived in Jerusalem. sister Teresa, brother-in-law Achim and On top of many other giftings, Lance him as man speaks with his friend niece Sophia in their loss, as well as those (Exodus 33:11). Surely this is the produced a world-wide quarterly closely involved with Lance’s household, audio recording called the Middle East heart’s cry of every believer! remembering them in our prayers. Lance’s Update, and wrote numerous books We may imagine that was the issue Holy Spirit inspired, Biblical teaching will including the classic –‘The Uniqueness Paul faced as he wrote his letter to the endure in our hearts as we seek to follow of Israel’, and went on to work early church. He’d reached a point in and serve Christ Jesus, mindful of all who closely with Hugh Kitson presenting his life when he just wanted to go and have gone before.” DVD video productions including be with the Lord. He was tired of the For Christian Friends of Israel in ‘Jerusalem, the Covenant City.’ trials and longed for that city of rest Jerusalem, Lance Lambert was a where he could be with his Lord whom guiding light since the day we were Lance’s niece, Sophia, writes on he loved so dearly. After all, he was formed. On the CFI Jerusalem website behalf of the family, “Dear Friends, I in prison as his letter is being written. the Directors write, “For thirty years he want to thank you from the bottom of my I think Paul suffered from the same carved out quality time to meet with our heart for all your faithful prayers for my mixed emotions that many believers leaders and there were not a few times in Uncle Lance since he became ill in Greece feel in our day and time - indeed, he which we met on a regular basis. Lance at the end of September. Knowing you were was ready for Heaven, but very much (and the late Derek Prince) were the key praying meant a lot to Uncle Lance and needed on Earth. In some small way Advisors to CFI until their passing on to my parents (Achim and Teresa) and I and this may depict the last couple of years be with the Lord. For us, we were not just we know that the Lord heard them and is of the dear man of God, often referred another ministry to add to his schedule, faithful.” to as ‘a senior statesman of Israel’ – a we were always welcome in his home. His Mourning is a natural thing to do favoured teacher of the Word – Lance advice and counsel during our early days and for those of us who have loved and Lambert. was such a blessing from the Lord.” known Lance throughout the years, we It is nonetheless with deep sadness The tribute later states, “Countless will of course miss him and mourn his in our hearts that we learnt that world people around the world have been his departure. And yet at the same time, renowned Bible teacher Lance Lambert students for years.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • How Then Shall We Live-Together?” By: Karl D
    “How Then Shall We Live-Together?” By: Karl D. Coke, Ph. D. For nearly two thousand years, a hostility has existed between Jews and Christians. An opportunity has presented itself to end this useless hostility. Over sixty Jewish Orthodox Rabbis published an unprecedented and historical statement on December 3, 2105 that opens the door for Christians to work with Jews to “... perfect the world under the sovereignty of the Almighty, so that all humanity will call on His name ...” Orthodox Rabbinic Statement on Christianity December 3, 2015 To Do the Will of Our Father in Heaven: Toward a Partnership between Jews and Christians “After nearly two millennia of mutual hostility and alienation, we Orthodox Rabbis who lead communities, institutions and seminaries in Israel, the United States and Europe recognize the historic opportunity now before us. We seek to do the will of our Father in Heaven by accepting the hand offered to us by our Christian brothers and sisters. Jews and Christians must work together as partners to address the moral challenges of our era. The Shoah [catastrophe] ended 70 years ago. It was the warped climax to centuries of disrespect, oppres- sion and rejection of Jews and the consequent enmity that developed between Jews and Christians.” This bold statement follows years of Jewish and Christian dialogues where Christians have reached out to the Orthodox Jewish community despite the past horrors brought upon Jews by Christians. With great respect, many Jewish Rabbis have accepted the Christian hands offered them. Although some will resist or take advan- tage of this statement, I responded positively on December 29, 2015 to three Orthodox rabbis who have ac- cepted me as their friend.
