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

Archive for November, 2006

THE DANGER OF “CEASEFIRES”

Tuesday, November 28th, 2006

Another so-called “ceasefire” has been called for in the continuing struggle of ISRAEL with the terrorists who desire to destroy them. This “ceasefire” in Gaza was stated to begin at 6:00 AM on this past Sunday, November 26. But, Palestinian terrorists fired five Kassam rockets that same day! The Palestinain Chairman, Mahmoud Abbas, had informed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that all the Palestinian terrorist factions had agreed to stop all hostile Gaza-based activities against Israel. Supposedly this was to include “tunnel-digging, suicide bombers, and Kassam rockets” – for this, Israel agreed to remove all its forces from Gaza. Almost immediately Islamic Jihad and the Abu Rish Brigades of Fatah declared that they would continue firing rockets at Israeli citizens. Prime Minister Olmert said that Israel would not respond to these rockets at the present time. Many of the attacks are against the Israeli city of Sderot.

Vice Premier Shimon Peres said that the “ceasefire agreement was a fine achievement. It is a positive development, but not the final move. ” He said, “It is an achievement for Israel, for Ehud Olmert and for his government.”

But, the facts are that the terrorists are using this “lull” during this so-called “ceasefire” to arm themselves again and acquire more sophisticated weapons. These terrorists have publicly stated that they will use this time to re-arm and improve their terrorist training. Two more Kassam rockets were fired on Monday The Islamic Jihad leader, Abu Luay, said that rocket attacks against Israel would resume “at a time of our choosing.” Several terorist organizations have now said that they do not recognize the ceasefire agreement and would not be bound by it.

The so-called “ceasefires” that Israel has continually offered to its hostile enemies have NEVER accomplished anything in bringing peace or resolving any of the disagreements that fuel these terrorist activities. The truth? None of the terrorists have ever recognized Israel’s right as a sovereign State nor its Biblical right to its land. Their goal remains the same – the destruction of ISRAEL and the annihilation of the Jewish people!

MAY THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL BRING THE PEACE OF HIS MESSIAH!

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT EGYPT – Part IV

Tuesday, November 28th, 2006

In our previous articles we have brought the following to your attention:

EGYPT IN BIBLE HISTORY AND PROPHECY

ITS ETHNIC ROOTS
ITS EARLY RELATIONSHIP TO ABRAHAM
ITS ENORMOUS RIVER
ITS EXPANDING RESOURCES
ITS EXTENSIVE ROLE IN THE BONDAGE AND DELIVERANCE OF ISRAEL

Under this fifth heading we have looked at the following:

1. The PURPOSE of God
2. The PROTECTION of God
3. The PREPARATION of Moses

We have noticed so far the “PREPARATION” of Moses in the land of Egypt and pointed out the importance of Acts 7:22 and Hebrew 11:24-26. We now want to take a look at his “PREPARATION” in the land of Midian which involved the second 40 years of his life.

MOSES RECEIVED A WIFE – her name was Zipporah, one of seven sisters, the daughter of a priest. (Note: Midian was a son of Abraham through his second wife – Keturah) – read Exodus 2:15-22

MOSES RECOGNIZED A WAY TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE WILDERNESS – Exodus 3:1 says: “Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.”

MOSES REALIZED THE WILL OF GOD FOR HIS LIFE – Exodus 3:1-4:23.

1. The EXPERIENCE of the “burning bush” made him aware of the greatness and holiness of God – 3:1-6.

2. His EXCUSES clearly reveal our needs in doing the will of God. Consider carefully his excuses and the problems that they suggest was in his life, and the lessons that we need to learn through them!

First – “WHO AM I?” – Exodus 3:11 – clearly the problem of personal INSECURITY. However, we need to realize that the will of God is not dependent upon our abilities and reasonings. God has promises to be with us and help us to do what He wants – Exodus 3:12.

Second – “WHO ARE YOU?” – Exodus 3:13 – the problem of God’s IDENTITY – but, our response should be to trust the LORD to be consistent with His own character and to demonstrate it whenever necessary!

Third – “THEY WILL NOT BELIEVE ME!” – Exodus 4:1 – the problem here is possible INDIFFERENCE – the only answer to it is to leave the results to God! – read Exodus 4:9.

