| “Fully 80% of Israeli Jews believe that God exists –the highest figure found by the Guttman-Avi Chai survey since this review of Israeli-Jewish beliefs began two decades ago. The study also found that 70% of respondents believe the Jews are the Chosen People,65% believe the Torah and mitzvot (religious commandments) are God-given,and 56% believe in life after death. But that doesn’t mean Jews in general are becoming more religious,at least not in an Orthodox Jewish way. Only 37% of Israeli Jews had a problem with fellow Jews not following the biblical commandments,and nearly 70% said they want more entertainment venues to be open on the Shabbat. The numbers,however,coincide with other recent findings that Israelis are increasingly hungry for a deeper spiritual life.”(Haaretz and Israel Today newspapers,and taken from Jerusalem-on-Line) There is a spiritual emptiness throughout all cultures,being that the Spirit of God is resisted by the peoples and nations of the world. This vacuum is being filled ( or else left emptied) by other spirits and self-justification,with the consequences of more wars and rumors of wars,lawlessness abounding,and the love of many growing cold . There is ‘religious’revival professing God,but denying the power of godliness. We pray that our light,as believers in God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ/Messiah Yeshua,would so shine that those truly hungering and thirsting for righteousness,peace,truth,love will repent of their unbelief in Yeshua,and find the substance of what is good. This is YHVH God’s covenant with the house of Israel and the House of Jacob: He will forgive them of their iniquity,and remember their sin no more. (Jer 33:34b Eng;Heb 8:10-12) (quoted from Arni Klein, Klein Fax, 20 Jan 2012) Most of you will remember the court battle in Beer Sheva between the Messianic believers and the orthodox community. In the natural,one might say it didn’t turn out well considering all the time,energy,resources,prayer,and heart that was sown during those days. We generally expect victory to look a certain way. As we perceived it,that battle was not really about right and wrong or our reputation. Our hearts’ desire was that the souls imprisoned by a cultish religious structure would be freed. Over recent months the darkness of the orthodox system has been front-page news. The cover has been pulled back revealing their intolerance of any one different as being quite ugly and surprisingly violent. Could it be that we are witnessing an unexpected face of victory? Rather than this spirit being bound,it is being given more freedom so all might see it as it really is. Many have long been at the edge of this community unable to take the step out to the freedom their heart longs for. Beloved,this is a strategic time to focus our prayers on those that are hearing the Lord calling. May this exposure be the push that gives those that really do love the truth the strength and conviction to make the break. In recent days and weeks, certain sects within the ultra-orthodox Jewish religious community,especially in Jerusalem and in Beit Shemesh,have openly displayed their utter contempt towards women. This manifests a similar spirit seen in Islam,and is also the attitude of the antichrist. (Dan 11:37;2Tim 3:3) This contemptible behavior is in accord with the prayer in the Talmud (the sacred oral law and tradition of rabbinic Judaism),in which the men thank God for not making them women! The Law of Moses,with all its seeming inequalities between males and females,nonetheless elevates women to a far higher status than in the laws and customs of the gentile nations of those times. In the New Testament,brought in with the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ,God further elevated the status and dignity of women,seen in numerous verses and passages throughout the gospels and epistles. There are still differences in matters of priorities and service,but males and females are completely equal and loved in God’s estimation,and both are being converted into the image of the Son of God. All are priests of God in Messiah;the Body of Christ is the Bride of the Lamb;husbands are admonished and commanded to love their wives as themselves. The Gospel of Luke especially shows the Lord Jesus as a friend of downtrodden women,downcast women,widows,even of fallen and sinful women. His whole manner and attitude towards women was one of utmost respect and mercy. The Holy Spirit lifts the head of women to a station of honor,in which they do not need to feel less than men and put down,but can find their fulfillment in that for which God created and redeemed them to bring honor and glory to the LORD first of all,and to their husbands,if they are married. (Prov 31) The contempt of darkened religious perversion of the love and truth of God toward women has no place in the heart and mind of men who also know the love and humility of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who comes as the Lamb of God. May many Jewish and Muslim women begin to look to the true God of Heaven and Earth for their joy and hope of salvation from the oppression,subjugation, and hatred which they suffer under,and find their liberty and dignity in the Lover and Healer of their souls. The Light has come,and the daylight begins to push away the darkness of winter days. Spring must be in the air! From the beginning till the end of the year,our Lord and God watches over His people and His land! (Dt 11:12) God ‘found’His Sabbath rest in His Son,who came to bring the old order of things to an end that the light of a new way and day could be brought to mankind. At our Shabbat service,we celebrated the Festival of Lights,giving priority to the true Light who is eternal that came into the world to push back the darkness,over the temporal Hanukah lights of candles or oil which must be continually watched over to remain lit before they eventually do burn out. As is our custom,we lit all of the candles on the hanukia (the menora or lampstand of Hanukah),as a visual testimony to the truth that the full light of God has come into the world through His Son,and He has made us light in the darkness). The Lord’s Supper was also a wonderful part of the service —remembering Yeshua’s death until He comes. Being that we have many different cultures and languages among our congregation of Yeshua’s Inheritance,there was a presentation of songs by some of the different groups —such as Hebrew,Spanish,English,Russian,Korean,Burmese. That which began at Pentecost with different tongues all praising the living God together has grown and increased to multitudes of redeemed people from out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation by the blood of the Lamb,singing a new song to Yeshua who was slain to bring us to God the Father. Hallelu-Yah! Amen! (Rev 5:9) With these two universally known Hebrew words —both of which speak of the true God and Savior (Rev 3:14) —we visited Bethlehem yesterday on Christmas Day with two other families from our congregation,and some medical students and other friends. We went first to an Evangelical Church,where we have been going since 2003 —during the Intifada —as an expression of the reconciliation which we have through the cross,even though our peoples continue to be in a perpetual state of hostility with each other. At the Arab church there I was asked to share some introductory words from my heart,and spoke of the hope we all have through the gospel,which includes that Jesus will come back again to bring the Kingdom of God to Israel and the rest of the world. Political solutions will not satisfy the need for the righteousness of God,the peace which He gives,and joy in the Holy Spirit. At the end of the service,I was asked to bless the elders and the church with the priestly blessing in Hebrew,the language of the ‘enemy’. I gently reminded the brothers and sisters there to remember that the name of YEHOVAH God is still upon His people Israel,and asked them to pray for the Jewish Israeli people to honor His name