In the World – June 5, 2011

In the World – June 5, 2011 Posted in: In the World by ron on June 1, 2011 | No Comments Download In the World for June 5, 2011 here. (PDF) TRAVEL TO MODERN GAZA On Saturday, Egypt lifted the four-year-old blockade of its border with Gaza. As part of the decision, the Egyptians are pushing Hamas, the Palestinian faction that rules Gaza, to become less militant. Hamas leaders recently promised to begin talks toward forming a united Palestinian government with Fatah, the moderate Palestinian faction in power in the West Bank. Opening the border was viewed as a reward for this agreement. The ultimate effect is yet to be seen, but Israel fears that the lifting of the blockade will allow Hamas to import more weapons into Gaza, thus increasing the threat to Israel’s peace and safety. ENTERING ANCIENT PALESTINE Ancient Israel’s entry into Palestine was also based on a promise—the one God had made to Moses that he (God) would give the land to Israel. God’s promises are more trustworthy than those made by modern political power brokers. More than once such power brokers have agreed to—and then backed away from—vows made to secure peace and stability in the region. God keeps his promises; so often, humans do not. 1. Are the Israelis and Palestinians any closer to peace than before the blockade was lifted? Why, or why not? 2. Is God interested in any particular “real estate” today as he was in Joshua’s time? What scriptural backing do you have for your conclusion? 3. How should the fact that God keeps his promises influence Christians who hold public office? 4. How can God’s promises in today’s lesson text serve as a comfort for us today? 5. What specific examples can you give of Christians not honoring the promises they have made? How do these affect the world’s view of the church? —Charles R. Boatman http://www.standardlesson.com/what-you-get Copyright © 2011 by Standard Publishing, Cincinnati, OH. All rights reserved. Each download is for the use of one church only.