Fourth – “I AM NOT ELOQUENT” – Exodus 4:10 – the problem of personal INADEQUACY – but, Acts 7:22 says that Moses was “mighty in words” – We need to accept the fact that God made us like we are and He can use us if He wants – Exodus 4:11-12!

Fifth – “SEND SOMEONE ELSE!” – Exodus 4:13 – personal INDECISION – usually connected to a lack of commitment or some fear we have. The only answer – DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU TO DO NO MATTER WHAT!

In our next article, we will speak about the PLAN OF GOD and the POWER OF GOD! Thanks for reading, and may God bless you!

ISRAEL AND HAWAII

Tuesday, November 21st, 2006

You may be wondering – What has Israel to do with Hawaii? The landscape of the two lands is radically different – Hawaii is “lush” and “green” and “beautiful” in its plants and flowers and in the beautiful scenery of its ocean and beaches; As for Israel, before 1948 it was nothing but rocks, sand, and swamps – a dry and desolate place. However, today there are millions of trees that have been planted, the majority of which by the Jewish National Fund, and wonderful agricultural development – Israel becoming a major fruit-producing nation in our world! There are still “deserts” but from frequent travels to Israel, we do not hesitate to say that there is a beauty to them – they can often be “enchanting” and “mermerizing” – well, enough of all that.

Currently, we are in the Hawaiian Islands enjoying their beauty. We held a Prophecy Conference at Calvary Chapel Windward in Kailua – on the island of Oahu. I (David) spoke five times and had a wonderful time with the people. Friends from the past (Don & Vivien Wong and Diana Chan) entertained us (and fed us!) and they are still driving us to each location where I am speaking and handling the details of our book & tape tables. We had a box of the new book “THE GOD OF THE BIBLE” but they were quickly sold! We have more of these books coming to our offices in Tustin, California, next week! You are going to love this book, and it is easy to read even though it deals with some very “heavy” subjects about God!

Pastor Tim Newman and his good wife, Kathy, were our hosts at the conference and did a wonderful job of praying and preparing for this conference. It was well attended and many decisions for our Lord were made in the hearts of people.

Tomorrow we will be speaking at CALVARY CHAPEL PEARL HARBOR where our good friend Pastor Derald Skinner is the Senior Pastor and Bible Teacher. It is the night before Thanksgiving Day in the USA and I will be speaking on the subject of “ENTER HIS GATES” from Psalm 100. On Saturday night, I will be speaking at THE BRIDGE – an outreach to the young people on the North Shore of Oahu. Sunday morning, we will be at CALVARY CHAPEL WEST OAHU which is located in Ewa Beach, Oahu. Our good friends Charles & Irene Couch serve this church and are doing a wonderful job. There are two Sunday morning services at 8:30 and 10:30 AM – my subject will be “WHAT IS ZIONISM?” – should be interesting!

The desire to know what the Bible teaches about ISRAEL is very strong here in the Hawaiian Islands. Bible Prophecy is of great interest to many people today because of all that is taking place on this planet – terrorism, wars, plagues, disasters – you name it! We have seen a strong hunger in the Hawaiian Islands for the truth of the Bible. Many of these “Islanders” have been to Israel and are asking many questions about the support of ISRAEL. How wonderful it is to see that even though we are all thousands of miles away from the LAND OF ISRAEL people are definitely interested in knowing what the Bible teaches (ISRAEL is mentioned 2655 times!).

Israel needs our support. It is obvious that world leaders (United Nations, European Union, etc.) are not that committed to the support and security of Israel. The pressures of Islamic nations upon Israel and upon the world is sometimes overwhelming! There is also the terrible influence of “REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY” which has spread among the churches – even those who call themselves “evangelical.” Make no mistake about it – GOD HAS NEVER FORSAKEN ISRAEL NOR HAS HE EVER CANCELLED HIS EVERLASTING COVENANT WITH THEM!

God bless you all and GOD BLESS ISRAEL!

