Monday, May 23, 2011

Islamic Roman Empire

Between the students of Bible prophecy, there are two camps; those who think the final government will be of the European Roman Government, and those who say it will be an Islamic empire.  Even I have been torn between the two, seeing strong arguments for both sides.  Jack Kelley presents a good blog describing how these two might be reconciled, being both Roman and Islamic.


Islam And The End Times


This Week’s Feature Article by Jack Kelley
http://gracethrufaith.com/ikvot-hamashiach/islam-and-the-end-times/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gracethrufaith+%28GraceThruFaith%29


All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. (Rev. 13:8)



There’s a lot of interest these days in the role of Islam in the End Times. And from what I’m reading, a lot of misunderstanding, too. Recent surveys are shedding some light on the subject.


It’s clear that followers of Islam are increasing in number faster than any other religious group in the world. Their current growth rate is said to be four times faster than that of Christians. According to a recent survey by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, those who practice Islam now make up nearly one-fourth of the world’s population at 1.57 billion members, second only to Christianity. This is revolutionary in nature and even though it’s happening right before our eyes, most Western Christians haven’t even noticed. And not only are Moslems the fastest growing religious group in the world, they also hold that distinction in the United States, Canada and Europe, with Europe perhaps being the model of where Canada and then the US are headed.


Comparing the current birth rates of native Europeans with Europe’s Moslem immigrant population leads us to one very clear and surprising conclusion: the Europe we have known is very quickly changing into what some already refer to as Eurabia, and will soon find itself under the power and control of Islam. Today there are more Moslems in Germany than there are in Lebanon. France’s Moslem population, while fewer in number than Germany’s, represents a greater percentage of French citizenry, and given the current rate at which church buildings are being converted there will soon be more mosques in England than functioning churches.



Following the rapture of the Church, Islam will be the most populous religious system on Earth by a wide margin. Whether you believe that Islam is a religion of peace or not, it’s pretty obvious that they’re not going to just go away after the rapture and abandon their long held dream of becoming the world’s dominant religion just at the point of realizing it.



What About Ezekiel 38?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Islam will no longer be a viable religious force after the Battle of Ezekiel 38 either. According to The Pew Forum report, the countries who will unite against Israel and be defeated there are a small percentage of the total Islamic population. For example, the four largest Islamic countries by population aren’t even involved. In fact, two thirds of all the world’s Moslems live in 10 countries and of those only Turkey (5) and Iran (6) are named by Ezekiel. Rough estimates indicate that as little as 15% of the Islamic world will be represented by the forces aligned against Israel, and remember it’s only their soldiers who die in battle, not their total populations. And given their dismal past performance in battles against Israel, it’s unlikely that the followers of Islam will desert their religion because of one more defeat at the hands of the Jews.



And then there’s the fact that the end times leaders called the King of the North and the King of the South will both came from places that are decidedly Moslem today. Just because they emerged from the Greek Empire doesn’t make them Western European. The first King of the North built his capital city, Seleucia, on the Tigris river in modern Iraq and the first King of the South lived in Egypt. Daniel 11:40 tells us the end times personifications of these two kings will still be contending for world dominance just prior to the beginning of the Great Tribulation.



Compare that to what will likely happen to the 2.2 billion strong “Christian” world in the Rapture and it’s not hard to see that Islam will be the strongest religious force on Earth as Daniel’s 70th Week begins. (After all, none of them will be raptured.) Islam would be the obvious choice for a man who wants to use a religious system to gain control of the world.



And remember, the anti-Christ won’t be confirming a covenant with Israel for the purpose of helping them. He’ll be doing it to help himself. By means of peace he’ll deceive many, Daniel warned (Daniel 8:25). And with the exception of the fleeing Jewish remnant, the world will be deceived, saying “Peace and safety” just as sudden destruction comes upon them (1 Thes. 5:3). But God will not be deceived. He’s already on the record, calling it a covenant with death (Isaiah 28:15). Doesn’t this covenant serve God’s purpose, you ask? Well of course everything that happens serves God’s purpose, but that doesn’t mean everything that happens is good for man. The Jews will think they’re getting a guarantee of peace but God will use the covenant to usher in Daniel’s 70th Week, a time when He’ll completely destroy the nations and purify His covenant people. It’ll be anything but peaceful.



Over 5 years ago I first reported on the similarities between Islamic prophecies of al Mahdi and Christian prophecies of the anti-Christ. I noted how both are said to come on the scene during a time of great turmoil on Earth, both come claiming a desire to restore peace, both have a seven year reign, both head a one world religion and one world government, both claim supernatural origins, and in both cases their reign is prophesied to end in a battle between good and evil that brings Earth’s final judgment. It almost sounds as if they’re the same person.



