Podcasts about though israel

A planned summit in Switzerland between the U.S. and Iran was postponed due to a fresh round of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Though Israel and Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, the developments are leading to skepticism of a longer-term fix for the Middle East conflict. How are global markets taking this news, and how long might it take to get back to business as usual? Also: the EEOC eliminates federal workforce demographic-tracking requirements, and California buildings must limit "embodied carbon."Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Stories featured in this episode:California buildings must limit "embodied carbon." Here's what that means

A planned summit in Switzerland between the U.S. and Iran was postponed due to a fresh round of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Though Israel and Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, the developments are leading to skepticism of a longer-term fix for the Middle East conflict. How are global markets taking this news, and how long might it take to get back to business as usual? Also: the EEOC eliminates federal workforce demographic-tracking requirements, and California buildings must limit "embodied carbon."Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Stories featured in this episode:California buildings must limit "embodied carbon." Here's what that means

The phrase "My people" is God's unchanging covenant from Abraham to eternity. Though Israel's unfaithfulness temporarily broke this relationship (Hosea's "Lo-ammi"), God's merciful promise found fulfilment in Christ. Now, all nations become "My people" through faith. As believers, we must live as God's separated people enjoying intimate fellowship with Him, knowing this relationship will reach perfect completion in eternity.

Old Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville Broken Covenant, Broken Prophet Jeremiah 11-12 Introduction: When we read most of the literary prophets, we learn virtually nothing about the prophet himself. But in Jeremiah, we live with the prophet throughout his mission. It is clear that God wants us to feel Jeremiah's emotions and disappointments so we can see the heart of God through him. God and Jeremiah suffer together as they battle with Judah over their unfaithfulness and the coming Babylonian invasion. In these two chapters we see God revealing a sermon Jeremiah is to preach to the people concerning the consequences of breaking God's covenant. After the sermon, the Lord shows Jeremiah that the people are plotting to destroy him. This sets up the beginning of a “broken prophet” that culminates in chapter 20 when  Jeremiah decides to quit. Jeremiah is now realizing the depth of Judah's sin and the seeming uselessness of preaching to these stubborn people. Most importantly, we learn about ourselves—the seriousness of living in a covenantal relationship with God, and the challenges we face as we suffer in the midst of a broken world.  Broken Covenant: “Hear the Words of This Covenant”, 11:1-17 1-8: “Covenant” is a common word used in scripture that we are all familiar with. However, most Christians are a bit fuzzy on the type of covenant God instituted with his people. God's covenant with Israel was called a “suzerain” covenant. It is defined as, “a sovereign or a state exercising political control over a dependent state.”  You might be familiar with this when you consider Babylon conquering Judah in 605 BC. Babylon now controlled Judah, and as long as Judah paid tribute and did not rebel or make deals with other nations, they could live in peace. But if Judah did not keep those terms, Babylon would destroy them, which is exactly what happened. Israel's covenant with God was also suzerain. Though Israel had done nothing to deserve it, God had graciously delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The covenant came after deliverance, and if they do not accept the covenant, they are returned to bondage or destroyed. But if they kept the covenant, God promised to care, protect, and provide for them, and even make them great if they gave their total allegiance to him.  Whether Christian or not, we have the same covenant with God. Through Christ deliverance is offered.  If we accept and keep the covenant he will give “exceedingly great and precious promises.” (2 Pet. 1:4) In Jeremiah's sermon, God makes the terms of the covenant quite clear. If you are accustomed to lawyer–like language as when you sign a mortgage or rent a house, you will be surprised at the simplicity of God's covenant. The foundational premise of God's covenant with his people is obedience. We see God's repeated statements in this section: “Hear the words of this covenant” (2), “do all that I command you” (4), “Hear the words of the covenant and do them” (6), “…warning them persistently, even to this day, saying ‘Obey my voice.'” How difficult is it to understand these repeated commands of hearing and obeying? How do so many not understand, “Obey my voice,” and “be careful to obey my covenant” (18x in Deuteronomy). What it really exposes is a person's half-hearted desire to be saved. A person who tests God's commands against their own desires and believes it won't matter if they intentionally compromise God's instructions, simply does not want to “make your election and calling sure” (2 Peter 1:10). 9-13 “Conspiracy!” This is another word that was common in those days. When the people of a suzerain rebelled, which Israel did many times with foreign conquerors, it was called “conspiracy.” This typically happened when the subject nation made treaties or alliances with other nations. Israel had done this by their multiplicity of gods and their trust in the nations instead of God. In other words, God's demand of us is loyalty, total allegiance to him. Anything less and we are in violation of the covenant. “Seek first…” 14-17 Consequences of violating the covenant. Note that even the prayer of a prophet will not save them. Note verse 15: “even sacrificial flesh” will not avert their doom. When we continue in violation of God's covenant, no amount of prayer, going to church, and taking the Lord's Supper is going to save us. Again, God desires “steadfast love, not sacrifice”. It is foolish to think that outward acts of worship would somehow make up for idolatry (vs. 17). We cannot have other “gods” in our lives and think that God is not provoked to anger. Please note God's response to our lack of complete allegiance to him: he “has decreed disaster against you,” and we are “provoking God to anger.”  Broken Prophet: “Like a Gentile Lamb Led to the Slaughter” 11:18-23 Surprise Jeremiah! Their conspiracy is not just against God, it is against you. Anathoth was Jeremiah's home town. He was a priest in that town. Even his own family (12:6) and people have turned against him and warned him that he would be killed if he continued to preach in the name of the Lord. 12:1-4 Jeremiah pleads his case before God. Notice the similarity of Jeremiah's complaint to our world today. We might think, “Amen, Jeremiah,  something has to be done about this wickedness. It's destroying everything!” — How long? (Vs. 4).   12:5-6 God's Reply:  What a surprising answer God gives that is so important for us: If you get weary running with men, how will you handle running with horses? In other words, this is only the beginning of your trials.  At this point, Jeremiah is so much like us. This isn't right! This is so unfair! This is not the way it is supposed to be! But God's time for judging the wicked is not our time. In the letters to the seven churches, how many times did Jesus warn the Christians to “overcome” and not give in to the persecution? Instead of saying, “I will protect you,” he said, “more of you will die…be faithful unto death.”  The Hebrew writer repeatedly said the same thing: “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36) 7-13 God's Complaint. After warning Jeremiah that the next danger he will face is his own brothers, God launches into a description of what his people have done to him. We see God placing Jeremiah in a similar position has had been done to Hosea. Jeremiah suffers in a similar way as God so he can feel the pain and disappointment and so preach to the people. 7: God has had to forsake the “beloved of my soul.”  8: They have become like a lion in the forest, roaring against him and wanting to devour him. Therefore, “I hate her.” We should learn to never say, “No matter what we do, God still loves us.” God desires for us to be saved, but when we turn against him, we are his enemy. This isn't just us living sinfully—“a victimless crime.” We are destroying the kingdom of God, God's eternal purpose. We have joined the enemy. Can you imagine hating one of your children that way? Yes! Especially when we love God and God's kingdom more than anything or anyone else in this world. 12-13 “The sword of the Lord devours.” Destruction is decreed, “but no man lays it to heart” (vs. 11).  Conclusion: There are two choices before us, and only two. When God gave his own Son on the cross, he offered us freedom from our bondage to Satan. That freedom is dependent on us entering into his covenant. The covenant is simple to understand: Hear my voice…Obey my words. If you refuse follow the covenant, you are still in bondage and will die in your sins. The other choice is to stand with Jeremiah. As Jesus said, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25 As God said in Deuteronomy 30:15, 19, “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil…I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life.”  Berry Kercheville The post Jeremiah 11-12 Broken Covenant, Broken Prophet appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

By Lewis VanAusdle - This message uses Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea to illustrate God's power to save and His call for His people to move forward in faith. Though Israel was freed from Egypt, fear and doubt tempted them to turn back, revealing a spiritual struggle that still applies today. Through Christ the Rock

This episode explores the startling biblical phrase “O virgin Israel,” revealing the radical power of God's forgiveness. Though Israel was deeply unfaithful, God's mercy doesn't merely restore—it completely renews, making His people truly new, pure, and spotless in His sight. Through connections to Revelation, the Church as Christ's bride, and the restoration of Peter after his denial, the message highlights that repentance leads not just to pardon, but to total transformation. In Christ, the old is gone and a new life has begun. The episode invites listeners to see themselves through this promise: not defined by past sin, but remade—fully and freely—by the saving work of Jesus.

