Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum
(Rapture is a Vatican/Jesuit Lie )The "Resurrection" has been erroneously labeled The "Rapture".
THERE IS NO RAPTURE
WHY THE TITLE RAPTURE BIBLE PROPHECY FORUM?
WE STARTED OUT BELIEVING IN A 7 YR PRE TRIBULATION RAPTURE
BUT FOUND OVER TIME AROUND 2006 THAT THE BIBLE DOES NOT SHARE A
BIBLE VERSE WHATSOEVER INDICATING A 7 YR PRE TRIBULATION RAPTURE
BIBLE VERSES EVIDENCE:
While Yahusha/JESUS was alive, He prayed to His Father: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:15 (KJV)
Yahusha/JESUS gave signs of what must happen before His Return: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" Matt. 24:29 (KJV)
WE DAILY STUDY TO SHEW OURSELVES APPROVED
WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO SAY WE ARE LEARNING DAILY AND
ARE ABLE TO ADMIT WE MAKE MISTAKES BUT STUDY TO
LEARN EVERY DAY.
LET YHVH/YAHUSHA BE TRUE
AND EVERY MAN A LIAR.
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THIS SITE IS ABOUT Yahusha/JESUS
We are followers of Yahusha/JESUS Only
Yahusha/JESUS IS GOD/YHVH
Yahusha/JESUS is YHVH/GOD/YHWH-Yahusha/Son:
Yahusha/JESUS is The WORD
Yahusha is I Am That I Am (Exodus 3:14)
Yahusha is YHWH come in the flesh, He put aside His Diety to become a human, born of a Virgin.
Yahusha is the Word, As The Most High, He spoke all things seen and unseen into existence
When YHWH created Light, He was revealed to the angels.
John 14:26
"the breath of life"
But the Comforter, which is "the breath of life", whom the Father will send shall teach you all things.
God is not His Name but a term. The Holy Spirit is not a person but the very Breath of the Father.
There is no Trinity. The Father, YHVH and Yahusha are One (John 10:30)
THE BOOK OF ENOCH
NOW IS THE TIME!
FOR A REMOTE GENERATION THE LAST GENERATION FOR THE ELECT!
REFERENCES IN THE BOOK OF ENOCH TO THE BIBLE
https://bookofenochreferences.wordpress.com/category/the-book-of-enoch-with-biblical-references-chapters-1-to-9/chapter-1/
Book of Enoch: http://tinyurl.com/BkOfEnoch
The book of Second Peter and Jude Authenticate the book of Enoch and Vice Versa
Yahusha/JESUS QUOTED FROM THE SEPTUAGINT:
THE APOSTLES QUOTED FROM THE SEPTUAGINT
JEWS WERE CONVERTING TO CHRISTIANITY
FREE DOWNLOADS
All Of The Apocryphal Books Of
The King James 1611 Version
http://www.scriptural-truth.com/apocrypha_books.html
Pray for one another, as we watch for the Lord's return!
Comment
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God and Magog
I’ve heard the question hundreds of times.
“Could this be Gog/Magog?” asks a sincere student of Bible prophecy. He or she is referring, of course, to the very famous passage in Ezekiel 38-39, in which a regional war confederation invades Israel, only to be supernaturally destroyed by the Almighty.
My answer is usually, “I don’t know.”
The question has surged in recent weeks, since Israel was attacked by Hamas rockets from Gaza. Almost 900 fell in Israel, and several people were killed.
Now comes word that Hezbollah has pledged to use its arsenal against Israel in a future confrontation with Hamas; the Gazan terror group has improved its long-range capability and for the first time in history, hit Jerusalem with rocket fire.
The issue of Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal is quite problematic for Israel. When the Jewish state built a security fence (“apartheid wall” to Religious Left Jew-haters), the scourge of homicide bombers was halted.
Rockets were the terrorists’ answer.
Iran sent Fajr-5 rockets to the killers in Gaza, and continual efforts are made to upgrade the terrorist arsenal on Israel’s doorstep.