Back then almost all students of prophecy were still convinced that the anti-Christ had to be of Western European origin, aligned somehow with the Roman Catholic Church. But since then I’ve become aware of more and more people who are taking a second look at this traditional view, and are considering the possibility of a world leader coming from the Eastern leg of the Roman Empire, from which Islam sprang.



Another Lesson From Daniel

Our first glimpse of Gentile Dominion, the period of Gentile rule over the Earth, came in the form of a large poly-metallic statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:31-45) When Daniel had his vision of Gentile Dominion (Daniel 7), it was represented by four great beasts. The first was a lion, symbolizing Babylon. The second was a bear, the Medo-Persians, and the third was a leopard, Greece. Then in Daniel 7:7 he said, “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast-terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.” This is a reference to Rome. In animal imagery, the horn stands for authority, and when used symbolically the number 10 denotes the completion of divine order. Comparing this with Daniel 2:44 we can see that this 4th beast would have complete authority over Earth and would never totally relinquish it until the Lord comes to take it by force.



The anti-Christ will make his first Biblical appearance in Rev. 6:2, disguised as the man on the white horse. According to Daniel 8:25 he’ll seem to be a great peacemaker, but his intent will be to conquer the world. His true identity won’t be revealed until Revelation 13:1-2 where it becomes clear that he’s been empowered by Satan. Verses 1- 2 describe him thus. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.



Compare Rev. 13:1-2 to Daniel 7:7 and you’ll see that while the 10 horns show that he’ll have all the authority of the fourth gentile kingdom, his identifying characteristics will be more like the first three of Daniel’s beasts. Babylon, Persia, and Greece were all oriented toward the East. Only Rome had a western orientation (which made it different from the other three, as Daniel noted) Could this mean that the anti-Christ will also look first to the East (Isalm) to consolidate his power?



Time will tell. In his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel told us how the end times version of the 4th kingdom would be characterized by inner conflict. He said that where it had once been as two strong legs of iron (the Eastern and Western divisions of the Roman Empire) rebuilding it at the end it would be like trying to mix iron and clay. (Daniel 2:40-43) He could have been describing some of the social unrest we’ve witnessed in several European countries since their native populations have not always responded well to Moslem immigration.



My purpose in writing this is not in any way to confirm or endorse the views of some self-proclaimed experts on Islam who’ve burst on the scene recently with all sorts of new interpretations of Christian prophecy. It’s to remind us all to keep our eyes open. Things are happening fast and will continue to challenge our traditional perspective. Daniel was told that as the End of the Age approaches knowledge will increase (Daniel 12:4). That means we’ll be given a clearer understanding of how events will unfold than those who came before us. This will happen through careful observation, actually seeing the pieces of the puzzle fall into place and comparing them to Scripture. But God knows the end from the beginning, so none of this is new to Him. Where we see change, He just sees a closer alignment of Earthly events with Heavenly truth. It’s time to keep an open Bible handy as we watch the headlines because we now have another reason to search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). You can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah. 05-21-11



Saturday, May 21, 2011

Rapture prediction failing to materialize (OneNewsNow.com)

Rapture prediction failing to materialize (OneNewsNow.com)

A Facebook page titled "Post rapture looting" offers this invitation: "When everyone is gone and god's not looking, we need to pick up some sweet stereo equipment and maybe some new furniture for the mansion we're going to squat in." By Wednesday afternoon, more than 175,000 people indicated they would be "attending" the "public event."

...

His prophecy comes from numerological calculations based on his reading of the Bible, and he says global events like the 1948 founding of Israel confirm his math. But even some Christians who believe the Rapture will occur think he's wrong.

The Rev. Tim LaHaye, co-author of the "Left Behind" series of Christian prophecy novels, said Camping "trivializes the very serious study of Bible prophecy by ignoring Jesus' statement that everyone seems to know except him, and that is that no man knows the day nor the hour" that Jesus will return.

...

No such signs of turmoil are apparent in the U.S., though many mainstream Christians aren't happy with the attention the prediction is getting. They reject the notion that a date for the end times can be calculated, if not the doctrine of the Rapture itself.

"When we engage in this kind of wild speculation, it's irresponsible," said the Rev. Daniel Akin, president of the Southeastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. "It can do damage to naive believers who can be easily caught up and it runs the risk of causing the church to receive sort of a black eye."






