Bible Light International

WHAT is it?

Bible Light has its roots in years of study of the Holy Scriptures, and of experience in all the various areas that pertain to our Judeo-Christian heritage. Its actual birth in 1956, (Incorporation in 1957), came after days of fasting and prayer on the part of its leaders. At first it was called "Bible Spotlight" in keeping with the name of the 5 minute daily radio program Elmer Josephson was producing on several radio stations. The name was officially changed to Bible Light in 1965.

BLI is a non-profit religious organization, is not membership structured, but seeks to be what its name implies, a challenging influence for the Biblical roots of our Judeo-Christian heritage.

The Ministry of Bible Light

Bible Light came into being seeking to arouse the Christian evangelical community’s conscience toward the emerging nation of Israel and stimulate expressions of encouragement to the Jewish community in its Zionist aspirations. Bible Light does not seek to be a church or in competition with any assembly of believers, but rather to be an arm outstretched in love to promote bridges of understanding and compassion for all in need.

Regarding Finance:

The Bible Light ministry is supported financially as the Lord lays it on hearts of those who have like concern and faith in the integrity and purposes of the work of Bible Light.

The leadership of Bible Light does not seek to ‘convert Jews’ to Christianity. "Conversion" to a Jew means turning from the faith of their fathers to a false religion, Christendom, that early adopted pagan customs and days, denied the masses the Scriptures bringing on the Dark Ages. We recognize the unique position of Jews in the Everlasting Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; chapters 15 & 17) and seek to stimulate the deep call of God to the Land of Israel in the heart of every person who is "seed" of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the predicted outpouring of God’s Spirit upon them, and in preparation of the coming (and return) of the Messiah to establish His Kingdom on earth, with the State of Israel in its unique role in world redemption.

Bible Light’s founder, the late Elmer A. Josephson, with his wife, Chris Josephson, who continues as Director of the Bible Light ministry.

Bible Light seeks to inform Christians in every denominational persuasion of the great debt we owe "the Chosen People", under God, for all the light and knowledge we have of Him; and to give the Biblical basis for Christians to understand the plan and purposes for Israel and her people. The primary reason for misunderstanding - and the cornerstone of Christian anti-Semitism - has been replacement theology which the Scriptures do not support. (Replacement theology claims the Church has replaced Israel in the eyes of God.)

Bible Light was not set up to attract a large following for the founder. His emphasis was upon the Word of God and the Spirit of God, the two agents by which the Almighty reveals, restores and establishes Truth in the earth.

Purposes and Aims

(1) One of the great needs for an organization such as Bible Light, Int’l. was to bridge the gulf between Jews and Christians and to bring about a better understanding of their common heritage.

(2) The need for informing Christians of the great debt they owe the Jewish people under GOD for all the light and the knowledge of GOD there is in the world.

(3) To counteract anti-Semitism by every means possible through media, church services, clubs, public meetings, public forums, periodicals, books, pamphlets, personal contact, etc.

(4) To assist the people and State of Israel in every way possible through the purchase of Israel Bonds; to support the various Jewish institutions that strengthen the State of Israel and that champion the cause of Jewish people in the Diaspora.

(5) With a special concern for the mountain region of Israel, Bible Light helps in the reforestation of Israel. A Memorial Almond Orchard in honor of the founder of the Bible Light Ministry, Elmer Josephson, has been established in a mountain settlement.

(6) To conduct and encourage tour visits to Israel, which benefit the tourist spiritually and educationally and Israel economically.

(7) To share one another’s faith regarding each other’s respective religious convictions on the basis of the love of GOD as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and without compromising one’s stand on the truth of the one great GOD and only SAVIOR.

(8) Above all, to declare to the nations, the gospel of redemption: the consummation through Israel’s final ingathering to the land and ultimate anointing to become the destined "Kingdom of Priests" (Exodus 19:6) to the nations when "the knowledge of the glory of GOD shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9).

(9) We recognize the unique position of GOD’S Chosen People in the Everlasting Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3).

(10) To encourage and promote the Return - Aliyah (meaning "to go up"), the immigration to the Land of Promise by all the Tribes of Israel from among the nations, according to the Scriptures of promised redemption.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

(1) We believe the Bible to be as the Scriptures declare: "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Peter 1:21), and therefore "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16), according to the original God-breathed manuscripts. We believe the most authentic modern version the past 300 years is the King James Version - with a few obsolete words updated according to present meanings.

(2) We believe that "there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5).

(3) We believe that "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in Truth" (John 4:24).

(4) We believe that "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself" (II Corinthians 5:19), that Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, made atonement through His shed blood, rose from the dead and will return in power and glory at a date known only to the Father (Mark 13:32).

(5) We believe God offers salvation to those of the nations on the basis of "whosoever will" (John 3:16) according to Acts 15:4, "God...did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His Name" - which Christ offered through the means of the new birth (John 3:5).

(6) We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit whose purpose is to guide us into all Truth (John 16:13) and by Whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly and fruitful life (John 14 and 15).

(7) We believe in the resurrection of the body: some unto the resurrection of life and some unto the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:29). That "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10).