Praise the Lord! He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. Praise the Lord (Psalm 147:1, 19). Our text says that God has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. There is a back story to this. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. What kind of songs were composed on that journey? Psalm 90 might have been. Think about that trip. Hundreds of thousands of people plus animals. I've walked in that wilderness. There is no food. No crops were planted or harvested. How could all these Israelites survive for 40 years? God fed them. Each day he provided bread! And they lived! Israel's experience in the wilderness was all about God's provision. Though Israel often forgot this season which fashioned them into a nation, the memory kept resurfacing. God reminded them. Their composers kept referring to it as they sang new songs. God builds His people by providing for them. Psalm 147 is part of the long tradition embedding this truth in the souls of God's people. What truth? Moses explains, "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna…to teach you that people do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:2,3). And so physical provision became combined with the spiritual provision of God's Word. Isaiah 55:10,11 offers this: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." So, God's provision is two-fold: physical and spiritual. We learn about one from the other. But notice this: while in the desert, the Israelites had to gather the food and prepare it before they could eat it. Once in the promised land, they became farmers. Even though they tilled their fields and cared for their flocks, they were to remember that God provided for them. Likewise, our spiritual food does not simple fall into our hearts. There is work to be done to receive it. The public gathering of God's people for worship has always been an essential means for receiving that food. How does God provide for you? Our text says, Praise the Lord! He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel (Psalm 147:1, 19). We are not Jacob or Israel. But we are God's church. He offers us His Word. Have we gone out to gather and prepare it, so we can eat? Have we gotten lazy? How hungry are you for God's provision? How often do we praise God for his spiritual provisions? Do we eagerly reach for it? God provides, so let's eat. And then praise him for the nourishment he has provided. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

God reminds Israel that their future rests on His proven faithfulness—He defeated their enemies, redeemed them from Egypt, and guided them through His prophets. Though Israel forgot that grace and silenced God’s voice, the message still offers hope: the God who has been faithful in the past remains faithful for the future. Remembering what God has already done gives His people confidence to face what lies ahead.

God reminds Israel that their future rests on His proven faithfulness—He defeated their enemies, redeemed them from Egypt, and guided them through His prophets. Though Israel forgot that grace and silenced God’s voice, the message still offers hope: the God who has been faithful in the past remains faithful for the future. Remembering what God has already done gives His people confidence to face what lies ahead.

God reminds Israel that their future rests on His proven faithfulness—He defeated their enemies, redeemed them from Egypt, and guided them through His prophets. Though Israel forgot that grace and silenced God’s voice, the message still offers hope: the God who has been faithful in the past remains faithful for the future. Remembering what God has already done gives His people confidence to face what lies ahead.

In Matthew 9 and 10, we see a turning point in Messiah's ministry. The religious leadership has formally rejected Him, but the mission does not stop. It expands. Jesus looks at the multitudes and sees people weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Though the nation's leaders have rejected Him, His compassion has not diminished. The harvest is still plentiful. So what does He do? He builds a new leadership core. Jesus calls His twelve disciples — men who are not yet corrupted by the religious system — and He empowers them. He gives them authority over demons, authority to heal, and authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He not only gives them the message, He gives them the power to authenticate the message. He selects the right men. He empowers them. He instructs them. He mobilizes them. He prepares them for opposition. This section shows us a powerful principle: Rejection does not stop God's program. It advances it. Though Israel as a nation is moving toward judgment, the groundwork is being laid for something greater — the eventual expansion of the gospel beyond Israel and the formation of the Church. When the system rejects truth, God raises up new vessels. When leaders fail, God builds a remnant. When doors close, the mission advances. The King was rejected — but the Kingdom mission continues. Watch as we walk verse by verse through this strategic shift in Messiah's ministry and uncover what it means for us today. #Matthew9 #Matthew10 #KingdomOfGod #BibleTeaching #Prophecy #GreatCommission #JesusSends #ChurchAge #Dispensational #EndTimes

In Matthew 9 and 10, we see a turning point in Messiah's ministry. The religious leadership has formally rejected Him, but the mission does not stop. It expands.   Jesus looks at the multitudes and sees people weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Though the nation's leaders have rejected Him, His compassion has not diminished. The harvest is still plentiful.   So what does He do?   He builds a new leadership core.   Jesus calls His twelve disciples — men who are not yet corrupted by the religious system — and He empowers them. He gives them authority over demons, authority to heal, and authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He not only gives them the message, He gives them the power to authenticate the message.   He selects the right men. He empowers them. He instructs them. He mobilizes them. He prepares them for opposition.   This section shows us a powerful principle: Rejection does not stop God's program. It advances it.   Though Israel as a nation is moving toward judgment, the groundwork is being laid for something greater — the eventual expansion of the gospel beyond Israel and the formation of the Church.   When the system rejects truth, God raises up new vessels. When leaders fail, God builds a remnant. When doors close, the mission advances.   The King was rejected — but the Kingdom mission continues.   Watch as we walk verse by verse through this strategic shift in Messiah's ministry and uncover what it means for us today.   #Matthew9 #Matthew10 #KingdomOfGod #BibleTeaching #Prophecy #GreatCommission #JesusSends #ChurchAge #Dispensational #EndTimes

How can God's people return to Him? Deuteronomy 30:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God's people return to Him by the work of His sovereign grace. Deuteronomy 30:1–10 reveals God's covenantal grace as patient, personal, powerful, prosperous, and persevering, illustrating how divine mercy responds to human failure with sovereign compassion. Though Israel will have broken the covenant and been scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, God promises to gather them, circumcise their hearts, and restore them not by their own effort but by His divine initiative. This restoration is both corporate and individual, demonstrating that true repentance and obedience are gifts of grace, not human achievement. The passage anticipates the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, the true Root of David, through Whom the church—both visible and invisible—is preserved, prospered, and ultimately glorified. The enduring nature of God's covenant, secured by Christ's faithful obedience, assures believers of His unwavering commitment to His people, even in the midst of judgment and exile. Thus, the passage calls all who are far from God to cry out for His grace, trusting in His power to turn hearts and sustain faith to the end.

Joshua — Courage to Cross OverThe Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible (Part 6)February 8, 2026After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, Israel stands at the edge of promise once again. Moses is gone. The Jordan is overflowing. The moment requires courage.In this powerful message, we explore the life of Joshua — a leader prepared in private before he was positioned in public. Though Israel had seen miracles, their fear-filled words once delayed their destiny. Now, a new generation must rise with aligned faith, courageous obedience, and mouths that agree with heaven.In “Joshua: Courage to Cross Over,” we discover: How private preparation positions us for public assignment Why every promise comes with a “Jordan” that requires a step of faith The connection between courage, obedience, and the words we speak How unusual obedience unlocks unusual victories — just like Jericho This episode challenges us to guard our words, give freely with joy, and step forward even when the waters haven't parted yet. Because the water moves after obedience. The shout comes after the silence. And victory follows alignment.Key Declaration:“I give freely and joyfully, and the Lord blesses all my work and increase.”If you're standing at the edge of something new — a calling, a promise, a transition — this message will stir your faith to arise, cross over, and possess what God has spoken.It's time to speak life.It's time to be strong and courageous.It's time to cross over.

