Apostates In Profile
He was born near Lynn, Indiana, on May 13,1931. At the age of twenty-one, he became pastor of his first church. He preached a fundamental Christianity early in his ministry, but his message radically changed…
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Men Cannot Curse What God Has Blessed
Anyone who has travelled with small children will remember the question that inevitably arises from at least one of them, “Are we almost there?” Sometimes the query is, “How much longer before we get there?”
A Heart Aflame Romans 9:1-5
When I accepted Christ as my Savior while a university freshman, I wondered if I were the only Jewish person who had ever made this decision. In due course, while reading the New Testament, I discovered that the first-century Church…
The Relationship of The Christian To Law And Grace
Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology disagree concerning the relationship of the Christian to the Mosaic Law. Covenant Theology advocates the following position.
Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1987
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must be “diligent in season,out of season” (2 Tim. 4:1) and “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [us] a reason of the hope that is in [us], with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).
How Happy Is The Birthday?
The year was 1787; the place, the city of Philadelphia; the purpose, men had gathered to amend the Articles of Confederation which were loosely holding the thirteen infant states together. But instead of Articles of Confederation…
Apostasy – A Falling Away
Apostasy is like a subtle viper that snares its victim and slowly squeezes the life out of it. For this reason, Jude reached back into the Old Testament and picked three lucid illustrations that would impact the Christian…
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1987
Since my recent heart attack, I have been advised by my doctors to give up my employment as a carpenter and go on permanent disability. Of course, no one wants to become inactive, but I pray this will not be the case with me.
Dear Son,
In recent days you have been much on my heart. I find myself asking the invariable questions: Where did the years go? How did they pass so quickly? When was it that you passed from adolescence to young manhood?
Tempted? or Tested?
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (Jas. 1:13).
Contending for The Faith
The emergence of heretical religions in recent years has been phenomenal. An estimated 2,000 man-made eastern philosophical religious systems have sprung up throughout America.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1987
Many of you I do not know personally, but we are all one family in the Lord, and I experienced this family-type closeness and concern very recently. As many of you may already know…
Jude
Jude called himself “the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James” (v. 1). The name Jude is derived from Judah and pronounced Judas in Greek; it was a very common name in the first century.
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1987
What a wonderful feeling it is to be one of the Chosen People of God and to live in the Promised Land which He has given to us as His people.
Busyness In The Service Of The King
We live in a world that rushes like a car with the accelerator jammed to the floor and the body thrown back in the seat. Life exists at a high rate of speed, a dizzy blur to the passengers on board.
The Holiness Of Places Where God Is Uniquely Present
The previous article concerning the holiness of God indicated that holiness is the quality of being different, distinct or unique from the common or ordinary. In light of this concept of holiness…
The Shepherd of Israel
When the New Testament presents the Lord Jesus Christ as our Shepherd, it does so in a threefold manner. The writer to the Hebrews calls Christ “that great Shepherd” who is risen from the dead…
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1987
I was recently walking along the street in the old city of Jerusalem, and I saw two young orthodox Jewish students carrying what appeared to be a very heavy package.
The Holiness of God
When people sing, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, what are they singing about? What is the holiness of God? Some think that the sum total of God’s holiness is His sinlessness; however, that is not so.
A Word About Words
Philippians 1:27 states, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ . . .” The word conversation, used so often in the New Testament, literally means manner of life. It is more than your talk.
The Two Faces of Judah
A deceitful person is called two-faced or a hypocrite. This was a word used in the Greek theater to describe actors who put large painted masks in front of their faces to denote the characters they were playing…
The Shepherd of Israel: The True Shepherd John 10:6-10 – Part Two
There are about 162 different animals mentioned in the Bible. But when God describes His people’s behavior patterns and lifestyles, He uses the imagery of sheep more often than any other animal, and there is a good reason for that.
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1986/1987
We read many times in the Bible that the people of Israel are God’s chosen people, His peculiar treasure. The people of Israel consider this to be a great honor, but most forget that there are some conditions involved…
The Shepherd of Israel: The True Shepherd John 10:1-5 – Part One
The tenth chapter of the Gospel of John is one of the most beloved and popular chapters in the Bible. It is special to God’s people because it presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the Shepherd of His flock…
How have we robbed you, God?
With the exception of organized crime, robbery is the most prevalent and costly crime in America. Many are surprised to find that shoplifting and employee theft rank together as the number one type of robbery.
Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1986
There is a saying here in Israel, “What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve for.” But I do see, and therefore I grieve and cannot be silent.