    [Show full text]
  • Israelteaching Letter Vol
    ISRAELTeaching Letter www.bridgesforpeace.com Vol. # 770717 l July 2017 Alex Motrenko/istock.com By Rev. Terry Mason, Deputy–International Development Bridges for Peace...Your Israel Connection ® "The world is becoming a more dangerous place" GLOBAL PEACE INDEX E ARE IN A TIME in world history when the confron- tation between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, seems more pronounced than ever before. Recently a major think tank, The Institute for Economics and Peace, published its annual Global Peace Index. Their less than surprising conclusion was, “The worldW is becoming a more dangerous place.” According to their findings, of the 195 countries in the world only ten (5%) are currently free from conflict. By their measure the global lack of peace increased in both 2015 and 2016. We shouldn’t be surprised. Daniel 11 and 12 describe the difficulties and distress that will accompany the end of days. In the Gospel of Matthew (24:4–13) we find the same warning when Yeshua (Jesus) told us that there will be wars and rumors of wars, increasing natural disasters and that lawlessness will increase. Clearly, the Bible tells us that all of these things will happen with increasing frequency as the end of the age draws near. 2 l July 2017 Abir Sultan/wikiflicker.com The battle is over values. Individuals, families and whole nations must choose on which side of this cosmic battle they will take their stand. Every day we are each faced with choices; our responses to those choices will show our allegiance, strengthening one side or the other.
    [Show full text]
  • The Importance of Remembering Below Is a Speech by Michael Cohen That He Delivered at Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah at Pinelands Cemetery on 16 April
    PAM GOLDING ON MAIN NOW LETTING Locate your office in Kenilworth. Peter Golding 082 825 5561 | Mike Morey 082 820 0429 Office: 021 426 4440 VOLUME 32 No 4 MAY 2015 www.cjc.org.za www.pamgolding.co.za/on-main The importance of remembering Below is a speech by Michael Cohen that he delivered at Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah at Pinelands Cemetery on 16 April. Michael is head student at Herzlia. ave you ever come across something returned home safely to loving families, actions. What struck me with devastating as young Jews in the knowledge and Hso horrific that it leaves you silent? after giving up five years of their lives. This impact is that the Holocaust did not start living proof that Hitler and the Nazis did All you feel is something you cannot was a privilege not shared by survivors with murder but with racist attitudes and not succeed in their mission — to murder explain…..total numbness. in Europe whose families, homes and prejudice. Attitudes became laws which the Jewish Nation. I felt a deep connection This time last year I participated in the livelihoods were broken and destroyed. led to concentration camps, and ultimately with everyone marching, an overwhelming March of the Living in Poland. As a regular My grandfathers were not much older to the final solution — death camps and sense of grief, but also of unity and pride 17 year old Capetonian, nothing could fully than I am now when they went to war in genocide. — of being Jewish. prepare me, absolutely nothing, for being 1940 and I realise with a sense of pride that Jews and many other groups of people We are the link between that generation at the sites of such inconceivable horror in they felt the responsibility to stand up and were murdered by the Nazis and it is our which experienced the horrors of the the history of our people.
    [Show full text]
  • Rabbi Riskin Confronts Rav Soloveitchik in Makor Rishon: Jewish Israel Responds
    Rabbi Riskin Confronts Rav Soloveitchik in Makor Rishon: Jewish Israel Responds In May 2012 the Israeli newspaper Makor Rishon ran a seven-page feature article, penned by Chief Rabbi of Efrat Shlomo Riskin, in their "Shabbat HaGadol" supplement. The subject matter was whether or not Jewish-Christian theological dialogue is permissible. Rabbi Riskin, a maverick on interfaith issues, has on more than one occasion ventured out onto an extreme theological limb. This time around, Rabbi Riskin appears to have inverted the inherent intent of Rabbi Joseph Dov Ber Soloveitchik’s (J.B. Soloveitchik, "the Rav") major essay on the subject, "Confrontation". The treatise, which was formulated in 1964, is widely interpreted within Orthodox circles to be a halachic psak proscribing interfaith theological encounters. However Rabbi Riskin contends, in the Makor Rishon article, that the intention of the Rav's essay was to permit, rather than prohibit, such theological dialogue. Concurrently, Riskin opens his personal "postscript" to Soloveitchik's "Confrontation" by inferring that the timing and the history of the document limits its application, as it was written one and a half years before the ratification of Nostra Aetate, and in response to the Catholic-Jewish dialogue taking place at the time. Rabbi Riskin's premise is puzzling, because it is well documented in Rav Soloveitchik's personal letters, as well as noted in contemporary academic papers, that the Rav had already formulated his firm position on interfaith concerns as early as 1950 - many years before the Vatican ll initiative. In addition, “Confrontation” continued to guide the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) on interfaith developments well into the 1980's, long after Nostra Aetate.
