April 2018 Personal Letter

Dear Friend,

Much is happening in Israel, the United States, and around the world, but several issues stand out in the minds of pro-Israel Believers (“Believers” is short for “believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah”). Let’s address them.

The Loss of Dr. Billy Graham

America’s Pastor, a man whom God chose for a season to preach the Gospel to millions of listeners, befriended presidents and paupers. Dr. Graham loved people as Yeshua/Jesus loved people. Of all the accolades spoken about his life and ministry, his own words describe his home-going best:

Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.

Hearing of Dr. Graham’s death, I immediately thought of a verse in 2 Samuel where King David spoke to Israel about the death of Abner, the most important military commander under both Saul and David.

Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?” — 2 Samuel 3:38

Dr. Graham’s humble spirit would never allow him to be called a prince, but he certainly could be considered a warrior for the cause of Christ as he preached Yeshua’s Gospel around the world. He will be missed!

Moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem

This event is currently scheduled for May 14, 2018 to coincide with Israel’s 70^th birthday. This ministry is taking a “wait and see” posture on that announcement. One constant, however, remains certain: Jerusalem is just as important now as it was in the day when David conquered it and established it as the place from which he would rule over Israel.

Jerusalem’s past with King David

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. But the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not come in here!” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). … Then David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the City of David. And he built the city around it from the Millo [landfill] to the surrounding area. Joab repaired the rest of the city. So David went on and became great, and the Lord of hosts was with him.” — 1 Chronicles 11:4–5, 7–9

Jerusalem’s future with God

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. … It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all nations that come against Jerusalem.” — Zechariah 12: 2–3, 9

Israel’s 70^th Birthday

Let’s consider the historical significance of Israel celebrating 70 years as a regathered nation: the State of Israel. Israelis created an oasis of prosperity in a land of sand! You can be certain that after waiting 2,000 years to return home, Israelis will defend their land and lifestyle, which they built with their own blood, sweat, and tears and with the blessings of God.

While Israel builds its people and blesses the world with advancements in science, technology, and agriculture, Russia busily courts and supports Iran and Syria. Should we ask, “Is the end near?” Are we seeing the alignment of powers mentioned in Ezekiel 38? Is this a precursor to Revelation 16:16: “And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew Armageddon”? As we march toward the consummation of the Age, more and more signs will become visible for those with the spiritual eyes to see!

How Did We Get To This Point?

It is impossible to address all of today’s news that is relevant to our lives as Believers, but I must mention the most pressing, or should I say depressing: the recurrence of random, mass homicide, the murder of innocents. This time, 14 precious children and 3 teachers lost their lives at the school shooting in Florida.

Dr. Tony Evans, a Dallas area pastor, gave a synopsis of the tragedy before praying for the families of the victims. He began by quoting from 2 Chronicles:

For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. And in those days there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands. So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversary. — 2 Chronicles 15:3–6

Dr. Evans commented that whenever God is removed from anything — schools, politics, the public arena, or our personal lives — His absence leaves a vacuum that evil rushes in to fill. He continued by saying that when someone has no respect for his own life, he has no respect for the lives of others! He’s right, you know! And the old saying is true: “Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it.” If Bible teaching is not restored in our society (to the student-age young, in particular), I fear the inevitability of more mass homicides.

History Lesson

What can we learn from Israel’s history? An early lesson can be found when we read about Moses being summoned to Mount Sinai where God gave him the Law to guide His people into becoming that special nation through which He would bless the entire world. Things started out really good: “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” (Exodus 19:5).

Then the situation got worse:

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us, for as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” … And the Lord said to Moses, “Go, get down! For your [emphasis mine] people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.” — Exodus 32: 1, 7

What happened? They replaced God with evil idol worship. Where God is pushed out, evil rushes in. That’s a lesson from history that we would be wise to learn.

The only solution for the worsening condition of this world is to address the condition of man’s heart. It is the message that Billy Graham preached for more than 60 years. If you have never accepted Jesus/Yeshua as your personal Savior, I urge you to do so now! The angels in Heaven are waiting to rejoice (Luke 15:10).

Jesus/Yeshua is the answer to all the problems that plague our world. The psalmist reveals the reason that we face troubles in this world: There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Psalm 36:1).

