by Jim Fletcher

As I’ve said many times in the recent past, the fulfillment of Bible prophecy — specifically in the realm of modern Israel — is so ubiquitous, one wonders how vast numbers of Americans are missing it. A massive education effort is needed, especially in the face of threats from Replacement Theology and Emergent eschatology. Many well-placed Christian leaders are now minimizing Israel’s significance in our time.

Happily, the folks at the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ) are on the frontlines of this education effort. I recently had the great pleasure of attending one of their “Discerning the Times” seminars in Branson, Missouri. Susan Michael, U.S. director, and Michael Mott delivered terrific talks on a host of issues, including biblical history and the modern threats of terrorism.

Beginning with a discussion of the “Historic Shift in Christianity,” Mott gave an amazing short history of Christian anti-Semitism, highlighting the views of early Church leaders like St. John Chrysostom, who helped form the heresy of Supersessionism in the fourth century. The idea, which says that Israel lost her place in God’s plan of the ages, has now returned with a vengeance in the Christian community. For one thing, so many Emergent leaders are calling people “back” to what they call historic Christianity, millions are following. It is no accident that the ancient views of St. John Chrysostom are aggressively embraced by the likes of postmodern leaders in the Church.

Chrysostom uttered such filth as “I hate the Jews…God hates you…”

Mott also made the point that other enemies of Israel, such as the terrorist group Hamas, can’t make peace, because there’s no room in their theology for Israel. He explained that within Islam, there are two realities: Dar al-Islam (The House of Islam) and Dar al-Harb, which is everyone else, the infidels. Dar al-Harb must be conquered for Allah.

In his presentations, Mott made the discerning statement that “We must know where we’re coming from, to know where we’re going.” His sweeping presentation of biblical history, particularly as it regards the Jews, was dynamic and informative.

Michael was no less impressive. “We need to return to our Puritan roots,” she said, explaining that those who braved the Atlantic Ocean and unknown territory in the New World were Bible-believers, “Restorationists” who embraced the belief in Zionism as articulated in the Bible. In other words, they believed the promises to the Jews will have a future fulfillment.

Michael went on to explain that while critics often rail against the Christian Zionists, “We are Bible-based.” Her clear enunciation of ideas are a direct challenge to the critics.

And while there are storm clouds on the horizon, Michael also made sure that her audience understood that good things are happening, as well. Not only has there been a “major shift taking place in the Church” with regard to Jewish-Christian relations (exemplified by important groups like the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel), things are also stirring in the Middle East.

Michael related that Muslims are turning to Christ in record numbers, and the ICEJ is privy to plenty of first-hand stories confirming that.

I urge all pro Israel Christians to prayerfully consider supporting the ICEJ (www.icej.org) and its important work, both here in the United States, and abroad.

jim@prophecymatters.com