Shalom Partner and Friend of Israel,

God shows us this blueprint by which we are to study His word through the Scriptures as He reveals it such as; “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” - Proverbs 25:2. God desires us to understand His Word as He provides to us the meaning of “kings” nearly 800 years after that verse is written where the Lord Himself indicates that He has; “…made us kings and priests unto God” - Revelation 1:6. The reason - “The Fear of the Lord” is such an extremely IMPORTANT concept for us to understand because we CANNOT receive knowledge from God without it; “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” - Proverbs 1:7. We are told to study God’s Word and what it means as we are told that “… that no Prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20); therefore, the Scriptures MUST define what it means, and it does; “The fear of the Lord IS to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth …” - Proverbs 8:13. What does the Bible say about being FEARFUL? “Do NOT fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10.

The Bible mentions two specific types of FEAR. The first type is beneficial and is to be encouraged and that is the FEAR of the LORD. This type of FEAR doesn’t necessarily mean to be afraid of something but rather, it is a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His Power and His Glory. However, it is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. In other words, the FEAR of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His attributes. The second type is a detriment and is to be overcome – it is worldly FEAR and the FEAR of Man!

Let’s look at the FEAR of the Lord… “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to FEAR the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?” – Deuteronomy 10:12-13. The Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits and is the beginning of wisdom …and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain and life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26). Thus, one can see how “fearing” God should be encouraged.

Abraham feared God and God called him His friend… The New Testament offers insight into this Old Testament mystery. The Apostle John recorded a parallel of God’s call to Abraham: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and offer him there” – Genesis 22:2. God’s plan of salvation and the manner in which we should live our lives to serve Him, and if we do, we will become his adopted children and live in Heaven with Him eternally; “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Yeshua -Jesus).” – John 3:16. Here we see the connection as Abraham feared God He become “God’s friend” and someone He could trust; “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense” – Hebrews 11:17-19. Like Paul, James also commended the actions of Abraham - being faithful: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God.” – James 2:21-23.

We just can’t imagine Abraham’s trial …and the crushing weight of darkness that must have suffocated his every step towards Mount Moriah. It is truly a story of love, sacrifice and deliverance by faith and is the most decided declaration of the Father’s heart in the entire Bible. As we have seen it unfolded the plan of salvation in the parallel between the experience of Abraham and Abba Father Yahweh the Father of Calvary’s Lamb – Yeshua. In the Biblical counterparts we see a frightening but beautiful shared experience between God and Abraham whom He called His friend. 

The parallels continue: (1) Isaac’s birth was a miracle as was the virgin birth of Jesus (Genesis 21:1-7; Matthew 1:23). (2) The 3-day journey to Moriah during which Abraham’s heart agonized over his only son parallels the 3-days God’s heart agonized over the separation from His only Son (Matthew 12:40). (3) Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from death. The Bible predicted that God would raise Yeshua (Jesus) from death (Hebrews 11:19; John 10:18). (4) Abraham led Isaac to Moriah and the altar of sacrifice. God led Yeshua (Jesus) to the Temple Mount and Calvary (John 8:28). (5) Isaac carried the wood to Moriah’s place of sacrifice just as Yeshua (Jesus) carried the wooden cross to Calvary’s place of sacrifice (John 19:17). (6) Abraham and Isaac, like God the Father and the Son, went “together” to make the sacrifice (John 10:18). (7) The child Isaac was instructed by his father that he was the sacrifice just like the child Yeshua (Jesus) was instructed by His Father that He was the sacrifice (Luke 2:49). (8) The geographical location where Abraham offered Isaac was walking distance from where Yeshua (Jesus) was offered. And both Isaac and Yeshua (Jesus) willingly accepted the call of God to be sacrificed (John 10:18). (9) Both Isaac and Yeshua (Jesus) were bound (Matthew 27:2). (10) Abraham raised up a knife against his son. God raised up a sword against His Son (Zechariah 13:7). (11) Like God, who “spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all” Abraham offered up his only son (Romans 8:32). (12) Isaac trusted the character of his father just like Yeshua (Jesus) trusted the character of His Father (Luke 23:46). (13) Both Isaac and Jesus were delivered from death on the third-day (Acts 10:40).

Enduring the trying ordeal, both God and Abraham rejoiced in the ultimate triumph of the sacrifice (Isaiah 53:10; John 8:56). God shared with Abraham a miracle, an altar, and a sacrifice! Abraham and God both instructed, bound, and willingly offered their trusting sons together in death. Together they gave all, and together they were delivered and rejoiced in the ultimate triumph of their shared experience of faith and love. Deliverance for Abraham came as his hand was stopped by the angel’s voice, yet the Bible recites the account as if it happened. Not just once, twice …but yes, three times the New Testament affirms that Abraham gave his son as an offering.

