Isaiah 56:1-5. 2019 Christian Leadership Conference: The Holocaust, Anti-Semitism, and Israel cont. Review of topics discussed days 4-9. Focus on Jews in the medieval Christian world, Holocaust denial, and survivors.

Psalm 148:1-6: Call to all of creation to praise the Lord. These verses help us to understand the importance of Christmas. Taking a supernatural perspective of exultation, we take a look at the angels (God's fiery messengers) and their role in announcing the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This includes: Gabriel to Zacharias (Luke 1:5-20), Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38), Gabriel to Joseph (Matt 1:18-25), and the angels to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). We should have faith to serve God with the same purpose.

(Rom 1:16-17) Study of Protestant Reformation concluded. Earle Cairns' "Christianity Through the Centuries" defines Reformation as movement of religious reform that resulted in creation of national Protestant churches between 1517 and 1545. Causes of Reformation understood as 1) Church's refusal to reform and 2) creative personalities such as Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin, Menno Simons, Thomas Cranmer, and others. Background provided on these reformers, including break off of Anabaptist and Anglican churches.

Reading from Bill Bennett's American's Patriotic Almanac: "The Background of Halloween" and "The First Tuesday After the First Monday" (first Election Day established in 1848). Study of Protestant Reformation continued. (Rom 3:21-26) As Martin Luther translated the Bible from Latin to Greek, he became convinced that the basis of salvation is found in Scripture and not designated by the Church. Study of Church background examines other factors that contributed to the papacy's decline, including socioeconomic and political changes that preceded the Reformation.

Earle Cairns' "Christianity Through the Centuries," and Dr. Jim West's "The Other Holiday on October 31," address early Church history and Reformation Day. On October 31, 1517, Professor Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenburg Castle Church, challenging, among other things, indulgences. This traditionally marks the day that begins the Protestant Reformation, which had been in progress by many other reformers, like John Wycliffe and Jan Huss, and would continue under many more, like John Calvin. Is salvation by faith or works or both? Rom 4:1-8 makes clear Abraham was justified by faith alone.

Motherhood is God's plan and an essential part of happiness. But today's society, at its own peril, belittles the divinely designed roles of men and women, marriage and family. Mothers, critical to our lives and a bedrock to our nation, should be honored. Timothy's grandmother and mother are two examples of godly mothers whose impact helped lay the foundation for this great communicator of the gospel (2 Tim 1:5).

Mt 21:1-11; Jn 12:12-19. The Triumphal Entry marked the beginning of the Lord's final week of earthly ministry. In fulfillment of Zec 9:9 and as symbol of peace, Jesus entered on a donkey. Though the crowd responded euphorically, they did not recognize Him as the Son of God, who would deliver them spiritually, but considered Him a prophet, who would provide physical deliverance. Will we be like many of those at the Triumphal Entry—merely bystanders, or will we be devoted to serving the Lord?

Communion. The Master's Touch. Not quite comprehending that it was God's plan for Jesus, though innocent, to be arrested, Peter struck the high priest's servant cutting off his ear. In an act of rectitude and compassion for His enemy, Jesus not only healed Malchus' ear, but His healing touch extended to the servant's soul. (Mt 26:51; Mk 14:47; Lk 22:47; Jn 18:10).

Summary review of Zec chs 1-14. Greatly discouraged following their return to a Judah laid waste, the post-exilic Jews were ministered to by Zechariah who encouraged and comforted them with 8 prophetic visions. Although the nation was rebuked for her disobedience and urged to repent, the Lord promised future restoration and rejoicing in the Millennium when He will reign as King and Priest. Because of their rejection of Him at His first coming, however, the nation would first undergo judgment. In the day of the Lord He will deliver the remnant, destroy Jerusalem's enemies, and purge the world to worship Him.

Zec 14:16-21. During the Millennium both Jew and Gentile alike will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (a.k.a. Succoth or Ingathering). Originally celebrated to commemorate the Lord's care of the Israelites during the wilderness years, the feast also has a prophetic aspect. Peter's suggestion to build shelters at the Transfiguration (Mk 9:5) reflects this. Although some nations will fail to keep the feast in the Messianic Kingdom suffering drought, the fear of the Lord will be so pervasive that even common items will be holy, and no longer shall there be an unclean person in the house of the Lord.