Earlier this month a high-profile American preacher, addressing a gathering of Jews and Christians in his country, sent this message to Israel: “You are not alone.
“Fifty million American evangelicals stand with you,†he said.
This was encouraging news.
So were reports this week that a newly-commissioned survey of US voters conducted by a highly-regarded polling company found that ordinary Americans by the tens of millions remain good friends of Israel and have a clear understanding of some of the real dangers facing the tiny Jewish state.
This was very good news indeed.
It told the virtually universally-hated Jewish people that they are not as friendless as they believe they are.
It told Israelis, whose state is treated like a pariah by virtually the entire world, that lots of people still care about this nation.
It was one-in-the-eye for those great (mis-)shapers of human thinking – like CNN, ABC, the New York Times and Time magazine – showing that years of unrelenting anti-Israel coverage by these and other overwhelmingly liberal media have failed to brainwash most Americans.
It also showed that a large majority of Americans oppose the approach taken by their successive administrations, including the present one, towards solving the Israeli-Arab conflict.
George W. Bush’s vision of “two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace†is neither shared by his people, nor do they believe in it.
Israelinsider reported the new poll’s findings as follows:
By a margin of 2-to-1 (45%- 22%), Americans believe that a Palestinian Arab state would be a terrorist state rather than a peaceful democracy;
By a margin of 5-to-1 (60% - 11%), Americans believe that Israel should not make more land giveaways to the Palestinian Arabs.
By a margin of 10-to-1 (45% - 4.6%) Americans overwhelmingly support Israelis over the Palestinian Arabs.
By a margin of more than 5-to-1 (65% - 11%), Americans believe that Saudi Arabia is not a reliable and trustworthy ally in the war against radical Islamic terrorism;
By a margin of nearly 2-to-1 (46% - 24%), Americans believe that Egypt is not a reliable and trustworthy ally in the war against radical Islamic terrorism; and
By a margin of nearly 2-to-1 (51% - 26%), Americans believe that the US should impose economic sanctions on Saudi Arabia until it stops its support and funding for terrorists and radical Islamic education that teaches hatred of America and Israel.
Yes, these reports certainly made for cheering reading in Israel. It is hard to exaggerate how unloved – despised actually – Israel’s Jews feel.
But apart from providing a momentary lift, a glimmer of hope, what – in the final analysis – do these figures really mean? What is their net worth to Israel?
Take the contention that “50 million evangelicals†stand with Israel.
Just how many evangelical Christians are in the United States is unclear. The most recent figures vary enormously, between 84 million (self-described evangelicals) and 18 million (according to a nine-point criteria checklist used by the respected Barna Group).
Even if we were to settle on 18 million, how many of these really care about Israel?
- Care enough to, say, make their way to Washington to engulf Capitol Hill with their presence in a way that US lawmakers will not be able to ignore. (Forget 50 million or 18 million; were just one or two million to do this, they would shake the ruling administration to the core and force a change in Middle East policy.)
- Care enough to put aside their personal desires and ambitions (that new car, that top job) and instead come to Israel to look the Jewish people in the eye and tell them: “You see, you really are not alone.â€
- Care enough to fast and pray for Israel once a month, or even once a year?
What about the majority of Americans (whatever their religious persuasion) the above-mentioned poll indicates oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state on the Land of Israel, and strongly reject the idea of Israel giving any more land away to the Arabs?
Are such sentiments significant enough to influence their choices when the next general elections roll around?
Let’s say the Republican presidential candidate who runs in 2008 is out and out committed to fighting for a blanket abortion ban and for the right of American children to pray in school. And then let’s say he just as strongly believes that Israel must be coerced into permitting the creation of “Palestine†in the “West Bank†– including the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount – for the sake of securing Middle East peace. Which issue is going to count for this majority that today says it believes this very “Palestine†will become a terrorist state?
The answer is obvious.
It’s actually not news that a majority of Americans have long been pro-Israel. Their deeply-rooted Judeo-Christian heritage has seen to that and, as long as it continues to play a major role in shaping their thinking, they will remain supportive.