and of His Son. Then I blessed them in the name of the Father,the Son,and the Holy Spirit. It was a very special time,and I thank the Lord that the pastor took the risk (and it is a risk!) to ask me for this honor. After the service,we all (13 adults and 5 children) had a wonderful lunch at his home. Then we went over to Beit Al Liqa —the extraordinary facility of the children’s ministry (of all ages) in Beit Jala. http://www.beitliqa.org/eng/eng_home_page.html There we enjoyed our final legendary hospitality of the rainy day,and were able to see how the work is still developing. It was a very encouraging day,which only the Spirit of Messiah knows how to do! Yesterday,in an interview on a U.S. cable network,Newt Gringrich,a Republican Presidential candidate,said that the Palestinian people are “invented”. This,of course,raised an outcry from Palestinian Arab political,religioius, and intellectual leaders. After all the claims by Palestinians delegitimizing Israel’s right to exist,the Islamic repudiation of any Jewish history connected to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem,and the denial even by many (if not most) Palestinian Arab Christians of God’s everlasting covenants connected with Abraham,with Isaac,and with Jacob and their posterity . . . it is the utmost hypocrisy for them to call “despicable”and “very racist”the remarks made by Gringrich regarding their identity and history. Israel and the Jewish people have a long recorded history written in the whole of the Bible,and also in extra-Biblical sources. The Israeli people from the beginning has never been about a “pure race or bloodline”: there has always been mixture,yet with a clear sense of belonging to and identity with this particular people and nation. This has been so in religion and peoplehood,for Israel’s existence comes from YHVH God Himself. I know many Palestinian evangelical believers in Yeshua as Lord and Messiah,yet who do not know where they come from or who they are —other than to say that they are Palestinian Arabs,because their families were born in Palestine —a name given to the Land of Israel by the Romans after the final Jewish revolt in 132 AD,a name which derives from the Philistia (Philistines),and which means ‘invaders’in the Hebrew Holy Spirit-inspired Scriptures. These brothers in Messiah/Christ admit to not agreeing that they are necessarily Semites (from Noah’s son,Shem),which would mean that they are not then sons of Abraham. They do not accept necessarily that they are sons of Ishmael —which of course they would not be if not sons of Abraham. They do not accept any lineage with Esau/Edom. They do not know who they are,but accept being a mixed race (which the word ‘Arab’actually implies —‘mixture’),and want us Israeli Jewish believers to be confused as to who we are,too,since we are also mixed through intermarriage with Gentiles. (Again,Biblically,there has always been mixture within Israel,yet still an identifiable nation with detailed genealogies over centuries and thousands of years,one of the proofs as to who Jesus Christ is in the flesh.) Apart from the Biblical record in the Old and the New Testaments,there will always be ‘inventions’and confusion if we ignore the truth,and for those who do believe in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God,the Bible is supposed to our primary source for information,and the Scriptures are written for us living at the end of the age. Judaism and the Jewish people also attempt to revise and re-write history with respect to the truth of who Yeshua/Jesus is and of His resurrection. Islam and Muslims in their holy book,the Koran,have re-written history connected with the name of the true God,with Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac,with Jesus being the Son of God the Father,with His virgin birth and His death and resurrection. Christians have gone beyond what is written in showing hostility toward the Jewish people and God’s faithfulness to restore them to favor in the Land of Israel which He promised long ago to be an everlasting possession,but not a “Jews only”state. Even Jewish believers in Yeshua are not without inventions,not willing to accept many truths which the Holy Spirit has taught the predominantly Gentile church over the last 2000 years. Stereotypes such as all Jews are Christ killers;or all Christians are anti-Semites;or all Muslims are terrorists are not helpful when true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ are taught to speak the truth in righteousness and in love. Most inventions of the mind or of lying spirits are an effort to give dignity and significance to ourselves or to our nation or our religious beliefs,especially when we think God or history writing has been “unbalanced”. Just as the serpent beguiled Eve to think that she would be like God through disobeying Him,so is it foolish human pride seeking to find purpose and value through any thing other than the truth of the God who created us,spoke concerning callings and destinies of many peoples,and loves us to give us living hope of glory through repentance from our unbelief and rebellion towards faith in Him and His Word. In this season when the birth of the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world is traditionally celebrated —especially by believers who can worship God in Spirit and truth —let us remember that Jesus died asking the Father to forgive us,especially for being ignorant of all that we have done and still do against Yehovah,and against His Anointed One. He is coming again,and will bring righteous judgment against all who oppose Him and those upon whom is His goodwill. On Sunday Turkey suffered a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake,killing hundreds,injuring over a thousand,destroying more than 2000 buildings,leaving thousands homeless and struggling. Israel offered immediate rescue assistance to Turkey,but the Turkish government refused the initial request,saying they could manage without Israel’s expertise. With the suffering and emotions rising,the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan changed his mind,and asked Israel for help with pre-fabricated temporary housing units,which Israel was quick to dispatch. Turkey,as leader of the Islamic Ottoman Empire for 400 years in Palestine,until defeated in 1917 by the British allied forces,had in recent years been an ally of Israel in the region. More recently,under the leadership of the Prime Minister,Turkey has reverted to its hostility towards the sovereign Jewish nation,and has acted as a provocateur and an enemy. Despite this,the God of Israel has instilled in His people an ethic that makes little logical sense,yet calls for a higher standard than other nations with other gods. Christians as individuals are called to this standard in a more knowledgeable way,with the example of the Lord Jesus Christ not only teaching, but also demonstrating the way: Mt 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said,‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you,love your enemies,bless those who curse you,do good to those who hate you,and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good,and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you,what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only,what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect,just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Pr 25:21-22 “If your enemy is hungry,give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty,give him water to drink;
For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And YHVH will reward you.”
Rom 12:17-21 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible,as much as depends on you,live peaceably with all men. Beloved,do not avenge yourselves,but rather give place to wrath;for it is written,“Vengeance is Mine,I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore,
“ If your enemy is hungry,feed him;
If he is thirsty,give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil,but overcome evil with good.”
