Monday, June 18, 2012

Eight Gates of Jerusalem Today

Sites and Insights: Gates of Jerusalem - Jerusalem Post
06/18/2012 17:47

There are 8 gates of Jerusalem today; but the Bible promises 12 in the future.

Jerusalem Light Festival, Damascus Gate
Photo: Courtesy
Wayne Stiles has never recovered from his travels in the Holy Land. Follow him on Twitter (@WayneStiles) or on his blog at www.waynestiles.com.

The walls and gates of Jerusalem have expanded and contracted over the centuries like the breathing of a living being.

The walls of the Old City of Jerusalem are such that we have to enter through the gates—just as people did for thousands of years.

Gates were more than passageways. They served as places for personal business and civic affairs (see Ruth 4:1). Gates often took their names from the distant cities they faced, like Jaffa, Damascus, and Shechem.

The gates of Jerusalem today mostly date from the time when Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt the walls around 1537. Moving counterclockwise around the wall:

Jaffa Gate

Jaffa Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

Because the Jaffa Gate also faces Hebron, where Abraham is buried, Arabs call the gate, Bab el-Khalil, “Gate of the Friend,” because of Isaiah 41:8. The gate offers easy access to the Citadel Museum and a walk on the ramparts. General Allenby memorably entered Jerusalem in 1917 through the Jaffa Gate.

Zion Gate

Zion Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

Immediately south of this gate sits modern “Mount Zion.” Its Arabic name, Bab Nabi Daud, “Gate of the Prophet David”—came about because David’s tomb supposedly rests on Mount Zion. A misnomer on all counts, biblical Zion (as well as David’s Tomb), rests east of its modern designation. The gate wears a pockmarked facade, voiceless scars from the fierce fighting for the Jewish Quarter in 1948.

Dung Gate

Dung Gate (BiblePlaes.com)

The unusual name stems from a gate that stood along the city’s south wall in the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:13). The Targum identifies the Dung Gate as the “Potsherd Gate” of Jeremiah 19:2. In antiquity, the city dump lay in the nearby Hinnom Valley, and the Potsherd Gate served as the exit by which the citizens took out the garbage.

Golden Gate

Golden Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

Bricked closed for more than 1,000 years, this gate is sometimes confused with the “Beautiful Gate” of the Second Temple (Acts 3:10). Muslim tradition holds that a conqueror or the Messiah will enter through this gate. Indeed, the Bible does predict the glory of the Lord will enter the Temple by means of “the eastern gate” (Ezekiel 43:4), but who knows if it refers to this one. Regardless, no bricked gate will deter the Messiah.

Stephen’s Gate

Stephen's Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

Christians have identified this gate with Stephen’s name in honor of his martyrdom outside the city (Acts 7:58-60). However, Byzantines placed his death outside a northern gate. Another name, “Lion’s Gate,” comes from the stone reliefs of two lions (or panthers or jaguars) that flank the gate.

Herod’s Gate

Herod's Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

Sometimes called the “Gate of Flowers,” or Bab ez-Zahar, this gate took Herod’s name in the 16th or 17th century because pilgrims mistook a Mamluk house near the gate to be Herod Antipas’ palace. In this area the Crusaders penetrated the walls to capture the city in 1099.

Damascus Gate

Damascus Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

A fine example of Ottoman architecture, this is the most beautiful of the gates of Jerusalem. Excavations below the gate reveal a triple-arched gateway that Hadrian built—the northern extent of the Cardo street from the second century. Outside the gate, an Arab market offers fresh fruit and vegetables. The Jews call it the “Shechem Gate,” and the Arabs refer to it as the "Gate of the Column.”

New Gate

New Gate (BiblePlaces.com)

The antiquity of the city walls is betrayed by the “New Gate,” opened in 1887 as a means of convenient northwest access to the Old City. I lodged for a week in the Christian Quarter years ago, grateful for the easy access the New Gate allowed to the city streets.

The Future Gates of Jerusalem

The 8 gates of Jerusalem have stood for centuries. But the Prophet Ezekiel predicted a day when the gates of Jerusalem would total 12—one for each of Israel’s tribes (Ezekiel 48:31-34).

Ezekiel also mentions that when the Messiah reigns in Jerusalem, the city will even receive an additional name: “The Lord is There.”

Wayne Stiles has never recovered from his travels in the Holy Land. Follow him on Twitter (@WayneStiles) or on his blog at www.waynestiles.com.

Romney seeks Christian vote with support for Israel

Romney seeks Christian vote with support for Israel
Romney seeks Christian vote with support for Israel

US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Saturday committed himself to staunchly supporting Israel in its showdown with Iran should he win November's election against President Barack Obama.

"I would make it very clear that for us, as well as for them, it is unacceptable for Iran to become a nuclear nation," Romney told a Christian political gathering in Pennsylvania, where he accused Obama of being "more frightened that Israel might take military action than he is concerned that Iran might become nuclear."

The unequivocal declarations of support for Israel were seen as an effort to boost Romney's elect-ability among conservative Christians, a segment of Republican voters with which Romney is unpopular with due to his Mormon faith.

In related news, the results of a survey published this week showed that a 70 percent majority of Israelis view America as a strong and reliable ally, and 91 percent fully believe that if Israel were facing an immediate existential threat, the US would come to her aid.

On the other hand, a growing number of Israelis do not trust Obama. Only 38 percent of Israelis said they have a positive view of Obama, while 23 percent do not like the US president at all. The rest responded with a neutral stance.

Should Romney succeed in his White House bid, 30 percent of Israelis believe the Republican will improve US-Israel relations, while 26 percent see relations remaining the same as they are today. Only 6 percent felt Romney would be worse for Israel than Obama.

The survey was carried out by the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, the Bar-Ilan University Center for International Communication, and the Anti-Defamation League.

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23260/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Expert Gives Proof of Jewish Sovereignty over Jerusalem

Expert Gives Proof of Jewish Sovereignty over Jerusalem

 
 
JERUSALEM, Israel -- Jerusalem is the most contested city in the world. But who does it belong to according to international law?

A two-day conference, entitled "The Status of Jerusalem Under International Law, Future Options for the City," addressed that crucial question this week. The conference highlighted the research of Dr. Jacques Gautier, a lawyer and expert in international law who presented his work to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

"The intention was to present the facts," Gautier told CBN News.

