The Bible Teaching Ministry of David Hocking
“The Word of our God shall stand forever” Isaiah 40:8

Archive for June, 2006

THE EMERGING CHURCH

Wednesday, June 28th, 2006

Many of the readers of our monthly newsletter and listeners to our radio broadcasts have asked us questions about what is called “The Emerging Church” movement. Our primary focus is the Nation of Israel and God’s prophetic plans as taught in the Bible, God’s infallible, inerrant, and inspired Word.

In reading various articles and books on the subject one can become increasingly confused as to what is meant by the term “emerging church.” This is only one person’s brief analysis and certainly does not do justice to all that is being said these days.

1. It is definitely A DESIRE TO BE CONTEMPORARY!

There is a need in every generation, of course, to communicate effectively. In and of itself, the desire to be contemporary is not an evil motive. But, it certainly can be. Sometimes what is meant by being “contemporary” is the involvement of believers in worldly standards and practices that do not honor God or worship Him. The unbelieving world should not dictate to believers what we should do. I Corinthians 10:31 states that we should do all to the glory of God! In some of the literature, we got the distinct impression that we should adopt the world’s opinions about communication. It seemed to us that the principle of I Corinthians 9:19-22 was being “stretched” a bit!

2. It continues to ATTACK THE CHURCHES OF TODAY!

This matter is of great concern to us. Of course, there are many things going on in today’s churches that are no longer effective in reaching people with the true gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There are also many attempts by these churches to reach the people of today’s culture. But, this point is different (in our opinion) from what was said above in point one. Underlining most of the arguments of this movement is a continual attack upon the churches that are more traditional and more sermon-centered. The singing of hymns from the past, the use of piano or organ, the necessity of a pastor giving a sermon that teaches through the books of the Bible as they were written, etc. – these are criticized continually. But, the fact is, that thousands of believers all over the world are being edified and encouraged by strong Bible teaching and music that glorifies God and is not interested in being contemporary for contemporary’s sake!

3. It fails to deal with FALSE TEACHING, APOSTASY, and ECUMENICALISM!

There is a concerted effort to avoid what Paul told the elders of the church in Ephesus to do (Acts 20). There is serious compromise in this movement and a belief that we should tolerate and even accept other forms of “reaching God” besides the one we have always chosen to believe. This movement believes that different belief systems within the Christian churches of today’s culture need to come together. But, without Biblical understanding and integrity, it leads to compromise and it strips the gospel of its central and required message.

Words like “protest” and “discontent” and “boredom” appear often in the literature of those talking about the “emerging church.” But, for mature believers whose walk with the Lord is precious, strong, and fruitful – none of these words describe them. In every church there are differences of opinion about non-Biblical practices; the mature believer knows what is most important in our relationship with the Lord Himself – the Word of God, prayer, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to reach lost men and women with the truth of the Bible’s message.

We have not said enough to deal with all of the ramifications of what is being said in this current trend, but we are concerned about the above and trust that it will be helpful to our readers. The complaints that are discussed among writers of this movement center in the failure of the churches in our day to be contemporary and to reach the culture that now exists. There is a great deal of truth in what is being said. There is also a giant mistake! The Bible is always what is needed, and it speaks to every generation. Styles of worship and communication can change, but the Word of God does NOT change.

4. It is a serious DEPARTURE FROM BIBLICAL EXEGESIS!

While none of the communicators of this new movement would say so, it is clear from their writings and articles that they desire a new method of interpreting the Scriptures. We are committed to a historical/grammatical interpretation of the Bible. Exegesis lets the Bible speak for itself in its historical context. Human opinion often is more “eisegesis (reading into the text)” than it is exegesis (reading out of the text). The leaders of this movement speak of moving from “absolutes” to “authenticity.” That is philosophical nonsense. God is the only One Who can tell us what is right and wrong – NOT the culture.

Another disturbing trend is the “inclusive” nature of what is being described as the “emerging church.” There are no specific Biblical guidelines and a desire to avoid offending any person is definitely emphasized in the writings of leaders in this movement. Some writers seem very sincere and committed to what they are saying. In reading the material we kept wondering where all this is leading! Movements come and go, but the Word of God stands!

Thanks for listening – hope this helps some.

THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR!