Gilad Shalit,the Israeli soldier held captive for more than five years by Hamas in Gaza,came back home yesterday,October 18. It was a day of much anticipation and emotion throughout the nation. When we saw Gilad walking out from the car which took him out of Hamas’hands into those of the Egyptians —meaning that he had been freed —it was a moment of tears of joy and thanksgiving. Israel’s history is full of mourning turned to joy,even if only temporal and temporary. It looks forward to the day when the Israeli Jewish people will look upon Him whom they have pierced —upon Yeshua who is the greater Son of Israel —and the mourning throughout the millennia will be healed and bring unspeakable joy everlasting. Jesus will be welcomed and blessed back home to His natural born family. War will end,and righteousness and peace will reign,and the enemy will be subdued. Israel is a family: when one member suffers,all suffer with it;when one is honored,all rejoice wth him. Yesterday,many are still suffering from the pain of being victims of terrible violent acts against them and their loved ones. Yet yesterday,‘all’Israel rejoiced for Gilad Shalit and his family —and for being Israeli. Our God is an awesome God! He is the God of individual persons personally —the God of Abraham,of Isaac,and of Jacob. He is the God of a people,of a nation,of a family –the God of Israel. He is a Father to His children —the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not the God of a religion,and is never called the God of Judaism,or the God of Christianity. He is the one true living God who is in personal and corporate relationship with those in covenant union with Him. Yesterday,Israel and Israelis celebrated life. There was the sound of joy and laughter ‘in the hills of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem’around the country. It was a day of dignity and honor,in contrast to those who prefer the sword and cruelty. Praise the Lord! “For who is God,except YEHOVAH! And who is a Rock,except our God!” May many Muslims be provoked to jealousy and seek the Father who does love them. May many Jewish people take heart at the truth of the one Man,Yeshua Messiah/Jesus Christ,giving Himself as a sacrifice revealing the grace of God and the gift by that grace of the forgiveness of sins —removing the warfare from off us,and giving us peace —not as the world gives,and which surpasses understanding. This evening marks the end of Succot/the Feast of Booths,and the Joy of the Law/Simchat Torah is celebrated. May the Jewish people all over the world return back to the God of their fathers,and rejoice in Him! On the eve of the Jewish celebration of the Feast of Booths/Tabernacles,which is a time of rejoicing for the children of Israel who have blessed the God of Israel for preserving and identifying with them as His people,the news has been full of the deal made with Hamas to release the Israeli soldier,Gilad Shalit,after more than five years of being held captive without ANY visitations deemed lawful and ethical under conventions legislated by world bodies,such as by the Red Cross under the Geneva Convention. For his release,Israel has agreed to release more than 1000 Palestinian prisoners who have been involved in terrorist attacks on Israel and her citizens and friends. All are happy for Gilad and for his family;many are concerned at the price paid and the risks involved. I am reminded of Jacob,who was reminded of his name being changed to Israel,when he was confronted with once again meeting his brother Esau/Edom,after about 20 years from their last encounter. Jacob was rightly afraid of his brother’s intentions,and it took a wrestling match with the Angel YHVH,who crippled Jacob in his own strength,to enable Israel to go forward. We read all this in Genesis chapters 32 and 33. When Jacob finally saw Esau,Jacob bowed down seven times. Then the mothers and the children all bowed down before Esau. For all the fear,Jacob saw in Esau’s face the Face of God —a human being created in the image of God,just as he was. The LORD was teaching Jacob/Israel that it was not his own righteousness,nor Esau’s unrighteousness,which was at issue,but rather the righteousness of God to whom both needed to be reconciled. Jacob was looking for favor in Esau’s eyes —to see God’s Face. It is clear from the account at this meeting,and from the after-history of both peoples and nations,that Esau/Edom never accepted that the Land of Canaan —the Promised Land —belonged to Jacob/Israel by the sovereign choice of YHVH God as an integral part of the covenant promises to Abraham,to Isaac,and to Jacob. The State of Israel today cares,in general,about the value of life. Her heritage comes from the living God of the living,even in her unbelief and rebellion against Him. Without normal common sense,she is risking her future peace and security by releasing murderers for a lone soldier who was captured and certainly mistreated —at the very least psycologically. With fear and trembling —and a mixture of faith and bravado —the Israeli government and the Jewish people are once again ‘bowing down’to their “brothers”,who are still not reconciled to the land being Israel’s,and who are still determined in their spirits to kill and wipe out Israel from being a nation. Israel does not have a clear conscience,because deep inside they also know that they are not just in all their dealings,and even deeper inside,God has left His own wound for the Jewish people’s responsibility and guilt in the crucifixion of their brother —Yeshua/Jesus,the first-born Heir of God’s vineyard. Could it be that the Holy Spirit,in God’s dealings with His people even in their blindness and hardness of heart,is working in Israel what Messiah Jesus is requiring from His Church/His Body with eyes open and from a willing heart?: Mt 5:21-26 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother,‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says,‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar,and there remember that your brother has something against you,24 leave your gift there before the altar,and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother,and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly,while you are on the way with him,lest your adversary deliver you to the judge,the judge hand you over to the officer,and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly,I say to you,you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.”
Israel is forever being blamed as a scapegoat,and unjustly required to apologize and to accept blame for so many of the world’s troubles. These accusations come from those with a bitter root and a murderous grudge,envying what is not theirs,and threatening any one who would hold them to account. Their hatred is so obsessive that manifests itself in this: if we can not have it,neither will you. For all this,the Holy One of Israel calls His people to a different standard as HIS witnesses. If one in covenant with Him thinks that someone has something against them,it is for that one to go to the ‘possibly’offended person and ask forgiveness. Israel’s right to exist is from the one true God,but not in her own right: it is CHRIST who died to confirm the promises of God,and He is long-suffering in His love to get them to return back to Him,even through their fear of losing all. Such an unequal exchange —one for the many —may be a one-off event, and the war continues until the coming again of the Messiah Jesus,the LORD of Hosts. The true Face of God is seen in the Person of Jesus Christ,and through His willing submission to the Father’s will,peace is obtained by all who believe. Today is the 10th day of the 7th month in the Biblical Hebrew calendar. It is the holiest day in the Jewish year;it is the Sabbath of Sabbaths,and today is,in fact,also the Sabbath day. This day is called the Day of Atonements (Yom Ha-Kippurim;Yom Kippur) You can read its significance in chapters 16 and 23 of Leviticus in the Torah. The streets of Beer Sheva are full of children laughing and playing in the streets,as cars are not being driven on the roads. Synagogues of full of people seeking God’s forgiveness of their sins,with the hope that He would grant them another year of life. The Book of Jonah is read in the synagogues on this most holy day: the very sign which Messiah Yeshua gave to His people who are still rejecting Him for who He is –that of Jonah —has sovereignly been placed into the liturgy of this most sacred day for the Jewish people to read! What is striking about YHVH God’s requirements for this day on behalf of the children of Israel is that the nation should afflict its soul. The nation is made up of individuals,each one of whom is called to afflict his/her soul. There is no specific commandment to fast from eating: fasting in itself does not afflict one’s soul;but if one’s soul is afflicted,he will not want to eat. The Biblical record in the Old and the New Testaments does not really give us an account of Israel observing the Day of Atonements. Even in the book of Nehemiah,chapter 8,there is the account of the people observing the first day of the seventh month —the Memorial of the Blowing of Shofars/Trumpets —and then the celebration of Booths,which begins on the evening of the 14th of the month (the 15th day). Yom Kippur is skipped over in the account. Looking ahead,we read in Zechariah chapter 12 that that day is coming when all Israel —the full remnant which remains from all the tribes —who will look on Him —on Jesus/Yeshua —whom we have pierced. And then there will be a great travail of soul within each Israeli as part of a national/corporate reality. When Israel finally sees and accepts her sin against the Father and the Son —the very One who has preserved them,and who gave up His life for them that their sins would be forgiven and removed —there will be a great affliction of soul,and God will dwell in the midst of His people. For the Christian —those who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ —has your soul been afflicted for the sins of the Church against the truth of Jesus? When we read the assessment of the Lord Jesus Himself concerning His churches in chapters 2 and 3 of the Revelation of Jesus Christ,and His call to each person within the churches to hear what the Spirit is saying,have you ever experienced an affliction of your soul for your own part in that? Have we ever been broken to the point of weeping for our own sinfulness,not merely over some sins we may be committing? Rom 7:12 For indeed the Law is holy,and the commandment is holy and just and good. Rom 7:13 Then has that which is good become death to me? Let it not be! But sin,that it might appear to be sin,working death in me by that which is good;in order that sin might become exceedingly sinful by the commandment. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual,but I am carnal,sold under sin. Rom 7:15 For that which I do,I know not. For what I desire,that I do not do;but what I hate,that I do. Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I do not desire,I consent to the law that it is good. Rom 7:17 But now it is no more I that do it,but sin that dwells in me. Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is,in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me,but how to perform that which is good I do not find. Rom 7:19 For I do not do the good that I desire;but the evil which I do not will,that I do. Rom 7:20 But if I do what I do not desire,it is no more I working it out,but sin dwelling in me. Rom 7:21 I find then a law:when I will to do the right,evil is present with me. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man; Rom 7:23 but I see another law in my members,warring against the law of my mind,and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members. Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?! Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God,but with the flesh the law of sin.
