Bible Education by Sharon Sanders
In the world today we find many churches heading down a suicidal path. Why? This year “...new features appear in Christmas programs such as in a Norwegian elementary school...Students will be reading not only Bible verses, but also verses from the Quran.” The article further reports that the “teachings of Mohammed have pushed into church settings around the world. In St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow, Scotland, passages from the Quran have been read...as well as...”...singing from the Quran in the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome, Italy” (Paul Bremmer, APP Frontpage, Faith, Front Page, WND.com). All around the world, in Christian religious settings, the Quran is mixing with the truth of God’s Word to us. “Liberal Christianity has in many cases departed from its foundation in the Word of God,” (Rabbi Johnathan Cahn, WND.com).
FACING THE PAST: “Years ago, my husband and I stood in front of Castle Church, Wittenberg, Germany, in front of the door where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses “with hammer strokes which echoed throughout all of Europe” (Luther Memorial of Saxony-Anhalt). This act of defiance against the Catholic Church became the symbol of the Reformation of October, 1517. The movement brought reform from abuses caused by the Roman Catholic Church and ended in the establishment of many Protestant/Reformed churches. Mark Batterson, Christian Post columnist, author of the book, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity was part of a group of Christian leaders that gathered in Wittenberg, Germany, in 2008, to discuss the state of Christianity. The question came up: “Do we need another Reformation?” His short answer was “yes”.
Does the Land Really Belong to the Jews? The above question is asked by so many in today’s anti-Semitic world and media. I would like to answer the question by quoting the Abstract of a Dissertation discovered in our personal library, written in 2005, entitled “The Historical and Legal Right of the Jews to the Land of Israel” by (Richard E. Bristol, PhD). He also gives the answer! “While the Bible provides satisfactory proof of rights to the current Land of Israel and much more to those who believe the Bible, it provides no justification for the current State of Israel for the millions who do not recognize the Bible as inerrant truth. Establishing the Jews as a nation and tracing the history of the Jews in the territory in question is the only way to prove a historic and legal claim to the Land as a Nation-State. The Jews have a national identity as defined in scholarly definition. They have a historic tie to the Land. By international law as accepted by the League of Nations, the United Nations, international treaties, and right of conquest, Israel has rights to all of the Gaza Strip and Judea-Samaria, currently referred to as the West Bank.” This is the premise on which I build my own case in defense of Israel.
Inscribed on the pages of Sacred Scripture is accuracy to the highest degree, and infallibility, that brings total assurance to seekers of absolute truth. To point mankind to God’s Word, is to lead the human race into universal enlightenment, in the midst of a global attempt by mortals to extinguish the light of God’s message to men and women, of every race, tribe, culture and lineage. Yeshua’s (Jesus’) first admonition to His followers, when they challenged Him to give them insight as to the indicators of His Second Coming, without hesitation, He emphasized a strong distinguishing mark of the end times: deception. (Psalm 101:7). The act of hiding the truth, especially for someone’s advantage, is a hallmark of today’s world. Sadly to say, the misleading information we all are sometimes fed in world media is shocking, if not unnerving. The cheating that goes on in normal every day business, the underhandedness, dishonesty and fraud – among many other visible and decidedly dishonest practices put forth in technology, television, radio, and every other modern mode of communication – is shameful.
This is the first part of a two-part talk on what will happen after the 1000 years which is the Millennial reign of Jesus on Earth. He will be ruling the nations with a rod of iron. Not everyone will co-operate. The talks are focused on the significance of the Feast of Tabernacles which is a seven-day festival which becomes a celebration of Jesus throughout the Millennium.
This is the second part of a two-part talk which has been given towards the end of the Feast of Tabernacles 2022 to be posted on the mysterious 8th Day which the Rabbis now call Simchat Torah. This is the “Rejoicing in the Law” and it pre-figures a wedding.
