He became the blood sacrifice that paid for the transgressions of all mankind in order to bring both Jew & Gentile into salvation by faith: Eph 2:15: “He did this to create in Himself one new man out of two”
Isaiah 40 “Comfort, Yes, Comfort My
People” from Zeev Nevo, Israel Media Ministries:
“Sitting at the exact same place I
was sitting exactly 9 months ago, on October 7th, and started to hear the
shockingly horrible news… when suddenly God birthed this song in my heart.” Sung in Hebrew (with English subtitles)Donna:
Please share with your friends. Also on Facebook
If
this is not a Word for now, when is it for?
One New Man
by Reuven Doron
Shalom from embattled Israel. We thank
God for you who stand in prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. The gifts of faith,
hope and love that are poured upon the altar built without hands are holy unto
the Lord and much appreciated. Those of you who have been tracking with us
during recent months understand by now that (1) most things are not as they
seem on the screens, and that (2) God’s plan and purpose are unfolding before
our eyes in increasing speed and intensity. Many are being awakened from the
slumber of spiritual malaise, and the House of God fills with hungry, thirsty
souls who long for His nearness.
The people and the land of Israel
continue to endure this season of hardship, danger, and pain. Consequently, our
continual prayer remains that this “wrestling match” will be as that of Jacob
who wrestled with the Angel of the Lord (Jesus). May
this generation likewise be humbled and transformed by the Lord who alone can
make Jacob into Israel. In Hebrew, the term ISRAEL is actually an
entire sentence meaning someone who “… struggled with God and with men, and
have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28).
A Mystery Unfolds | The apostle Paul taught the Ephesian
disciples about their position and responsibilities in the emerging Body of
Messiah when he introduced a brand-new
definition of human relationships. He wrote: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down
the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that
is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself
One New Man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them
both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were
near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father…”
(Ephesians 2).
This “One New Man” community that
Paul addressed points toward a perfected family of saints who will be revealed
at the end of this age. Though we see this promise of oneness clearly
expressed in the words of the Lord and in the apostles’ teachings, we remember that God accomplishes His
purposes over long periods of time. Jesus’ final words on the Cross were
“It is finished.” Yet, we understand that our Heavenly Father designed the
consummation of His finished and eternal work to span the entire Church age.
According to the Hebrew prophets, this
work of God will climax with intense prophetic fulfilment at the end of time.
Paul, appealing to the Ephesian disciples and describing their glorious
position in Messiah, placed a special emphasis on the newly mentioned term “One New Man.” The apostle first
reminded the Gentile disciples of their pagan origin, stressing that “… you were at that time separate from
Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the
covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world…” (Eph
2:12).
Though these disciples did come from a hopeless, godless background, the
apostle comforts them with the great truth that “Now in Messiah Jesus you who
formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah.” (Eph
2:13). Paul continues to reveal to them
(and to all who believe) that God, through the work of Messiah, abolished the
enmity between Jew and Gentile, broke down the dividing wall, and made them
into one body. It
is at this turning point, at the birth of this new human identity, that the
apostle introduces the new terminology in God's plan for mankind which is the
“One New Man.” ( Eph 2:15).
Only by
the holy blood of Messiah can these two irreconcilable people groups, locked in
animosity and conflict for thousands of years, now be formed into a one new
body. So profound is
the oneness of this new family of the redeemed that the scripture testifies
that now, “through Him, we both [Jew and Gentile] have our access in one Spirit
to the Father.” (Eph 2:18). In these
inspired words the apostle establishes that (1) This unity is primarily
spiritual in nature, and that (2) It serves as our access point, our key, to
the very presence of our Heavenly Father.
We understand that this miracle was brought about to fulfill a special
and specific desire in the Father's heart. Our God longs not only to save souls
from eternal damnation, but He does so in order to surround Himself with people
of faith, vision, and passion who will live and worship in His presence
forever! This newly acquired access to
the Father by One Spirit is reserved for the One New Man company, as it
serves the eternal purpose of God's household; His family; and His eternal
dwelling place.
As the scripture continues to convey this revelation, Paul's choice of
words enters into a “construction mode.” This “Master-Builder” apostle now
relates to this newly created humanity as “building material” drawn from
both Jewish and Gentile lineage as they continue to grow together into the
likeness of Messiah Himself. Addressing these same disciples, Paul
encourages them that now that the “construction materials” are being prepared,
“the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the
Lord.” (Ephesians 2:21).