New Week greetings, As the Jewish New Year approaches next week,it is good to remember that Biblically,it is actually the beginning of the seventh month given by God to Israel,and is actually called a Memorial of the Blowing/Shout of Trumpets (see Lev 23). It is His redemptive calendar within His comprehensive year. We who have been born-again and are now seated with Yeshua in heavenly places are given a view of the whole of what YHVH is doing within time,which still has another 1000 years or so (see Is 65:17-25 in light of Rev 20. Isaiah is referring to a ‘born-again/regenerated’ perfectly “very good”new heavens and new earth,a ‘new creation’,just as we are now;and in both there is still sin and death. John’s view of the New Heavens and New Earth is the eternal one following the final judgment,and there is no more sin with its consequences in that “perfect”which is to come (1Cor 13:10).) Being the 7th month of redemption,God is finishing up His work,not beginning it. The appointed times/holy days of this Hebrew month are collectively called the Celebration of Ingathering the harvest (Ex23:16;34:22),especially as related to the redemption and salvation of Israel and the Jewish people,and through Messiah Jesus,that of other nations and Gentiles. Trumpets begin to regather the people;seeing Yeshua whom we/they have pierced is the day of salvation for ‘all Israel’(the full remnant from all the tribes),and judgment of the Lord’s enemies,both within and without;and Booths/Tabernacles is the presence of the Lord literally dwelling amongst His forgiven and cleansed people Israel during the Kingdom of God on Earth. May He come speedily in our generation: Even so,Come,Lord Jesus! Tuning the ears for the sound of the right trumpet sound. . . . Is the Bible —the Old and the New Testaments —true,or is the Koran? Is the God of Israel the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth —of the Universe? Is YHVH (YEHOVAH or YAHWEH) the name of the one true God,or is some other god with another name? Is the true God a Father with a Son and a people (other children)? Or is the true God not a father and childless? Was Abraham a …Continue reading Israel and her supporters will be disappointed with the results of the vote in the United Nations scheduled for September 20 regarding either a mere upgrade of Palestinian status at the UN,or else the recognition of an independent Palestinian state. This vote is despite,and in spite of,all international agreements previous regarding rules of war and of guarantees for a sovereign Jewish nation. It will mark a significant retreat of human support for Israel. Should believers in Yeshua/Jesus …Continue reading Here is an excellent link to a presentation presenting the legitimacy of Israel from a legal and historic perspective. As you know,the Palestinians are trying to get the UN later in September to nullify previous historic legal agreements regarding Israel. http://www.ec4i.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128:give-pe If a Mormon like Glenn Beck,and other ”unsaved”actors and ordinary persons,can take a strong public stand in support of the legitimate and moral right of Israel to not only exist,but also to be …Continue reading Greetings from the land where the lie is often spoken as truth, Thanks to the many of you who have written in,and to those who didn’t yet lifted a voice to our Father in Heaven. From the time that the serpent got Eve and Adam to listen to him over the clear Word of God,we have inherited the tendency to believe lies over truth. And when the lie is repeated enough and taught and passed on as being …Continue reading This morning before we left home for our congregational service,the sirens went off,and we went down to our bomb shelter. The rockets from Gaza this morning,and also on Thursday night,fell not too far from the section of the city in which we live,and on one of the rocket falls,the house shook from the vibrations of the impact. This evening we have had twice to go into shelters while we were visiting friends from the …Continue reading To fulfill Israel’s sovereign and redemptive election God is working to: –return the heart of His people to Jerusalem and His Word,offering as many who will repent and believe today for salvation through Messiah Yeshua the blessedness of the first resurrection; –tread down Jerusalem so that the Jews’heart-cry and hope is only in Him who comes in the name of YEHOVAH; –convict of national and generational transgression,sin,and iniquity against the LORD and His covenant so that He can forgive,cleanse,…Continue reading I write this unexpected Part Two of our living today in Bible times. I do so at some risk of what reactions you have,spoken or otherwise,but I hope that for the most part it is for building up of our faith in our God and Redeemer,and to prepare us for even worse to come before the far better ‘end of the Lord,who is very compassionate and merciful.’(James 5:9-11) “For though we walk in the flesh,…Continue reading My words may pass away,but the Word of the LORD will never pass away! Many of us have a tendency to add to or take away from the Word of God,rather than considering the whole counsel of God in the tension and reality of life it speaks to us. We don’t necessarily intend to do that,and only those without godly fear would willfully do so with eyes opened. When you hear people say – or perhaps when …Continue reading A call for a national fast by the believers in Israel has gone out for this week,Aug 8-9,coinciding with the Jewish day of mourning over the destruction of the two temples,and for other calamitous events which have occured on or near the same Hebrew calendar date of the 9th day of the 5th month. The Body of Messiah,as a priesthood representing our peoples before God,is called to intercede for our nation in the face of all the …Continue reading While the Arabs are uprising and suffering around the Middle East and North Africa,the Jewish people in Israel are staging their own social protests. One major difference is that in Israel there has been no violence or military intervention against her own people. Until now the government of Israel has always been “of the people”and not some separated class of people. In Israel we are family. A visiting Zambian pastor has been very impressed with the abundance of …Continue reading 16 May 1998 Ezek. 11:14-16 - pride of circumstances Zech. 12:7 – pride of election Rom. 11:25-32 –pride of man God works in mysterious ways,but always with wisdom and perfect understanding in all things. He has a plan which He conceived before time began,and He will fully display its perfection when time is no more. Meanwhile,a major objective of all His activities is to resist the pride which is in man …Continue reading 10 June 1995 12 Oct 2002 Ps. 138:1-6 “. . .for Thou hast magnified Thy word [saying] upon all Your Name”(v. 2) –recognition of God’s Name brings forth songs of praise (psalms included musical instrumentation); –songs of YHVH and of His ways; –the names of God a progressive revelation of Himself to His people–in fact to the world–finding fulfillment under Heaven and in this present creation in the Name above all names,Yeshua (Jesus),…Continue reading Oct 2007 ”Go Unto All Nations” Magazine Hong Kong Asso. of Christian Missions For the first time since the dispersion of the children of Israel almost 2000 years ago,more Jewish people in the world today live in the State of Israel than in any other country. More than 40% of Jewish people live here. Close to 68% of the more than 5.4 million Jews who live in the country are native born (sabras). The modern state is …Continue reading 9 Jan 2009 Article for www.comeandsee.com Jesus knew that His Father loved Him because He always did that which pleased Him. What will it take for God the Father to answer His Beloved Son’s prayer?: “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world,but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world,just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. …Continue reading Feb 2011 Published in Messianic Times June/July 2011 Issue Persecution of believers in Yeshua as Lord and Messiah,the Son of God,is not a new thing in Israel. Rather,it is a phenomenon that has returned to Israel,for opposition to the gospel and persecution against those who believe the good news began in Israel already from the days since Yeshua was born. (Mt 2) Following this attempt to