Support for Israel
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists from Gaza raided Israel in a horrific surprise invasion. You have likely seen the images and heard the reports on the news. The invasion included a barrage of missile attacks, paraglider incursions, on-the-ground fighters, and massacres of people, including children, in 21 communities. It was a horrible, brutal, and evil attack on Israeli citizens. One-thousand, one-hundred, and thirty-nine people were killed. Two-hundred and fifty were taken hostage.
Naturally, Israel responded with a bombing campaign of Palestinian-held Gaza seeking to destroy Hamas leaders and strongholds. In the process, however, Israel destroyed Palestinian refugee camps, schools hospitals, mosques, Chistian churches, and other civilian infrastructure. Approximately 42,000 Palestinians have been killed thus far by Israel’s retaliation, including 11,300 innocent children. That’s about 25 Palestinians killed for every 1 Israeli life lost. The death toll increases daily.
Without wading into the muddy political waters of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict over land and political sovereignty, the current war brings to the surface some important questions, especially for Christians. Has Israel responded proportionately? Is Israel’s war on Palestine a “just” war? Did God really promise the land to Israel? Is the modern-day political state of Israel continuous with Old Testament Israel? Should the U.S. and Christians always support Israel at any cost?
If you’ve ever asked questions like these, this Sunday’s message is just for you! We’ll continue our Hijacking Jesus sermon series with a message entitled “Zionism & Israel.” What is Zionism? How does it or does it not reflect God’s purposes for Israel? What exactly were God’s promises to Abraham and his offspring? Who are the children of Abraham? Who are heirs to the promises of God to Abraham today? We’ll take a deep dive into the Bible and seek to answer these timely questions.
Join us at 10:00 AM for a beautiful time of worship featuring a blend of historic hymns and contemporary choruses! The message will be thought-provoking. The worship will be Spirit-filled. And our sanctuary will be filled with the people of God praising His great name! A nursery and children’s church will be offered. Refreshments will be served following worship. The “Discovery Class” will meet for inquirers at 11:15am. All will be welcome. Newcomers are expected!