This is my fourth and last article sharing some thoughts from the Torah portion, or parsha, named Ekev—Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25—in which we read how Moses encourages the Israelites who are about to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land
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Warfare in the Heavenlies – God’s Surprising Strategies
Christians have long known God as the God of grace, mercy and love, as have the Jews since Moses interceded for his rebellious nation and God appeared to him as ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger…
The Comfort of the Resurrection
…On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matt. 16:18) Am I the only one confused by this saying of Jesus? Hades is commonly understood to refer to Hell, but why would its gates be fighting against the Church?
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights: The Light Rekindled
The festival of Hanukkah which celebrates evil forces overthrown and the desecrated temple won back from the Selucid armies, has the delightful tradition of lighting candles each of the eight nights.
The suffering is beyond words – Interview with Johan van der Ham
Since 24 November, there’s a temporary ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Part of the deal is the release of 50 Israeli hostages, among them children and their mothers. The families of all hostages are living between hope and fear. Will their loved one(s) be among the released hostages?
Johan van der Ham was recently in Israel on behalf of Christians for Israel. He met with families of hostages and visited some of the destroyed kibbutzim in the south of Israel.
The Stiff-necked Jews!
It has been one month since the massacre of 1400 innocent people, whole families, children, women and elderly, and the kidnapping of 242 Israelis.
Batsheva and the Story of Bet Hagai
Batsheva Nigri, a resident of Bet Hagai, was tragically murdered by a terrorist. Her Hebron community, stands strong in settling the Biblical Heartland.
Important Conditions for Experiencing the Amazing Blessing of Our God—Part 3
Exploring the Torah (Deut 7:12-11:25): Emphasising obedience as a key to God’s blessings. Learn from Israel and the enduring mercy of our unchanging God.
And You Shall Bind Them as a Sign
You may have seen a Jewish man wearing a little black leather box strapped to his forehead and his arm. These little hollow boxes are known in Hebrew as ‘tefillin’ – a word closely related to the Hebrew word for prayer – ‘tefillah’.
Important Conditions for Experiencing the Amazing Blessing of Our God (Part 2)
In this issue of Israel & Christians Today I am sharing some further pastoral reflections on the Torah portion, or parsha, named Ekev – Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25 – which is the 46th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading
And Speak Of Them – ודברת בם
I have a very good friend who I catch up with every few months for breakfast. We order our food and coffees and then sit down and the conversation starts with something like - ‘How are you?’ ‘How are things with the family?’ ‘’Have you heard the one about the pastor,...
The Original “Gospel”and the Jubilee
When we hear the word ‘gospel’ today, we tend to think of the basic message of Christianity; namely that mankind is separated from God through sin and that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin through His death, burial and resurrection.