Thursday, May 19, 2011

BUILDING THE THIRD TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM

Let us not forget that while the "Arab spring" is taking place, the Jews are still working to build the third temple.







Syrian Christians fear the worst (OneNewsNow.com)

Syria's minority Christians are watching the protests sweeping their country with trepidation, fearing their religious freedom could be threatened if President Bashar Assad's secular rule is overthrown.

for full article, see:
Syrian Christians fear the worst (OneNewsNow.com)





Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Glenn Beck: A Danger to your Kids?

Beck has most recently come out with the “Restoring Courage” rally that he is going to be holding in Jerusalem, as part of a broader effort of calling attention and trying to call public attention to the lies and what the Muslims are scheming against the Israeli people.




Restoring Courage will be "the same kind of feel that you experienced" at Restoring Honor, Beck said, "except I will tell you: much more profound. This is a life-changing, life-altering event." Beck even said that the rally would "define" its participants: "This will be a -- I think, a pinnacle moment in your life. It will define you. In the end, this event will define you." Beck continued the hyperbole on his TV show today, paraphrasing the Gettysburg Address to say that at his rally in Jerusalem, "possibly for the first time in man's history, God will remember and make note of what we do there."


http://mediamatters.org/blog/201105160031

While calling attention to the schemes of the Muslim peoples as they try to “wipe Israel off the map” is a good thing, and Beck may, it could be argued, making wise use of his resources, there is a danger implicit in what he does, and I think a double goal. Why do I say these things? Isn’t Beck a good man, calling people back to man and to God? Well yes and no. Beck identifies with many conservative values socially and politically, but Beck is a non-apologetic Mormon, who does not believe the Bible’s revelation of the blessed Redeemer.



Today in our society, there is a large ignorance of the teachings of the Bible, and with the close terminology and beliefs, many assume Mormonism is a Christian religion. But the religion of Mormonism contains a different gospel than the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone, the famous creed of the Protestant Reformation. The Mormon gospel is works based , keeping the celestial law. They believe that it a person is “saved by grace through faith, after you’ve done all you can do.”



“An inheritance in this glorious kingdom [the Celestial Kingdom] is gained by complete obedience to gospel or celestial law…By devotion and faithfulness, by enduring to the end in righteousness and obedience, it is then possible to merit a celestial reward” (Bruce R. McKonkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1966, p. 116).



Mormons believe that all people have pre-existed as spirit-children, and as Mike Huckabee rightly pointed out, they believe that Jesus and Lucifer were brothers, sons of Father and mother God. Mormons teach that humans can earn their divinity, of which Jesus is our model and example. From there, when mormons keep the celestial law, and pass into celestial heaven where they will rule and populate their own planet. Since they do not believe that Christ is the co-eternal second person of the Trinity, they do not esteem the cross of the crucified and Risen Lord Jesus Christ upon which the salvation of elect humanity was won.



What of the social agenda? Glenn Beck holds values and priorities concerning the national values that mirror much of conservative Christians, though not all. Mormons hold that the U.S. constitution is divinely inspired (much as the Bible, though they see the Bible as corrupted, much like Muslims). MormonWiki.org tells us about the White Horse prophecy:



The Saints [i.e. Mormons] Will Yet Save the Constitution-When the day comes in which the Kingdom of God will bear rule, the flag of the United States will proudly flutter unsullied on the flagstaff of liberty and equal rights, without a spot to sully its fair surface; the glorious flag our fathers have bequeathed to us will then be unfurled to the breeze by those who have power to hoist it aloft and defend its sanctity. (JOD 2:317).


http://www.mormonwiki.org/White_Horse_prophecy

The Muslims final goal of the Islamic religion is, after genocidally wiping out the Jew, to bring about an worldwide Islamic Caliphate, instituting Sharia law over all lands. The remaining infidels who refuse to convert to Islam may be permitted, if they submit themselves, as history shows us, to a state of dhimmitude (see dhimmitude.org), or a protection tax.

This is similar to the goal of the Mormon faith. Being a Christian heresy, as Islam ultimately is, the end-goal of Mormonism is control of the United States, the most powerful nation on earth, and by implication, the rest of the world. But because Mormonism presents a different means of salvation, redefining it, as it were (as Islam does), the apostle Paul labels it as anathema (Gal. 1:8-9).

Let’s more closely examine some of the beliefs of Glenn Beck and his Mormon brethren:

1. We all pre-existed as spirit-children of Father God and Mother Goddess, and therefore are siblings, as Jesus and Lucifer

2. God the Father had extra-marital intercourse with the virgin Mary (adultery)

3. “Godhood” can be achieved by keeping the Mormon Celestial Law.

