Jerusalem - Past, Present, Future

Jerusalem has been in the news frequently over the last few weeks. President Trump's announcing Jerusalem as Israel's capital has caused much turmoil. All but eight of the nations represented at the United Nations voted against President Trump's declaration. In reality, this vote is meaningless since Jerusalem is the capital of Israel - has been in all of history, is currently and will be in the future. Even more important is that Jerusalem is the earthly dwelling place of our Lord God - 2Chronicles 6:6 says, "But I Have Chosen Jerusalem, That My Name May Be There." 

Why all this turmoil revolving around Jerusalem? The answer is very simple, All Worldly Events Revolve Around Jerusalem! This is a very bold statement! Let me explain . . . Historically, Jerusalem has been conquered and reconquered 48 times and is mentioned 811 times in the Word of God. It was in Jerusalem where our Lord God established His unconditional blood covenant with His Chosen People as stated in Genesis 15:8-18. King David reigned from Jerusalem and Jesus was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem. The government of Israel known as the Knesset is located in Jerusalem.

Currently, Jerusalem actually houses some of its enemies. The Temple Mount is where all of the Jewish Temples were located and is considered the most Holy Place on earth by Jews and Christians. However, today two Muslim Mosques occupy the Temple Mount. This was the result of past Muslim conquests of Jerusalem and causes continual tension in Jerusalem. Jerusalem's enemies do not understand our Lord God gave Jerusalem and almost the whole Middle East to His Covenant People in Genesis 15:18 which says, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the River of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates."

Now, let us look at the future of Jerusalem when all this tension and turmoil will end. However there will be a war. Just prior to the second coming of Jesus to earth, the nations of the world will gather to fight against Jerusalem as mentioned in Zechariah 14:2, "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem." The good news is our Lord God will defeat their enemies and shortly thereafter Jerusalem will be the center of the world during the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ on earth as stated in Zechariah 14:16. 

As we enter a new calendar year, allow me to challenge you to daily keep Psalm 122:6 which says, "Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem. I believe this is a mandate from our Lord God, not a suggestion. Have a Christ centered and most blessed New Year!

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

Frank 

A Christmas Message

Hebrews 10:8-10 says, "Sacrifice an offering, burnt offerings and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them, then He said, 'behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.' He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Possibly within the joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus we might overlook the primary reason why the Son of God needed to come physically to earth. As illustrated above, Jesus came to take away the first blood covenant and replaced it with a new and better blood covenant.  Our Lord God did not take pleasure in burnt offerings of animals which did not take away sin. Only through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, once and for all, was forgiveness of sin and salvation made available to all of God's creation. We serve a loving, merciful and giving God! Hallelujah!

Following are some insights into the story of the birth of Jesus: 

"After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit." {Matthew 1:8} One of the first verses of the New Testament illustrates a miracle of God - Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 

"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly." {Matthew 1:19} Joseph, not understanding how Mary was with child, was an honorable man and desired not to humiliate her.

"But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of The Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.' Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of The Lord commanded him and took to him his wife and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus." {Matthew 1:20,24,25} Joseph, a God fearing man, knew the angel was from God obeyed and took Mary as his wife and named him Jesus.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn." {Luke 2:7} Jesus, who came to become the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born in the most humble of surroundings. This is an example for us to function always in humility and not in pride.

"And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told them." {Luke 2:16,20} We should glorify and praise God in all surroundings and circumstances.

Have A Most Blessed Christmas!

Frank 

 

Prophecy Fulfilled?

Zechariah 12:3 says, "And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surly be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it." 

Last week President Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. This has caused strong negative reactions in many countries especially those who proclaim themselves as enemies of Israel. As we look at Zechariah 12:3 we see our Lord God stating, "I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples."

As a result, the question is being raised by many prophetic peoples - Is this a sign that this prophecy is being fulfilled? Notice this verse says that this prophetic event will happen "In That Day." What does In That Day mean? This phrase is found numerous times in God's Word and is believed to be the culmination of all necessary events just prior to the time of Jesus coming back to earth.

So, now, we ask again - is President Trump's declaration a key prophetic event? Jerusalem has always been a place of tension and conflict. President Trump's declarations adds to this tension. However, we must notice that Zechariah 12:3 says "all peoples" will consider Jerusalem a Heavy Stone in that day. We are not at that prophetic moment yet but certainly we need to watch and pray concerning events in Israel and especially in Jerusalem.

Let us conclude our message by highlighting how our Lord God will react to those "who heave Jerusalem away" meaning they verbally or physically attack Jerusalem. Our Lord God's reaction is to "cut these people and nations to pieces." Additionally, Zechariah 12:9 says, "It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." In these days in which we live, we all need to be certain that we are those who bless Israel and not curse Israel. Genesis 12:3.

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

 

"A Mighty God"

"For unto to 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." Isaiah 9:6-7. These verses are familiar  to all who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as they describe how Jesus will be referred to while He functions as the Son of God on earth. The two descriptions which we will elaborate on are Mighty God and Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 11 brings a similar message in verses 1 and 4, "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse . . . He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked." The Rod from the Stem of Jesse also describes Jesus coming forth to live on earth and in verse 4 Jesus is again described as a Mighty God when with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

Our message this week is a message of encouragement and hope for all of God's people. Is this type of message appropriate now? Absolutely! Let us look at a few news headlines that might cause fear and anxiousness.

The leader of North Korea continues to threaten the whole world and last week launched a missile that could strike anywhere in the United States. He continues to threaten and demean President Trump and has specifically threatened the people of Guam and Hawaii. 

This week President Trump announced Jerusalem is the capital of Israel which is historically and Biblically correct but was never announced by previous American presidents. Additionally, he announced he will move the United States Embassy  from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These announcements have already caused unrest in Israel and possibly could lead to another Intifada with terror attacks from the Palestinians.