Gautier's work, called "Sovereignty over the Old City of Jerusalem,"a is 1,300 pages long, with 3,200 footnotes. It took 25 years of research to produce.

"I found there was a moment in history when decisions were made under international law that are pertinent and relevant today," he said.

Gautier points to the 1920 San Remo Conference. After World War I, the Supreme Council of the Allied Powers, with the legal authority, decided "in favor of the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people."

In fact, Chaim Weizman, who attended this conference, immediately declared this is the most important moment in the history of the Jewish people since the Exile. It's the turning point from the point of view of international law," Gautier said.

"It's already been decided. And I want the world to stop ignoring what took place in San Remo; what took place with the council of the League of Nations," he continued.

Yet most of the world either denies, ignores, or is ignorant of the right given to the Jewish people under international law.

"Right now in the media (and) at the U.N., you constantly hear that the Jewish people are there as outlaws, they're trespassers, they're thieves, they're wrongfully there," Gautier explained. "If my conclusions are well founded and they're in fact there as a right, according to international law and they're not thieves," he said.

"We cannot deny the rights that have been given to the Jewish people," he concluded.

After 25 years of research, Gautier is convinced all of Jerusalem has been granted to the Jewish people as part of their national homeland.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

HIGHWAY TO ZION ASSEMBLY

You are invited to join us!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HIGHWAY TO ZION ASSEMBLY
Worship, Dance, Shabbat Candle-lighting

       Cathy Hargett - Founder, Highway To Zion

You are invited to join us!!
Ze'ev Nevo is a speaker you do not want to miss!
Please come!

Friday, June 15, 2012  ~~ ~ 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

~ I N T R O D U C I N G ~


Ze’ev Nevo
Director of Israel Media Ministries
www.israelmediaministries.org
Gifted Speaker, Israeli Sabra, and most importantly,
devoted disciple of Yeshua ha Mashiach!

To give you a preview into Ze’ev’s story, read these excerpts
from his profile:

“Being a son of a Holocaust survivor and growing up in a secular Jewish family in Jerusalem, I never thought too much about God. After all, how can I believe in God after the Holocaust? Who would believe that today I am writing to you not just as a believer in God but as a believer in Jesus? I came to faith in Jesus (I usually call Him by His Hebrew name Yeshua) in 1999 when I was 27 years old…….It was in 2006 that I felt I must do something more extreme to share Yeshua with the people of Israel.  That’s when I began to serve full time with an evangelistic organization in Israel…..Then, one night, a very unusual thought came to me — I knew it was the Lord….. A journey of faith began that day that took my family and I out of Israel for the sake of Israel… much like the story of Joseph.”

Ze’ev is a powerful and winsome speaker who challenges your mind and your spirit with his insights.  His heart to reach his Jewish people with the truth of Yeshua ha Mashiach through the founding of Israel Media Ministries will touch you and inspire you to be part of the restoration of Israel. 

Messianic Worship Band!
Leader, Steve Martin of Love for His People Ministries
Laurie Martin (LFHP), Patty Paquette (HTZ), Ron Bowen (LFHP)
Gid Anthony (BY), Wane Daroux (BY)

Worship Dance!
Congregational worship dance with Highway to Zion Messianic Worship
Dancers and representatives from Beit Yeshua’s Machol Dancers
and anyone and everyone – whosoever will! -  who wants to come forward and dance together
as the sons and daughters of the God of Israel, in the joy, praise, and worship of Yeshua ha Mashiach!

Location:
Raintree Country Club
8600 Raintree Lane
Charlotte, NC  28277
RSVP if you're coming! :  Highwaytozion@aol.com

Israel: Jesus was not born in Palestine!


Israel: Jesus was not born in Palestine!


Israel: Jesus was not born in Palestine!

Israel is conducting a last-ditch diplomatic effort to prevent the Palestinian Authority from officially registering the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem as a World Heritage Site belonging to the country of "Palestine."

Later this month, the UN's World Heritage Committee will meet in Russia to debate inclusion of several sites from around the world. The committee confirmed that the Church of the Nativity is one of sites to be discussed.

The Palestinian effort to label Jesus' birthplace as being part of "Palestine" was made possible by last year's decision by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to officially recognize the fictional state.

Israeli officials told local media that the Church of the Nativity is indeed a World Heritage Site, but that listing it under "Palestine" is both erroneous and harmful to the peace process. The Palestinian Authority has for years been trying to paint Jesus as one of their national heroes and further deny both his Jewishness and affiliation with Israel.

Yasser Arafat used to openly declare Jesus to be a Palestinian as he kicked off Christmas from Bethlehem every year. His successors, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and prime minister Salam Fayyad, have continued the trend.

"Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate the Palestinian identity of Jesus Christ," declared Fayyad as he flipped the switch lighting a 50-foot Christmas tree in Bethlehem's Manger Square last December.

The lie has fully permeated Arab society in the region.

In a December 3, 2010 interview with Palestinian Authority TV, Samih Ghanadreh from Nazareth was asked about his new book "Christianity and its Connection to Islam." Ghanadreh told the host that he remembers fondly how Arafat would label Jesus as "the first Palestinian Shahid (martyr)," to which the host matter-of-factly responded, "Jesus was a Palestinian; no one denies that."

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23255/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Worthy Is The Lamb

The Lord Is Good (Hillsong)

Gaza kindergartners want to 'blow up Zionists'

Gaza kindergartners want to 'blow up Zionists'


Kids at Islamic Jihad kindergarten celebrate end of year by demonstrating how Palestinian prisoners are 'tortured' in Israel. Teacher: We educate them to love resistance, Palestine
Elior Levy
Published: 06.12.12, 18:08 / Israel News

Children attending a kindergarten in Gaza that is run by Islamic Jihad celebrated their graduation by dressing up in army attire, waving toy rifles and chanting anti-Israel slogans.


"It is our obligation to educate the children to love the resistance, Palestine and Jerusalem, so they will recognize the importance of Palestine and who its enemy is," the kindergarten's director said.



מדמים חייל שמטביע עצור פלסטיני


'Palestinian prisoner tortured.'