A — About This passage introduces Saul, a man outwardly impressive, whom God sovereignly brings to Samuel through ordinary events. Though Israel seeks a king like the nations, God is still directing history according to His purposes. B — Best Verse "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel." (1 Samuel 9:16a) C — Called to Do We are called to trust God's providence, look beyond outward appearances, and ultimately worship and follow Jesus Christ—the true and perfect King who saves His people.

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann Finding the Missing Peace in Our Life, Part 2Series: O Little Town of Bethlehem Scripture: Micah 5:1-5 Episode: 905 Scripture Summary: In Micah 5:1–5, the prophet foretells a time of distress for Israel, but also offers a powerful promise of hope. He declares that out of Bethlehem, a small and humble town, will come a ruler for Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times—pointing to the coming Messiah. Though Israel will face hardship, God will raise up this Shepherd-King, who will lead with strength and majesty in the name of the Lord. He will bring security and peace, and He will be their peace even when enemies threaten. Key themes include: Messianic prophecy, humble beginnings with eternal purpose, God's promised ruler from Bethlehem, and the peace and security found in Christ.

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann Finding the Missing Peace in Our Life, Part 1Series: O Little Town of Bethlehem Scripture: Micah 5:1-5 Episode: 904 Scripture Summary: In Micah 5:1–5, the prophet foretells a time of distress for Israel, but also offers a powerful promise of hope. He declares that out of Bethlehem, a small and humble town, will come a ruler for Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times—pointing to the coming Messiah. Though Israel will face hardship, God will raise up this Shepherd-King, who will lead with strength and majesty in the name of the Lord. He will bring security and peace, and He will be their peace even when enemies threaten. Key themes include: Messianic prophecy, humble beginnings with eternal purpose, God's promised ruler from Bethlehem, and the peace and security found in Christ.

Exodus 16 reveals how God uses the wilderness to expose the heart and to teach His people that He is enough. This sermon traces four heart postures that rise up in seasons of lack and longing: comparison that rewrites the past, scarcity that doubts God's provision, restlessness that refuses to rest, and recollection that remembers who God is and what He has done. Though Israel grumbles, God responds with grace, giving manna each morning and quail each evening so that His people would learn to trust Him day by day. This daily bread points us forward to Christ, the true bread from heaven, who meets our deepest needs and sustains us through every wilderness. The message invites us to bring our groaning honestly to God, to resist the pull of nostalgia and fear, and to rediscover the sweetness and sufficiency of Jesus, even when His provision feels ordinary or repetitive.

