"Shall Call His Name Immanuel"

Isaiah 7:14 says, "Therefore The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." What a wonderful blessing for all peoples is this short prophetic verse that foretells the virgin birth of the Son of God. Jehovah God proclaims He shall be called Immanuel which means "God With Us." Our message this Christmas Week will unwrap the miraculous event of the birth of this little baby in a manager.

Last week, I heard a message of a Messianic Jewish Rabbi discussing the birth of the Son of God with a group of Orthodox Jewish young people. The Rabbi was using Old Testament Scriptures to prove Jesus was their Messiah. At first, they were doubting him but were listening carefully. The Rabbi referred to two sections of God's Word - Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6.

Isaiah 7:14 says The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Jehovah God desires for all peoples to understand clearly what is happening with the birth of this precious baby in Bethlehem. He says this baby shall be called "Immanuel" which means God With Us. Jehovah God is proclaiming this baby will be His Son coming to earth to be the Savior of all and the Jewish Messiah! Jesus in effect is "God With Us." God coming to earth in the likeness of man.

Isaiah 9:6 says, "For unto us a Child Is Born, 

unto us a Son Is Given; and the government 

will be upon His shoulder. 

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

God is showing all peoples that His Son will be

 part of the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

This verse also says, "The government will be upon His shoulder." 

This is a powerful prophetic word proclaiming

 that Jesus will rule and reign over all worldly

 governments and kings during His Millennial Reign.

In closing, there is a precious Christmas worship song called "Mary Did You Know." One of the verses says, "Mary did you know when you kiss the face of your baby you are kissing the face of God." God Is With Us At All Times And In Every Situation. Hallelujah!

Have A Most Blessed Christmas Season,

Frank        

The God Of Israel - Part 4

Isaiah 43:1-3 says, "But now, this is what The Lord says - He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel; fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am The Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

We are continuing our  series of messages from Isaiah 41-48 which highlights the Sovereignty And Greatness of Jehovah God on behalf of His people Israel. Isaiah 43:1 shows God reminding His Covenant People that He created them, He called them to be His Chosen People, He called them by name and He will protect them.

There are numerous events in God's Word where God protected His people when they were pursued by enemies. The crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan River are prime examples. Additionally, the book of Joshua shows Jehovah God directing His people to defeat their enemies as they entered the Holy Land. Jehovah God's Word is true and valid and He keeps all of His promises!

Isaiah 43:5,6 says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you, I will bring your children from the East and gather you from the West. I will say to the North, 'give them up!' and to the South, 'do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth." This is a past, present and future message. Jehovah God is bringing His Chosen People back to Israel from all over the world and this process has been happening for many years. It is currently happening and will continue into the future. There are over 700 verses in God's Word predicting this event and it is so important to God that some Bible scholars believe all of the Jewish people will be back in Israel before Jesus returns to earth. Hallelujah!

As we celebrate this season of the birth of our Savior, we proclaim as the angels did over Bethlehem;

"Glory To God In The Highest And On Earth

 Peace To Men On Whom His Favor Rests"

Merry Christmas And May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day,

Frank      

The God Of Israel - Part 3

This is the third message centering on Isaiah 41-48 illustrating the sovereignty and greatness of Jehovah God on behalf of His people Israel. Isaiah 42:1 says, "Here is My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations." This verse raises the question as to who is "My servant and My chosen?" Isaiah 41:8 uses the exact same wording when talking about Israel.

Our message this week will answer the question - does Isaiah 42:1-9 describe Israel or their coming Messiah? I believe they refer prophetically to Jesus Christ, True Son Of The One True God And The True Messiah Of Israel.

Let me explain! Isaiah 42:1,4 mentions that The Servant will bring justice to the earth. This certainly is not happening now except to a very limited degree. However, true justice throughout the world will only happen when Jesus returns to earth and rules and reigns from Jerusalem. Revelation 19:11 says, "With Justice He Judges." Bless His Holy Name!

Additionally, Isaiah 42:6 says, "I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles." Notice Jehovah God will cause His servant to be a covenant for the people. Hebrews 10:9-10 explains that when Jesus died on the cross, "He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." He came to establish a new Blood Covenant replacing the old Blood Covenant making all people holy as they accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

Lastly, Isaiah 42:7 says, "To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison." This reference is about a servant who will open blind eyes and free prisoners. Only the love and power of Jesus Christ can accomplice these miracles. In Luke 4:18 Jesus was in the Synagogue in Galilee and quoted Isaiah 42:7. Then He said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus Is The Servant Of Isaiah 42:1-9. Hallelujah!

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

Frank     

    

The God Of Israel - Part 2

Last week we started a series of messages from Isaiah 41 - 48 which describes the sovereignty and majesty of Jehovah God as the God of Israel. We learned God chose the Jewish people to share His love throughout the world and that He will defeat Israel's enemies in the process.

Our message this week will center on Jehovah God providing for the poor and needy in Israel by transforming the swamp and desert of Israel into farmland and cities. Isaiah 41:17, 18, 20 says, "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I The Lord will answer them; I, The God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs . . . So that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of The Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it."

