Peace in the Face of Peril
by Ron Matsen
An Eye-opening Excursion
Over the past few decades, Koinonia House has encouraged people to donate to our Israel Relief Fund. As the fund builds over time we look for ways in which we can assist the people of Israel. In the past we have given funds for a wide range of items including the purchase of emergency services equipment, blankets to IDF soldiers, and civil defense support just to name a few. As 2018 drew to a close, we became aware of a unique opportunity that really resonated with us. Brian Hughes, who is a long-standing member of our Board of Directors, informed us that in a discussion with the Israeli Ambassador to New Zealand he was made aware of an exciting opportunity to support a children’s play facility in Sderot. With the exchange of a few emails of introduction I found myself being ushered into a world I could never have imagined. After careful and prayerful consideration, the Board of Koinonia House unanimously agreed to donate the accumulated Israel Relief funds to a very special play area in Sderot, Israel.
It was decided that, following our 2018 BASE Tour to Israel, my wife Marcie and I would travel to Sderot and make a formal presentation of our financial support for their ongoing project to provide a bomb-proof indoor playground for the children of the city. As we enjoyed the pleasant drive south from Jerusalem through the fertile western plains of Judea, I experienced a mixture of excitement and trepidation, given the fact that just 3 weeks earlier more than 300 Qassam rockets had been launched into southern Israel with most of them being aimed at Sderot.
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Covenants Which Can’t Be Ignored
by Dr. Chuck Missler
Originally Published by Chuck Missler on January 1, 2000.
Keeping Promises
The “Peace Process” grinds on as the world continues to align itself against Israel and our government continues to stiff our only ally in the Middle East. As politicians continue to meddle in the region, we need to remember the Biblical basis of Israel’s right to the land. It doesn’t belong to the Palestinians… or to the UN… or to the U.S… or even Israel! It is the Lord’s.
In a larger sense, “the Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” And yet, it is strange to realize that God has singled out a particular piece of real estate for His own special purposes and put His name on it.
Place your finger in your Bible at Genesis Chapter 12. Place another finger at Acts Chapter 2. Now pick it up by the pages between your two fingers: what you have between those two fingers — most of the Bible — is all about Israel!
And God has made certain covenants with Israel. It comes as a shock to many to discover that all our rights and privileges — even as a Church — derive from these covenants. We need a doctrinal as well as devotional understanding of the Word of God, so we need to fully understand these irrevocable commitments.
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Regular Bible Study
by Gunnar Johnson
I really like the start of the new year, it represents a new beginning, or a fresh reboot, for God to do something brand new. Every year, I start with a new devotional Bible study plan. Personally, I don’t use scripted Bible study plans, although I have nothing against them. Many people are blessed by them, but I prefer to sit with the Lord, ask what He wants me to study, and how He wants to guide me through His Word in the new year.
The complexity of my life is not covered in one Bible study plan throughout the course of a year. More spiritual nourishment is needed than a few minutes in a pre-planned devotional.
There are several facets to take into consideration in my particular situation. Daily, I take time to pray and listen to the Bible first thing in the morning. I also have writing projects, then there are the teaching and preaching opportunities — as well as trying to discern where the Lord wants to lead my company, and what He wants me to teach the staff throughout the year. I’ve divided my study into three areas (personal devotional time, public ministry study, and company leadership study), and most days, they happen at different times of the day. Sometimes there are overlaps, but most of the time, these stay separate. As I write this, I am wondering if other leaders do the same. Maybe I’ll ask a few friends.
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