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT EGYPT? – Part III

Tuesday, November 21st, 2006

In our last article we emphasized the PURPOSE of God and the PROTECTION of God in our study of what the Bible says about Egypt. It is impossible to deal with this subject apart from a study of Israel’s great leader – MOSES. There are two passages that need a careful look – Acts 7:22 and Hebrews 11:24-26. Of course, the call of Moses in the opening chapters of Exodus is also a critical matter, and we will deal with that in our next study. For now we focus on the PREPARATION of Moses. First, in the land of Egypt itself – a time period of about 40 years. We will look at the second 40 years of his life in our next study.

THE PREPARATION OF MOSES

IN THE LAND OF EGYPT

We want to consider five issues as to how God prepared Moses in the land of Egypt. Of course, it was a foreign culture for this Jewish boy, and there were many difficult things to face. Life can be like that and we often do not see what God wants to do in and through us.

1. EDUCATION

Acts 7:22 says the following: “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” – that is an incredible statement since Egypt in the 15th century BCE was the cultural center of the world and filled with amazing understanding and knowledge of multiple subjects.

2. ELOQUENCE

Moses complained to God when he was called to take the children of Israel out of Egypt that he was not very good at talking! However, Acts 7:22 says that he was “mighty in words.” Of course, that could be a reference to what God did through him at a later time when he went before Pharaoh and the time of the plagues.

3. EXPERIENCE

Acts 7:22 also says that Moses was “mighty in deeds” – he was known for getting things done and seemed to be in a position in the kingdom to demonstrate that fact.

4. EXPOSURE TO TEMPTATION

Hebrews 11:24-26 is the background for understanding the pressure and temptation that Moses was facing in the time of his PREPARATION in Egypt for the task that God was calling him to do.

According to this passage there appear to be three areas of temptation that came to Moses during this time;

(1) POSITION – Hebrews 11:24 says “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” Queen Hatshepsut was known in Egyptian history to be one of its more influential and powerful leaders. Mark 10:43-44 says: “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant and whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” Our religious world today is filled with spiritual pride and abuse of position and authority. There is a lack of brokenness and humility among our religious leaders and instead we all watch the arrogance and manipulation of audiences by effective “madison-avenue” techniques of salesmanship. No one is ever allowed to question the leader, and the lack of a servant’s heart is so evident. May God help us!

(2) PLEASURES – Hebrews 11:25 says “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Egypt could provide whatever sexual and enticing pleasures a man’s heart would desire. Moses learned early to say “NO.” Yes, there is “pleasure” in sin, but the consequences are quite damaging to our physical and emotional health – AND, can have serious results in our spiritual lives if we do not get right with God! God is NOT trying to make us miserable or keep us for the enjoyment of physical affection and sex (which He Himself designed and created!)! But, He has clearly revealed in the Bible that the greatest enjoyment will come when we have sex the way He designed – sex between a husband and a wife and NO ONE ELSE!

(3) POSSESSIONS – Hebrews 11:26 says “Esteeming the reproach of Christ (Messiah) greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” One look at the “treasures” of king Tut’s tomb will clearly show how much wealth was at his disposal. Moses decided in his heart that suffering for the cause of his Messiah was worth far more! The Bible says “for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” God’s rewards will be far more valuable than anything this world has to offer. We brought nothing into the world, and we will take nothing out when we die!

5. ENDURANCE UNDER ENORMOUS PRESSURE

Hebrews 11:27 says “for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible.” There is a wonderful old song that says “TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS – look full into His wonderful face – and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace!” In spite of all that he could have had (from a human perspective and worldly viewpoint), Moses “endured” and “forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king.”

There is much more to the story of EGYPT in the Bible – NEXT TIME!

MORE ROCKETS AGAINST ISRAEL

Wednesday, November 15th, 2006

The immediate reaction of terrorist groups concerning the recent Congressional elections in the USA was one of elation and joy! Some folks immediately commented that there might be a significant change now in the terrorist threats against the USA – not so fast! Since the elections the rhetoric of terror and threats has continued – even increased! The terrorists are now calling for threats against all Americans and inviting all the terrorist groups of the world to unite under the banner of punishing the USA for its support of Israel.