    [Show full text]
  • The Limits of Militarized Citizenship Agency, Intersectionality and Marginality Among Israeli Draft Refusers
    THE LIMITS OF MILITARIZED CITIZENSHIP AGENCY, INTERSECTIONALITY AND MARGINALITY AMONG ISRAELI DRAFT REFUSERS Wetenschappelijke verhandeling Aantal woorden: 22506 Fien De Meyer Stamnummer: 01105499 Promotor: Prof. dr. Christopher Parker Copromotor: Prof. dr. Omar Suliman-Jabary Salamanca Wetenschappelijke verhandeling voorgelegd voor het behalen van de graad Master-na-Master in de richting Conflict & Development Academiejaar: 2016 - 2017 ii Inzagerecht in de masterproef (*) Ondergetekende, ……………………………………………………. geeft hierbij toelating / geen toelating (**) aan derden, niet-behorend tot de examencommissie, om zijn/haar (**) proefschrift in te zien. Datum en handtekening ………………………….. …………………………. Deze toelating geeft aan derden tevens het recht om delen uit de scriptie/ masterproef te reproduceren of te citeren, uiteraard mits correcte bronvermelding. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (*) Deze ondertekende toelating wordt in zoveel exemplaren opgemaakt als het aantal exemplaren van de scriptie/masterproef die moet worden ingediend. Het blad moet ingebonden worden samen met de scriptie onmiddellijk na de kaft. (**) schrappen wat niet past iii ABSTRACT (NL) Deze masterproefanalyse gaat dieper in op legerdienstweigering in Israël als een complex en identitair gegeven. Hierbij wordt afgeweken van algemene theorievorming, berichtgeving en publieke opinie die legerdienstweigering louter benaderen als een verzetsvorm tegen de bezetting van de Palestijnen. De analyse benadrukt de
    [Show full text]
  • A Christian Guide to the Anti-Israel Boycott Movement (BDS) by Father Gabriel Naddaf
    June 2015 Dear brothers and sisters, It takes great wisdom to understand the heart of God, and the matters closest to him. God teaches us in his Word that Israel is the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8). Yet there is much confusion in the global church about Israel, and God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Rather, God wants us to seek after his heart; to get wisdom and to get understanding (Proverbs 4:5). God does not want his church to be ignorant about such an important topic as Israel, yet there are many in the church today sowing confusion, spreading hatred of the Jewish state. We learn from James that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). God’s wisdom is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18). Yet God laments that "my people perish for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). We present this guide to you humbly, knowing that we will one day stand before God and give account of every word we utter (Matthew 12:36). As the spiritual leader of the Christian Empowerment Council here in Israel, it is my responsibility to encourage Christians across the world to think about Israel in Biblical and moral ways. As you consider personally your own spiritual towards Israel, it would be prudent to consider these points.
    [Show full text]
  • Informational Brochure
    THE CENTER FOR JEWISH-CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION OUR STORY In January of 2008, a historical moment took place between the Synagogue and Church, when Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and David Nekrutman established the first Orthodox Jewish institution, the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation (CJCUC), dedicated to religious dialogue, mutual understanding and active cooperation with Christians. In less than a decade, CJCUC has moved to the forefront of theological advancements in Jewish-Christian relations. CJCUC has changed the Jewish-Christian relational paradigm by engaging tens of thousands of Christians through Bible studies, developing Jewish theology with a positive understanding of Christianity and Christians, organizing faith based events that bring Jews and Christians together, and coordinating humanitarian aid for Christians in need. Over the years, the CJCUC staff has educated Orthodox Jews regarding the importance of a Jewish-Christian alliance rooted in our common Judeo-Christian ethics. In 2015, CJCUC facilitated the first Orthodox Rabbinic Statement on Christianity, which more than 60 Orthodox Rabbis have signed. Members of CJCUC’s staff officially represent the State of Israel on the International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious Consultations (IJCIC), which is the official dialogue partner with the Vatican, the World Council of Churches and Christian Orthodox Churches. CJCUC is also the leading member of the Israel Jewish Council on Inter-religious Relations (IJCIR). In 2011, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin was awarded the honorary title from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Goodwill Ambassador for Jewish-Christian Relations for the State of Israel. HEBRAIC BIBLE ROOTS STUDY Many Christians visit Israel as an expression of their support for the Jewish Homeland, and we, at CJCUC, understand the need for an institutional response to welcome these visitors.