Sunday, June 25th, 2006

The series of messages that you are now listening to on the radio and here on our internet web site are from the great prophecy of ZEPHANIAH. All of David’s original Sermon Notes are available in either hard copy (8 1/2 X 11 size) or on CD format – the cost is only $10.00. Here is a sample of what was on the radio last week from Zephaniah 1:14-18:

Message No. 2
“THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR”
Zephaniah 1:14-18

1A. THE CONSUMING OF EVERYTHING IN THE LAND – 1:2-6
2A. THE CONSEQUENCES THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL BRING – 1:7-13

3A. THE COMING OF THE DAY OF THE LORD – 1:14-18

NOTE: The phrase “in that day” is used 115 times (43 in Isaiah) and seven usages in the NT. It is usually an eschatological term that refers to the coming tribulation, the coming of Messiah and His kingdom upon earth.

The phrase “the day of the LORD” is used 25 times, of which four are in the NT. In Zephaniah we have the following usages which seem to speak of a future day beyond the immediate times of Zephaniah’s day:

1:7 – “the day of the LORD”
1:14 – “day of the LORD” (twice)
1:15-16 – “that day” – “day” (seven)
1:18 – “the day of the LORD’s wrath”
2:2-3 – “the day of the LORD’s anger” (twice)
3:8 – “the day that I rise up to the prey”
3:11 – “in that day”
3:16 – “in that day”
3:19-20 – “at that time” (twice)
3:20 – “even in the time that I gather you”

The word “day” is also used of Zephaniah’s prophecy about the coming Babylonian attack upon Judah and Jerusalem – cf. 1:8, 9, 10.

Revelation 6:17 says “For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

Also, in Revelation 16:14 we read of “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

1B. The PROPHECY of its nearness – 14a – “The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly” – cf. Isaiah 13:6

2B. The POWER of God’s voice will be heard – 14b – “even the voice of the day of the LORD” – cf. Psalm 29 – cf. Isaiah 66:6

3B. The PANIC that it will cause – 14c – “the mighty man shall cry there bitterly” – cf. Isaiah 13:7-8 – Luke 21:26; Revelation 6:15-16

4B. The PICTURE of its characteristics speak of the end of planet earth as we now know it – 1:15-16

1C. A day of Deception – cf. Isaiah 9:14-16; Jer. 6:13-14; 8:10-11; 23:1-8; Ezek. 13:1-10, 16; I Tim. 4:1-2; II Tim. 3:1, 13

2C. A day of Distress – 15a – “a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress”
v. 17- “And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men” – cf. Deut. 28:29 – cf. Joel 2:1-2

3C. A day of Desolation – 15b – “a day of wasteness and desolation” Joel 2:2; Amos 5:18-20; Rev. 8:12

4C. A day of Darkness – 15c – “a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness”

5C. A day of Destruction – 16 – “A day of the trumpet (Shofar) and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers” – cf. Isaiah 13;1-13; Joel 1:15; Zechariah 14:1-3; I Thess. 5:1-2; II Thess. 1:8-9; II Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 16:13-21; 19:15-16

6C. A day of Disobedience – 17b – “because they have sinned against the LORD” – cf. II Timothy 3:2-5

7C. A day of Death – 17c – “their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung” – cf. Rev. 6:8; 8:11; 9:14-15, 20; 11:7; 13:7, 15

4B. The PLEA for deliverance will not be bought – 18a – “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath”

5B. The PLUNDERING of the land will be caused by the LORD’S jealousy – 18a
“the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land” – cf. Exodus 34:14

REMEMBER – this Sermon Notes Outline is available – just give us a call at 1-800-75-BIBLE or order off of this web site store! God bless you!

GAY PRIDE EVENT IN JERUSALEM?

Wednesday, June 21st, 2006

What a shock to read the past few weeks of Israel’s plans to host an international Gay Pride event! Anywhere in Israel would be an abomination in the eyes of God! But, to consider it in Jerusalem is unthinkable! But, that is what is being planned and promoted. Just seven more weeks and this event is to take place within the city limits of the holy city itself – Jerusalem! Have the leaders in Israel lost their minds? Have they forgotten what has always happened to Israel when such practices were tolerated? This event is to last for one solid week and includes a proposed “Youth Day.” Now, what would be the purpose of that day?

