In this issue of The Shofar, we continue our series in the biblical covenants, turning our attention to the New Covenant, having already considered the Abrahamic, Land and Davidic Covenants.  The focus of these covenants is the nation of Israel and this continues with the New Covenant, even though it is applied to the Church in the New Testament.

Bible-believing faith calls us to seek where the Bible introduces the concept of “Kingdom”. Where does the Bible begin its development of this term? What is the context? Who is involved?   

October 7, 2023 – This now infamous date has ignited a wildfire of antisemitism and hatred toward the nation of Israel. However, the tragic irony is that the actual target and victim, of one of the most horrific and evil attacks in the history of humanity, was Israel!

The Bible contains clear descriptions of God’s relationship to humanity from the beginning of creation to the eternal state. In the Old Testament, this relationship is narrowed to a particular person, Abraham, chosen by God to become the father of a nation, through which would come the promised Messiah, Jesus. This narrowing of focus implements God’s redemptive plan for humanity after the rebellion of the Tower of Babel and its divine judgement (Genesis 11:1-9). Humanity needs a Saviour, who will come through a chosen people

People most often think about Heaven when a loved one passes or perhaps when attending a funeral.  As they contemplate what comes next, many are influenced by Hollywood or a book or perhaps someone’s account of a near-death experience.  But God’s Word reveals an amazing ‘journey’ for believers from physical death through to, “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Pe 3:13)

As the children of Israel struggled in the 1930’s in the face of violent hatred, so The Friends of Israel was birthed in response to provide solidarity and relief. 85 years on and the struggle continues for the “apple of God’s eye”. Whether it is the deep rooted divisions within, or dissenters & destroyers on every side, Israel still has a challenging journey ahead before her deliverance will finally come.

We live in a world where hatred is growing at an exponential rate. AntiSemitism is often referred to as “the oldest hatred”, but would you recognise it if you saw it?

When people speak of ‘heaven’ , they may have a wide range of thoughts in mind. Some may be influenced by people’s reported experiences , or cultural responses to grief or even,Hollywood’s ‘theology’ of the afterlife. Even among Jewish people there is no consensus on the actual existence or substance of ‘heaven. The Talmud speaks of Olam Haba' (the world to come) with some thing akin to the Garden of Eden restored, while others say ‘heaven’ is more allegory than a real place.

“We remember” is the slogan we are encouraged to publish on Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) in an effort to keep the memory of this horrific chapter of history alive.

The Christmas story is a familiar one to us. It culminates with the birth of our Saviour in the little village of Bethlehem of Judea, which had a population of around 300 at the time.

Why Bethlehem and not a seemingly more suitable site for Jesus' entry into this world?

In this special Christmas devotional from Jim Showers, executive director of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, learn more about the significance of the house of bread—Bethlehem—as you prepare your heart and mind for the celebration of Christ's birth this year.