There is another interesting development, however, courtesy of the Meir Amit Intelligence Center:
"It is our assessment that the exposure of the Iranian military assistance, including the Fajr-5 rockets provided to the terrorist organizations, reflect Iran’s deep frustration with the way Egypt and its allies (Turkey and Qatar) are taking charge of the mediation efforts to stop the fighting, turning Cairo into a venue for the talks. These
countries, in Iran’s view, take a patronizing approach to the Palestinian problem, benefit politically and publicity-wise, and take away Iran’s credit for the massive military assistance it has provided to Hamas and the PIJ and which has allowed them to fight against Israel.”
What this tells us is that while the terror threat against Israel is real and serious, the jihadists also never miss an opportunity to shoot themselves in the foot. Time and again, whether it was Nasser’s disastrous meddling in the Six Day War, or internal conflict between Hamas and Fatah, these terror entities see their goals of destroying the Jewish state thwarted because focus is lost.
I put a great deal of stock in Israel’s ability to defend herself. I also put stock in the Muslim capacity for self-destruction.
But my greatest safeguard is that the Lord has promised unequivocally that He will defend and preserve Israel.
We worry about rockets from Lebanon and Gaza, after we worried about homicide bombers. No doubt many worry about Iran’s nuclear threat.
Yet we forget history—even recent history.
So, just as He confused Israel’s enemies in the ancient past, so too are they being confused again. Here is more from the Meir Amit report:
“Ibrahim al-Amin, an important Lebanese commentator close to Hezbollah who is frequently interviewed by Al-Manar TV, published an article criticizing Hamas for not giving Iran and Syria credit for the military assistance they had given it. The article also notes that the damaged military infrastructure needs to be rebuilt (i.e., with
the assistance of Iran and Syria). The following are the main points of the article, published in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, considered to portray Hezbollah’s views (Al-Akhbar, November 20, 2012).”
Once again, I have to say that I don’t believe we should focus so very much on our obsessions with the timing of Gog/Magog; we will know it when it happens.
What we should focus on is the majesty and sovereignty of the Living God, who will preserve His people without question.
God will take care of Magog. He has before.
jim@prophecymatters.com
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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
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Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steady
I’m working, and not watching the UN speeches regarding the Palestinians’ bid for nation status. I am however monitoring social media, and the reactions from pro Israel folks who are rightly revolted over the unjust speeches, and in the growing discomfort with a legitimized Palestinian entity.
We should not worry, though.
A few weeks ago, while driving near the Golan Heights, I saw one of what I believe were 2-3 tanks Israel had at its disposal during the harrowing months following the declaration of statehood in 1948. No matter how you or any revisionist slices it, the young Jewish state faced overwhelming odds in struggling to survive. (Footnote: the aforementioned tank sits under some trees on a kibbutz, a cool reminder of those momentous days.)
I submit that we are looking at similar odds now, but our perceptions are skewed.
Certainly, the international community—cowardly and immoral as it is—not only will cave to bizarre and unjust Arab demands, but the community actually likes the inversion of the truth, since it participates in it. Global media, political operatives, and religionists fall over themselves in efforts to advance evil in our world.
That’s exactly what they’re supposed to do.
God told us a long time ago pretty much exactly what’s going to happen. Why are we shocked and saddened to see these days arrive? If the Word of the Lord is true, it had to be this way.
Those of us who love and support Israel for biblical reasons should not be weak-kneed and wavering now. We should be exhilarated. I don’t need to stem the tide or try and halt the advance of those who are determined to destroy Israel. First, because they can’t.
Secondly, because I can’t.
God alone writes history. He has written corporate history and your history. He knew how Caleb and Joshua would respond in Canaan. He knew how many Panzer divisions Hitler would throw at Europe. He knew that a gaggle of mendacious, malevolent religionists in the last days would fulfill prophecy by clicking their teeth at Israel and shaking their fists at Zion (see Sizer, Stephen).
He isn’t surprised and we shouldn’t be, either, of all people.