Israel National Radio hosted a program and interview with Rabbi Yehuda Levin of the Jews for Morality organization on Tuesday of this week. The radio host, Tamar Yonah, said: “This thing is not just any march, but a weeklong event. They’re not simply demanding equal rights, which could be understandable. They’re actually showing pride in their sexual choice and based on photos from other parades, they dress very scantily and exhibit physical erotic contact on the streets. Is this what we want on the streets of Jerusalem?”

A woman identified as Rebecca said: “Jerusalem is the spiritual dimension of the world; it is a spiritual jewel to the world, and we don’t want it tarnished. We want to show that the majority of the people in this city do not want sexuality paraded around without modesty or dignity. In addition, homosexuality in particular is not something that we want to see advocated in our holy city.”

Rabbi Levin saved his strongest criticism for those who claim to be religious, yet promote homosexuality as a legitimate choice. He said: “They are actively promoting homsexuality among the young, and for this, there can be no forgiveness.”

HAVE WE FORGOTTEN SODOM AND GOMORRAH? The Bible condemns homosexuality in no uncertain terms. Leviticus 18:22 says: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Leviticus 18:29 says: “For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.” In Leviticus 20:13 we read: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”

The New Testament makes it clear in Romans 1:26-27: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

Homosexuality and Lesbianism are unnatural sexual acts that are condemned in the Bible. They are NOT genetic, but rather learned behavior patterns, often imposed upon them by others committed to their ungodly practices. Such lifestyles (like adultery, drunkenness, murder, etc.) do not need to continue. God’s forgiveness is promised. I Corinthians 6:9-11 states this hope: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, not adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themseves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Yeshua (Jesus), and by the Spirit of our God,”

MAY GOD OPEN OUR EYES TO THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD! We do not hate homosexuals, or adulterers, or alcoholics, etc. It is their sin that God hates and calls an “abomination.” We love the people who are trapped by these ungodly and sinful behavior patterns, and we need to spread the message of God’s forgiveness to them all!

FORMER US NEGOTIATOR SPEAKS OUT!

Wednesday, June 21st, 2006

It was quite a surprise! Former US special Middle East envoy and negotiator, Dennis Ross, speaks out about Hamas – just days before attending a Jerusalem Business Conference. He said “Hamas is interested in annihilating Israel and see her end.”

His statement included the following: “This is a time of paradox in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Two historic elections have taken place this year, but have produced completely opposite implications. Israelis seek a divorce, but Hamas seeks Israel’s eradication. Hamas wants nothing to do with Israel, and yet Palestinians remain dependent on Israel. Hamas cannot deliver any of its promises so long as it refuses to accept the conditions of the Quartet (USA, European Union, United Nations, & Russia), yet it continues to defy the international community. Where do the paradoxes lead? Peace with the Palestinians or negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians? Perhaps another unilateral move or simply a deteriorating stalemate? US efforts will be necessary to help avoid a deteriorating stalemate, and yet with preoccupation with Iraq and Iran, will the Bush Administration make the effort?”

The truth is, Hamas is still Hamas! Their stated objectives are the following:
1. No recognition of the validity of the State of Israel – not now – NEVER!
2. Continuation of the attacks against the Zionist regime of Israel.
3. The destruction of the State of Israel – the ultimate goal.

Hamas is firmly in the hands of “radical Islam” say many political observers. But, is it “radical Islam” or is it what unites all factions of Islam? Islamic web sites continue to say that if Israel continues as a Nation, then Islam is not true!
That sounds like they do not have any desire to negotiate or share the Land of Israel in some sort of final peace agreement.

Bible students are aware that the Hebrew prophets and the New Testament writers predict a catastrophic confrontation in the Middle East over the Nation of Israel and its Biblical right to its God-given land. To precede these horrible events, the Nation of Israel will be involved in a false peace that appears to be enforced upon them by the nations of the world. The real answer to peace is not in negotiations with the enemies of Israel or even war with them – the real and everlasting peace the world desperately needs will come only through the return and rule of the Messiah of Israel – Yeshua HaMashiach!

WERE GOD’S PROMISES TO ISRAEL GIVEN TO THE CHURCH?