But this has not helped, not really; not where the rubber meets the road.
All these friendly feelings have done nothing to check the steady erosion of Israel’s security by the land-for-peace process pursued by successive American administrations since 1977 – administrations which have deliberately chosen for the oil-endowed massive Arab world at resource-poor little Israel’s expense.
These “millions†of pro-Israel Americans have done very little to punish their presidents for promoting such policies.
What all this says to me is that we have a very long way to go indeed before Israel will have anywhere near enough committed supporters to really make a difference.
Talk is cheap and throwing numbers around is easy. Flashy, $100,000 banquets in hotel ballrooms may help to generate a few more warm fuzzies towards Israel; powerfully emotive speeches may bring the masses leaping to their feet in applause and encourage the signing of donation checks – but none of these things is going to help Israel when it really matters. They will all be too little, too late.
As Christian Zionists who know that Israel is in danger of being totally ostracized and then destroyed, we bluff ourselves to our shame, and our Israeli friends at their peril.
Israel will soon stand alone in this world. When she does, the only true friends she will have will be true Christians.
If we really care, and want to show that we really care, then we had better start bracing to lose our countrymen, our friends, even members of our families.
We must get this into our heads and into the heads of the pro-Israel Christian world:Standing with Israel in a way that counts for something is almost sure to cost us everything.
And yet, were a mere one million of us willing to pay that price, we would be of incalculably greater value to Israel than 50 million fair weather friends.
Israel has been alone since its inception in 1948 as pertaining to the world powers. BUT I still believe ONE JEW plus God is a majority.
I agree with Rev John D. Shook. And I am not a Evangelical person. I am a Church of God 7th Day. And I FIRMLY Stand on the side of Isreal. I do not always agree with everything but I will always stand with Isreal.
May the Lord protect you all always. Shalom
Rev. Shook, just like Stan you are so right. I pray for Israel, I pray for peace in Jerusalem, I probably won’t get to DC, BUT I can fast and encourage others to fast and pray.Thanks Stan, I had no idea the numbers were so favorable for Israel, but a few of us must DO SOMETHING.
Stan, you’re absolutely right. I live in America. And I know that there are NOT 50 million Evangelical Christians standing with Israel. I heard that pastor say that too, and I cringed because I know it simply is not true.
And you’re right on a second point. If there were any kind of sizeable number of Christians who understood God’s position and purpose for Israel, there would be an outcry here against what the American president is doing, a cry so loud that he would not be able to continue the ignorant and evil “Road Map” to peace, which in actually is a roadmap to hell.
But there is a God in heaven, and HE will restore Israel and redeem the sons and daughters of Jacob, because HE has said he will. I call on all Americans who read this — be educated in what the God of Israel is doing and why. And repent.
Stan:
I noticed in your list of things that we Christians should be doing for Israel did not include bringing them to faith in Jesus Christ. I would think that this is the most important thing we could do. After all, their suffering is brought about by their unbelief. Their unbelief causes them to elect one fool after another to lead them. All they have to do is repent and return to their faith in God and the wicked nations of the world would be in retreat.. The idea of marching on Washington or coming to Israel to show personal support seems a bit superficial and unproductive. Things are not much better here in America where Chrisitanity is in decline and fools are rising to power. We are on the verge of becoming an Isaiah 59 society. It is my opinion that we Christians need to stick with the Biblical mandates of praying for the peace of Jerusalem and God’s people, praying for the healing of our own land, and proclaiming the Gospel to the world. If the people of the world do not care about truth and righteousness, poliical action is worthless.
Your words…”Let’s say the Republican presidential candidate who runs in 2008 is out and out committed to fighting for a blanket abortion ban and for the right of American children to pray in school. And then let’s say he just as strongly believes that Israel must be coerced into permitting the creation of “Palestine†in the “West Bank†– including the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount – for the sake of securing Middle East peace. Which issue is going to count for this majority that today says it believes this very “Palestine†will become a terrorist state?”