God is preparing a City–Jerusalem (on earth) which will acquire a new name in the coming era of the bond between God and His World. Jerusalem, chosen by God, will become the heart of a world worship center for all humanity where “every knee will bow” (Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10-11) to the Creator-Father. I am confident that Yeshua will rule that kingdom with a “rod of iron” (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27) in all power and authority and the nations who “come up to Jerusalem to glorify His Father’s Name.” (Isaiah 2:3; Zechariah 8:22) For one thousand years) people of faith in the One True God and Creator will celebrate together as one assembly. God is a God of Oneness.(Ephesians 4:5) The Jewish Apostles knew God as One (not three) and there were no “two separate religions” with thousands of splits and denominations. There was only one faith – one God – through One Messiah. I have recommitted my life, what is left of it, to the Great King of the Jews who became the “lamb slain” the sacrifice for my sins.(John 1:29; Leviticus 1:3,4; Revelation 5:12) I reside on a mountain “around Jerusalem” (Psalm 125:1) and imagine in the mental landscape of my mind–the Glory of the Lord on Temple Mount. It is only in watercolor for me presently, but I know then it will be in full majestic color one day. That Kingdom will last forever – a reign – once it has begun (which Lance taught) will never end. “At that time they will call Jerusalem, the throne of the Lord and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord.” (Jeremiah 3:17)
This on-line Seder was shared with friends over zoom. It stands on its own but follows a booklet that is available on request in the comments below. It is approximately two hours in length and includes music that is likely under copyright. I acknowledge the content and am grateful that YouTube will allow it. The video can be used as a full Seder with a break for a meal. It can be used in many other ways. The focus of this Seder is the person of Jesus.
This is the first part of a two-part talk given on 27th January 2023 which is Holocaust Memorial Day. This first part is a study of the Hebrew of the first three verses of Isaiah chapter 61.
In this second part, we consider what occurred in the synagogue in Nazareth as recorded in Luke chapter four. Jesus is given the scroll and finds the place which is the equivalent of Isaiah chapter 61. What he says appears different from the way we read the passage in the Tanakh. Furthermore, the English version in the KJV (or the NKJV) is different from more modern translations. In particular, we might ask “What becomes of the broken hearted?” Did Jesus say anything about the broken-hearted in the synagogue?
Between the covers of the Book of Books lay vested, sacred Hebrew scrolls. These words of God, given through the Prophets of Israel, were priceless to Shaul (Paul) and they likewise, should be to Christians today.
In this talk, which is the first part of cataclysm within the land of Israel, Geoff briefly considers the crossing of the Jordan River in the days of Joshua as well as the Battle of Jericho. The remainder of this particular talk is a consideration of Elijah and his flight from Jezebel. He arrives at Sinai and hides in a cave. While he is there, there is a powerful wind, an earthquake and fire before the Lord instructs Elijah to go to Damascus. As an epilogue, Geoff compares the situation of Donald Trump to that of Elijah. He tries to answer the question "what if". At the time this talk was given, it seemed likely that Donald Trump would be re-elected. The "what if" has become a reality.
This is the second part of a series considering Cataclysm within the Land of Israel. It covers the major earthquake in the days of Uzziah (around 750 BCE).
This is the third part of the Cataclysm in the Land of Israel series. In particular, Geoff considers the days of Herod leading up to the earthquake that takes place at the Crucifixion. In this presentation, Geoff includes an incredible timeline that brings together all the biblical and historical events into a consistent whole.
This talk is somewhat different. Geoff considers the “Cataclysms” coming to Jerusalem (and the Temple Mount in particular) that occurred in AD70 and, secondly, following the Bar Kokhba revolt in AD135. It is Geoff’s contention that very few believers know much or even consider the events of the second century AD when they try to understand the words of Jesus as expressed in what is known as the Olivet Discourse. The Bar Kokhba Revolt (also known as the third Roman-Jewish war) was essentially a re-run of the Maccabean revolt in the second century BC.
This is the second part of a talk on The Temple Mount within the series entitled Cataclysm. In this talk, Geoff considers the attempts by Jewish people to rebuild the Temple in the 4th and the 7th Century AD. Both attempts failed.
In this talk, we begin to investigate the future and to consider cataclysms that are still to come on Planet Earth. This talk is part one of a two-part series on the earthquake that is described in Ezekiel 38:19, namely,” In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.”