In Israel, things are getting worse! The northern border is supposedly being monitored and controlled by United Nations troops, but the truth is that Hizb’allah is still in control and now threatening to bring down the Lebanese government! The Gaza Strip is now the “hotbed” of terrorist activity against Israel. Kassam rockets are now being shot at neighborhoods and communities in and surrounding Ashkelon – a woman was killed and her husband’s legs crushed in one of these rocket attacks this week. The terrorists not only take pride in what they are doing – they love to threaten and promote their efforts as “victories” over the people of Israel. They are now predicting the soon fall of the State of Israel into their hands!

The Israeli public is now overwhelming against the current government of Ehud Olmert – the insecurity is being felt at all levels. Some military leaders are calling for an all-out “take-over” of the Gaza Strip! We can expect some serious trouble in the immediate future.

The Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority has now publicly stated that the Roap Map is going nowhere, and the “two-state solution” is a failed policy, and one which they have no desire to support – they want Israel to leave the entire land, and they continue to propose the total destruction of the State of Israel and that they will NEVER recognize Israel’s right to exist in their God-given covenant land!

The situation in Iran is now leading Israel to speak about its need to do something to stop Iran’s nuclear activity. The evidence has now come out that Iran’s nuclear leaders were in North Korea during the recent tests that were done by that rogue nation. Apparently China knew all about it but acted as though they were surprised.

The evidence seems clear – the United States and the Nation of Israel are the official targets of international terrorism! God is bringing His prophetic plan ever closer to the return of His Son, our Savior, our blessed LORD YESHUA, the MESSIAH of ISRAEL – “Even so, COME, LORD JESUS!”

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT EGYPT – Part II

Wednesday, November 15th, 2006

In the previous article (WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT EGYPT – Part I) we gave five major points about Egypt from the Bible’s teaching. The fifth point was…

5A. ITS EXTENSIVE ROLE IN THE BONDAGE AND DELIVERANCE OF ISRAEL

We mentioned that there were five issues related to this:

1B. The PURPOSE of God
2B. The PROTECTION of God
3B. The PREPARATION of Moses
4B. The PLAN of God
5B. The POWER of God

We shared in the previous article about the “PURPOSE of GOD” and we now want to deal with “The PROTECTION of GOD” – Exodus 2:1-10; Acts 7:18-21; and Hebrews 11:23-27 speak of this protection. There are five things that should be noticed from the Biblical record:

1C. The COURAGE of the parents of Moses – Hebrews 11:23 – “they were not afraid of the King’s command” – what a blessing to have parents like these! God used them and their courage to protect Moses from his birth!

2C. The COMING of Pharaoh’s daughter – Exodus 2:5 – she “came down to bathe at the river” – nothing is accidental in the plan and program of God! Our studies of archaeology and ancient history have led us to believe that the events of the Bible at the time of Moses took place in the 15th century BCE (before the Christian era) and not in the 13th century BCE as some scholars propose. We believe that the daughter of Pharaoh was none other than the famous Queen Hatshepsah whose funerary temple still stands in the desert sands of the city of Luxor. The dead were always buried on the west side of the Nile River and that is where this marvelous temple is found.

3C. The COMPASSION of Pharaoh’s daughter – Exodus 2:6 tells us that when the baby cried she had “compassion” on him. She knew he was one of the Hebrew children (due to circumcision no doubt!) but in spite of her father’s edict to kill them she was used by God to care deeply for this little one. How wonderful is the plan and protection of our God!

4C. The CALLING of a nurse – Exodus 2:8 tells us this remarkable part of the story – she “called for the child’s mother” – imagine the grace and mercy of the Lord upon the mother of Moses – she was able to take care of her little baby in behalf of the daughter of Pharaoh – what a blessing!

5C. The CARE of Moses – Acts 7:20 tells us that Moses was “brought up (nourished)” in his father’s house for three months. What wonderful protection the Lord gave to this child whom God was going to use in a powerful and mighty way in taking the children of Israel out of Egypt!

There’s an old hymn written by Civilla D. Martin that says “GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU” – the stanzas are so encouraging:

“Be not dismayed whate’er betide – God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide – God will take care of you!

Thro’ days of toil when heart doth fail – God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail – God will take care of you!

All you may need He will provide – God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied – God will take care of you!

No matter what may be the test – God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast – God will take care of you!

The chorus repeats: “God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way; He will take care of you – God will take care of you!