Israel's Future in Bible Prophecy:  A Biblical Exposition   Introduction: The Setting from Luke 21 As we open our Bibles to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, we find Jesus standing on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem. His disciples marvel at the temple's grandeur, but the Lord turns their attention to far greater matters—the signs of the end times and the destiny of His people.    In Luke 21:20-24, Jesus declares: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”   Here, the Lord Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, a tragic fulfillment of judgment on unbelieving Israel.    Yet, notice the phrase "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." This points beyond that historical event to a future restoration. The "times of the Gentiles" refer to the period when Gentile powers dominate Jerusalem, but it has an end. From this vantage, Jesus shifts in verses 25-28 to cosmic signs and His return:   "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21 sets the stage for our study: Israel's past rebellion, present trials, and glorious future under the Messiah's reign. God's Word promises that though Israel has stumbled, He will lift them up. Let us trace this thread through Scripture, seeing God's unchanging faithfulness to His covenant people. Israel's Past: From Abraham's Call to Repeated Rejection To understand Israel's future, we must first look back to her origins. God did not find Israel as a nation; He created her. In Genesis 12:1-3, the Lord calls Abram, a Gentile idol-worshiper from Ur of the Chaldees:   "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”   Abram—later Abraham—became the father of the Jewish nation through Isaac and Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). This was no accident of history; it was divine election. God promised Abraham an everlasting covenant in Genesis 17:7-8:   "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”   This covenant is unconditional—based on God's promise, not Israel's performance. It includes land, seed, and blessing, and it stands today. God reiterated it to Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15), forming the twelve tribes of Israel.   Yet, from the exodus onward, Israel repeatedly rejected her Creator. In the wilderness, they murmured against Moses and God (Exodus 17:3; Numbers 14:1-4). Entering the land, they turned to idols (Judges 2:11-13).    The kings, from Saul to the divided kingdom, led them into idolatry, culminating in Assyrian and Babylonian captivities (2 Kings 17:7-18; 2 Kings 25). Prophets like Jeremiah warned of judgment for covenant unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 3:6-10).   This pattern peaked in the rejection of the Messiah Himself. The Jewish leaders knew the Scriptures foretold His coming. Psalm 22:16-18 vividly describes His crucifixion:  "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”   Isaiah 53:3-6, 9-12 paints the suffering Servant: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. ... And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”   Micah 5:2 pinpointed His birthplace in Bethlehem. Zechariah 9:9 described His humble entry on a donkey. The religious elite studied these texts daily. Yet, when Jesus fulfilled them—born in Bethlehem, riding into Jerusalem on a colt, bearing our sins on Calvary—they rejected Him defiantly, not blindly.   In John 1:11, we read: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." They expected a conquering general to smash Rome, not a suffering Savior (Acts 1:6). But they knew. In Matthew 27:22-25, Pilate asks, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" The crowd cries, "Let him be crucified." When warned of innocent blood, they shout, "His blood be on us, and on our children." This was open defiance. Peter charges in Acts 2:23: "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."    And in Acts 7:51-52, Stephen indicts: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.”   Israel's history is one of gracious election met with stubborn rebellion. Yet God, in mercy, preserved a remnant through exile and diaspora, never forsaking His word.   Israel Today: A Tiny Nation Amid Global Hatred and Fleeting Peace Fast-forward to our day. Ethnic Israel—the Jewish people descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—numbers about 9.6 million worldwide, with roughly 7.3 million living in the modern State of Israel. This political entity, reestablished in 1948, occupies a land about 8,500 square miles—roughly seven times the size of Rhode Island, yet smaller than many U.S. states, squeezed between vast hostile neighbors. It's a miracle of survival: a people scattered for nearly 2,000 years, regathered to their ancient homeland against all odds.   But today, antisemitism surges like a tidal wave, especially in the United States. Reports show a 21% global rise in incidents in July 2025 alone, with the U.S. seeing nearly 70% of religion-based hate crimes targeting Jews. ADL surveys reveal antisemitism has woven into daily American Jewish life—on campuses, streets, and workplaces—spiking since recent Middle East conflicts. Why this hatred? Scripture unveils the roots.   First, it's divine judgment for rejecting the Messiah. In Matthew 27:25, their cry of "His blood be on us, and on our children" echoes through generations, as Jesus warned in Luke 19:41-44: "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”   This "visitation" was Christ, spurned. Zechariah 12:2-3 prophesies nations gathering against Jerusalem like a "burdensome stone," a future reality foreshadowed today.   Second, Satan fuels this enmity. As the father of lies (John 8:44), he hates Israel because through her seed comes the woman's offspring who crushes his head (Genesis 3:15). Revelation 12:13 depicts the dragon (Satan) pursuing the woman (Israel):    "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child." Satan knows Israel's role in God's redemptive plan—birthplace of the Church, guardian of Scripture, and future throne for Messiah.   Why does God allow this? To humble His people, drive them to repentance, and fulfill prophecy. Deuteronomy 28:15, 64 warns of curses for disobedience:  "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. ... And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.”   Yet, this scattering has an end. God uses hatred to refine Israel, as Hosea 5:15 states: "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.”   Amid this, Israel boasts more peace initiatives than any nation. The Abraham Accords under President Trump in 2020 normalized ties with Arab states, and in 2025, Trump unveiled a bold 20-point Gaza peace plan, signed in its first phase, aiming for enduring prosperity without forced displacements.    Trump's "peace through strength" approach—bolstered by U.S. resolve—has invitations from leaders like Egypt's el-Sisi for regional summits. Noble as these are, Scripture warns they are fragile. Daniel 9:27 foretells a future "prince that shall come" (the Antichrist) who "shall confirm the covenant with many for one week"—a seven-year peace deal with Israel, only to break it midway: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”   No human accord can thwart God's timeline. These deals set the stage for the ultimate betrayal.     We must distinguish: Ethnic Israel is God's covenant people, the physical descendants of Abraham (Romans 9:4-5).    Political Israel is the modern state—a vessel for prophecy, but not the full spiritual fulfillment yet.  God preserves the nation, but salvation comes to individuals who repent.   God Is Not Done with Israel: Insights from Romans 9-10 Turn to Romans 9-10, where Paul, a Jew of Jews, wrestles with his people's unbelief. He affirms God's irrevocable gifts in Romans 11:29: "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." But chapters 9-10 explain the tension.   In Romans 9:1-5, Paul's anguish pours out: "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”   Israel has every advantage—covenants, law, promises—yet many reject Christ. Paul explains in Romans 9:30-33: "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”   Their zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2) led to defiance.    Yet God hardens whom He will (Romans 9:18), not arbitrarily, but to fulfill mercy on both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 11:11-12, 25-27): "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? ... For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.”   "All Israel shall be saved"—a national turning to Messiah at His return. Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20-21 and 27:9, confirming future restoration.     Beware of replacement theology, the dangerous error claiming the Church has permanently supplanted Israel in God's plan. It twists Romans 11 to say the "olive tree" is only the Church, erasing Israel's distinct promises. This denies the land covenant (Genesis 15:18), ignores prophecies like Ezekiel 37's dry bones reviving as a nation, and contradicts Paul's plea in Romans 10:1: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."    This desire points future, not past. God has two programs: one for the Church (the body of Christ, Jew and Gentile in one, Ephesians 2:14-16), and one for national Israel. To merge them robs God of His faithfulness and fuels antisemitism by devaluing the Jewish people. Though Israel has defied Him—from golden calf to crucifying the King—God loves His covenant people. Jeremiah 31:3 whispers: "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."    He cannot break covenant; Numbers 23:19 assures: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”   Israel's Future: Tribulation, Invasion, and Glorious Restoration The road ahead is stormy, but victory dawns. Zechariah 12:10 promises: "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”   The Great Tribulation: Judgment and Awakening The Tribulation—a seven-year period of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)—brings global wrath, but especially on Israel. Why? First, to judge unbelieving Jews and the world for sin. Revelation 6-19 details seals, trumpets, and bowls of judgment. Second, to break Israel's defiance, as Zechariah 13:8-9 foretells:  "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”   Third, to prepare earth for Christ's return in Revelation 19:11-16, where He treads the winepress of wrath: "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. ... And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”   During this horror, Israel becomes a focal point—and unwilling host to the world. Revelation 12:6 describes: "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." Multitudes flee to Israel seeking refuge, only to face Antichrist's fury. Yet, salvation breaks through. God seals 144,000 Jewish evangelists from the tribes (Revelation 7:4-8)—12,000 from each—to proclaim the Gospel worldwide.    Two witnesses in Jerusalem, empowered, most likely Moses and Elijah, prophesy for 1,260 days, calling fire from heaven and striking with plagues (Revelation 11:3-6): "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. ... And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” Their ministry awakens thousands. When slain, God resurrects them before a watching world (Revelation 11:7-12). Many Jews repent, fulfilling Romans 11:26. As Antichrist's abomination desecrates the temple (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15), believing Jews flee to Petra (Bozrah), the rose-red city of Edom. Jesus urged in Matthew 24:15-21:  "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: ... For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”   God supernaturally protects them there for 1,260 days (Revelation 12:14), as Micah 2:12 gathers a remnant to "Mizpah"—a stronghold.   The Ezekiel 38-39 Invasion: Gog's Futile Assault Before or early in the Tribulation, a massive coalition attacks a seemingly secure Israel. Ezekiel 38:1-6, 8-9, 14-16 describes: "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. ... After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. ... Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.”   Gog (a title, perhaps Russia's leader) leads Magog (Russia), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer (Turkey), and Togarmah. They invade for spoil, when Israel dwells "safely"—perhaps post-peace deal. God allows it to reveal His holiness (Ezekiel 38:16, 23).  But He intervenes supernaturally in Ezekiel 38:18-23; 39:1-6: "And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD. ... Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.”   Birds and beasts feast on the dead (Ezekiel 39:17-20), and it takes seven months to bury them (39:12).  God uses this to turn Israel to Him (39:21-22, 29): "And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. ... Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.”   The Antichrist's Treachery and Christ's Victorious Return The Antichrist emerges as a false peace-broker, confirming that seven-year covenant (Daniel 9:27). But midway, he betrays: halting sacrifices, setting up his image in the temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4): "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”   He persecutes Jews savagely (Daniel 7:25: "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High"), demanding worship (Revelation 13:15).   But Christ returns! In Revelation 19:19-21: "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”   He binds Satan (Revelation 20:1-3) and crushes Israel's foes at Armageddon (Zechariah 14:1-4, 9): "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. ... And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”   The Millennial Restoration: Blessing Beyond Eden With enemies vanquished, Christ establishes His 1,000-year kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). Israel, at last, fulfills her calling as head of nations (Isaiah 2:2-3). Zechariah 8:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 paints the joy: "Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. ... Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. ... For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.”   The desert blooms (Isaiah 35:1-2: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing").    En-Gedi's shores overflow with fish (Ezekiel 47:8-10): "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”   Israel becomes the world's economic powerhouse, exporting blessings (Zechariah 8:13). Nations stream to Jerusalem for instruction (Micah 4:1-2). The wolf dwells with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6-9), pre-Edenic harmony restored.   Beyond the Millennium, after final rebellion and judgment (Revelation 20:7-15), God creates new heavens and earth (Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). No more curse—eternal joy, with redeemed Israel and Church worshiping the Lamb forever.   Beloved, Israel's story is God's story: rebellion met with grace. Though they defied Him, He pursues with everlasting love. As Luke 21 urges, when signs unfold, "look up"—redemption draws near. May we, like Paul, pray for Israel's salvation, standing firm on God's unbreakable Word. Amen.

A — About: This devotional reminds believers that God's correction flows from His covenant love, not wrath. Though Israel faced discipline, God promised restoration and presence. Likewise, believers today can trust that His discipline refines, not destroys. B — Best Verse: Jeremiah 46:28 — "Do not fear, O Jacob My servant, says the Lord, for I am with you; for I will make a complete end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but I will not make a complete end of you. I will rightly correct you, for I will not leave you wholly unpunished." C — Call to Action: Do not fear when corrected by God. Embrace His discipline as a sign of belonging and trust in His promise to restore and sustain His people.

Alameda County's Board of Supervisors voted Friday to approv — but postpone — the implementation of an ethical investment policy barring public funds from companies that knowingly enable human rights abuses. Though Israel is not mentioned, pro-Palestinian advocates see the move as a step toward divestment from companies linked to Israel, while supporters of Israel warn it could inflame antisemitism amid rising incidents in California. We'll hear from Dina, a Bay Area native and organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement. — Subscribe to this podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1637968343?to=page Get in touch: lawanddisorder@kpfa.org Follow us on socials @LawAndDis: https://twitter.com/LawAndDis; https://www.instagram.com/lawanddis/ The post Ongoing organizing with the Palestinian Youth Movement's Dina appeared first on KPFA.