    [Show full text]
  • CFI Jerusalem Calendar Receive Your FREE Copy of This Brand New CFI - Jerusalem 15 Month Calendar Today
    For Zion’sSecond QuarterSake 2016 Jewish Year 5776 Nations Weighed in the Balances “…You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). Christian Friends of Israel PO Box 1813 Jerusalem 9101701 ISRAEL Tel: 972-2-6233778 Fax: 972-2-6233913 [email protected] www.cfijerusalem.org For Zion’s Sake A Quarterly Publication / Printed in Israel MANAGING EDITOR / WRITER Sharon Sanders EDITOR Coral Mings Blessings From GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jennifer Paterniti Jerusalem WRITERS Patricia Cuervo, Rocio Fordham, Kevin Howard, Stacey Howard, Maggie Huang, Olga Kopilova, Jim McKenzie, and Tsehai Legesse-Marabi DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY Stacey Howard Kevin Howard EXECUTIVE / INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Stacey Howard For Zion’s Sake is published by Christian Friends of Israel’s Jerusalem Office, free of charge to supporters. All articles may be Dear CFI Family and Friends, quoted with proper attribution. If you wish to help distribute CFI’s quarterly publications, please contact: [email protected] or Hello from Jerusalem! by mail at the address below. You can help distribute our literature to your church and friends. It is with joy and honor that I continue to have this How To Give: God-given opportunity to serve here in the land of Isra- Contributions and love gifts for the ongoing ministry work and el. The weather has been unseasonably cool with gentle outreaches may be sent by personal check payable to Christian winds into late spring, which have been happily received. Friends of Israel (see address below or local Representative). We The summer months bring along with them temperatures accept the following currencies: US dollars, Canadian dollars, Brit- reaching 38C/100F degrees and beyond, which can be- ish pounds, Euros, and New Israeli Shekels.
    [Show full text]
  • International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Hereinafter, the “Convention” Or “CERD”)
    United Nations CERD/C/ISR/17-19 International Convention on Distr.: General 14 March 2017 the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination Original: English English, French and Spanish only Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the Convention Seventeenth to nineteenth periodic reports of States parties due in 2016 , Israel* ** [Date received: 2 March 2017] * The present document is being issued without formal editing. ** The annexes are file with the Secretariat and are available for consultation. GE.17-04122(E) CERD/C/ISR/17-19 Introduction 1. The Government of Israel (GOI) welcomes the opportunity to present its 17-19th Periodic Report to the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Hereinafter the “Committee) in accordance with the requirements of Article 9, paragraph 1(b) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (hereinafter, the “Convention” or “CERD”). 2. In accordance with the Committee’s Concluding Observation No. 38 of March 9, 2012, (CERD/C/ISR/CO/14-16), all GOI Ministries and institutions relevant to this Report were requested to supply data and information concerning their areas of operation. Additionally, in accordance with Concluding Observation No. 32 of March 9, 2012, Israeli Non-Governmental Organizations (“NGOs”) were also invited to submit information and comments prior to the compilation of this Report. 3. This Report was compiled by the Counseling and Legislation (International Law) Department at the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), in cooperation with other Governmental Ministries and agencies. 4. Racial discrimination is prohibited in Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Hundreds of Christians Joined Rabbi Riskin to Celebrate Sukkot ­ Christian Newswire
    4/28/2015 Hundreds of Christians Joined Rabbi Riskin to Celebrate Sukkot ­ Christian Newswire We are the most effective way to get your press release into the hands of reporters and news producers. Check out our client list. Hundreds of Christians Joined Rabbi Riskin to Celebrate Sukkot Contact: CJCUC Media Department, 516­882­3220 EFRAT, Israel, Oct. 22, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ ­­ Last week, hundreds of Christians from around the world celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in Israel with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin that included a 'praise service' of the Hallel – Psalms 113­118. The event was unprecedented, the first time an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi invited the Christian community to such a gathering. Rabbi Riskin SUBMIT is the Chief Rabbi of Efrat, serves as Israel's Ambassador for Jewish­Christian Relations and is Founder of the Center for Jewish­Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC). Long time veteran in Jewish­Christian relations, Cheryl Hauer of Bridges for Peace said, "I waited 25 years for this moment and this was the first time where we (Christians) felt completely accepted by the Jewish community in the Land." The service took place at CJCUC's headquarters in Efrat in partnership with other Jewish personalities who have extensive relationships with the Christian community such as Rabbi Tuly Weisz of Israel365, Sondra Baras the head of Christian Friends of Israel Communities, Yitzchak Sokoloff of Keshet Educational Tours and Jonathan Feldstein of Heart to Heart. "We enabled Christians to experience a central component of Jewish praise in a way that appreciates the depth of our connection to God, bringing us that much closer to the realization of the visions of our prophets," Baras said.
