America, Christianity & Israel, Pt.1
It's Time to Get a Few Things Straight
by Pastor John Hamel

“…O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; … when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned … For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior … I have loved thee … Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east … from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; to the south, Keep not back: bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth; … for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:1-7)

The Scripture says much about the Almighty’s love for Israel.  He formed them, redeemed them and named them.  He promises to stay with them through all adversity and will never allow them to be destroyed.  He has entered into Covenant with Israel and will defend them in preference to anyone.  He will eventually force all enemies off the land He gave to them, as well. (Isaiah 49:17,18) 

He is now in the process of gathering the Jewish people back to the land of Palestine from all over the world as promised. (Isaiah 11:10-13; Jeremiah 30:1–31:40; Matthew 24:31)  He is even using non-Jews to do this, also as promised. (Isaiah 49:22) 

Every world power that has ceased to be a world power did so by messing with Israel directly or indirectly. Ancient Egypt, the Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Syrians, Romans, Turks, Byzantines, Spaniards, Crusaders, French, Germans, Soviets, British, etc., all suffered fatal blows by harming or allowing others to bring harm to Israel

America will not be the exception to this rule. 

God promises to “give a whipping” to every foe of Israel

"I have found David My servant; with My holy oil have I anointed him: with whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm shall also strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him: and in My Name shall his power be exalted." (Psalm 89:20-24)  

This is one equation that only the most foolish of fools would ever want to find themselves on the wrong side of. 

It simply does not pay to mess with little Israel.  Never has.  Never will.  Anyone who comes against Israel is a cooked goose. 

"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 the families of the Earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:2-3)  

It’s not possible to remain “neutral” concerning Israel, either.  To attempt to do so is to cooperate with her enemies and to find oneself on a collision course with the Almighty.

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America's Personal Debt to Israel

Every American owes a personal debt to Israel.  I will explain.  

I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the very same neighborhood where General George Washington took command of the Continental Army at the time of the Revolutionary War.  I came along a few years later, granted, but it was the same neighborhood nonetheless.  I then grew up in the area of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.  From the time I was a child I was literally surrounded by Revolutionary War history, architecture, artifacts, etc.  I have always been fascinated with the events of that time in human history. 

However, no Revolutionary War fact has ever captured my attention like the following.  When Revolutionary troops were holed up at Valley Forge under General George Washington, they were freezing and starving to death.  There was no money in the national budget to help them or any of the other American soldiers.  A Jewish banker named Haym Solomon gathered American and European Jews to invest in supplies for the troops at Valley Forge and elsewhere, personally backing and guaranteeing their investments. 

During that time, Solomon went to France and personally raised 3.5 million British pounds from the Sassoon and Rothschild banking houses and families. He used this money to literally finance the American Revolution.  Had Haym Solomon remained "neutral", America would not be “America” today.  Some reputable Historians are convinced that Haym Solomon actually wrote the original draft of The Constitution of The United States, as well.  Of course you don't hear this because at that time "Jews" and "non-Christians" weren't allowed to be involved in that particular process.

Haym Solomon lent the young United States government about $600,000 out of his own pocket and at his death about $400,000 of this amount had not been repaid. This was irrespective of what he had personally lent to statesman and others while performing public duties and trusts. He died penniless as a result of his generosity and belief that he was investing in a future World Power.  God Almighty personally sent Haym Solomon to America from his native Prussia/Poland to both finance and to win the American Revolution.

When General Washington became President, he rightfully memorialized what Haym Solomon and those Jewish bankers did on the back of the one-dollar bill.  By looking at the back of it you will discover a circle within a circle to the right side.  The inner circle contains many small stars all forming a Star of David.  Flip it upside down and there is a Menorah at the base of David’s Star.  The Shining Glory of the God of Israel’s Power surrounds the entire circular scene. President Washington recognized the debt America owes to Israel and we must, too, especially Christians. 

In 1893 a bill was presented before the 52nd United States Congress ordering a gold medal struck in recognition of Solomon's contributions to the United States

In 1975 the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Haym Solomon for his contributions to the cause of the American Revolution. This stamp was uniquely printed on the front and the back. On the glue side of the stamp, the following words were printed in pale, green ink: "Financial Hero - Businessman and broker Haym Solomon was responsible for raising most of the money needed to finance the American Revolution and later to save the new nation from collapse."