The apostle goes on to confirm that the purpose of this One New Man
community of faith is so that “in [Jesus] you also are being built together
into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Eph 2:22). The Lord desires not only
to come to His people in temporary visitations, but to ultimately dwell with us
as EMANUEL (God with us) at the close of this age in a permanent habitation! He
is preparing a permanent dwelling place for Himself among the sons and
daughters of men, and He does so through the new humanity that is created in
His image.
This drawing together of both Jew and Gentile into the One New Man
community is the harbinger of the age to come. It speaks of the consummation of
the purposes of God who promised Father Abraham both physical and spiritual
seed. He showed him by visions his future children coming forth as both grains
of sand and celestial stars (Gen 13:16, 15:5), all descendants of Abraham, the
Father of our Faith. And so, as the spiritual and physical seeds of God's elect
become one in Messiah, so shall the spiritual and physical realms unite in an
unhindered flow of divine life.
How great and awesome is the God we serve who saves the best for the
last. This House of the Lord; this dwelling of God in the Spirit will have as
its building material the people of the One New Man, drawn from every tribe,
language, and nation under heaven. This creation embodies God’s very nature and
life through the mediation of Messiah; a life which is indestructible and
incorruptible, unable to fail.
Giving us probably the most
foundational statement concerning the Jewish people and the Gospel, Paul wrote,
“Concerning the gospel they are enemies
for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the
fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were
once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their
disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the
mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to
disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” (Romans 11).
As God’s purpose required both Jew and Gentile to join
together in an unholy alliance to crucify the Lord, so it requires both Jew and
Gentile to join together as the One New Man to see the full expression of His Resurrection
Life on earth. For surely, “how
good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity... For
there the Lord commanded the blessing, life forever.” (Ps 133:1,3). The word translated “unity” is YA’CHAD in
the Hebrew text. YA’CHAD is a derivative of the Hebrew word E’CHAD, meaning ONE
in Hebrew, speaking of a people who became ONE in spirit and in purpose before
God. May we see this marvel in our days.
Read on its permanent link on
Facebook. Contact Reuven via email Doron
Arrows
from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer
Requests Israeli Ministries
In Jeremiah 32, on God’s instruction the prophet buys a parcel of land when
Israel was in an active war zone. It was to be a symbol to the people that the
Jews had a future in Israel regardless of the current circumstances. That is
something I have been seeing in these past weeks with reports of the Israeli
Messianic ministries who are securing new ministry properties and I believe
they are acting on the LORD’s instruction to as a symbol to the entire
Messianic body in Israel, to the whole international body of the LORD, and to
all the people of Israel. Even as their greatest anti-Messianic opposition in
Israel continue to gain power, and even though the nations around them and
throughout the world rage, they are proclaiming their faith in God that the
Messianic Body of Messiah has a big future in Israel. All these expanded,
bettered facilities in the midst of war time is a huge step of faith into the
promises of God for Israel’s salvations.
Leading this week with the announcement that Tikkun
Gobal has already raised (as of June 26
announcement) $785,929.18 in commitments to the $1.6M goal they have set toward the
purchase of a ministry center that overlooks the Mount of Olives. They
see the place as for Jews, Arabs and internationals to gather together as a
family to pray, worship, study and fellowship. This new ministry center home is
also a gift to the believers in Yeshua here in the Land—a multi-purpose space
that facilitates many needed gatherings and functions! As we labor together
before the Lord to complete the funding for this new home, we again invite you
to come together with covenant friends to establish a permanent Jerusalem home
for Tikkun Global. GIVE to
establish Tikkun’s home in the heart of the Eternal City.
Also from
Tikkun Global Who Are You,
Prince of Persia by Leon Mazin | Prophecy and
God's Timing by Ariel Blumenthal - The
reactions from the nations against Israel are completely irrational…. What, or who, are they
afraid of? Jewish “settlers?” Israeli “colonialism”? NO, the lies concerning
Israel are demonically inspired, and there is one thing that
Satan is afraid of—Yeshua, the King of the Jews, coming to re-settle,
re-occupy, and re-colonize the earth.