Again, we can look at Jehovah God keeping these promises in the past and the present. There was a time when the land of Israel was barren wasteland. Today, Israel is prosperous and generous. The desert and swampland has become beautiful cities and farmland that are the envy of the world. Fruit produced in Israel is in demand and their irrigation techniques are taught in other desert countries. Jehovah God Keeps Every Promise!

Why does God do this? Ezekiel 36:28-30 says, "You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God . . . I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the fields."

Jehovah God Provides For His Chosen People So

 That They Will Know That He Is Their God! 

What A mighty God We Serve!

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

Frank     

The God Of Israel

Jehovah God brings a message of hope and restoration for Israel in the chapters 41-48 in the book of Isaiah. The basis for this hope is The Sovereignty And Majesty Of God. Of the 216 verses in these nine chapters, 115 speak of God's Greatness and Power. As we know of the current tenuous situation in Israel, we feel it appropriate to start a series of messages illustrating God's love, comfort, compassion and protection for His people Israel from chapters 41-48 of Isaiah.

Chapter 41 is entitled, "Comfort Because Of God's Greatness." Isaiah 41:8-10 says, "But you, O Israel, My servants, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham My friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'you are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

In verses 8 and 9, Jehovah God starts His message of hope by confirming that the Jewish people are His Chosen People. He chose them to be His Covenant People at Mt. Sinai to spread His love to the rest of the world. He encourages them by saying He had not cast them away; He is with them; He will strengthen them and He will help them.

 Certainly This Is A Message Of Hope! Hallelujah!

Currently, Israel is surrounded by enemies and has enemies living within its borders. However, Jehovah God brings an encouraging and hopeful message in verses 11-13 which says, "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am The Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you."

In closing, this message of hope for Israel is a present and future time message. However, it can also apply to past events. Observe the following list of past enemies of Israel which Jehovah God has eliminated:

The Roman Empire . . . The Greek Empire . . . Nazi Germany . . .

The Babylonian Empire . . . The Spanish Inquisition . . . 

The British Empire . . . Russian Pogroms 

We Serve A Mighty God!

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

Frank

        

"Watchmen On Your Wall"

Isaiah 62:6-7 says, "I have posted Watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on The Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." Today, there is an urgent need for millions of Watchmen over Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. Our message this week is to look at this need and the role of Watchmen.

Worldly conditions for the Jewish people has become tense and dangerous. Recently, worshippers at a Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania were attacked by a gunman and a number were killed. Anti-Semitism worldwide was 37% higher in 2017 than 2016. Jewish college students in the United States feel threatened on a regular basis. Recently Hamas in Gaza fired 400 rockets into Southern Israel destroying an apartment building. Iran and Russia have troops on the ground in Syria.

We now know the need for Watchmen. What is their function? A Watchman "Watches Over" and thus protects a certain group of people. Isaiah 62:6 says Jehovah God has posted Watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem. When Jerusalem is mentioned in this manner, I believe it includes not only the people of Jerusalem but the Jewish people worldwide. 

How does a Watchman watch over the Jewish people worldwide? The Watchman upon learning of pending danger or that the Jewish people are under attack immediately petitions Jehovah God for His hand of protection over His Covenant People. When we study the history of Israel and the Jewish people we notice that God has protected His people over and over again. Watchmen play an integral part in this process. Hallelujah!

Looking further at verses six and seven, we learn the Watchmen are watching continually - they give themselves "No Rest." This  is not a part time calling from God, it is full time! Notice also the Watchmen give God "No Rest" until He establishes Jerusalem as the Praise Of The Earth during the Millennial Reign of Jesus.

Are you a Watchman on the walls of Jerusalem? If so, are you giving yourself "No Rest?" Are you giving God "No Rest?" Bless His Holy Name!

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

Frank          

Jesus Rules And Reigns - Continuing

Recently our messages have concentrated on looking at worldly conditions during the reign of Jesus Christ for a thousand years and into eternity. This week our message will study Jesus Ruling And Reigning Currently. Bless His Holy Name!

A number of Psalms proclaim Jesus reigning Currently:

Psalm 9:7 "The Lord Reigns Forever"

Psalm 93:1 "The Lord Reigns, He Is Robed In Majesty"

Psalm 96:10 "Say Among The Nations, The Lord Reigns"

Psalm 97:1 "The Lord Reigns, Let The Earth Be Glad"

Psalm 99:1 "The Lord Reigns, Let The Nations Tremble"

Psalm 146:10 "The Lord Reigns Forever"

Also, Philippians 2:8-11 proclaims Jesus Ruling And Reigning Currently, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ Is Lord, To The Glory Of God The Father." The name of Jesus is above every other name and every knee should bow at the name of Jesus today!

You might be thinking there are people today who do not bow at the name of Jesus or confess Jesus as Lord. This is true! Why? The current rule and reign of Jesus must be applied to our daily lives. However, Satan does all he can to prevent this from happening. This will not be the case during the Millennial Reign of Jesus since Satan will be bound.