Blessing or Cursing
Few would deny the truth of this beloved hymn. We need God’s mercy drops falling around us, but we need the outpouring of His showers of blessing perhaps even more. But what is God’s blessing?
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1986
Recently I had to pay a visit to the local medical clinic, and, as I am sure is the case ail over the world, I had to wait a very long time before I could see a doctor and receive treatment.
Faith
Some crucially important questions are being directed at you. They have to do with faith. Do you want to please God? The Bible says, “. . . without faith it is impossible to please him [God] . . .” (Heb. 11:6).
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1986
“Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?” (Ex. 15:11). Not many people know this truth; therefore they live their lives hoping that better times will come. They live in fear of the situations that surround them.
Jehovah Sabaoth
“The crowd came nearer and nearer. The eleven young men, concerned for my safety, formed a ring around me. If anyone was going to get hurt, they determined it would be them first.
DAVID AND HIS WIVES!…Too Many Women!
Marriage is ordained by God. He planned it, blessed it and millions of people have enjoyed the courtship, companionship and love of their mates down through the centuries. From marriage often comes the privilege and blessing of children…
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1986
I was recently asked to visit an elderly man whose son is my friend. When I arrived at his home, I could immediately tell that he was very sick and that I had arrived in the last hours of his life.
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1986
It seems that there is always something new coming upon the scene, and in Israel our something new is a new holy one. He is a rabbi whose father, a very famous rabbi himself died about a year ago.
Friends to the End
A person with a true friend is most fortunate. He has one with whom he can share his innermost thoughts – one with whom he can rejoice – one with whom he can weep when deep trials and testings come.
The World’s Hatred of Believers John 15:18-27
When I became a believer in Christ, I expected that those closest to me would also accept Him. Once they have the truth about Jesus, I reasoned, they will immediately open their hearts to Him.
Joel of Jerusalem Nov/Jan 1985/1986
As we all know, we are living in very interesting times, and here in Israel people are beginning to be interested in things which before they never thought about. The Jewish people have always followed after the faith of their fathers.
Jesus Christ Offers A Superior Sacrifice
Monotony can often become a way of life. So often the same things are repeated over and over again. The woman faces that seemingly endless pile of dishes to clear, another meal to prepare…
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Oct 1985
There are all kinds of people in the world. Some are happy – very happy – and some are very unhappy. And even some people who were happy a long time ago are now confused and don’t know what to do.
Run for Your Life, David
Several years ago the Shah of Iran went into exile trying to save his life from his foes. Hunted down, he moved from Iran to Europe, to the United States, to Mexico and finally to Egypt.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1985
Everyday I thank the Lord that I can go on the streets with a smile on my face rather than thinking, as so many people are doing, how I can take revenge on the people who made trouble for me so long ago.
THE FIRST TEMPTATION – The Final Sin
Let me say it up front – unadorned – without apology and accurately. Man, without God, is hopelessly lost. He is like a blind man, in a dark room, looking for a black cat that isn’t there.
Back to The Sheep
David! The very mention of his name will captivate the mind of any Jewish person. This shepherd-king is the hero of Israel. Every Jewish mother would love to have a son like him.
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1985
There is a very big competition raging in Israel at this time. It is not a competition in the business world, but something which has never been seen before in this nation – a competition to see who can bring more people to repentance.
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1985
There are many countries in the world, some big and some small, but there is only one country on earth where you can see signs all over, written in big letters, “WELCOME TO THE HOLY LAND.”
Wonderful Counselor The Mighty God The Everlasting Father The Prince Of Peace
Occasionally a package leaves the shipping department of The Friends of Israel carrying this printed message: One of two. It is the Mission’s way of saying, You have not received everything yet — another package is still to come.
The Perplexed Prophet Misunderstanding God’s Justice HABAKKUK 1:12-2:1
Perplexed had to be the feeling of Habakkuk when God answered his cry for justice in Judah. Most likely he sat in stunned silence contemplating the unexpected revelation from God.
Hebrews What God Demanded What God Provided
God has chosen to base His relationship with the nation of Israel on covenants. There are basically four unconditional covenants that He made with His people. The first is the Abrahamic Covenant, which promised them a land…
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1984/1985
Many times I ask myself why I must move so often in my work. It is certainly not by my own choice, but it has been happening for years. One advantage to this constant changing of jobs…
Once More With Feeling
The women of Israel came out to welcome their returning, victorious army. They cried, “… Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7).
Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1984
How I thank the Lord that I can walk down the street with my head held high and not downcast, as is the case with so many people here in Israel.