As a matter of fact, as the world collectively loses its mind and individuals prepare to head into an emotional abyss, the remnant should be leaning against a tree somewhere, looking at their nails and watching calmly, lest someone should ask them why they are calm, and be saved.
That is our mandate.
Over a week ago, popular “evangelical” author Donald Miller wrote and published the most tendentious hit-piece against Israel I’ve ever read by someone who isn’t a Muslim. I mean, the whole thing is soaked in anti-Jewish poison.
Miller, after a few hours of the posting, removed a passage that—insanely—alleged that Benjamin Netanyahu is guilty of more deaths than terrorists!
Miller also alleged, with zero documentation, that Israel—please sit down as you read this—controls the caloric intake of Gazans.
Why am I telling you this?
Because, despite the faux-intellectual protests and catcalls from the “careful thinkers” in Evangelicalism (think historian Mark Noll, the editorial staff of Christianity Today, entire publishing houses, Brian McLaren, Tony Campolo, Sojourners, Relevant magazine, et cetera), Bible prophecy is supremely, acutely relevant and upon us, right now.
God told us men would hate Zion in the last days.
In Zechariah, we are presented with an almost unbelievable scenario in which the entire world will throw itself and its hate at Israel.
This attack will be repelled, with cataclysmic results for the invaders.
The issue is this: either one believes this is future history, or one does not.
I believe it is. I also don’t care who thinks I’m a nut for thinking so. It doesn’t matter.
The only thing that matters is that someone is wrong, and someone is right, and we are awfully close to finding out who is right and who is wrong.
Let me add more evidence to the pile.
Earlier this week, British activist Stephen Sizer Tweeted YouTube videos alleging that Israelis dump sewage into Palestinian lands.
I personally checked out this smelly story, and will soon be publishing a report on it. Suffice to say: Sizer is caught with his factual pants down.
Mendacity gazes at Zion.
So, to repeat: if we see the whole world mobilizing against Israel, what should we expect? The UN, terrorists, mass murderers, pagan Europeans, pastors—pastors!—are aligning against the Jewish state.
Was this not supposed to happen?
I would say to you, remember what Moses said to the Israelites as they huddled in fear at the approaching Egyptians:
“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
This mendacity that is causing such fear in the ranks of the remnant is but for a little while.
I for one believe God. I believe Israel’s glory is ahead of her. Some of us will see it.
What a great, great time to be alive!
jim@prophecymatters.com
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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
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Follow Me
I rarely use “Israel Watch” to ask for personal favors, but when you hear what I’m asking, you’ll realize it’s as much for you as for me.
In the spring, my friend Benzion Netanyahu passed away. The patriarch of this great Israeli family—sons Jonathan, Benjamin, and Iddo—was a world-class historian. For those of you who enjoy historical works and some deep reading, his Don Isaac Abravanel is mind-blowing. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
And of course, there is Entebbe: The Jonathan Netanyahu Story, about the famous hostage rescue in which “Yoni” was the only Israeli commando killed, in 1976. I often tell people it is the best book I’ve ever read, and I don’t say such things lightly.
Now comes a crowning achievement. A new film, “Follow Me,” has been produced that chronicles the life of Yoni Netanyahu, with special emphasis on the Entebbe mission. I’ve already watched it three times, and it is quite riveting.
One of the most professionally produced documentaries I’ve ever seen, “Follow Me” features interviews with the Netanyahu family, including Iddo and his wife, Daphne. The interviews with Benjamin are quite moving. It also features extensive interviews with members of Sareyet Matkal, the elite Israeli counter-terrorism unit that went to Entebbe with their commander, Yoni.
The way the producers weave the story of Yoni with the raid itself is riveting. One gets a sense of the human side of elite Israeli soldiers, while at the same time learning just what it’s like to live among implacable enemies. The whole thing is a tour-de-force, a triumph of storytelling.
You have my personal guarantee that you will be on the edge of your seat as you listen to these aging men recount that night in far-away Africa. Their words, the production values, and the story arc will leave you speechless.
