What’s So Unique About Antisemitism?

Hate never feels good directed against yourself. Hatred directed against Jews and Israel is in a category by itself. Islamophobia or indifference to the plight of Gaza feels no different, but for the simple observation that the satan especially hates Israel. “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called My son out of Egypt” (Hosea 11:1 KJV). This is not secular news analysis, but strictly biblical reasoning. “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes” (Romans 11:28). Satan’s rage against Yahweh is so great, he hates whatever God loves. And, it’s kind of strange, since modern, secular Israel is not the Israel of King David. It is as if the Almighty is allowing Israel’s circumstances to become so dire, they will have to acknowledge Him, again. But, the Christians will also have to come to terms with their understanding of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:27). How will Israel and the world receive the one who delivers world peace, but later requires worship as God on penalty of death (Revelation 13:15)? LORD, teach Your children who to trust and deliver them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Power of the Resurrection

Humanity dreams of the potential of harnessing fusion or orbiting solar power plants to power the world, but Christianity yearns for a similar empowerment for the Church. The Father has already provided the foundation for that transformation through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We all know it is easy to die, but to come back from the dead by an act of indomitable will is the sole capacity of God alone. “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:10 KJV). What God resurrects is forever. Settle for no substitutes! Unless we receive this miracle from the Almighty, the entire world is hopelessly lost! Unless the Church learns to carefully and prayerfully lean upon the Holy Spirit, we are holding back the LORD from unleashing His Resurrection power and transforming this earth into a Restored Eden. Good news: Resurrection power comes through intimate knowledge with Christ. However, a warning to the Church: Resurrection power also comes with suffering! We look forward to New Heavens and a New Earth, but how can we expect Him to return to reward us, unless our hand is on the plow laboring to build His Kingdom now — with Resurrection power? Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Not for You to Know the Times or the Seasons

Jesus clearly wants His Church focused upon the power of the Holy Spirit working in His people witnessing of Him to the world, not the times and dates of His return. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8 KJV). Then, why study Bible prophecy? Because the Church needs a clear idea of the Father’s strategic plan for the ages. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). We cannot and should not dictate the times and dates under the Father’s “own authority“ (Acts 1:7 NIV), but for us to “look for Him” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV) assuages our fears that everything is out of control, and it doesn’t look good for the Church. Prophecy gives us hope for the future, stability to keep doing what the Spirit directed us, and comfort in our Father’s foreknowledge. Worry not, but be encouraged, for Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.