4. There are many gods. (i.e. Polytheism)

5. Jesus’ work on the cross was not sufficient for our “salvation.”

So while Beck seeks to reach the young, and reverse the pro-marxist teachings of our government schools, who are now by and large, anti-capitalist, he mingles with it his pagan, polytheistic views and beliefs of God and the bible. While not often promoting Mormonism directly, he is a non-apologetic Mormon who says that he is a ‘born-again’ Christian, thus confusing and leading astray many of our young people.

While Christians may sympathize with Beck politically, we must be careful to protect our children by teaching them the important distinction of this false religion and gospel that will send our kids to hell.



For more on how Glenn Beck has aided in the acceptance of the coming one-world religion, see: http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-tube/video.php?videoid=4421

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

By Your favor do good to Zion


                                             
Israel Flag & The Wailing Wall
18 By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalm 51:18

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.  

                          Psalm 53:6 6

    Amen, Come Lord Jesus.




Monday, May 16, 2011

'Son of Hamas' Denounced as a Phony - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News

'Son of Hamas' Denounced as a Phony - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News

            http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/144127


www.townhall.com

Walid Shoebat, a former Muslim terrorist who now supports Israel, has accused former Shin Bet agent Mosab Hasan Yousef, author of "Son of Hamas," of duping his Western audience. Yousef denies the accusations.Shoebat and Yousef are both former Muslims who converted to Christianity.

Yousef became a celebrity when he wrote his book, which detailed how he assisted Israeli agents against Hamas. As the son of a high-ranking Hamas official, he had access to real-time information that helped the Shin Bet nab numerous wanted terrorists and saved many Israeli lives.

However, Shoebat - a noted author and commentator on the Middle East - claims in an article on hos website that Yousef "has since revealed himself to be more double agent than turncoat.""Mosab did not convert to what the West would recognize as Christianity, but to a fiery, Palestinian brand of the faith that is vehemently anti-Israel," he writes.

Shoebat uses as evidence two videotapes of interviews Mosab granted to Arabic television channels.

Speaking on Al-Arabiya, Mosab said: "During my tours in universities and even churches, I found the real support for Israel stems from the church in the West. … We need to understand the difference between “revenge” and “resistance” and once the Palestinians do, we will have our victory against Israel. Israel is the problem and as an occupation it needs to end. … There are many ways to do this besides the cowardly explosive operations."

He adds that he "suffered under all the problems of murder and the criminal operations that were carried out by the Israeli occupation against my people, my family, myself, and against humanity."

When Mosab was being interviewed on Christian-Arabic television station Al Hayat, the presenter asked a caller what he would do if he were in Mosab’s position and could prevent dozens of school children from being killed by turning in a Hamas man to Israel. When the caller vacillated, Mosab spoke:

If I was in your shoes, you should not report it to Israel. I do not encourage anyone to give information to Israel or collaborate with Israel. If anyone hears me right now and they are in relation to Israeli security I advise them to work for the interest of their own people — number one — and do not work with the [Israeli] enemy against the interest of our people. They should collaborate with the Palestinian Authority only.

Mosab's book is also "littered with factual errors and exaggerations," Shoebat accused. For example: "Mosab portrays the Jerusalem prison as a center for torture and persecution of Palestinians. The reality is much kinder; each inmate has his own bed and an in-the-cell shower as well. I know this — I was a prisoner there myself. We ate three full meals a day, and drank tea or sweet punch."

Shoebat warns: "Mosab is now touring churches to end Israel’s lifeline. Many Jews and Christians in the West are unable to determine friend from foe in the Mideast; they are not able to read what is said in Arabic. They must seek translations, and must be aware of double agents like Mosab."



Hamas Admits 'Peace Accord' is a Prelude to War - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News

Hamas Admits 'Peace Accord' is a Prelude to War - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/144085

Hamas co-founder Mahmoud Zahar on Wednesday told the Maan news agency Hamas would never recognize Israel.

Saying Hamas would accept a PA state based on the "1967 borders," Zahar made it clear a peace accord would only serve as a prelude to Israel's destruction.

Zahar, who has served as Hamas' foreign minister in Gaza since 2006, said Hamas would not recognize Israel because doing so would "cancel the right of the next generation to liberate the land."

"If the Palestinian state does not encompass all of Israel the next generation will liberate the land," Zahar said.

Zahar added recognition of Israel could lead to a de facto cancellation of the "right of return" - a term Arabs use when demanding that Israel allow millions of Arabs into Haifa, Tel Aviv and the rest of its cities and communities.