Mine…
To tie a desperately needed repentance of the United States on two biblical issues to the support of Israel is not appropriate. The bible teaches that you should look inward to your own sins before looking outward to help others with theirs. I also agree that one person praying to the God of the Bible is a majority. Keep in mind that Israel must face the entire world in order for many prophecies to be fulfilled, and that the prophecy includes Israel’s ultimate victory. Also, remember that 18 million true Christians in America is a small percentage of the 300 million people in this country. This is a physical difficulty, but do not underestimate the power of prayer and do not take for granted that publicly supporting Israel is a big first step. I agree that actions speak louder than words, but I fear that your tone may hinder progress. I believe that asking us to pray is a very good thing, but criticizing us because we have not marched on Washington is premature and ignores the current dynamic in America. Finally, let’s not forget that Israel is due for national repentance and acceptance of the Messiah as well.
The picture painted is sadly accurate. It also reflects the heart of the American church at large. There are very few lovers of Israel and her people in my circles, as a matter of fact, standing up for her brings a separation. There is only a remenant who truly loves Israel. But we are with you.
G_d is fighting for Israel. He does not need American evangelicals to win the war or to protect Israel.
I just read “Wonderful numbers, what do they mean?”
It is so very frustrating to know what the Bible says about God’s precious Jewish people and not know how we can help.
The Lord gave me a real love for the Jewish people when I became a Christian. The only thing I can do is pray for the peace and safety of Jerusalem and Israel. If there is ever an opportunity to do more, I plan to stand up and be counted.
We have come to eternity’s ultimate test in our faith. Where are the true believers and followers of Jesus Christ? Almighty God sacrificed everything for us; do we believe He expects less from us? Do we take serious the fact that we must give account to Him, our life here on earth? Do we care? Have Christians throne the stone of sin across the line believing Jews can take care of themselves?
I would rather be known as a man of courage than a Christian coward.
In HIS Love and Will…we will,
Christopher Hummel
Stan:
If these evangelists were to give the equivalent of one of their mansions to the poor in Israel - THAT would mean something! I they would sponsor Christians who do not have the finances to go to Israel; but would love to be there in order to give comfort…THAT would mean something. To be able to stand in front of the Knesset and say “We are here, we are real, and please stop the madness of giving away your birthright” - THAT would mean something!
You are right, numbers and banquets mean little compared to giving of ourselves. Since I can’t go to Israel right now, I can still email, phone, and let the White House and Congress know that there is a real person behind those numbers.
I suggest all of us who love Israel do at least THAT. Agreed?
I stand with Israel, whatever the cost, as long as God continues to keep His promises.
Our entire family will stand for Israel no matter what the peril. We are doing everything we can to inform Pastors and Christians of God’s position on the matter; unfortunately, most don’t want to hear it and think we’re nuts. Persecution has just begun. They really hate it when we tell them Bush is cursing us by wanting to divide the Land and that means he’s no Christian…but we preach it anyway. Let God be true and every man a liar. We love what God loves (jIsrael and the Jews) and hate what God hates (the nations who rise up against her and Him). When we say we are Christian Zionists the Pastors and Christians we know just give us a blank stare as if we are some kind of cult. They don’t even know what a Christian Zionist is. Our home is a safe house for Jews.
Bill & Barbara Hedrick
Grants Pass, OR
What should we do? If someone would organize a Washington DC demonstration, I would certainly lend my support. We are leaderless in this outward show of solidarity with Israel.
Where is Pat Robertson for example? Or any of the other evenangelical leaders?
ost sadly to say, appear from my stand point are content to sell books, host fund raisers for their respective organizations etc. It’s not enough just to pray for the peace of Jerusalem I agree, we must DO something. The sheep need a shepard.
Who will stand up? I will stand with them.
http://www.jefferyhays.com
Great message, Stan. I hope it rings true with many others. Chag Samaech.
Israel is in my prayers. God has placed a burden upon me for Israel and I see that He will open doors to allow me to give substantive support and love to the Israeli people. Love is not a feeling, but an action. Faith in God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ causes us to love His people and that love causes us to take action and those actions taken by faith will bear fruit in due season.