“Moriah” in the Hebrew means; “to see, perceive, have vision, consider, be seen, be shown” (Strong’s #7200). This word is connected to three key verses in the following three verses of Genesis 22; In verse 2, God commands Abraham to take his son to the land of Moriah; “to see, consider, be shown.” In verse 8, Abraham tells Isaac that God Himself will “be shown.” Then in verse 14, Abraham calls the place of sacrifice “Jehovah-Jireh,” meaning “God the provider” and “in the mount of the Lord it shall be shown” (verse 14). The idea then is that God called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac so that His ultimate sacrifice of His only Son on Calvary’s cross would “be shown” to Abraham and to us!

Abraham FEARED God and became His friend and the only other person God called His friend was Moses… “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:13-15). Abraham was called God’s friend (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Moses was also referred to as His friend - for “…the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” - Exodus.33:11. In Deuteronomy 34:10 - it is written that “…no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”

So, we have the climax of the story FAITH is rewarded. The first great lesson the Divine voice of God through this story teaches us, is that “obedience” is complete when the “inward surrender” is complete and that the outward act was needless. Abraham would have done no more if the knife had buried itself in Isaac’s heart. Here is the first great truth which culminates in the “Sermon on the Mount,” and in the Gospel of Salvation that it is NOT by deeds …but through FAITH. The will is the man, the true action is the submission of the will. The outward deed is only the coarse medium through which it is made visible for men …for our God looks at the heart and purpose.

How will “fearing” God affect our lives? The fear of the Lord is far more than a Biblical teaching, principle or idea. It is relevant to our daily lives in many ways; it teaches us (1) obedience. If we truly fear the Lord, we will obey His Commandments, live according to His Word and say “No” to sin. One reason why God inspired fear in the Israelites at Mount Sinai was so that they might learn to avoid and reject sin …and to obey His Law (Exodus 20:20). Moses repeatedly connected “fearing” God to the Israelites by serving and obeying Him (Deuteronomy 5:20; 6:2, 24; 8:6; 10:12; 13:4; 17:19; 31:12). 

Let’s look at the FEAR of man… “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” - Proverbs 29:25. The Fear of man is a snare! You see fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord means safety. You see that the fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. It is idolatry because we place our well-being and future in the hands of humans and NOT God. Our ultimate decision/s should be squarely based upon God’s Word and not based upon the opinions of humans. If we decide to stay silent or agree with others who oppose what God has said to avoid persecution or disagreement, we fear man and are not trusting in the LORD.

The FEAR of man is NOT beneficial at all and is worldly fear… This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in; 2 Timothy 1:7; “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!” A spirit of “fearfulness and timidity” does NOT come from God! Today the world is in fear brought on by evil man’s agendas. Think about all the un-expected political unrests of 2020…and today the un-tested Covid-19 Medical and Scientific experiments forced upon humans. These jabs or injections that Globalists call vaccines against Covid-19 Virus are being once again tested on the Jews in Israel first as the whole country is being forced to take the vaccine or lose their jobs, unable to enter public places, Schools or universities …are much like Joseph Mengele’s tests as the vaccines are un-tested on humans and all the animals that they were tested on died! So, it is not surprising that many Israeli’s are afraid since the outcome of taking the jabs are scary if not deadly. We must always remember where this virus originated from – and the bigger picture is WHY? The Coronavirus or now referred to as Covid-19 Virus was originally spread from the City of Wuhan Communist China in 2020. They knowingly spread it into the entire globe, and covered up by the W.H.O. - affecting every aspect of all our lives …and with no end in sight yet. We must remind ourselves that God is in control and believe that He will be our shield so in these days of wickedness; “…be NOT afraid of sudden fear!” - Proverbs 3:25.” 

The word "PANIC" owes its roots to PAN, the mythical Greek god of nature! Pan was considered to be responsible for sudden (Phobos) "panic and inexplicable FEAR!" Did you know that the word - "PANDEMIC," combines the Greek prefix "pan" meaning "all" with the root "demos" meaning "people," to describe a GLOBAL contagion such as the Covid-19 Virus in 2020? In Old Testament times, the North-Eastern area of Israel became a centre for Baal worship and in the nearby City of Dan, king Jeroboam built the high place that angered God and eventually led the Israelites to worship false gods. Later the worship of the Baal’s was replaced with worship of "Greek fertility gods." Caesarea Philippi became the religious centre for worship of the Greek god, Pan. Whilst Pan in Greek mythology was the Pagan god of shepherds and flocks (especially fond of remote mountains and caves) – our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) is our Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep and flock (John 10:1-14).

