The last two years have seen a massive chasm in every country of the world over the Israel/Palestine issue. Since October 7, 2023 and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel, people are divided. But this is not a recent debate. Anyone who knows the history of the region understands this dispute is ancient. But today I want to go back “behind the curtain” to get the real story.

I. The Incessant Competition (Philistine History)

II. The Invisible Conflict (Spiritual Hostility)

III. The Irrevocable Covenant (Divine Treaty)

Talk with God: Pray for the people of Israel and Palestine as they continue to deal with the conflict in their everyday lives.

Talk with others: Share what you’re thankful for this season with your Connect Group.

Talk with kids: Why is it important that these prophecies came true?

Some people insist that in our post-modern (or even meta-modern) age, we only believe in science, not metaphysics. That’s not quite true. At the heart of the transgender movement, people believe they are what they claim to be regardless of biological evidence. None of this is new. Something similar happened in the ancient worship of Asherah. Let’s examine it more carefully.

I. The Practice of Debased Idolatry (Jeremiah 7)

(Three Notable Characteristics)

II. The Proclamation of Divine Wrath (Romans 1)

(Three Notable Reasons)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for the lost, confused, and hurting people in your family, community, and city.

Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing family and friends how you can support them in boldly and lovingly sharing the hope of Jesus with someone this week.

Talk with kids: Pick up some poster board from Calvary Kids and create a banner to share what you’re thankful for as a family at our Thanksgiving Banner Service this Wednesday.