Dozens of SBC and other Christian leaders are signatories to an “Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel” in response to the attacks against the people of Israel by Hamas.
The full list of signatories is posted at erlc.com/resource-library/statements/israel. Here is the statement:
“In the wake of the evil and indefensible atrocities now committed against the people of Israel by Hamas, we, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the violence against the vulnerable, fully support Israel’s right and duty to defend itself against further attack, and urgently call all Christians to pray for the salvation and peace of the people of Israel and Palestine.
“While our theological perspectives on Israel and the Church may vary, we are unified in calling attacks against Jewish people especially troubling as they have been often targeted by their neighbors since God called them as His people in the days of Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3).
“Since the inception of the modern state of Israel in 1948, Israel has faced numerous attacks, incursions and violations of its national sovereignty. The Jewish people have long endured genocidal attempts to eradicate them and to destroy the Jewish state. These antisemitic, deadly ideologies and terrorist actions must be opposed.
“Israel stands as a rare example of democracy in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes. The tragic events of Oct. 7 further underscore the importance of democracy in our world and stand as a sober reminder that supporting Israel’s right to exist is both urgent and needed.
“In keeping with Christian Just War tradition, we also affirm the legitimacy of Israel’s right to respond against those who have initiated these attacks as Romans 13 grants governments the power to bear the sword against those who commit such evil acts against innocent life.”
God’s love for all people
“Furthermore, we recognize the dignity and personhood of all persons living in the Middle East and affirm God’s love for them, as well as His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ to all people.
“We also recognize the difficult ministry of Jewish and Palestinian believers who labor for the gospel. We pray for their protection and for God’s blessing on their gospel ministry.
“Finally, we call on American policymakers to use their power to take all forms of terrorism seriously and call governments and civil authorities to confront evil work to prevent future attacks so that the innocent and vulnerable will be protected.
May God bring peace to the Middle East. (ERLC)
4 ways to pray as crisis unfolds in Holy Land
As we watch devastating events taking place in the Holy Land, we are not mere spectators.
We don’t just see headlines. We see people. Right now they are injured, frightened, missing. They are lost. As this crisis unfolds, we will not ignore it. We will not be silent. We will not stand still.
We will cry out to God on their behalf, asking Him to bring about true peace as only He can.
Join us now as we pray together.
- Pray for physical needs.
Men, women and children are facing unspeakable horrors. While this region has a history of unrest, the escalation of violence demands an urgency in our intercession.
Pray now that God would have mercy on the millions who are suffering and comfort those who have lost loved ones. Ask God to bless the efforts of those distributing aid. Pray that He will provide opportunities for them to share His love.
- Pray for lostness.
Rockets are launched and the streets are filled with violence. Amid this chaos, the lost are living and dying in darkness. While the nations rage, God is still in control and near to all who call out to Him.
Pray that God will use current events to draw the lost into a relationship with His Son.
- Pray for gospel access.
Believers are walking through this crisis with non-believing neighbors, friends and family members.
Pray that believers will have attitudes of peace amid the current situation. Pray that the lost will ask them about the peace they have in times of trouble.
- Pray for the Church.
In a land impacted by years of hatred, believers from diverse backgrounds who are united in Christ can display God’s love to each other and to their neighbors.
Pray that they will seek to share and be the light of Jesus to their neighbors. (IMB)
EDITOR’S NOTE — Find a printable prayer guide suitable for bulletin inserts at tabonline.org/israel-prayer.
Brokenhearted praying for Israel
By Rick Lance
Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions
Recent horrific events related to the attacks of Hamas on innocent people in Israel has caught the attention of the world and broken our hearts as Christians.
Understandably, Israel is seeking to protect itself from attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups.
Alabama Baptists join the larger family of Southern Baptists in condemning these heinous crimes against innocent and vulnerable people.
We realize that relations in this region are historically complicated.
For 75 years, we have rightly recognized Israel as the only democracy in the region.
Furthermore, we know there are fellow Christians and other freedom-loving people in Israel and beyond in the Middle East, and we offer them our prayer support.
We are praying for our national leaders as the world faces this regional crisis.
We believe it is incumbent upon our national leaders to take action to confront terrorism in all forms and especially to prevent future attacks.
In the days to come, our national resolve concerning this situation will be tested.
May we be found faithful in praying for a just peace knowing that true peace only comes from the Prince of Peace.
The finger of God is in all of history, and Christ is its central figure. He is as much involved now as He has been through the ages.
@brocraigc
X (formerly Twitter)
“The enemy is targeting our young men; therefore, we must be proactive in helping our teen guys know how to address the things they deal with on a daily basis. It’s on us as the older generations to equip them with a biblical foundation to help them navigate a post-Christian culture,” said Larry Hyche, men’s spiritual development strategist and an associate in the office of global missions for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
The abundant life Jesus promises is seen both in eternal life and sustaining grace in this earthly life.
Grace for today, hope for tomorrow. That’s who Jesus is.
@DanielRitchie
X (formerly Twitter)
“When we do not pass on to our next generation or to the adults in our congregation the work God is doing around the world and here in the States, we fail to help them see the bigger picture of how to be a part of God’s work,” said Candace McIntosh, executive director of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union.
Broken, humbly weeping at the feet of Jesus.
As much as we tend to fight it, it is such a sweet place to be.
All burdens are cast off.
All pride is laid down.
All fear of man is swallowed up by the greatness of God.
@trailman374
X (formerly Twitter)
“When God puts a call on your life, you’re always going to be unsettled until you fulfill that call,” Brenda Rinehart said. “That restlessness, that ‘I can’t get comfortable’ feeling — I think that, until you do it, you will be restless.” Rinehart and her husband, Joseph, adopted three girls with Down syndrome.
For us to have assurance, we need to be looking solely to Christ and resting solely in His work to save us.
@NWBingham
X (formerly Twitter)
“My prayer before I go on stage is, ‘Lord, let these people be focused on only You through these words,’” said singer-songwriter Jordan Feliz. “Ultimately, the ability for that to happen through a song … is incredible and so powerful, knowing that these songs can prove to people that Jesus can heal the brokenhearted and that He is the answer for those who are struggling and searching.”
Pastors — and people in the pew — are to make God’s redemptive rule and right relationship with Him the highest priorities, and we must concern ourselves with today, not tomorrow, trusting that God will provide for us, our families and our congregation. Jesus’s words here need not be limited in their application to the provision of physical needs … but may be applied to our need for spiritual sustenance as well.
Jeff Robinson
Director of news and information
Southern Seminary
“As Christ-followers, as Christian parents and as ministry leaders, we need to take [children’s worship] more seriously and just become more intentional about helping our kids learn the pathway of running to the Father,” said Dove Award-winning worship leader, songwriter and author Yancy. “I’m fully convinced that if we can help them taste and see that He is good, they will hunger and thirst for more of Him. That’s my desire and my passion.”
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