Saturday, June 17th, 2006

Recently radio listeners have been calling us about the views which the pastors in their churches are proposing and proclaiming. We have been watching this trend for some time now. It is a subtle attack against the modern State of Israel and its connection with Biblical prophecies. The views which listeners have told us are gaining “momentum” and a wider audience include the following:

1. God’s covenant with Israel was conditional, based on their performance.

2. God’s covenant with Israel only applies to true believers.

3. God broke His covenant with Israel because of their disobedience and sin.

4. The Church is the new Israel and the “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16).

5. The modern State of Israel is NOT a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

6. The words “this generation” in Matthew 24 do NOT refer to the Nation of Israel but to those who were listening to Jesus at the time.

7. The invasion of Rome from 66 AD to 73 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD was a judgment from God (true!) that cancelled His covenants with the Jewish people and in particular – with the Nation of Israel (not true!).

8. The modern State of Israel has occupied land that does not belong to them.

9. The modern State of Israel continues to aggressively attack the poorly-armed Palestinian Arabs and has committed unbelievable atrocities against those who rightfully own and have lived in the land for centuries.

10. Jews have been rejected by God for crucifying Jesus and can only be saved by becoming Christians – all other Jews are going to hell! (as usual, this is a mixture of truth and error!)

11. Jerusalem is the world’s holy site that belongs to all religions of the world and NOT to the modern State of Israel or to the Jewish people alone!

12. The promises of the Hebrew prophets in the Old Testament about a coming kingdom of the Messiah will be fulfilled in the Church.

13. There will be no 1000 year reign of the Messiah on earth!

14. Messianic Jewish congregations are dividing the body of Christ and are teaching false doctrine.

15. The law of Moses has nothing to do with Christian faith and practice today.

16. The term “children of Israel” refers only to a believing remnant of Jews in the Old Testament and primarily refers to Christian believers today.

17. Jewish festivals and practices should be avoided – it is a return to legalism and misunderstands the fulfillment of all these in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

18. Jesus did NOT eat or celebrate the Passover with His disciples – the Last Supper instituted a Christian practice of the Bread and Cup – and that’s all!

19. When a Jew becomes a Christian, he or she is no longer a Jew!

20. The word “ISRAEL” never refers to a nation or a land, but all to a believing remnant that today is the Church, the body of Christ.

THIS MINISTRY DISAGREES WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS THAT ARE BEING HEARD FROM MANY PULPITS IN AMERICA AND AROUND THE WORLD. MAY GOD OPEN OUR EYES TO THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Saturday, June 17th, 2006

On this Father’s Day weekend, we felt that it would be good to ask the question “WHAT IS A GODLY MAN?” May all of us take heed to what the LORD GOD of Israel told Joshua as he was preparing him to lead His people into the land of Canaan where he must face 31 Canaanite kings and their armies and weapons.

Subject: “WHAT IS A GODLY MAN?”
Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Psalm 12:1-2 – “Help, LORD; for the GODLY man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbor; with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.”

1A. A man who trusts in the PROMISES of God – Joshua 1:1-4, 6 (it was the promise of the land)
If God said it, then that settles it, and I must
believe it! cf. II Corinthians 1:20
cf. Genesis 15:18-20; 17:7-8

2A. A man who depends upon the PRESENCE of the Lord for encouragement and strength – Josh. 1:5, 9
cf. II Timothy 1:7 (cf. Joshua 5:13-15)
“I will be with thee” and “for the LORD thy God is
with thee whithersoever thou goest”

3A. A man who follows the PATTERN of obedience that comes from the Lord – Joshua 1:7 cf. Psalm 119:133

1B. It results in spiritual strength and courage –
“Only be thou strong and very courageous”

2B. It requires total submission to all God said –
“observe to do according to all the law”

3B. It demands continual separation from
human opinion and human wisdom – “turn not
from it to the right hand or to the left”
cf. Psalm 1:1-3; 119:104; Titus 2:12-15

4B. It leads to spiritual success – “that thou mayest prosper
whithersoever thou goest” – cf. James 1:22-25

4A. A man who realizes the PRIORITY of God’s Word in his life –
Joshua 1:8 cf. Psalm 119:18, 24

1B. His mouth will be filled with it – “shall
not depart out of thy mouth” – Psalm 119:43

2B. His meditations will be influenced by it –
“meditate therein day and night”
cf. Psalm 5:1-3; 19:7-14; 119:99

3B. His methods will be directed by it –
“observe to do according to all that is written
therein” cf. Psalm 119:34

4B. His motivations will be controlled by it –
“then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and
then thou shalt have good success”
cf. Isaiah 55:10-11

5A. A man who comes to PRAYER with confession!
Psalm 32:1-12

v. 6 – “For this shall every one that is GODLY pray unto Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.”

