WHAT IS A FRIEND OF ISRAEL?

The best days are ahead for Israel!
One day all of Israel will know the Lord and know salvation in Christ. In the meantime, millions of Gentiles among the nations are coming to faith in Christ.
Does the church of today play a role in what will be the future of Israel? Does the church have a responsibility to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the people from which Messiah came?
The Bible says that a Christian should have a specific influence to the Jewish community. (Romans 11:11) What does that mean? How does the church influence Israel? What is the relationship that Christians should have with Jews throughout the world and in Israel?
Below, is what I believe is a Biblical vision of what it means to be a “Friend Of Israel!”

(1.) A Christian stands against the ignorance and madness of racism and anti-Semitism. There is no greater friend of sinners, of man, of Israel – than Jesus. History attests of unspeakable acts toward Jews by those who have worn a mask of Christianity. Genuine Bible believing Christians denounce these acts! Zechariah 2:8; Duet. 7:7-9a

(2.) A Christian is a Bible believer who stands on the promises that God gave Israel of a homeland in the land of Israel. God keeps His promises and cannot cancel His character. Zionism is the belief that Jews have a right to a national home in Israel. 1 Chron. 16:17-18; Ez. 26:24; Romans 9:1-5; Joel 3

(3.) A Christian believes in the whole Bible! The roots of the Christian faith sprang forth from the soil of Judaism which began in Jerusalem not Rome. A Christian has been engrafted into the promises that God gave to Israel of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. A Christian believes in the whole Bible and calls both Jews and Christians back to the study of the Holy Scriptures.

(4.) A Christian’s highest expression of blessing “Israel” and the Jewish people is demonstrating unconditional love toward Jews and helping Jewish friends (and the world) to see the hope and salvation of the Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus! The Bible foretold that through Abraham, “…all the families of the earth shall be blessed;” that “Salvation is of the Jews” and that the  “…the gospel of Christ … is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Genesis 12:3; John 4:22; Acts 2:22; Romans 1:16-17

(5.) A Christian is not anti-Jewish but on the contrary a Christian worships the “Lord God of Israel” and a Savior who is Jewish who demonstrated that He is the Savior of both Jew and Gentile by resurrecting from the dead. Jeremiah 31:31 says, “Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.” The word Jeremiah uses for “New Covenant” is the Hebrew phrase “brith Hadasha” – from which the phrase “New Testament” comes. A Christian is not calling Jews to assimilate and convert to another religion, but rather to be complete in Messiah! Mt 5:17-18 … Jeremiah 31:31 … Romans 10:1-4

(6.) A Christian stands against Islamic extremism – which is rooted in racism and hatred that targets Israel, Christians and the non-Islamic world. Allah is not the God of the Bible.

By Greg Denham

Moved by an incredible time of fellowship, worship and growing in the Word with Pastor Jeff Gill this week(Calvary Chapel South Bay- Los Angeles) and my good friend Greg Laurie at Harvest Christian fellowship in Orange County where our daughter Sarah is now a member of the worship team. Honored to be asked to be a part of the “Good Thursday Service” at Harvest last night. Pastor Greg is back from Dallas where he preached to a packed Dallas stadium of 85,000 people in attendance with 6,000 responding to Christ! “Lord help us be totally sold out to the glory of the Gospel of Jesus the power of God to Salvation for the Jew first than the Gentile!” We’re living in urgent times! Headed to Palm Desert Resurrection Sunday as Pete leads worship at his new church”The Garden Fellowship”.

What an off the charts day witnessing the Covenant of marriage of our most dearest Son Pete Denham and now our daughter in law Sierra Denham (Mrs. Denham!:):). Words are not enough … Thank you Jesus!!!!!

Overwhelmed by the goodness of the Lord celebrating our son Pete’s ordination at the Garden Church in Palm Desert Ca. So honored to have been asked to participate in this very special occasion by the Pastor and good friend, Jason Duff.

Pastor Jason Duff(left) – over right shoulder future father in law, Jim Westby.

I am so excited about tomorrow and the new beginning that will take place!

We are believing that the City of Auburn will be shaken by the weight of the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforming lives. The.Best.Is.Yet.To.Come …

What an honor it has been to have served for 27 years: Thank. You. Jesus!!! And thank you church family!!! You will always be in our heart and in our prayers.

As for Stephanie and I, we could not be more happy that our church family will be incredibly taken care of: loved, equipped and challenged. Pastor Josh(ua) Blevins is a godly husband, father and servant of the Lord Jesus. His leadership is for such a time as this! He is a man who understands the importance of healthy systems in communication, oversight and administration. He is committed to the Word and to the work of evangelism. He marches on his knees! And, — He understands the source of our strength is the person and work of the Holy Spirit. He understands that the “Holy SPirit is really good at what He does!” I could not be more happy that Josh will be pastoring the church!