It is an easy thing to sit in your easy chair and say, ” Yes. I support Isreal”. It is quite a different thing to give your resources, time and money for the benefit of Israel. May God Bless Israel!
Amen and Amen, Stan! When the rubber meets the road, many who profess to love Israel and stand with her, no matter what, will not be found. The persecution that is coming will separate those who will be there for them and those who will not. Those who stand with her will be persecuted. It will cost them everything. Nevertheless, the Lord will have a remnant that He can count on, and that remnant will stand side by side with Israel. These are the ones the Lord has well hidden, well covered right now, but when the rubber meets the road they will be there with Israel. He has well prepared them for that day. Praise His Holy Name!
STAN IT IS AMAZING TO ME BUT MORE AND MORE CHRISTIANS ARE REALIZING THAT THE JEWISH PEOPLE ARE INDEED GOD’S CHOSEN. WE ARE ALL HIS CHILDREN, BUT HE SAID TO THE JEW FIRST THEN TO THE GENTILES.
ISRAEL WILL NEVER STAND ALONE, GOD WILL ALWAYS HAVE A BAND OF ANGELS THAT WILL ALWAY BE WITH ISRAEL AS WELL AS HIS SON.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR SAFE AND WELL
Well stated Stan. We avoid the verse that says `narrow is the gate and few will enter.’
So many have created a christianity in their own image and joyfully follow the deception.
We have no choice in the matter on any issues but of course that depends on whether we spell Lord with a capital letter or not.
I applaud you for your comments and I do pray that the Christian world will pay attention to your words. I am sad however, that people like Rev Shook still don’t get it! Israel and the Jewish world needs flesh and blood support - not just pious sounding words. If all those Evangelicals who claim to be supporters of Israel really understood what being grafted in meant we would be looking at a very different picture and there would be a smile on God’s face also.
Thank you for telling it like it is! May God help us to really stand for our jewish brother in away that counts, warm fuzzies won’t cut it any more. wake up Americans,fast,pray,fight were you can,givewere you can. may we show Israel that we really love them
OK, all that being said…..what more can we do? Give us practical advice. I can write letters (I do! often…) I support Israeli charities such as Meir Panim, I support Christians and Jews International, I’m visiting Israel in June, I attend informational dinners here in the US to learn more about ways to help. I’m looking at purchasing bonds in Israel, can’t wait to attend Comfort My People in May here in the US…..I’m learning and I’m searching, I’m praying daily along with you as I can.
I can’t rally a million people by myself. One day, perhaps I can - but right now I’m seeking ways to help being only one person.
You wouldn’t believe the opposition I’m getting just from my family about going over to visit Israel this summer. They’re all so afraid I’ll be blown up or abducted. That’s the mindset I’m dealing with.
There is something changing Stan. I sense it - there is a shift happening as lines are being drawn. We will be tested and divided. I pray God gives me the strength to stand by Israel ALWAYS. Those I love don’t understand this mindset I have for Isarel. Sad to say, even my church doesn’t! By heading over to Israel in June, I asked my Pastor if I could give a talk on my trip when I return - complete with PowerPoint slides and photos. I’m going to engage this congregation and hopefully, open their eyes to the plight of Israel. I want to make it personal so that they too will grab hold of what the Holy Spirit is even now calling us to.
These are interesting times. Everything is so new to me. I’m sure as I forge ahead on this path I’ll make new friends (maybe even a few enemies *sigh*..) but it’ll all be worth it. My motivation doesn’t come from men or what they think of me. It’s a personal mandate from the Lord. He is my inspiration, my protector and my guide.
I know to you it’s not happening fast enough. PATIENCE - something is happening. We are slowly - SLOWLY awakening. We may get a jolt in the process - then, all the better. The first part is happening - awareness. Give us time, let us Christians work here in America to do what we need to do to get this message of support out. We’ll do it!
Pray for us.
Blessings,
Kate
I have become a one-issue voter. Each prospective candidate should be asked “What is your stand on Israel?” I will vote for the candidate who stands strongest with Israel. GWB has been a supreme disappointment in this area.
