Israel, we’re with you. What has happened. It’s beyond thinking and still unfolding.
Dear pastors and Church leaders, Joan here and Chad, Kielle, and Brad join me today in reaching out to you very quickly this time, as what surely looks like war engulfs the nation of Israel.
The Church in the United States is a critical voice at any time, but especially right this second. Our nation’s leaders are looking to you for how to think about all this. Don’t think they aren’t, they are. Your view is based on timeless wisdom, the insight that comes from the Holy Spirit and from years of studying the history of man on the earth that informs your view of these events.
We’ve asked Chad to take the lead on the comments we bring you in this Comm because he’s closest to you, and on the ground face to face with you most days. His perspective is extremely valuable.
Here’s Chad…
Joan Lindsey is the Founder and President of Lindsey Communications
The Holy Land is under attack.
As I'm sure you're aware by now, this past weekend Hamas launched a surprise attack on the people of Israel through the air and on the ground. So far, the death toll is over 1,000, and still rising, as the attacks and counterattacks are still ongoing now. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war.
Our hearts are heavy with the escalating tension and violence in the Middle East. At times like these, it is crucial that we remember the vital role that Israel plays in the United States’ strategic interests, the significance of our shared Christian connection to the people of Israel, and the divine role that Israel has in God’s plan for His world.
Israel has long been a steadfast ally and a cornerstone of stability in a region marked by turmoil. Over the coming days, leaders in the United States will be challenged with discussions of what is our role, what is our commitment to human rights, to fighting terrorism, maintaining peace and standing with our allies. No doubt there will be calls to step aside and forgo our long-standing partnership with Israel.
Our prayer is, God, please give our leaders strength, courage, and wisdom in making decisions to manage this crisis; to protect the people of Israel and provide them comfort; and for repentance for those responsible for the terror.
I want to take a moment to express our deep commitment to Israel. We recently had the privilege of coordinating and hosting a tour of Israel with a number of pastors, an experience that allowed us to witness firsthand the beauty, culture and significance of the land. We are so grateful to our friends in Israel and their cherished partnership with Faith Wins, and pray for their safety.
A friend of ours in Israel - who has requested to remain anonymous due to the obvious safety concerns - has asked us to specifically pray in the following manner:
I would pray that God accompany our troops into battle; that He fights alongside them, that He protects them from all harm; that He miraculously brings all the captives home without our needing to release murderers and terrorists in order for that to happen; that He blesses our leaders with courage, wisdom and perseverance to make difficult decisions and not just deter them - so that this never, ever happens again - regardless of what the world may say; that He places within the nations of the world an understanding heart and spirit - at the very least, if they will not help, that they do no harm and not interfere with that which we must do, as difficult and unpleasant as it may end up necessarily being; that He blesses His land and His people with true and lasting peace; a peace where children will no longer need to fear hearing a siren or need to run for shelter; a peace of mind, body, spirit and soul.
May God bless you, the United States of America and may God bless Israel.
Pray for Israel!
Chad
Chad Connelly is the Founder and President of Faith Wins
In times like these, when our neighbors are in greatest need, the love of Christ shines the brightest. With Israel at war, anti-semitism and hatred of Jews have once again emerged on our university campuses and even found reflection among members of the U.S. Congress. It is imperative for us as believers to stand with determination to defend the Jewish people and their right to practice their faith.
Here at PJI, we fully understand this responsibility as we wholeheartedly represent and defend those of the Jewish faith within our own borders. We have defended synagogues that were unfairly targeted with worship restrictions, and have welcomed religious asylum seekers who fled their countries out of fear for their lives due to their Jewish faith.
Let us all have the resolve to actively support, defend, and encourage our Jewish neighbors, both now and in the future.
Running the race,
Brad
Brad Dacus is the Founder and President of Pacific Justice Institute
Kielle In Closing:
Hello to you all, friends. We join you in steadfast prayer, asking our God who is always good to send His angels of protection to so many who are suffering in the middle of this brutal conflict in Israel.
Many in our own nation find themselves hurting, questioning and searching for answers as heartbreaking stories and images are flooding our media. There is also a swirl of misinformation circulating, driven by heightened emotional reactions to the horror of what we’re witnessing. Heinous acts are being given justification by some, condemnation by others.
I want to thank you all for your leadership and strength during this time, and encourage you to keep informing your congregations and beyond with biblical truth. Your wisdom, your courage, your VOICES are needed more than ever right now. We are praying with you and for you. God bless you all!
Kielle Campbell Lindsey is the President of the Lindsey Foundation
SERMON SHOWCASE
“A Recommendation of America’s Best Historical Sermons for Your Consideration This Month.” WallBuilders sermon archives are historically significant and relevant to current political and cultural events.
A S E R M O N, DELIVERED IN PRESENCE OF HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN TAYLOR GILMAN, Esquire GOVERNOR, THE HONORABLE THE COUNCIL, SENATE, AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, OF THE STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, CONVENED AT EXETER ON THE DAY OF THE ANNIVERSARY ELECTION, JUNE 2, 1796. BY WILLIAM F. ROWLAND, A. M. PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN EXETER.