destroy the messianic hope in Israel at its inception,it …Continue reading One of the names of the God of Heaven and Earth is YHVH of Hosts (Armies). When the apostle John wrote (Jn 12:37-41) to us what Isaiah saw (Is 6),he reveals to us the Messiah – Yeshua/Yasu/Jesus – is YHVH of Hosts! Our God has not changed,and continues to wage war,both in the heavenlies and on the Earth,at least until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to reign with righteousness and justice. God has given responsibility and …Continue reading 14 June 2011 Much ‘blood has been spilled’ over the outcry of the “all the [Israeli Jewish] people” to Pontius Pilate washing his hands wishing to be “innocent of the blood of this just man”: “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Mt 27:24-25) In the sovereignty and wisdom of God,and by inspiration of the Holy Spirit,this Scripture is full of life and death,for “death and life are in the power of the tongue,…Continue reading Tisha b’Av/9th of Av The Temple is a: House of God– a dwelling place for the Father and his family Throne room – King of Righteousness Seat of judgment —Judge of Righteousness Holy Place – glory and worship of God Dt 12:11-14 the place where YHVH God chooses to make His Name abide. There you shall bring all [of your offerings]. Josh 18:1;Ex 25:40 the Tabernacle – made according to the Heavenly pattern – set …Continue reading Two days ago a bill against boycotting Israeli products and services originating from within the ‘territories’—Judea and Samaria —was passed into law by Israel’s Knesset (Parliament). The new law allows citizens to bring civil suits against persons and organizations that call for economic,cultural,or academic boycotts against Israel,Israeli institutions,or regions under Israeli control. It also prevents the government from doing business with companies that initiate or comply with such boycotts. Anyone who considers himself …Continue reading Pentecost Sunday —the day after the seventh Sabbath following the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ —begins tomorrow in the morning light of day. The life of believers in Yeshua as Messiah and Lord is a miracle of new spiritual birth, based upon the faith in the truth of the miracle that He rose from the dead. A miracle is what only God can do. He may act providentially as He oversees the affairs of His creation,but when …Continue reading Tonight in Israel marks the beginning of Memorial Day,when the nation remembers those Jewish people who have fallen in battles or in terror attacks,going back to 1860. Back then in the 19th century,Jewish people began to have their hearts and sights on the return to Zion,to the land from which they were exiled as a consequence of the rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah,but which God had also promised a return. A return to the …Continue reading This evening in Israel marks the beginning of Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Holocaust of the Jewish people,in particular,by the Nazi regime during WWII is unique in its scale and impact. There is really no other effort at genocide that compares historically. Holocaust is a Greek word meaning “whole-burnt offering by fire”. This is a term for one of the sacrifices offered unto YHVH God by Israel under the Law of Moses. It is also the word used to describe …Continue reading Today is Passover in Israel. Most Jewish people around the world remember that YHVH delivered His people Israel out of slavery in Egypt to bring them liberty to serve Him in the promised Land of Canaan. Beyond that,though,YHVH demonstrated by His great power that He alone is the one true God. He defeated all the gods of Egypt,and showed Pharoah and the people that none of their so-called gods can compare with YEHOVAH,the Creator of the …Continue reading In recent days there have been interesting items in the news and opinion pages,which we as believers in Israel would do well to heed as realistic attitudes. One is a survey of Israeli young people;the other a couple of paragraphs of an insightful commentary by Caroline Glick. She found it pertinent to express her views about Messianic Jews in her article concerning a Jewish problem. In an article published April 1 in the online JWR (Jewish World Review),…Continue reading Early yesterday morning at 5:15,we were awakened in Beer Sheva by the sound of the air raid siren. Another rocket from Gaza was fired our way,hitting in a residential neighborhood in the center of the city. Thankfully,it missed a direct hit on a house,but nonetheless caused injury and damage. Schools were called off that day,and once again the Mayor made the right decision: another rocket hit around 9:45,when children would have been in school. …Continue reading The demonstration in Arad took place,and Channel 1 news covered it. Here is a link,which also has English sub-titles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnR6DYmHdOI Praise the Lord for the neighbors,and the other residents who joined with them to protest against the religious oppressors! This is what we need to see more of in Israel if there is going to be a breakthrough in the ranks of those in control: local,Hebrew-speaking,ordinary Israelis —and those not so ordinary …Continue reading Last night around 9:40 (21:40) a grad rocket launched from Gaza hit near our neighborhood in Beer Sheva. The rocket was the first to hit a major city in Israel since the 2009 war against Hamas,which Israel launched near the end of 2008 because of eight years of thousands of rocket attacks against cities both near to and farther out from Gaza. Thankfully the warning siren worked properly and lives were saved,even though houses and cars were damaged. The Islamic Jihad …Continue reading What’s in a name? Words have great spiritual importance. God created the world with words,and rules over the world with words. The power of words is in their meaning,not so much in their pronunciation. I am often asked how the name of YHVH is pronounced (Yahweh or Yehovah)? The very question partly misses the point. There is no discussion in the Torah,the Prophets,or the New Covenant on how …Continue reading Greetings again, I am forwarding to you an item I received from another brother in Messiah. It is still not too late to appropriate the truth of it as we count the weeks and days leading up to the holy-day of Shavuot/Pentecost. As I mentioned to him,it is hard to break tradition for the Word of God. May the Holy Spirit help us …Continue reading As the events in the Middle East take on some historic proportions,I am reminded of the beginning of the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) which began in 1987 here in Israel. It brought such an earthquake of change in the whole perception of the conflict here,and its consequences world-wide,that I had to seek the Lord for His answer in the Scriptures. And the Holy Spirit led me to Gen. 27:40b specifically,but within the whole context of the conflict of …Continue reading This last month has seen the beginning of rumblings in the Islamic nations of North Africa and the Middle East. There is an uprising against the entrenched leadership of the Arabic Muslim rulers,beginning with the ruler of Tunisia,and moving on to Egypt,and threatening Yemen and Jordan,with other rulers and nations worried about the repercussions within their borders. Israel,the only non-Muslim nation in the region,is rightly concerned with the outcome of these uprisings: only Egypt …Continue reading This is a telling of the Passover that I wrote as a fairly young believer,which tells the story with the past,present,and future of Passover in view. We use it in our family and in our congregation, drawing out abiding truth each year. You are free to use it,download it,distribute it. . .for free. It is not to be used for any monetary gain to you or to me or to any other party. in …Continue reading Praise the Lord that the news black-out on the arrest of suspects involved in the murder of Kristine Luken and the severe wounding of Kay Wilson has been lifted with good news! Thanks to Kay’s lucidity and excellent descriptions of the two men directly involved in their case,the police have arrested a gang of Palestinians who had decided to kill Jews and Israelis,especially since the killing of a chief Hamas operative in Kuwait last year. Kay is being …Continue reading Yesterday,the eighth and former President of the State of Israel,Moshe Katzav,was convicted as a rapist,sexual harasser,perjurer,and an obstructer of the judicial process. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=201648 While this reflects favorably on the Israeli system of law —that no one is officially above it —it also demonstrates the sad state of affairs in a country which would allow such a man to rise to such a position of power and influence over a period …Continue reading The one true living God has left His witness in every place,including in His sovereignty over times and nature. The universe at large,and our unique solar system set within it,both bear witness to His Godhead and plans,to His times and His seasons. (Gen 1:1-19;8:22;Ps 19:1-6;Jer 31:35-37;33:25-26) The ‘modern’calendar for the whole world till now is centered around the person of Jesus Christ (Messiah Yeshua). The all-encompassing ”creative”year begins in Winter around the …Continue reading Is 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful,Counselor,Mighty God,Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end,upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,to order it and establish it with justice and righteousness from this time forward,even forever. The zeal of YHVH …Continue reading The fires in the Carmel forests in western Galilee near the Haifa area have finally been brought under control,but at great human and natural loss. Israel received help from a number of countries to help fight the fire,especially from the air. Help even came from Turkey,whose relationships with Israel have taken a turn for the worse in the last year. Government officials are under fire,and if nothing else,God has shown that no matter how much …Continue reading An arson attack was carried out a few nights ago on the Christian and Missionary Alliance center in Jerusalem. There were people inside sleeping during the attack. I was able to meet with them when they came down to Beer Sheva on Sunday for a work project at HaMaKoM Bible House. What alerted me to be concerned was an internet article sent out by someone (with an Arab name) which took some of the facts of the case,and turned …Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI convened a special Vatican Synod in Rome,composed of about 200 bishops mostly from Muslim countries. These official representatives of the Roman Catholic Church have reiterated in its strongest terms its historic ‘replacement theology’ and distortion of Scripture,reverting to official Catholic positions prior to adjustments stated in Nostra Aetate,an interfaith document drafted in October 1965 during the Second Vatican Council. In this latest synod to decide on important issues,the Vatican issued a declaration:“Recourse to theological and biblical …Continue reading This news is not new! It is also good news for those who love His appearing! It is the same “old”news! It remains current news! There is a wave of deception entering from without and working within the “Church”connected with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven to judge the nations and to establish His righteous reign over Israel and the rest of the world. Many professing believers/Christians —and some are truly so —are …Continue reading Greetings in the goodness of our God. It is still summer,and not only is Israel still not saved,but the summer-time-clock has ended,and we are back on standard time. With all the different time zones and arbitrary time changes,Yeshua knew what He was saying when He said that we can not know the day and hour of His coming! Praise God that He knows how to keep His own time!! An interesting survey taken by the Israeli …Continue reading Today a small representation of leaders of Messianic congregations and other ministries from all sections of the country met together to discuss the lawsuit and its verdict and the ‘what now?’. The ‘what now?’is still an open discussion. In the very short term,unless a very clear Word of the Lord should come to say otherwise,there will be no appeal of the verdict. We spoke and heard today how the lawsuit was initiated and handled,and how the …Continue reading Philp 3:3-11 For we are the circumcision,who worship God in the Spirit,rejoice in the Messiah Jesus,and have no confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh,I more so. . . . But what things were gain to me,these I have counted loss for Messiah. Yet indeed I also reckon all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,for whom I have suffered …Continue reading Jude 3 – contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints This year we have experienced here in Israel an assault on essential truths of the faith which we have received through the Scriptures. Our Father in Heaven is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and truth,and the enemy is seeking to deceive believers – the elect – if it were possible. The Feast of Dedication (Hanukah) reminds us of the battle within Israel amongst …Continue reading John 1:1-5,10-14 In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God,and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him,and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life,and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness,and the darkness did not comprehend it. . . He was in the world,and the world was made through …Continue reading Priorities in Prayer: The Wall of Separation He’s Broken Down Eph 2:11-22 Lev. 10:3 By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy,and before all the people I must be honored. Eph 2:11-12 As we continue to let the Tabernacle in the Desert instruct us of God’s pattern for us to approach Him in prayer,the passage from Ephesians notes “the middle wall of separation”,which separated Israel from the other nations. God in …Continue reading Keeping YHVH’s Feasts: Rejoicing in God’s Word Lev 23:37-43 v.41 – temporary: statute forever in your generations,but God with His people continuing everlasting Last week we spoke about the fire offering to the God which speaks of the purity of our lives which the LORD requires of His people. Jesus baptizes us with fire to purify us and to make us suitable as His holy and pure bride. This has been God’s …Continue reading John 3:13 (5-21) The Son of Man has descended from – and ascended to – Heaven There are well-meaning dear brothers and sisters in Messiah who do not celebrate the birth of the Savior at this time of year. They have their reasons for this,just as I once did. The danger,however,is that we will harden our hearts from being able to rejoice at all in the birth of Yeshua – from singing the great songs of Heaven over His …Continue reading God Still Faithful When His People Are Not The Scroll of Esther is read in the synagogues every year for Purim. If you do not know the story of the history,read it at home. The Purim celebrations by Jews around the world today are far from the manner prescribed by Mordecai and Esther almost 2500 years ago. What is remarkable,though,is that his holiday is still being observed: it still has relevance for us today,even as believers …Continue reading Acts 1:4-5 (Mt. 4:11;John 14:16,26) –Yeshua commanded the disciples to wait for the Promise of the Father,which you have heard from Me,for John truly baptized with water,but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit . God the Father and the Son are both instrumental in the giving of the Holy Spirit,the Spirit of Truth,to the believers in Jesus. The giving of the Spirit is after the recognition of the bodily resurrection of …Continue reading Mt. 8:1-4 . . .behold,there came a leper and he worshipped Him [Yeshua],saying,‘Lord,if you are willing,You can make me clean’. And He [Yeshua] stretched forth His hand,and touched him,saying,‘I am willing;be cleansed! And immediately his leprosy was cleansed (healed). Is. 53:4 Surely He [the Arm of the LORD] has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed Him stricken,smitten by God,and afflicted. Rosh Hashana,or the …Continue reading Rom. 5:1-11 As members of the Body of Messiah —in the world today and of those who have believed during the last two thousand years —there is something special at this season of the birth of the Savior,Yeshua the Son of David. It is similar to that specialness when Jewish people —around the world today and since the time of the Exodus from Egypt about 3450 years ago —celebrate the Passover. It does not require …Continue reading Lev. 23:24-25 –a