CA family – please keep us in your prayers. We sense an urgency. We are fired up and it is our prayer “Lord, here we are send us!” We have a heart for the city (L.A., Brooklyn, San Francisco) .. the poor materially and spiritually .. for the Jew first than the Gentile (Romans 1:16-17).

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, …18 What then?…Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice ..in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:12, 18, 21)

Jesus is Coming Soon.

We love you!

Greg

Cleaning out my desk finding all kinds of wonderful pictures and memories. This picture is of the Auburn Fairgrounds. It was an outreach/crusade. So proud of our church family’s heart to reach a generation for Christ starting with our own city. I love you church family! The best is yet to come … 🙂

Pete, Sarah and Lily leading worship at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Sarah singing at Harvest Christian Fellowship w/ Greg Laurie.

it’s not about form… but Power!
it’s not about method… but Messiah!
it’s not about style… but Jesus!
it’s not about inspiration… but Transformation!
it’s not about you… but your Neighbor!
it’s not about technology… but the Presence of God!
it’s not about principles… but Revelation!
it’s not about organization… but Worship!
it’s not about ministry philosophy… but being Filled with the Spirit!
it’s not about consumerism (what’s in it for me)… but Truth!
it’s not about commercialism (popularity/ trending)… but Truth!
it’s not about corporate principles (marketing, organization)… but Truth!
it’s not about creation (created things)… but the Creator!
it’s not about performance…but the Cross!
it’s not about America… but the Kingdom!

And when it comes to preaching?

“A sermon without Christ at its beginning, middle, and end is a mistake in conception and a crime in execution” – Spurgeon

I’m re-reading “Lectures To My Students” by Charles Spurgeon — and it is re-rocking my world (a quote from his book below)! May the weight of the truth of the plan of the Father in Christ shake our hearts and may our lips burn with the truth of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. The harvest is ripe and Jesus is Coming Soon!!!

“We must show our decision for the truth by the sacrifices we are ready to make. This is indeed the most efficient as well as the most trying method. We must be ready to get anything and everything for the sake of the principles which we have espoused and must be ready to offend our best supporters, to alienate our warmest friends, sooner than deny our consciences. We must be ready to be beggars in purse and offscourings in reputation, rather than act treacherously. We can die, but cannot deny the truth. The cost is already counted, and we are determined to buy the truth at any price, and sell it at no price. Too little of the spirit is abroad nowadays. Men have a saving faith and save their own persons from trouble; they have great discernment, and know on which side their bread is buttered; they are large-hearted, and are all things to all men, if by any means they may save a sum. There are plenty of curs about, who would follow at the heel of any man who would keep them in meat. They are among the first to bark at decision, and call it obstinate dogmatism, and ignorant bigotry. Their condemnatory verdict causes us no distress; it is what we expected.”
CHARLES SPURGEON

Imagine if persistence and perseverance were removed from the equation of life. What would the world look like today? Would there have ever been the Abraham Lincoln that we have come to know? Would our country even exist? What about the life, ministry and impact of Jesus?

How important is persistence and perseverance?

Einstein wrote, “I think and think for months and years, ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.” Does this tell us that we ought to think of failure differently?

It’s been said that, “Failure is not an option. Failure is a necessity. You try. You fail. You learn. You adjust!” The Bible says, “we count those who persevere blessed!” (James 5:11)

This was certainly the case with the Greek woman whose daughter was demon possessed (Mark 7).

She had heard that Jesus had left Israel and was nearby in the area of Tyre and Sidon. So what did she do? She humbly but boldly approached Jesus crying over and over, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!” which was a cry that meant she believed that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel (Matthew 15:22). Jesus answered her saying, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs”. Jesus was telling her that His first priority was to Israel. But this did not stop her! She answered, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” Her response brought an answer from Jesus. Jesus blessed her persistence and persevering faith saying, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”

Did you know that the Lord wants to draw out persistence and perseverance in your life?

It is necessary for the growth and maturity that the Lord wants to develop in your life. The Bible says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4). The antithesis of this is to allow circumstances and emotions to dictate your character, priorities and outlook. When this happens, most often that person will then bail on God, family and life itself.

Hear this, the most important area for persistence and perseverance in your life is in the pursuit of Jesus Christ, not only because there is nothing more true than Him, but because God blesses the pursuit! Be persistent and persevere in your pursuit of Jesus. Paul wrote, “…I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me … I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Phil. 3:12-14)