Next week we will continue our study of ancient EGYPT and what the Bible teaches!

RECENT ELECTIONS

Saturday, November 11th, 2006

We have been reading and analyzing the various worldwide reactions to the recent Congressional elections in the United States in which the Democratic Party clearly overwhelmed the Republican Party. The Democrats now control the House of Representives and the Senate. Lest we forget, this has been the situation for the Republicans since 1994 – the past 12 years we have had Republican control of the Congress. During six of those years, the President of the United States was a Democrat (William J. Clinton). During the past six years we have had a Republican-controlled Congress and a Republican President (George W. Bush) in the White House.

These past six years have been very troubling. Perhaps it all started with September 11, 2001 – the attack on the Twin Towers. At first, it seemed that the country was pulling together and was going to usher in an era of bi-partisan politics. It did not take long to realize that this was NOT going to happen. The country appeared to be more divided than ever. Some of us with age could not help comparing what was going on with the era of Viet Nam and the turmoil in our country at the time.

When the war in IRAQ took place, it came after the USA had warned Saddam Hussein repeatedly. It went on deaf ears and he became more defiant. We were told about the presence of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical, etc.) in Iraq, which later proved to be a problem, lacking in clear evidence. The Media became very hostile to the President and his Administration – the war was on – but not simply in Iraq, but in the daily reports of the Media – they obviously did not like the President, his values, or his policies.

During this difficult time various scandals dealing with sexual immorality (which plagued the previous Democratic Administration!) and financial improprieties started to reveal themselves – reminding us of the Bible’s admonition “Be sure your sin will find you out!” The President and his Cabinet became highly involved in the Middle East conflict and we all watched the constant “shifting” of policy as it relates to the Land of Israel, God’s chosen place for the Jewish people. The Administration, both the President and the State Department, started their “push” on the “Road Map to Peace” – insisting that the solution to the Middle East problems was to divide the land of Israel – another “land for peace” decision (that, by the way, has NEVER worked!), and to divide the city of Jerusalem. As soon as those statements were public, disasters began to “hit” our country – it was clear that the LORD GOD of ISRAEL was angry.

We still have these problems facing us. The Media’s presentation of the war in Iraq has been “lopsided” at best, and “sinister” at worst; Instead of caring about the Iraqi people that were set free from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, the emphasis was on the fact that violence was continuing in the long-standing history of conflict between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam. In some strange and manipulating way, the Bush Administration was held to blame for all the troubles of the Middle East. The Media did a good job in persuading the American public that we need a change in Washington. The real change that is needed is a MORAL AND SPIRITUAL REVIVAL!

Our concerns now are still focused on the Nation of Israel. They also are experiencing political upheaval. It is a dangerous scenario that has now developed since the war with Hizb’allah this summer. Israel appears to be more vulnerable and its political leadership more corrupt and compromising with its enemies.

We are so thankful for the Bible’s clear message that God is in charge – THE LORD GOD REIGNS! He has NEVER forsaken His people Israel and has NEVER cancelled His everlasting and unconditional covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their descendants! May the new leadership in the US Congress restore and rebuild its historical commitment to the Land of Israel, and may the new leadership call upon the LORD GOD of ISRAEL for advice and wisdom!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE LAND OF ISRAEL!

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT EGYPT – Part I

Saturday, November 11th, 2006

In our November newsletter we featured an article on what the Bible says about IRAN. Another major player in the politics and future of the Middle East is EGYPT, a country that is mentioned frequently in the Bible. Many of you have expressed appreciation for the outlines of various Biblical subjects that we have made available to you in these articles, so we will give you another one for your study and blessing – here is the first part in this study:

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH US ABOUT EGYPT? (Part I)

1A. ITS ETHNIC ROOTS – Genesis 10:6, 13-14, 20

2A. ITS EARLY RELATIONSHIP to Abraham

1B. It PORTRAYS the power and wealth of Egypt – Genesis 12:10-13:1
2B. It PRODUCES the father of the Arab nations of the world –
Genesis 16:1-16; 21:13, 17-18, 21

3A. ITS ENORMOUS RIVER (the NILE) – is the southern boundary of the land which God promised to Abraham – Genesis 15:18

