God gave Israel special gifts and a special calling. They set Israel apart from the other nations of the world, serving as distinct marks of its unique status as God’s chosen nation. He has given the Jewish people covenants, promises, law, patriarchs, worship, and the Messiah Jesus—a blessing we have received and for which we are indebted to Israel. And …
March 19, 2022 | Why Christians Should Support Israel and the Jewish People, Part 1
Why do you support Israel? Maybe you support its democratic policies that make it stand out from the rest of the Middle East. If you know your Bible, you might point to a passage like Genesis 12:1–3 as your reason, wanting to honor God’s command to bless the nation. But this week we’ll consider Romans 11:28–29, a short passage Paul …
February 19, 2022 | The Year of Jubilee, Part 2
Last week we learned about the year of Jubilee, which God instructed the Israelites to remember in Leviticus 25. Though Jubilee is rarely mentioned in the rest of Scripture, its themes are such a key to Bible prophecy. They show up in the Old Testament, but they also play a major part in Jesus’ message to Israel. In the second …
February 12, 2022 | The Year of Jubilee, Part 1
Everybody needs a reset at some point. When things go wrong, we wish we could start fresh. Thanks to God’s instructions for the Promised Land, Israel had this opportunity! This week and next we’ll learn about the year of Jubilee, a uniquely identifying part of Israel’s culture. Every seven years, the Land of Israel was allowed a sabbath rest. This …
January 29, 2022 | The Friends of Israel DNA Roundtable, Part 2
Our organization has changed in many ways since its origin more than 80 years ago. It has kept up with the modern demands of a ministry that fulfills the God-honoring mission to which we have been called. But one thing that has never changed—and we pledge to never change—is the doctrinal truths of the Bible upon which we stand. Continue …
October 30, 2021 | Chris Katulka/Jim Showers: Christian Zionism, Part 2
Christians have shared an important friendship with Israel throughout history. But as a whole, that relationship is starting to crack. A recent study found an increasing number of young evangelical Christians are no longer supporting Israel because of its dispute with the Palestinians. How can we support Israel when so many other believers have begun to abandon the Jewish state? …
October 23, 2021 | Chris Katulka/Jim Showers: Christian Zionism
Christian Zionism is our passionate belief today, but this movement started long before us. Looking back in American history we can see a precedent set forth by many presidents: a desire to see national Israel restored. Miraculously, the world witnessed this come to pass in 1948, and we’re thrilled to see the Jewish people in their homeland today. But the …
September 25, 2021 | First 100 Days of Naftali Bennett
Israel’s new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, just completed his first 100 days in office. It had been a long time since anyone besides Benjamin Netanyahu held the title of prime minister in Israel, so there were bound to be some changes once Bennett took the position. One thing that makes Bennett stand out: He’s the first Orthodox Jewish prime minister …
September 4, 2021 | Kidron Saga, Part 6
When Jesus left Earth, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers. But He also revealed His plan to physically return to the same spot from which He ascended into heaven: the Mount of Olives. Studying the Lord’s plan to touch back down on this mountain, we learn how important it is that God is choosing to dwell with …
August 28, 2021 | Kidron Saga, Part 5
God has dwelled with humanity in some extraordinary ways throughout history: in the Garden of Eden, the Tabernacle, the Temple, and in the person of Jesus Christ. But today He dwells with people in an even more personal way—in the hearts of all who believe in Him! Our focus in part 5 of our 6-part Kidron saga celebrates the wonderful …