The Chosen People Volume X, Issue 5 June 2004

Israel:Israel: AA LandLand TornTorn ApartApart

INSIDE Trusting the Lord in a Dangerous World • Israel’s Most Influential People • THIS ISSUE: Land Control, Settlements, and Israel’s Political Parties • Revelation Study Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” (Genesis 12:7) TrTrustingusting thethe LordLord inin aa DangerousDangerous understanding, allowed sin to come into this world. Sin has corrupted WWorldorld what God Himself made so beautiful. Yet through His redeeming Dear friend, power, the Lord continues to create Shalom from New York City. I am sure you would agree with me that we beauty from ashes, restore what was now live in a very “unsafe” world. But this should not surprise believers in Jesus. broken and redeem the fallen. Every We need only turn to God’s Word for confirmation of this uncomfortable truth. time I see believers worshipping the The Scripture has often described our present world as unsafe and hostile to the Lord, my heart rejoices. I know this things of God. In good times, we tend to gloss over the more sobering passages. is a foretaste of a time to come, But we ignore them at our own peril—not only from the standpoint of physical when sin will be permanently well being, but also with regard to our spiritual priorities. removed from our restored planet, It is good to be reminded that our Messiah said, “...In the world you will have God will again be our all-in-all, and tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).Although it together we will worship around is hard to comprehend at times, the Scriptures tell us that the world we live in is His throne. Until then, we live in a temporary, dominated by “the god of this world” and immersed in darkness. dangerous world that is plagued by The world God created is certainly beautiful. The rivers, the mountains, the the destructive power of sin. trees, the stars in the sky—these certainly reflect His handiwork, as the Psalmist This is all the more reason for us writes, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” as believers to recognize that God (Psalm 19:1). This also holds true for people.The people God created, though has kept us in this world to be His tainted by sin, are also beautiful.Although this sometimes seems difficult to instruments of mercy, grace and believe, it is nonetheless true. God’s Word says that we have all been created in redemption. It is through us that His image and likeness—and God does not create ugliness. But when the god of God brings a foretaste of heaven to this world takes hold of the people of this world, there is no question that the people by introducing them to the impact is dangerous, destructive and sometimes very ugly. Savior of the world. Messiah’s Redeeming Power Gathering Threats We believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah for all people. He died and rose Is there a day that passes that we so that our sins could be forgiven.We can now receive the gift of the Holy Spirit are not reminded of the gathering who transforms our lives so we can be like the One who created us. Isn’t this the threats to our country? We grieve for heart of the Gospel? God is a redeeming God who, for some reason beyond my our soldiers who are dying.We

2 The Chosen People Living by faith is a constant reality for , including our Chosen People Ministries staff members who live in the West Bank.

mourn the innocent civilians who A Word of Hope are killed each day.The rise and land in Israel is given back through I believe God is using these activity of Islamic fundamentalists has negotiation, it will only be a terrible recent events to remind us, changed the character of our national temporary concession. Regardless of from a spiritual perspective, of the life. One perhaps unexpected result is what earthly governments decide, kind of world in which we live. that this has brought our country God will give Israel the land one closer in spirit to Israel. Israel’s daily Dear friend, there is only one day because He promised it dread of the sudden, wrenching loss hope for this world, and it is the (Genesis 12:7). of a beloved family member or same hope for both Jew and non- In the final analysis, it is not our friend is not as unimaginable to us as Jew. Our hope for peace is the Prince land to give away and it is not our it once was.We experienced our of Peace—Jesus, our Messiah. It is land to take. God sets the own baptism of suffering on 9/11, when we are bringing the message of boundaries.And what He has in and we will never be the same. the Gospel of peace to Jews and store is far greater than any of us Gentiles that we become God’s holy The impact of the Islamic can possibly imagine: a kingdom instruments for redemption in a fundamentalists’ declaration of war where the Israelite and the stranger world that is dangerous and upon the Western nations and Israel will dwell in the land in peace. has created a large national ultimately is passing away. But that can only happen when discussion about why this is There are many threats in this the Prince of Peace reigns in happening and what our response world. Some of them are easy to righteousness. should be. In Israel, the problems of recognize; others less so: “...For national security and the tortured Satan himself transforms himself into an I hope that you find this relationship with the Palestinian angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). newsletter helpful, and that it will Authority has engendered a similar, But there is one thing upon which encourage you to be internal discussion (often with we may depend.Although Islamic fervent in prayer and shouting) about Israel’s priorities fundamentalism is a real threat, in your witness to and how to proceed. neither this nor any other the Jew first and also to the Gentile. The remainder of this newsletter movement will keep God from will furnish a look at some of the fulfilling His promises. Your brother in forces that are in play in Israel and This is the perspective we must the Messiah, the issues that are emerging in these have. Earthly decisions stand and fall Dr. Mitch Glaser tense times. according to the will of the Lord. If Mitch President