Frank my friend, Rev. Shook wrote barely two sentences. I am sure if he were to expand on the issue we would find a supporter(where the rubber meets the road), kind of guy.Like you, I agree and disagree with Stan and the other commentators, however, I continue to love you all.
“If we really care, and want to show that we really care, then we had better start bracing to lose our countrymen, our friends, even members of our families.
We must get this into our heads… Standing with Israel in a way that counts for something is almost sure to cost us everything.â€
What powerfully true words Stan! I guess this is really the difference between “preference†and “convictionâ€, isn’t it? So often, as professing believers we talk big, until something big is demanded of us. How many of us, like Corrie ten Boom will find ourselves standing with our feet solidly planted on firm convictions when things start to get truly tough? When the times that are indeed coming will cost us everything, as they did Corrie and her family? Or how many of us will instead be quick to discover that the ground on which we have chosen to stand is, after all, just shifting sand? When in the face of loss and danger, we suddenly decide that those things we spoke so loudly about are, after all, simply not important enough to suffer for? When we discover that what we thought were firmly held convictions, are nothing more than personal preferences which can easily be tossed aside when danger begins to court us?
In both Matthew and Luke we read the story of the wise and foolish builders. I’m sure both thought the foundation they were building on was adequate for all that was to come. Both were builders. Both desired a safe haven. Neither one sat idly by. They both worked and built. Yet one of them was foolish. He was deceived. He thought his foundation was secure. But it wasn’t. To his great peril, he had been building on shifting sand. On preferences, not on convictions. When danger came, his footing was unsure, and the structure he had built around himself was carried away in the flood.
In the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family, their foundation held, and the structure they had built around themselves stood firm. When danger began to court them, it only served to deepen and solidify the convictions their feet were planted on. When the flood came in earnest, they found solid rock beneath their feet. In Luke chapter six we read that the wise man dug down deep and laid his foundation on rock. The ten Boom family had done this, and discovered to their great joy, that that Rock is none other than Jesus Christ. They discovered that convictions built upon the Lord Jesus Christ held firm in the tempest.
Stan, thank you for challenging us to test what we ‘think’ are convictions. If we are quick to feel threatened by your challenges, perhaps we need to examine the foundation beneath our feet. It just may be that we will come to realize we are attempting to build our house on the shifting sands of personal preference, rather than on the deep convictions of the Holy Spirit, which can only be found as we build upon that which has already been laid – Jesus Christ. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him, and dig deep, planting our feet firmly upon Him.
And Stan, can you do something for me? Can you go to those precious Jewish souls among whom you live, and can you find among them one or two around whom to put your arms, and can you tell them for me how much I love them? Just one little gesture, but filled with so much love! Each time you share how completely unloved, how despised and rejected they feel in this world, my heart breaks within me, and the love for them which I have seen in the heart of the Father, consumes me. I’m not there to tell them, but you are Stan. You have discovered the difference between preference and conviction. You have discovered the secret of the ten Boom family. May the Lord help me to do the same!
In His Love,
Jan
Far be it from me to decry the high piority it is for a Jew to meet his Messiah. There are few things more thrilling and heartwarming to see than a Completed Jew. But
I just wonder how many of those Christians who insist that we should preach the Gospel to the Jews rather than bothering about them regarding their need of support, are actually busy themselves doing that preaching. Also, I wonder if they realise that, with the poor history of the church in relation to Israel, no Christian worth his salt would have the arrogance to up and “preach the Gospel” to a Jew unless that Christian goes to the Jew in a spirit of repentance, humility, and the kind of love that is prepared to wash his feet.
What does the Word say? “Kings shall be your foster fathers and guardians,(are believers not called Kings?) and Queens your nursing mothers (are we not told that the church is the Queen, the bride of the King of Kings?). They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth and lick up the dust of your feet.” (Is. 49:23 AMP.) That last bit sounds like an act of repentance to me. What does a good foster father do? He comforts and supports his child. What does a nursing mother do? She makes sure her child is nourished and cared for. The church’s big mistake has always been to “spiritualise” the plain and literal Scriptures.
