Dexter Van Zile writes about the letter sent by a group of mainline Protestant leaders to Members of Congress asking for an investigation into Israel’s use of U.S. military aid (we wrote about it too, here).
Van Zile explains that the real fight is coming and isn’t in Congress or at the big denominational conventions. Rather, the real fight is in the local churches.
The letter is also a signal that the Israel will be on the agenda at next year’s national gatherings of three mainline churches – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the United Church of Christ, and the Disciples of Christ.
What do you think?
5:16 pm
A common mistake is Confusing ELCA as being part of the Lutheran Church, i.e. Missouri and Wisconsin Synod. They are NOT
9:13 pm
I think that the United States should play whatever supportive role that we have to in order to facilitate human history onto its final conclusion. As a nation, anything that challenges Israel’s existence should be withstood by the United States due to God’s end-time plans to bring salvation to them. (Ro11:26) Currently, God is sustaining them as a nation of people for that very reason and we certainly don’t want to get caught fighting God’s agenda.
6:32 am
Those of us who know the will of God concerning Israel are Highly Blessed. It is my prayer that those who are still being deceived by the devil will wake up from their stupor and ask The LORD to help.
10:59 am
Well said Victoria. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob said : “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you”. We Christian HAVE
an obligation to bless Israel in order to remain blessed. This is not a request but a promise. Lord, have mercy on those so-called “churches”.
11:05 pm
They are GOD`s chosen. GOD has given them that land in perpetuity. Do any of you really think that the choices we make here will have any influence at all towards the outcome of what things GOD has already prepared from the beginning of time?
10:32 pm
God is Lord of all the earth. All the earth. He is calling to us all to be saved, both Jews and gentiles. Jesus is God’s way of salvation, although the scriptures declare He is foolishness to the gentiles who do not believe, and a rock of offense, or a stumbling block to the Jews who do not believe. God does not want anyone to be lost. He chose in His good pleasure to make Jesus an offering for sin so that all who believe will be saved. We were all in sin and unable to do this pure act ourselves. Why do we need a sacrifice? It is a legal issue in the spiritual realm. Satan fell for his disobedience and now accuses us all before God on the basis of our sin. But God, knowing all have sinned, wanted to provide a way for us to be reconciled to Him. He sent Jesus, His Son, from heaven, to live a perfect life, one satan could not accuse, and give Himself a spotless sacrifice in our place. The scriptures say that Jesus bore upon Himself our iniquity, and that God lay upon Jesus our punishment. It is in Isaiah 53. If we will just believe God did this for us, that His testimony is true, whether we be Jew or gentile, God will save us and help us to live before Him holy through His wise counsel and the power of His Holy Spirit. God is holy. He always has been. He was holy when He made a covenant with Abraham. He was holy when the nation of Israel was or wasn’t holy and seeking Him. He is holy now. He has never changed. He is the God of all the earth. He was before He made a covenant with Abraham. He is longing to pour out His Spirit on anyone who will believe and trust in Him. We are all guilty. Our sin made it necessary for God to send Yeshua. We must not miss His gift, but turn and believe in the one whom He sent and obey the Word of Life, the Spirit of truth. We must love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. God is love. He always has been. He is not defined by our politics, cultures, ideologies, or philosophis. He is the living God!!!!!!! He has made Himself known. He is love. May all of Israel be saved. Paul the apostle longed for this. Jesus longed for this. May all of Israel believe in Yeshua and be saved. And, may all the earth believe too. I pray God will bless you all, Israel. I pray these churches will be renewed in the spirit of their minds to the truth, and that the truth will help them to judge righteously.
8:04 pm
Blessings to Israel in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Christians have, of course, a close connection and relationship with jewish people and the State of Israel. May God bless you and keep you and may the USA always be your best friend.
5:29 pm
Victoria, G_d bless you and all you knowledge & wisdom. As a Christian who loves G_d, his chosen people & Isreal, I’m ashamed of the way you chose to address Gary. You confirmed just what he believed.
5:09 pm
Psalms 85:10 11 12 13 mercy and truth have met togeather
rightousness and peace have kissed each other,
truth shall spring out of the earth;and rightousness shall look down from heaven.yea the lord shall give that which is good;and our land shall yield her increase.
Rightousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
11:38 am
I am a Mexican from Jewish heritage (Sephardic) and a Roman Catholic. I have never understood why some people pretend loving so much Jesus Christ and after hate Jewish people and culture.
9:05 am
GARY – many Christians support The Jewish State of Israel. I support The Jewish State of Israel because it is the nation of G-d’s Chosen people. I consider Jesus my savior because his teachings taught humans how to live in a manner to save our souls. The Messiah is yet to come. Even when I pray, I pray to “The G-d of Israel”.
6:20 am
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Israel is not only the place where the Jewish and Christian ethics (the 10 commandments and Torah) originated, but it is our only friend in the middle east.
10:57 am
Amen.
12:52 am
Born-Again Christians support Israel 100%. Those that are otherwise, denominational Christians that have opposing views are in trouble with our Lord and Savior. I support Israel with a cheerful heart
11:34 pm
I believe Israel has the right to defend herself. I support Israel. I believe that Jews around the world have the right to live peacefully and freely in Israel and that Jerusalem is her Capitol.
10:29 pm
This saddens me. Christians should always stand with Israel. Read Romans 11:1-36.
9:43 pm
Sadly, we are witnessing a movement by some so called Churches and individuals in these Churches drifting away from the instruction of the Bible and creating their own fantasy beliefs. I guess this is what the Bible calls the Apostacy of the Church talked about in prophecy. Wonder if these people even realize that when you stand against Isreal your standing against God. Doubtfull they do. Request for and pray for great Isreal on a daily basis. Do this in your Churches during prayer time every chance you get for Isreal is probably the last thing on most peoples minds here in America because it’s not happening in America. Very sad testament about the State of the Church in America. But each of us can make a difference in our own congregations.
8:38 pm
When people ask if I’m a christian, I say no. The word has no meaning today, many that call themselves christians don’t know Christ or what He did for them. I answer, I am a Born Again Believer, saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ (Messiah), His death, burial and resurrection to pay the price of my sins. It is a relationship not a religion. Most religions are man made with man made rules, just like the rules the Pharisees followed of men and not of God and many Rabbi’s today. On the day of the atonement, there is no temple and no sacrifice for atonement, so are what they are doing on that day of God or man?
On my dads side I’m Jewish, not on my mothers side, yet the rules for a return to Israel has to be on the mothers side and I find that no where in the Bible, OT or NT. I teach both and have for years and I agree with those who say Born Again Believers know the OT as well as any and more then most. I pray for Israel every night, I have visited Israel and love the People and the land and the God of Israel. I would ask why Jews don’t read Isaiah 53 or Psalms 22 which show that Jesus was and is the Messiah and will return to set up the Jewish Kingdom for a thousand years after a 7 years of tribulation called Jacobs Trouble. God Bless Jews and Born Again Believers Everywhere, pray for the blind and lost.
8:36 pm
Those churches listed are members of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, which is a branch of Planned Parenthood.They do not follow God’s teachings about abortion gay marriage, nor protecting Israel. In short they are false teachers that do not speak for Jesus.
7:27 pm
Wake up church those who support Israel will be blessed, Those who dont will be cursed.
6:51 pm
Is Antisemitism someone that disagrees with Zionism?
The definition seems to be broadening and somewhat over reaching in resent times.
3:47 pm
The 3 denominations mentioned are very “vocal”, but are not evennearly the largest in the USA. Most Christian churches take the Bible literally, honor Zion, and fully support Israel’s god-given land.
3:44 pm
The three denominations mentioned are considered by most Christians in the USA to be the most liberal and most unorthodox denominations…joined by their mutual corruption and “replacement theology”.