The children were dressed up in uniforms of Jihad's armed-wing, the al-Quds Brigades, and each of them received a toy rifle. Some of them held up photos of Islamic Jihad founder Fathi Shaqaqi.


סוף שנה בעזה

'Palestinian prisoner and Israeli guard'

The event was attended by the children's relatives, some of whom belong to Islamic Jihad and other armed Palestinian factions.


חגיגת סיום של הילדים הקטנים בעזה

'Until I die as a shahid.' Gaza kids during party

During the ceremony the children were asked to stand next to mock coffins draped with flags of the various armed factions. The flags bore the images of "shahids (martyrs)."


הילדים על רקע מסגד בהר הבית

Kindergartners defend 'al-Aqsa mosque'

One child, Hamza, said "When I grow up I'll join Islamic Jihad and the al-Quds Brigades. I'll fight the Zionist enemy and fire missiles at it until I die as a shahid and join my father in heaven.

"I love the resistance and the martyrs and Palestine, and I want to blow myself up on Zionists and kill them on a bus in a suicide bombing," he said.


During the ceremony the children "demonstrated" how Israel treats Palestinian prisoners. In the display, handcuffed children depicting inmates were placed in cages, with an "Israeli guard" standing nearby.

Another child depicting an Israeli prison guard placed the head of a "Palestinian prisoner" in a bucket of water to demonstrate how Palestinian prisoners are "tortured" in Israel.

"At every kindergarten graduation ceremony we focus on the children to represent the role of struggling and resistance in the way of Allah so they will grow up to love the resistance and serve the cause of Palestine and Holy Jihad, as well as to make them leaders and fighters to defend the holy soil of Palestine," one of the teachers said.


http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4241588,00.htm


JERUSALEM - OLD CITY - 2010 WALKING TOUR - 1080P HD

Israel Marks Record Tourism in First Five Months

Israel Marks Record Tourism in First Five Months


  

JERUSALEM, Israel -- In the first five months of 2012, Israel welcomed 1.42 million tourists, surpassing a 2010 record by 4 percent.

May saw around 321,000 tourists, also a 4 percent rise from May 2010 and 2011, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported.

Despite cancellations in 2011 attributed to uprisings in surrounding countries, such as Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Libya, Syria and others, during the "Arab spring," Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said record number of tourists has helped the economy tremendously.

"The records and the constant increases in incoming tourism are proof that investment in the sector contributes to increasing revenue for the country and creates thousands of new jobs," Misezhnikov said.

Time for 'financial Zionism', urges Israeli basketball star

Time for 'financial Zionism', urges Israeli basketball star
Time for 'financial Zionism', urges Israeli basketball star
American-born former Israeli basketball star Tal Brody is urging fellow Israelis and supporters of the Jewish state around the world to combat the destructive BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement with what he calls "financial Zionism."

In a column for the Times of Israel, Brody notes that while Israel's hi-tech sector and large corporations are doing well on the global scene, small Israeli businesses are suffering at the hands of those of Israel's critics that want to punish her for perceived injustices against the Palestinians.

"It is a phenomenon that cannot be trivialized, because literally thousands of Israeli jobs could be lost should the tide not be reversed," writes Brody.

Brody, who is today a Goodwill Ambassador for Israel, says the solution, in addition to advocating for Israel, is to "buy blue and white." By purchasing Israeli-made goods from Israeli suppliers and retailers, the BDS movement can be effectively opposed and even neutralized.

Israel Today is ready to help on both fronts.

You can subscribe to our monthly magazine and get the information you need to be a better goodwill ambassador for Israel. Click Here to learn how to get 15% OFF your subscription rate

You can also buy from our Jerusalem Depot online store, which carries only made-in-Israel goods produces by small Israeli businesses. Click Here to have a look!

Do your part - become a financial Zionist!

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23253/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Friday, June 8, 2012

Joel Manby: Love Works

Joel Manby: Love Works

LEADING WITH LOVE

“When asked what was behind our caring culture displayed on Undercover Boss, I said, ‘Well we actually use love to define our leadership culture at Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE). Not love the emotion, but love the verb,” says Joel Manby, President and CEO of HFE.

When Joel agreed to appear on the CBS show, Undercover Boss, he had no idea the response he’d receive. His episode was seen by 18 million viewers across the U.S. and was the highest rated episode, behind the show’s premiere episode following the Super Bowl. Not only were people watching, they were taking notice.

Viewers were blown away by the HFE employees’ job satisfaction, and perhaps more so by the fact that they had a boss (Joel) who truly cared for their well-being.

"The simple truth is this: there is a crisis of confidence in leadership. The level of dissatisfaction and even resentment present in the thousands of letters and email message shocked me. People felt as if they couldn't trust their leaders and bosses. That's why our episode of Undercover Boss provoked such an overwhelming response - people were hungry for something new, something better. Countless workers wanted more from their leaders and their work environment, and we were hearing about it."

Joel is a twenty year veteran of the auto industry. Serving as the CEO of Saab USA, he discovered emptiness in his big business principles and practices. He felt like he was on a high speed treadmill. He and his family moved ten times in 15 years. During one year, he spent 250 days on the road and when he was at home, he had 6 a.m. calls from Sweden and 11 p.m. calls from Asia. He kept missing family birthdays and other occasions.

Wanting a great marriage and to be a great dad, he asked his boss if he could change positions, which would cut his travel in half. His boss refused. The harder Joel worked and the higher he was promoted, the worse his life seemed to get. His self-esteem was tied up in the performance of the companies he ran. He wanted out of life, but he didn’t want to be that selfish.

When Joel was offered a position with HFE, he seized the opportunity. Once on board, Joel looked to the owners as he determined how to best lead the company. In watching them, Joel realized the word “love” best described them.

Joel has incorporated the definition of love, the verb, into the company’s existing organic culture to establish how leaders are to behave. He views love as a mode of thinking-one that has helped him deliver tangible results and position HFE as the 9th largest themed attractions company in the world.

"Leading with love is counterintuitive in today's business environment because it turns many so-called leadership principles upside-down. Yet the outpouring of support from people who had never even heard of HFE convinced me that while we might be doing something slightly crazy by leading with love, we were also doing something that people were hungry to be a part of."