When you have gone to a Jew in that spirit, taken the time and paid the price to win his friendship and confidence - then, as the Holy Spirit leads you, there will come an opportunity to share the love of the Messiah with him. And until such time, put your money where your mouth is and obey the command of the God of Israel to “Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to the heart of Jerusalem and cry out to her that her time of service and her warfare is ended, that her punishment is accepted and her iniquity is pardoned, she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.” (Is. 40:1,2 Amp.)
And those of us who pray, let’s be sure we obey His command: “You who are His servants and by your prayers, put the LORD in remembrance of His promises, keep not silence, and give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her a praise in the earth.” (Is. 62:6,7 Amp). Let’s not get weary now, the time is short.
S’D
S-HALOM, Stan
Your insightful commentary is right on target.
however, since we live in a world where are few prinicples…and only
self-interests….what is necessary is to have true Bible
believers who are concerned about Israel…, both non Jews and
Jews ..IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO CONTACT PRESIDENTIAL
CANDIDATES OF ALL POLITICAL PARTIES.. ASKING THAT THEY
RESPOND IN WRITING AS TO THEIR POSITION ON A ‘palestinian
state” AND WHETHER THEY BELIEVE ISRAEL SHOULD BE
REQUIRED TO MAKE FURTHER CONCESSIONS OF LAND FOR
‘peace” (sic)….
THIS INFORMATION CAN THEM BE DISSEMINATED TO
DETERMINE WHICH, IF ANY CANDIDATE DESERVES
THE VOTES WHICH THEY NEED TO BECOME PRESIDENT.
ANOTHER ‘LITMUS TEST’ IS THE CRUCIAL ISSUE OF
FREEING JONATHAN (YEHONATAN) POLLARD WHO HAS BEEN
LANGUISHING IN AN AMERICAN PRISON FOR 22 YEARS !
THIS SUFFERING JEW RECEIVED A CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT LIFE SENTENCE FOR GIVING ISRAEL INFORMATION CRUCIAL TO HER SURVIVAL, AND WHICH ALSO ULTIMATELY HELPED THE UNITED STATE ,
IT THEREFORE BEHOOVES ALL LOVERS OF ISRAEL TO CONTACT PRESIDENT BUSH THAT JONATHAN POLLARD NOW BE FREED AND ALLOWED TO EMIGRATE TO THE JEWISH HOMELAND WITH G-D’S HELP
IN TIME FOR PASSSOVER, THE FESTIVAL OF JEWISH FREEDOM.
FINALLY,
You mentioned that “Israel will stand alone”
The Jewish people has ONLY ONE ETERNAL ALLY, THE G-D OF
ISRAEL..WHO HAS PROMISED TO ‘BLESS THOSE THAT
BLESS ISRAEL AND CURSE THOSE WHO CURSE ISRAEL”
THE FOLLOWING POEM IS FROM MY COLLECTION OF
PUBLISHED VERSES ENTITLED,
” ASK NOT WHY, MY PEOPLE”
(copyright U.S.A.)
ISRAEL STANDS ALONE
By Shifra Hoffman
FOUNDER, VICTIMS OF ARAB TERROR INTERNATIONAL (VAT)
IT’S TIME TO FACE THE FACTS AT LAST TO SEE THE DIE THAT HAS BEENCAST.
FOR AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE;THERE’S NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN
ISRAEL IS CONDEMNED BY ALL;NATIONS LARGE,AND NATIONS SMALL
ALL JOIN HANDS TO HEAP THEIR SCORN-ON THE JEWISH STATE, REBORN.
THE BRITISH SENT THEIR WILLING KNAVE, TO LECTURE US HOW TO BEHAVE
THESE PARAGONS OF HUMANITY, WHO HELD JEWS UNDER LOCK AND KEY!
THE SOVIETS PROTEST “N’YET ‘N’YET ISRAELI OPPRESSION WE DARE NOT
LET
WHOSE OPPRESSIVE IRON GATE, PREVENTED JEWS TO EMIGRATE!