(8) We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in The Messiah/Redeemer.

(9) We believe that believers need and should receive the endowment of power, the anointing of the Spirit, promised by Jesus Christ in John 14-16, Acts 1:8, and as disciples experienced on the day of Pentecost; and that it is necessary to a useful life of service to God. We believe that the manifestations and gifts of the Spirit as recorded in I Corinthians 12 should be in operation among all bodies of believers today.

(10) We believe that God’s covenant with His ancient people, Israel, is still in force according to Jeremiah 31:35-37 and Romans 9-11 in the regathering of the twelve tribes to their land.

(11) We believe in the final restitution of all things, the consummation and the ultimate fulfillment of all Scripture, in the return of Messiah, the Anointed Son of God and that the Kingdom of God will be established "on earth as it is in heaven" (Acts 1:11, Ephesians 1:10 & 11; Colossians 1:19 & 20; Habakkuk 2:14; Revelation 21:10-13, 21, 27).

Ways and Means

(1) Bible Light, Int’l. is a ‘faith organization.’ It is not underwritten, sponsored or endowed. It is totally dependent upon the free-will offerings of the people as they are led to give by the Spirit of GOD. No pledges are taken, nor financial gimmicks employed, nor pressure used to raise money for the carrying on of the work. This makes the on-going of the work a daily miracle according to the promise, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

(2) We do believe, and must make known, the blessings and rewards GOD promises those who minister according to the promise in the Abrahamic Covenant, "I will bless them that bless thee" (Genesis 12:3); "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee" (Psalm 122:6); "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). We have learned from years of experience and observation of others who bless Israel that these promises are fulfilled in this life (with both financial and spiritual reward) as well as in the life to come.

(3) We believe the only lasting investments are those recommended by the LORD. He commands, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). The stern warning of the LORD given in Luke 12:15-31 to believers who seek first to secure their own financial security must be taken seriously. Life IS uncertain, GOD’S Word and judgment IS sure.

We do not believe in any financial program that pressures people to sign their property over to a church organization in order to make their living quarters tax-free, nor to give merely because of a cut in their government taxes (a reward of the government). We believe that it is just as mandatory to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s" [without manipulation] as to "render to GOD the things that are GOD’S."

We believe the only foundation for giving should be the Word of GOD itself. "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosoms, for with the same measure ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38).

Paul admonishes by the Spirit that "He that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly, he that sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully, every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, not of necessity, for GOD loveth a cheerful giver. And GOD is able to make all grace abound toward you that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." Paul ends this encouragement to give by referring to the greatest gift of all. "Thanks be unto GOD for His unspeakable gift" (II Corinthians 9:6-8, 15).

Though eternal salvation is a total free gift of GOD’S righteousness through the Redeemer by faith which alone stands us in good stead in the judgment; yet when the rewards are distributed at the marriage feast of the MESSIAH, the LORD forewarns us that the believer will wear a robe they have prepared for themselves. "His wife hath made herself ready, for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints [believers]" (Grk. – Revelation 19:7, 8). At that celebration all will see what we really were and actually did on earth by looking at each other’s garment, what we really sent up in genuine acts and deeds, not to impress others but to bless others for GOD’S glory.

May our LORD’S constant and generous giving be our example as HE so lavishly sheds upon us His glorious sunshine, the refreshing rains, the abundant harvest of so many various grains and vegetables, fruits, nuts, – foods and drinks with all their delectable flavors, not to mention the grasses, the gorgeous flowers, beautiful trees, graceful and colorful birds and animals and "whatsoever passeth through the paths of the sea." He has not tired of giving profusely of all these since the beginning of creation for man’s enjoyment and so He encourages us, "Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not."

The Organization

Bible Light began in Wichita, Kansas. Bible Light, Int’l. Headquarters is now located in Ottawa, Kansas: The founder, Rev. Elmer Josephson, passed from this life October 27, 1996. He had appointed his wife, Chris, executive director a few months previously. At the first Board meeting after his death, Chris Josephson was unanimously elected President, and Director. The Board of Directors and Advisors are frequently contacted and every major decision is discussed and voted upon at the quarterly Board meetings. BIBLE LIGHT, INT’L., PO Box 370, Ottawa, Kansas 66067-0370. Phone: (785) 242-4150. Fax number: (785) 242-8281. E-mail: chris@bible-light.com.

Executive & Advisory Boards:

Bible Light Publications

(Updated often in the Publication Sheet with the regular mailings)

Periodicals:

BOOKS & Booklets

*The Hebrew spelling of his name, meaning "God said." This is fitting in the memorial to him, for he always sought to speak only the Truth of God’s Word.

Requests

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Elmer Josephson with Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Isser Yehuda and former President Harry Truman, -- Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri, July 1964.

"The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those that published it" (Psalm 68:11).

Bible Light Inc., Int’l.
PO Box 370
Ottawa, Kansas 66067-0370

 Phone: 785-242-4150
Fax: 785-242-8281

E-mail: bli@bible-light.com
chris@bible-light.com