Jesus’ Three Days and Three Nights Prediction Explained (Matthew 12:40)

Have you ever been reading the Bible and encountered what seemingly was a contradiction?

For instance have you ever wondered about Jesus’ prediction in Matthew 12:40? Since the Lord was crucified on Friday and rose again on Sunday, how can that amount to three days and three nights? It’s a very common question, and can be a stumbling block for anyone.

In the FAQ section of Levitt.com (http://www.levitt.com/faqs), you’ll find the answers to many commonly asked questions about the Bible, Christianity, Israel, and Bible prophecy.

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Selective Sisterhood

Katharine Weiss, co-host of Zola Levitt Presents

Katharine Weiss, co-host of Zola Levitt Presents

After twenty-five years of marriage, I can honestly agree with the old rumor “Jews make the best husbands.” At least my Jew—Myles—has been a wonderful friend, father, and follower of Yeshua. Every Shabbat (Sabbath), he praises me as a Proverbs 31 woman (even if I don’t always feel like one), and reminds all who are present when I light the candles that the Light of the World came through the womb of woman.

He honors me and requires our children to do the same. Myles is generous and likes to lavish me with gifts even though he hates to shop. In fact, he is the opposite of the stereotypical portrait of the “cheap” Jew.     I feel loved.

I have good news for you women: Whether you are married or not, if you are a Believer, you have the greatest Jewish husband in this world! He always believes the best in you and has written you the most beautiful love letter ever. He is watching over you at all times and delights in your unique expression of His love to this world. He is the most generous King and provides you with His gifts and blessings. I hope you feel loved.

oppressed Muslim womanSadly, this is not the case for the women of Islam. What a painful picture, to see them virtually entombed in a head-to-toe shroud. What wounding, to see what their ideology does to them in the name of “modesty” and “virtue.” Many are prisoners of a perverse demand for “holiness” that is mandated and enforced by men.

So the question arises: Where are the usually vocal members of the Western feminist movement? Why the silence?

Islam’s treatment of women should be a front-page issue for feminists. In its most virulent forms, the practices of Koran-following Muslims produce abusive systems of power differentials between the sexes. In some cases, such as in Saudi Arabia, it takes the form of ineligibility to obtain a driver’s license. In more primitive societies, Islam requires genital mutilation to prevent pleasure in God-ordained intimacy.

Oprah WinfreyBarbaric?

Absolutely, and yet the same people who insist on the right to any form of sexual expression are seemingly absent when these issues of Islamic oppression are raised. The Steinems and Greers and even the currently omnipresent Oprah never say a word against Islam.

We must speak out—for the women of Islam and against the ideology that enslaves them.

I love this woman—smart, funny, gorgeous, and spiritual.—Myles

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Does Media Bias Exist Today?

These days, it’s important to stay informed of current events both here and around the world. However, with the often slanted reporting by our nation’s left-leaning media, how can you trust that what is being reported is actually the truth? Furthermore, many stories that should be told never make it on air or in print since only a handful of national reporters and editors determine what will be shown. So what’s the solution?

One answer is to read our monthly news magazine, the Levitt Letter. The Levitt Letter is a FREE monthly news magazine that provides updates and commentary on current events in Israel and the Middle East. Pro-Israel, Christian scholars evaluate the news and offer correlations to biblical prophecies.

The newsletter is available by mail by calling 1-800-WONDERS (1-800-966-3377) or by signing up for it at http://www.Levitt.com/LevLetter. Electronic copies of past issues are also archived on the site.

Shalom!

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Waiting for Martin

Where’s the Muslim Martin?

Where is the voice of reform that will transform this religion of over one billion people?

Martin Luther

Martin Luther

We need a voice similar to Martin Luther, who challenged the forces of corrupt Christianity. In his day, he dared to call for the end of selling indulgences, that vile practice that enslaved poor families who purchased their hopes of eternity with their meager finances. The church of Luther’s era sold empty promises. Luther demanded change. He spoke out for a more spiritual future for those who followed Christ. He called on leaders to admit their failures and change their ways. Regarding the Jewish people, he “flew well, but landed poorly.” When the Jews did not convert following his revelations, Luther became an anti-Semite. However, his contribution to the family of faith must be acknowledged. He led the way for each of us to have a direct relationship with Messiah and not remain dependent on a priestly class.