3:16 pm
To the Jewish American, I have a question. John 14:6 says; Jesus answered, “Iam the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. What do you mean be aware of their New Testament John 14:6? I am a born again Christian and love Jesus (Who came from Jewish descent in the flesh, being Abraham’s descendant) the Messiah Who came over 2000 years ago, paid for all the world’s sins, as a lamb crucified, died on the cross, gave His life voluntarily to God THE FATHER, Who said in the book of Hebrews 2:9-18, (you might want to take the time to read it.) V.16 says, for surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. V.17 says, For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. V.18 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted (or suffering). (Hebrews 1:1-4) Jesus the expressed image of God, the exact representation of His(God’s)image. was appointed by God, Hebrews 5:5 says, In the same way, Christ did not take on Himself the glory of becoming a High Priest. But God said to Him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” V.6 says, And He says in another place, “You are a Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” V.8 says, Son, though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered (the cross) (V 9) and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him (would believe He is Messiah by faith) and was designated by God to be a High Priest in the order of Merchizedek. The book of Hebrews is a wonderful book to read in the Bible, wrote by Paul a Jew, (the book of Acts 22:1-3) and became born again, ordained by God, to be an Apostle. As a matter of fact all the disciples of Jesus (Yeshua) were Jewish. So because of that and more info. if I had the time to discuss, we as Christians love Israel (the Jewish people) thank God for them, their roots. We stand and pray for Israel! These mainline church groups apparently don’t understand and maybe not even read the Word of God and forgot that it’s because of Jesus (Yeshua) we have life in Him. Yes I stand on John 14:6, this is for all who would believe and not harden your heart as Hebrews 4:6-7 says, there still remains for some to enter that rest, and not be in unbelief, like those in the wilderness. God has made a way for all to enter that rest of faith yes even the gentiles. Like faithful Abraham, when God spoke to him and told him that he would be a Father of many nations. I Love the Word of God!!!
3:02 pm
Always remember that Christian is as Christian does. While most Christians are Gentiles, most Gentiles are NOT Christians, regardless of church affiliation.
2:59 pm
JEWS.. believe Rabbi Yitchak Kaduri and rely on the restored Church of Jesus Christ LDS to show you the way.
2:55 pm
Muslims say they hate America, burn American flags, say they want a world governed by Sharia, kill and persecute Christians in Muslim lands and make no secret about their claim that everyone must convert to Islam. How then is it possible then that many “mainline Christians” come out in support of Muslims. Its not possible.Their motivation is not a love of decent Christian values but the thousand of years old irrational anti-Semitism. Decent Christians should speak out against them in no uncertain terms
2:31 pm
Short story :A man came into my store sat down and I was helping him and he had a Submarine hat on from WWll I said to him ” You were on a Sub in the war and he said yes I said how did it go , He said well I was in the Cafeteria eating and the Captain of the sub came into the mess hall and said ” Where id Goldberg? and the man said he put his head on the table to kind of hide, The captain said I am a Devowed Catholic and I Want one Jewish man to be on my last trip to Japan from California I do believe that the Jewish people are the Chosen ones and Christianity didn’t start until 250 years after Jesus. Jesus was born a Jew and that is my belief . Goldberg said ” Sir I don’t know anything about how to run a sub.the captain said ” ON THE JOB TRAINING” I want to come back alive. ” he offered Steak and Good food to Goldberg” they took off to Japan and when they got their , They were in heavy battles ,Depth Chargers , every thing , they completed their mission and when they got back alive the Navy said to trash the Sub in Alaska it was Totaled but everyone survived and the Captain smiled at Goldberg , and 2 months later the war ended .Jesus is Buried in Hebron in Israel, The Holy Seplica is in Jerusalem . Many Christians visit and live there. The two religions get along Great in Israel because that’s their Origins, The Jewish have great respect for Catholic beliefs . It is the Arab people that Don’t get along with Either . Life saving Medications were Invented there . Respect both religions and your beliefs will come true . Trust me .I Praise Both Religions Highly . Be Blessed!
PETER
2:16 pm
As a retired Presbyterian Minister’s wife I too am totally disgusted with the American and Canadian Church. They should stop using Old Testament scriptures in their liturgy. Downright Hypocrosy
1:33 pm
As a Born Again Christian, I have study and continue to study the bible daily. Both Old Testament and the New Testament. In both Testaments is very clear that Israel and the Jewish people are the chosen people. I am 100% sure that Yesuah (Jesus) must watching and listening to all these negative comments against Israel and His people. Apply what you have learned in the Bible to your daily way of life. Do Jesus walkn not the talk. God Bless and protect Israel and all his people.!!!