In the first two chapters of Matthew, the gospel-writer covered the advent of Jesus and the many ways in which he fulfilled the Scriptures simply by being born. Today, as we cover chapters 3-4, Matthew jumps ahead to Christ's adulthood and the beginning of his ministry. We meet John the Baptist who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah of “one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.'” When John baptizes Jesus, a sign from heaven appears and resounds, testifying to Christ's divine origin. Before beginning his public ministry of teaching, Jesus spends 40 days fasting in the wilderness at which point he is tempted by the devil. Though Israel failed to resist temptation during the 40 years in the wilderness, Christ shows that he is the true son of God by rejecting sin perfectly. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

As Isaiah continues to prophesy about future events, remember that Babylon has not yet come to power and has not yet brought Israel into captivity. You'll hear statements like, “I will announce new things to you, hidden things that you have not yet known.” Our reading opens with a call to remember that no god or idol can compare with the living God. This is followed by a prediction of assurance that Babylon will one day fall, which would have been a great comfort to God's people as they waited in captivity to be released. Though Israel is a rebellious and stubborn people prone to follow other gods, the Lord will not forget his people in Babylon, but will release them back into the land God had given them.Isaiah 46 - 1:02 . Isaiah 47 - 3:33 . Isaiah 48 - 7:33 . Isaiah 49 - 12:55 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

A family who’d lost touch with their son and brother Tyler received an urn that was said to contain his cremation ashes. Just twenty-two years old, he’d apparently died of a drug overdose. For years, Tyler had dealt with the effects of drug addiction and poor choices. But prior to the reported overdose, he’d been sober after spending time in a transitional housing facility and completing an addiction recovery program. Then authorities made a shocking discovery—Tyler was actually alive! They’d mistaken him for another young man who’d died of an overdose. Later, after being reunited with family and reflecting on the death of the other young man, Tyler said, “That could have been me.” The Israelites once learned of their death—though they were very much alive. In a song of mourning, the prophet Amos sang these words to God’s rebellious people: “Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again” (Amos 5:2). These words must have gotten their attention—they were dead?! But the prophet also spoke these comforting words from God Himself: “Seek me and live” and “Seek good . . . . Then the Lord God almighty will be with you” (vv. 4, 14). Though Israel was dead in their sins against God, He invited them to turn to Him and find life. As we deal with our sin, let’s confess it and bring it to the one who loves us and forgives us. God lovingly leads us from death to life (John 5:24).

In this episode, we explore the striking contrast between God's vision for kingship in Deuteronomy 17:14–20 and the way Solomon ruled as described in 1 Kings 10:14–29. Though Israel's kings were commanded not to multiply gold, horses, or military power, Solomon does all three—lavishly. We examine how his accumulation of wealth and chariots not only breaks covenant commands but also reveals a deeper issue: misplaced trust in political alliances and military might rather than in the Lord.We then take a closer look at Solomon's throne—a dazzling structure overlaid with gold, guarded by lions, and elevated by steps. Its description evokes the sacred furniture of the tabernacle, especially the Ark of the Covenant. Could this literary parallel be a subtle warning? Is Solomon, in exalting himself, displacing God's rightful place at the center of Israel's worship and life?We also discuss the troubling detail that Solomon distributed horses and chariots to surrounding nations, including the Syrians and Hittites—nations that would later rise against Israel. His short-sighted foreign policy reveals what happens when kings build empires instead of trusting God's provision.Turning to the New Testament, we hear a very different message from Jesus in Matthew 6:19–21. Rather than hoarding wealth, Jesus teaches us to seek treasure in heaven. And unlike Solomon, Jesus actually lived this way—embodying the humility, trust, and obedience that Deuteronomy envisions for Israel's true King.We close the episode with a personal story of what it has meant in our own lives to pursue heavenly treasure over earthly riches—and how, time and again, God has proven Himself faithful to provide.Key Passages:1 Kings 10:14-29Matthew 6:19-21Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

Sentiment bolstered after US President Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, effective 05:00 BST / 00:00 EDT.Though Israel claimed Iran had launched ballistic missiles and violated the agreement, which Iran has denied.USD softer as geopolitical premium recedes, attention now turns to Fed Chair Powell who testifies before the House.Bonds hold a bearish bias given latest Iran-Israel ceasefire; USTs are lower by a handful of ticks whilst Bunds are hit on updates via the German Finance Ministry.Crude clipped by the ceasefire, XAU loses its shine, base metals find a floor.Looking ahead, Canadian Inflation, US Consumer Confidence, NZ Trade, NATO Summit, NBH Policy Announcement, BoE's Bailey, Ramsden, Pill, Breeden; ECB's Lagarde, de Guindos, Lane; Fed's Powell, Hammack, Williams, Collins, Barr, Supply from the US, Earnings from FedEx, Carnival.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

This is message 51 in the Isaiah series. Isaiah 54:1-17 The Lord speaks comfort to His people, assuring them of future joy, redemption, and security. Though Israel once knew barrenness, shame, and judgment, God promises to restore her with everlasting kindness. He will enlarge her borders, teach her children, defend her from all enemies, and establish her in peace. As the God of the whole earth, He will keep every covenant and fulfill every promise in His perfect time. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

In this episode, we explore a pivotal moment in the biblical story—God's second appearance to Solomon in 1 Kings 9:1–9. At the height of Solomon's success, after completing the temple and his royal palace, God delivers both a promise and a warning. If Solomon walks in faithfulness, the Davidic dynasty will endure. But if he or his descendants forsake God, the temple will be destroyed, Israel will be uprooted from the land, and the name of Israel will become a cautionary tale—a byword among the nations.This warning isn't just about Solomon; it becomes the narrative arc of the rest of the Old Testament. The story that unfolds is one of tragic decline, exile, and loss. Yet, within that story is a deeper revelation: the longsuffering love of God. Though Israel rebels, God is patient, kind, and slow to anger, bearing with his people across generations. His discipline is not impulsive wrath—it is the loving correction of a Father who refuses to abandon his children to their sins.But God's discipline also comes at a cost. Israel bears shame, scattered among the nations. And God himself bears loss, as his name—once exalted—is blasphemed and ridiculed among the nations. The destruction of the temple does not only signify Israel's failure, but God's willingness to suffer loss for the sake of a greater purpose: to form a people who will reflect his light to the world.We then trace this theme into the New Testament, where Hebrews 12:5–8 reminds us that God's discipline proves we are his beloved children. Just as he disciplined Israel, his firstborn son, so he disciplines us—not to punish, but to mature. He loves us too much to let us go our own way. His correction calls us back to the path of life.Key Passages:1 Kings 9:1–9Hebrews 12:5–8Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

This is message 46 in the Isaiah series. Isaiah 48:1-22 The Lord who teaches His people to profit calls them to trust His Word, follow His ways, and experience the peace and blessing He has prepared. Though Israel had been stubborn and slow to listen, God remained faithful-- declaring the future, guiding them with purpose, and offering redemption. His call to leave Babylon was not just about geography; it was a call to obedience rooted in His proven care and sustained by His unfailing provision. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

We all have idol factories. Though Israel's "golden calf" was clearly an idol, the idols many of us have today aren't so clear cut. In this message from 1 Corinthians 10, Pastor Lutzer helps us identify our idols and how to get rid of them. What does it take to smash the idols of our hearts? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

We all have idol factories. Though Israel's "golden calf" was clearly an idol, the idols many of us have today aren't so clear cut. In this message from 1 Corinthians 10, Pastor Lutzer helps us identify our idols and how to get rid of them. What does it take to smash the idols of our hearts? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

