Warning: Auto-converted page: 1-column
The Jewish roots of Christianity

Home » September 2008 Personal Letter


Highlighting: OFF ON

Dear Friend:

Let me ask you a not-so-simple question: “How are you feeling these days—really?” If the tens of thousands of you who receive and share this letter want to write and tell me, I’ll try and read as many responses as possible. The reason I raise the question, however, is that I have a sense of how many in the country are feeling—scared!

According to the Oxford American Dictionary, the word “fear” comes from an old English word meaning “calamity,” “danger,” and “frighten.” Funk & Wagnalls notes that “fear” is “an emotion excited by threatening evil.”

With the Iranian menace constantly raising its hoary head in the news, with political changes in Israel, with our own country’s impending “changing of the guard,” and with the rise of gas prices at the pumps, this seems a good time to explore “fear” itself, and consider some biblical approaches to reducing it.

Fear may be stimulated by something immediate—such as the previously mentioned social changes or the soaring price of gas—or by something distant—like possible future events. But my point is (and here I agree with Aristotle) that “fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.”

Many of the Christian West’s present problems and concerns for the future come from the Islamic “East.” Understandably, some people fear a clash of civilizations. I think we’re looking at a clash of revelations rather than just a clash of civilizations! The problem is not social, but spiritual!

That realization—that the clash is spiritual rather than earthly—allows us to see that because we’re with Him who is “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8), we will wind up on the winning team!

And yet, when William Shakespeare said, “truly the souls of men are full of dread,” he acknowledged the “sinking heart” feeling that often accompanies overwhelming peril or sorrow. So, which reaction do we Christians tend toward—faith or fear?

Well, never mind the dread that the sons of men feel; more important is what was said through the sons of God.

Any thought about God’s lack of success on planet Earth is an illusion—a phantom thought, a non-reality. Whether we’re responding to concerns about our bodies, our families, our prosperity, or our ultimate success in life, Bible Believers are at our best when we can say and believe: “Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. Faith opened the door, looked out, and discovered that no one was there!”

Whether fear is prompted by anxiety over the price of Arab gas or by concerns of a possible Iranian blast, the result is the same: fear paralyzes Believers! It tempts us to “lower our shields of faith” (Ephesians 6:16), and prompts us to “throw away our confidence that has a great reward” (Hebrews 10:35). Let’s not do either of those!

My prayer for you is simple: that you keep your shield of faith up! Solomon said: “hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Fear God! Those who accept Solomon’s testimony to be true, and revere God should fear nevermore; whereas those who don’t revere God fear evermore.

Those on the wrong side of God’s judgment have something to fear, indeed. Weighing in on this very matter, Jeremiah said: “He who flees from the fear will fall into a pit, and he who gets out of the pit shall be caught in the snare” (48:44).

Jeremiah directed this judgment prophecy toward Moab—what is Jordan today (cf. v. 40). Similarly, Jeremiah decried Damascus—in what would be Syria today—saying: “fear has seized her… her young men shall fall in her streets… I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus” (49:23-27). In noting what would become of the Iraqis in his day—those dwelling in Babylon—Jeremiah lamented: military forces shall come “against you, O daughter of Babylon… Who will withstand Me?” (50:41-44), and “Babylon will be taken” (v. 46). Jeremiah even took on Iran—what was Elam in his day—saying: “I will break the bow of Elam… [and] I will cause Elam to be dismayed before her enemies” (49:34-37).

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s comment that “fear always rises from ignorance” seems particularly appropriate in this day. Especially when you consider that those of us who look into the darkened future with biblical flashlights foresee the ecstasies of victories, not the agonies of defeat. We see God declaring the “end” in the “beginning” and this should give us confidence.

We should praise the Lord that the Bible’s ultimate victory comes replete with blessings to and for all—including previously vanquished enemies.

Take Iran, for example. In 49:39, Jeremiah gives God’s Word on Iran’s future, saying, “But it shall come to pass in the latter days [that] I will bring back the captives of Elam,” and “I will set my throne in Elam” (v. 38a).

In the not-too-distant future, the Prince of Peace will come and bring about an end to hostilities. He Himself will restore equilibrium on this planet.

Confident that Believers will share in His ultimate triumph, I tend to face challenges head-on. Similarly, I will not run from Iran; to the contrary, as a Bible teacher, I want to turn toward Iran and examine God’s will for it and for the world through it. And I hope that the recent series on The MidEast ‘Piece’ Process that many of you sponsored, contributed toward our doing just that.

Jeff in front of cameras while shooting the “Ezekiel and the MidEast Piece Process” series. With the Eastern Gate of the Second Temple in the background, Jeff talks about the future Temple as prophesied by Ezekiel.

Speaking of heading toward the Middle East, in case you’d like to head east with me, we still have openings on two of our wonderful trips to Israel leaving October 14 and 19, and returning October 29. To find out if there’s room for you, call Abel at (214) 696-9760 during office hours or 1-800-WONDERS (1-800-966-3377) anytime. If you can’t travel with us this fall, call now for our Spring 2009 Tours, which depart March 15 and return March 25 and 29. Sandra and I would love to traverse the biblical world with you.

When all is said and done, Zola Levitt Ministries is an agency with a mission—with me a missionary. Speaking as such, let me thank you for supporting our work and for participating with us in making Jesus/Yeshua known in this fearful world.

On “Ezekiel” location overlooking the valley of Armageddon

When you wonder about how to help us, let me remind you that summer vacation months can be tough on us financially, because many contributors divert their discretionary spending, understandably, to travel and family events. Nevertheless, we’ve spent the summer working on our Ezekiel television series and, at the very moment I’m writing this letter, our producer is in Israel scouting out sites for our next series. Our financial lack hasn’t prompted us to be slack. However, we frankly could use the help.

Blessings to you—whether you give a dime, a dollar, or a prayer. We need it all, and we love you for it.

Yours,

Jeffrey L. Seif

Jeffrey Seif

P.S. Remember: Together we can shine a much-needed light in a much-darkened world. Together we have the potential to enter millions of homes, heads, and hearts; and, together we can co-labor in Kingdom-advancing, Gospel business!

Featured Products

Donation

Donation

“To help you promote biblical faith the world over, I am enclosing my gift for September.”

Thy Kingdom Come: The Future of Believers

“Thy Kingdom Come: The Future of Believers” video

In this twelve-program series, Zola searches Bible prophecy to reveal the glorious future events awaiting all Believers in Messiah.

The Iranian Menace in Jewish History and Prophecy

“The Iranian Menace in Jewish History and Prophecy” book

Iran is central in End Times prophecy. After a glimpse of Iran in ancient Roman and Jewish histories, you will learn the significance of prophecy in the Jewish Scriptures and apocalyptic literature. Jeff’s analysis is based on sound scriptural understanding as well as his conclusions from two decades of academic contemplation.

Is Fanatic Islam a Global Threat?

“Is Fanatic Islam a Global Threat?” book

This authoritative 275-page book gives the inside story on fanatic Islam and proves that it is currently the major force in worldwide destabilization. Explore thirteen explosive topics such as Islamic Holy War: A Short History of Jihad, Islamic Persecution of Christians, Afghanistan — Another Islamic Hell and Was the Koran Written by Man? A wake-up call to the realities of America’s brewing fight for survival.

Pro-Israel Collar Pins

Pro-Israel Collar Pins

From “Shalom” to the chai symbol standing for “Life!” itself to “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” to the flag of Israel, you’ll be ready for any occasion.

Share This Page