We have heard some of the negative news surrounding us everyday. Now, we turn our eyes and our ears upon Jesus and the Good News of the story of His birth as illustrated in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 11:1, 4 showing Jesus as a Mighty God who defeats His and our enemies. He did this when He walked on earth and He will defeat all existing enemies for good when He comes back to earth to Rule and Reign. Revelation 19:11-21.

What about enemies that currently surround us? Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God and has it all under control! He is interceding for us continually and when He died on the cross He defeated death, sin, and the devil. As a result, when we pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus, we defeat all our enemies. Praise His Holy Name!

Be Encouraged, God's People; Be Hopeful, God's People; Jesus Is On His Throne And Is Functioning As Mighty God Referred To In Isaiah 9:6 and Isaiah 11:1,4.

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Everyday,

Frank   

The Season Of Giving

Traditionally, once Thanksgiving Day has been celebrated, we all think we have entered the Christmas season or the season of giving. Thoughts enter our minds about the kinds of gifts to give to our loved ones and friends.

As Christians, we know that Christmas is the celebration of the most important gift in all of history, the birth of Jesus Christ, True Son of the True God. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Additionally, as we confess with our mouths The Lord Jesus as our Savior and believe in our hearts this truth, we are saved. Romans 10:9. Hallelujah! We Serve A Giving God!

Now, it is our turn to give back to our Giving God. Romans 15:27 says, "It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things." This is a very important scripture and one you might not be familiar with or might have difficultly understanding. Let us examine its meaning. This verse declares that the Gentiles have received spiritual things through God's original covenant people, the Jews.

What are these spiritual things? Romans 9:4-5 says, "Who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came." These two verses list blessings given to God's original covenant people by our Lord God including Jesus Christ as their Messiah.

How did Gentiles also receive these gifts? Ephesians 2:14 says, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us." The broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ has made Jew and Gentile equal and has made all spiritual blessings available to both, though given to the Jews first. As a result, Gentiles are indebted to the Jews. Romans 15:27. 

If this message has touched your heart and you desire to obey Romans 15:27, 

let me introduce you to a ministry called Bridges For Peace. They have been ministering to Jewish families who are moving back to Israel for many years by providing for their material needs upon arrival in Israel. For more information about Bridges For Peace please go to their web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com You will be greatly blessed this Season Of Giving!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank 

"Forget Not All His Benefits"

This week is always a very special one each year as we set aside a day to give thanks to our Heavenly Father. Of course this is good, even very good, but may I take it a big step further - Every Day Should Be Thanksgiving Day Unto Our Lord God! Hallelujah!

Many many years ago I purposed in my heart to be thankful every day. Psalm 103:1-2 says, "Bless The Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, Bless His Holy Name! Bless The Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." The Psalmist David exhorts us to bless The Lord with our souls and with all our very being but also to "Forget Not All His Benefits." 

Under the Lord's direction, it has been an extreme blessing to start each day in thanksgiving unto The Lord. The following is a list of just some of the blessings in my life of which I give thanks every day:

Knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior for the past 36 years

Knowing that all my sins are forgiven - past, present and future

Knowing that I will spend eternity with my Lord Jesus

Being married to my beloved wife Carole for 54 years

Being blessed with two children, Todd and Heidi, my son-in-law Craig and our three grandchildren, Liesel, Caedmon and Jensen - all serving The Lord!

Knowing I have a healthy body and mind through the shed blood of Jesus

Knowing all my needs are supplied - Philippians 4:19

Now, let us look at Psalm 103 and be thankful for all that The Lord is doing for us every day:

Crowns us with lovingkindness and mercies - Vs. 4

The Lord executes righteousness and justice - Vs. 6

The Lord is merciful, gracious and slow to anger - Vs. 8

He removes our transgressions as far as the East is from the West - Vs. 12

His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him - Vs. 17

His Kingdom rules over all - Vs. 19

Giving thanks to our Lord God every day also makes our other prayers effective. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, With Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Be Thankful, God's People, Be Thankful And Forget Not All His Benefits! 

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank

Making Aliyah!

As we see anti-Semitism escalating world wide, do we see parallels to Germany in the 1930's leading to the Holocaust? Adolph Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 leading to injustices, concentration camps, religious persecution and limited free speech. Most affected was the Jewish population and by 1941 escape routes were blocked. How did the Jewish population miss these signs of impending disaster?

Are there similar signs today and are God's covenant people paying attention? The answer to the first part of the question is a resounding YES! Anti-Semitism world wide has risen dramatically in 2017. Islamic extremism and Sharia Law is common in Western Europe. Banking and tax regulations identify the assets of citizens including charitable donations. 

In the United States, a 2013 Army Reserve Training Document listed Ultra-Orthodox Jews and Christians as "Religious Extremists." Trainees were supposed to go house to house determining if residents were Jews or Christians. Praise The Lord, this event never happened but just considering it was a concern.

The answer to the second question as to whether Jews are paying attention is yes and no. American Jews moving back to Israel is increasing each year but that number is still a small percentage of the Jewish population. 

What is our Lord God's will and purposes for the Jewish people world wide prior to Jesus returning to earth as their Messiah? Zechariah 8:7-8 says, "Thus says The Lord of host: 'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the East and from the land of the West; I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness.'" He will bring them back to Israel! It is already happening and will continue to escalate. This is known as Making Aliyah!

How many of the world wide Jewish population will return to Israel? Could it be one hundred percent? Romans 11:26-27 says, "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.'" Yes, It Could Be One Hundred Percent! 

Please pray daily that the return of world wide Jews back to Israel will be increasing each year until "All Israel Is Saved."

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

Frank