June 2004 3 Quick Facts: NATAN SHARANSKY 290 miles long, 85 wide • Born in Ukraine. Became 6.5 million (77% Jewish) internationally known army chaplain with the rank of National Languages: advocate for rights of captain. Hebrew and Arabic Soviet Jewish people. •Studied at the Kerem Be-Yavne Prime Minister: • Jailed by Russia in 1978 Hesder yeshiva and served as rabbi for treason and spying. Cites of the Tiferet Zvi Synagogue in Tel President: Moshe Katsav rediscovery of Jewish heritage as Aviv. key element to survival in prison. • Appointed regional rabbi of • His wife,Avital, immigrated to northern . Published several Israel and worked for his release, books, two of which were awarded Pray for which took place in 1986. Hailed prizes by the . as hero upon arrival in Israel. • In 2003, appointed Ashkenazi Chief •Founded Yisrael b’, a political Rabbi of Israel. Israel’s Most party to help immigrants in 1995. SILVAN SHALOM •Now serving as Minister without • Elected to the in Portfolio, responsible for , Inf luential 1992. social and Diaspora affairs. • As Minister of Foreign ARIEL SHARON MOSHE KATSAV Affairs, he joins such • Born at Kfar Malal in • Born in 1945 in Iran famous predecessors as 1928. Freedom fighter for and immigrated to Israel Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan. Israel from age of 14. in 1951. • Represents the State to foreign Served in the Israel • Served as Member of governments and international Defense Forces for more the Knesset since 1977. organizations; explains its positions than 25 years, retiring with the and problems throughout the rank of Major General. •President of the State of Israel world, and safeguards the rights of since 2000.As President, he bears Israeli citizens abroad. • Elected to the Knesset in the ancient title of the Head of December 1973. Served in high- the Sanhedrin though his duties level government offices until are largely ceremonial. elected Prime Minister in 2001. • Born in 1923 in Poland. Family relocated LT. GENERAL to Tel Aviv in 1934. MOSHE YA’ALON • Born in Tel Aviv in • Served in military and • Born in 1950 in Kiryat 1949 and raised in government since 1947. Haim. Served as Jerusalem.Attended high Member of Knesset since 1959. paratrooper in various school in the United Helped form the Labor Party in military operations. States when his famous 1968. Served as Prime Minister in father, Professor Ben-Zion •Fought in Operation Peace for unity government in 1984. Galilee and was wounded in Netanyahu, taught history. •Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Lebanon. Returned to Israel in 1967 and with and Yasser served in elite commando unit in • Appointed commander of the IDF Arafat in 1994. the . Paratroop Brigade in 1990. • Became Prime Minister and Rapidly advanced to rank of • Elected to the Knesset in 1988 Defense Minister in 1995 after Major General. and appointed Deputy Foreign assassination of Prime Minister Minister. • In 2002 became Lieutenant Rabin. Served in this dual capacity • Elected Prime Minister of Israel in General and IDF Chief-of-Staff. until 1996 elections. May 1996 serving until 1999 •Well-known advocate for HIEF ABBI defeat by . C R negotiated peace agreement with • Served as Minister of Foreign YONA METZGER Palestinian Authority. • Born in Haifa in 1953. Affairs in November 2002 until Sources: February 2003, when he was • Served in the IDF and Jewish Virtual Library, www.us-israel.org/jsource appointed Minister of Finance. was discharged as an Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mfa.gov.il 4 The Chosen People ho is in charge of the Land of Israel? Religious Party are fairly united in their support This is not a new question. of the settlements. W Throughout its long history, Israel has One notable exception to this rule is Neturei- been ruled by Muslims, Christians and Jews. Karta International (Aramaic for “Guardians of Each group, at some time or other, has staked a the City”) —Jews United Against Zionism.This claim for ownership and for God’s “seal of hard-core, anti-Zionist, Orthodox Jewish group approval.” is convinced that the secular State of Israel is a But today, Israel is wrestling not only with political and spiritual disaster. One of their foreign enemies, but also with the realities of spokesmen, Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, even internal forces that are shaping current events. went so far as to say,“There will be no peace in There is no more volatile issue in Israel the Middle East until there is no State of Israel.” today than the fate of the settlements in the so- called “occupied territories” of the West Bank God’s Covenant and the State of Israel and the Gaza Strip.A look at Israel’s strongest Can you imagine a greater variety of parties and their positions on this vital question viewpoints—and all of them Jewish? Yet the is illuminating. central question is,“How does God’s will come into the picture?” (Unity)—Strong People Without question, the guiding vision of for Hard Times Zionism that helped bring about the State of The priority of Likud, led by Ariel Sharon, is Israel is secular in nature. But is not the Israel’s national security. Secular in nature, the Scripture replete with examples of God’s party has viewed expanded settlements on the unseen hand guiding the forces of history, West Bank and Gaza as insurance against Arab unbeknownst even to those who imagine aggression—practical measures rather than themselves to be the chief actors? Although Biblical mandates. the relationship between the State of Backed by the United States, Prime Minister Israel and the Israel of Scripture may be Sharon recently proposed dismantling unclear, it cannot be dismissed. settlements on the Gaza Strip and relocating Despite the uncertainties, faithful believers their roughly 7,500 inhabitants.Although have the task of announcing the fulfillment of Sharon pushed hard for support, members of God’s promise in Messiah.Then those who are his own party soundly defeated the proposal. found in Him will say together, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings Labor—Give Peace a Chance good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad The Labor party is generally to the left of tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who Likud and has been traditionally perceived to says to Zion,‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7). be more receptive to the aspirations of the Arab refugees.Worn out by years of conflict and Sources: ready to take a chance, Israel in 1999 elected Jewish Virtual Library, www.us-israel.org/jsource Ehud Barak, who defeated Likud’s Benjamin What You Need to Know About Judaism, judaism.about.com/cs/israelielection1 Neturei-Karta, Jews United Against Zionism, www.nkusa.org Netanyahu. Prime Minister Barak offered Yasser Arafat the most generous land concessions to date. Arafat refused and instead unleashed the terrorism that has paralyzed negotiations for the past three years. Barak was defeated by Ariel Sharon in 2001. LandLand Control,Control, The Religious Parties The Orthodox Jewish parties represent a powerful presence in the West Bank settlements SettlementsSettlements andand that Sharon is hoping to maintain.The religious political parties such as Shas (Sephardi Guardians), United Torah Judaism and the National Israel’sIsrael’s PoliticalPolitical PartiesParties