Without the Nation of Israel we would have no America, no Bible, no Salvation, no Covenant, no Father Abraham, no Savior and no Power! (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:16,17; Romans 1:3, 8:15, 15:8; Ephesians 2:12; Galatians 3:13,14,29)  

Israel does not need America or Christianity to define her heritage.  America and Christianity need Israel to define theirs.  Always remember this! 

It does not matter what OPEC, the United Nations, the former Soviet Union, the Vatican or anyone else wants.  What matters is what God wants.  

We have an historical and Biblical obligation to help Israel to occupy their Promised Land.  To oppose them is to incur a curse! (Genesis 12:1-3)  

God will NEVER break Covenant with Israel. (Psalm 89; 105:8)  He will bless us when we help Israel. (Psalm 122)

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Israel: A Sovereign Free Democracy Not a Terrorist State

Israel is not a State.  

Israel is a Democracy similar to the United States of America

Israel became an Independent Sovereign Nation on May 15, 1948.  

All other occupants of her land are either guests or trespassers. (Leviticus 25:23) 

Israel is NOT an aggressive nation or a terrorist state.  She has a right to defend herself against all terrorists even as America does.  

No other Democracy in the world suffers persecution for defending themselves as Israel does. This should not be so.  

Al-Queda, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic State of Iran and Syria do not “need to be understood” any more than Nazi Germany needed to be understood.  They need to be resisted, disassembled and destroyed.  

Yes, of course we must pray for the salvation of all who are involved with these terrorist groups.  (Psalm 2:8) They are Hell bound on a greased pole and this does not please the Most High God.  (Psalm 9:16,17)  However, He will NOT tolerate any plans for the destruction of Israel.  

American Christians and all Christians worldwide must STOP referring to Israel’s self-defense against these terrorist organizations as “aggression" and "terrorism" when it is "defensive" and "retaliatory."  To do so is anti-Semitic.  

When America defends herself against aggressive nations and terrorist organizations no one in their right mind calls us "terrorists."  

True Americans, true American Christians will not tolerate anyone calling Israel's defense of herself "terrorism," either.   

Pray for Israel. (Psalm 122:6-9)  Help the Jewish people in even the most practical ways and receive great blessings from Almighty God, compliments of the Nation of Israel!  

"Now the Lord said to Abraham (Israel) ... I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the Earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3)

Excerpt from our soon to be published book, "The Person of Almighty God: 65 Study Outlines."

A One-Minute Daily Prayer for National Repentance

Be blessed ... John and Barbara

 

 

How to Be Born Again (Receive Christ as Your Savior)

 

How to Receive The Holy Spirit & Power

 

 

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America, Christianity & Israel, Pt.2

Are Christians to Celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals?
by Pastor John Hamel

New Update: September 13, 2015

The following is written in response to questions received by JHM, one of which was, "What are the Christian's responsibilities in honoring Jewish Holy Days, Feasts and Festivals?"

Dear Sister in the Lord,

I agree with you that the dates & events you've mentioned are indeed significant & surely connected to certain Jewish Holy Days. But I do not believe we should get hung up on that or distracted from the job at hand - preaching repentance, Christ & Him crucified.

Again, I agree with you when you said, "Prayer & fasting should be the order of the day" for us as Christians. Only I'd like to add to that.  Prayer, fasting & repentance should be the order of the day for us as Christians. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

In this present Dispensation of Grace God is calling Christian America to repentance not to the legalistic practicing of Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals.

You asked what are the Christian's responsibilities in honoring Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals? I will get to that in a moment but first I want to say you are correct again when you asked, "We are under grace & not under Law, correct?" (Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:18)

You are also correct in asking, "We have a better Covenant, correct?" (Hebrews 8:6)

And finally you are also correct in your statement, "We are not to return to Jewish practices under the Law." (Romans 7:1)

Although it is commendable in the Lord's eyes that anyone would want to honor the Feasts & Festivals of His chosen people, it is not Biblically binding upon Christians to do so.

Barbara and I love & appreciate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals. We have a link on the Home Page of our website with wonderful teachings concerning all of them.

However, although it has become increasingly popular because of wrong teaching on Christian television to celebrate them, we personally do not do so.

We honor & respect Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals as they contain tremendous Biblical & prophetic significance, warnings, guidance & revelation. 

Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals are types & shadows pointing towards things which were to come & are yet to come. Their significance is supernatural & undeniable.

However, celebrating them is not binding upon either Jewish or Gentile Christians. To bind Christians to them would be legalistic.

But I must say again, all Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals do have wonderful, even supernatural significance to the New Testament Believer.

The Feast of Passover parallels Yeshua's substitutionary death. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)

The Feast of Unleavened Bread parallels with our sinless Savior whose Body was broken for us. (Luke 22:13-20; John 6:51)

The Feast of Firstfruits parallels His & our resurrections. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

The Feast of Weeks parallels Pentecost & the giving of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-4)

The Feast of Trumpets parallels the Lord's return. (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) parallels Israel's final cleansing & redemption. (Zechariah 13:1-6)

The Feast of Tabernacles parallels the final ingathering of the nations of the world. (Zechariah 14:16-19; Revelation 7:9)

Putting these Feasts & Festivals together we see how Jesus died during Passover. 

Jesus was buried during Unleavened Bread. 

Jesus rose from the dead during First Fruits. 

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us seven Weeks later. 

Jesus will gather us together with a Trumpet blast, separating those of us who have chosen to be saved by His Atonement. 

Jesus will Tabernacle with us forever during an Eternal Sabbath from the Curse of Adam's Fall and the Curse of the Law. 

Such a wonderful picture is portrayed by linking all these Feasts & Festivals together.

Learning about & celebrating Biblical Holy Days are good ways to teach Jewish & Gentile Believers about God's Plan of Redemption. 

It's also a wonderful way to remember the Jewish roots of our Christianity. Without Father Abraham & Israel we would have no Savior.

However, many Christians today, because of improper emphasis on Christian television in particular, are wrongly trying to find completeness & prosperity in celebrating Jewish Holy Days & Feasts.

I do not need to tell you that the Bible says our completeness & prosperity is found in Christ alone.

"For in Christ dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principalities & powers." (Colossians 2:9-10)

Many popular Christian Ministries today are wrongly emphasizing Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals in order to increase their income with "Passover offerings," "Firstfruits offerings," "Trumpet offerings," "Atonement offerings," etc. 

If you don't get your offerings in during the exact days of the Feasts, you stand to lose out. 

However, if you get them in on time or even early, there is supposedly a great blessing in it for you. That is unbiblical, superstitious & Last Days' doctrines of demons. (1 Timothy 4:1)

Christian Ministries who teach on Jewish Holy Days & Feasts & make financial promises God is not obligated to keep will ultimately come to regret their unbiblical teachings.

They are misleading many & getting them caught up in the practice of legalistically celebrating Feasts that are not binding upon either Jewish or Gentile Christians.

The Church of Jesus Christ is not commanded to celebrate these Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals anywhere in the New Testament.  As a matter of fact, Apostle Paul, the consummate Jewish Christian & author of 3/4 of the New Testament, warned Christians to not do so.

"But now after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak & beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain." (Galatians 4:9-10)

Here Paul clearly rebukes & corrects those who legalistically celebrate days, months, times & years, referring to Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals. Not that it is wrong to recognize & honor them, but it is wrong to place our faith in them when faith should be placed in Christ alone.

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the Body is of Christ." (Colossians 2:16-17)

Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals were & are shadows of realities which have come or are yet to come. However, they are not to be religiously celebrated by Jewish or Gentile Christians.

