We hope you’ve had a very merry Christmas! Looking back on the first Christmas means looking back at the prophecy that foretold of Jesus’ fate hundreds of years earlier. After studying Isaiah 7 last week, we’re heading to chapter 53 this week to study Jesus’ sacrifice that would save His people from their sins. This chapter is particularly noteworthy because …
December 19, 2020 | The First Christmas, Part One: The Virgin Birth
Merry Christmas! Today as we eagerly anticipate December 25th, we’re opening up a two-part series on the first Christmas. Chris shares little-known details about the Jewish context of the virgin birth of Jesus this week. From prophetic instructions in Isaiah to details of Joseph and Mary’s relationship in the Gospels, the Old Testament and New Testament converged in a miraculous …
December 12, 2020 | Hanukkah Roundtable with Steve Herzig, Lorna Simcox and Mitch Triestman
For many of us, this time of year means one thing: Christmas. But for our Jewish friends, this is Hanukkah’s time of year! It’s a special holiday full of joy and celebration. Families make memories together and remember the miracle of the oil and the rededication of the Temple. If you’ve never celebrated Hanukkah before, you might feel like you’ve …
December 5, 2020 | IMG In Depth: Interview with Bruce Scott
One of the most comforting truths about God is that He is a present Helper in our lives. The name Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” reminds us of that fact every Christmas. But such a lovely truth should be remembered and celebrated all year long, not just in December. Our guest this week, Bruce Scott, talks about this special name …
November 28, 2020 | Perspectives on Jesus: The People of Israel
We all see Jesus differently! Over the past two weeks we’ve explored how the Romans dismissed His ministry and the Jewish religious leaders of His day considered it a threat. But the common Jewish people were much more interested in our Savior. We hear about “The People of the Land,” the average Israelites of Jesus’ day, in this program as …
November 21, 2020 | Perspectives on Jesus: The Religious Leaders
Even though He came to offer salvation from sin, not everyone loved Jesus. We saw that fact last week through the eyes of the Romans, who were more concerned with their empire than with the Lord of the universe. This week we look at Jesus through the eyes of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Their objection to the Savior was foolish, …
November 14, 2020 | Perspectives on Jesus: The Romans
Everyone views Jesus differently. Some think He was a prophet, others think He was a teacher, and still others think He was a common man. Of course, Christians worship Him as our loving Savior, the One we live to please and around whom we build our lives. For the next three weeks we’ll study what some important people groups thought …
November 7, 2020 | Hanukkah Basket Outreach (FOI Ministry Highlight)
One of our favorite Jewish holidays, Hanukkah, is coming up soon! Every year The Friends of Israel enjoys demonstrating love and support for the Jewish community by preparing Hanukkah baskets, which are filled with delicious foods from Israeli businesses. You can order them for yourselves as a Christmas or Hanukkah gift, but they’re especially touching when given as a way …
October 31, 2020 | U.S. Elections and the Impact on Israel
As Election Day quickly approaches in the United States, many issues factor into people’s voting considerations. Everything from the economy to social issues to foreign affairs takes center stage, and citizens vote according to the proposed ideals that most align with their own. But one of the most significant positions believers take into effect when voting is how the candidates …
October 24, 2020 | The Resurrection of the Church: Reflections on the Rapture
The Rapture is overlooked or purposely avoided by many today. This might leave you asking, “Is the Rapture really that important? Does the Bible even tell us anything definite about it?” You bet! The Rapture is a huge part of biblical prophecy and one of our greatest hopes as believers, and God’s Word tells us all we need to know …