Thursday, February 23, 2017

Is Anything Too Difficult For Our God?

In chapter thirty two of Jeremiah the question raised in the title of our message this week is asked twice. Both times the answer is a resounding No! Verse 17 shows Jeremiah stating, "There is nothing too hard for you." (God) Then in verse 27 The Lord Himself says, "Is there anything too hard for Me?" 

This concept came to mind this week as I read an article entitled, "Israel and Saudi Arabia: A United Front." This is very significant since from the birth of Israel in 1948, Israel and Saudi Arabia have not had any formal diplomatic ties. However, currently the threat of Iran has Israel and Saudi Arabia seeing eye to eye. At the Munich Security Conference both nations issued almost identical warnings of caution against Iranian aggression. Israeli Defense Minister Liberman stated, "The real division is not Jew and Muslim but moderate people versus radical people."

Let us take this message a step further. Isaiah 19:23-25 says, "In that day, there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day, Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom The Lord of Hosts will bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people and Assyria the work of My hands and Israel My inheritance.'"

But I must admit I have wondered how all this is possible. These three verses from our Lord God says there will be a highway running from Egypt to Assyria which is current day Iraq. This means the highway would have to travel thru Saudi Arabia. This also shows Jews and Muslims worshiping our Lord God together. Again, how is all this possible?

It is possible because of our Lord God proclaiming in Jeremiah 32:17 & 27 that nothing is too difficult for Him. This really is all we need to know! Hallelujah!  Additionally, when we see Israel and Saudi Arabia working together, is this a little glimpse of Isaiah 19:23-25 starting to come to fruition? 

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,
Frank

I will not have a message for a short while as we are moving to a new home, please continue in your prayers and support for Israel.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Need For Repentance?

In Genesis 12:3 our Lord God said to Abraham and his descendants as he was establishing His covenant with them, "I will bless those who bless you." Our Lord God chose Abraham and his descendants to be His covenant people through Isaac and Jacob. He also said that He would bless those who bless these chosen people which became known as the Jewish people.

However, when we look at the history of the Christian Church we find that this has not been the case since Anti-Semitism has been around for a long time. During the early days of the church, Justin Martyr stated, "The Jewish scriptures are no longer yours, they are now ours. The Jews are now disinherited from the grace of God."

The Emperor Constantine promoted separation from the "despicable Jews." Augustine's sermon entitled Against The Jews impacted Martin Luther who promoted setting fire to Jewish Synagogues and schools. It is believed that Luther's writings inspired the horrors of the Holocaust. 

Today there are denominations, churches and seminaries that adhere to the false doctrine of "Replacement Theology." These false teachings proclaim that the church has replaced Judaism and the Jews have no future in God's plans. Nothing Could Be Further From The Truth Of God's Word!  The following two mainline denominations have been fervent in their Anti-Semitic views: The Presbyterian Church USA and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

The good news is Evangelicals are the largest pro-Israel group in the United States. A poll found 82% of Evangelicals believe God gave Israel to the Jewish people.

In closing this vitally important message, I would encourage all of us to be absolutely sure our individual churches and denominations are those who are blessing Israel and the Jewish people. If not, a time of repentance is necessary and appropriate!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,
Frank     

Thursday, February 9, 2017

"You Shall Be A Blessing"

When our Lord God established His covenant with Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12:2-3, He created the following three truths which we will examine in this message:  

"I Will Make You A Great Nation" - Israel

"I Will Bless You And Make Your Name Great
And You Shall Be A Blessing"

"In You All Families Of The Earth Shall Be Blessed"

Has Israel Become A Great Nation? Absolutely! This tiny nation that is about the size of New Jersey has become the world's eighth most powerful country. This God - Ordained nation has been described as a rising power with a growing impact on world affairs. All of this taking place while Israel lives under constant threat of terror and war.

Has Israel Been A Blessing? Absolutely! Recent history reveals that Israel is the first nation to respond with assistance to countries who have just experienced a disaster. They were recognized by the United Nations for the efficiency of their medical tents at disaster sites. Additionally, Israel recently announced they will grant refugee status for 100 Syrian children granting them temporary residence status. They will allow them to become permanent residents after four years.

Have Families Of The Earth Been Blessed By Israel?  Absolutely! The stories of Israel having excellent relations with other countries are numerous, I have selected just one as an example. Israel and India established full diplomatic relations in January of 1992. Trade between these two nations was at one hundred million dollars in 1992 and today it stands at five billion dollars. Israel also stood with India in its wars of 1965, 1971 and 1999 and has assisted India with advanced weapons systems.

These are all examples of God's covenant people learning from His Word and obeying His Word. They are also a wonderful blessing and example for all. However, many of the nations of the world desire to destroy Israel as evidenced by the recent meeting in Paris. Israel and the Jewish people need our fervent prayers each day . . . Psalm 122:6.

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,
Frank