Highlighting practices such as writing thank you notes to employees each day, providing assistance to 10 percent of his workforce through the Share it Forward Foundation, and letting employees make the majority of all decisions, Joel’s leadership style is controversial, yet extremely successful. Over the past decade, while many competitors were failing or struggling, HFE is thriving.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES

The seven principles Joel set-up as guidelines for HFE actually come from one of the oldest and most respected authorities on human behavior: the Bible. In 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the apostle Paul writes, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

From this verse, HFE created a leadership that would embrace love as a behavior, not an emotion. Love is:

1. PATIENT: Embracing patience is not about ignoring poor performance. When leading with love, the principle of patience means behaving with self-control in difficult situations.

2. KIND: Show encouragement and enthusiasm. Kindness doesn’t mean being nice all the time; leaders must hold people accountable.

3. TRUSTING: Place confidence in someone. To become a great leader, one needs to assume the best about each person.

4. UNSELFISH: Being unselfish doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself—it means thinking of yourself less. Move from a selfish heart to a serving heart.

5. TRUTHFUL: Define reality corporately and individually. A strong leader assures that the truth is communicated to every individual about his or her performance and how it can be improved.

6. FORGIVING: Release the grip of the grudge. What was done to us doesn’t matter in the end—all that matters is how we respond.

7. DEDICATED: Stick to your values in all circumstances. Dedicated love will create hope and enthusiasm in the work environment.

“Leading with love is too important to be left to chance. It takes effort to lead with the principles of love - to be patient, kind, trustful, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, and dedicated . . . leading with love is worth it. On every level it is more difficult, and on every level it is more rewarding, more fulfilling, more right than you can imagine,” Joel says.


Author, Love Works (2012)
Appeared on CBS hit reality show, Undercover Boss
President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (HFE)
Serves on several boards, including the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and John Scott Ministries
MBA from Harvard Business School on a GM scholarship
Valedictorian of Albion College
Wife, Marki, and four daughters


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Israel Allies to US: Recognize Jerusalem as Capital

Israel Allies to US: Recognize Jerusalem as Capital





WASHINGTON -- Members of the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation met in Washington, D.C., this week and called on the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.
Several Jewish and Christian leaders, as well as pro-Israel lawmakers, attended the group's Jerusalem Day Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday.


Rep. Allen West, R-Fla.

"Jerusalem is the rightful capital of the Jewish people, and it should stay that way," Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., said. "It should always be unified under one simple flag, that star of David, because that is David's city."

Jerusalem's ties to the Jewish people date back at least 3,000 years, to King David's reign.

The city is mentioned 600 times in the Bible's Old Testament and another 160 times in the New Testament. It is never mentioned in the Koran.

Yet a battle continues to rage today over whether Jerusalem should remain Israel's undivided capital.

Palestinian leaders and their international backers want to split the city in two and make eastern Jerusalem the capital of a future Palestinian state

"We have to be Israel's friend, and I would implore this president, who I just believe in my heart is not Israel's friend, to have a change of heart," Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill.,told CBN News.

Legislation was passed on Capitol Hill in 1995 calling for the U.S. Embassy in Israel to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Seventeen years later and that still has not happened.

In fact, successive administrations - from President Clinton to President Obama - have used a waiver to delay that decision and keep the Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The embassy issue was a major part of the agenda at the Jerusalem Day event.

"For us, the greatest country in the world, the United States of America, the greatest country the world has ever known, to be fearful of moving our embassy to Jerusalem, in my opinion, is a disgrace and we need to do that and do that right now," GOP Florida Senate candidate Dave Weldon said.

Rabbi Benny Elon, president of the Israel Allies Caucus Foundation, told CBN News that the Palestinian claim to Jerusalem was rooted not in history but hostility.

"They don't need Jerusalem," he said. "They just want to make sure that we, the Jews, shall not have it."

Elon called on all American believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to put pressure on decision-makers in Washington to remedy the problem.

For full video: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2012/June/Caucus-to-US-Acknowledge-Jerusalem-as-Israels-Capital/

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Israel Discovers More OffShore Oil and Gas

CBN News



JERUSALEM, Israel -- An Israeli company announced the discovery of another sizable offshore oil and gas field on Sunday. Israel Opportunity Energy Resources LP estimated the newest field at about 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

"The quantity of gas discovered in the licenses -- and the high probabilities -- make it the third largest off-shore discovery to date," chairman Ronny Halman told Globes. "This quantity guarantees Israel's energy future for decades," he said, "and makes it possible to export Israeli gas and boost the State's revenues without worrying about gas reserves for domestic consumption."

The latest discovery follows last June's announcement of one of the world's largest offshore gas reserves estimated at more than 16 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 800 million barrels of oil.
In addition to the offshore gas and oil fields, another Israeli company has been exploring the country's shale oil reserves, which could equal Saudi Arabia's oil reserves.

Israel Energy Initiatives chief scientists Harold Vinegar told CBN News a conservative estimate was about 250 billion barrels of oil.

In February, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias to talk about the discovery off the coast of Cyprus of natural gas deposits estimated at 8 trillion cubic feet. The two leaders discussed the possibility of a joint pipeline to export gas to Europe and Asia.

Obama now unsure Palestinians even want peace

israel today Magazine

You've read the news. Now understand it.
 
Report: Obama now unsure Palestinians even want peace

US President Barack Obama has come to realize what many Middle East observers have long known: that perhaps the Palestinian Authority leadership does not want genuine peace and coexistence with Israel.

Obama expressed that concern during a White House meeting with Orthodox Jewish leaders on Tuesday, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Over the past three years, Obama has seen the Palestinian leadership consistently refuse to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while at the same time trying to blame the impasse on Israel's rejection of far-reaching preconditions.

Washington's response to this frustrating situation has been increased pressure on Israel to make gestures toward the Palestinians, in particular by curbing Jewish construction in Jerusalem and the rest of Judea and Samaria. The apparent hope was that the Palestinians would soften up, but it also resulted in Israel feeling as though the Obama Administration was far less friendly to Israel than previous American governments.

In Tuesday's meeting, Obama insisted that was not the case, noting that all four previous American presidents had called for an end to Jewish "settlement activity." Obama said that in the overall scheme of things, his administration actually tilts in favor of Israel, a fact that has caused problems between Washington and the Palestinians.