    [Show full text]
  • His Face Ostill/Shutterstock.Com Terry Mason, BFP Staff Writer
    ISRAELTeaching Letter www.bridgesforpeace.com Vol. # 770715 l July 2015 When God HidesHis Face ostill/shutterstock.com Terry Mason, BFP Staff Writer Bridges for Peace...Your Israel Connection ® When God HidesHis Face RECENTLY MY WIFE, ROBBIE, AND I stopped to order takeaway on our way home one eve- ning. While we were waiting for our burgers, the young rabbi work- ing at the counter engaged us in con- versation. He asked us where we were from and we told him we lived in the neighborhood. “How long do you plan to stay in Jerusalem?” We responded, “God willing, a long time!” His im- mediate response was, “Well, Mashi- ach (Messiah) is coming, you know, and it is going to be soon!” A sparkle of hope and anticipation filled his eyes. We regularly have such interactions with Israelis or overhear similar conversations as people talk among themselves on the bus or in cafes. Jew- ish people in Israel today are openly, regularly talking about the imminent arrival of the Messiah. After centuries of difficult waiting, the Jewish 2 l July 2015 people are reading the signs. As God prophesied long ago through the prophets, and Jewish sages have confirmed, God seems to have hidden His face from the Jewish people for a time, but now He is making Himself known for the sake of His name. God also prom- ised a great restoration for His people, and that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through them. How can we, as Christians, participate with God as He restores His people? Hester Panim When God hides His face it is referred to as hester panim The root of hester is satar, which means “hidden.” It .(הסתיר פנים) is used both literally and figuratively in Scripture.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear CUFI Supporters
    JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2013 BUILDING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL FROM COAST TO COAST DEAR CUFI SUPPORTERS, In early January, the press revealed that Egypt’s Muslim to the southwest, in small Brotherhood affiliated president, Mohammed Morsi, said in college towns and in some a 2010 interview that the Jewish people are “descendants of our nation’s largest cities, of apes and pigs.” A few weeks after the revelation, Morsi CUFI is uniting Christians in explained his comments by asserting that they had been support of Israel. distorted by the so-called Jewish-controlled media. Not to be outdone, in late February, Turkey’s Prime Minister Morsi’s and Erdogan’s comments are not aberrations. The Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Zionism as a “crime against drumbeat of anti-Semitism is constant in Tehran, Damascus, humanity.” Cairo, and Ramallah. And it does not stop at the water’s edge. In pockets of our own society that have become Israel is surrounded by hate. The Jewish people are devoid of morality, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism are demonized and terrorized by bigots bent on their growing. destruction. But our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land are not alone - at CUFI, we are fighting back. CUFI’s educational efforts explain that Zionism is a Christian and moral imperative, and our advocacy efforts provide an After Erdogan made his disgusting comments about Zionism, avenue through which we can collectively fight the evil that CUFI executive director David Brog told the Washington Free today rises up against God’s chosen people. But ultimately, Beacon “Erdogan’s statement is dangerous hate speech… each individual in America must decide for themselves if Denying to the Jews what is valid for the rest of humanity is they will stand with God’s chosen people.
    [Show full text]