June 2004 5 victims and create such severe pain that “…in those days men will seek death and will not find it…” (Revelation 9:6). All who do not have the seal of God’s ee the ownership upon them are the objects of ThroughS Jewish Eyes their torment and pain (Revelation 9:4). The king over these demons is named Apollyon, meaning “destroyer,”and suggests some high-ranking archangel of Satan. THE RELEASE OF FOUR SATANIC ANGELS FROM THE byBible Daniel Goldberg, Th.D., D.D. EUPHRATES RIVER The Euphrates is not only the cradle of civilization (Genesis 2:14), but is also the northern boundary for Israel (Genesis 15:18). Each angel leads part of a vast DEMON army of at least 200 million (Revelation ACTIVITY 9:16)! The invasion of this army lasts 13 AT ITS HEIGHT months. Even after five months of torment by locust-like demons, men (Revelation 9:1-21) continue to refuse to repent.The damage of the army’s invasion is the destruction of one third of all mankind. Combined with God’s other judgments, the calculations total into the billions of human beings taken from the earth (Revelation 9:15). Jesus predicted these judgments in Matthew 24:21,22. The purpose of all these Divine Although the language of the THE RELEASE OF judgments is to solicit repentance (a Book of Revelation may seem DEMONS FROM THE change of mind) from individuals who puzzling to us, we must remember BOTTOMLESS PIT endorse false religions (demon worship), (Revelation 9:1-11) that the apocalyptic meaning of idolatry, murder, theft and sexual The “bottomless pit” (abussos in immorality (Revelation 9:20,21). symbols such as seals and trumpets Greek) is translated “abyss” in was more familiar to the author’s first- Luke 8:31.This “bottomless pit” is DEMONIC ACTIVITY TODAY century readers.We take up our study mentioned seven times in Revelation. Today, Satan is limited to work chiefly with the seventh seal, which consists The one who releases these demons is by secrecy and stealth. Demons are of seven trumpet judgments given in termed “a fallen star” (Revelation described as being in captivity since 9:1)—probably Satan himself Calvary. Messiah has stripped them of Revelation 8:7 through 11:19.The (Isaiah 14:12). their unrestricted power to possess souls. last three trumpets are described as Smoke emerges from the pit to No believer should ever attempt to the three woes: 8:13; 9:12; 11:14. pollute the atmosphere and darken the interact with a demon. Such action These woes describe the Great sun. From the smoke emerges an army violates God’s command, which prohibits 1 of demons, compared to locusts.These dialogue with the forces of darkness Tr ibulation (the last 3 ⁄2 years). locust-like demons do not devour any (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Revelation 9 contains the fifth and green vegetation, but are given Jesus the Messiah alone is able to free sixth trumpet judgments, describing assignments of tormenting men for five any exploited, possessed person.We must months—the normal life span of a urge that person to come to the Messiah the greatest demonic activity to come locust.The description of these hideous and trust Him for release. “Therefore if the upon the earth— the release of two demons is symbolized in Revelation Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” forms of Satanic Force. 9:7-9.Their task is to torment their (John 8:36). ✡