The Hebrew word for FEAR is PaCHaD… is made up of three letters and looks like this - פ ×— ד - remember that Hebrew reads right to left. ×פ ×— ד = "Fear" written backwards D CH P means "Propelled Forward" … and many important words read forwards and backwards with opposite meanings in each direction. Thus, looking at PaCHaD backwards is important – and we find the word DaCHaF (D CH P).  There is NO coincidence in Hebrew. The letters P and F are the same just change the P into an F by placing a dot inside the letter P, and you’ll see how this works. So, what does the word DaCHaF mean? It means to propel or "to push forward." We can see it used in the Bible here; "…and Haman was PROPELLED into his house." – Esther 6:12. The word used for "propelled" is DaCHaF. Well, if DaCHaF means "propelled," then NOT surprisingly, its reverse, PaCHaD which we know means FEAR …also means; "restrain, handicap, keep back, push back!"  So being paralyzed with FEAR is exactly what FEAR does …and so it makes sense that the opposite of fear is "advancing forward!" 

This year 2021 still has everyone in masks breathing in bacteria and bathing in sanitizers. This planned change was long in the making by the Globalists and gradually began implementing their agendas at the end of 2019. This was literally unbeknown to most of the un-suspecting world for control takeover through FEAR …and to test us with their Globalists New World Order. Almost daily basis their “Covert Cohorts” of the wealthy Liberals - Big Pharm, Big Tech - Google, Facebook, Amazon, Hollywood and hateful Media lied and spewing out hatred to the public. And, today the world has literally become subject to a “pandemic of fear” …even seeping into the Church of Christ. Over the past year, we have all been barraged with disturbing events and images to cause FEAR by inflating the Covid-19 figures. The CDC, WHO and Leaders of Governments won’t stop until they have achieved their ungodly plans of “jabs” are on healthy people …and especially vulnerable who are the elderly, the youth and the children. Why? For their de-population control.

History has taught us over the past Century how quickly the world could change for the worse by wicked people almost overnight… Here are some examples; It must have been really scary for people living comfortably and securely in England when they awoke on Wednesday morning; December 5th, 1914 - a nation that hadn’t seen rationing or military conscription in living memory was now at war with Germany.  Many people stayed home that day in sheer “panic” about what was to come!

It was soon after lunch on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, that Americans discovered that their Pacific naval base in Hawaii had been bombed by Japanese aircraft. People were rightly frightened by “unknown terrors” that lay ahead. For almost an entire day, most people just sat at their radios. Remember how Hitler planned the Holocaust and how he worked with Joseph Mengele un-tested vaccinations and other tests on the Jews and especially the Jewish children. The Jews in Germany were afraid and as they were being led to gruesome deaths in “gas chambers” …and those who survived them were placed in camps and many starved to death?

And, remember the scared and terrified Church Leaders during the 1930’s and 40’s in Germany when Dietrich Bonhoeffer died for speaking the TRUTH! Something our generation is witnessing today as “freedom of speech” and TRUTH is being removed by the wicked wealthy Globalists and godless World Leaders!

Only two decades ago on Tuesday morning; September 11th, 2001, America and the world were glued to their TV-sets in uncomprehending numbness as they watched the Twin Towers fall.  America saw the attacks again and again as news outlets replayed the frightening footage.

Fear freezes us in place… Ever read anything like this? “He stood rooted to the spot with fear” or “paralyzed by panic.” It is therefore obvious that ancient Jewish wisdom’s advice is that …when gripped by FEAR - start moving! We must overcome the tendency of fear to suppress action and deliver ourselves from the trance of passivity - Yes, but how? Again, a Biblical clue - in Exodus 14, the Israelites, just out of Egypt are transfixed by terror. 

The ocean stretches out in front of them and the mighty Egyptian army rapidly approaches from the rear. Trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, one might say that – “they were utterly terrified and they cried out to God.” – Exodus 14:10. Their fear had completely dominated them. God’s response was NOT to split the Red Sea as we might have thought …it was the momentous lesson we can learn from; Exodus 14:15; And the Lord said to Moses, “What are calling to me for? Direct the Israelites to march forward!” What do you mean? Into the ocean? Yes! And it wasn’t until Israel marched forward into the water that God told Moses to initiate the miracle of splitting the Red Sea. Exodus 14:22 soon confirms the sequence of events.