The Apostle Paul often celebrated Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals in order to not offend the Jews while preaching Christ to them. (Acts 18:21; 20:1-6,16)  He even performed a head-shaving ritual of purification along with four other Jewish men in order to reach the Jews for Christ. (Acts 21:22-24) 

However, nowhere in the New Testament did he instruct the Body of Christ to celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals. The only time Paul instructed the Body of Christ to celebrate in this manner was when he told us to celebrate "Christ the Passover Lamb." (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)

The early Apostolic Church was celebrating the Feast of Weeks in Jerusalem when the Day of Pentecost came and the Holy Spirit was poured out.  But never did any of the Apostles of the Lamb instruct the Body of Christ to celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals. (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-47) 

Even Jesus Christ Himself, Who kept the Passover & the Days of Unleavened Bread, did not  instruct New Testament Believers to maintain Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals. (Luke 22:14-20)

As we have already seen, the Apostle Paul instructed the Church of all ages through his Letters to the Galatians & the Colossians that it was not necessary for us to celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals. (Galatians 4:9-10; Colossians 2:16-17)

Something else of interest that must be acknowledged is how in the Book of Acts, the Early Church fathers corrected those Jewish Believers who were wrongly teaching that all male Gentiles who come to Christ must be circumcised according to the Law of Moses. The Early Church fathers rejected that notion & wrote a letter to all the Churches which included the following.

"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." (Acts 15:28-29)

If the New Testament Church was obligated to celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals, this would have been the perfect time & place for the Early Church fathers to clearly say so. Yet, they did not. 

Not only that, but again, at the risk of being redundant, we see where the Apostle Paul later instructed Believers of all generations to not do so through his Letters to the Galatians & the Colossians.

In this present Dispensation of Grace it is far more important that Jewish & Gentile Christians spend much time learning Paul's Letters as opposed to learning the Law of Moses, Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals.  It is far more important for Christian Ministers to emphasize repentance, forgiveness, salvation in Christ alone, the Holy Spirit Baptism, faith, healing & deliverance.

If the Lord puts it on one's heart to become acquainted with or to even celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals, then they should do it. But they must not do it at the expense of learning Paul's Letters and teaching Major Bible Doctrines & the Foundational Doctrines of Christ.

However, one must never attempt to force or deceive others into doing so, particularly for the sake of financial gain, such as many Ministers & Christian television executives do.

If God does not specifically put it on one's heart to celebrate Jewish Holy Days, Feasts or Festivals then one simply must not do so. 

Our completeness as Christians is not in celebrating Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals as some wrongly teach.

Our completeness as Jewish or Gentile Christians is in Jesus Christ alone.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; Behold all things are become new ... For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21)

I would like to also share that I personally (my opinion) believe in Heaven all of the Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals will be celebrated through Eternity - only for a different reason than they were once celebrated on Earth.

On Earth Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals were celebrated as types & shadows pointing forward to things to come.

In Heaven they will be celebrated as Memorials pointing back to God's great Plan of Redemption in Christ.

A careful reading of Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48 reveals that the Temple will be rebuilt in Heavenly Jerusalem & that the priestly system of animal blood offerings will resume & continue throughout Eternity. Only, unlike in the Old Testament where the priestly system of animal blood offerings pointed forward to Christ coming to shed His Blood, in Heaven it will point back as an eternal Memorial to the fact Christ did indeed shed His Blood as the ultimate act of Redemption.

This is why it is also my personal belief that every Hebrew Holy Day, Feast & Festival will be resumed & celebrated throughout Eternity as Memorials to God's loving Redemption through Christ.

So, according to what I see in Scripture, although Jewish Holy Days, Feasts & Festivals are significant, prophetic, supernatural, even offering warning, guidance & revelation, celebrating them is not binding on New Testament Christians.  However, God does indeed honor those of us who believe in their purpose & have great respect for them.

In closing, I'm sure you can agree with me when I say, Christians should be more concerned with praying for the peace of Israel & Jerusalem than they oftentimes are with giving superstitious offerings during the times of Jewish Feasts & Festivals for the self-indulgent purpose of financial gain. 

Praying for Israel & Jerusalem is something God will indeed bless. (Psalm 122:6-9)

I trust we have Biblically & adequately answered your reasonable questions, dear Sister.

Praise God for Jesus.  Our completeness is in Him alone.

Be blessed in Jesus' Strong Name.

Pastor John and Barbara Hamel   

 

 

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