This talk is part two of a two-part series on the earthquake that is described in Ezekiel 38:19, namely,” In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.” We will consider the identity of the nations involved in the invasion and their demise on the mountains of Israel. We will attempt to identify the Valley of Hamon Gog which is the burial site of the invading but defeated hordes.
This is the first of a four-part series entitled "Global Catastrophe" which is a continuation of the series "Cataclysm". This first part is entitled "The Sixth Seal" which is a reference to a passage in Revelation chapter 6. In the last few talks, we have considered Biblical events which are still in the future and this talk is no different. In general, the Christian world is not prepared for the days to come which will precede the return of Messiah Jesus (Yeshua).
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
This is the third of a five-part series entitled "Global Catastrophe" which is a continuation of the series "Cataclysm". This part is entitled "The Day of the Lord". It is possibly the most difficult talk that Geoff has ever given or will give. However, it may be the most important. It is a description of the fact that the Lord is going to devastate the Earth (Isaiah 24:1).
This is the first of a two-part presentation entitled "The Antichrist” which is a continuation of the series "Cataclysm". In particular, in this first and introductory talk, we consider what the Apostle Paul writes in his second letter to the Thessalonians chapter two, namely.
This is the second of the two-part presentation entitled "The Antichrist” and was given to mark Holocaust Memorial Day which is January 27th, 2022.
In this next talk in the series "Cataclysm - Global Catastrophe", Geoff considers the last seven-year period leading up to the return of Jesus on the Mount of Olives. According to the prophetic motif, he believes that this last seven-year period may be marked by a covenant with the Antichrist although it is unlikely to be the building of a so-called "Third Temple" on the Temple Mount. He considers the verse in Amos 9:11 which describes the rebuilding of "David's fallen tent" and how James interprets it in Acts chapter 15 (The Council of Jerusalem).
This is the first part of a three-part series on the Covenants that God has made with the House of Israel.
This is the second part of a series on the Covenants. Last time, we considered the Abrahamic Covenant which is the promise of a Land fit for a People. This second part is the Davidic Covenant which is the promise of a King fit for a Land.
In this presentation, Geoff gives the historical context of chapter nine. Daniel is reading the prophecies of Jeremiah which were given in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, the first year of Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BCE. Daniel is reading these words around 538 BCE and he realises that the time is nearly up. He prays and the Lord answers by sending Angel Gabriel who gives him the outline of future history. In the New International Version of the passage, the angel says: "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed one, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed one will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.
This is the first part of a two-part presentation given during the crisis "Operation Protective Edge" on July 29th, 2014. The presentation considers the significance of four minor Biblical Fasts: the Fast of Tevet, the Fast of Tammuz, the Fast of Av and the Fast of Gedaliah.
This is the second part of a two-part presentation given during the crisis "Operation Protective Edge" on July 29th, 2014. The presentation considers the significance of four minor Biblical Fasts: the Fast of Tevet, the Fast of Tammuz, the Fast of Av and the Fast of Gedaliah.
In the time to come, an amazing broadcast message will be made to the entire earth. It appears this is the hour in which we need to contemplate this forthcoming announcement to all nations. It will take digital technology to make as widely known as possible, a permanent, perpetual and never-ending truth to creation. How can we, as Bible believers, be prepared to explain this proclamation of truth, beamed across the airwaves of the earth through modern technology, if we do not grasp it ourselves?
This talk is the first part of a two-part series. In this first presentation, following a definition of “eschatology”, Geoff gives an overview of Church-centered eschatological schemes which can be broadly categorized as A-Millennial, Post-Millennial and Pre-Millennial views. The first question to be answered is whether the Millennium is literal or a symbolic concept. The entire Bible (both Old and New Testaments) speak of a Messianic Age on Planet Earth.
In the second part of the two-part series, Geoff’s focus is on Pre-Millennialism. He considers the hallmarks of Dispensationalism. In particular, most dispensationalists equate the coming great tribulation with “the time of Jacob’s trouble”. In many schemes, this follows the “rapture of the church” and is, by definition, still in the future. Accordingly, the focus of the end-time tribulation is the nation of Israel to “bring it to its knees”. Geoff addresses this issue “head-on”, taking us through the chronological sequence which is Jeremiah chapters 30 and 31 which describes the return to the Land out of Holocaust, the establishment of democracy, the reclamation of the land, the promotion of Christian tourism and the encouragement of Christian intercession.