How can we Rule And Reign with Jesus today? Ephesians 6:10-18 teaches us how to put on "The Armor Of God." Most importantly, verse 14 says we should have "The Belt Of Truth around our waist." Verse 17 says we should use the "Sword Of The Spirit which is the Word Of God." When we know the Word Of God and apply it to our daily lives, we Rule And Reign each day with Jesus.

Be those victorious overcomers each day as you Rule And Reign with Jesus!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank    

Jesus Rules And Reigns - Continuing

The month of November and December are always special times of the year. November is when we thank Jehovah God for all the blessings He provides. I am always curious as to why one Thursday each year is the time to give thanks. Should we not give thanks everyday to our God? I have made it a habit to start each day with this prayer of thanksgiving: "Jehovah God, Thank You For Your Plan Of Salvation; Jesus, Thank You For Obeying This Plan; Holy Spirit, Thank You For Guiding And Directing Us As Our Counselor Every Day."

As we continue our study of Jesus ruling and reigning during the thousand year millennial period, there are two prophetic scriptures about the birth of Jesus clearly describing His upcoming rule and reign. Isaiah 9:6,7 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end." Notice the government will be upon the shoulders of Jesus. He will have total control and the responsibility for all in existence. This will be a Theocratic Kingdom, exactly the same as when Jehovah God ruled and reigned before the Israelites decided they wanted their own king.

The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary in Luke 1:31-33, "You will be with child and give birth to a Son and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of The Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end." This message explains Jesus will reign forever and His kingdom will have no end. Hallelujah!

The month of November is always special since it is the anniversary month of For Zions Sake Ministry. Over the last 6 years, 19,111 Saints of God have read 300 messages in 10 countries. For Zions Sake Ministry is honored, humbled and blessed to be a vehicle by which God blesses Israel and the Jewish People each week. For Zions Sake Ministry blesses and praises the Holy Name Of Jehovah God.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank  

Jehovah God Protects His People

Recently, we have published a number of messages illustrating worldly conditions during the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ on earth. We will continue this series but feel it is important to remind God's people to be in earnest prayer after learning of the horrendous terror attack on God's Covenant People in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We also want to illustrate  Jehovah God Protects His People! 

Past - Shortly after Israel was declared a nation in May of 1948, five Arab armies attacked Israel which was short on manpower and resources. Miraculously, Israel survived this attack and even gained ground. On June 1, 1967 Israel again was about to be attacked by five Arab countries. June 5th Israel's Air Force launched a surprise attack on Egypt and destroyed their airplanes. October 6, 1973 during Yom Kippur 500 Israeli soldiers faced 600,000 Egyptians and 180 Israeli tanks faced 1,400 Syrian tanks. Israel survived these attacks and pushed the invaders back across their borders. Jehovah God Protests His People!

Present - We hear of rockets and missiles being fired by Hamas from Gaza into Southern Israel. Miraculously, we do not hear of any Israeli citizens being injured or killed. Israeli leaders also announce that hundreds of prospective terror attacks are prevented in Israel each year. Jehovah God Protects His People!

Future Illustrated In Zechariah 9

Verse 1 "The Word of The Lord is against the land of Hadrach and will rest upon Damascus."

Verse 2 "And upon Hamath too which borders on it and upon Tyre and Sidon."

Verse 5 "Ashkelon will see it and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, Gaza will lose her king and Ashkelon will be deserted.

In explaining the above, Jehovah God will be in judgement against all of the areas mentioned including Syria, Lebanon and Gaza which are all current enemies of Israel. Jehovah God Protects His People!

A primary focus of For Zion's Sake Ministry is to encourage God's people to pray for "The Peace Of Jerusalem" especially now after the attack in Pittsburgh. Be Encouraged God's People And Keep Praying!

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

Frank     

Jesus Rules And Reigns - Continuing

Recently, our messages have focused on worldly conditions during the rule and reign of Jesus Christ during the Millennium. Our primary source has been the book of Isaiah but now we will continue these messages using the book of Zechariah, another prophetic book. Notice the following titles of sections in Zechariah Chapters 8 - 10 which we will study: 

The Lord Promises To Bless Jerusalem

Judgment On Israel's Enemies

The Coming of Zion's King

The Lord Will Appear

The Lord Will Care For Judah

Zechariah 8:2-4 says, "This is what The Lord Almighty says: 'I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her . . . I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth and the Mountain of The Lord Almighty will be called The Holy Mountain . . . Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of their age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.'" 

Our Lord God Almighty says "I Am Very Jealous For Zion." A person who is jealous will do whatever is necessary to prove their love. Jesus says He will return to Jerusalem. As a result, Jerusalem will be a city of truth and holiness. Additionally, Jerusalem will be a city of total peace with seniors peacefully sitting in the streets and children playing without fear. Even So, Come Quickly Lord Jesus, Come Quickly!

Zechariah 8:20-23 says, "This is what The Lord Almighty says: 'Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, let us go at once to entreat The Lord and seek The Lord Almighty. I myself am going and many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek The Lord Almighty and to entreat Him.'"