I know this because in July, I attended a premier of “Follow Me” at the annual summit for Christian United for Israel (CUFI) in Washington. About 800 people jammed into a ballroom to view the film and I was astonished afterwards by the outflow of emotion from the audience members, several of whom went to the microphones during a Q&A with the production team. One woman stammered and dabbed her eyes before almost whispering, “This has changed my life…”
I’m telling you all this because, while the film is being screened at locations around the U.S., you have an opportunity to own your own copy. DVD sales just launched, and you can get your copy(ies) at www.followmethemovie.com.
Everything about this project excites me, including the involvement of my great friend, publisher Thomas Sharp. His Balfour Books imprint is partnering with the production team of “Follow Me,” and the Entebbe book is also offered.
I was fortunate to meet producer Mark Manson after the Washington screening, and his commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of this production.
You’ve probably already guessed this, but did I mention I’m excited about this project? Thomas has informed me that a special combo pack is offered through the website: a “Follow Me” dvd and Entebbe book are offered for $29.99. You can also be the catalyst for having a screening at your church. If you’d like to do something that would really help Israel, organize a screening of this brilliant documentary.
In the strongest possible terms, I ask you to go to www.followmethemovie.com and take advantage of these special offers.
If you care about Israel, and want to get a truly unique perspective on what makes this special nation tick, dive into “Follow Me.” Read Entebbe cover-to-cover. Also, don’t forget to find out about how to have a screening at your church or civic auditorium.
Do me a favor afterwards: email me and let me know what you think.
Come on. Follow me.
jim@prophecymatters.com
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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Insane Clown Posse
As a sinister swirl of problems seems to envelope Israel at present, one is almost staggered by the sheer number of challenges facing the Jewish state.
This week, foreign minister Avigdor Leiberman resigned, delighting a host of international enemies, including anti-Christian Zionist Stephen Sizer, who tweeted as such.
Benjamin Netanyahu assembled a group of foreign journalists and ask the rhetorical question: where is the outrage? He was rightly pointing out that Israel’s enemies preach genocide, openly, 24/7, but his country is roasted for building apartments in east Jerusalem. One presumes even those hard-boiled Israel-haters in the media felt at least a twinge of shame. Or not.
Also this week, a member of Hungary’s far-right Jobbik party asked that a list of prominent Jews be created, in the interests of national security! Surely, Middle Ages-style anti-semitism is back.
Of course, this is just a sampling, and comes on the heels of the UN’s blood-thirsty decision to grant the Palestinians observer status, just short of embracing full statehood for the terror entity otherwise known as the Palestinian “Authority.”
All of it reminds me of a new name we should give the international community, which loves inversion of the truth, and sanctions evil:
Insane Clown Posse.
Borrowing the name from the notorious hip-hop group, I think it fits what is going on with Israel and her gathering foes.
All this is relevant, I want you to know, with regard to the Religious Left in America, which is doing its part to advance the agenda against Jews. Giving voice to Palestinian extremists masquerading as peaceniks, the Left is very much part of this posse.
You should know, however, that I am having some interesting back-channel dialogue with some of them. Most are too cowardly to answer pertinent questions in the open, but a couple of them are willing to talk.
I was also told this week, from a third party, about a prominent member of the anti-Zionist, Christian community in the U.S. who, after hearing about the expulsion of Jews from Arab countries, seemed to moderate his position a bit, claiming he’d never considered that. I think that where we can, let’s try and have civil discussion with these people. Some of them will see the light.
(By the way, I routinely hear from readers taking me to task for identifying leftists as “Christian.” This is simply an identification leftists use. Our task is to point out the infiltration of those who call themselves “evangelicals” for strategic purposes, but if someone identifies himself as Christian, that’s the term he uses. I’m pretty sure we all understand what “Bible-believing” Christian means, so we understand who is with us and who is against us.)
The point of all this is, as I once again was asked this week: what is the chief sign we are living on the edge of eternity?