KehilaNewsIsrael.com writes: After nearly 12 years of sending email updates of Kehila News Israel, we have decided to pause and focus on other aspects of the Kehila.org vision, which include launching a Hebrew version, and expanding the English Kehila.org directory of congregations and ministries. For Messianic/Christian related news in Israel, we encourage you to go to ALL ISRAEL NEWS (allisrael.com) which was co-founded by Joseph Magen and Joel Rosenberg. You may sign up for daily e-newsletters from AIN to get credible news from Israel along with coverage of newsworthy events in the Messianic Jewish community
Joel Jelski of Fields of Wheat writes this latest
update from the road where he and Rubi Bishai are currently ministering in the
US. Joel writes about the fires in northern Israel caused by rocket barrages
from Hezballah – some fires raging very near the Jelski home and the Fields of
Wheat ministry house. Joel writes, “Israel has, for the
most part, “taken the blows” in the north for the sake of focusing on Gaza and
not starting a second front in this war. But
even if a deal is reached in Gaza, and even if Hezbollah is true to their word
and stops firing - can Israel afford to ignore the danger Hezbollah poses to our
nation? Even if we don’t deal with
them today, we will have to deal with them later - whether that be a year or
two, or four years down the line. Hezbollah has one mission - killing Jews and the
elimination of the state of Israel. At
some point, they will try to accomplish that mission…. Can Israel afford a
reality where a terror group lays waste to our northern regions and causes them
to become desolate once again? Isn’t this, in essence, a direct attack on God’s
promises to plant his people in their land - and for them never to be uprooted
again? ….this is a time to “watch
and pray” for God’s will to be established.”
While the storm of war swirls around us, Israel’s
youth remain our focus. Upcoming Katzir
youth camp - “Living Water” | We are well into preparations for our summer
camp (August 18-22). “Living Water” is God's response to a time when many of us in the land are in need of a renewal of life and hope in
our hearts and souls. The last nine
months in Israel, since October 7th, have been emotionally and spiritually
draining for so many….. PLEASE ask the
Lord if He wants to use you in resourcing this life-impacting experience for the
youth of Israel. They are the key to Yeshua's end-time harvest! Katzir Youth
Camp Support!
Kobi & Shani Ferguson, Maoz Israel Ministries, write: “ You may have heard the term ‘Righteous Gentiles.’ It’s a name bestowed upon those who during WWII stood up for the righteous act of protecting Jews from slaughter. Righteous Gentiles put their own lives and livelihood at risk—and sometimes lost everything while saving Jewish lives. There are children and grandchildren who exist today because someone who didn’t have to—chose to protect the apple of God’s eye when destiny called. Today, you know that Israelis are fighting for their very existence within her borders. But even now the plight of Jews to exist anywhere is being fought worldwide. Thankfully, once again Gentiles and—especially Evangelicals—are choosing to stand up for Israel in a hostile world environment…. Many of you have contacted us to tell of the opportunities you’ve had to stand for Israel in your circles of influence! We are so proud of you! Others among you have asked us to share ways to stand. Destiny is once again knocking. There is a task for everyone in every age and life status. Read or Listen to the Article at this link.
Leon Mazin who leads the Return to
Zion Center in Haifa writes from the heart of the matter: “Israel
remains embroiled in war, affecting everyone and everything. Nerves are frayed.
There are those who are unyielding, and others who are more pliable. We are unsure of our own capabilities and what we
can endure. Sometimes, the outwardly strong need help, while those who appear
delicate are remarkably resilient. I must admit that the pervasive
atmosphere of war greatly influences me, leaving me feeling stressed. Although
90% of Israelis live in areas untouched by gunfire or threats, the awareness
that war is ongoing fills the air and strikes our nerves. I believe this situation in our land reflects the
most profound spiritual confrontation. As
a result, you may wake up feeling immediately fatigued. It's not
just me – many people share this same experience of morning weariness. Yet, we
continue to navigate this reality, seeking God's guidance and understanding
that, no matter the difficulty, God has created us for this day and has plans
for us. I ask you to pray for us, for me, and for our people to be
filled with God's peace that surpasses all understanding.
…. Summer
brings the start of numerous projects, including the preparation of children's
summer camps. It is a monumental task for the event planners to help the children
experience God's Grace during this time of war. We are planning to run three camps for our
children, some independently and others in partnership with our friends.
Since
2015, Return to Zion has been running the Eagle Project for messianic soldiers-After the end of their service in the Israel
Defense Forces. When young men and women finish their service in the IDF, we
take them to Norway to restore and strengthen their faith. This year, the
project will take place in Texas – with a large group of 30 soldiers, many of
whom are dealing with post-trauma. Our aim is to provide them with rest, as
well as physical, mental, and spiritual restoration. Your prayers are
greatly needed!
Israel Pochtar asks the
pertinent question: How do We
Stand as Watchmen on the Walls of Jerusalem? He cites Habakkuk 2:1 "I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will
say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint."….
The phrase "...I will look to see what he will say to me..." in
Hebrew is "lir’ot ma yidaber bi" (…see what He will say inside of me). It’s
a reminder that God speaks to us through our spirit, giving us answers in our
hearts.