While traveling the world, my husband and I were at times almost in unbelief at what we were hearing from congregations in different places on different continents. On our ministry journeys, we obtained a bird’s eye view of what the individual Christian’s understanding of Jesus and His People was in different cultures. It soon became clear that most Christians had formed a Jesus from their own imaginations…or a picture in their minds. Rather than shepherds teaching about His manhood, His childhood education, Jewish culture and beliefs, it does not seem to be too important, and centuries of ignorance developed. As a result, “Jesus became whatever they wanted Him to be for the intended audience in whatever era and culture they lived in.” (Dr. Tom Bradford, Torah Class) When we spoke about the Jewishness of Jesus, some of our precious Christian brothers and sisters came to us in tears, some in shock, and others could hardly believe their belief was in a Jew! This is how we discovered the confusion in the church of who Jesus really was – as if a surprise – something they really had not thought about before or never had been told. We were amazed as we had not expected to encounter this cluelessness of the One and Only Redeemer of our souls.
As the Spirit of God came and exited the Temple from the east, it is recorded in Scripture that His Radiance and Shekinah Glory will likewise return to Jerusalem. As the Son of God departed from Jerusalem, and went to the Father, He will also return, to set up His Father’s Kingdom on earth for a thousand-year reign in Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 43:1-5; Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:9-12; Matthew 24:27; Revelation 20:6).
God has been appearing to many of our Israeli soldiers in so many ways since the beginning of the Gaza war and the people are thinking about God once again. I felt like sharing true stories, validated by reputable sources so that you can share with others. Not only do the People of Israel live but the God of Israel is on His Throne just as He was during the great Flood of ancient times. (Psalm 29:10)
One good look at the headlines each week, and every believer should be thankful and be reminded that God is still on His throne and in control. I can tell you that when you live in Jerusalem, that reassurance is more tangible and reliable than anywhere else I have ever been.
While anti-Semitism worldwidehas continued to manifest for over the past six decades, it still remains an extremely shameful matter—the cursing of Israel. God clearly warned mankind against this mistake in His word. “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great...and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee...” (Genesis 12:2-3). However, an even greater disgrace, is Christian anti-Semitism, in view of the fact that “...judgment must begin at the house of God...” (1Peter 4:17). We who love the Lord Yeshua with all of our hearts, should know better than to participate in the violation of the above Scripture. While I do not claim to have all the answers, I am certain that there will be absolutely no anti-Semitism in the hearts of any person in God’s Coming Kingdom.
I listened to a newscast recently where a man had spent twenty years in prison for a crime he did not commit. His reputation had been harmed and his name desecrated. While interviewing the man, a reporter asked how the lengthy prison sentence had affected him. His response was “it stole the perception of who I am — your name is your identity.”
“It was in the days of Ahasuerus, a Persian king who governed over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces from India all the way to Ethiopia” (Esther 1:1). During the third year of his kingdom rule, Ahasuerus decided to make a display of his wealth to nobles and princes of the provinces under his jurisdiction.
In searching for truth today, it is neither tradition nor denominations that should be foremost in our lives as followers of Yeshua (Jesus) but is what the King of Kings says about a matter that should be priority. We are looking at some historical church practices and ground rules set down by Christendom centuries ago, which began with a religious hierarchy who today some call our forefathers.
When John the Baptist walked the dusty roads of the wasteland of Judea he cried, “I am a voice crying in the wilderness…” He was declaring a message and articulated well his claim. Recently a brave, fearless Hispanic statesman born in Madrid, Spain, spoke to the world on behalf of the Jewish state. Verbalizing truth is not a simple matter in the world at large, but former Spanish Prime Min- ister Jose Maria Aznar understands it and put into words his principled view in a published article in the British newspaper, The Times, on 17 June 2010.
Over the centuries, the Jewish people have suffered terrible acts of violence, persecution, and overwhelming emotional distress. While much of the biblical narrative alludes to their relationship with a Holy God being at the center of terrible captivity and exile, it was their final dispersion to the four corners of the earth that scattered the Chosen people of God in the record of the biblical account.