We previously learned that all nations will come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles and those who do not attend will experience famine. The above message is similar but somewhat different because it shows peoples of many nations desiring to go to Jerusalem. Why? They want to seek The Lord because they have learned that Jehovah God is with His Covenant People and they desire to experience God in a similar manner.

"That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Should Bow, 

In Heaven And On Earth And Under The Earth, 

And Every Tongue Confess That Jesus Christ Is Lord,

 To The Glory Of God The Father." 

Philippians 2:10-11

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank       

Jesus Rules And Reigns - Continuing

Psalm 102:12-17 says, "But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to your servant; her very dust moved them to pity. The nations will fear the name of The Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere Your glory. For The Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in His Glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their plea." Additionally, Isaiah 25:8 says, "The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth."

We are continuing our series of messages that describe Jesus Christ ruling and reigning from Jerusalem during the Millennium Period. Psalm 102 illustrates Jesus reigning as King and declaring it is time to have compassion on Zion. Jesus also declares it is time to rebuild Zion. All of this will take place during the thousand year reign of Jesus.

However, the message we will concentrate on this week is Isaiah 25:8 that says God's Covenant People will not be DISGRACED anymore around the world. What does it mean that God's Covenant People have been disgraced? Shortly after God gave to Abraham and his descendants the land of Israel, the Jewish people were driven from their land.

The Assyrians forced them into exile in 722 BCE, the Babylonians in 587 BCE and the Romans in 70 CE. While in exile, the Jewish people were subject to political, economic and social discrimination. They were forced from their homes to live in "Jewish Ghettos." In Spain they were forced to become Christians or they lost their lives. The most severe period of discrimination was the Holocaust in Germany where six million Jews lost their lives. God's Covenant People have been disgraced and are still being disgraced to this day.

Jehovah God will remove this disgrace and this removal will be in effect throughout the Millennial Period and into Eternity. How? Jeremiah 29:14 says, "I will be found by you," declares The Lord, "And will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you." Also, Ezekiel 20:34 says, "I will bring you from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered." These are just two of over 700 verses of Scripture showing Jehovah God bringing His people to their land. Their Time Of Disgrace Will End! Hallelujah!

In reality, the return of the Jews to Israel has been happening for over a century. At the beginning of World War I Jews living in Israel numbered 90,000. When Israel was formed in May 1948, 800,000 Jews lived in Israel. Today, 14.2 million Jews live in Israel. This is 43% of the existing Jews in the world.

Jehovah God Keeps All His Promises! Bless His Holy Name!

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

Frank    

Jesus Rules And Reigns - Continuing

We are in the process of a series of messages describing conditions when Jesus rules and reigns from Jerusalem for a thousand years. We have already learned that all nations will come up to Jerusalem for the Feast Of Tabernacles and that Jesus will rule and reign with love and compassion; He will teach His Word; He will judge between the nations and He will oversee a time of true peace on earth. Bless His Holy Name!

This week's message will center on what is referred to as Jesus establishing "The Highway." Possibly your reaction to this announcement is, "I do not think I have heard such a teaching before." 

Isaiah 19:18-21 says, "In That Day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord Almighty. In That Day there will be an altar to The Lord in the heart of Egypt and a monument to The Lord at its border. It will be a sign and witness to The Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to The Lord because of their oppressors, He will send them a Savior and defender and He will rescue them. So The Lord will make Himself known to the Egyptians and In That Day they will acknowledge The Lord."

Before we analyze the above verses, let me say this will be a mighty work of Jesus and could even be considered a miracle. Egypt was an enemy of Israel in its early days and took part in a number of wars against Israel. Assyria, that is current day Iraq, has been an enemy of Israel going all the way back to Nimrod and has birthed the terror group ISIS.

Look At What Jesus Will Bring About In Egypt!

Egypt will swear allegiance to Jesus . . .

There will be an altar to Jesus . . .

They will acknowledge Jesus as Lord . . .

They will make vows to Jesus . . .

They will turn to Jesus!

Lastly, what is "The Highway?" Isaiah 19:23-25 say, "In That Day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In That Day Israel will be the third along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.'"

Jesus will establish "The Highway" between Egypt and Assyria where the Egyptians and the Assyrians will travel together worshipping Jesus. Israel will  join them resulting in the total Blessings from Jesus! Is this a literal highway or a spiritual highway? I do not know, only Jehovah God knows. 

Is Anything Too Difficult For Our Lord? 

What A Mighty God We Serve!

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

Frank  

  

Jesus Rules And Reigns - Continuing

Last week's message was the first in a series of messages showing what the world will be like in Jerusalem during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. We learned during the Feast of Tabernacles all nations will come to Jerusalem and those that do not come will experience drought. This is just one example of the ruling and reigning of Jesus Christ.

Jesus also will rule with love, compassion, empathy, judgement and will create peace on earth. Isaiah 2:3-4 states, "Many peoples will come and say, 'come, let us go up to the mountain of The Lord, to the house of The God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His path.' The law will go out from Zion, the word of The Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."