"What will be the fate of the five million Palestinians in the diaspora?" Zahar asked.

Zahar told Maan his faction's unity deal with Fatah, which included maintaining a ceasefire with Israel, is "part of the resistance, not a cancellation."

“A truce is not peace," Zahar said.



Sunday, May 15, 2011

God Striking America???

In America, the first part of 2011 has been unprecedented, especially with the E4 killer tornado that ripped through six states, killing hundereds!  What is going on you may ask.  And now people in the Mid-east part of the U.S. are having their lands, farms and businesses inundated with floodwaters.  Where does it stop?  When will it end?



Turns out that the answer to theses cries of loss and devestation are in the firtst book of the Bible, in a promise that the Lord made to Abraham.  It's found in Genesis 12:3.  Jesus promised Abraham (Jn 8:56), "I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse."  It seems that world leaders are intenet on dividing the land of Israel today, and taking it away from the chosen seed of Abraham, the descendents of Israel. 





But the president and his administration are moving to divide Jerusalem and the land of Israel between the Jews and the Palestinians.  When his administration enacts a policy that is a curse to Israel, God strikes America with a curse.  And He strikes hard!  None of us are immune, livining in this land.  There is so much discussion today about the budget deficit and balancing that, and while that is huge, we need to be encouraging the president to be a blessing to Israel, instead of cursing it and trying to divide it up and give it to Israel's enemies.

All the major world disasters that we are seeing today, they are directly related to governmental actions toward Israel.  Everything from Hurrican Katrina, to the tornados, blizzards, landslides, wildfires, flooding, the earthquake/tsunami in Japan, the Icelandic volcano eruption.  These all happened in response to the promise that the Almighty made to Abraham, to give His descendents the land of Canaan.

Do you want the American economy to prosper?  Do you want these natural disasters to end?  Tell the president and his administration to bless Israel and defend her against the Muslims.

End of the World - May 21st

I know this news has been out there for a little bit.  According to the calculations of Harold Camping, the "end of the world" will be on May 21st.


It's pretty easy to refute.  Jesus said that no man would know the day nor the hour, though he did say that you will know the season.  His disciples had asked him what would be the signs of His return, and when would He restore the kingdom to Israel (the very thing our world leaders are trying to reverse right now - Gen. 12:3)?
He responded and gave them a description of the signs that will signal His near return.  Normally, I would cite Matthew 24, but the same dialogue, or aspects of it,  is also recorded in Mark 13 and Luke 21. 

First he says, "See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them. Luke 21:8 (NASB95)

He goes on to tell his disciples, "When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately." Luke 21:9 (NASB95)

So he tells us here that when we see the wars and disturbances, not to be terrified, for the end does not follow immediately.  Jesus continues,
10 Then He continued by saying to them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, 11 and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:10-11 (NASB95)

Some think that here he was referring to Is. 19:2, which I've previously mentioned in this blog, when he tells them that "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom."  From here He warns them in vss. 12-19 of the persecution that is to precede and coincide all these events for those who follow His teaching
Then He tells how to discern that the end time is nigh for His return.  Is it a time of prosperity and Israeli-Judeo renaisance?  It's not.  one of the key signs of Christ's soon return is that of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies.  20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.
Luke 21:20 (NASB95)
 
I've said before, "Israel is God's time-clock."  By watching the nation of Israel, we can see the aproximate timing of things.  Now about Harold Camping's prediction, because he said it, I know that it will not occur then, though that'd be great!  It's the day after my birthday, and my wife's is May 22nd, so, it'd be the perfect birthday present!  By Camping making this assertion, it just lends incredulity to the Christian truth, and it distracts earnest believers from the real task at hand.
 
The apostle Paul tells us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."  Eph 6:12 (NASB95)  This world in this last hour is being directed by demonic forces, guiding us all into a one-world system, one government, one currency and one religion (new age "oneness" spirituality).  Many are still held captive in their sins, and are under condemnation, for they do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. (Jn. 3:16-18)
 
A quick run-down on the end-time schedule.  The scripture gives three end-time battles before the return of Christ in power and glory (Zech. 14:9).  There will be the soon, maybe now forming battle of Ps. 83, against all the neighboring countries, the Philistines and descendents of Esau, who are mostly Muslim and out to destroy Israel.  This battle is coming soon.  Shortly following this, there will be an invasion against Israel, led by Russia (Magog) and Iran (Persia) against the quiet land of Israel.  It will have other Muslim countries like Libya (Phut) and Sudan (Cush) involved in it.  This will be the greatest display of YHWH's power since the days Israel fled Egypt under Moses.  It should also be the final battle to end Islam, as the disillusioned Muslims drop the hateful teachings of their religion, as the goal of their religion (destruction of the Jews and global Caliphate) is not realized.  
 