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1984
Here in Israel we are facing new general elections, and it is almost like war. There is no consideration being shown. Instead, it is a wild competition. The people seem to be looking for a new king…
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1984
Here in this land, from which the Word of the Lord first came forth, it is especially important to preach the gospel of the Lord to those who are so deaf. They are not physically deaf…
ELIJAH and The Lord of The Flies
Whenever a citizenry groans under the burden of an incompetent political leader, they always can take hope that someday there will be a change. In a democracy, that change can come at election time.
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1984
There is a bad wind blowing around the Hebrew Christians in Israel these days. Many fanatical people have joined forces and have sworn to fight a holy war against those of us who have received the Lord as our Savior…
Elijah, The Rain And The Chariot
After most ministers finish their sermons, both preacher and congregation leave to eat a meal. It has often been said that since most Christians don’t drink and smoke, their biggest vice is eating.
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1984
I am the vine, ye are the branches.. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1983/1984
I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
SIN: Universal in Scope Deadly in Effect Beyond any Man-made Antidote
Let me say it up front — unadorned and without fear of contradiction. The supreme malady of the human race — the seed cause of man’s labyrinth of problems is sin.
Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1983
During my visit to North America in the spring, I met a very orthodox Jewish man. We spoke for only a few minutes, but in that short time we became friends.
THE INFINITE GOD: Orientation for Living!
Isaiah’s hopes were in danger of being dashed on the perilous rocks of human frailty and transience. He was about to stumble because his vision had been focused in the wrong place.
THE DAY OF THE LORD: Intercessory Prayer Part Three
Judah was on the verge of expiring! Her spiritual chart read: head sick, heart faint, body full of wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores. From head to toe there was no soundness in her, cried isaiah (Isa. 1:6).
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1983
Soon we will be celebrating the most important holidays in Israel, Rosh Hashana (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). For those of us who know the Lord, this is no time to sleep.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1983
I have many friends here in Jerusalem. Some of them are believers, while others are far away from the Lord, but since I have established contact with them, I feel it is important to maintain that contact.
Because He Lived . . . We too Shall Live!
The one who first suggested that “a man only has to do two things in life – pay income taxes and die,” no doubt spoke in jest. But, he underscored the certainty of paying taxes…
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1983
Here in Israel, one of the most important places for communication is often a public bus. Many times you meet people you know as they are getting on or off, and sometimes you are very surprised at the people you meet.
The Christian’s Sacrifice
On a Jerusalem hillside a huge crowd had gathered to witness an event which would change the destiny of mankind. Darkness had filled the whole earth at noon, and it was drawing near 3:00 p.m.
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1983
We say that no ill is without its good. Every time a situation begins badly, I always pray, “O Lord, lead me and give me much patience so I can stand strong against the tribulations I face.”
The life of Jesus Christ often has been Characterized by two words NO ROOM
NO ROOM in the inn. so He was born in a stable; NO ROOM in Herod’s kingdom. so He was hunted;
ICONOCLASM
We have no desire to be trite, or petty or build mountains out of molehills, but we do desire to be true to the Word of God.
HOPELESS NIGHT or GLORIOUS SUNRISE
Jewish people are filled full with a zest for life. Candid and outgoing, they are often more recognizable by expression and gesture than by facial appearance. Rarely satisfied with being spectators…
The Trespass Offering Compensation in Christ
The trespass offering is the final Levitical sacrifice required of the Israelite. Although it is similar to the sin offering (Lev. 7:7), there are a number of differences. The sin offering deals with sin against God;
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1982/1983
I was reminded recently of the shortness of physical life. But because our souls are eternal, we all must prepare for eternity. For our physical bodies, we can purchase insurance.
Sharecroppers and The Son Of God
He was now walking in the shadow of the cross. The hour for which He had come was soon to arrive. Jesus had utilized parables before in His teaching. They had been so enigmatic, however…
Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1982
I thank the Lord, for He is so, good. After a very long time of having three of our children away in the army, we recently had the family together again around the table.
Moses, The Prophet Paul, The Apostle
Moses the prophet and Paul the apostle are the two towering, stellar personalities of human history. No son of Adam’s race, however noble, however brilliant, however benevolent, however powerful, whether warrior or physician…
The Day The Shekinah Returns To Israel
If anyone ever had a love and burden for the Jewish people, it was the Apostle Paul. He not only expresses his love and concern for them in Romans 9-11, but also God’s.