The Israelites WENT (moved forward) into the midst of the sea, and only after come the words – “on dry land!” They activated their own “miracle” and contributed to their own deliverance by conquering FEAR. If we want our own Red Sea to split, we had better; “March Forward!” Do not retreat because in that direction lies our personal equivalent of the Egyptian army. But above all, we must NOT become paralyzed and passive. March Forward! The tidal wave of fear held back with the Truth of God’s Word! Regardless of what lies ahead - we must NOT let any political or economic crisis terrify us …nor allow it to immobilize us.  We are to fearlessly “march forward” and take care of the essentials which are family, finances, jobs, church, faith, health, fitness and value friendships. (Rabbi Daniel Lapkin).

Living in South Africa most are familiar with wild animals and especially the drives in game reserves and famous Kruger National Park. Male lions aren’t the skilled hunters but the female lionesses are! The male lion will ROAR loudly and get the whole camp’s attention …but what if we should ever be in a jungle and hear a roar of a lion – how should we react? Obviously, FEAR will come but we are NOT to “panic” and run away from the roar …but towards it - why? Because if we run away from his roar we run right into a trap! The female lionesses are generally at the opposite end of where the male lion hangs out and we would be out-numbered and running right into them ...a trap made of skilled huntresses. Run towards the roar! It’s kind of reminded us of old war movies where the Calvary would storm ahead into battle doesn’t it?

The FEAR of man is unwarranted, it is a “liar,” and lays a snare! The difference between warranted fear and un-warranted fear is important: when God uses FEAR, it is based in TRUTH …but when the Devil uses fear, it is based in lies. When Yeshua (Jesus) spoke of hell in fearful ways, it was to show the truth about God’s punishment of sin. Hell is not a place we want to be, and fear of it is warranted. When Satan urges us to fear man rather than fear God, he is advancing the lie that we owe more respect to fellow human beings than we owe to God! The word FEAR has the word EAR – so we are to be careful what we HEAR! This brings us to today where we’ve been held illegally against our will (in most instances) in LOCKDOWN (a prison term) in our houses for a year - almost like a “house arrest.” This caused FEAR and PANIC to obtain a vaccine. Fear is a tricky devil and from Satan since; “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18. Sometimes we can become afraid and the “spirit of fear” overcomes us BUT to overcome it …we need to trust God and love Him completely.  No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the Book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear NOT!”

In Ecclesiastes 1:13-14 - King Solomon does a comparison of things “under the sun” (on earth) and “above the sun” (in Heaven) …and found everything under the sun to be futile; “And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them to ALL be futile, a pursuit of the wind!” King Solomon was the most wisest and richest man of his day, who had everything he could ever want …but at the end of his life he concludes; “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: FEAR GOD and keep His Commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil…” – Ecclesiates 12:13-14.

FAITH overcomes FEAR! Moving forward in FEAR of the Lord is true FAITH …and courage in action! The Bible repeatedly admonishes God’s people NOT to FEAR the ungodly! Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). When we are told any lie - it is of Satan, who has no truth in him. The Devil will try to dishearten us with lies …and while there are many fears that are lies used by Satan - there are also many fears used by godly men and women to try to turn people to God. “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life…” – Proverbs 9:9-11.

God’s Word is true! He IS watching to see how the nations are treating His people – Israel. God will have mercy on Israel through Gentile believers acting as mediators towards them! This is one of the most amazing revelations ever given to the Church – an opportunity to do something that carries the highest priority in the heart of God. Yet, sadly, so few have seen the potential and the rewards of serving God in this manner - as agents of mercy to Israel and the Jewish people! Israel was and still is despised today and a despised nation continually turning away from God BUT nothing ever altered the purpose of God for that nation. The despised element is always a noticeable element in the purpose of God. When the Saviour of the world came, He came of that despised nation; like Israel… He Himself was; “despised and rejected by men,” …and there is that despised element; “…things that are despised God has chosen,” 1 Corinthians 1:28. Now, more than at any time is the time to support Israel and the Jewish people - the Lord’s Brethren! We are witnessing the nations and people turning their backs on Israel. Thank you for your prayers and generous financial support especially during these very difficult times. With “lockdown” and difficult “recovery” still lying ahead we ARE reminded that the Wuhan Corona Virus has caused many dire needs and continue to increase here in Israel upon the already most vulnerable! Once again – Thank you!

We hope that you enjoy and become more informed by our work. We serve an awesome God and we are humbled by this opportunity to bring you this information. With Shalom to you and your family always,

Alf & Julie Saunders

01^st June, 2021

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