My husband and I live on a “mountain around about Jerusalem. From our balcony we can look toward the Temple Mount and envision the Coming House of God that will be glorious and become a “...praise in the earth” (Isaiah 62:7). Foreseeing this magnificent structure keeps our anticipation alive,for what God has promised, He will deliver.
“It is written”appears quite often in our Bibles and while the meaning is clear, it became more understandable once I checked the Hebrew version of the scripture. My eyes suddenly opened wider with the comprehension of “It standswritten!” The weight and authority of the Hebrew expresses the finality of the matter of the authority of God’s Voice. God never changes and His Mind never replaces nor alters after His Voice has spoken. The words from His Mouth carries with it the depth of “Ana Nafshi K’ta’vit Y’ha’vit.
Jesus gave the Torah (what Christians call the “Old” Testament) more power when He proclaimed that not even the smallest letter would pass away until its purpose is complete. “...verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). Jesus also said whoever tries to weaken even one of the smallest commandments (in the “Old” Testament) will be the least-esteemed and regarded as small in the Kingdom (Matthew 5:19).
Our Jewish roots are linked to Bible history and it is impossible to escape our Jewish foundations, because they are tied to the Jewish Messiah. I would add a thought to Mary Pipher’s quote above: if the Church does not know her history, then she does not know the spiritual family to which she belongs. Who then is she? Today’s Church needs a revelation of her bridegroom’s family.
Charles Spurgeon, a nineteenth-century English preacher is known to be to England what D. L. Moody was to America. His words summarize what our search to know God should be: the highest goal in life. However, to attempt to speculate or describe the enormity of the Supreme Being of the Universe, in words, is nearly impossible, because He is beyond measure. Extolling His Name on the cover of this edition of For Zion’s Sake is one way to honor His Majesty. It seems to me that God Almighty is never extolled nor given tribute enough from believers, be they Jews or Christians. May this viewpoint from the heart bring Him Glory—and then fade into the unending tribute which will be ALL HIS in His Coming Kingdom!
“...then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).The depth of spiritual darkness that has arisen on the earth today no one with the inner light of God has ever seen before (not since the darkness of the Middle Ages). There is little doubt the world has fallen into chaos and through advanced technology evil has increased rapidly. It seems satan has captured the hearts and minds of multitudes and now holds them hostage. Unless extreme Islamic militants such as ISIS and ISIL see the light of Jesus Christ, through the mercy of One True God of Israel, the blood-thirsty spirit of death, with its obsession to kill anyone who challenges it, will continue to stalk the earth. The rallying cry, always shrill, and always shouted in chorus has decreed all Christians and Jews must die unless they bow to Allah.
At the time when Matthew’s verses were re corded, I can imagine they were trying to tell us that we, who would come in the future, should be watching for the return of the Lord, and to do that, we needed to look into the Scriptures and discern the times in which we are living, in order to be ready. It is amazing that we first are presented with a question. Who is faithful and wise whom the Lord has appointed to lead other people spiritually, i.e. pastors, leaders and teachers in the Body of Messiah?
Elijah’s challenge to Israel on Mt. Carmel was, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21, NIV). “Both Moses and Joshua, in their farewell discourses picture the people as standing between two alternative courses of action…Moses phrases the choice as one between obedience and disobedience…”Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15, NIV). (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery).
In searching for truth today, it is neither tradition nor denominations that should be foremost in our lives as followers of Yeshua (Jesus) but is what the King of Kings says about a matter that should be priority. We are looking at some historical church practices and ground rules set down by Christendom centuries ago, which began with a religious hierarchy who today some call our forefathers.
Since the beginning of world history, God has built into His world hope for mankind. “The world’s history is a Divine poem of which the history of every nation is a canto and every man a word. Its strains have been pealing down the centuries, and though there have been mingled discords of warring cannon and dying men, yet to the Christian…there has been a Divine melody running through the song which speaks of hope and halcyon days to come” (James A. Garfield, Klopsch, Many Thoughts of Many Minds).