Shabbat,a memorial of blowing of trumpets,a holy convocation,an offering made by fire Is. 62:6-12 –remind YHVH of His salvation for Israel and for Jerusalem The devil is busy sowing his bad seed amongst the good seed of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 13:24-30). The Lord Yeshua tell us that this bad seed–and its fruit–will remain until the end of the age. The Day of the LORD (YHVH)–the day of vengeance of our God (Amos …Continue reading Matt. 23:16-21 The altar is greater than the gift Matt. 5:21-24 First be reconciled to your brother,and then offer your gift upon the altar The calendar tells us that it is a new year, a year which reminds us and the world that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh into the world which He made. We can look back and consider how our God has watched over us and has kept us. We can look ahead and …Continue reading Jude 3 – contend earnestly for the faith which was once-for-all delivered to the saints [Lk 22:19-20];1Cor 11:23-26 – remember Yeshua and His death until He comes again The heart and foundation of the gospel and of the New Testament and of our faith as Christians is Yeshua the Messiah and Him crucified,risen from the dead,ascended to glory,and coming again. Our sins are forgiven through faith in the once-for-all sacrificial and atoning death of the Lord …Continue reading Conception and Birth of John the Baptiser and Jesus the Messiah John the Baptiser (Immerser): Type of the Christian/Messianic [Believer] –Forerunner of the Lord Messiah –first advent –the believing Christian and the two witnesses preparing the way for the second coming –prophet in spirit and power of Elijah –Not the Light,but bearing witness to the Light: people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light –Proclaiming Yeshua as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin …Continue reading 3 Oct 1992 Yom HaKippurim Day of Atonements/The Scapegoat/Communion Lev. 16:5-10,15-22 – living scapegoat bearing all the iniquities,transgressions,sins of Israel;Israel being atoned for on the basis of the accepted blood sacrifice of the first goat to the LORD;two goats. . .one sin offering: atonement (reconciliation) and the effectual removal of guilt and uncleanness To consider and to study from the Word of God about the Day of Atonements in general,and its sin offering and …Continue reading 18 April 1992 Feast of Unleavened Bread/Lord’s Supper Scripture Reading:Ex. 12:14-20;1Cor 5:6-8 [Lev. 18:3-4] Purge out the old leaven! In the Bible there is a vital connection between the past and the present as a preparer for the future. The Word of God is prophetic. The sacrifice of the Passover lamb was God’s provision for the redemption of His people Israel,who were slaves in Egypt and to the ways of the Egyptians;immediately,this redeemed people are …Continue reading Shalom Brothers and Sisters, A verdict has been handed down by Judge Iddo Ruzin in our lawsuit filed against the Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yehuda Deri,and against the anti-Messianic organization,Yad L’Achim. The judge did exactly what we have been praying and hoping . . . that he would not do! Judge Ruzin has determined that the two defendants are innocent of any wrong-doing concerning the events before,during,and after 24 Dec 2005,and that we did not produce …Continue reading We are still waiting for the Judge’s verdict in our lawsuit. The customary 30 days have passed,but he is under no legal obligation to have given it during that time. The times are in the Lord’s control,and so we trust Him for making the best use of this time to bring forth the verdict He wants,and the consequences of it. Please continue to pray for Judge Iddo Ruzin,who is understandably under much pressure. We are still waiting for Judge Iddo Ruzin to deliver his verdict on our case. It is possible that he has already decided and posted it in the mail,or it may be that he is still deliberating on it. In any case,we hope to receive his decision in the coming days. This may be a good time to say plainly that we have not gone into this suit as a civil liberties issue,nor on the basis of …Continue reading Shalom to all. This evening Israel commemorates Memorial Day for all those who have been killed during the years of wars and rumors of wars. It is a true statement that we must fight for liberty and peace. Tuesday is Israel’s Independence Day,and God is working to sanctify His name amongst His people whom He will cleanse from all their ungodliness and uncleanness. We praise and worship our great God and Savior that He has paid the greatest price …Continue reading Greetings in the name of Yeshua,who is and who was and who is to come! This is a reminder to please remember to continue in prayer for the outcome of our lawsuit against Beer Sheva’s Chief Rabbi Yehuda Deri,and against the anti-Messianic organization,Yad L’Achim. Our next and “last”scheduled appearance before the Judge Iddo Ruzin is next week on April 15 at 11:10 that morning. We have submitted to the judge and to the two defendants our …Continue reading Shalom upon you! (Shalom aleichem!) My apologies for not being able to get this out sooner,since I know that many of you were and have been praying for our day in court yesterday. Also some of you even called,or SMSed,or sent e-mails,and we are very encouraged by such attentive support. Up to about 30 also met at Ha-MaKoM for worship and intercession during the course of the court session,which went on till about 1:00pm. Once …Continue reading Hag Purim sameach! The God of Israel continues His sleepless watch over His people. . .and because of such sovereign grace and power,we are not consumed but prevail! Hallelu-Yah! Next Tuesday,March 9,at 9:00,in Beer Sheva Court Shalom,4th Fl,Room #44,our scheduled last appearance before Judge Iddo Ruzin takes place in our lawsuit against Beer Sheva Chief Rabbi Yehuda Deri and against the organization Yad L’Achim. Alex Artovsky,their director for the department,The Struggle …Continue reading Shalom, This is a reminder about our next and last day in court in our civil lawsuit against Beer Sheva Chief Rabbi Yehuda Deri,and against the Shas-related ‘counter-missionary’organization,Yad L’Achim. On Tuesday morning,March 9,in the Beer Sheva Magistrate’s Court Shalom (Room 44,4th Fl),testimony will be heard by Rabbi Alex Artovsky of Yad L’Achim. Following his testimony,the lawyers representing the parties will each give their oral closing arguments before the Judge,Iddo Ruzin. The judge …Continue reading MAOZ Video of Lawsuit Blessings, Here is a link to a well done video by MAOZ regarding our going to court: For those who could not open the link http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/971/819.html to the original online Maariv newspaper article,it seems to work if you copy and paste,and then click on the Hebrew word at the left side of the page which comes up. Here is the Caspari Media Review English translation of part of the article:it …Continue reading Shalom to All, Many of you have written,and even called,to express your support and encouragements for our day in court today. This has been wonderfully gratifying to us,for we know through you how much God is with us. Yesterday,brothers and sisters from all parts of the country,and also from Europe and North America,came together at the ‘Old House’,where the Nachalat Yeshua Congregation meets together to worship. There was a joyful and meekly confident …Continue reading Shalom Achim, This Friday,the Maariv will carry a story about our lawsuit. This is the first such article as news that the Israeli media is doing! Other newspapers,such as the HaAretz,which did a major article recently about/against Yad L’Achim and their activities against the Messianic believers,have not covered this story even though a significant chief Rabbi of a major city in Israel is being sued for illegal acts done under his authority. I contacted …Continue reading Dear All, The anticipation of our scheduled final day in court on November 23 is increasing. Believers from all around Israel and from other nations are writing and encouraging and PRAYING for the righteousness of God to be revealed through the proceedings of the day,and especially in the verdict which the judge will deliver sometime up till December 23,four years after the illegal event which we believe that the anti-Christian/Messianic organization,Yad L’Achim,represented by