4A. ITS EXPANDING RESOURCES – this became the means of survival for the children of Israel. (Consider two factors in this matter)

1B. The PROVIDENCE of God was behind the wickedness of Joseph’s brothers – Genesis 37:22-28, 36 cf. 50:15-26

2B. The PROSPERITY of God was upon Joseph – Genesis 39:1-5, 20-23; 41:39-45, 50-52, 56-57

5A. ITS EXTENSIVE ROLE IN THE BONDAGE AND DELIVERANCE OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL – Exodus 12:40-42 (Consider the following five points)

1B. The PURPOSE of God
2B. The PROTECTION of God
3B. The PREPARATION of Moses
4B. The PLAN of God
5B. The POWER of God

Let’s start with the first matter – “The PURPOSE of God” – there are many trials and difficulties in life that are hard to understand. We often do not see the overall purpose of God or what He is planning to do. In the will of God, it was His purpose to bring the children of Israel to Egypt. They suffered greatly there, but it was also God’s way of sustaining them in very difficult times. The Bible speaks often of the time Israel was in Egypt as a time of “bondage” and describes His people as “slaves.” They existed in this land of Egypt for 430 years.

1B. The PURPOSE of God – Genesis 50:20-26; Exodus 1:1-22

Romans 8:18 tells us that the “sufferings of this present time” are not worthy to be compared with the “glory” that will one day be revealed to the children of the Lord. II Corinthians 1:3-7 speaks of how the “God of all comfort, the Father of mercies” will use all of our trials for His glory and our good – to make us a blessing of comfort to others who are going through difficult times. In I Peter 5:8-11 the Bible speaks of the attacks of Satan upon the believers, but urges us to resist him in “the faith” and to understand how God can use those attacks to make us stronger, more mature, and more established in what we believe and in how God wants to use us.

NEVER FORGET – God has a purpose in all the trials we experience, and the great evidence of that is the experience of the children of Israel for 430 years when they were in serious bondage to Egypt.

Part II is coming next week – God bless you all!

WHAT IS GOD DOING WITH ISRAEL?

Sunday, November 5th, 2006

We can always speak of many things that are happening in Israel today, but a question has been on our minds of late as to “What is God doing with Israel?” The focus on events, politics, battles, economies, nations, terrorists, etc., can be received on many web sites. But, what is God doing?

1. GOD IS DECLARING HIS UNIQUE PERSON AND IDENTITY!

The message of Isaiah 44 is given to help Israel and the rest of the world understand what God is doing. In that powerful passage, we are told the following in Isaiah 44:6-8: “Thus saith the LORD (YHWH) the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the LORD (YHWH) of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have DECLARED it? ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.”

It is God who chose the “ancient people (Israel)” and it is God Who reveals the things that are coming – it is God Who DECLARED it – and His message to Israel and the rest of the world is – THERE IS NO GOD BESIDE ME – He is the LORD GOD of ISRAEL, and there is NO OTHER GOD!

2. GOD IS DEMONSTRATING HIS MIGHTY POWER!

Isaiah 43:15 says: “I am the LORD (YHWH), your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” Isaiah 44:24 adds: “Thus saith the LORD (YHWH), thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD (YHWH) that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself.”

Creation demonstrates the mighty power of God (Psalm 19:1) and so does His work in creating Israel. Isaiah 43:1 says “But now saith the LORD (YHWH) that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” The word “created” is the Hebrew word “bara” – out of nothing!

3. GOD IS PROVING HIS FAITHFUL PROVIDENCE!

Providence refers to God’s control over circumstances and events that He is working for His glory and praise. Deuteronomy 7:6-9 speaks of how God has chosen Israel to teach two major things about Himself: One, that He is the “faithful God” Who will keep His promises to His people no matter what their performance or failures! And, two, He is a God of love Who will love them no matter how they respond to Him. Isaiah 44:21 says “thou shalt not be forgotten of Me.”

4. GOD IS SHOWING HIS CONTINUAL PROTECTION!

Isaiah 43:1 says “Fear not” and that command is repeated in Isaiah 43:5 and Isaiah 44:2, 8. Throughout the last 27 chapters of Isaiah the LORD GOD reminds the people of Israel of His comfort and protection. He will never leave them or forsake them! Isaiah 51:12 reminds Israel: “I, even I, am He that comforteth you: who are thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.”

