From Pastor Biar’s Pen 

Some Thoughts on Israel

I know I'm a bit late to the party.  That's the drawback to a monthly newsletter, I suppose. But as war in the Middle East – especially when Israel is involved– always gets American Christians ready to warn us all that this time it really does mean Jesus is about to come back, I figured I should throw out some thoughts. 

First of all, I am not speaking on geopolitics. That's not my wheelhouse. I hope the ceasefire is effective and peace can be restored, and I do not mean to discount the genuine dangers and loss of life that has unfortunately occurred. But theologically speaking, this really doesn't change much. The timeliness for Jesus's return remains a mystery, we are not warned of “wars and rumors of wars” to decode when He will come back, but so that when we are frightened by these things we are reminded of the hope we have in the sure knowledge that He is coming back. God has a plan and will see it through, and the Church – the new Israel – wins with Him in the end. 

So yes, pray for peace and an end to conflict, mourn the loss of life, and let the world-stage and politicians’ viewpoints on it inform your vote. Trust that Jesus will come back but remember that the hour remains unknown. So, for the sake of your sanity, maybe stay away from those YouTube videos titled “What chapter of Revelation are we in, now?”

God’s Blessings,  Pastor Biar

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