Answer, as always: ratcheting-up of pressure on Israel. This is a dominant theme of apocalyptic literature, particularly in the Hebrew Scriptures, and that is precisely where we find ourselves.
I will not address specifically the horror unleashed on Connecticut this week, but suffice to say, society is unraveling. As we look to ghastly occurrences happening on all fronts, we must also keep our eyes on the stranglehold Israel’s enemies think they are about to apply for a final time.
It’s time to watch, pay attention, and pray.
jim@prophecymatters.com
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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
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Upgrading the Palestinians
With news this week that Egypt will pursue a “tight” relationship with Hezbollah, we see more evidence—as if we needed it—that Israel’s enemies are tightening the noose.
Ashraf Hamdy, the new Muslim Brotherhood ambassador to Lebanon, told Lebanon’s Daily Star:
“You cannot discuss politics in Lebanon without having a relationship with Hezbollah."
This is diplomacy in the new century. Terror groups, who murder men, women, and children (and have no regard for their own people, either) are now “legitimate.”
This is such a dramatic shift in Egyptian policy that Middle East observers are worried, with good reason. As late as 2008, during Israel’s Operation Cast Lead operation to clear out Gaza terror cells, Egypt refused to answer Hezbollah’s call to intervene. Hosni Mubarak, now dying in an Egyptian army prison, at least kept the worst terrorists at arm’s length.
"Resistance in the sense of defending Lebanese territory...[is] their primary role. We...think that as a resistance movement they have done a good job to keep on defending Lebanese territory and trying to regain land occupied by Israel is legal and legitimate,” Hamdy also said.
Except Israel isn’t occupying any “Hezbollah” territory. The Israelis pulled out of their buffer zone more than a decade ago, and got rocket attacks in return—exactly the same scenario in Gaza. Still the international community demands the same things from Israel that the terrorists do: more pullouts.
One of the amazing things about Israel’s military capabilities is the fact that the IDF can fight on multiple fronts simultaneously.
This is significant because Israel has more than rocket attacks to contend with. According to a report issued this week by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center:
“The Palestinian Authority recently allowed Hamas operatives in Judea and Samaria to hold mass public events to mark the 25th anniversary of the movement's founding. They were held in the main cities and on university campuses in Judea and Samaria, primarily in Nablus, Hebron, Qalqiliya and Tulkarm. Thousands of Palestinians participated, a clear demonstration of Hamas' power in Judea and Samaria after four years in which the Palestinian Authority forbade or limited public Hamas activities. The PA's security services oversaw the rallies and prevented them from turning into violent confrontations with the IDF.”
Notice from the report that the “moderate” Palestinian Authority is powerless to stop Hamas from operating:
“Providing the unusual authorization for Hamas to hold mass rallies in Judea and Samaria is part of the PA's current policy of redefining the limits placed on its political rivals and promoting an atmosphere of reconciliation.
It is a trend which has continued for the past year and a half, especially since the reconciliation agreement (signed in May 2011) and the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal (October 2011). Since then Hamas has significantly increased its public presence in Judea and Samaria, especially on issues where a Palestinian consensus is perceived to exist (such as the struggle of the Palestinian terrorist operatives imprisoned in Israeli jails). At the same time the PA allows the Hamas media to operate, and they cover various events through the prism of Hamas, inciting the local populace to terrorism and goading Palestinians to revolt against Israel. The most prominent media with correspondents on the ground in Judea and Samaria are Al-Aqsa TV, which broadcasts from the Gaza Strip, and Al-Quds TV, which broadcasts from Beirut.”Finally, we see the global implications of all this, as the international community has once again emboldened the jihadists, who hate all of us. The recent UN recognition of the Palestinians is still further, sadder proof that appeasement is a loser strategy:
“The mass participation of the Palestinian population in the rallies reflects, in our assessment, extensive support for Hamas in Judea and Samaria.