He wrote
on A
New Battle Plan: A long-seeded
division with seemingly no end has been the conflict going on between the Arabs
and Jews. It began with two brothers, Ishmael and Isaac—one the son of a slave
woman, Hagar and the other a Hebrew, Sarah. Through these two women, two
nations were born, and a never-ending war began. However, through a
supernatural love that can only come from God, a new battle plan had been
drawn.
Bringing
Unity | When a Christian Pastor from Jordan began questioning why
Israel was under such heavy attack, he decided that it was time Arab and Jewish
Pastors united to bring these questions to God. He organized a conference in
Cyprus where the two factions would study the Bible and prophecies, seeking
what the Lord had to say in His Word. It was an incredibly
powerful time with the Holy Spirit in the Word of God. … One of the Arab
brothers in Christ told how he was a very zealous and devoted leader of Islam.
He hated Christians when he was young and almost killed a Christian boy once in
his anger. But then he met Yeshua and his life was turned upside down. His
once deeply rooted hate has turned into a deeper love for his Jewish brothers. Pastor Rafif, summed up
this conflict in this way; “If I was Satan, what I would do if I wanted to
prevent or to delay His return, I would attack Israel and I would attack the
Jewish people. I would raise up antisemitism around the world.” That is exactly what Satan is doing! …. Now is the time for all of God’s people to
unite in our love for our brothers and sisters in Israel, both Arab and Jewish.
We should be standing with Israel, not coming against them. Silence and
tolerance are not an option, nor is remaining neutral. Now is the time to
become unified. Partner with
Voice of Judah Israel to support and
stand with the Israeli people. God is raising a standard for all His children.
Will you answer the call?
ALSO: Celebrating
19 Years of Beit Hallel Congregation! | Ashkelon
Women's Conference | Challenges
of the Israeli Summer …. Israeli summers are no joke, and without a properly operating
AC system in place, it’s impossible to continue operating from that building
until it is repaired Once repaired we can
resume our projects, meetings and services that many are missing. HELP US here.
Pastor Najeeb & his wife Elizabeth sent a great ministry letter on 6/11
that I am finally getting to report on here – but first, if you have not watch
Najeeb’s testimony that has gathered so much good attention in Israel – YOU
MUST ShelanuTV
Testimony of Pastor Najeeb. (Email Najeeb & Elizabeth)
They write about Najeeb and
Avi Mizrachi of Dugit (Najeeb is the newest Dugit
ministry team member) recently baptizing an Arabic speaking colonel in the IDF.
Pastor Najeeb has been discipling the high ranking IDF officer who is sharing
his faith with great excitement. Also Najeeb & Elizabeth are serving in the
Latrun Monastery where Elizabeth has been serving in the kitchen in Latrun,
preparing meals for the community of brothers as well the guests. When they
recently went to buy grocery supplies, they were able to strike up a
conversation with a young woman “from a religious orthodox Jewish home. She
left her family and the Orthodox community when she was eighteen and came to
the decision that she did not believe in God anymore.” She was so intrigued
with the Christian Arabs that she asked to visit them at Latrun….”she
visited us at a time when there were other Messianic believers. We all sat,
talked, and ate lunch together. She was touched to see the love between our
group as Messianic Jewish and Arab believers. We have stayed in touch with
her and continue to share God’s love with her.” Pray for her salvation. | Church
growth | We are encouraged to see God growing our small church family.
| Finally, we ask for prayer for the refugees in Jordan and the poor
families in Armenia and Lebanon to whom we are connected.
Dov Bikas who heads the Tel Aviv humanitarian aid to the addicts from all over Israel who come to Tel
Aviv, has a New
Vision for an Arab Rehab Facility. There
are “large number of addicts among Israeli Arabs and the fact that
there are no Christian rehab centers for them in Israel – I mean centers
specifically for Arabs, with their food, with Bible studies in Arabic, and with
ministers who speak the language, understand Arab culture and therefore are
able to work with these addicts more effectively. At some point I called a friend, Jamil, who is
an Arab pastor from Ramleh (a city with a mixed population of Jews and Arabs)
and shared my thoughts with him. Jamil got very excited and confirmed that the
need was great and that he was ready to actively participate in this project….. Both Jamil and I have agreed that this
project has got a very good potential, as it can establish connections with
many Arab families and become a powerful testimony to them. It can
also be a good example of practical cooperation between Jews and Arabs. Please pray for us as we continue working on the implementation of
this idea. We want to follow God’s lead and need His wisdom at every step!