1:17 pm
This persecution against Israel from some “called” Christian churches is another evidence of prophecy fulfillment and lack of history-biblical knowledge about the Jewish people. This is like “children against their parents”. Have some Christians forgotten where we come from? Was not Jesus a Jew? Did not God promise to Abraham His covenant was established forever?
1:02 pm
This is why I left the Presbyterian Church. As a born again Christian, I am disgusted with those who believe in replacement theology. GOD’S promises to Abraham are forever and without stipulations.
2:59 pm
AT THE RISK OF BEING OFFENSIVE I MUST SAY THAT IF IT WEREN’T FOR THE JEWS THERE WOULD BE NO CHRISTIANS. JESUS AND HIS MOTHER WERE DEVOUT JEWS, LIKE IT OR NOT. ONLY THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE RISEN CHRIST ARE “CHRISTIANS” SO TO BE ANTI-ISRAELI IS BEING ANIT-CHRIST. THOSE ARE HIS PEOPLE AND THOUGH THEY DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIS MISSION HERE AND SALVATION WAS OPENED TO THE GENTILES, THEY ARE STILL “HIS” PEOPLE. HE LOVES THEM AND WISHES FOR THEM TO BE SAVED. TO DENY THEM IS TO DENY “HIM”. WE MUST HELP THEM IN ANYWAY THAT WE CAN. IT IS HIS WILL.
12:27 pm
He who bless Israel will be blessed. And he who curse Israel shall be cursed. How can there be such a thing if we both serve the same GOD.
4:37 pm
Stephen, God the Father chose His only beloved Son to be born in Bethlehem Israel. The precious Jews gave us the Word of God. You should read the book of Ephesians more closely. If you want to please the Eternal God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, bless His Chosen Ones and pray for the peace of their Capital City Jerusalem.
12:21 pm
If one truely believes, than that person will take a true stand for Christ, and follow his teachings in the Bible. Live by his words, and not what the world goes by in the wrong sense.
12:08 pm
Jesus was a Jew! The Word of God was ispired by the Holy Spirit who worked through Jewish authors to record the Word of God, the mind of Christ. Israel is not to be reckoned among the nations, as she is the only nation that belongs to God. Noone else has the God-given authority to interfere in Israel’s affairs in any way, as God, Himself, is perfectly able to accomplish all He will do in and through her. Anyone who thinks, speaks, or does otherwise, will answer to the God of Israel, whether it be before the judgment seat of Christ, or the great white throne. How anyone who is a Christian, could stand in opposition to the (God-given)country of Israel, is beyond belief. Never in history have so many demonstrated such a need for the individual study of the Word of God!
4:36 pm
VERY WELL SAID!
4:39 pm
Amen! Well Said Sister!
6:19 pm
AMEN ! joanne
11:56 am
Evangelical Christians, who really love the Lord Jesus Christ, and who read and believe the whole Bible have no problem with supporting Israel in
any way we can. We know JHVH is on your side, and we are too.
11:40 am
While it isn’t popular to stand. We must listen to what the Bible says about Israel. Our stance for Israel is the utmost importance. This maybe one of the reasons for America’s existance. I fear if we turn away for our country.
11:40 am
What is happening is Christian Antisemitism. These churches have lost sight of the word of God. If they have their way God will soon abandon America. Church politics has crept in.
4:00 pm
The Lord is already turning His back on America. Our sins are numerous.Only the foolish would add another to it. To turn against God’s chosen people.
11:29 pm
So many are working and praying hard to keep America from coming under God’s judgement. I just don’t know if we can prevent it however. Sometimes it just feels like a runaway freight train…
11:32 am
oh sigh its hard to read and to believe–but sadly im sure its true ISRAEL will be the home for us christians tooo open the eyes of their heart LORD
11:27 am
ANY CHURCH THAT GOES AGAINST ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE IS NOT CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. HAVE THEY FORGOTTEN JESUS WAS A JEW???
11:33 pm
Amennnnnnnnn to that sister:) *!* the true church of our Lord Jesus should love and support Israel..we are one in Him someday..Love Israel and all true Christians brethren in the whole wide world.