Where is the voice in Islam today to withstand the stranglehold that the mullahs and imams have on the hearts and minds of everyday Muslims?

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

We need a voice like Martin Luther King Jr., who challenged the forces of segregation and spoke up for the civil rights of black people in America. He used non-violent protest to draw attention to shameful bigotry. His voice changed our country.

Where is the so-called moderate Muslim majority? Why do we not hear from them daily, standing against the radical Koran-carrying leaders who foment war around the world? Apparently they are as afraid as Western leaders, unwilling to make a public declaration of the issues—as Dr. King did in America.

Where is a voice like Dr. King’s in today’s Islam?

Martin Short

Comedian Martin Short

Perhaps we need a voice like Martin Short. Yes, Islam needs to lighten up and laugh! This Martin’s self-deprecating, comedic styling may be instructional for the Muslim world. Islam has a desperate need for a sense of humor. It is a tragic fact that the world is accepting Islam’s declaration that any expression of humor regarding Islam is “hate-speech”! The ability to laugh at oneself is seemingly absent from the mentality of mainstream Islam. If it is present, we need to hear it.

We are waiting for the “religion of peace” to demonstrate a self-correcting movement toward moderation. We are waiting for the masses of Islam to demand corrections to jihadist theology. We are waiting for the civil rights enjoyed by Muslims in America and Israel to be granted by Muslims to women, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. in Muslim lands.

We are waiting for a kind, humanity-enhancing humor that reaches across differences and celebrates the universal human condition by “lightening up” and laughing a little.

Where is the Muslim voice of humor, life, laughter, and love?

We are waiting … for Martin.

Myles Weiss

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Love Never Fails

Recently, I was reminded that love never fails, to paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13.

Several years ago, we held a conference in California where David and Karen Davis from Haifa, Israel told how Jews and Arabs recover together from drug addiction through their ministry Beit Nitzachon, the “House of Victory.” At the same conference, Walid Shoebat, an ex-Palestinian terrorist, confessed that he had been like Saul of Tarsus, seeking to hurt God’s people. Then, trying to prove to his Catholic wife the superiority of Islam over Christianity, Walid bought a ten-dollar Bible and began to read. He says that he was confronted with God’s overwhelming love toward the Jewish people and the Jewish people’s imperfect but sincere love for God, and struck by the joy and love that he found in the pages of the Bible, especially the Old Testament. Raised in Bethlehem, he had been taught that Jews only hated, but that is not what he discovered. God’s love began to melt away his blindness and hard heart so that he could see the grace of God. His life is a testimony of God’s ability to transform the spirit of a man.

David and Karen Davis

David and Karen Davis

Because Walid’s unique voice challenges jihadist ideology, conference security was a concern. A young Middle Eastern-looking woman who attended was unknown to conference organizers. Her unusual clothing led to speculation that she might be there to create a disturbance. To our amazement and awe, God had brought this woman to heal her heart. Raised a Muslim in Israel, she was on the spiritual journey that leads to the deeper Christian life. At the altar, God touched her heart deeply and in a moment healed her of the traumas of an abused childhood and of being personally caught in the Middle East conflict. Her testimony now is, “I used to hate ‘the Jewish’ and now I love the Jewish people.” In fact, she has become a friend and is very vocal about Jews having the right to the Land of Israel. Our God is amazing!

Walid Shoebat

Walid Shoebat

I find it important to draw on testimonies like these—of people who do not have just a momentary breakthrough of love, but continue to love and stand with the Jewish people (John 15:9). As Myles and I travel back and forth to Israel, not only do we pray for the Jewish people, we continue to pray for our Arab “cousins” to find their Savior (John 3:16).

–Katharine Weiss

ZLM Note: To see Zola Levitt’s unbelievable 2006 interview with Walid Shoebat, click here.

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Now More Than Ever!

Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim — Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Myles and Katharine WeissAs the season of Christmas trees, Hanukkah candles, gifts, and feasting approaches, PLEASE join me in fervent prayer for Israel! The drums of war are sounding. As a pre-emptive strike against Iran becomes increasingly likely, Iran is signaling that any military effort by Israel will unleash what may become the Arab War of Psalm 83. To understand this better, see my article on page 4 of the December Levitt Letter.

Remember, the Iranian government is committed to a conflagration that they believe will bring the return of the 12th Imam–the “Mahdi,” their messiah. They are willing to fight Israel to the last ounce of Arab blood, using their proxies: Hezbollah in Lebanon; Hamas in Gaza; and sundry, seemingly independent terrorist groups that are funded and armed by Iran.

From the Jerusalem Post:

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin NetanyahuThere are too many signals to ignore the possibility that war might be looming on the horizon.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared that leaders are tested by their ability to make decisions that might be unpopular among their own people and around the world.

While a possible Israeli strike against Iran was not specifically mentioned, Netanyahu’s speech over the grave of Israel’s founding father David Ben-Gurion came just two days after U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta spoke out against Israeli unilateral action.

As Netanyahu spoke, Syria launched a Scud B missile.

While not the most sophisticated missile in its arsenal, the Scud was detected by Israeli radar, which tracked its trajectory and flight path. It was also noticed by the Israeli intelligence community, which understood [Syrian] President Bashar Assad’s message that he still controls his missiles and could use them against Israel or other Western targets if they try to topple his regime.

“So, Myles,” you may say, “this is a buzz kill for my holiday cheer.”

Au contraire! Let’s be wise and add a joyous shout of triumph to the unfolding of prophecy; knowing that as darkness increases, so does THE LIGHT.

Pray this way:

1. For continued cyber attacks that use Israeli (and Western?) brilliance to foil the Iranian efforts without loss of life!

2. For more strange explosions and inexplicable destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities.

3. For an awakening in the U.S., and to be found on the right side of history, at least in the near future, by supporting Israel.

4. For unity in Israel, and wisdom for Bibi Netanyahu, God’s choice for the hour.

5. For the Gospel to go forth! As pressure mounts, pray that Jews and gentiles will turn to the Messiah, Yeshua!

Blessings,

Myles aka Mordechai

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“Hammer Time” – Rededicate YOUR Temple

The feasts of the Lord always provide us an opportunity to learn more about God and to grow in a deeper understanding of our purpose in Him. Katharine Weiss

The Feast of Dedication is not one of the mandated feasts of Leviticus 23, but it is very much a part of Jewish life. Jesus kept this feast (John 10:22). Also called the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, it celebrates a time when the miracle of the sacred oil accompanied cleansing the Temple from Syrian defilement. Although the priests had enough sacred oil for only one day, God multiplied it to last for 8 days.

The Greeks Menorah at Hanakkahhad so “Hellenized” the world that even mighty Syria was under the Greek influence. God raised up the Jewish priest Mattathias and his sons to defend the Temple. They did so. One son, Judah Maccabee (Judah “the Hammer”) was noted as a fierce defender of Jewish lore and life.

This is an important message for us today. We need to stand for the Judeo-Christian life and let God’s Word lead us and defend us!

The prophet Jeremiah says, “Is not my word like a fire?” says the Lord; “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29).

During this season of Hanukkah, let’s fill ourselves with the oil of the Holy Spirit and our minds with the Word of God.

Let’s rededicate ourselves as His temples. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Katharine Weiss

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What Can a Believer Do on Behalf of Israel?

As I travel, I am repeatedly asked, “What can a believer do to help Israel?” In light of the current drama on the world stage, here’s a good “To-Do List” for the Christian on behalf of Israel:

KEEP PRAYING. We need to adjust our prayers to fit the “times and seasons” we are in (Eccl 3:1, 1 Thes 5:1).  We need to emulate the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32). We are in a “tipping point” season as a nation, so we must stand as watchmen on the wall more than ever (Is. 62:6). Humbly, but fervently, awaken your fellow Believers to the roots of the faith and our debt to Israel.

USE OUR VOTES and implore our legislators to stand with Israel: Senators—http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Representatives—http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/ Let them know you WILL vote based on their stance for or against Israel, our only democratic ally in the Middle East.