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/23247/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Our Friend Ephraim Shaul in Liberia, West Africa

Ephraim Shaul in Libeira, West Africa



Orphans in Liberia with Ephraim



We recently received these three pictures from our good friend Ephraim Shaul in Liberia, West Africa. He cares for the orphans also pictured.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Muslim Brotherhood must not control Egypt, warns presidential candidate

Muslim Brotherhood must not control Egypt, warns presidential candidate

Muslim Brotherhood must not control Egypt, warns presidential candidate
As Egyptians wait to vote in the second round of their first truly democratic presidential election, secular candidate Ahmed Shafiq is loudly warning voters that choosing his Muslim Brotherhood rival will plunge Egypt into darkness and spark renewed conflict with Israel.

The Muslim Brotherhood already controls the Egyptian parliament, thanks to a very strong showing in legislative elections in December and January. In last week's presidential election, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Mursi took home the lion's share of the votes with 25 percent. But that wasn't enough for an outright victory, so a run-off will be held between Mursi and Shafiq, who received 24 percent of the votes, in two weeks.

In a press conference on Sunday, Shafiq cautioned that giving the Brotherhood both the parliament and the presidency will "return Egypt to the dark ages."

Shafiq insisted that despite its promises to the contrary, the Muslim Brotherhood will oppress Egyptian Christians, will try to impose Shariah Law, and will antagonize Israel by making "Palestine" the central issue for all Egyptians. Shafiq also said the Muslim Brotherhood would ignore the mounting lawlessness in the Sinai Peninsula, a situation that concerns Israel greatly as regional terror groups like Hizballah, Hamas and Al Qaeda set up base in the area.

"I represent progress and light, they represent backwardness and darkness," said Shafiq, who himself is a very divisive figure considering his past association with ousted former dictator Hosni Mubarak.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Road to Damascus: Arab Believers Risk Death for Faith

Road to Damascus: Arab Believers Risk Death for Faith

 
What happens when a Muslim comes to Christ in the Middle East? Many fear persecution so they keep their Christian faith a secret. Others, like evangelist "Rasim," boldly profess their faith and suffer dire consequences as a result. There are dangers but also blessings of embracing and sharing the Gospel in a very distressed region of the world.

Signs and Wonders

Many Muslims throughout the Middle East are coming to Christ through signs and wonders like those performed by Paul and Barnabas in the Book of Acts. The road to Damascus is where the Apostle Paul walked and stopped at the home of Ananias where he was baptized. And that was the start of an incredible ministry that has changed the world. Today in Syria, other evangelists are following in his footsteps.

One evangelist named Rasim shares his faith in a mosque with the imam. He gave the Islamic priest a copy of the Bible and the Jesus film. "I told him if you read the Bible, you'll believe and your mind will be changed -- the Lord is God and he died for you," Rasim said. "He took the Bible and he said, 'maybe.'"

Several Christians joined Rasim in the mosque and prayed for an elderly Muslim man named Bakram. He could barely walk because he had broken his knee and it had not healed properly.
"Bakram was healed and he started dancing and was very happy," Rasim said. "Hallelujah! There's a miracle in the mosque!"

Safety is a Concern

Like the secret Muslim converts and other Christians, Rasim's safety is at risk. While he is often afraid when he approaches a mosque, he said he feels the peace of God once he steps through the door in faith. And because he courageously pushes forward, the knees of a Bedouin woman were also healed recently when Rasim paid a visit to her home.

"We have fear, but Jesus is with us -- Emmanuel is with us," Rasim said. "Jesus said, 'I am with you forever' and we need to go to the mosques and everywhere to tell people the truth about Him and His love."

Christians Killed in Egypt

Believers like Rasim have good cause to fear. It is hard to be a Christian in a Muslim-dominated society, especially in Egypt where Christians were murdered in the streets earlier this year near the city of Luxor. "In November 2008 there was actually an attack of 3,000 people on a church in Cairo where they had attempted to burn it," said Caroline Doss of the American Coptic Federation. "And the attack can actually be viewed online on You Tube. You haven't heard anything about an arrest or a prosecution...That's sending a clear message to the Egyptian population that this is acceptable behavior."

It is life-threatening behavior that mainly targets converts from Islam.

Egyptian Mohammed Hegazy his family are in hiding -- running for their lives. That is because he has several fatwas -- official Islamic pronouncements of death against him because he became a Christian and then fought a legal battle to gain the right to change his religion on his national ID card.

"If you don't have the right or freedom to choose your own belief, what rights do you have," Hegazy asked. "What freedom do you have? I am not afraid because I believe in Christ. Hegazy said he was jailed and tortured by Egyptian state security agents who wanted him to return to Islam.

"They hanged me upside down by my feet and beat me repeatedly," he said. "They used to torture us with electricity on many parts of our bodies and especially on the genitals."

Conversion Kept Secret

Hegazy suffered because he publicly professed his faith. Converts from Islam often try to keep their Christianity a secret in Muslim countries. But many are eventually found out by family members and others.

"I was very worried a rock would hit one of my children or my wife," said Asif, a former Palestinian Muslim who was attacked by militant Muslims. "Thank God the rock hit me instead."

Asif's leg was broken and surgery was required. A steel rod was placed in his shattered leg. He endures ongoing threats and pain, still Asif said he will never return to Islam.

"I can't play back and forth...faith is not a game," he said. "Honestly my life has changed. I am a happier person, a better person. I have a new life now."

Compelled to Share Their Faith

Despite the risks, some bold Middle Eastern Christians feel compelled to share their faith with Muslims and other people. Several years ago, an Iraqi Christian under the alias of Hassan, started a church in Mosul. The body of believers grew from several people to 60 in about five months. One day a gunman in a passing vehicle shot Hassan. Doctors said he suffered a spinal cord injury and would never walk again.

Hassan continues to share Christ with others, but today he does it from a wheelchair in Lebanon. His paralysis has caused many difficulties, but also opportunities.

"When I witness to people about Christ, they know that I really mean what I say unto death," Hassan said. "Of course living for Christ in Iraq is not easy for anybody...despite this difficult situation the salvation of souls is taking place in big numbers among masses in Iraq."