God's Enduring Love: A Lesson from the Prophet Hosea During This Lenten Season The Book of Hosea, one of the Minor Prophets, . . . . . . delivers a profound message about the relationship between God and Israel, depicted as a husband and wife. Though Israel turned away from God to worship idols, God remained faithful and sought reconciliation. This message is relevant to all believers, especially during Lent, prompting self-reflection on modern-day “idols” such as wealth, status, and personal image. Jesus affirms that God alone should be worshipped, and once He is placed at the center of life, everything else—including relationships—falls into place. True love for God leads to genuine love for others, making faith the foundation of strong relationships and spiritual fulfillment. Listen more to this Meditation Media. Listen to: God's Enduring Love: A Lesson from the Prophet Hosea During This Lenten Season -------------------------------------------- Image: The Prophet Hosea: Italian Painter: Duccio di Buoninsegna: 1309–1311 -------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading Mark 12: 28-34 First Reading Hosea 14: 2-10

On this episode of Unsupervised Learning Razib talks with Washington Post columnist Shadi Hamid. A native Pennsylvanian of Egyptian ethnic background, and Islamic faith, Hamid completed his Ph.D. in politics at Oxford University. He is an assistant professor at Fuller Seminary, co-host of the Wisdom of Crowds podcast and website, and now the author of his own Substack and a recent book, The Problem of Democracy: America, the Middle East, and the Rise and Fall of an Idea. Hamid is also the author of Temptations of Power: Islamists & Illiberal Democracy in a New Middle East and Rethinking Political Islam. Hamid and Razib discuss the tail end of the war in Gaza, from the explosion of 10/7 and the wave of atrocities against Israelis surrounding the Palestinian enclave, to the brutal counter-attack that has resulted in tens of thousands of Gazan civilian deaths. While Hamid points to the deep structural issues that divide the two parties, and make final resolution of the conflict difficult, Razib highlights the many pitfalls of third parties becoming involved in such a highly polarized and fraught topic. They also discuss the growing identification of the global Left, including American progressives, with the Palestinian cause, the difficulties of grappling with and containing anti-Semitism within the movement. Though Israel's counter-offensive is finally reaching a denouement, Hamid strikes a fundamentally pessimistic note about long-term possibilities. Then they pivot to domestic politics, and recent cultural trends that culminated in a Trump victory in the 2024 USelection, and the alienation of many nonwhites in the Democratic coalition from the hegemony of woke cultural elites. Hamid reiterates his long-standing critiques of racial identitarianism on the Left, and the irony that the progressive awareness of racial minorities only tends to extend to them when these minorities cosign woke nostrums. In contrast to the seemingly interminable nature of the conflict in the Middle East, Razib and Hamid both see hope for a path forward with reduced racial polarization and a reorientation of politics around substantive material interests rather than symbolic racial or ethnic categories.

//The Wire//2300Z December 11, 2024////PRIORITY////BLUF: CONCERNS GROW REGARDING NEW JERSEY AIRCRAFT SIGHTINGS. MAJOR CHINESE ACTIVITY REPORTED IN THE TAIWAN STRAIT. SYRIAN REBELS NOW CONTROL SIGNIFICANT STOCKPILES OF MANPADS.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Syria: Concerns are growing regarding the staggering amount of military arms that are now in the hands of HTS rebels throughout the country. Though Israel, Turkey, and the United States have bombed most military arms caches throughout the country, the al-Qaeda-linked “rebels” now control hundreds (if not thousands) of Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADs), tens of thousands of rockets, the entire Syrian Air Force, and the like. Far East: Concerns are also mounting regarding China's recent activities in the Taiwan Strait. Currently, China has declared extremely large scale naval exercises throughout the region, which have drawn concerns that this may actually be the prelude to a military invasion of Taiwan. As of this morning over 90 surface vessels have taken part in maneuvers in the waters surrounding Taiwan, with hundreds of aircraft also participating in exercises to some degree.AC: So far, the Chinese doctrine of camouflaging drills with legitimate invasion plans is working, and thus it's too soon to tell if China will indeed invade Taiwan. Considering the events in the Middle East, and the outgoing American administration, it is possible that China means to strike while the iron is hot. However, as previously noted following the rapid-pace of deteriorating events around the world, it would also be in China's best interest to flex their power in the region, without actually committing to a full-blown war. Also, the typical list of indications that would lead up to invasion plans hasn't materialized in many ways that one might expect if China were planning to militarily invade Taiwan.-HomeFront-New Jersey: Speculation surrounding the recent drone sightings throughout the state has increased following more people becoming aware of the situation. So far, not much information has been made public regarding what is going on. However, due to the attention being placed on these events, various official statements have been made. Governor Phil Murphy has acknowledged the drones (and the dozens of sightings), but hasn't commented on the aircraft much, except to say that the drones are not a threat to public safety. Yesterday, locals reported that one of the aircraft crashed in Montville, though almost zero details have come to light to confirm this incident, and all reporting on this alleged crash is single-source at the moment and therefore could be a false report. Companies and military contractors have weighed in on the aircraft as well. Picatinny Arsenal, a major military contractor for R&D of various technologies has stated that the devices aren't related to their research, but they have confirmed sighting 11 drones themselves since November.This afternoon, various politicians have stated that the drones being observed in New Jersey are suspected to be of Iranian origin, and that they are being launched from a “mothership” that is operating off the coast. More specifically, most of the information being repeated by authorities indicates that no one knows who is operating the craft, or where they come from, but many have been observed arriving and departing from the coast. Additionally, the craft allegedly do not have any signals being transmitted to them, and the lighting onboard the aircraft turns off when the aircraft is approached.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: The unidentified “drone” situation in New Jersey has become more concerning as more sightings have occurred. However, these reports are probably related to more people actually being on the lookout now that the story has gone viral. As such, an increase in reports does not always equa

