Happy 2012
January 2012
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your incredible support of Way of Peace Ministries in 2011. Your support impacted and changed lives in Israel forever!
As we reflect on the year that was and look forward to 2012, Matthew 1:23 rings out;
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’.”
God with us! What an incredible reality.
For many, this concept comes with shame, fear and anger. In an interview just before his death, a well known atheist, Christopher Hitchens commented that many “Christians” told him they had prayed for his death. Is that God with us?
For millions of people – both Muslims and Hindus – offering prayers and sacrifices to appease an angry deity, is that God with us?
The Bible is full of examples of “God with us”. They vary in results…
• God with Joseph: (Genesis 39:2-4) caused Joseph to rise out of slavery against all odds. Joseph became ruler of the entire land!
• God with the Dathan and Abiram: (Numbers 26:9-10) the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive. They had complained against the Lord.
• God with David: (1 Samuel 16:18) enabled David to kill Goliath and eventually become king of Israel. David was least of his brothers, the most unlikely choice.
• God with Moses: (Numbers 20:12) barred him from entering the Promised Land. He did not believe God and struck the rock.
So, which God will turn up today? The God who causes us to triumph against all odds, or the God who enacts vengeance and wrath? Schizophrenic religion is often the result of this uncertainty.
Jesus’ birth, life and eventual death settled this question once and for all. Jesus, God in the flesh, lived a sinless life. His death on our behalf satisfied the cry of justice. Man did wrong, and in the eyes of justice had to pay. The wages of sin is death.
In the old covenant, man fell into and out of favor with God. Blessing or judgment was based on human performance.
A new covenant was enacted on the cross.
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:19
In Christ, mankind is given a gift, a gift of no imputation of sin. In other words, all our wrongs (sin) are legally charged to Jesus. All Jesus’ righteousness is legally charged to us!
Now, our righteousness in Christ is the basis upon which “God with us” means only good. The “God with us” of David and Joseph! The “God with us” that brings victory in every situation!
That is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Notice what His righteousness brings? ALL THINGS!
All things means all things: health, peace of mind, family salvation, financial well being, freedom from bondage.
To seek His righteousness is to acknowledge Jesus did it all. There is absolutely nothing standing between us and God. Our account is wiped clean, based on what Jesus did for us!
Yes, Nathan, but God is holy. YES! YES! YES! God’s is holy, and His holiness is why we can expect good all the time.
In the eyes of justice, a wrong can only be punished one time. It is called the law of double jeopardy. All our wrongs, past, present and future were put on Jesus’ body on the cross. He is not going to the cross again for future sins.
God’s holiness demands He see us as guiltless, as perfect in Christ!
Based on our right standing with God, we can expect every good thing in 2012!
Even more than our own blessing, which is 100% ensured, we have been given an assignment in 2012. Notice the last line in 2 Corinthians 5:19, He has “committed to us the word of reconciliation”.
This GOOD NEWS, that God is no longer angry at the world, is our message! It is our assignment to tell the world through our lives, our testimony, through preaching!
Through your support of Way of Peace Ministries you tell the nation of Israel that God is on their side! They need only receive Jesus!
As we enter 2012, would you…
1. Believe that nothing is impossible for you. Jesus is your qualification for every good thing.
2. Say “yes” to the 2 Corinthians 5:19 challenge to share the Good News with Israel. Click here to give your very best donation. Each month take time to pray for one specific area of the work.
Shalom!
Nathan Thurber
PS. In 2012 WOP looks to expand the Gospel outreach in Israel. Your immediate response sets the plans in motion.