CONCLUSION: Psalm 4:3 – “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is GODLY for Himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him.”

HOW TO LISTEN TO GOD!

Monday, June 12th, 2006

Isaiah 6:1-13 is a fascinating account of how Isaiah the prophet learned to listen to the voice of the LORD. Isaiah 6:8 says, “I heard the voice of the Lord.” The phrase “the voice of God” or “the voice of the LORD” is used over 50 times in the Bible. The command to “hear the word of the LORD” is found another 24 times.

Today world leaders are NOT listening to the voice of the LORD! We are more interested in our own opinions and reasoning than we are what the LORD GOD says in His Word.

Isaiah 6:1 begins “In the year that King Uzziah died” – Uzziah was 16 years old (II Chronciles 26:1) when he became King of Judah and he reigned for 52 years in Jerusalem (790-739 BC). II Chronicles 26:4 tells us that “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD.”

However, a tragedy occurred in his life at the age of 58, some ten years before he died. II Chronciles 26:16 tells us what happened: “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD, his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” Only priests were allowed to do this. They tried to stop Uzziah from doing it. In the midst of his anger toward the priests, God struck him with leprosy and he was a leper until the day of his death and had to dwell in a separate house, isolated from people. His son, Jotham, reigned in his place, judging the people of the land in behalf of his father. Jotham was 25 years old at the time. He died at the age of 41, and his twenty-year-old son, Ahaz, began to reign. II Chronicles 28:1 reminds that Ahaz “did NOT that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father.”

As a result of Ahaz’s idolatry and sin, God delivered him into the hands of the king of Syria as well as the king of Israel (10 northern tribes). Pekah, the King of Israel, took 200,000 people of Judah captive after killing 120,000 men of Judah. God also allowed the Edomites and the Philistines to invade Judah and destroy villages and carry away captives. II Chronciles 28:19 says: “the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz, King of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.”

Uzziah died in 739 BC (about six years before the death of his son, Jotham). Seven years after his death, Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria invade northern Israel and took captives. Ten years later, the Assyrians took the entire northern kingdom of Israel into captivity under the leadership of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, who would also be the one to come against Judah’s King Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, or the great, grandson of Uzziah.

HOW DOES ONE LISTEN TO GOD!
Isaiah 6:1-13

BY REFLECTING ON THE TRAGEDY OF SIN!
“In the year that King Uzziah died” – cf. II Chronicles 26:16-21
The issue was PRIDE!

BY RECOGNIZING THE SOVEREIGNTY AND GREATNESS OF THE LORD!
Isaiah says (Isaiah 6:1): “I saw the Lord (Hebrew: adonai).”

1. He saw the Lord’s POSITION – “sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up”

2. He saw the Lord’s PREEMINENCE – “His train filled the temple” and “the whole earth is full of His glory” and “the house was filled with smoke”

3. He saw the Lord’s PURITY – “Holy, Holy, Holy” – cf. Revelation 4:9-11

4. He saw the Lord’s POWER – “the LORD of hosts (Hebrew: sabaoth – “armies”)
Isaiah said (v. 5): “for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

The Jewish Targum on Isaiah 6:1 says that Isaiah saw the “glory of the Lord.” cf. John 12:41

BY REALIZING OUR OWN SINFULNESS AND NEED OF THE LORD!
Isaiah 6:5 reads: “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips”

BY RECEIVING GOD’S CLEANSING AND FORGIVENESS!
Isaiah 6:6-7

BY RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL!
Isaiah 6:8-10 – “whom shall I send? and who will go for US?” – cf. Genesis 1:26; 11:7 – God is more than one!

Isaiah says: “Here am it (Literally – “Behold me” – a response of brokenness and humility) – “send me” – God wants to use us more than we want to be used! He also uses clean vessels!

We need to spend more time listening to God by reading and studying carefully His Word! We talk to Him when we pray, but we listen to Him when we study His Word!

May God help us all to listen to Him!

ABOUT THE DEATH OF ZARQAWI

Monday, June 12th, 2006

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has brought relief to many who have suffered from his attacks, joy to those who continue to fight the war on terrorism, and strange remarks from many media personnel!

