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;
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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.
…take the HELMET OF SALVATION
Handley Moule was a godly scholar-preacher who ministered in Great Britain around the turn of the century. One day, as he was walking along Princess Street in Edinburgh, he approached a corner where Salvation Army workers were conducting an open-air meeting.
THE PRIEST: Christ the Superior Sacrifice
The sun was rising over the Mount of Olives, casting its golden glow on the Temple altar, as priests busied themselves preparing for the morning sacrifice. A priest, standing on the roof of a Temple building…
…the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The ancient Roman soldier was called upon to fight in many and varied circumstances. Because of the privations of a long campaign, he would sometimes have to fight without part of his regular armor.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1981
Here in Israel it seems we are paying taxes even for the air we breathe. The more we earn, the more taxes they take and, as if this is not enough, I was recently called to the tax office for an audit.
A Date With Destiny
The time had arrived. The event for which He was born was about to occur. His hour had come (Jn, 12:23; 13:1). The donkey was secured — He mounted it — He reached the crest of the Mount of Olives…
Follow the Leader
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 by placing it beside…
Caiaphas: Inner Portrait of Israel’s High Priest
The City of Gold, Jerusalem, had not fully lifted herself from slumber. Some industrious shopkeepers were just beginning to set up their wares in the bazaar. The pungent odor from the fishmonger’s booth seeped heavily into the dawn.
“Show us a sign…”
The persistent cry of the leadership of Israel in response to Jesus’ message was for a sign which would confirm His claim of messiahship. Their demand was consistent with the prevailing view that Israel’s promised…
A Quiet Sunday Evening In Jerusalem
A warm gentle breeze is blowing in from the sea; spring has arrived once more. Dusk, too, has come, and while darkness takes its grip on the city, the birds roost for the night. All is quiet.
The Stigma of The Cross
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;…But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Gentiles foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18,23).
The High Priest Covenant of The Savior
The streets of Jerusalem were deserted. A quiet hush had fallen over the city which on other days was bustling with activity. Families had gathered in their homes to commemorate the Passover.
Messiah’s Resurrection Foretold in The Old Testament
The Old Testament declares the bodily resurrection of Christ. This doctrine is normally understood because of New Testament teaching. What is not commonly understood is that the Old Testament substantiates this same truth.
Before Abraham Was I Am
The Sadducees were cocky and confident as they approached Jesus on that momentous day. They had engineered a question based on the unimpeachable footing of Mosaic law and a superstructure of irrefutable logic.
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1981
We often say that no ill is without its good, but until the good news comes we must usually go through many troubles. Even the worst people have some good in them, and I would like to tell you about one such person.
He’s Got The Whole World…
There comes a day among men and nations when the cup of iniquity is filled full — when the mercy of God repeatedly flaunted issues in the judgment of God (Gen. 6:5-7; Jer. 9)
The Purging of Planet Earth
The Apostle John had both a unique opportunity and a heartrending experience as he watched God’s prophetic program of redemption for mankind brought to its culmination.
THE HOLY WAR Holocaust II
Holocaust, Just the word strikes terror in the hearts of millions as they recall the television documentary by that name. Paraded before their eyes was a destruction of people unparalleled in the annals of human history.
The Last Blasphemer
The world is searching for a leader. After centuries of confidently striding toward a day when humanity could deliver all of the systems necessary for a Utopia, man is crying for help.
Triumphal Re-Entry
On Sunday, April 6, 32 A.D., the Messiah rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. That event has come to be called “The Triumphal Entry”, and is celebrated annually on Palm Sunday.
The High Priesthood: Christ is Sovereign
The ministry of the priest was the focal point of Judaism. He was held in high esteem among the people as the one who represented them before God, made atonement for sin, and instructed them in righteousness.
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1981
I would like to tell you about an opportunity I had just a few days ago. On my way home from work, for some “unknown” reason I went by a different way than I usually take.
God’s Gift to YOU
“Why” is one of mankind’s most searching words. It is the word of the seeker — the word of the individual who wants to understand the “cause” of human events.
The High Priest: Christ is Superior
The high priest, clothed in the beautiful dress of his office, moved gracefully through the Tabernacle ministering in behalf of Israel. None was held in higher esteem among the people than he!
The Incarnation
During the course of human history, there have been many great men. A few, like Washington and Lincoln, have their birthdays remembered because those days have become national holidays.