Jesus will teach His ways from Jerusalem just as He taught His Disciples and His followers when He walked on earth. The difference this time is All The Nations Will Be Receiving His Instructions. HALLELUJAH! What will be the result? Jesus will settle disputes between nations and there will be Total Peace On Earth. This will be the same atmosphere of the Garden of Eden prior to The Fall. Bless His Holy Name!

Isaiah 4:2,3,5 states, "In That Day the Branch of The Lord will be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem . . . Then The Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night." The people of Jerusalem will be called Holy. Remember when Jesus returns to earth, Jewish people will recognize Him as their Messiah and will be cleansed and saved at the same time.

Isaiah 2:5 also illustrates that Jesus will create a cloud of smoke by day and a flaming fire by night which will create a continual shelter. Does this sound familiar? This Is The Same Protection Jehovah God Provided For His Covenant People In The Wilderness. We serve a loving and protecting God!

Jesus will rule and reign from Jerusalem for a thousand years! We should all pray for Jew and Gentile alike to come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ as their Lord.

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

Frank  

Jesus Rules And Reigns

Our recent messages have focused on the events that will take place "On That Day" which is mentioned numerous times in the prophetic books of the Bible. "On That Day" is a timeframe at the end of the Tribulation Period when all that we currently experience will be changed dramatically. Israel with God's help wins two different wars and Jesus Christ returns to earth to rule and reign from Jerusalem for a thousand years. This week's message will describe a series of events occurring at the start of the thousand years.

God's Covenant People started their celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles last Sunday night lasting one week. During this Feast Jewish people construct a temporary hut or tabernacle in their backyards leaving open spaces in the roof to be able to talk with God. Families gather together in these tabernacles to eat their meals and remember to thank God for protecting and providing for them during their 40 years in the wilderness.

How does the Feast of Tabernacles relate to future events that  take place at the start of the thousand years? Isaiah 2:2 says, "In the last days, the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, 'come, let us go up to the mountain of The Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His path.'"

There is a direct connection between Isaiah 2:2 and Zechariah 14:16,17 which say, "Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, The Lord Almighty and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship The King, The Lord Almighty, they will have no rain." All nations must come to Jerusalem to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles and those who do not come will experience droughts.

Yes, Jesus will be ruling and reigning from Jerusalem for all of the thousand years and beyond. Bless His Holy Name!

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

Frank

          

"On That Day" {Continued}

Two weeks ago our message defined the term "On That Day" and described the events that will happen during that time frame. These include the Battle Over Jerusalem, the return of Jesus Christ to earth and the resulting recognition of Jesus as The Messiah of the Jewish people. Bless His Holy Name!

In our message this week, we will look at another battle Israel will face "On That Day" called The Battle Of Armageddon. Does this mean Israel will have to fight two battles simultaneously? Possibly, or at least these two battles are back to back. Only Jehovah God knows!

Revelation 16 describes the Seven Bowls Of God's Wrath. Verses 12 and 16 say, "The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East . . . Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon." The kings from the East and their armies will gather together to battle at Armageddon. When you visit Israel you have the opportunity to look over a very large valley where this battle will take place called The Valley Of Megiddo.

How does Jehovah God react to this battle? In Revelation 19:11-16 John sees this vision . . .

"I saw Heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one but He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and His name is The Word Of God. The armies of Heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nation. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written;

King Of Kings and Lord Of Lords

The Son Of God Strikes Down The Nations And Comes To Rule With An Iron Scepter. He Comes To Rule And Reign From Jerusalem As The King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords For A Thousand Years. 

HALLELUJAH . . . HALLELUJAH . . . HALLELIJAH . . . HALLELUIJAH

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank

    

"On That Day"

Our recent messages have focused on the future wars Israel will face. We started looking at the Psalm 83 War in which Israel will contend with enemies along its borders. We then looked at the Battle of Gog and Magog where Israel is invaded by nations to the North. This week we will study one of Israel's last wars that happens "On That Day."

The term "On That Day" is mentioned numerous times in the Prophetic Books of the Bible. Sometimes it is referred to as the "Day Of The Lord" and "The Great Day Of God Almighty." This event happens at the end of the Tribulation Period when Israel fights its last wars and Jesus Returns To Earth. HALLELUJAH!

In Zechariah 12:3 God says, "On That Day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." This prophetic word is already happening. Jews, Christians and Muslims all claim Jerusalem as their holiest city. Notice all the worldwide turmoil when President Trump declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the U.S. Embassy there. All Worldly Events Revolve Around Jerusalem!

How does the God of Israel respond to Jerusalem under attack? Zechariah 12:9 says, "On That Day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem." Jehovah God observes the battle and then destroys Israel's enemies. Additionally, the most important event to happen in the future happens "On That Day" - Jesus Returns To Earth! Zechariah 14:3,4 says, "Then The Lord will go out and fight against those nations as He fights in the day of battle. On That Day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, East of Jerusalem."

What is the result of Jesus standing on the Mount of Olives? Zechariah 14:9 says, "The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On That Day there will be one Lord and His name the only name." Jesus will be The King of Kings and Lord of Lords ruling and reigning over the whole earth from Jerusalem. Also, Romans 11:26 "All Israel will be saved" becomes a reality as the Jewish people recognize Jesus as their Messiah.