5. GOD IS DOING HIS SOVEREIGN PLEASURE!

In Isaiah 43:21 we learn that God formed the people of Israel to show forth His praise, or as 43:7 says, they were “created…for My glory.” In Isaiah 46:10-11 we read these strong words: “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My PLEASURE; Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth My counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purpose it, I will also do it.”

6. GOD IS FULFILLING HIS WONDERFUL PROMISES!

Promises of redemption, restoration, rejoicing, and even the return of the Messiah will all be fulfilled in His time and in His way. Isaiah 45:21 says: ” Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD (YHWH)? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there in none beside Me.”

7. GOD IS PROCLAIMING HIS WONDERFUL PARDON!

Israel has often been disobedient to God and has forsaken Him, but He has never forsaken them, and He is (Psalm 86:5) “ready to forgive” and “abundant in pardon.” Isaiah 45:22 says: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 44:21-22 says: “Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art My servant: I have formed thee; thou art My servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” Psalm 130:7-8 says: “Let Israel hope in the LORD (YHWH): for with the LORD (YHWH) there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

PRAISE THE LORD FOR WHAT HE IS DOING WITH ISRAEL!

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ISRAEL?

Wednesday, November 1st, 2006

There are many issues that could be addressed in answering the question – “WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ISRAEL?” Having just returned from the Land of Israel, we are aware that there are many divergent opinions among the Israelis is to what is happening in their country. The following things were fairly obvious:

1. The Israeli people are very upset with their government!

The war with Hizb’allah this past summer has left a “sore” upon the people that has not healed. They feel that the government has betrayed them, and was more interested in the opinion of other world leaders than in doing what was right. They frequently pointed out the damage that was done in the way the military (Israeli Defence Forces – IDF) was treated and in the way the war was handled. The current government coalition of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being expanded so that his government can pass a budget. If it cannot do so, the government will fall and elections will take place once again.

The scandals in the government are concerning many Israelis. From the President of the country on down through cabinet officials – there is widespread corruption.

2. The increase in sinful and ungodly practices in Israel is now a matter of grave concern among many Israelis.

Tel Aviv is one of the most wicked cities in the world (per capita) – abortion, rape, abuse of women, theft, scandals, pornography, homosexuality, etc. Jerusalem is appalled at the government’s decision to allow the “gay parade” to take place soon in this “holy city.” We heard concern over these matters from many Israelis.

3. The increase in sophisticated weapons being smuggled into the country and given to Hamas and Fatah, and other terrorist organizations.

Israel is now very vulnerable and needs to take immediate action to stop the flow of weapons into Gaza and other parts of the West Bank. Egypt has placed some 2000 soldiers on its border with Gaza to (supposedly) help stop the flow of these weapons. But, many of these weapons have come through the help of Egypt – the Israelis are concerned and rightly so!

4. The unemployment in the territories mentioned by the Palestinian Authority is indeed shocking.

Matters are worse today than ever, in spite of all the promises of Hamas when it was elected to the Palestinian Parliament last January. Islam has NOT brought prosperity to the Palestinian people – the leaders of the terrorist organizations are using (and abusing) the young people to foment hatred toward Israel and are planning and plotting for further attacks against the Jewish State.

The situation in Bethlehem is especially heartbreaking. Unemployment figures run as high as 85% and hard-working men in that city find themselves “begging” on the streets because they have lost their jobs.

5. The influence of Iran upon the terrorism that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel is of grave concern to the people of Israel.

This is a matter for serious prayer. Iran is now the major supplier of weapons that are intended to equip the terrorists in their desire to “wipe Israel off the map.” Iran’s nuclear capabilities are being discussed by the common people on the streets even in Jerusalem.

The list of concerns could go on and on – it is obvious that a major change needs to take place in the Land of Israel – this is God’s covenant-land, promised to the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the people of this land are in desperate need of revival (and so is America!). II Chronicles 7:14 is still in the Bible! May God give us all wisdom and a heart for repentance – we need to “watch” and “be ready” – for the Messiah of Israel is coming soon!


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