Over the years, it has been my privilege to lead multiple trips to Israel, which are unique opportunities for educational experiences that make the Bible come alive in a way that only physical presence in the Holy Land can accomplish. Many of you have done the same and, consequently, have developed a love for the actual land of Israel, the land that has been traversed physically by no less than Abraham and Jesus themselves.
The promise of God to Abraham not only included a land with actual borders but an actual people/nation as his offspring that would be too numerous to number. God sovereignly fulfilled these promises of a people and place, as evidenced in the pages of scripture and our bearing witness to these facts over the past century. Israel’s land and people are miraculously unique and prophetically vital to God’s earthly plans.
Join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.” Psalm 122:6 (NIV)
Prayer is the first response of a believer, never a last resort. The scripture reminds us that our prayers are not ineffective, but they are very powerful (James 5). Therefore, let’s pray for preserving life and the end of hatred and hostility. We pray as Jesus taught us, for “His kingdom to come and His will to be done on the earth as it is in heaven.” We pray for the revelation of Jesus, the Prince of Peace!
As kingdom ambassadors, we, as the Church of Jesus, have a unique biblical, eschatological, and missional interest in what is happening today in the land of Israel.
Join me in proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.
“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:21-23 (NIV)
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God in Christ, which leads to peace. When things are made right, peace is the result.
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17 (ERV)
As kingdom citizens, Jesus calls us to a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18), so we seek to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and we are praying for the justice that only the Messiah can bring (Isaiah 9:7). We are working towards the day when the physical and spiritual children of Abraham will come to worship the one true God together (Isaiah 19:23-25).
Join me in providing for the needs of others.
Our love for God, who we cannot see, is revealed in the way we love others, whom we can see. Jesus, the radical Savior, called us to love our fellow believers in word and deed and even to show this same love to our enemies.
“To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ” Romans 12:20-21 (ESV)
Foursquare Disaster Relief (FDR) will be the agency by which we extend our reach to provide for those impacted by this war. We can respond directly and immediately by giving to the FDR Ready fund.
We believe in the power of Jesus.
As kingdom ambassadors, we, as the Church of Jesus, have a unique biblical, eschatological, and missional interest in what is happening today in the land of Israel. But primarily, we are a Spirit- filled people who care about human suffering, violence, and injustice. The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel mourns the tragic loss of life in the most recent war initiated by Hamas against the nation of Israel.
The attacks and atrocities committed against Israel are horrific and evil. We also acknowledge that the region’s geo-political tensions and complexities are legendary. Amid these realities, the heart of God for the Jewish people and the Arab nations alike is also concretely established through the sacrificial death and resurrection life of Jesus alone. This gospel compels our actions and motivates our interests first and foremost.
I’m thankful for the power and hope we have in Jesus. Let’s be the Church!