11:07 am
I’m 100% with Israel. Israel is still God’s chosen people and to go against Israel is to go against God.
If you doubt what I say, speak to the LORD about it and see what He says. I bless Israel.
11:06 am
W., 10/17/12 common era
As a Jewish American, it seems to me that most of U.S. Christendom is in 1 of 2 camps. One camp
bleats overtime for the sensibilities of Jew haters who are formally sworn to destroy Israel and by extension, Jews worldwide, G-d forbid. The other camp is super gung-ho for Israel, waiting for a final (possibly nuclear) showdown between good and evil and with it, the conversion of 144,000 Jews to its form of Protestant Christianity. That’s a tiny percent of Jews living today worldwide, more selective than getting into medical school. What is a Jew supposed to do when faced with these polar opposites? Well, I guess the answer is to
strive to perform more Mitzvot and welcome any moral support from Gentiles but to be aware of their New Testament verse John 14:6.
12:36 pm
What a Jew is supposed to do, is recognize that Yeshua is ADONAI and stand firm in Him. Trust the mark set before you in Torah. Stay on the path Torah has set before you and trust that Yeshua has filled all the portions pointing to Mashiach Ben Yosef and is about to return as Mashiach Ben David. The 144,000 are sealed, but that does not mean they are the only ones to be saved. Many of us may be martyred, but the end is eternity with ADONAI. Look up for our redemption drawn near. Many in the synagogues of ha Satan will hear the words of Yeshua saying, “Depart from me. I never knew you.”
12:44 pm
Oh Gary – I pray for you!! Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ – He is YOUR redeemer and messiah – I pray for your eyes to be opened to the truth!
Love from a Christian friend -
1:07 pm
Shalom Gary, please don’t quote scripture you’re entirely illterate about. Remember that Christians know the Old Testament far better that mainstream Jewish people on the planet. We read it and study it almost daily because we believe it in its entirety, not just the Torah. When you quote something, you should understand what you’re talking about. You have it all wrong all over the place. A Rabbi can’t help you, but a Pastor would be happy to explain it to you, without your fear of being forcefully converted since we don’t operate that way anyway, though that’s not the point here. Kind regards.
6:47 am
We are for MEDINAT YISRAEL just as the Messiach Yeshua is for it. A christian that is against the state of Israel is not a CHRISTIAN.Thes are in the dark!!!!. They need help !. G-d have marcy on them!. They do not know what they are doing !. Isarel will stand all the way through… .Fear NOT !
1:04 pm
I wanted to tell Victoria, well said, I firmly agree with Christian Gentiles knowing the Bible from the Beginning (Genesis) to the End (Revelation) and we do not force anything on a non-believer, But John 14:6 is so important to everyone on Earth, that God created, Jesus is the only way to God, Remember what God said in John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ died on the Cross for all the world to be Saved. Take heed Gary to the signs of these days. God Bless, best regards
4:50 pm
Gary, we who are so hung ho for Israel are not rooting for any such thing. We know and trust the promises to and recognize the importance of Israel. To her and to us.
5:54 pm
Many of these Christians are Liberals who see Palestinians as being unjustly treated or Liberals who see Christianity as a way to life instead of entry into the Kingdom. They are blind.
7:19 pm
Dear Gary, I am a Christian an not a J** Witness but When asked what was the most important Commandment He replied by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5. Jashua is clear, it is Hashem that we should worship.
8:16 pm
Actally the verse is John 13:6. I also hate the heresy of Replacement Theology. Those who believe
that lie from hell need to read Romens 11, all of
it. Also there are Chistians who no idea Jesus
was a Jew. I know about one group of Christian
who were shocked when he was.
10:22 am
Gary, prescious you in in G-d’s eyes, but understand, IF YOU HAD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH G-D you would understand the message of John 14:6 and you would not fear any man! G-d gave the Torah (the pattern, teachings) and He also finished it with YESHUA (New Test) yet in the very beginning Yeshua was “LIGHT” IN THE OLD TEST. It’s time to study…..and pray.This is why we ask “Holy Spirit” to guide us into all HIS truth, Shalom