JERUSALEM, ISRAEL -
It's a land like no other, in a time like no other. As world events involving the nation of Israel heat up, many are wondering whether Biblical prophecy is about to unfold there.
WHNT NEWS 19 anchor and reporter Nick Banaszak spent three weeks in Israel capturing the sights and sounds of one of the holiest and most volatile places on Earth. For Christians around the globe, it all goes back to this tiny strip of land in the Middle East.
"For us as evangelical Christians, we believe that Israel is one of the very keys that unlocks the last days," said Rusty Nelson, senior pastor of The Rock Family Worship Center in Huntsville.
It's a moment of world history when world opinion is decidedly against the Jewish state of Israel. But running against that current is a segment of support coming from a place that initially took many Jews by surprise. Over the last decade, evangelical Christians and orthodox Jews have come together in unity with the common cause of supporting Israel.
"This is the age of miracles, I can't say anything other than that," said Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, chief rabbi for the district of Efrat. "The tremendous heart of the evangelical church and church people coming to Israel and supporting us, visiting us, all of this led me to believe that we're living in Messianic times... we're living in very fateful and very critical times."
Riskin has been at the forefront of the Evangelical-Israeli alliance, working with Christian-based groups such as Eagles' Wings to promote pro-Israel programs and education throughout the United States. Groups like Eagles' Wings say their mission in Israel is not evangelism or promotion of end-of-time theology, but rather defending the cause of the Jewish people. Their ministry is considered the most prominent Christian outreach group in Israel, and they base their mission on Psalm 122:6 which reads, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem... may those who love you be secure."
Many evangelicals feel current events in Israel such as the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a serious threat from Iran are potential sign markers for the last days.
"Jesus said this generation would not pass away until they see everything fulfilled, everything walking out for his purposes," said Pastor Nelson, who has made several trips to Israel over the last few years. "Even what we're seeing happen in the tension of the Middle East, the tension of the world, still has to do with that covenant that began to be divided with Isaac and Ishmael... I believe it's a sign of the last day... One of the key blessings I feel that is on America is because we have stood with Israel, and as the church, we want to see that continue."
Many evangelicals say the increasing pressure on Israel was foretold long ago in the pages of the Bible. Ezekiel 37 speaks of "dry bones coming to life." Some believe the passage refers to Israel's creation in 1948, just three years after the end of the Holocaust, and a sign of the final generation that will live in the end times. Another common Israel reference is Matthew 24, where Jesus himself elaborates on the "last day signs":
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Political leaders from the U.S. have also taken notice of the growing Pro-Israel movement within the American church. Congressman Parker Griffith (D), who represents Alabama's Fifth District, spoke with WHNT NEWS 19 while touring the Holy Land. Griffith was one of just a handful of congressmen who met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and says his political support for Israel is rooted in his faith.
"We need to express ourselves in a very decisive way that Israel is our friend," said Rep. Griffith. "I think as a Christian, when you see the streets that Jesus walked on, see the geography we talked about in our Sunday school class, when you really realize it's really there, you can touch it, see it, feel it... it changes how you see things, and makes you a major ally of Israel."
This past October, an estimated 30 million evangelicals in America took a public stand with Israel on the annual "Day of Prayer For The Peace of Jerusalem". The event was started by Eagles' Wings founder Robert Stearns and California-based pastor Dr. Jack Hayford.
WHNT NEWS 19 anchor and reporter Nick Banaszak spent three weeks in Israel capturing the sights and sounds of one of the holiest and most volatile places on Earth. For Christians around the globe, it all goes back to this tiny strip of land in the Middle East.
"For us as evangelical Christians, we believe that Israel is one of the very keys that unlocks the last days," said Rusty Nelson, senior pastor of The Rock Family Worship Center in Huntsville.
It's a moment of world history when world opinion is decidedly against the Jewish state of Israel. But running against that current is a segment of support coming from a place that initially took many Jews by surprise. Over the last decade, evangelical Christians and orthodox Jews have come together in unity with the common cause of supporting Israel.
"This is the age of miracles, I can't say anything other than that," said Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, chief rabbi for the district of Efrat. "The tremendous heart of the evangelical church and church people coming to Israel and supporting us, visiting us, all of this led me to believe that we're living in Messianic times... we're living in very fateful and very critical times."
Riskin has been at the forefront of the Evangelical-Israeli alliance, working with Christian-based groups such as Eagles' Wings to promote pro-Israel programs and education throughout the United States. Groups like Eagles' Wings say their mission in Israel is not evangelism or promotion of end-of-time theology, but rather defending the cause of the Jewish people. Their ministry is considered the most prominent Christian outreach group in Israel, and they base their mission on Psalm 122:6 which reads, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem... may those who love you be secure."
Many evangelicals feel current events in Israel such as the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a serious threat from Iran are potential sign markers for the last days.
"Jesus said this generation would not pass away until they see everything fulfilled, everything walking out for his purposes," said Pastor Nelson, who has made several trips to Israel over the last few years. "Even what we're seeing happen in the tension of the Middle East, the tension of the world, still has to do with that covenant that began to be divided with Isaac and Ishmael... I believe it's a sign of the last day... One of the key blessings I feel that is on America is because we have stood with Israel, and as the church, we want to see that continue."
Many evangelicals say the increasing pressure on Israel was foretold long ago in the pages of the Bible. Ezekiel 37 speaks of "dry bones coming to life." Some believe the passage refers to Israel's creation in 1948, just three years after the end of the Holocaust, and a sign of the final generation that will live in the end times. Another common Israel reference is Matthew 24, where Jesus himself elaborates on the "last day signs":
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Political leaders from the U.S. have also taken notice of the growing Pro-Israel movement within the American church. Congressman Parker Griffith (D), who represents Alabama's Fifth District, spoke with WHNT NEWS 19 while touring the Holy Land. Griffith was one of just a handful of congressmen who met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and says his political support for Israel is rooted in his faith.
"We need to express ourselves in a very decisive way that Israel is our friend," said Rep. Griffith. "I think as a Christian, when you see the streets that Jesus walked on, see the geography we talked about in our Sunday school class, when you really realize it's really there, you can touch it, see it, feel it... it changes how you see things, and makes you a major ally of Israel."
This past October, an estimated 30 million evangelicals in America took a public stand with Israel on the annual "Day of Prayer For The Peace of Jerusalem". The event was started by Eagles' Wings founder Robert Stearns and California-based pastor Dr. Jack Hayford.