It has been officially announced that Abu Hamaz al-Muhajei will replace al-Zarqawi as a leader of Al-Qaida’s military role in Iraq and in the Middle East in general. Not much is known about him, but the loss of al-Zarqawi is indeed significant. Iraqi soldiers along with US troops recovered a laptop computer, diary, and many memos and phone numbers that gave them the opportunity to eliminate many other terrorist leaders and capture scores of them in the days that followed the death of al-Zarqawi.

Al-Zarqawi was one of the most dangerous terrorists on the planet. Thousands of innocent civilians have lost their lives in his ruthless reign of terror and violence. All of the discussions about what occurred during the military operation that brought about his death have become almost ridiculous in their total blindness to the justice that has taken place by his death.

Consider these quotes from al-Zarqawi:

September, 2004 – “The mujahadeen will give America a taste of the degradation you have inflicted on the Iraqi people.” (This statement was in connection with the beheading of US hostage Eugene Armstrong.)

January 20, 2005 – “The fruits of jihad come after much patience and a lengthy stay in the battlefield…which could last months and years.”

January 23, 2005 – “We have declared a bitter war against the principle of democracy and all those who seek to enact it.” (This was said a week before Iraq’s parliamentary election.)

April 29, 2005 – “We promise God that the dog…Bush…will not enjoy peace of mind and that his army will not have a good life as long as our hearts are beating.”

May 18, 2005 – “The killing of infidels by any method including martyrdom (suicide) operations has been sanctified by many scholars even if it means killing innocent Muslims. The shedding of Mulim blood is allowed in order to avoid the greater evil of disrupting jihad.”

July 5, 2005 – “We declare the the Iraqi army is an apostate agent army allied to the crusaders and came to destroy Isalm and Muslims. We will fight it.”

September 11, 2005 – (Referring to Hurricane Katrina) – “The storm that hit the United States was the result of every mother or father’s prayer, or an orphaned son, or a woman whose honor was taken away in Iraq of Afghanistan.”

September 14, 2005 – “Al Qaida organization in Iraq has declared war against Shiites in all of Iraq.”

April 25, 2006 – “America has realized today that its tanks, armies and Shiite agents will not be able to end the battle with the mujahadeen.”

We pray for Iraq and its leaders as they attempt to deal with the “insurgents” who have invaded their country and oppose its efforts to set up a free and democratic society in the Middle East. We pray that this war may come to a just conclusion…and soon…and that our soldiers can return with honor and victory!

The Iraqi people realize the price of freedom and have shown remarkable courage and strength in the midst of all the terrorist attacks they have endured. While the news will not broadcast the wonderful things that have taken place in Iraq, the LORD GOD is bringing many Iraqis to faith in the Jewish Messiah, our Lord Yeshua, and our hearts rejoice!

THE SIX-DAY WAR

Monday, June 5th, 2006

One of the most spectacular events in military history among all nations was the JUNE war of 1967 which was called “THE SIX-DAY WAR” because that is exactly how long it took for Israel to respond to their attackers!

In that brief war, Israel moved from its limited boundaries and recovered the Old City of Jerusalem and its Temple Mount, the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria, the Golan Heights, and much more! The world was stunned! The Egyptian Air Force with its many planes was destroyed before these planes were able to get off the ground! Had it not been for the intervention of the United States and several European Nations, both Cairo and Damascus could have been destroyed and/or captured by Israel’s forces! It was indeed amazing!

Israel’s political and military leaders have continually reminded us all that this was of 1967 happened because of the supernatural intervention of the LORD GOD of ISRAEL! Miracle after miracle occurred in those six days!

NOW – the situation has drastically changed. Because of bad political and military decisions by Israel and its obsession with making peace with its hostile enemies, the world is now urging Israel to return to its pre-1967 borders. Many Islamic regimes are demanding that Israel not only give up the land it conquered in 1967 but remove itself from the land altogether and go back to the countries (now 122 of them are represented in Israel) from which they came.

Before 1967 (which Muslims call “The Great Disaster”) the world of Islam paid little attention to the Land of Israel, and certainly were not concerned about the Temple Mount which was under Jordanian jurisdiction. In the ironies of history, we now have Jordan very concerned about giving authority to the newly-elected HAMAS terrorist organization that now governs the Palestinian Authority, and has settled into the Gaza Strip and parts of what is called the West Bank. Jordan wants Israel to stop moving out of the West Bank. Jordan is concerned about the terrorism of HAMAS and others. Both Egypt and Jordan are now exhorting Israel to stop moving out of areas that will affect the security of all in the Middle East. An amazing turn of events since 1967!