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Israel Word - shared by Catharina Schouten

Catharina Schouten

TWICE NOW I COULD NOT CATCH MY BREATH! THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED ( SOME WEEKS AGO) THE LORD MADE IT CLEAR IT IS PROPHETICLY! ISRAEL IS IN DEEP TROUBLE. THE SECOND TIME WAS JUST A VIEW MINUTES BACK. OUT OF THE BLUE I FELT LIKE CHOKING! THE LORD TOLD ME:

IT WILL SEEM THAT ISRAEL WILL GET HELP BUT IT IS A FALSE THING! I AM WAITING SAITH THE LORD, I AM WAITING FOR MY PEOPLE TO CRY OUT TO ME! EVENTHOUGH THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE ME AS THE SON AS THEIR JEWISH MESSIAH THEY CAN CRY OUT FOR ME.

THEY CAN NOT HIDE THEIR ROOTS. THEY CAN NOT HIDE FROM ME. I AM IS STILL HERE! I LOVE MY PEOPLE BUT THEY MUST EXPECT IT FROM ME! I WILL SHOW THE WORLD THAT I AM DOES NOT SLUMBER AND DOES NOT SLEEP.
LISTEN TO ME AND THEN PRAY PRAY PRAY AND AGAIN LISTEN TO ME SO YOU CAN PRAY PROPHETICLY! FOR MY WORDS WILL NEVER RETURN IN VAIN SAITH THE LORD.

I ALSO WARN THOSE WHO LOVE MY LAND IN A ROMANTIC WAY! AS SOON AS IT CAN COST YOU YOUR LIFE, YOU WONT SUPPORT MY LAND AND MY PEOPLE, SAITH THE LORD!

SO RETURN TO ME WITH ALL THAT YOU HAVE AND ALL THAT YOU ARE AND ALL OF YOUR HEART BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR MY LAND AND MY PEOPLE! I NEED THE PURE OF HEART WHO CAN BE MY VOICE! I WILL HONOUR THEIR PRAYERS CAUSE THEY ONLY REPEAT WHAT I AM SAYING AND MY WORD WILL NOT COME BACK IN VAIN! COMFORT MY PEOPLE NOT WITH YOUR OWN FIRE IT IS PROFANE FIRE IN MY EYES SAITH THE LORD! COME TO ME AND I WILL CIRCUMCIZE YOUR HEART ( DEEPER OR EVEN FOR THE SECOND TIME)

THEN I CAN SPEAK THROUGH YOUR MOUTH AND YOU CAN TRULY BE A WATCHMAN ON THE WALL! I NEED YOU MY PEOPLE I NEED YOU AND MY LAND NEEDS YOU SAITH THE LORD.

ONLY THOSE THAT LET ME BE THEIR ALL IN ALL, ONLY THOSE THAT LET ME CIRCUMSIZE THEIR HEART, ONLY THOSE WHO DEEPLY DIE TO SELF AND THEIR OWN AMBITION, CAN STAND IN THE DAYS TO COME! PEOPLE WHO I DO NOT SEND CRY OUT THERE IS PEACE, PEACE , WHERE THERE IS NO PEACE, THESE PEOPLE HONOUR ME WITH THEIR LIPS BUT NOT WITH THEIR HEARTS!

TURN BACK TO ME! TRUST ONLY ME! NOT YOUR PLANS NOT YOUR SOLUTIONS NOT YOUR POLITICIAN , NO, TURN YOUR HEARTS ON ME! FOR I AM WHO I AM, AND I NEVER CHANGED! SAITH THE LORD

Isaiah 29 13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men

Catharina Schouten, The Netherlands (repost out of 2011)

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/catharina-schouten/23/a28/848

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Israel Eyed as Iran Hit by Computer Virus

Israel Eyed as Iran Hit by Computer Virus

 
  
TEHRAN, Iran - A powerful computer virus known as "Flame" briefly affected Iran's key oil industry computers, a senior Iranian military official said Wednesday.

The malware virus has data-snatching capabilities and can even eavesdrop on computer users. News of last month's attack is just getting out. Iran has not disclosed the full extent of the disruptions on its computer system, although the government cut Internet links to the country's main oil export terminal -- a move that appeared to be an attempt to contain the virus.

Experts see similarities between Flame and the Stuxnet virus, which disrupted Iran's nuclear centrifuges in 2010. Stuxnet was widely believed to be the work of Israeli intelligence, leading to speculation that Israeli programmers may have struck again.

The Iranian government said the sophisticated Flame virus appeared to be espionage, but didn't blame a specific country or source for the attack.

Israeli officials neither confirmed nor denied an Israeli role in the cyber attack. When asked about Flame, Vice Premier Moshe Yaalon said, "Whoever sees the Iranian threat as a significant threat is likely to take various steps, including these, to hobble it."

"Israel is blessed with high technology, and we boast tools that open all sorts of opportunities for us," he added.

Iranian leaders said experts have successfully produced an anti-virus program to combat Flame and remove the malware from its computers.

US Tax Dollars Funding Palestinian Corruption?

US Tax Dollars Funding Palestinian Corruption?

  
JERUSALEM, Israel -- You may have heard the phrase, "your tax dollars at work." For years, American tax dollars have been working to bring peace to the Middle East -- by going straight into the hands of the Palestinian Authority. But are American taxpayers getting what they paid for? That's the question being raised following the latest charges of Palestinian corruption.

Palestinian Feud

Yasser Arafat's former economic adviser, Mohammed Rashid, started a feud recently with P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas when he told Al Arabiya, Abbas is worth millions.



"Mohammed Rashid said in the interview 'if I gave him $20,000 to survive from where did he get now, $15 million in his bank account?'" said Bassem Eid, head of Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group. Now, according to Eid, Rashid and Abbas are accusing each of other hoarding millions from the P.A. coffers. The feud puts a spotlight on a system in which foreign nations donate billions to the P.A. with little oversight.

"No one knows, for example, how much the security forces -- and presumably according to Palestinian sources -- 50 percent of the budget goes to them," Hillel Frisch, a professor at Bar Ilan University and an expert on Palestinian affairs, told CBN News.

"The problem with the Palestinian Authority is the tremendous subsidization at the expense of the American and European taxpayer," he explained.

"It's one of the few countries in the world that is subsidized to the tune of 40 percent of its budget," Frisch said. "That means that corruption is not only an in-house story, it's a story that affects the European and American taxpayer."

