CMNZs Public Response to the War Between Israel and Hamas
PREAMBLE:
As a ministry composed of Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus, we deplore the actions of Hamas and their sympathisers and are horrified by the heinous and barbaric acts which commenced on 7 October 2023 and continue through antisemitic acts and demonstrations world-wide.
We recognise that the Hamas invasion into the land of Israel, constitutes an act of war and recognise Israel’s right and responsibility to defend its boarder and its people from Hamas terrorists. Israel has stated that they did not start this war nor did they want this war but since this war has been thrust upon them, they will execute this war to remove Hamas and other terrorists from Gaza and to rescue the hostages taken into into captivity in Gaza on 7 October 2023.
We also affirm our faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; in His Messiah Jesus; and in the Holy Scriptures. In them we find truth and guidance for all areas of life, including the current war between Israel and Hamas.
The following affirmations articulate these fundamental beliefs which will guide our prayers and efforts during this difficult season. We call upon all who follow the Messiah Jesus to understand and embrace these affirmations as well.
AFFIRMATIONS:
1. The Bible teaches God chose for Himself a people from the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Jewish nation, giving them the land of Israel as a rightful inheritance through an unconditional covenant forever. (Genesis 12:7; 26:3-4; 28:13-14).
2. The Bible teaches God promised to bless the Jewish people and chose them to be a light and witness of His truth among the nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 44:8, 60:3).
3. The Bible teaches God remains and will remain faithful to the Jewish people in keeping His covenant promises (Jeremiah 31:35–37; Romans 11:28–29).
4. The Bible teaches Satan has sought and will continue to seek the destruction of the Jewish people through Israel’s enemies but will ultimately fail. (Daniel 10:18–21, 12:1–4; Zechariah 12:9–12, 14:2–3).
5. The Bible teaches Israel will embrace the gospel in the end of days through Jesus the Messiah, who will return to reign as King in Israel from Jerusalem. (Romans 11:25–36; Zechariah 12:10, 14:9–19, Matthew 23:37–39).
6. The Bible calls all to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
7. The Bible teaches Gentile believers in Jesus, “who formerly were far off [but] have been brought near by the blood of Christ,” should identify with the people of Israel, bearing their burdens, concerns, and challenges (Romans 11:17; Ephesians 2:12; Psalm 122:8–9).
8. The Bible calls believers to love and bear witness to Jewish people and to comfort those who mourn. Therefore we should pray for, support, and comfort those whose loved ones were murdered or kidnapped on 7 October 2023, and pray for the return of those taken hostage by Hamas (Isaiah 40:1-2, Romans 11:11, 12:15; Matthew 25:31–40).