Israel and the Church      Israel and the church are distinct. Israel is a special nation that was created by God Himself. The Lord said of Israel, “I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King” (Isa 43:15). This makes Israel unique among all the nations of the world. He even calls Israel, “My glory” (Isa 46:13). God loves Israel, declaring, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness” (Jer 31:3). God is eternal and His love is eternal, which means it never fades for His people, Israel. To possess the love of God is to love that which He loves. One cannot claim to have God's love, and simultaneously hate Israel, His chosen people.[1] Today, we observe demonically inspired hatred and attacks against Israelites. But there is no place for anti-Semitism in the heart of anyone, especially the Christian! According to Lewis S. Chafer, “When the Christian loves with a divine compassion he will acknowledge what God loves. Therefore, he too must love Israel.”[2] Satan hates God and His chosen people, Israel. Satan and his demonic forces are behind all forms of antisemitism, and if he had his way, all Jews would be destroyed.      God, who loves Israel with an everlasting love, continues to keep His Word to them. Israel has a future hope because of the promises and covenants God made through the patriarchs and prophets (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18; 17:8; Deut 30:1-10; 2 Sam 7:16; Psa 89:33-37; Jer 31:31-33). Though unbelieving Israel is currently under divine discipline (Matt 23:37-39), God's covenants and promises are still in effect (Rom 9:1-5), and will remain in force until Jesus returns and is accepted as their Messiah. Furthermore, it is wrong to think the church has replaced Israel, for “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew” (Rom 11:2), even though there is a “partial hardening” among them until Messiah returns (Rom 11:25). Until then, unbelieving Israel is under spiritual darkness and divine judgment. The apostle Paul—a biological Jew himself—revealed that God's promises and covenants are still valid for Israel, and wished all would come to faith in Christ. Paul spoke of Israel as “my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen” (Rom 9:3-5). Though Israel is currently under divine discipline (Matt 23:37-38), God has a future for His people and national Israel will be restored. Paul tells us, “A partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so, all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:25b-26a). Our duty is to view Israel as God does: as His chosen people (Gen 12:1–3; Deut 10:15) and as “beloved for the sake of the fathers” (Rom 11:28b). This does not mean we endorse all of Israel's actions, but we recognize them as a special people chosen by God, with a divinely ordained future, and we “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psa 122:6a).      The Christian church is distinct from Israel and Gentiles, and was a mystery not revealed in the OT (Eph 3:4-6; 5:32; Col 1:24-27). The church, which is the body of Christ (Eph 1:22-23), is a company of believers, from Jews and Gentiles (1 Cor 10:32), who have been spiritually united with Christ by means of the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation (1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:26-28). The church began on the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2. The primary purpose of the church is to glorify God (Eph 1:12; 3:21; cf. Rom 11:36; 16:27). Other purposes of the church include evangelizing the lost (Matt 28:18-20), edifying believers through biblical teaching so they might advance to spiritual maturity (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Pet 2:2), praying for one another (Jam 5:16), and showing love (John 13:34). Once the church is caught up to heaven at the rapture (John 14:1-3; 1 Th 4:13-18), God will resume His plan with national Israel and fulfill all the promises made to them through the covenants (Rom 9:1-5; 11:1-2; 25-27).[3] Divine Institutions for Humanity      The concept of divine institutions refers to foundational structures established by God to ensure order and stability within human society. Biblically, these institutions include: 1) individual responsibility, 2) marriage, 3) family, 4) human government, and 5) nationalism. Each of these divine institutions serve a unique purpose in promoting a stable and flourishing society. Robert B. Thieme Jr. states, “These institutions apply to believers and unbelievers—regardless of race, gender, or any other factor—and are ordained by God to restrain the sin nature and protect human freedom.”[4] Understanding and promoting these institutions allow us to align with God's plan for the human race and to stand against Satan's destructive strategies.      Individual responsibility is foundational, as God created humans in His image with the ability to make choices and the obligation to bear the consequences of their actions (Gen 1:26-28). Scripture reveals that “each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Rom 14:12; cf. 2 Cor 5:10; 1 Pet 4:5). This personal accountability underpins moral behavior and the pursuit of righteousness. Marriage was established as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. In marriage, a man and a woman are regarded as “one flesh” in the sight of God (Gen 2:24), and Jesus said, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matt 19:6). Marriage provides companionship, love, and the proper context for raising children, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph 5:22-33). Family, which is closely tied to marriage, serves as the primary institution for nurturing and teaching subsequent generations. Parents are called to instill moral values and the knowledge of God in their children (Deut 6:6-7; Prov 22:6; Eph 6:4), while children are commanded to honor their parents (Ex 20:12; Eph 6:1-3), which fosters respect and stability across generations. Human government as a divine institution was instituted after the flood (Gen 9:5-6), and plays a critical role in maintaining order, upholding justice, and restraining evil. Governments are tasked with protecting the innocent and punishing criminals (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-14), ensuring societal peace and security. Scripture reveals that healthy governments are “a minister of God to you for good” (Rom 13:4), and believers are called to submit to governing authorities (Rom 13:1-7; Tit 3:1; 1 Pet 2:13). However, this does not mean blind submission, as we may engage in acts of civil disobedience when necessary (Ex 1:15-17; Dan 3:1-18; 6:1-23; Acts 5:27-29). Nationalism emerged at the Tower of Babel, where God scattered humanity into distinct nations with their own languages and borders to prevent global unity in rebellion against Him (Gen 11:1-9). Scripture reveals that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). This division hinders the potential for widespread tyranny.      Together, these divine institutions—individual responsibility, marriage, family, government, and nationalism—form the framework for a stable society. When upheld, they create a context for justice, order, and human flourishing. Neglect or distortion of these principles often leads to instability and moral decline, underscoring the importance of honoring God's design in every area of life. Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] To love the people of Israel is not a blanket endorsement of all their beliefs and behaviors. God, who loves Israel and chose them to be His people (Deut 7:6-8), also called them to be holy (Ex 19:5-6; Lev 11:45), and to live righteously (Deut 6:24-25). Under the Mosaic Law, God's blessings and curses for them were conditioned on their obedience or disobedience (Deut 11:26-28; 28:1-68). For much of Israel's history, we know they failed to walk with God, sometimes rejecting His love for them and walking in the ways of the world (see 2 Ch 36:15-16; Jer 7:25-26; 25:4-7). The national rejection and crucifixion of Jesus (Matt 27:22-23; Acts 2:22-23; 4:27-28), Israel's promised Messiah (Deut 18:15; Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; 53; 61:1; Matt 1:1, 17; Luke 1:31-33), is their greatest historical failure. Jesus loved them even though they rejected Him (Matt 23:37). Did Israel act alone in crucifying Jesus, their Messiah? No! God foretold Israel's Messiah would suffer and die (Psa 22:11-18; Isa 53); and, according to His sovereignty, He used wicked men, both Jews and Gentiles, to accomplish His will (Acts 22:22-23; 4:27-28). [2] Lewis S. Chafer, “Israel” in Systematic Theology, Vol. 7 (Grand Rapids, MI., Kregel Publications, 1993), 206. [3] For more detailed information, see my article: What is the Church? https://thinkingonscripture.com/2018/05/18/what-is-the-church/ [4] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Divine Institutions”, Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, 72.

In the first two chapters of Matthew, the gospel-writer covered the advent of Jesus and the many ways in which he fulfilled the Scriptures simply by being born. Today, as we cover chapters 3-4, Matthew jumps ahead to Christ's adulthood and the beginning of his ministry. We meet John the Baptist who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah of “one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.'” When John baptizes Jesus, a sign from heaven appears and resounds, testifying to Christ's divine origin. Before beginning his public ministry of teaching, Jesus spends 40 days fasting in the wilderness at which point he is tempted by the devil. Though Israel failed to resist temptation during the 40 years in the wilderness, Christ shows that he is the true son of God by rejecting sin perfectly. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

A second wave explosion went off in Lebanon on Wednesday, just one day after Hezbollah pagers exploded across the country and injured thousands. Though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, the Israeli defense minister said a ‘new phase' of war has begun as Israeli troops move to the north. Then, with far-right parties in control of seven different European governments, can the European Union survive another far right resurgence? Plus, what to expect in Ukraine's peace plan. Stefanie Bolzen, Stefan Kornelius and Andrew Roth join World Review with Ivo Daalder to dive into these issues.

As Isaiah continues to prophesy about future events, remember that Babylon has not yet come to power and has not yet brought Israel into captivity. You'll hear statements like, “I will announce new things to you, hidden things that you have not yet known.” Our reading opens with a call to remember that no god or idol can compare with the living God. This is followed by a prediction of assurance that Babylon will one day fall, which would have been a great comfort to God's people as they waited in captivity to be released. Though Israel is a rebellious and stubborn people prone to follow other gods, the Lord will not forget his people in Babylon, but will release them back into the land God had given them.Isaiah 46 - 1:02 . Isaiah 47 - 3:33 . Isaiah 48 - 7:33 . Isaiah 49 - 12:55 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

1) Only God can provide real security and assurance 2) Though Israel rejected God, God remained faithful Why did God reject Saul as king over Israel? Listen to this message to find out why Saul failed as Israel's first king. See that Saul thought his ways were as good as what God required of a king and so he disobeyed Him. Learn that all of us have the same tendency to seek what pleases us and makes us comfortable rather than following what we learn we are to do in God's Word. Find out what sanctification is and how to grow spiritually.