The support for Hamas and its accompanying incitement to terrorism are liable to contribute to an increase in violence in Judea and Samaria, even if the PA can be expected to prevent the situation from getting out of control. Violence in Judea and Samaria, so far limited to various types of "popular" activities (throwing stones and Molotov cocktails and attacking IDF soldiers), has risen since Operation Pillar of Defense, and especially since the upgrading of the PA's status in the UN.”jim@prophecymatters.com
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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Propaganda Wins
At the Catalyst East conference in Atlanta, I listened to Lynne Hybels give a talk about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. One of her concluding slides was an image of the security fence Israel erected to keep out terrorists. It’s worked quite well, and that seems to bother critics of the Jewish state, who can’t bring themselves to simply say that it’s good Jews are not being murdered anymore.
Instead, the critics refer to the fence as a “wall,” or, more provocatively, an “apartheid wall.” This is a complete inversion of the truth, since Israel is the most open society in the Middle East, and grants far-reaching rights to Arabs.
An interesting lie being peddled is that the fence completely surrounds Bethlehem. It does not.
Yet, by alleging that the fence encircles the town—this even by members of the Religious Left who have been there and know better—they succeed in portraying Israel as the “warden” of the “prison” the Palestinians are kept in.
Hybels chose to include an image in her presentation that showed a simple message written on the fence:
“Love Wins.”
This is significant, because it signals yet another evidence that leftists are tightening their grip on Evangelicalism. After all, Rob Bell’s 2011 book, Love Wins, in which he comes out as a universalist while simultaneously denying that he did so—this a hallmark tactic of leftists posing as “evangelicals”—is admired by those change-agents within the church who are attempting to transform it into an altogether different entity.
By approvingly displaying this image, Hybels shows clearly that she embraces the same type of theology/ideology that Bell does. They are all in the same camp, and specific examples could be cited all the day long:
•Donald Miller’s hit piece on Israel, from his November 19 blog post.
•Andy Braner’s recent blog post bemoaning the tough conditions of those that live in Bethlehem.
•Gabe Lyon’s recent “Q” discussion/interview with Sami Awad, a leading change agent and Bethlehem resident who is friends with Lynne Hybels.
•Relevant magazine’s continued flirtation with anyone who either mocks Bible prophecy or sides with Israel.
By the way, I’ve just been informed that Relevant’s issue dealing with the Israel/”Palestine” conflict—set for January—has been moved to July. Be watching for it.
A further interesting development is that when I attempted, several times, to get an interview with Catalyst director Brad Lomenick, and ask him why anti-Israel and self-described “non-Marxist socialist” Cornel West spoke at Catalyst East in 2011, I was told Mr. Lomenick doesn’t have time.
(There is plenty of other data that shows the Catalyst team is committed to spreading the Palestinian narrative throughout the American church.)
Personally, if I were responsible for filling young evangelicals’ heads with leftist ideology espoused by Liberation Theologian West…I’d find the time to tell constituents why. But you must know, dear reader, that a hallmark of the New Evangelical leadership is to stonewall when someone questions their methods.
Silence.
This type of ideology is flooding the evangelical world, as we speak.
It doesn’t matter to these people that Israel’s security fence borders Bethlehem on only two sides. The story must be advanced that it completely encloses the tragic town.
You get it, don’t you? Let me be indelicate:
The left lies.
They lie in order to advance their ideology, which is an acidic stew of Marxism, New Age, and outright apostasy.
One of the outposts their Panzer divisions are smashing currently is pro Israel support in the American church.
Notice too that you hear only silence from America’s leading Christian…leaders. Who is holding Donald Miller accountable for writing the same kind of stuff about Israel that Hamas does? He actually alleges that Israel controls the caloric intake of Gazans…and nobody says a word!
When I attempted to ask Miller’s rep how he knows this, and whether he will come forth with documentation, I was stonewalled.
And, through networking and the internet, this anti-Israel agenda is truly a global enterprise. This week, English vicar Stephen Sizer is in east Asia, filling heads there with anti-Christian Zionist and anti-Israel invective. All the while smiling.