Hopefully many at this time will turn to Christ and to His saving grace, for the cleansing and forgiveness of their sins.  It is not too early today, if you do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you can place your trust in Him today.  The Savior invites you, 28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matt 11:28-30 (NASB95)






Friday, May 13, 2011

PC (USA) affirms Homosexuals

Scripture says in the last days that:

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

2 Tim 4:2-4 (NASB95)
 
The Presbyterians (USA) have affirmed the ordination of homosexual ministers, joing the Methodists, who now affirm homosexuality as a gift from God.  The "Church" is being compromised all around us.



Michael Youssef, is an Egyptian born American who is founding rector of The Church of the Apostles, is lamenting this decision made by this once great Biblical denomination.

Today, I'm appealing to all faithful Presbyterians in the PC(USA) and Episcopalians to vote with your feet and get out of these churches as fast as you can. As I mention in my latest book The Greatest Lie, this type of preaching is now invading many mainline and evangelical churches.


There can be no excuse.

No, you cannot stay and be a witness.

No, you cannot stay and try to change things.

No, you cannot stay and hope that you will be a light.

These denominations have chosen darkness, and they need to experience what true darkness is all about by not having any believers inside their walls.

To modify slightly the words of the apostle Paul, the faithful believers ought to deliver these institutions to Satan by walking out as fast as they can. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5) [italics mine
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1346586

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

IDF gears for 'Nakba Day' - Israel News, Ynetnews

IDF gears for 'Nakba Day' - Israel News, Ynetnews

The IDF is gearing for Sunday, when the Palestinians will mark 'Nakba Day' – a day of mourning over the inception of the State of Israel, by reiterating the need for troops to exercise discretion when applying the rules of engagement.

To read entire article, click on above link.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Third Palestinian Intifada - May 15th

The Next Big Israeli- Mid-East war could very well be this Friday!  The Facebook page calling for a third Palestinian Intifada on the nation of Israel, is not being reported in the Western media.  Egyptian protestors in Cairo this past Friday were marching on the Israeli Embassy there in Cairo, and pledging allegiance to the Palestinians and the Intifada.



The blog, uprootedpalestinians.blogspot.com, has posted a blog on this coming Intifada that the Arab world is calling for.  This blog is very much from a Palestiniana bias.  It quotes Netanyahu saying "The Arab World has experienced an earthquake."  Then, Dr. Ashraf Ezzat goes to say: "Passing that quick judgment, Netanyahu overlooked the fact that that mighty earthquake was actually taking place next door and that Israel was bound to feel the aftershocks sooner or later."

Trust me Dr., Mr. Netanyahu didn't overlook this fact.  The Bible promises the restoration of the Jews throughout the 0ld Testament.  They are well aware that all the nations around them are out to destroy them.  Students of Bible prophecy know that this upcoming Intifada sounds alot like a war described in Psalm 83.  This war will result in the victory of Israel and the devastation of the neighboring Muslim countries that come against Israel.



Another prophecy many look to be fulfilled soon is that of Isaiah 17:1 that predicts the annihilation of Damascus, the capital of Syrai, and headquarters to multiple terrorist (Muslim) groups. 



This weekend could very well change our lives in major ways.

Monday, May 9, 2011

J. Post - This September, The World May Divide Between Israel and Palestine

Martin Indyk, former US ambassador to Israel and adviser to US Middle East envoy George Mitchell, said Thursday that if no changes are made between now and September, the UN will declare a Palestinian state.




"Unless the US, Israel and the Palestinians have an alternative, the Palestinian plan can not be won," Indyk told Army Radio. "If there isn't anything else, then in September there will be a vote in the UN that will recognize a Palestinian state, just like the UN recognized Israel in 1948."



Indyk explained that the US does not have veto power in the UN's General Assembly. "The US may vote against it, but that won't stop it," he said.



If a Palestinian state is declared, Israel could be considered an occupier of of a UN-member country, "and that would be an uncomfortable situation for Israel," Indyk said.



"Tactically, it is very easy for the Palestinians to go to the UN - it doesn't cost them anything, and it puts pressure on Israel," Indyk told Army Radio. "As a strategy, Israel needs to think about the day after the vote."



Indyk added that, should the UN approve a Palestinian state in September, it will prove Hamas's point, that there is no reason for negotiations, and encourage violence.

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=217378

Friday, May 6, 2011

What about the Weather?