What day of the week was Jesus crucified? Traditionally, the Christian world has chosen Friday as it is the day before the weekly Sabbath. But were there other days in Passover week that were Sabbaths? How do we reconcile the fact that the “Last Supper” was a Passover meal (Luke 25:15) and yet, a day later, the Jewish leadership were still hoping to eat the Passover meal (John 18:28).
To “touch” someone indicates how one “brushes up against” or “how a person handles another”—either with kindness or disrespect. It was not only the Nazis, many civilizations have disgraced and humiliated the Jewish people during various wars, the Great Depression, and economic downturns. And up until today, too few churches have given the Jewish people the respect that is due to them. It is correct that there were times when Israel needed punishing for her sins against God, but it is God’s responsibility to respond to disobedience. God never gave any authority to anyone to punish His Chosen People. That was His task. His command was to bless and not curse the children of Israel.
Among the sand dunes of history formed by forces of powerful winds of doctrine, is an imprint which the Messiah of Israel left on the world. Truth demands the re-discovery of His roots, and the story of His earthly life which should be given back to the world to remember Him for who He was and forever shall be: a Jew! It is the responsibility of those who see Him as He is from the Scriptures, to share the centrality of His connection to Israel during the “restoration of all things.” (Acts 3:21) The real Jesus will bring into the light His true identity as He returns home to His People.
The primary text for this talk is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
When people return to their home country or city after a long absence, they are often asked “Where are you from?” Jesus also asked that question at a time when many were trying to get in Heaven’s door. “…Lord, open for us, but He will answer to say to you, ‘I do not know you, or where you are from”. (Luke 13:25) Many may well be shocked.
To the God of Israel, beginnings are significant. God tells us He created the heavens and the earth so that we would know more about the power and glory of His Supreme Being. Our faith had a foundational establishment, and its origin begins and ends in Jerusalem. All of us had a beginning. We advanced in life from somewhere, i.e., farms, villages, towns, cities, communities, and capitals. Returning to our roots gives us a spiritual perspective of our lives, where we have been, how we developed, and where we are today. Most of us do not omit our childhood beginnings. Then why do we not want to remember and include our spiritual foundations?
Franz Rosenzweig (1886-1929) became an influential theologian. He said “...Christianity is Judaism for the gentiles”. Wow. Think about that. He claimed it is likely that what Jesus said in John 4:22, few thinkers in Christianity have digested. He felt the stumbling block lies in the fact that too many Christians cannot come to terms with the Jewishness of Jesus. “My Jesus a Jew? Never!” (the voice of a Protestant Christian). September 2019 brought a shocking headline to the world.
By choosing Israel, God has entrusted one nation with an unparalleled, and enormous, responsibility--to be a brilliant and shining lamp to the nations. The defining moment will be when she clearly moves into being an example, spiritually, as a country. I believe it has begun. It’s sad, as Israel’s calling to be a “light to the nations” has all but been ignored and removed from Christian education, in our seminaries and preparatory schools.
Bible Prophecy, the Second Coming, and the Kingdom on earth fall into a prerequisite preparatory knowledge needed for the end times; especially, for all Christians. Every pulpit should be strengthening the Master’s sheep and laying the groundwork for the future. It has been said, “Israel is God’s Key to world redemption.” Why is there so much silence?
As He respectfully completed the reading of the ancient Hebrew scrolls in the synagogues of His day, His identification with His Jewish nation remains with us in the Writings of the Apostles (New Testament). Yeshua was accustomed to allying Himself with His people as “we Jews”(John 4:22). Therefore with all due respect, I lovingly appeal to church leaders to ask, “When did He cease being a Jew?” His family tree was recorded in the first chapter of the book of Matthew. Could it have been placed at the beginning of the writings to cement the unbreakable connection with His earthly manhood years? We know the Lord treasures the nations; however at the same time He reminds the Gentiles to be a blessing to His Brethren (Matthew 25:40). Being in right relationship to Israel is not to be taken lightly, as He continually implied, “I am a Jew!” (Matthew 22:42; 2 Timothy 2:8). It is a fundamental truth with which the Church needs to come to grips. I will continue to remind us that “there is no Christian Messiah! He is either Jewish or He is not the Messiah” (Dr. Dwight Pryor). This basic point needs to be made clear so that followers will not fall into the trap of following “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4).