Rabbi Alex Artovsky,…Continue reading Shalom,and thank God for Yeshua that our names are already written in the Lamb’s Book of Life! I want to update you on some good news regarding our lawsuit against the Beer Sheva Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yehuda Deri,and against the anti-great commission organization,Yad L’Achim with Rabbi Alex Atrovsky as their representative being the head of their Struggle Against the Mission section,scheduled to be completed in the Beer Sheva Magistrate’s Court in our civil suit on November 23,…Continue reading Here are a couple of interesting articles/broadcasts about the trial already: CBN The segment on the 700 Club begins about 6:30 minutes into their program. Another CBN Video Jerusalem Post Article Here is the link to my Jerualem Post article: “A Nation Under Law?” Thanks again for expressing so much support for us throughout this lawsuit,which is a significant part of what the Lord is seeking …Continue reading Good evening from here after a hot,hard,and long day. Our trial —no pun intended but very apropos —is not yet over,and will be convened again for a final date on November 23 at 9:30 in the morning. The verdict will then be given by December 23. I have been greatly encouraged by the response of the believers within and without Israel to us and this case. It anticipates a day when there will be a …Continue reading I have long considered Ezekiel 20:45-49 (21:1-5 in Heb.) as relevant to us in these our days,and Beer Sheva,the City of the Fathers,still has a valuable place in God’s plans for the future of His land and people. Shalom Brethren, We want to thank so many of you who have written or called,both before the day in court today,and since we left there this afternoon. Your support and encouragement have been a real strength for us and a hopeful indication of the Lord’s blessings upon this entire affair. Also,on Sunday,the evening of praise and intercession was very freeing in the Spirit and a big part of our preparation for the battle we are in. …Continue reading Dear Faithful Companions in the trials and tribulations for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints,(aren’t salutations great!) Last night we had a wonderful time of praise and intercession for the trial here in Beer Sheva on Wednesday (and again on Sunday,June 21). Worship and intercessory leaders all came together from the different parts of the country to lead in prayer and praise to the Lord on behalf of His name in our trial against the …Continue reading Dear Brothers and Sisters, In addition,on Sunday,June 7,from 1830 (6:30pm),at the Old House of Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua,there will be an evening of PRAISE,WORSHIP,AND INTERCESSION before God regarding the trial. This is a very significant case,and I am truly blessed to have the Body coming together with us for the battle,which is in Yeshua’s sovereign hands. We were greatly encouraged at the …Continue reading I think,David,that believers —especially supporters of God’s purposes regarding Israel —should simply be reminded that,as you have so much emphasized,your case in Ariel does not stand alone,but is part of a concerted effort to discredit and to frighten the local believers in Jesus from being open about the faith,and even from living in the land. Our evangelical brothers and sisters need to stand with their Israeli brothers and sisters in any communications …Continue reading Greetings, Here is an English translation of a Hebrew article published at the beginning of Passover in Israel’s second largest newspaper,Maariv. I want to point out that not all the statements concerning ourselves are accurate,nor is the journalist’s sentiment regarding our view of the end-times or of the Jewish people. Some of the language in the article which offensive was also printed in English in the original Hebrew article. The rabbi’s remarks in the article are only part …Continue reading Currently the congregation is taking part in a lawsuit against religious protesters regarding a violent protest on December 24,2005. Please note:This case is not against Israel or against the Jewish people. It is not to be used in any way to foment or promote anti-Israel or anti-Jewish actions or reactions. It is already known through the Scriptures that Israel at present is opposed to the good news of God,so we are not out to make them an enemy. …Continue reading Greetings, This update adds to the previous one the news that the court has given a date in October for the hearing,with much to do until then. We have agreed to go to mediation and await to hear if the Defendants will agree. Bless you for standing with us, Howard This case is not against Israel or against the Jewish people. It is not to be used in any way to foment or promote anti-Israel or anti-Jewish actions or …Continue reading Shalom, I’m sorry that it has taken so long to give you an update on the pending court case between us and the Chief Rabbi of Beer Sheva and against the anti-missionary organization Yad L’Achim. This is partly due to the nature of things here in Israel and the judicial process,and partly due to the frailties of our human condition. We do very much appreciate your interest and prayers and willingness to contribute to this case,and hope to …Continue reading News article and commentary Translation of Article in the Sheva weekly dated 22 Feb 07 The Rabbinate Against “The Messianics/Christians” The Chief Rabbinic Council for Israel decided in its meeting last Monday (20 February) to establish a special committee for “War Against the Mission Throughout the Country”. The initiator of the matter,the Chief Rabbi of Beer Sheva and a member of the Council,the Rabbi Yehuda Deri,notes that he,[along with] Rabbi Simcha Ha-Cohen,the Chief Rabbi of …Continue reading Initiation of the Lawsuit Greetings in the name of the Lord!The case will be difficult;we are coming against rulers and principalities;we are not —God help us! —going to allow the media to bring confusion or to prejudice the case (they can come to court in session if they want). We need your prayers and that the Holy Spirit rules within us and that we bring ourselves under subjection to the Lord,so that …Continue reading 8 Feb 2009 Shalom from a very dry Negev (which means ‘dry land’). Despite the extremely dry weather for winter —the driest on record —the flu has been going around. It got to me,so I was laid up in bed for a few days a couple of weeks ago. I also have what must be a pinched nerve in my neck for about a 1/2 year now. For the last couple of months,I’ve been getting some physical …Continue reading 1Pet 1:3-9 we rejoice greatly in Him whom we love for saving our souls On the Day of Atonements last Shabbat,the Jewish believers amongst us then did a very significant thing (Neh 9:2): we accepted and confessed our sin and rebellion against YHVH our God (Lev 26:40) and against His Son,the Messiah Jesus (Mt 27:25). As priests of God in Christ – and as sons of our fathers,whether in the time of Moses or whether in the …Continue reading Day of Atonements and Understanding Centrality of Our Faith For us who believe in Jesus and the New Covenant,understanding the Messianic roots through the Old Testament given to Israel helps us to see some of the details that are supplied to grasp more fully the fulfillment which is in Jesus and His sacrificial atoning death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. Simply stated,the King of Glory – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah,the Ram …Continue reading Lev 23:24;Num 29:1 YHVH spoke to Moses,saying,Speak to the children of Israel,saying,In the seventh month,on the one of the month,you shall have a sabbath rest,a Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets,a holy convocation. Mt 24:29-31,36 Immediately after the tribulation (see v.21) of those days the sun will be darkened,and the moon will not give its light;the stars will fall from heaven,and the powers of the heavens will be …Continue reading Jn 17:11-26 The Scroll of Ruth is read in the synagogues this holiday. It is a story of love and mercy: of someone “outside” – even poor and a stranger (זר) – who was brought “inside”. She was chosen,but she also chose: to belong to the treasured people of YHVH God,and to place all her future and hopes in their God. About 1970 years ago,more than 3000 persons who were separated from God because of their …Continue reading |