Despite the lack of accountability, the United States keeps sending money. In April, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defied Congress and released $147 million.

Lawmaker Demands Answers

Rep. Louie Gohmert wants answers from the State Department and the Palestinian Authority.
"In one of our meetings in the West Bank, I said, 'Look, do you understand that when you're not spending the billions of dollars that you've received from countries, particularly the United States, to provide homes for your own people, who are homeless -- how do you expect us to keep funding you?'" Gohmert said.

Gohmert says the money fuels the conflict. "You know, it really looks like when you squander money and don't help the homeless have homes, that you are trying to keep this hatred, keep this anger going so that the feud keeps going," Gohmert noted.

"Why should we fund that? Well the answer is, 'we shouldn't,' he concluded.

So far, the Obama administration seems silent on the issue.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Jerusalem Villages Seek to Revive Aramaic

Jerusalem Villages Seek to Revive Aramaic

 
  
Two villages in the Holy Land's tiny Christian community are hoping to revive Aramaic, the language that some say Jesus spoke, by teaching it to the next generation.

The residents of Beit Jala near Bethlehem, and the Israeli Arab village of Jish in Galilee, are getting a little help from modern technology: an Aramaic-speaking TV channel from Sweden where a vibrant immigrant community has kept the ancient tongue alive.

In Jish, elementary school children are now being instructed in Aramaic. The children belong mostly to the Maronite Christian community. Maronites still chant their liturgy in Aramaic, but few understand the prayers.

"We want to speak the language that Jesus spoke," said Carla Hadad, a 10-year-old Jish girl who frequently waved her arms to answer questions in Aramaic from school teacher Mona Issa during a recent lesson.

"We used to speak it a long time ago," she added, referring to her ancestors.

Aramaic nearly disappeared from the Middle East centuries ago, but it was the region's dominant language at the time of Christ.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Shamelessly Politically Incorrect - Jim Croft

Shamelessly Politically Incorrect

Jim Croft

You are alone at night walking down the sidewalk of a large American city.  At a distance you see a group of Hasidic Jews coming toward you.  Would your heart skip a beat as you scurry to the other side of the street?  How would you react if it was a group of Hispanic teens enjoying one another’s company with animated hand gestures signing gang-lingo?

Would you be more apt to hit your door locks in an inner city neighborhood than in Amish country?
Upon entry into a restaurant, you notice that a number of tables are occupied by unshaven characters sporting tattoos and worse for wear denim jackets with club insignia. Would you opt for another establishment?

Suppose you were waiting on a flight back to the USA.  You glance to see 4 Arabic speaking men quietly talking among themselves.  Afterward, you observe them kneeling in prayer just before boarding the flight. Would you be more apprehensive about that flight or one where you see 4 French speaking passengers in deep discussion who make the sign of the cross before boarding?

If your sensitivities would heighten or if you would take precautionary measures in any of the scenarios; you, my friend, are a politically incorrect profiler.  But, don’t worry about it.  The Bible contains more than a few incidents of profiler sentiments and practices.  By the ridiculous standard set by liberals as to what is politically correct, many of our biblical heroes were most definitely politically incorrect.

Biblical Profilers

Jephthah led his army in a victorious battle against Ephraim.  The Ephraimites who were caught trying to escape back across the river were given a profiler question.  They were asked to say a word that the Ephraimites could not pronounce right, Shibboleth.  Those who failed the test were executed on the spot. (Jdg 12:5-6)

 In biblical times, the Jewish slang terminology for Gentiles was dogs.  When Jesus encountered the Canaanite woman who begged the healing of her demonized daughter, he in effect called her a dog. (Matt 15:22-28)  She wisely overlooked the insult and her daughter was made whole.

The Risen Lord had to repeat a vision 3 times to convince his disciple Peter that Gentiles were not unclean.  After Peter had made sure that the Gentiles gathered at Cornelius’ home understood that God had assured him that he would not be contaminated by interaction with them, he preached the Gospel to them.  They received salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit before the musicians could make it to the platform to start playing tinkle-tinkle choruses for the altar call.  (Act 10:10-48)

The Apostle Paul attached a profiling label to the Cretan believers.  He admonished Titus to rebuke them harshly lest they persist in the Cretan inclination to be habitual liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons. (Tit 1:12-13)

Islam

Our Government’s PC anti-profiling position concerning Muslims is award winning in absurdity.  They depict those of us who voice concerns as unreasonable conservatives who see a demonic-terrorist behind every bush.  To the contrary, people who are informed about Islamic inclinations toward those of other faiths know that violence is perpetrated worldwide by Muslims who are not members of terrorist groups. 

Unlike the Liberal Media, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that Muslims persecute Christians because doing so is Shariah policy.  In the following nations, during April of 2012 ordinary Muslims either took to the streets in violent anti-Christian riots or imposed prison sentences on believers. – Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

Christians fled their homelands by the thousands; their homes, businesses and churches were torched; and hundreds were injured, scores were butchered.  Believers who were former Muslims were tried, convicted and imprisoned for supposed blasphemous apostasy against Allah and Mohammed.  Christian cemeteries were desecrated in Australia and Iran.  It is PC foolishness to ignore the 5,000 annual honor killings committed by Muslims globally against their relatives who date unapproved people or who convert away from Islam.

The PC crowd would do well to ask themselves a question.  When was the last time they heard reports of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians or the members of any other major world religion persecuting those of other faiths?  At that point, we must recognize that Islam is distinctive.

In regard to profiling Muslims, it is wrong to suspect all of being potential terrorist.  At the same time, it would be wise to have a profile understanding about generic Muslims as they increase in number in our nation.  If the worldwide pattern remains the same, many seemingly harmless Muslims are a Mosque sermon or two away from justification for persecuting Christians.

Our government already denies Christians freedom of expression in historical forums where Islam is given free pass.  It is not a big jump to say that we need to wake-up to who needs to be profiled before our PC preferential treatment of Muslims backfires.

Poverty

HHS has established $22,350 as the poverty threshold for a family of 4 with $3,380 added for each additional person.  Welfare payments, food stamps, housing subsidies, free health care and other entitlements are freely awarded.  Concentrations of entitlement recipients can be readily found in Appalachia, Indian reservations and our inner cities.  It is not uncommon for a household to have 2nd and 3rd generation recipients.