Dr. White posted this excellent article on his blog concerning the catastrophic weather phenomenon occuring around us today.

Dr. Randy White


http://www.wordfortheworld.tv





“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. ” (Matthew 24:7, NASB95)





God has consistently shown Himself to be open to using weather to accomplish His purposes. Just consider a few of the many weather related events that were directly related to the work of God—

·

He sent a flood to clean the earth after “the sons of god married the daughters of men” (Genesis 6).

He sent a famine, and displayed it in advance through a dream, to cause the rise of Joseph to power in Egypt.

He sent a strong wind to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21)

He provided great hailstones in more than one battle, bringing victory to the Chosen People.

His Son, Jesus Christ, calmed the winds and the seas.

He predicted earthquakes and will use them to change history (Ezekiel 38:19).

He has promised famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in the end times (Matthew 24:7)

It seems that God has chosen to use weather related disaster to bring judgment on more than one group of people, often related to their treatment of Israel.





On April 13, 2011 on my Twitter account I posted a notice that “America will be punished” if a referenced article (here) was true. The news article said that President Obama was willing to recognize a Palestinian state with 1967 borders. Since that news was made public on April 13, the National Weather Service’s preliminary estimate is that storms have produced more than 600 tornadoes in the United States. The previous record for April was 267 tornadoes, and the previous record for any month of the year was 542 tornadoes. The April 27-28 tornado outbreak in Alabama became (as of this writing) the 6th deadliest day of weather related fatalities in the United States since records began in 1680. (Reference material here.)





In addition to the tornado disaster is the devastating March 11 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan and the bitter cold winter with record-breaking blizzards in the US this past year. As winter gave way to spring, early heat waves of more than 100 degree days in large parts of Texas, along with severe drought, has spawned 912 fires which have burned 1,650,000 acres of land and destroyed 565 structures.





Earthquakes, tsunamis, blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods…the list is endless. While I do not believe that every storm is a warning from God nor every earthquake the judgment of God, it would be undeniable that God has often chosen to use weather and earthquakes to express His displeasure with the actions of man. To deny that an outbreak of tornadoes, an earthquake, a blizzard, flood, or drought could be the judgment of God takes a denial of the obvious.





Several facts are evident—

1.

The earth, and all of creation, groans under the curse of sin (Romans 8:22). The weather patterns we experience today are not the weather patterns God originally created for our planet. Only when our Redeemer comes and begins to reign, and the curse under which creation groans is removed, will we experience weather as God intended it to be.

God has promised unusually strong earthquakes in the end of days (Luke 21:11).

God has said there will be famines and pestilence during the last days (Matthew 24:7).

God has promised unusual cosmic events in the heavens during the last days, such as falling stars, a blood-red moon, and the putrification of water.


I will avoid the temptation to view every storm cloud as a sign of the times, but I will also not fail to recognize that weather is about to give us more and more signs of the end. “The weather outside is frightful” may become less of a Christmas jingle and more of an eschatological reality in the days to come.


www.wordfortheworld.tv

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

BREAKING NEWS - Currency crash is happening NOW in the US !!! CNBC







Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A Response to Free Will or Calvinism?


image from http://subrealism.blogspot.com/2009/09/calvin-free-market

It seems in our day there is a big controversy between the teachings known as Arminiansim (Free Will) and that of Calvinism (Doctrines of Grace).  I went to a website that I really appreciate, (www.eternal-productions.org/articles.html)and I found and read an article posted there entitled Free Will or Calvinism. Reading the paper, I saw a few faults and thought I would type up a response.  Because this has been and continues to be such a major disagreement, I thought I would share my thoughts on it here.


Under the heading of “T” in defining the doctrine of Calvinism, you said: “that man is spiritually dead in trespasses and is incapable of responding to the gospel unless God regenerates first” (p. 4). This is not a true statement. Calvinism teaches that man does have a free will, with regard to everything except salvation. You cited numerous verses that states we are dead in our sins, and that no one can rouse himself to seek God.




I think you believe God raises the dead to life (i.e. quickens), and then if they reject the gospel, He lets them fall dead again?



There are points I would like for you to consider from an Arminian, free-will standpoint:


What about the apostle Paul? Did he have a choice of free-will in his salvation? Did God not literally choose Him? What about the disciples? We know one was predestined to hell. What of the others, if God knows all things? Didn’t He choose them? And what about Abraham? Was he not chosen by God out of the land of Ur? What of the Jews? We know they are God’s “chosen” people! And certainly through no merit of their own.



God is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Can he have a different method of salvation for the Jew and the Gentile? I think not.