Earlier this week Hamas Leader Ismael Haniyeh was killed while in Iran for the new president's inauguration, this after Israel launched an air strike last week that killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Though Israel has not taken responsibility for the Hamas killing, the region is bracing for any retaliatory attacks that may come as a result. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the world Israel is at a high level of preparedness for any scenario — but how badly could this worsen the conflict in the region and move the possibility of a ceasefire further out of reach? FOX News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin weighs in. Vice President Kamala Harris's VP shortlist has gotten shorter in the days leading up to the announcement of her pick for running mate. As it stands, the Vice President is vetting candidates from red states, blue states, and swing states alike. However, do running mates matter when it comes to winning presidential elections? And if so, how much? Political Science Professor at the University of Dayton and co-author of Do Running Mates Matter Christopher Devine examines the factors that influence voters' decisions and explains how they could shape the 2024 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week Hamas Leader Ismael Haniyeh was killed while in Iran for the new president's inauguration, this after Israel launched an air strike last week that killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Though Israel has not taken responsibility for the Hamas killing, the region is bracing for any retaliatory attacks that may come as a result. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the world Israel is at a high level of preparedness for any scenario — but how badly could this worsen the conflict in the region and move the possibility of a ceasefire further out of reach? FOX News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin weighs in. Vice President Kamala Harris's VP shortlist has gotten shorter in the days leading up to the announcement of her pick for running mate. As it stands, the Vice President is vetting candidates from red states, blue states, and swing states alike. However, do running mates matter when it comes to winning presidential elections? And if so, how much? Political Science Professor at the University of Dayton and co-author of Do Running Mates Matter Christopher Devine examines the factors that influence voters' decisions and explains how they could shape the 2024 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week Hamas Leader Ismael Haniyeh was killed while in Iran for the new president's inauguration, this after Israel launched an air strike last week that killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Though Israel has not taken responsibility for the Hamas killing, the region is bracing for any retaliatory attacks that may come as a result. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the world Israel is at a high level of preparedness for any scenario — but how badly could this worsen the conflict in the region and move the possibility of a ceasefire further out of reach? FOX News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin weighs in. Vice President Kamala Harris's VP shortlist has gotten shorter in the days leading up to the announcement of her pick for running mate. As it stands, the Vice President is vetting candidates from red states, blue states, and swing states alike. However, do running mates matter when it comes to winning presidential elections? And if so, how much? Political Science Professor at the University of Dayton and co-author of Do Running Mates Matter Christopher Devine examines the factors that influence voters' decisions and explains how they could shape the 2024 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nations have not heeded the LORD's call to repentance over idolatry, and so He turns to strengthen His people Israel as His servant. They need not fear, because the LORD is their God who defeats the enemies who strive against them. Though Israel has been a helpless worm, the LORD promises His help and deliverance. He will answer His people's prayers and will not forsake them, so that they will see that He has done this for them. As Isaiah records these words, he gives to us a picture of Jesus as the Servant of the LORD who fulfills all of God's promises. Rev. Ian Kinney, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Sabetha, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 41:8-20. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Summary The content discusses the significance of inheriting the promised land as outlined in the Bible, particularly focusing on Abraham's covenant with God. It explores the theme of inheritance, God's promise of land to Abraham and his descendants, the boundaries of the promised land, its future restoration, and the laws governing land ownership and inheritance, including the Year of Jubilee.

Though Israel's goal in Gaza is to eliminate Hamas as a military threat, there appears to be rising popularity for Hamas among Palestinians in the West Bank. We travel there and hear that many Palestinians don't believe Hamas committed atrocities in the October 7th attack. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.

In the first two chapters of Matthew, the gospel-writer covered the advent of Jesus and the many ways in which he fulfilled the Scriptures simply by being born. Today, as we cover chapters 3-4, Matthew jumps ahead to Christ's adulthood and the beginning of his ministry. We meet John the Baptist who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah of “one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.'” When John baptizes Jesus, a sign from heaven appears and resounds, testifying to Christ's divine origin. Before beginning his public ministry of teaching, Jesus spends 40 days fasting in the wilderness at which point he is tempted by the devil. Though Israel failed to resist temptation during the 40 years in the wilderness, Christ shows that he is the true son of God by rejecting sin perfectly.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

What we promise to do, we should carry out, as far as it rests with us. Though Israel was deceived by the Gibeonites, Israel kept their vow not to destroy them. In this message, Pastor Lutzer applies the biblical perspective on vows to marriage, adultery, and divorce. Vows should never be made lightly, especially marriage vows. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. 

Isaiah 46 - 1:02 . Isaiah 47 - 3:33 . Isaiah 48 - 7:33 . Isaiah 49 - 12:55 . As Isaiah continues to prophesy about future events, remember that Babylon has not yet come to power and has not yet brought Israel into captivity. You'll hear statements like, “I will announce new things to you, hidden things that you have not yet known.” Our reading opens with a call to remember that no god or idol can compare with the living God. This is followed by a prediction of assurance that Babylon will one day fall, which would have been a great comfort to God's people as they waited in captivity to be released. Though Israel is a rebellious and stubborn people prone to follow other gods, the Lord will not forget his people in Babylon, but will release them back into the land God had given them.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Golda Meir served as prime minister of Israel from 1969 until 1974. Taking control of her country during a period of euphoria after the 1967 Six Day War, Meir was a member of Israel's founding generation. However, Israel's sense of infallibility was shattered after a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria, in what became the Yom Kippur War. Though Israel defeated its Arab neighbours for the third time in 25 years, Meir was quickly accused of complacency and unpreparedness, and resigned in near disgrace just 8 months after the conflict in 1974. But is this fair? Did Yom Kippur, as well as Meir's political style, which quickly became outdated after she left office, invalidate her earlier achievements? Today's episode seeks to shed light on this and more.My guest today is Blake Flayton. Blake is a columnist with the Jewish Journal, an independent newspaper serving the Jewish community of Los Angeles. As well as Golda Meir's career, we discuss the fraught founding of Israel in 1948, and the prospects for the Israeli left, which in recent years has lost ground to an even greater extent than the left in European countries

This brief psalm has engendered must discussion and debate. Therefore, we seek to cover it in two podcast. This is part 1. 82:1 God stands in the congregation of God and He judges in the midst of the gods.The Hebrew term Elohim is the first word and the next to last word in the verse. Much of the debate centers are who are intended by this second use of Elohim.We mention three possibilities as to the identity of the second Elohim in 82:1.1. They are human rulers. Human rulers seem to be indicated by the use of the term Elohim in Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9. The judges were to judge based on God's righteousness and holiness and therefore judgment is said to be for God in Deut. 1:17 and II Chron. 19:6-7.Psalm 45:6-7 Though Israel did not view their king as Divine (God) as some nations, he is addressed as Elohim in Psalm 45:6-7. Solomon is said to sit on the LORD's throne in I Chron. 29:23. 2. They are angels or spiritsJob 1:6; 2:1; 38:7 The phrase "sons of God' seem to refer to angels. Deut. 32:8-9 especially the LXX translationDeut. 32:17 compare I Corinthians 10:19-21Daniel 10:13, 20-21; 12:1 shows angels and spirits active in the world though our knowledge of what they do is limited.Ephesians 6:12 Angels and spirits are active in the ongoing struggle between right and wrong, good and evil. Revelation 12:7-9 3. They are other gods- Ps. 95:3; 96:4It may be a polemic against false gods to show them being rebuked by the true God.  Even if that is not done here, it is done in passages like Psalm 29. This is an understandable view. Was Israel monotheistic? Did they (and should we) believe in one God?Just look at these verses Deut. 4:35, 39Deut. 32:12, 39II Kings 19:18-19; Isaiah 37:19-20Isaiah 41:21-24Isaiah 42:8Isaiah 43:11-13Isaiah 44:6, 24Isaiah 45:5-7, 20-23Isaiah 46:9Mark 12:29-30, 32Romans 3:29-30Galatians 3:20I Timothy 1:17