Why Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel is globally significant
Body
“Why, then, is Iran at war with Israel? And why is this question so significant for America and the global future?” - Denison
Related:
Romans 11 and the Parable of the Olive Tree (Part 2)
In Part 1, we followed along as the apostle Paul explained that God has not forsaken the people of Israel. Instead, He is temporarily punishing them. Now, he explains why the punishment is necessary. So, Paul deploys a sort of parable to explain God’s divine rescue plan.
Discussion
Chafer Conference Examines ‘Israel: Past, Present, and Future’
The Chafer Theological Seminary Pastors’ Conference met for the 19th time at West Houston Bible Church this past Monday through Wednesday, March 4 to 6. In the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the conference focused on “Israel: Past, Present, and Future.”
Discussion
Romans 11 and the Parable of the Olive Tree (Part 1)
In Romans 11, Paul finally answers the question he’s been dancing around since ch. 9: what is God’s plan for the people of Israel?
Discussion
Hamas and history: Most of the news coverage fails to relate this present conflict to its historical context
Body
“Hamas in its Covenant was a relatively early adapter of this ideology [Salafism], but it was far from the last. In subsequent years radical militants influenced by Salafism used the same reasoning to justify taking arms against the Arab ruling class” - Providence
Discussion
Romans 10 – Going the Wrong Way
Plenty of people are zealous for God, but their zeal is based on bad information. They actually don’t know God at all. This is Israel’s problem.
In Romans 9 to 11, the apostle Paul segues from his theological musings about salvation to a question no Christian can ignore—what about Israel? He spends most of Romans 9 defending God from accusations of failure (9:6-13), unjustness and cruelty (9:14-18), and unfairness (9:19-21). God dispenses mercy and hardness of heart as He sees fit (Rom 9:14, 18). The clay has no right to object to the potter’s decision (Rom 9:20-21).
Discussion
Signs Intensifying: What’s Ahead for Israel?
As we approach this New Year, our world is weighted down with manifold troubles. Yet believers in Christ need not succumb to despair. God’s Word gives us the capacity to discern God’s work in history—in light of the prophetic Scriptures. Jesus, in fact, entreated His followers to engage in this exercise, and chided those who were unable to “discern the signs of the times” (Matt. 16:3).
Discussion
The Ongoing Fight Against the Jewishness of Jesus
Body
“Jesus, whose Hebrew name was Yeshua, was born in Bethlehem of Judea. His mother’s name was Miriam, and His followers were named Yaakov and Shimon and Yehudah, among others. …And when He comes again, He is returning to Jerusalem.” - Michael Brown
Discussion
Four Views on What American Christians Think About the Israel-Hamas War
Body
“Recent survey finds strong support for sometimes conflicting agendas, but also many believers who are still “not sure” what to advocate for.” - C.Today
Discussion
Hamas Must be Delegitimized Even As it is Destroyed
Body
“questioning whether prisoner exchanges are prudent is not to question the intrinsic value of the hostages…. But it is to observe that the prisoner exchanges—like the paying of any kind of ransom—does nothing to disincentivize further hostage-taking.” - Providence
Discussion
Image
Discussion