Dov also
catches us up on the good work going on in the Aviv Center as they are
continuing to make a difference in the lives of addicts who are ready to make
the move to get out of their addictions. Please pray for the volunteers and
staff who come to minister to those everyone else has given up on. | Also there
is a grateful letter to the donors who have made such a difference in a single
mother’s life through the Ashkelon Food Distribution project.
PLUS: We would also like to share with you that “Stichting
Aviv” (our fundraising organization in Holland) decided to publish a small book
about our life and ministry, and it is now available both in a physical and
digital version [ Donna: I have downloaded this 56-page booklet that tells the
life story of Dov and Olga Bikas and what brought them to serve the LORD in
ministering to addicts. Email me and I will send a PDF of it you.]
|
The Hasdey
Yeshua congregation writes about the
battles for our children (the couple in their congregation who child was
diagnosed en utero with a hole in her heart was born – healed!) and for the
souls of the people of Israel: “The
people of Israel in these days are tense, fearful, discouraged and weary of
what seems to be endless war. In addition, there’s the prospect of even more
serious war with Hezbollah in the near future….The father mentioned above is a
teacher in the congregation who encouraged us not to be fearful but know that
God is fully in control and has a purpose for everything He does. With that
knowledge and the resulting peace of God in our hearts, we should boldly share
our faith with neighbors and friends. Please pray for boldness for us, and that
the current crisis will produce much fruit for the Kingdom.
Reading the plight of just 4 of the
women that Sara in her ministry to Bedouin women has been doing should put
every spoiled Western Feminist to shame. The circumstances of these women is
devastating – they have nothing and are considered less than nothing! God bless
Sara Barnaba for
her ministry to them.
At Tiferet
Yeshua in Tel Aviv, they bid blessing
an farewell to David & Victoria Trubeck who are “realizing a long-term
dream to do ministry in Japan, and, as hard as it is to see them go, we have
faith for God’s perfect plan in their lives to use them as a blessing and
witness wherever they go! Changes are often painful, but God uses them to
bring about new beginnings and increased growth…. God has provided amazing
new team members who are bringing with them gifts and talents which are already
blessing us as a ministry and congregation. At the same time, we are seeing new
members who joined Tiferet Yeshua in the past couple of years rise up to serve
with young adults, worship, and women’s ministry, bringing with them new ideas
and initiatives that we are excited about!
Pastor
Gil Afrait writes, Israel: On
the Verge of a Wider War, Victory and Revival? | PLUS “God continues to bless our congregation as we remain
faithful to His word and calling, reaching out with the Good News to our city
and growing and nurturing a healthy body of believers in Messiah Yeshua. When you support Tiferet Yeshua, you are
partnering in the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel - to restore her both
physically and spiritually!”
From Out of Zion in Mt Carmel, David and Josie Silver send David’s 7/2/2024 Midweek update| Plus the Out of Zion Prayer for Israel Zoom meeting
every Tuesday 9 pm Israel time - 7 pm UK - 2 pm EST - 6 am NZ | Go here
(Passcode: 146188)
ALSO David’s commentary this
week: “Because of the blatant lies and greatly exaggerated statistics
of Hamas and the media in Gaza, which are picked up by the international media
and reported
as fact before the facts are investigated, most of the people in the
world think Israeli soldiers and pilots are worse than the terrorists and are
committing genocide in Gaza. One example is the Hamas claim that Israel
bombed a hospital in Gaza killing more than 500 people inside. Truth was
that about 50 people were killed and it was a Islamic Jihad missile that
misfired and hit the hospital car park…. This is why so many normally
decent people around the world have aligned themselves with the Muslim
protesters who are supporting and praising one of the most barbaric terror
organisations in the world. Hamas, (and
Hezbollah & the others), was created to bring about the destruction of
Israel, and only Muslim occupation on the land from the Jordan River to the
Mediterranean Sea. Videos of the horrendous acts of murder, decapitation,
barbaric rape and burning of many of their victims, including infants and
children, recorded by the
terrorists have been made public and testify to the demonic cruelty of Hamas
and the other terror groups in Gaza. Where are the loud public
protests or criminal charges for these savage crimes against humanity?
On the other hand, the men and women of the
Israeli military are not blood thirsty monsters
who joined the army to kill people, but to defend
the nation.
David had more to say but here
is the sum of the matter: "As so many people have the wrong perspective
of 99% of Israeli soldiers, I am sure that many curses
are being spoken out over them, even calling for their death. Please pray
and break all curses spoken over our soldiers and pilots, and pronounce blessings of
protection and successful missions over them."
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