ARE YOU AWAKE?

The events of the past week with the assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken the souls of millions around the world. It has especially resonated with a young audience captivated by solid and respectful arguments Charlie made in the marketplace of ideas on University Campuses and through his prolific online presence.

Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA

Since Charlie Kirks murder, his instagram account has already gone from 2 million to 12 million followers. The organisation Kirk founded, Turning Point USA at the time of his death had some 900 chapters across schools and Universities. Applications for new chapters have now skyrocketed to 32,000.

IS AN AWAKENING TAKING PLACE?

It would seem Kirks death has a lit a flame under a generation who closely followed him over the past 10+ years as he gained great prominence especially through the MAGA movement and his powerful and persuasive defence for freedom of speech and the preservation of the Judeo-Christian way of life.

But above that, Kirk had unwavering faith in Christ and was not afraid to boldly make a case for the Christian faith. In addition, he strongly defended the Nation of Israel because he firmly believed Israel was God’s chosen nation and the Jews God’s chosen people. He believed the Bible and he was unashamed of the gospel.

Could this be the beginning of another “great awakening”? I don’t know the answer to that, except to say that their is a deep stirring going on in the world right now as hearts and minds are being challenged about what is truly important. There are those who have previously drifted in their faith now recommitting their lives to following Christ. It is an exciting time to see what the Lord is doing.

A TIME TO REFLECT AND REPENT

Rosh Hashanah, known as the Jewish New Year or biblically as the feast of trumpets, marks a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal for the Jewish faith. But there are also spiritual applications for Christians since Rosh Hashanah contains themes of self-examination, repentance, and seeking God’s mercy. It is an opportunity to reflect on your life, acknowledge shortcomings, and pledge a deeper and more faithful commitment to God through faith in Christ.

The blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn) during Rosh Hashanah while not something familiar to most believers and less-so to unbelievers calls the hearer to wake up from their spiritual slumber, to listen attentively to God’s voice, and to prepare earnestly for the future beyond this earth. Christians can also use this time to renew their commitment to holiness, remembering that Christ’s sacrifice brings forgiveness and restoration.

Rosh Hashanah also points forward to the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate establishment of God’s Kingdom. It serves as a reminder to live in expectancy, maintaining a heart of repentance and readiness for the return of Jesus. In this way, the observance encourages believers to deepen their relationship with God and to live with purposeful faith throughout their life journey.

READY TO TALK

It is times like these people are often ready to talk. These are moments God gives us to open up discussion about the things taking place in our world. As people are pondering the magnitude of what they are witnessing going on around them in the world, many are ready to open up.

Will you be the voice your family and friends need to encourage commitment to Christ and a life of faith. A courageous conversation trusts the Lord for the outcome and goes where most are unwilling to tread, the place of truth. But this is where a new life of freedom emerges and where a new generation of believers is born. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, none comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6.

The Apostle Paul called on the Ephesian Church to expose the deed of darkness through the light of Christ who shines through them into the dark places of this world. It is a call for us to walk as those in the light because the days we are living are evil.

 “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:11–16, NASB95)

God bless You.

ISRAEL’S AUTUMN HOLY DAYS

Rosh Hashanah, Feat of Trumpets - Begins on 22nd September

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) - 1st October

Sukkot, (Feat of Tabernacles) - Begins 6th October

THE MONTH IN REVIEW

1. The War Continues - Over 700 days of war and 48 Hostages remain in Gaza with Israel having not reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas they are now focussed on isolating and eradicating Hamas from the Gaza Strip.

2. Qatar Attack - Most recently, Israel attacked the Hamas leadership in Qatar with bombs. The effectiveness of the attack is still being analysed, however early reports suggest that there may have been a warning prior to Israels attack that affected the outcome.

3. Israel attacks Yemen - Israel has significantly increased its retaliation against the Houthis in Yemen with more bombing including targeting the Houthi leadership.

4. Ongoing unrest in Israel - The divisions in Israel continue to be evident as families of hostages and other largely secular Jews protest the plans of the Netanyahu government.

5. Jerusalem Terror Attack - 6 Killed at Bus Stop in Jerusalem

6. World on the brink - Alliances are being strengthened as Russia launches drones into Polish airspace.

7. 2 Years since Hamas Attack - Israel prepares for 2nd Anniversary of October 7.

8. Autumn Holy Days - Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot will be obeserved in the coming weeks.