The SIX-DAY WAR taught Israel to depend upon the LORD GOD of ISRAEL, and not to make false peace agreements with their enemies that surround them. The lesson was not learned well.

The SIX-DAY WAR was a reminder from the GOD of ISRAEL that He controls the destinies of Middle Eastern countries, and He will fulfill all His promises and prophetic purposes to His chosen people of Israel.

The problem? Israel has turned from dependency upon God to trust in its abilities to negotiate with the enemy. It has never worked, and it never will. The Hebrew prophets warned of a future day when the leaders of Israel would be seduced into thinking that they can have peace with their enemies who are still bent on Israel’s destruction and refuse to recognize her as a nation.

God’s Word is being fulfilled, and Israel needs to return to the LORD GOD of ISRAEL and seek God’s wisdom in His Word – repentance and prayer are still powerful weapons in the war for human souls and national objectives. II Chronicles 7:14 is still the weapon of choice!

Thanks for listening, and most of all, for praying!

THE COVENANTS OF GOD

Monday, June 5th, 2006

In the interest of helping many of our listeners and readers, we have included this week a study of the “covenants” of God. We believe that the word “covenant” should be seen in the context of what people believe is a “covenant” of God.

“THE COVENANTS OF GOD”
Scripture: Psalm 105:8-11

The English Bible uses the word “covenant” 292 times; the Hebrew Bible uses the word “beriyth” 285 times – literally means “a cutting.”
,
Covenants were made between people – like our contracts, agreements, or simply a verification of a promise that had been made.

The Book of Hebrews makes a contrast between the “first” covenant and the “better” covenant – also between the “old” covenant and the “new” covenant.

The English Bible is divided into two major sections – one is called the “Old Testament” and the other is called the “New Testament” – the word “testament” is simply the word “covenant.”

THE BIBLICAL COVENANTS OF GOD:

1. NOAH – God promised that He would never destroy the earth again with a global flood! Genesis 9:11

2. ABRAHAM – God promises a nation, a land, and a descendant Who would bless the entire world! (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:18; 17:1-8; Psalm 105:8-11)

3. MOSES – God promised to bless His people if they would obey Him and that He would curse those who would disobey Him! (Exodus 18:5-6; 24:7-8; Deut. 5:1-3; 29:1, 9-15)

4. PHINEHAS – God promised him an everlasting priesthood because he was zealous for his God! (Numbers 25:11-13)

5. DAVID – God promised that his seed would endure forever and his throne as well! (Psalm 89:28, 34-37)

6. MESSIAH – God promised that He would be a “light of the Gentiles”! (Isaiah 42:1, 6; 59:20-60:3)

7. NEW – God promised that He would forgive the sins of His people! (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 10:16-17)

The COVENANT of God with ABRAHAM was not disannulled by the COVENANT God made with MOSES! Galatians 3:16-29

The ABRAHAMIC Covenant involves three things: 1. Nation 2. Land
3. Descendant Who will bless the world

The ABRAHAM covenant promises a specific “land” to be the everlasting possession of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Genesis 17:7-8

The ABRAHAM covenant promises a “nation” that will NEVER cease to exist! Jeremiah 31:35-37

The ABRAHAM covenant promises “a descendant” Who will bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles – Galatians 3:7-28

FOUR FACTS – THE COVENANT OF ABRAHAM:

(1) It is an UNUSUAL COVENANT – Because it is based on God’s immutability, NOT on human performance! Hebrews 6:13-20

(2) It is an UNIQUE COVENANT – Because it depends upon God’s faithfulness apart from human merit or worth! Psalm 89:30-34

(3) It is an UNENDING COVENANT – Because it is called “everlasting” and is NOT dependent upon human circumstances and events! Psalm 105:10

(4) It is an UNCONDITIONAL COVENANT – Because it is based on faith in its promises, NOT works! Romans 4:1-3, 20-25

Hebrews 13:20-21 – “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Yeshua, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the EVERLASTING COVENANT, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Messiah Yeshua – to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen!”
his study will help – God bless!


Web Site Designed and Hosted by Ceronex