To close, last Sunday I saw on the internet a true heartwarming event happening. An 18 month old little girl was describing to her Mother a dream she had. She kept pointing up saying, "He is coming, Abba is coming, look up He is coming." This went on for a few minutes. 

Even So, Come Lord Jesus, Come Quickly!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank   

Ezekiel 38, 39 - Part Three

Our last two messages were part of a Mini Series about Ezekiel 38, 39 that predicts a number of nations led by Russia will invade Israel. Jehovah God will respond strongly and defeat these invaders with an earthquake, plaque and bloodshed. We raised the question as to why would God allow this to happen and we learned that in the process God will show His greatness and holiness.

However, there is a bigger lesson to be learned in the study of the Battle of Gog and Magog. Notice Ezekiel 39:23 God says, "The nations will know that the people of Israel went into exile for their sin, because they were unfaithful to me." The God of Israel wants everyone to know how He dealt with His people because of their unfaithfulness. Jehovah God scattered them all over the world and hid His face from them. This is a powerful lesson for all of us showing the importance of obeying our God, loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind and serving Him faithfully.

Praise The Lord, this is not the end of the message! Ezekiel 39:25, 28 says, "Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now bring Jacob back from captivity and will have compassion on all the people of Israel . . . I will gather them to their own land not leaving any behind." Once again, there is much for us to learn, God dispersed His people but is already in the process of bringing them back to Israel. Verse 25 says He will have compassion on all His people and not only bring them home but will love them and take care of them. We Serve A Loving God!

God says in verse 28 that He will not leave ANY of His people in other nations. This raises a very important thought! The statement appears to correspond  with Romans 11:26 that says, "ALL Israel will be saved." To take this message a step further verse 29 says Jehovah God "Will pour out His Spirit on the House of Israel." We will address both of these scenarios in future messages.

Wow! What A Mighty God We Serve, Angels Bow Before Him, Heaven And Earth Adore Him, What A Mighty God We Serve! 

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Everyday,

Frank
      

Ezekiel 38 & 39 - Part Two

Last Sunday I heard a message about our God being a Sovereign God. What does this mean? It means our God is in total control of everything that He created. Isaiah 40:10 validates this concept when it says, "See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and His arm rules for Him."

We all need to understand this Biblical truth as we start our message this week. Last week we began our study of Ezekiel 38, 39 which describes the battle of Gog and Magog learning it  is totally controlled by our Sovereign God. We find this fact quite curious and raise the question why would a Sovereign God control an invasion of Israel?

Ezekiel 38:16,23 answers this question, "In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy through you before their eyes . . . And so I will show My greatness and My holiness and I will make Myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am Lord." The constant theme of these verses is that Jehovah God wants all mankind to know He is The Holy One Of Israel! He also shows His greatness in how He will respond to Israel's enemies.

How will Jehovah God show His greatness? Ezekiel 38:19,21,22 says, "In My zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel . . . I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains . . . I will execute judgement upon him with plaque and bloodshed." God Will Show His Greatness By Defeating Israel's Enemies!

One last point concerning God's Sovereignty. Ezekiel 39:7 says, "I will make known My Holy Name among My people Israel. I will no longer let My Holy Name be profaned, and the nations will know that I The Lord am The Holy One of Israel." Please notice, God WILL NOT let His name be profaned any more in proving His Holiness.

As we are studying current day Israel to include battles in their future, I am reminded of Joshua 1:5 saying, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you." Our Sovereign God will not forsake His people Israel!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Everyday,

Frank 

Ezekiel 38 - 39 Part One

Psalm 83 was the focus of our last two messages since it describes probably the next war in which Israel will have to confront their enemies. This Psalm describes in detail Israel's enemies on their borders and how these enemies are working together to destroy Israel. The Psalm 83 Battle is also referred to as the battle involving Israel's inner circle of enemies.

This week we will start a series of messages identifying Israel's outer circle of enemies or those who will try to destroy Israel in the Battle of Gog and Magog illustrated in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Ezekiel 38:1 shows Jehovah God speaking to a person known as Gog located in Magog. Who is Gog and where is Magog? It is believed that Gog is the leader of Russia and is also the leader of the nations involved in the invasion from the far North since Russia is directly North of Israel. 

What is most intriguing about Ezekiel 38 and 39 and the Battle of Gog and Magog is that God is in control of all the events. Ezekiel 38:4-6 show God speaking to Gog and saying, "I will turn you around and bring you out with your whole army . . . Persia, Cush and Put will be with them . . . also Gomer with all its troops." God is planning an invasion of Israel. Why? We will keep you in suspension and answer this question next week.

For this week's message, we will identify those nations invading Israel and the timing of this battle. Ezekiel 38:5 identifies these invading nations with God using their names when Ezekiel was written. Again, Russia will be the leader but Iran also is involved which was called Persia at that time. This is no surprise! Other countries involved are believed to be those between Israel and Russia including Turkey.

