Netanyahu Holds 4th Bible Study Session

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* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: EPICENTER UPDATE * * * * NETANYAHU HOLDS 4TH BIBLE STUDY SESSION * May more Israelis start — or join – a small group Bible study By Joel C. Rosenberg (@joelcrosenberg on Twitter) (Washington, D.C., September 18, 2013) – One of the most interesting but least known aspects in the life of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is that he has developed quite an interest in studying the Bible in recent years. The premier was not raised in a religious home growing up, but as he has gotten older, he has developed a noticeable curiosity in the ancient Scriptures.  * Netanyahu occasionally quotes the Bible in major speeches (such as the time he spoke at Auschwitz and said Ezekiel 37 had come to pass).  * He once told Larry King that he likes to study the Bible on Saturday mornings with his son, Avner.    * Last year, he even started a Bible study with various Jewish leaders and scholars that meets every few months in his official residence, as I have noted in the past. These are excellent steps by the Prime Minister, and he should be commended for them. Indeed, let us pray that the study of the Word of God has a powerful, personal impact on the Prime Minister and his family and each of his colleagues and guests. Let’s pray that many Israelis would follow the Prime Minister’s lead and begin reading the Holy Scriptures again, and that Bible studies in people’s homes would spring up all over the Land of Israel. Let’s pray that pray that more and more Israelis — Jews and Arabs — would develop a new and deeper curiosity about Bible prophecy, both the dramatic prophecies in the Scriptures that have already been fulfilled, and those that will come to pass soon. We explored such themes during the 2013 Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem this summer, which focused on “The Power of the Word to Change A Leader,” “The Power of the Word to Change A Nation,” and “The Power of the Word to Change the World.” I commend these messages to your attention. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister carved out two hours from a very busy schedule to convene his Bible study group again the fourth such meeting. They studied why the Lord punished Moses by not allowing him to enter the Promised Land. Here’s the article from the Jerusalem Post…. [To read the rest of this column -- including the full article in the Post -- please go to the blog] —————————— ISRAELI LEADERS NEARING DECISION ON IRAN: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is nearing a decision on an Iran strike. As he does so, he will soon come to the United States. The Israeli leader and his top national security team will meet with President Obama at the White House on September 30th. The premier will then address the U.N. General Assembly on October 1st. Netanyahu’s expressed mission: To persuade the U.S. and Western powers to intensify — not ease up on — pressure on Iran to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons and the fuel to build them. The big question: Is Netanyahu’s real mission to prepare the world for war? [Details on the blog] PUTIN HEADING TO IRAN: “Vladimir Putin has accepted an Iranian invitation to visit the country and meet with newly elected President Hasan Rouhani, a spokesman for the Russian president confirmed,” reports the Times of Israel. “Putin has been invited to Iran, and he will certainly take advantage of this kind invitation,” the Interfax news agency quoted spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying on Friday. “The dates of the visit will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.” [More details on the blog, including analysis of Putin using Syria crisis to his advantage.] WHITHER DAMASCUS?: On the blog, I’ve also posted a link to the message I preached on Isaiah 17 & Jeremiah 49 and the future of Damascus. You’ll be able to find numerous interviews I’ve done on this subject. And we’ve posted 24 pages (revised & updated) of my personal study notes on this subject for pastors, Bible study leaders, lay people and others to review and consider. Hope you find them helpful. —————————— UPCOMING EVENTS: * OCTOBER 3-5 – Several colleagues and I will be speaking at “The People, the Land and the Future of Israel Conference” in New York City. Excerpts from the conference description: “What does the Bible teach about the role of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel at the present time? What is God’s plan for the future of Israel and her neighbors? How can believers in Jesus be part of God’s peace process in the Middle East? This conference will focus on the Bible’s account of the role of Israel and the Jewish people — both now and in the future. The speakers are renowned scholars with profound insight into God’s unfolding plan and purpose for the nation of Israel as the Scripture depicts them. This event will also help you develop a deeper understanding of both current and future events in the Middle East as described in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.” Details can be found at www.chosenpeople.com. * OCTOBER 11-13 – FRC President Tony Perkins has invited me to speak on the future of Israel and the Middle East at the upcoming “Value Voters Summit.” Details can be found atwww.valuesvotersummit.org. ————————– Other important stories on the blog right now include: * Analysis: Netanyahu nearing decision on Iran strike. Ready to order attack last fall, but Obama pressured against. Two leaders to meet on September 30th at White House. * Who was Aaron Alexis? Latest updates in shooting rampage at Washington Navy Yard. * Putin to visit Iran for first time in six years. Historic trip will raise renewed interest in the “Gog & Magog” prophecies. * Putin smells blood in the water. On Syria crisis, Russian leader uses moment to seize global leadership from Obama. * Syria and End Times Concerns a ‘Legitimate Question,’ says Mideast and Prophecy Expert * U.S.-Russia strike deal on Syrian WMD, but many questions raised. Here are some. * Israelis mark Day of Atonement, reflect on 40 years since surprise attack nearly lost the country. * Answering those who dismiss Isaiah 17 & Jeremiah 49 regarding the future of Damascus. * Pastors: here are 24 pages of study notes on Isaiah 17, Jeremiah 49 & the future of Damascus. Please feel free to share with others * Remembering September 11th, 2001. Thoughts on that day. Lessons learned. What’s happening now? * Video: Fox News’ Martha MacCallum interviews Joel Rosenberg on #Isaiah17 & future of Damascus. * What is the greatest crisis facing the Mideast? Watch 2013 Epicenter Conference messages online, or download our mobile app. [To read these articles -- and/or learn more about DAMASCUS COUNTDOWN; or to find links to the latest news and analysis of events and trends in the U.S., Israel, North Africa, Russia, and the Middle East -- please go to: http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/.] ——————— * TWITTER — Please track the latest developments @joelcrosenberg. BLESS ISRAEL & HER NEIGHBORS: Would you prayerfully consider giving a generous, tax-deductible gift to THE JOSHUA FUND? Come help us educate and mobilize Christians around the world about God’s love and plan Israel and her neighbors; provide food, medical supplies and other humanitarian relief to the poor and needy, to those in harm’s way in southern Israel, to Holocaust survivors, and to widows and orphans; teach the Scriptures throughout Israel and the epicenter; and assist ministries helping Syrian refugees. Thanks so much, and may the Lord bless you and your family as you invest in the work of The Joshua Fund at this critical time. Order DAMASCUS COUNTDOWN, please click here (or visit your favorite bookstore website). Read Joel’s blog. Watch video messages from the 2013 Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem at www.epicenterconference.com If you’ve received >> FLASH TRAFFIC Go to Joel’s website, www.joelrosenberg.com