Let’s look at some other passages:

Matthew 13:13-15 13 "Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 "In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, 'YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; 15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.'



Did Jesus just say that he speaks to them people in parables, so that they will not be healed? But what about their free-will and free-choice? Isn’t that being infringed on by God?



The prophet says: 17 Why, O LORD, do You cause us to stray from Your ways

And harden our heart from fearing You?

Return for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage.

Isaiah 63:17 (NASB95)



Let’s examine the passage Paul writes about the condition of Israel. Did all the Jews in their free-will choose to turn away from God?



Romans 11:8-11 8 just as it is written, "GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY." 9 And David says, "LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM. 10 "LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT, AND BEND THEIR BACKS FOREVER." 11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.



Paul is hear quoting from Deut. 29:4 and Psalm 69:22-3, and is telling us that God gave the Jews a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, to respond to His commands of recognizing the new covenant with Messiah. And why did God do this? He did it to bring the gospel to the Gentiles! Isaiah 49:6 6 He says, "It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth."



Where you err my friend is in your assumption that people who are commanded to follow God are able to do so if they choose. There are two types of people, scriptures tell us. Those controlled by the Spirit, and those controlled by the flesh. Let’s look again to what Paul says about those controlled by the flesh, (i.e. the sinful-nature).



Romans 8:6-7 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,



For the letter “U” you state: "Calvinism teaches that God decides on no basis whatsoever but by the mystery of His will to save the elect and to allow the rest to go to hell even though He could save them all." From here you draw this conclusion: "This is not the God of love, mercy, grace, faithfulness, and righteousness revealed in the pages of Scripture. According to Calvinism, God is capricious and unpredictable. The true God of love has revealed His nature as merciful, loving, forgiving, patient,compassionate, dependable, and just to all."



I see no conflict between what the Bible has stated concerning man’s sinful disposition, being unwilling and unable to come to Him (Rom. 3:11; 8:7-8), and that of God being loving, passionate, rich in mercy to His creation. In His letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells them that God predestined them before the foundation of the world, in love, to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:4-6). So evidently God thinks that His free election and predestination of some sinful and rebellious humans, who were created in His image, IS praiseworthy and glorious!



And so just how did God choose to elect and save the weak and shameful and those that are not, to shame the wise and strong and those that “are” (1 Cor. 1:27-28)? Verse 6 tells us that He “freely bestowed on the beloved” this amazing grace of salvation, with no respect to persons. In His letter to Titus, the apostle tells us that we have been saved “not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).



To call God “capricious and unpredictable” (p. 6) for choosing not to elect some to salvation, is to blaspheme His attributes of love and grace, which he does freely bestow on the beloved. The Arminian explanation assumes that God owes man something. He doesn’t owe sinful, rebellious, unregenerate man anything except justice, and that puts us ALL in hell eternally. If anything, the doctrines of Grace can better explain all scriptures and most certainly highlights and exalts Yahweh’s amazing grace, that He would choose some of us sinful, rebellious humans, to save us for Himself.

That's what I call Grace!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Bin Laden's dead - now what?


Bin Laden image from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-09/21/content_479652.htm 


It's all over the news... Bin Laden has been killed by U.S. Navy troops.  I found this newsclip at MEMRI.ORG. 

Bin Laden's Four Children, Two Wives Arrested



Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's four children and two wives have been arrested, sources said. A close friend of bin Laden named as "Akbar" was also arrested and transferred to an undisclosed location. Osama bin Laden was killed today in a U.S. special forces operation in Abbottabad, less than 100 km from the Pakistan capital Islamabad. A security alert was declared in Abbotabad and adjacent areas following the U.S. operation in which bin Laden was killed.

Source: Arynews.tv, May 2, 2011
Found at http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/5243.htm

The big question is now, "Now what?" There is much speculation... and we can pretty safely assume there will be some retaliation in response from some of the Muslims.  We know from Biblical prophecy, that there is going to be a one world government in the last time, and we see this taking place around us.  But America is still in the way, weakened though she be.  A massive Muslim jihad could be the final straw to break governments, and institute the one-world government through a inter-national military state.  Then there's no turning back, until the prince of peace arrives!

*Update:  This just found: An article dated April 25, 2011 reports a threat of "Nuclear Firestorm if Bin Laden is caught or killed."  Did they sense that their leader was close to being caught?  We cannot know for sure, but one thing that is for sure, the Muslim jihadists (i.e. orthodox Muslims) aren't afraid to carry out attacks.
http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/nuclear-hellstorm-if-bin-laden-is-caught-or-killed-al-qaida-101330