Let us now try to pinpoint the timing of this battle, this is more challenging. Some believe it will happen just before the Tribulation Period. I believe the Word of God validates it being part of the Tribulation Period. Ezekiel 38:8 says with God speaking to Gog, "You will invade a land that has recovered from war . . . now all of them live in safety." Ezekiel 38:11 says a similar message, "Gog will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people." 

When will Israel live in safety and be unsuspecting? We know that the Anti-
Christ in the beginning of the Tribulation Period establishes a peace treaty with the people of Israel. As a result, for a short period of time, Israel lives in peace and is an unsuspecting people. Could this be the timing of the Battle of Gog and Magog?

Currently, are there any signs of this battle being close at hand? Well, both Russia and Iran have troops in Syria on Israel's border. Also, the relationship between Turkey and Israel is very tense. Stay Tuned!

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

Frank      

Psalm 83 - Part Two

We are currently presenting a series of looking at the events and atmosphere in current day Israel. We have learned that between now and that Glorious Day when Jesus Christ returns to earth, Israel will be involved in a number of wars. Last week we started a study of Psalm 83 which illustrates Israel's enemies on her borders are "Consulting Together To Destroy Israel."

One enemy not mentioned last week and listed in Psalm 83 are the Ishmaelites. In order to properly identify them, we need to look at Genesis 16. Sarai, Abram's wife, "Had borne him no children." Sarai recommended  to Abram that their maid Hagar should bare him children. An angel of The Lord said to Sarai in verses 11 and 12, "You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers."

Notice this prophetic message says, "Ishmael will be a wild man and his hand shall be against everyone." Certainly, we come to the conclusion that current day descendants of Ishmael are enemies of Israel living among them and on its borders.

Additionally, as we observe conditions on Israel's borders and realizing the Psalm 83 War could be close at hand we need to look at the scenario along Israel's border with Syria. Syria has been involved in a Civil War for many years with their citizens trying to overthrow the Dictator Assad. Iran has been involved backing Assad and trying to draw Israel into the conflict. 

Please witness the following recent events showing how close war could be:

A Russian made Syrian jet was shot down over Israel by the Israeli Air Force. 

Seven terrorists enroute to Israel were killed by an Israeli helicopter.

Iranian trained Syrian forces are now on the border with Israel.

Israel has stopped shipments to Syria of food and medicine for refugees.

Bomb shelters in Northern Israeli towns are being supplied with food.

Isaiah 62:1, "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet." For Zion's sake, now is not a time to be quiet! We need to Pray And Proclaim! Pray for God's protection for His people and proclaim the truth that God gave all of Israel and more to His Covenant People.

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

Frank     

   

Psalm 83

Last week's message showed how current day Israel is surrounded by enemies. However, we also learned that Jehovah God will always protect Israel (Jeremiah 31:35-36.) History also validates this prophesy since Israel has fought ten wars and God has protected them in each battle - Bless His Holy Name!

The future of Israel according to the anointed Word of God shows Israel participating in a number of future wars. The exact number of battles and their timing can be open to interpretation. As part of our study of current day Israel, we feel it necessary and appropriate to identify these future wars along with showing current signs of the approaching battles.

We will start with analyzing Psalm 83 that combines showing Israel's enemies plotting to destroy them plus a passionate and urgent prayer petitioning the God of Israel to intervene. Verse one starts this passionate prayer by saying, "O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God be not still." The urgent plea in this verse is for God to notice what the enemies of His people are planning and for Him to get involved.

Verses three to five shows distinctly who Israel's enemies are and what they are planning, "With cunning they conspire against Your people; they plot against those You cherish. 'Come' they say, 'Let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.' With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you." They are plotting to destroy Israel so it will not be remembered any more.

Who are these enemies? Verses six through eight identifies them, "The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the descendants of Hagar, Gebal, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to lend strength to the descendants of Lot."

During the time this Psalm was written, current day Lebanon was called Tyre and Gaza was called Philistia. We learned last week both of these are now enemies of Israel. Also, Assyria is current day Iraq from which the terror group ISIS emerged. Verses six through eight are happening right before our eyes. In fact, many Bible scholars believe the Psalm 83 War is close at hand.

Psalm 83:13-17 show this urgent prayer for Jehovah God to get involved and to defeat Israel's enemies. The Psalm ends in verse 18 by saying God should do this so Israel's enemies will know "He Is Lord And The Most High Over All The Earth."

How can we who love Israel also get involved? Let me recommend that we pray Psalm 83 each day in addition to all our other prayers for Israel!

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

Frank

Jehovah God Will Always Protect Israel

Our last few messages centered on Ezekiel 36-37. We learned that Jehovah God scattered His Covenant People all over the world because of disobedience but is in the process of bringing them back to Israel. Additionally and most important, He is putting His Spirit in them and is cleansing them meaning Jewish people are being saved. Bless His Holy Name!

When we started the current series, we promised to discuss what is happening in present day Israel. In Psalm 122:6 we are all mandated by God to "Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem." This verse is usually interpreted to mean we should pray that God will physically protect His people. This is correct but the Hebrew meaning of peace also includes the total well being of a person to include body, soul and spirit. As a result, when God wants us to pray for His People Israel this includes all aspects of their lives.