6 The Chosen People NEWS NEWS NEWS BRIEFSBRIEFS

MORE FRUIT IN NEW YORK CITY FROM PASSION OUTREACH Klaudia Z, a staff member in Brooklyn, reports a recent IT TAKES A visit with a Russian Jewish man she had spoken to in FRENCHMAN… Manhattan. She met the man during Chosen People Chosen People Ministries’ outreach the week The Passion of the Christ Ministries missionary premiered. The man came to Klaudia out of curiosity Olivier Melnick is not and asked, “What is this, a synagogue?” Klaudia told ashamed of his Jewish him about their Messianic congregation and background—or of being responded by sharing the Gospel. The man declared, French. In fact, the combination was recently “Now, after seeing The Passion, I also believe.” Please used to draw a fellow Jewish countryman into pray he would make a firm commitment to the Lord the kingdom of Messia and grow in his faith. witnessing to him for someh. Olivier time, had finding been it difficult because of the secu CHOSEN PEOPLE MINISTRIES STANDING WITH French Jewish people of lar mindset that ISRAEL IN CHICAGO recent visit, Olivier ten display. But on a found hi The Jewish community in Chicago has 110 synagogues, lack of employment. Olivier mshared depressed the Gospel from eight Jewish community centers and numerous with him—particularly the Messianic services and agencies. Last month, Chosen People prophecies—and David* was finally convinced. Ministries participated in a public demonstration He prayed with Olivie numbering in the thousands that was organized to r to receive the Lord. stand against terrorism and to support Israel’s right to exist. Students from Moody Bible Institute who volunteer with Chosen People Ministries carried a giant banner in support of Israel while proclaiming their love for Messiah. A number of people asked questions about their “dual loyalty” to both Messiah SALVATION DECISION ANCER and Israel. Please pray for the seeds that were planted FOR DYING C during these many Gospel-centered conversations. PATIENT Madeline Goldberg has CREATIVE MINISTRY IN ISRAEL THROUGH ministered with her “OPEN HEART” VIDEO CLUB Sharing the Gospel in Israel requires creativity—and husband, Dan, to Jewish people and others for Chosen People Ministries’ staff members in Tel Aviv many years. Recently, Madeline was able to are up to the challenge. They recently started the develop a relationship with a Jewish woman who “Open Heart” Video Club. First, they gathered a has terminal cancer. In theirspel first of visit,John. Madeline The two collection of evangelistic, Bible-centered movies. Then asked her to read the Go they attracted a number of interested people through remained in contact by telephone. Ten days later, ads placed in various newspapers and magazines. Not after reading John’s Gospel, the woman opened her only have people come to view the films, but they also heart to receive Jesus. She prayed with Madeline, to forgive her sins and come into stay for conversation in the home-like atmosphere. asking the Lord Now, some have started to attend worship at our her life. Now she wants to talk to her rabbi about Messianic congregations. Please pray for salvation her faith. Please ask God to keep her firm in her decisions and also for the means to keep this outreach commitment. running. * Names changed