It is not unusual for there to be complaints that the same locales often have substandard schools and teachers.

On May 23, 2012 the Fox Business Network aired a John Stossel special report.  The current meaning of poverty in America today was the featured topic.  The program’s revelations were astonishing.  It seems that in our country rather than division by those that have and those that have not; it is the haves and the have a lot.

The stats quoted indicated that exceptionally high percentages of entitlement recipients have cars, air-conditioning, TVs with cable service, computer games and cell phones.  At one point, people in line at a free cooked meals kitchen were questioned.  Some insisted that welfare and food stamp allowances should be increased.  One guest interviewed assessed that the USA is fast becoming a nation of moochers.

Imagine

With all that being said, let us now consider the reputation of Asian and Oriental immigrants to our nation.  Most of them arrive with an appreciation for the right to liberty and the freedom to pursue happiness without any assumption that happiness is guaranteed.  Multiple families frequently practice communal living to set aside funds to launch businesses.  A high premium is put on ambition to succeed, diligence and education.  The honor of parents and respect for teachers is culturally ingrained.

Let us envision what might happen in a 10 year experiment.  The $ value of entitlements; dispersion of rented housing and owned homes; and the quality of schools and teachers remain the same.  However, 5,000 fresh off the boat Asian or Oriental immigrants settle among the inhabitants of a given poverty stricken area.  It might be in Appalachia; on an Indian reservation; or in an inner city.   Do you imagine that any of the following might happen?

Entitlement dispersions and unemployment per capita would shrink.  Much dilapidated housing would be refurbished.  Schools and teachers once regarded substandard would suddenly have an increase of honor students and those graduated who go on to get higher educations.  Significant numbers of the immigrants would break into income brackets that would empower them to move their families elsewhere.

If you imagine that much of the aforementioned would evolve; you, my friend, are politically incorrect.

Memorial Day

This is a time for us to reflect about the reasons for which our armed service personnel gave their lives.  For many, it was for our right to express mindsets that are now considered politically incorrect.  We should remember the fallen and give thanks for them.

To keep that which they died for, it is not sufficient for us to restrict activities for the welfare of our nation to intercessions to Almighty God.  There is a need to bombard our state and federal legislators with our concerns.  We should insist that the shamelessly politically incorrect positions expressed in this article are again deemed politically correct.

Only 50% of American Christians are registered to vote.  Honor our fallen by registering to vote and by getting others to do the same.  And, enjoy a great Memorial Day.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Jim Croft

 To get on his e-mail list: jcm888@comcast.net

Jim Croft Ministries/Gold Coast Christian Church8942 Sonoma Lake Blvd
Boca Raton, FL 33434

j.croft@goldcoastcc.com

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Shavuot (Pentecost)


Painting by Baruch Nachshon,
Hebron, Israel


 

 

The Historical Understanding of Pentecost (Shavuot) - from THE SEVEN FESTIVALS OF THE MESSIAH By Eddie Chumney


In the third month after the Jews left Egypt (Mitzrayim), they arrived in the Sinai desert and camped opposite Mount Sinai. Moses (Moshe) was then told by G-d to gather the Israelites together to receive the Torah (Exodus [Shemot] 19:1-8 NAS). The Israelites answered, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do!" In Hebrew, it is Na'aseh V'Nishmah, which means, "We agree to do even before we have listened."

Moses (Moshe) then gave the Jews two days to cleanse themselves, wash their clothes, and prepare to receive the Torah on the third day. At the same time, Moses (Moshe) told them not to come too near Mount Sinai. From early morning, dense clouds covered the peak of the mountain. Thunder and lightning were frequently seen and heard. The sound of the shofar (ram's horn) came very strong, and the top of the mountain was enveloped in fire and smoke. The Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai stood in great awe (Exodus [Shemot] 19:9-19). Moses (Moshe) then went up alone on the mountain, and as he neared the top, a mighty voice announced the Ten Commandments (Exodus [Shemot] 19:20-25; 20:1-21).

Later Development of the Holiday


Pentecost (Shavuot) traditionally has been seen in different ways. One is to see it as the concluding piece of the Passover (Pesach) season. The other is to see it as an independent festival. Because Pentecost (Shavuot) celebrates the revelation of G-d at Mount Sinai, Pentecost (Shavout) would seem to be of a clearly independent nature. It is, after all, counted as one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Deuteronomy [Devarim] 16:16). Yet, beginning with the Targum (the Aramaic translation of the Scriptures from the second century of the Christian Era or Common Era (C.E.), known more commonly as A.D.), Pentecost (Shavuot) is referred to in the rabbinic tradition as Atzeret. The word atzeret in Hebrew means "conclusion." The word atzeret is used in the Bible with the festival Shemini Atzeret (Numbers [Bamidbar] 29:35) and seems to mean "remain with Me [G-d] another day." There is a sense, therefore, that atzeret is the final part or completion of a festival. Therefore, Shavuot (Pentecost) is seen as the conclusion to the Passover (Pesach) season. One strong connection between Passover (Pesach) and Shavuot (Pentecost) is the counting of the omer serving as a chain that links the two festivals.

Spiritual Application (Halacha). Because Shavuot (Pentecost) culminates with the counting of the omer for 50 days, Shavuot (Pentecost) is called the Atzeret or conclusion to Passover (Pesach). Spiritually speaking (halacha), the believers in the Messiah Yeshua are on a journey out of Egypt (a type of the world's system and its evil ways) in the wilderness (of life), awaiting our time to meet G-d face to face on Mount Sinai (Exodus [Shemot] 3:12). There at Mount Sinai (spiritually), G-d will forever reveal Himself to us in a new and greater way. For all believers in the Messiah Yeshua, the Torah that was given at Mount Sinai represents the Word of G-d, the entire Bible. The believer in Yeshua spiritually experiences Shavuot (Pentecost) when the Holy Spirit of G-d (Ruach HaKodesh) reveals the Word of G-d to him in a deeper and more powerful way, and his understanding and desire for the Bible increases accordingly.

All the above, and more, is contained at this website page: http://feastsofthelord.com/ss/live/index.php?action=getpage&sid=204&pid=2181