OF FRENCH ‘HONOR’ WE SURELY KNOW; AS THEIR VICHY RECORDS SHOW
AND PERHAPS ISRAEL SHOULD HEED GERMANY’S ‘MORAL’ WORD AND DEED
OF COURSE THERE’S ALWAYS THE USATOWHOM WE LOOK ‘SAVE THE DAY CAN IT BE, “OUR ONLY FRIEND”,JOINS ALL THE OTHERS IN THE END?
“OH FOOLISH JEWS’…HAVE YOU NOT LEARNED?AS FAR AS THE WHOLE
WORLD’S CONCERNED
IF ISRAEL WERE TO DISAPPEAR…THE NATIONS WOULD NOT SHED A TEAR!
THAT WHICH OUR TORAH SAGES KNEW, PROVES TIME AGAIN TO BE SO TRUE
FOR G-D HIMSELF, HAS SURELY SHOWN
ISRAEL STANDS ALONE!!!
Kate, God bless you and your zeal but be sure you are being led of the Holy Spirit. If you don’t make enemies you are not upholding the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ. John15, vss18,19 and 23 tell it like it is. I and hopefully all those who read your post, will be praying for your safety. Sam.
Stan,I encourage you and all that are concerned for the Jewish people and others in the land of Israel to pray for God ’s” FIRE” to fall on the body of Christ not only in the U.S. but throughout the world,so that the church of Christ might be awakened and compelled to unite their heart with Gods purposes and priorities. Avi Lipkin a Jewish citizen authored a book- ” Christian Revival for Israel’s Survival” in 1999.see http://www.vicmord.com to obtain a copy.
I agree with Delta. In my personal walk, after I became a believer, the L-rd gave me a love for Israel and opened my eyes to the history of Israel. I live by my convictions: I pray for Israel, her citizens, and for the peace of Jerusalem. The L-rd has ordained my footsteps to work for many Jewish employers, whom I honor by doing my work as unto the L-rd, as a silent witness. I tithe to a chaplain whose grandmother was Jewish. I hope to visit Israel one day, but in the meanwhile, my love and respect for them is expressed in my worship times before the L-rd. And yes, there have been times when I have been able to share my belief in a loving, respectful and meaningful way. I deeply respect Stan, and completely honor him for his work. He has been able to reach many with his faith without offense. He is a wonderful friend of Israel.
Blessings, Dawn
The prophet Zechariah notes that the jews are the “apple of God’s eye”. The apple of the eye is another way of saying the cornea. The cornea transmits what is seen into the brain for definition and comprehension. As such, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob views gentile behaviour through this “apple of the eye” lens and how the gentiles treat the jews is how the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will treat the gentiles.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob noted that He would ” bless them that bless thee (Abraham through his seed Isaac and Jacob), and curse them that curse thee” (genesis 12:3). It’s time for christendom to get onto the “blessings” side of this equation. Sooner rather than later.
I come from jewish and christian backgrounds. Jewish enough that my brother (years ago) volunteered for the israeli army after high school and was granted israeli citizenship. He now lives there. Maybe the support for israel could include christians who volunteer to serve in the israeli army. We could have millions volunteering to serve. That would be a strong message! Aloha and Shalom:)
Let’s be honest. It really won’t matter what you ask the candidates. They will just tell you want you want to hear. Case in point: Christians were all excited when George W. Bush said that on the day of his inauguration he would begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. However, he has since (after getting your vote) refused to do it, citing security reasons. Don’t you think that the son of a former president and CIA head would know that it was going to be a security risk before he made the promise?
Let’s put our trust in God, not politics. There is no righteousness in politics. It is not our duty to put people in office. God is quite able to do that without your help. He did it for thousands of years before the U.S. came along. Ask the people in Israel what they need, seek the Lord in regards to His people as He has commanded, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And do all of this without any regard to “the blessing”. Do it because God said to do it and because Israel is His people. Send money to the settlements to build up Israel, not to politicians to get them elected.