SUPPORT LEGITIMATE MINISTRIES like Zola Levitt Ministries that are sounding the Shofar in the Spirit—the alarm to war in the heavens (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

PREPARE FOR THE WORST but BELIEVE for the BEST—that God will continue to bring in a bountiful harvest of Souls in ever-increasing numbers as we look to His coming (Matthew 9:38, 13:39, Revelation 14:15).

STAND WITH THOSE ON “THE FINISH LINE” as Pastor Peter Tsukahira of Carmel Assembly in Haifa calls the Israeli ministries—support them in prayer and finance (Romans 15:27).

PRAY IN the great Muslim harvest that God desires—many of these poor deceived people are sick of Islam, but they need a dynamic encounter with the living God. Hormoz Shariat, the “Billy Graham of Iran,” is overseeing the transformation of entire families and their neighbors as they tune in to his Gospel show broadcast into Tehran from California.

Hormoz Shariat

The Persian people want relief from the oppression of Islam.  I composed a song for them, The Bride Behind the Veil (http://bit.ly/ZtSiz), circulated in the underground Church by DVD. They laughed aloud when they heard that a Jew named Mordecai wrote a song for the “Esthers” of Iran. Remember the words of our Orthodox Jewish friend Avi Lipkin in Israel exhorting Christians regarding the Muslims: “Either you bring them the Lord or they’ll bring you the sword!”

PRAY FOR ISRAEL’S LEADERS: That the spirit of wisdom and revelation would guide them in the days ahead… that the political and military leaders would act as one in submission to the mandates of Scripture.

EXPOSE THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE between humanistic atheists and Islamic ideologues—this bewildering brew is like the alliance between Pilate and the Pharisees: the secular and the religious in league, temporarily. Pray for awakening before it is too late.

Your messenger,

Myles Weiss, Zola Levitt Ministries

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Why is Spiritual Growth Important for a Christian?

Do you yearn to walk closer with God? Maybe you are at a place in life where God seems distant.

To help believers maximize their time spent on spiritual growth, Zola Levitt Ministries has created Levitt.com. The site serves as a one-stop oasis for learning, fellowship and encouragement.

We invite you to visit us today! www.Levitt.com

Shalom!

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Israel’s Right to the Land

No one can understand the outcome in the Middle East without the interpretation that comes from Scripture. Only the Bible yields an accurate view of that which is to come.

Myles WeissI remember a conference in Argentina several years ago where the Argentines repented of their Nazi past. As you may know, dictators Juan and Eva Peron exchanged blank passports for stolen Jewish gold. That is how some of the Nazi high command escaped into South America. Our conference met in Mar del Plata, the same city where the submarines with gold were said to dock. After I taught about these shameful alliances, marketplace leaders knelt before the small Jewish contingent and asked forgiveness for their countrymen’s dark complicity with the Nazis, a complicity that opened the door for Hezbollah by entrenching anti-Semitism in Argentina.

Before the public meeting where this repentance took place, there was a private prayer meeting. During that intercessory meeting, a leader stood up to say, “If America abandons Israel, there may be no Israel.” I stopped the prayer meeting.

“With all due respect to my brother,” I said, “If America abandons Israel, there may be no America.” We sat in silence as the Holy Spirit brooded over this confession.

God has restored the Jewish people, land, and language, and is in the process of restoring us Jews to our God (Ezek 36:24–28, Amos 9:15).

Zola often pointed to the four principles that support Israel’s right to the land:

1) prior possession—Jewish presence goes back to antiquity;

2) the Abrahamic Covenant, God’s Genesis promise to the Father of Faith;

3) the Balfour Declaration, the early 20th century resolution that the world agreed to;

4) military might—ignoring it creates the absurd requirement that only Israel, among the nations, needs to return land won in battle.

Here is a short video in which Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon explains the historical facts relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

God is fulfilling His own prophetic Scriptures in our day! It is time to pray afresh for America (Gen 12:1–3), that the Almighty will grant us time to turn back to Him and be counted as a nation that blesses His people, Israel.

 

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