What is really happening in current day Israel? The residents of Israel are surrounded by enemies and have enemies living among them. Believing that giving up a portion of their land to the Palestinians would bring about peace, Israel turned over Gaza to them. Shortly thereafter, the terrorist group Hamas gained control and started terror attacks including firing rockets into Southern Israel, building tunnels for terrorists to penetrate Israel and storming the borders with large numbers of terrorists. Recently, Hamas has launched kites and balloons into Israel which burst into flames upon impact burning large portions of Southern Israel.

Looking to the North, the Golan Heights shares a border with Syria that has been involved in a Civil War for many years. Residents of Syria have attempted to over throw Dictator Assad resulting in him killing thousands of citizens. Occasionally this war spills over into Northern Israel. The largest concern is Iran is involved and supports Assad. Iran continually states it wants to "Destroy Israel."

In Lebanon, which is also on the Northern border of Israel, the terror group Hezbollah has gained control of the government. Hezbollah with help from Iran has gathered weapons that can reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem plus it also wants  to destroy Israel.

Residents of Israel live with these threats everyday but still they are considered  some of the happiest people in the world. How is this possible? Millions of people all over the world are praying for their peace as The Lord calls for in Psalm 122:6. Hallelujah! 

Lastly, Jeremiah 31:35-36 says, "This is what The Lord says, He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar - The Lord almighty is His name; 'only if these decrees vanish from My sight,' declares The Lord, 'will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation.'"

Jehovah God Will Always Protect Israel! 

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank   

    

"The Valley Of Dry Bones"

Ezekiel 37:1-3 says, "The hand of The Lord was upon me and He brought me out by the Spirit Of The Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.'" The beginning part of Ezekiel 37 is a prophetic vision given by God to Ezekiel. He sees a valley of many very dry bones. The purest interpretation of this vision  illustrates a spiritually dead Chosen People Of God scattered around the world.

Notice what Ezekiel 37:5 says, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones; I will make breath enter you and you will come to life." Jehovah God says He will bring His people back to life and He will do it so all peoples will know He is Lord!

Let us analyze this vision further. Occasionally, Pastors apply this vision to their churches when they are praying for a Spiritual Revival. This is not a false interpretation but we should notice this vision was first about "The Whole House Of Israel" which also shows their hope is gone and they are cut off.

Remember the Jewish people are scattered all over the world. Certainly there was a time when they felt abandoned by God and had lost hope. However, God did not forget about His people. Ezekiel 37:12,14 shows how He responded, "I will bring you back to the land of Israel . . . I will put my Spirit in you and you will live." He will bring His Covenant People back to Israel and He will put His Spirit within them.

Has this vision been completed? Yes, but not totally. Jewish people are moving back to Israel! Today in Israel there are more Jewish people than any where else in the world. However, many more need to return. There are parts of the world where anti-Semitism is so strong God's people feel threatened. 

Additionally, when Jehovah God says He will put His Spirit within His people it means they will receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hallelujah! This also is happening but needs to accelerate. We know that the number of Messianic Congregations throughout the world increases each year especially in Israel. This is a key indicator that Jews are being saved. Jehovah God does what He says He will do! Praise The Lord!

If you desire to help in bringing the Jewish people back to Israel, Bridges For Peace is a Ministry that has been doing this for many years through "Project Rescue." For more information go to: www.bridgesforpeace.com.

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

Frank (Today Is Frank's 78th Birthday . . . Happy Birthday Man Of God!)      

Prophesy To Mountains Of Israel - Part Two

Last week's message started a new series about what is happening in current day Israel and its future. We started the series in the 36th chapter of Ezekiel which is a prophesy about the mountains of Israel. Where are the mountains of Israel? They are located in Judea, Samaria and parts of Galilea that the world media calls the West Bank. Last week we learned that the nations who mistreated Israel have suffered scorn; that Jehovah God has caused His people to become fruitful, numerous and prosperous so that all will know He Is Lord! 

Our study this week will begin in Ezekiel 36:22-23 in which God says, "It is not for your sake, O House of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of My Holy Name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of My Great Name." We must realize that God scattered His people to all the nations of the world because of their disobedience. While they were scattered there was a time when they profaned the name of their God. However, this is all changing! Bless His Holy Name! 

Notice Ezekiel 36:24: "For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land." God has miraculously been bringing His people back to Israel for many, many years. In fact, over one million have come out of Russia alone. In reality, there are over 700 verses of Scripture that prophesy this event will happen.

Jehovah God will also make His name great and holy again by cleansing and saving His people. Ezekiel 36:25-28 says, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean . . . I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you . . . I will put My spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws." This can only happen when a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior or Messiah. Jehovah God will save His Covenant People Israel! Hallelujah! 

For all of us who love Israel and the Jewish people, what is our current commission from God? Pray, Pray, Pray, and Pray Some More. Petition our Lord and Savior to save His Covenant People soon and very soon and He will do it for the "Sake Of His Holy Name." {Ezekiel 36:22}

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank