Pass – over Easter?

19 04 2019

Passover Lamb

Do Passover and Easter conflict with each other? As a Christian Zionist, this is important to me. There are three reasons they agree and one huge reason they conflict. It’s really not that complicated. The original events commemorated are in total agreement. It is only the later traditions added that confuse the issue.

So let me explain. Have you heard of this saying about the Old and New Testaments? “The Old is in the New revealed and the New is in the Old concealed.” This is a summary of the concept that, as Yehovah God was revealing His purpose, first with Israel and then all the nations, it was a progressive revelation.

Passover, and the other feasts of Yehovah in Leviticus 23, are the pattern for the entire Bible/human history. Before the Messiah came, the possibility of relationship with God was primarily national. After He came it was revealed to be intimately personal. This was not a new plan, but was hidden in the Torah, or Old Testament, all along. Abraham was saved not for who he was, but because he believed God. For example, here is a paragraph I recently wrote for a small group in my home town:

Celebrating the resurrection is certainly Biblical because it is the fulfillment of First Fruits, the third feast of Yehovah on the morning after the Sabbath. See Leviticus 23.  Yeshua (Jesus) is the Passover Lamb. He is also the Unleavened (by sin) Bread, and then the first fruit from the dead. Hallelujah! (FYI – I personally do not use the name “Easter” because it comes from the name of the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, goddess of fertility, and thus the rabbits and eggs.)

So, the three feasts of Passover week are fulfilled in Jesus with perfect symmetry. The same is true for Shavuot/Pentecost, and the Fall Feasts. (I gave a ten-minute summary of each Feast in this radio interview. Listen to the first part about Passover.)

The big deal about the clash between Passover and Easter, is certainly not about Scripture, it is about tradition. As I said in the above quote, Easter is a name traced back to the top Babylonian goddess, a pagan deity of fertility that appears by many names throughout history. This was never originally associated with the resurrection of Yeshua. It was later added intentionally to divert from Jesus.

The crazy fact is that even though the name Easter came into use many hundreds of years after Jesus, the name actually appears in the King James Bible in a mega translation error:

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Acts 12:4 KJV

This is terribly unfortunate because virtually all other translations make the correction. The Greek word is “Pesach” which literally means “Passover.” If you look at the preceding verses in the New King James you see a direct reference to Passover (Unleavened Bread) in verse 3.

Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Acts 12:1-4 NKJV

As for me and my house, we will celebrate two glorious historic days of deliverance this weekend. We will thank our Father God for the fabulous night almost 4,000 years ago that the death Angel passed over every house, which had the blood of a spotless lamb on the doorpost. We will also celebrate and worship the living Lamb of God who died and rose from the dead after three days; whose blood has washed over us who believe, so that we are clean before God. Death has passed over us by the gracious unmerited favor of God over all who believe in Him, who is the Living Passover Lamb.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)


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Understanding Hamas?

16 04 2019

Hamas

What is Hamas? Hamas is the acronym of al-Harakat al-Muqawwama al-Islamiyya—the name of the Islamic Resistance Movement, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist terror organization that is legally banned by the United States, Canada, the EU and Israel. CUFI

 

The above definition of Hamas by Christians United For Israel rightly explains that Hamas is an acronym for the terror movement’s Arabic name. Why did they specifically choose to end up with Hamas as their name? The answer is in the Bible. The five letter name has a subtle message to Israelis. Even though it is an acronym in Arabic, it forms a real word in Hebrew. What is the word? It is “violence”. Here are a few examples of “hamas” in the Hebrew text. Each use of “violence” is the Hebrew word “hamas”. Try changing “violence” to “hamas” as you read.

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. … And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Genesis 6:11 & 13

The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3

Yehovah tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Psalm 11:5

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Proverbs 4:17

The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. Proverbs 21:7

Over fifty more verses in the Bible use this Hebrew word and the Hamas terrorists know it well and intended it to intimidate Israel. (Read the list of uses of “violence”.) However, they fail because Yehovah God fights for Israel. When you scan down the list, you see that God will settle accounts with all men who use violence in such a way.

Remember that Yehovah judged the entire planet in Noah’s day. You can be sure that he will judge this present day terror group, and all the terror clones that rule and intimidate with violence.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                        (Read more)

In an unprecedented event, hundreds from San Antonio’s Jewish community, joined by Jewish leaders from throughout the US and Israel, celebrated and expressed appreciation for the past four decades of Pastor John and Diana Hagee’s ardent support for the state of Israel, through CUFI, which now has over 5.6 million members.


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Not Flesh and Blood

11 04 2019

Younger Israelis

For several months now, I have heard that we are to bind the spirit of Haman (from the Book of Esther)  in the U.S. and Israel. The same spirit attacks both Trump and Netanyahu. We will see victory when we carry the fight into Satan’s realm. I believe the strong victory of Netanyahu in this week’s election is one such win.

Do you think we can take this phrase literally? “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” Until we do, we will keep losing our spiritual battles.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

The word for “wrestle” is from a Greek root that means to “vibrate”. Maybe that is the source of the slang: “bad vibes”. We indeed are in a cosmic battle for this planet. But it is not about human enemies (flesh & blood), but real living beings (spiritual hosts of wickedness) in heavenly places. These are real demonic forces in another dimension, who are principalities and rulers. There is no battleground in which to engage them. They occupy “heavenly places.” How can this be? There are three heavens in the Bible. One is the physical canopy of the clouds, sun, moon, and stars. Then there is the Heaven of God’s residence, the third heaven. But, in between, is the second heaven, the sphere where Satan holds limited authority over the earthly realm of unbelievers.

The apostle Paul spoke of a “third heaven.” He also spoke of “the prince of the power of the air,”

Satan’s power is less than the authority given to believers, in and through the Messiah, Jesus. Therefore, we must learn to wrestle and triumph over the enemy, through spiritual means. That is why Jesus gave us His power and authority in the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in us is greater than the devil or his demons. The problem is that many believers are unaware of our authority, and thus try to fight against flesh and blood humans. It is time for us to rise up in the Holy Spirit and carry the battle to the real enemy.

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Jesus: Luke 10:19-20

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 to get the full picture of the armor of God. It is time go to war in the second heaven, and to wake up, stand up, and speak up, for the Kingdom of Yehovah God and King Jesus.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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Israel Election!

8 04 2019

Israel votes

Please pray for God’s purpose and blessing for Israel’s elections tomorrow (midnight tonight Eastern Daylight time). I still believe Prime Minister Netanyahu is chosen to lead Israel at this time. He has been under accusations at home similar to President Trump in America.

Our intercession has been based on the Book of Esther. Pray that the spirit of Haman (which is the spirit of Amalek) would be bound, and pray that the evil plot would be revealed. I am praying this way for both countries, and both leaders.

For Israel, it is about dividing the land. For the U.S it is about blessing and standing with Israel. President Trump has been the most pro-Israel president in history.

Great news announced yesterday by PM Netanyahu! He declared that he will extend sovereignty over the West Bank (Biblical Judea and Samaria). He is the first Prime Minister in Israel’s modern history to say there will be no Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the Sea. That is really big! It is the end of the “two state” fantasy.

“Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria – with US support” – Netanyahu in special interview: ‘There will be no Palestinian state – I am making sure of it.’ Watch: (The most important part in the video starts at about 4:20.)

​I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; ​​They shall never hold their peace day or night. ​​You who make mention of Yehovah, do not keep silent, ​​and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Isaiah 62:6-7

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


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Palestine-O-Phobia?

3 04 2019

palestinemapjan082019

We have a new phobia used to attack Jews and Christians. It has been confirmed by none other than the Mayor of New York City. Before I start, let me share my opinion about “Islamophobia,” which has been quite useful in intimidating just about everybody from uttering even the slightest criticism of Islam. Now to be sure, a proper attitude should be maintained in all civil discourse, but disagreement and even criticism is a necessary component of a free society (freedom of speech).

Islamophobia by definition means being afraid of Islam. I am not afraid of Islam, I just disagree with its basic tenets of religion and its political form of Sharia. Conflating fear, with a difference of opinion, is a propaganda coup. Again, I. Am. Not. Afraid. In fact, I love muslim people and praise God for the millions who are finding Jesus as the Son of God, and becoming ex-muslims. (My book, Simple Islam, is available on Kindle for a modest price.)

As a Christian (Zionist) I believe that the Messiah came to save all people and loves all people including Muslims. Yet, according to basic Biblical revelation, it requires our assent and embracing of the aforementioned Savior as sent by Yehovah God to provide the salvation the world so desperately needs.

So, back to Palestine-O-Phobia. A New York City Councilman lost his seat on an immigration committee this week because he stated the fact that there is no country of Palestine and never has been one. The mayor demanded that he apologize. Can you take back a true statement?

De Blasio demands apology for ‘there is no Palestine’ statement – “There is no state by that name; there is no place by that name. That’s a fact. I did not make it up,” says New York City councilman. (Israel National News)

Where exactly is your ‘Palestine,’ Mayor de Blasio? – He did not play by the rules, as dictated by the Democrats, so New York City Councilman Kalman Yeger has been bounced off the council’s immigration committee. That’s his punishment for saying “there is no Palestine,” and then refusing to apologize, and if they could send him to a Soviet-Mao style “re-education camp,” they would. We don’t have reorientation gulags here yet, but it’s coming, and already exists on campus. Free speech for me, but not for thee. One man speaks up and it’s like he disturbed a wasps-nest.

…since 1964…the ‘Palestinians’ have been the world’s number one concern, even though they have been nothing but a headache and exist in no history books. Nothing to be found about them before June 2, 1964. That’s when the Arab League certified them as the PLO. That’s when they became a ‘people’ — a people still in search of an ancestry. So far, no luck.” (Jack Engelhard Israel National News)

Is It Islamophobic To Deny That ‘Palestine’ Exists? – Prior to 1948 and the birth of Israel, the only group that answered to the name “Palestinians” were Jewish residents of the British Mandate for Palestine. Non-Jews who lived there considered themselves Arabs, not Palestinians, because there had never in history been a separate Palestinian Arab political entity or, prior to the birth of modern Zionism, a national movement that represented the ambitions of such a group. (Prophecy News Watch)

Yet, even on the lie that “there is a country called Palestine”, some accuse of Islamophobia. There seems to be no limit on the outlandish claims. Let’s pray that cooler heads prevail, or better yet, pray that the revealed truth of the Bible will be received by all who love the truth.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain. (Thank God for this week’s rain!)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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Jewish “Deal of the Century”

28 03 2019

SovereigntySince President Trump recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel (including redrawing the map), many Israeli’s are moving on to recognizing the West Bank as Israel. The Bible refers to that area as Judea and Samaria. From a trickle just a few years ago, it is now a flood of calls to annex or at least extend sovereignty over the West Bank.

A survey conducted by the Sovereignty Journal suggests that a large majority of Israeli Jews now oppose the two-state solution, with growing support for the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Also in the journal: There has been significant progress in the first and only Outline Plan (TAMA) to include Judea and Samaria as part of the State of Israel. ‘The Jewish Deal of the Century’ – INN

So what is the Bible context of such a goal? God’s original promise to Abraham clearly defined the final borders of Israel. The question is only: When will this happen?

So Yehovah made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River… Genesis 15:18 NLT

US Recognition of the Golan Paves Way for Other Biblical Lands – An Israeli official pointed to US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty on the Golan Heights as an opportunity to officially reclaim other biblical lands captured during the Six Day War. (Israel Today)

Mr. President, let’s repeat Golan Heights in Judea and Samaria – Trump could well turn his attention now to recognising the legal right of Jews to live in Judea and Samaria. (INN)

US redrawing official maps to include Golan as part of Israel – State Department official says maps will be updated to reflect change in policy and Israel’s need for ‘secure and defensible borders’ (Times of Israel)

At the time of those events,” says Yehovah, “when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land. Joel 3:1-2 NLT

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

Sovereignty2

Author’s note: The cartoon — commissioned exclusively for this article — is by Yaakov Kirschen aka “Dry Bones”- one of Israel’s foremost political and social commentators — whose cartoons have graced the columns of Israeli and international media publications for decades. His cartoons can be viewed at Drybonesblog


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You Said It, You Did It.

25 03 2019

Prime Minister Netanyahu made another of his excellent speeches today in the White House with President Trump. The occasion was the Declaration of the US recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in northern Israel. This one-minute clip highlights the fact that President Trump does what he says he will do. The PM mentions four times that the President said he would do something for Israel and each time he did. Therefore, he is Israel’s best friend. (Click here for the full fourteen-minute video.)

During my recent Florida ministry, I declared everywhere that we should pray for the spirit of Haman (from the Book of Esther) to be bound and the evil plot exposed. Today we see that happening in the news, with the Mueller Report finding no collusion. Also, one of Trump’s worst critics, Michael Avenatti, was arrested for multiple criminal acts. The Golan decision is part of allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

Now we wait for the results of two more reports that will likely be shocking to the Haman plotters.

Trump allies await results of two internal probes  – Trump allies are now awaiting the results of two long-running internal probes that could expose the back story behind the Russia probe’s beginnings — and provide more detail on already-documented misconduct among top FBI and DOJ officials.

  1. DOJ Inspector General (IG) Michael Horowitz confirmed at a panel discussion last week that his office is continuing to review potential surveillance abuses by the FBI, a review that began last March and that Fox News is told is nearing completion.

  2. Republicans, meanwhile, are increasingly looking for answers from U.S. Attorney for Utah John Huber, who was appointed a year ago by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to review not only surveillance abuses by the FBI and DOJ, but also authorities’ handling of the probe into the Clinton Foundation. 

The attempted genocide of the Jews has been repeated throughout history, yet Yehovah God has preserved them to this very day.

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes. Esther 3:5-6 NLT

We must continue to intercede for our nation and for Israel, where Netanyahu is under similar accusations from the same spirit of Haman. God is moving, but we must keep praying.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)

 


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