P.S. Thank you for all that you do for Zola Levitt Ministries. We could not persist in our Biblical endeavors without your prayers and good-hearted support. And thank you in advance for your generous gift!  

A Note from David and Kirsten

Just as Tony observed, today’s rapid news developments continue pointing to Israel and the Bible. What exciting times in the Holy Land … 70 years! Zola began taking pilgrims to Israel in the early 1980s because he believed that it’s vital for Believers to visit God’s chosen land.

The Holy Land remains the spiritual center of the world: Always has been and always will be. Signs of the times keep evolving everywhere. The focus on Jerusalem as Israel’s capital confirms the fact that God’s timetable is unfolding just as Bible prophets foresaw.

Please join us to see for yourself this Land, the apple of God’s eye. Our Holy Land study tour will renew your spiritual walk. We guarantee it.

Zola Tours to the Holy Land

Below are our Fall Tour options. For questions and itinerary details, please contact Zola Tours manager, Sandra, at 214-696-9760, email her at travel@levitt.com, or visit levitt.com/tours.

Fall Tour

Our prices include tips, taxes, & fuel surcharge (subject to change)

Deluxe (Israel only)	Oct 14–23	$4,488
Grand Petra (Israel & Petra)	Oct 14–26	$5,688
Grand Athens (Greece & Israel)	Oct 8–23	$7,388
Ultra Grand (Greece & Israel & Petra)	Oct 8–26	$8,588

Zola Levitt Ministries is reaching the world’s continents via television, the Internet, and mail with on-location reporting from our news correspondents and Bible teachers in Israel. We are Called Together to build bridges — with gentile and Jew working hand-in-hand.

Would you kindly help us with a contribution using the enclosed envelope? Then again, you may prefer to call 1-800-966-3377 (1-800-WONDERS) anytime or click on the “Donations” drop-down menu at levitt.com. With your faithful financial support, we will be able to continue fulfilling our mission.

David & Kirsten

Zola Levitt Presents in April

Called Together was Kirsten’s and my first television series for Zola Levitt Presents. Our theological teacher for the eight programs, Eitan Shishkoff, has a likeable, down-to-earth yet deeply spiritual quality. Spread the word and tell your friends to tune in for each week’s program. Or watch any of the episodes at levitt.tv.

If you’re social media savvy, you can share the link to each week’s program, because we want as many people as possible to share the vital message of Jew and gentile working together. Toda (Thanks) — David

Called Together focuses on how gentile Christians are beginning to recognize their Messianic brothers and sisters (Jewish believers in Jesus/Yeshua) as the natural olive branch referred to by Paul in Romans 11. The Lord calls us to work together to bring the Messiah to the lost and especially to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. From the studio, David and Kirsten Hart present these eight programs of Bible teaching that feature “Our Man in Haifa” Eitan Shishkoff, location reports from Chaim Malespin, brief Hebrew lessons from Dana Feinstein, and interviews with Christian lovers of Israel. Guest analyst Dr. Jeffrey Seif helps us apply these teachings to our modern lives.

Salvation Returns

Israel was the messenger of light to the gentiles, who now take the Gospel message back to where it began. Importer of humanitarian aid Jim Schutz shows how gentile Believers reflect God’s love. An Israeli Jew and Polish Christian call us to support the Jewish people. Chaim’s wife Deanna teaches us “Jesus” in Hebrew. Messianic Carolyn Hyde sings “Oseh Shalom.”

Two Loaves

Peter learned the mystery of gentile salvation at the house of Cornelius, welcoming gentiles into the family of God. The wall separating gentile and Jewish worlds remains a barrier to Israel’s salvation. Guests: Vineyard owner Yaacov Berg and Englishman Chris Chambers.

Olive Oil

Gentile Christians and Messianic Jews are called together into a shared priesthood.
Guests: David Parsons (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem) and activist “Jerusalem Jane” Kiel.

Desert Blooms

Since 1948, the desert has bloomed in Israel. In the future, all nations will come here to worship. Eitan encourages Christians to help Messianic Believers restore Israel to the glory of God. Yaacov Berg explains how to refute the BDS movement.

Dry Bones

Ezekiel envisioned dry bones that become physically and spiritually alive. Like the Prodigal Son’s brother, some Christians resent the rise of Messianic congregations. Native American Joaquin Guerrero relates to the Jewish people’s persecution and spiritual connection to the land.