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The Bold Challenge to Christian Zionism

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As Israel courageously withstands attacks from all sides, Christian Zionism is also facing mounting criticism. There is a deliberate effort by Satan to create division among Christians and between Christians and Jews. Alarmingly, much of this criticism originates from individuals who identify as Christians. They label Christian Zionism as 'heresy' and a 'false belief,' accusing us of opposing God; some even question our faith entirely. This is a demonic assault that must be met with the full strength of God’s Word. Christians can unknowingly become instruments of Satan. In Matthew, we see how Peter serves as such an example.


From that moment onward, Jesus began to reveal to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, where He would suffer greatly at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and then rise again on the third day. Peter then took Him aside to rebuke Him, saying, “Lord, this must not happen to You!” But Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me, because you are not considering the things of God, but rather the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23). Peter was undoubtedly a disciple of Jesus. Just a few verses earlier, Jesus had declared: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)


There was no doubt that Peter was a man of God destined for greatness in the Kingdom. Yet, at that moment, when he thought he was speaking rightly, Peter was actually opposing God's will and serving as Satan's mouthpiece. Today, we're witnessing a surge in attacks against Christian Zionism from within the Christian community. These criticisms are being amplified by figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, both of whom claim to be Christians. They are giving a platform to Christians who are fundamentally anti-Israel, spreading misleading views about Israel, Christianity, the Bible, and God Himself. This is incredibly dangerous. Just last week, a striking example of this deception occurred during Tucker Carlson’s interview with Mother Agapia Stephanopoulos, a nun who seemed more focused on defending Hamas than on upholding the Word of God. While we won't delve into the lies, distortions, or her statement about voting for Hamas, we will focus on a few points she raised against Christian Zionism. Mother Stephanopoulos, who is Orthodox Christian, claimed that Christian Zionists are “following a Christianity that is not the Christianity of the Holy Land. It’s not the Christianity of a Catholic or an Orthodox or a traditional Christian. It’s a heretical belief.”


Heretical? Us? Certainly not.


Christian Zionists are vibrant believers who passionately interpret the Bible literally. We dive into the scriptures with enthusiasm and unwavering trust in God's Word. When God promised Abraham that the land would belong to him and his descendants forever, we embraced that promise wholeheartedly: “Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God” (Genesis 17:8). We are thrilled by God's assurance: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Our faith is steadfast as we cherish God’s repeated emphasis that these promises extend to all of Abraham's descendants forever: “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever” (Genesis 13:15).


And when God declared that Israel would be His eternal people, we embraced this truth with joy: “For the LORD will not reject His people, nor abandon His inheritance” (Psalm 94:14). We delight in every moment God identifies the Jewish people as His chosen nation, for “You are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6).


Despite God's clear declarations, Tucker Carlson and Mother Stephanopoulos seem to think that our vibrant faith in God's promises somehow contradicts Jesus. Why? Because we joyfully anticipate Jesus’ glorious return. Tucker claimed that what Christian Zionists “are arguing is that Jesus coming the first time wasn’t enough.”


Wow, talk about a major misunderstanding of the Bible on Tucker's part! In an eye-opening interview, he challenges Senator Ted Cruz’s Christianity, calling him a ‘so-called Christian’ just because Cruz is in favor of blessing Israel. But here's the kicker: Tucker, who professes to be a Christian himself, seems to miss the memo about Jesus' prophesied return! The second coming of Christ isn't some hidden secret; it's a widely embraced belief among Christians. Embracing this clear Biblical promise doesn't undermine the incredible work accomplished on the Cross. Jesus' first coming was all about offering salvation to humanity (John 3:16), but when He comes back, it's to establish God’s glorious kingdom on earth! And guess where this kingdom will be? In Jerusalem, the city of God, granted to the Jewish people as an everlasting inheritance. Mother Stephanopoulos even chimed in, suggesting that “in a way it’s denying the Messiah.”


She passionately continued by discussing how the Jews rejected Jesus, claiming that “Christ superseded the law. He said, there's something more than that, I am the law. I fulfill the law and the prophets.” However, she subtly changed what Jesus actually declared. Jesus clearly stated: “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) It's evident that Jesus Himself affirmed He did not supersede or abolish, but fulfill. This is a crucial error of Replacement Theology, the mistaken belief that the Church has replaced Israel. Mother Stephanopoulos then boldly asserted that because Jews have rejected Jesus and continue to observe the law, they have been rejected by God. This is yet another false claim that contradicts Scripture. Paul passionately emphasizes in Romans 11:1-2a: “I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.”


Romans 11:28 brings an exciting revelation! When it comes to the gospel, the Jewish people might be seen as adversaries, but in terms of God’s divine selection, they are deeply cherished because of their ancestors. Their temporary rejection of the gospel has opened the door wide for the Gentiles, allowing us to be included in God’s grand plan! We should embrace this opportunity with humility, without boasting over those who currently can't see the truth. And here's the thrilling part: this rejection is only temporary until Christ returns! Imagine the possibilities! “What if some did not believe? Will their unbelief nullify God’s faithfulness? Certainly not!” (Romans 3:3-4). God’s unbreakable covenant with Israel stands strong, regardless of their current lack of faith. History shows us that even when people have stumbled, God’s faithfulness has never wavered. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful.” (2 Timothy 2:13). What an incredible testament to His unwavering love!


God not only promised to uphold Israel as a nation eternally, but He emphasized this commitment repeatedly. A significant verse highlighting this is Jeremiah 31:35-37, which declares:

Thus says the Lord,

Who provides the sun for daylight

And the established order of the moon and stars for nighttime light,

Who stirs the sea, causing its waves to roar;

The Lord of hosts is His name:

36 “If this established order vanishes

From before Me,” declares the Lord,

“Then the descendants of Israel will also cease

To be a nation before Me forever.”

37 Thus says the Lord,

“If the heavens above can be measured

And the earth's foundations explored below,

Then I will also reject all the descendants of Israel

For all they have done,” declares the Lord.


When you look out the window and see the sun shining, it confidently reaffirms that God's promise to preserve the nation of Israel stands strong. The Bible clearly teaches that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Christians who oppose God's Word find themselves in a precarious position. They must ensure they do not become instruments for Satan by refusing to submit to the authority of God's Word. The most perilous attacks on our beliefs are those against Christian Zionism, particularly from individuals who claim to be Christians. Such attacks can lead believers to turn away from God. As Proverbs 6:19 states, “The Lord hates… one who sows discord among brethren.”


Christian Zionism is not a new theology; it is the core Biblical perspective. Misleading teachings attempt to divide God from His people, both Jews and Christians. Those spreading these falsehoods are acting as instruments of Satan. Just as Jesus corrected Peter when he erred, we must firmly correct those who oppose God's divine will.


Agape Simple Church House fellowship has clearly stated our position on this matter: we align with God. Please refer to our Statement of Faith page.

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Agape Simple Church 

simpleagapechurchkhe@gmail.com

07775828730

Colchester, Essex United Kingdom

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