Prevailing winds of antisemitism blow more brutally aggressive each week around the world. Opposing and unfavorable headlines soar. The vicious storm gusts, forceful enough to create strong opinions against Israel, appear both from the secular and religious worlds. Israel bashing seems to be one of the longest running themes of journalistic and media headlines in history. Our hearts are troubled at the continual assaults and antagonistic misinformation about Israel which we read on the internet news—much of which is twisted and outright lies.
The persuasive rhetoric in the broadcasting of anti-Israel bias in the world media can be described as a pandemic of lies. The spiritual health of multitudes is being affected by those who are denouncing God’s chosen people, in widespread, epidemic proportions. International organizations and networks are hanging in the balance as they dangle on the edge of judgment (Deuteronomy 28:66). Also many questionable leaders have chosen to castigate and scold the Jewish nation for rightfully defending her people. These leaders and their supporters have placed themselves in an extremely dangerous position with Almighty God and as far as the truth is concerned –remain with eyes closed.
In ancient Israel, recorders and scribes usually copied facts and information onto parchment, to preserve accurate records of what would become, one day, history. Nothing could be altered, deleted or changed. Every stroke and dot of the ink pen was sacred and written down with painstaking accuracy. In today’s world of reporting and journalism, men--rarely clothed in linen depicting righteousness--still report concerning the world. However, global reporting, especially regarding Israel, is extremely biased. By the time a report is published or broadcast, inaccuracies and blatant lies, reinforce the age-old admonition: “check out the facts before you believe it!” Having lived in Israel for over thirty years, the Lord has sensitized our ears to detect media bias deceiving many readers and listeners in today’s world. We now look at “the big picture” from an international point of view. At times, it appears truth has fallen in the streets and that people swallow myth-like fairytales easily, especially when it comes to reporting facts about Israel. Erroneous anti-Semitic statements are sent across the world through publishing, broadcasting and the Internet collectively, by reporters with phones and computers at hand, who form their own opinions and then release them globally.
The mercy seat was the lid or cover of solid gold on the Ark, which was a small chest overlaid with gold. Visualize at each end of the Mercy Seat, and in one piece with it, two hammered gold cherubim (seraphs or angels) facing one another. Their outstretched wings overshadowed the gold atonement cover and their faces constantly looked down upon it. They were symbols of the presence and holiness of the Lord and were His chosen instruments of judgment for any sinful approach toward His Presence. As the cherubim looked upon the blood sprinkled by the High Priest of Israel, the wrath of God was appeased and they were at peace. God spoke from above the mercy seat (Exodus 25:22) and the seraphim provided a throne for God where He would mediate His rule on earth as a representation of the throne in Heaven in the times of the Great Temple in Jerusalem.
This talk begins a new five-part series on the Millennium. The first part in this series is an introduction. Geoff begins this presentation by considering the geological consequences of the final battle. The topography of Jerusalem is dramatically altered by the earthquake activity described in Revelation chapter 16 and Zechariah chapter 14. The
This is the second part of a five-part series on what the Bible has to say about the Millennium. In this presentation, Geoff considers the Temple that is described in great detail in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48. Firstly, we consider the location of this Temple and conclude that it is north of the City of Jerusalem and not found within the city limits.
This is the third part of a five-part series on what the Bible has to say about the Millennium. In this presentation, Geoff considers the precise plans for a dwelling place for a holy God among sinful men using the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and Solomon’s Temple as specific examples. In both cases, when the work had been completed, the Glory of the Lord filled the sanctuary and, also in both cases, the priests could not perform their roles.
This is the fourth part of a five-part series on what the Bible has to say about the Millennium. In this presentation, Geoff initially considers the state of the world, particularly at the beginning of the Millennium. Prior to the return of Jesus, catastrophic events will have taken place. During the Millennium, Jesus will reign with a “rod of iron” in the midst of his enemies. Furthermore, there will be both mortal and immortal human beings. The immortals are those who have been raised during the first resurrection described in Revelation chapter 20.