June 2004 7 A WORD FROM DOUG MCEVOY, Peace to VICE-PRESIDENT OF STEWARDSHIP

Jerusalem Creating a Charitable Remainder Trust Shalom Jerusalem Recorded live in the City of David, this Helping people plan their financial recording weaves the purity of worship giving can lead to some surprising into the fabric of Messianic praise. encounters. Recently, I Magnificent worship that is rich and visited a gracious lady in deep as the history of Jerusalem. Songs her lovely home who took include Roni Roni, Hinei Ma Tov, and pleasure in showing me her Jerusalem of Gold. by Paul Wilbur antiques. Among them was a Cassette • #4022 • $9.95us - SPECIAL CLEARANCE! CD • #4021 • $18.95us doll collection, which she retrieved from Understanding the Arab-Israeli her attic. I’m no expert, but Conflict I knew they were worth Dr. Michael Rydelnik, professor of something, and she agreed Jewish Studies at Moody Bible to have me arrange an appraisal. Institute, goes beyond media images Can you imagine our for an in-depth look at the conflict astonishment when we between Israel and the Palestinians. discovered these dolls she This book places the "crisis that never had from her childhood ends" in its scriptural, historical, and prophetic contexts, and challenges the were worth $250,000? reader to think biblically as we stand The woman wondered what to do. I helped her with Israel in "praying for the peace of Jerusalem." arrange a Charitable Remainder Trust—a financial us book #3109 • $17.95 arrangement that allows a valuable gift to be donated with favorable tax benefit and which NEW!! The Jewish Art Calendar provides income for life and a generous bequest to The Chosen People Ministries Jewish Art Calendar is filled with Messianic prophecies God’s work. and breathtaking Messianic art. You might not have a valuable This is the perfect gift to give doll collection, but a Charitable your Jewish friend. Order one Remainder Trust might just work for your own home, too, and for you and at the same time experience the beauty of the Jewish holidays throughout bring the Good News of the the year. The calendar goes Messiah to the Chosen People. from September 2004 For more information, call Doug McEvoy at through December 2005. 1-888-2-YESHUA (1-888-293-7482), calendar 5005 • $12.95us (pre-order; available August 1, 2004) email [email protected], or return the response card. For orders in the U.S. call 800-333-4936. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. The Chosen People Newsletter Chosen People Ministries has been taking the love of the Messiah to Jewish people worldwide since 1894.

Chosen People Ministries U.S. Board of Directors: Mr. Gary W. Smith, Chairman • Mr. Roy Adams • Dr. Darrell Bock • Mr. Jeffrey Branman • Ms. Cindy Forbes • Dr. Mitch Please Glaser • Dr. Gregory Hagg • Mr. John Holbrook • Mr. Eugene Johnson • Mr. Tom McHugh • Dr. John L. Pretlove • Dunewood Truglia, Esq. • Mr. David C. Weland remember Serving in: Argentina • Australia • Canada • Great Britain • France • Germany • Israel • Mexico • Ukraine • United States Chosen People Ministries in The Chosen People newsletter is published monthly by Chosen People Ministries. For more information, or to receive The Chosen People newsletter, write to: your will. “I Chosen People Ministries, International Headquarters, 241 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022. In Canada, write to: Box 897 Station B, North York, ON, M2K 2R1. In Great Britain, write to: PO Box 350, Market Drayton, TF9 3ZP, United Kingdom. In Australia, write to: Celebrate Messiah, PO Box 5006, Glenferrie, will bless those South VIC 3122 (www.celebratemessiah.com). Editor: Zhava Glaser; Staff Writer: Alan Shore; Design: Lois Gable; Illustration on page 2 by Olivier Melnick. who bless you.” (Genesis 12:3) Visit us on the web at www.chosenpeople.com Our Spanish website is www.puebloelegido.com. ©2004 Chosen People Ministries. N0406 Printed in the USA