How Dark The Night
Anti-Semitism is an ugly word. Just men have always abhorred it. But, like a bad dream, it refuses to go away. Historians, social scientists, philosophers, theologians — all are hard pressed to explain this perpetual…
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1980/1981
Here in Israel, people are thinking about the political situation more than ever, and many people are leaving the country because of fear. They are wondering what will happen next.
The Time of the Gentiles
“The times of the Gentiles” is the biblical designation for a period of time beginning with the Babylonian Captivity (606 BC) and ending with the physical return of Christ to the earth at the end of the Great Tribulation.
Seven Minutes with the Director
To say that we are living in perilous days is no longer newsworthy or shocking. Honest and informed men realize that the planet Earth is coming unglued. Traditional foundations are no longer eroding…
The Priesthood: Conduct in Service
The priest did not come into his position by choice, spiritual astuteness nor personal qualities which he possessed, but by birth into the Aaronic family. Yet to be accepted for service in the Tabernacle he had to meet the stringent regulations set forth by God.
Joel from Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1980
I have been called up to the army once again and since I have been here I have received a nice new nickname – “revolutionary”. I didn’t know why they were calling me this…
Seven Minutes with the Director
Moses had a pedigreed education. He was raised in the home of the Pharaoh of Egypt, and the Bible points out that he was…
Where are Israel’s Friends Found?
These simple Christian hearts are much better than our Jewish clerics who think of their wedding fees . . . .
The Priest: Consecrated for Service
A hush fell over the congregation of Israel as they gathered before the Tabernacle. One could sense the unspoken excitement which pounded deep in the heart of each Israelite as he anticipated the events which were about to unfold.
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1980
I want to thank all of you for the wonderful time I recently had in America and for the friendships I made while there. It was so good to be in a place where people can openly sing “What a friend we have in Jesus”…
Seven Minutes with The Director
It must have been with quivering hands and tear-filled eyes that Horatio Spafford read the telegram. It was from his wife. It contained only two words: “Saved alone.”
THE PRIEST: Clothed for Service
The high priest, arrayed in the stately garments of his office, methodically entered into the tabernacle to begin his day of ministry. Did it really make any difference how he dressed when representing the nation…
And They Shall Know!
“My greatest personal concern is what the Russians are doing under the table about all of this.” These words were spoken to me by a well-known Israeli government official shortly after Anwar Sadat’s historic visit to Jerusalem.
The Four Horsemen are Coming
Every informed Christian should view the future with an attitude of ultimate optimism. Of all earth’s peoples, they alone have “. . . an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away…
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1980
I don’t know how it is that so many people know about me here in Israel, but one evening as my family and I were returning home, two people stopped me…
The Man with the Answers
“He seems to have an answer for everything.” “He always has the last word.” These comments are often heard today. Usually they describe some individual who is a “fast talker” — one who has a way with words.
The Priesthood: A Call To Service
Put yourself in an Israelite’s position as you contemplate coming before the Lord to worship. Would you be able to enter into the tabernacle, kill the animal you have brought as a sacrifice, offer its blood upon the altar…
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1980
Recently I was in Hebron where I met many tourists. They were looking at the graves of our forefathers, but their guide was not giving them the right information about the place.
The Glory Of God
“Why was I born? Why am I living? What have I got? What am I giving?” These questions are not new — men have asked them since time immemorial.
Victory In Prayer
Daniel was a man of prayer. He learned early in life how to lay hold of God and be able to get answers from Him. He won many spiritual battles on his knees…
Conversion
Proselytism. Now there is a word that will quickly overheat the emotional systems of multitudes of Jewish people. It was the culprit instrumental in putting the much misunderstood “Anti-Missionary Law” on the books in Israel.
The Mercy Seat: Christ Our Propitiation
The high priest having meticulously followed all the required steps for ceremonial cleansing, left the holy place and slowly made his way to the brazen altar to offer the appropriate sacrifices for the Day of Atonement.
GLOSSARY OF PROPHETIC TERMS
This glossary is not exhaustive. Many prophetic terms, because of space considerations, could not be included.
Seven Minutes With The International Director
The year 1979 is tumbling uncontrollably toward its end. For America, it was anything but a good year. Nor does 1980 hold out hope for a new horizon of opportunity and change.
