Points of Interest
January 14th, 2009
(By Nathan Williams)
Russell Moore argues that we should support Israel in time of war.
“We know that these are the kinsmen according to the flesh of our Messiah. There’s a reason, therefore, the Powers rage against them so. A Christian anti-Semite is a contradiction in terms.”
There is a very interesting interview over at the 9marks blog on the exclusivity of monologue preaching with Steve Timmis, author of the book Total Church.
“Trying to do it all” is the number 1 stupidest thing a pastor can do in a church, at least according to a new book, entitled Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing. (It seems to us that things like a lack of Christ-centeredness or a lack of biblical fidelity would have been better candidates for number 1. Then again, if numerical growth is the primary goal … )
I don’t think Dr. Moore offered a Biblically compelling reason why we should support Israel, in fact, this post made me wonder if he is a supercessionist.
Steve Tims opinions on dialogical preaching versus monological preaching sound fine in theory, but with a church of more than 25-30 attendees it would be pretty impractical. Besides, I thought that was what Sunday School and small groups were for.
The author of the Ten Reasons omitted anything dealing with the sovereignty of God and the power of the Gospel, which are the two keys to true Church growth.
I say let Israel take care of herself. She does a pretty good job. If the nation calls our nation for help, surely we could help her, if the request is legitimate.
I pray for all nations to come to Christ. Palestine, Israel, Nepal, America, China, etc. I pray the Gospel would go forth in Israel, and so many would come to christ.
Israel is the natural branch, and the Gentiles are the wild branches. We need to remember this methinks. But the leaders in Israel right now have the devil as their father, just as in the day of Jesus Christ, as far as i can see.
I Believe We SHOULD SUPPORT ISRAEL in time of war as we should in time of peace. Genisis 12 v3 “I will bless those who bless you and him who dishonours you I will Curse”
ISRAEL is Gods land the Jews are His chosen People, although the Jew’s did not recognise that Jesus Christ (the annointed one) was The messaih Paul then gave the message to the Gentiles, and we as believers are accepted as Children of the Most High God as are the Jews,to which I support wholeheartedly as a Beliver.
The Government are not perfect as we are not perfect and we all make mistakes in this life.
Remember HAMAS started this last conflict for 3 years they have been firing rockets at Israel with no retaliation enough is enough so they defend themselves.
Hamas place rocket bases and strategic points in vunerable places so they can get the world on there side when Israel kill civilians and the children just like the cowards they are.
Russll Moore article:
Not supporting Israel does not make you an anti-semite although this is what seems to be implied. I see no reason why I should support a people group who behave in a way contrary to God- Israel is after all a secular state, not one based on biblical conditions set by God.
Our support should go first and foremost to our Christian brothers and sisters- the palestinians- who actually happen to be the ones under attack and not making any trouble for anyone! Christian arabs do exist and siding with the jews because they are ‘the people of God’ won’t get you any brownie points with God.
Dr. Moore is a “historic” premillenialist in the mold of George Eldon Ladd, so the supercessionist label would not appear to be unwarranted.