This is the fifth and final part of a five-part series on what the Bible has to say about the Millennium. It is given on the eve of Tisha B’Av which is the fast when the orthodox remember the desecration and destruction of Solomon’s Temple, repeated in AD70. In this presentation, Geoff considers the Festivals and Feasts during the Millennium and offers some more thoughts regarding sacrifice and offering. The most significant feature of the festivals mentioned in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48, is the fact that Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is not mentioned.
It is a bona fide fact that “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” a figurative phrase coined around the 18th century. Christianity’s root system requires strong, healthy growth to be developed. Staying attached to the part of the tree that attaches it to the ground--supporting from underground--helps retain the spiritual richness of its origin. Christendom may not be as strong as it looks in view of the fact that it has a missing link in its tenets of faith.
The only Bible that Jesus would have schooled others from were Torah scrolls from which He stood up and read in the synagogues. There were simply no other means of understanding the Words of The Almighty at the time. There were no printing presses nor forms of printing works. The hand of the Jewish scribes meticulously penned the God-breathed words given by the Spirit of the Living God in Hebrew to holy Jewish men. Derek Prince taught us; we owe a great debt to the Jews for preserving God’s sacred words for all to read. With this great gift to mankind – it is heartbreaking to hear that some Christians still suggest that we need to “toss the “Old” Testament in the dustbin of religious literature as “outdated.” Let us give our attention to the inspiring words of Godly Christians who walked in wisdom and understanding in relation to the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God is preparing a Land and a City from which the Messiah will rule for those who realize they are temporary residents of this world. It will be an “assembly of peoples/nations”. (Genesis 28:3)
It is unmistakably clear, that the revealing of Yeshua (Jesus) to the Apostle and servant, Yochanan, (John) in the book of Revelation, records some of the Lord’s last utterances to us who have come to believe in Him. He actually left a reminder to us to never forget that He is a Jewish Lord, Rabbi and Messiah. It’s interesting that He felt that a necessity. Could it be because He foresaw the ways which His Followers, now called the Church, would fail to recall and subsequently disregard His Jewishness to the point of depicting Him visually to generations by portraying Him as a blond-haired, blue-eyed gentile god and savior? In a review of the New Testament no other man or woman in the Bible has been given such space to make certain that the entire family background was given to identify them with their human lineage. I find it amazing that His genealogical descent appears at the start of the New Testament, penned by Matthew, and ends with John recording the words of Yeshua concerning His bloodline (in the flesh) as they trace His humanity from the root and offspring of King David. It appears that neither Matthew nor Yeshua wanted anyone to disconnect Him from His ethnicity, culture, or tradition from the family and nation of Israel.
War is the waging of armed conflict against an enemy. Jesus told us “…and you shall hear (learn of, find out about and be informed) of wars and rumors (reports and accounts) of wars: see (see to it) that you are not troubled (anxious, concerned, or worried): for all these things (all these events) must come to pass (they must happen and take place) but (quite the opposite) the end (the finish, the conclusion) is not yet!”. (Matthew 24)
Perhaps you have been perplexed or wondering what is happening lately to the world and in particular--your own nation. Why have things changed so much? How could this happen? The rise of every day occurrences in many nations such as disasters, destruction and violence often destroying homes, towns, villages, as well as trees and natural beauty-disrupting daily lives is commonplace in world news.
Jesus Christ is the most famous Jew of all time, but is today remembered as a Christian. Surprisingly, the Jewish community has accepted this distortion of history, and tends to regard Jesus as an apostate. How odd that the Jews would accept a Christian version of one of their brethren rather than seeking to discover the man entombed beneath the myth. (Rabbi Shmuely Boteach)
My colleague Pastor Robbie, in an unmistakably concerned way, approached me recently and said, “Do you know what a widely known Bible teacher is saying about Israel on YouTube? I said, “No.” He responded with unease. He is now teaching “When Israel will Be No More” andsub-sequent teachings on the same subject. I was in utter unbelief and sat shocked to the core!” Why would anyone want to broadcast to all the nations that Israel will be no more needed in the future heavenly New Jerusalem?