Elijah’s Coronation Day
The coronation of an earthly monarch usually takes place early in life and commences his reign. For the believer, however, the coronation day takes place at death when he is raised to a higher realm of glory.
PEACE OFFERING: Conciliation in Christ
Mankind has done much talking about peace, but experienced little of it throughout the centuries. Someone estimated that in the last 5,600 years there have been 14,531 wars and only 292 years of world peace.
I Do Set My Bow In The Cloud
There are a number of covenants that God made in the Old Testament. Most of these covenants are concerned with the people of Israel (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Palestinian, Davidic, and the New Covenant).
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1982
Two of my sons and my daughter are not at home these days. They have gone to the north (Lebanese front) with the army. And now I have received a nice letter stating that the army wants me to go also, but I said, “Not this time!”
REDEMPTION What Jesus Did For The Believer……CLAY Fit For The Master’s Use…Because He Redeemed It!
It happened about ten years ago — when it was still fashionable to give away redemption stamps for almost anything purchased. I was walking in the downtown area of a large city and a church bulletin board caught my eye.
SANCTIFICATION What Jesus Is Doing For The Believer… …CLAY Fit For The Master’s Use…Because He Is Sanctifying It!
“What is Jesus doing now?” How would you answer that question? Most Christians have a fairly good understanding of what Jesus has done in the past and what Jesus will do in prophecy, but how many know what Jesus is doing in the present?
THE MEAL OFFERING: Character of the Crucified
When the term Levitical offering is mentioned, blood sacrifice flashes across the mind of most people. True, the offerings in the the Levitical system were blood sacrifices, with one exception.
GLORIFICATION What Jesus Is Doing For The Believer… …CLAY Finally Perfected…Because He Will One Day Glorify It!
I thank God I am not what I used to be, I fully know that I am not all that I ought to be, and I look forward to what I one day will be.
Judgment in Jezreel
In the land of Israel a broad valley stretches thirty-six miles from the port city of Haifa on Mount Carmel southeastward to the Jordan River. This fertile plain separates the mountains of Galilee to the north from those of Samaria to the south.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1982
It is hard to live between the hammer and the anvil. In times such as this it is hard to know what to do in certain situations. There are people all around us with many troubles…
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1982
Here in Israel we have a special situation. There is much pressure from the north, south, east, and west. The wind is blowing from every direction, and we are in the center of the storm.
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1982
I would like to tell you about our Passover celebration last year. As in every other year, my home was completely full on the Passover evening. Ii was expecting about ten people, but many more than that came.
God Has Spoken . . . In His Son
Christians commemorate December twenty-fifth as the day more than nineteen hundred years ago when the eternal Son of God was clothed in human flesh. That the day and month are almost certainly in error is of no great consequence.
1 Kings 17:2-16
In the last issue, we were introduced to a man who came roaring out of the mountains of Gilead – a “rustic renegade from the rural regions”. This wild looking character marched into the palace of Ahab…
The Priest: Christ’s Supplication
The Passover was concluded with the chanting of the Hallel Psalms. Slowly the small group made their way down the narrow stairs from the upper room, through the winding streets of Jerusalem…
Joel of Jerusalem Nov/Jan 1981/1982
Sometimes we see things which are hard to believe, but we know they are so. It is also funny to see how grown people can be as children and speak like them. They can confuse folklore and Bible truths.
Elijah: A Person Like You
We live in a time when people are conscious of sports heroes. There’s a Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, a Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and a Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Oct 1981
A few weeks ago I was thinking that I would like to go to the religious school, which is not far from my home, and give a witness about the Lord. Of course, I realized that this was impossible;
The Church: Its Station, State, and Strategy
The planet Earth is replete with “pedigree” organizations. Membership within them is often predicated upon political, educational, social, economic or philosophical qualifications. Many of these organizations exist for commendable reasons…
…your loins girded… with TRUTH
The old campaigner was hard-bitten, crafty and arrogant. His question was a cynical response to Jesus of Nazareth’s straightforward answer to a query: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” (Jn. 18:33).
…having on the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Paul was certainly familiar with the armor of the soldier. Rome had control over Palestine in his day. As a young Pharisee in Jerusalem, he had often taken notice of the military…
…your feet shod with the… GOSPEL OF PEACE
The above advertisement is not a gimmick! How would you like to wear a pair of these shoes? Fine, now that we have your interest, may we give you the pertinent information and explicit details concerning them?
…taking the SHIELD OF FAITH
Shoes are to the feet . . . toothpaste is to the teeth . . . and clothes are to the body, as the shield of faith is to our spiritual lives.