World Crisis and The Church
Heads swung quickly about as searching eyes swept the room. Noises rising from narrow streets crowded with religious pilgrims were suddenly inaudible before the rushing sound of a celestial wind that invaded the upper chamber.
World Crisis And The Second Coming of Christ
One of the most exciting studies in Scripture is the Second Coming of Christ. This topic is the most written-about doctrine in the Scriptures. In fact, there are twice as many verses on the Second…
World Crisis and The Millennial Kingdom
For centuries poets, novelists and musicians have written and sung about a “golden age” – or kind of “Utopia” when the problems, pains and conflicts of this world will disappear and all will be happiness and peace.
The Mercy Seat: Christ Our Propitiation Exodus 25:17-22; 37:6-9; Romans 3:36
Clad only in a white linen garment, the high priest drew back the heavy veil in front of the holy of holies and was immediately enclosed by the glory of God.
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1979/1980
Here in Israel the people are looking forward to seeing the promises of Camp David become real. But where is the peace? War seems very near. Will the promises ever be kept?
TEN WORDS
Ten words — that’s all the Wise Men used to ask one of the most searching and provocative questions of all time, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:2)
Seven Minutes with The International Director Oct/Nov 1979
When the body of missionary-explorer David Livingstone was laid in Westminster Abbey, a British journalist wrote, “Let marble crumble ~ this is Livingstone!” It is hard to conceive of living stone.
The Common People Heard Him Gladly
Today many people are confused by the differing sects and denominations of Christendom. This is not a new situation. During the days of the New Testament, Judaism also was divided into many various sects.
The Ark of The Covenant: Christ Our Advocate Exodus 25:10-22, 37:1-9
In a spirit of reverence, we loose the shoes from off our feet, part the veil and enter onto the sacred ground of the holy of holies to gaze upon the small golden ark of the covenant.
Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1979
Here in Israel believers experience much discrimination. We are reminded of what the Lord endured and when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Seven Minutes with The International Director Aug/Sep 1979
If I had been asked to write the epitaph of Moses, I would have written something like this: “Moses, God’s lawgiver, is dead,”’ or “Moses, God’s miracle-worker, is dead,” or “Moses, God’s statesman, is dead,” or “Moses, God’s judge over Israel, is dead.”
THE VEIL: Christ Our Access to God Exodus 26:31-35; 36:35-38
The multicolored veil embroidered with the images of cherubim hung elegantly between the holy place and the holy of holies separating the priest from God’s glorious presence.
News from Israel
The situation over here is difficult as usual, and it seems to become more complex by the hour. What appears to be peace with Egypt can easily turn into a real nightmare within hours.
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1979
We have a new law here in Israel which says that Hebrew Christians are now to be called simply Christians. So was the recent decision of the courts in Israel, and it cannot be changed.
Seven Minutes with The International Director Jun/Jul 1979
Two days after President Carter’s dramatic trip to Israel in March and the announcement of a peace breakthrough between Israel and Egypt, I had dinner and an extended conversation with Mr. Harry Hurwitz. Mr. Hurwitz
DISCOVERY of the SCROLLS
Juma was beginning to get nervous. Some of the goats he had been tending were climbing too high up the cliffs. He decided to show his own nimbleness and climb the cliff face himself to bring them back.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1979
Israel is a small country and at times we feel as if we are sheep among wolves. Even though we are small, we remain strong because the Lord is with us.
Seven Minutes with The International Director Apr/May 1979
I suppose most of us have our own idea of what Paul looked like. Presumptuous perhaps, but I think I’ll recognize him in heaven – even before being introduced.
What About Egypt in Prophecy?
The whole world has been aware of the historic series of Begin/Sadat meetings that have been occurring since November, 1977 when President Sadat made his historic visit to Jerusalem.
THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD: Christ the Bread of Life
Light from the golden lampstand illuminated the table of showbread causing it to sparkle with a dazzling beauty as the small ornately tooled table stood stately on the right side of the holy place.
A HAND FOR THE TORCH: The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
God’s man was on the ground. The bolt of light that put him there made the high noon of a brilliant Syrian sky look like midnight by comparison.
Passover
Their mood was somber. The small lamps flickering from the table top and about the room seemed to have difficulty dispelling the darkness invading the scene. This should have been a festive, happy occasion.
Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1979
Man is never sure of himself. What he says today, tomorrow he changes his mind about. Some people are sorry for this fault, and that is good.
Seven Minutes with The International Director Feb/Mar 1979
On May 14, 1948 at 4:30 p.m. a dead nation was resurrected — Israel was reborn. Many predicted and millions more hoped that she would be stillborn. Four wars and thirty-one years later…
Purim: The Diverted Destruction
The struggles and sufferings of the Jewish people are well documented by history. No other people on the face of the earth have survived the face of persecution, the storms of world opposition…
The Song That Jesus Sang
Have you ever leaped out of bed in the morning, showered, dressed, felt the warm sun flooding through the window, contemplating your pleasant appointments for the day and then…
The Golden Lampstand: Christ The Light of Life Exodus 25:31-40, 37:17-24; 39:37
Cleansed after washing at the brazen laver the priest reverently made his way a few feet towards the tabernacle entrance. His heart pounded with…
Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1979
Recently I had a conversation with the young men of the Yeshiva, which is a school for the most religious Jews. The young men devote their time to studying the…
Seven Minutes with The International Director Dec/Jan 1978/1979
The image and likeness in which man was created was threefold – God gave to man a mind with which he could think God’s thoughts after Him; He gave to man a…
A Light For The Temple
The years were written in the lines on the ashen face of the old priest. He stood in the place he and his neighbors usually used for a market. There would be no…
The Brazen Laver: Christ Our Sanctification
With hands splattered with blood and with feet soiled from the dust of the tabernacle court, the priest moved quickly but reverently…
Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1978/1979
The people here are now preparing for the feast of the New Year, followed by the greatest feast of all, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, or as it is called…
Five Minutes with The International Director Oct/Nov 1978
The place was Shushan, the capital of Persia. The time, about 480 B.C. The atmosphere, critical. Under the influence of Haman…
The Gospel According To Esther
The careful reader of the book of Esther will see beneath the historical events a beautiful and, I believe, intentional presentation of the Gospel.
Understanding Jewish Tradition Oct/Nov 1978
“May I have a bagel and cream cheese?” was my request to the waitress. “What’s a bagel?” was her reply. “It’s a doughnut-shaped roll,” I answered….
What Is a Christian?
“If what we have seen of Christianity over the past two thousand years is the best it has to offer, I don’t need to hear anything you have to say; I am not interested in your Christ.”
The Hebrew Christian And His Heritage
I am sure that if Moses and the Old Testament prophets of Israel were alive today and were as outspoken about the moral and spiritual condition…
The Brazen Altar: Christ Our Justification
The tabernacle stood in all its pristine glory with the twelve tribes camped around it. How inspiring it must have seemed to the Israelites as they…
Seven Minutes With The International Director Aug/Sep 1978
Mankind is racing madly, unconsciously and unalterably toward ARMAGEDDON. Political paralysis, moral excess, economic chaos and spiritual deadness – these are not ominous clouds on tomorrow’s horizon, but today’s present realities.
Understanding Jewish Tradition Aug/Sep 1978
Nathan excitedly jumped out of bed and quickly dressed. His mind raced through the activities he would be experiencing this day. Like other boys his age he had spent a number of years preparing for this special day.
The Tabernacle
“I’ve been to the mountain, and I have seen the glory of the Lord,” would be the testimony of Moses if he were here today. Just think of the piercing words Moses heard when God thundered from Mount Sinai, “. . . Come up to me . . . .” (Ex. 24:12).
Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1978
Recently I have been working near the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and sometimes I have contact with the students there. They try to act very intelligent, because they are studying at such a fine school.
Seven Minutes with The International Director Jun/Jul 1978
To the Jew of the first century, these words were saturated with great significance. For the Christian of the twentieth century, far removed from the historical context, it is often read over quickly as part of a cumbersome and boring genealogy.
Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry’s 40th Anniversary
The year was 1938. Hitler’s armies were marching through Europe. His plan to annihilate the world’s fifteen million Jews had begun. Most were blind to the conspicuous handwriting on the wall.
Intermarriage
So you went and did it! You married a Gentile. Your family, friends, and maybe even the rabbi warned you about all the problems that would arise from the marriage.
Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1978
In preparing for my trip to the United States, I had matters to attend to at the American Consulate here in Jerusalem. While at the consulate, I talked with some of the religious Jews.