Last year, self-described Pentecostal (!) writer Paul Alexander referred to Jesus as a Palestinian. It is lost on these people that this is classic, Soviet-style propaganda, first unleashed on the world by leading theologian Yasser Arafat.
Where is the discernment today?
Love wins? Yes, it will, but the very definition of love has been distorted in our world today. Love will win, because love is truth, and truth will be triumphant.
At this moment and beyond, a sweet truth exists: Israel is alive and her haters hate.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
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Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jan, 14, 2013
(This week marks Jim’s 300th “Israel Watch” for RaptureReady. He is grateful to the RR family, beginning with Todd and Terry, for the opportunity to talk about the relevance of modern Israel.)
Israel is not Legitimate
Just as Barack Obama came out in favor of same-sex marriage last year, calculating that the time was now right culturally, so too do Israel haters now feel emboldened to put their hands tightly on the lever of the hangman’s scaffolding.
An article this week from Jerome Slater from the Christian Science Monitor was quite instructive.
Many of us pro Israel activists have asked for a long time, “Why didn’t Israel get credit for pulling out of Gaza? After all, now it can’t be said they are ‘occupying’ the Strip anymore.”
Slater has answered that for us: It doesn’t matter.
By Slater’s reasoning—which is leftist worldview—Israel is still occupying the Gaza Strip, since the IDF maintains a perimeter presence. This of course is because Hamas (and, presumably, the larger Palestinian population, since they elected the terror group) likes to murder Jews. Yet, again, notice the chilling irony:
Israel no longer occupies Gaza, except that it does.
This passes for reality in 2013.
The lead paragraph of Slater’s analysis/diatribe goes like this:
“Israel's ceasefire with Hamas is holding, but unless Israel completely lifts its blockade and includes Hamas in two-state negotiations, renewed rocket attacks from Gaza are likely. Should that happen, Israel would not be justified in arguing self-defense.”
Since 1967, the Soviet-inspired Palestinian/PLO propaganda has been nothing short of brilliant. Let your supernatural hatred seethe under the surface, offer coffee to gullible Westerners, lament the “occupation,” and never have to hijack a plane again. The combination of the international community’s gullibility, and its own inherent anti-semitism has paved the yellow brick road for the PLO, which has never abandoned its goal of liquidating the Jewish state.
Slater’s reasoning, which, as I’ve been writing about non-stop is also the view of the Religious Left in America, goes like this:
“Israel, however, is not defending its homeland against unprovoked attack. Rather it is ‘defending’ a nonexistent right to continue its occupation (direct or indirect) and repression of the Palestinians – and that is what provokes Palestinian attacks from Gaza.”
This is quite important, my friends. He is saying that he believes the Palestinian narrative, that the occupation breeds violence, not the other way around. This is the other worldview in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Leaders around the world, including American pastors and ministry leaders, believe Palestinian frustration, joblessness, lack of a sovereign homeland, etc., is caused by the presence of Jews in the former Roman/Muslim/Turkish province of Palestine.
Slater says that after Operation Cast Lead in 2008, several human rights groups defined Israel’s response to Palestinian terrorism as “war crimes.”
I hope you are beginning to see that in the view of the international community, Israel cannot raise a legitimate defense for any reason, in any area. Do you get it? Much like the argument over gun control now raging in America, the left is simply marching relentlessly toward its goals. Obama means to try and disarm regular Americans, period. No discussion, no dialogue on Capitol Hill or in a coffee shop in Peoria will stop that advance.
Likewise, no presentation of facts, no appeals to serious efforts to get the Palestinians to abandon their goals of mass murder will have any effect.
Naturally, you understand what these scenarios lead to, don’t you?
Confrontation.
The decades-long conflict leads finally to conflict.
Slater insists that Israeli strikes have landed on hospitals, schools, and ambulances. He (deliberately?) leaves out the all-important fact that the IDF goes to extreme lengths to avoid such strikes…but Hamas uses those hospitals, schools, and ambulances as shields.
It is international weakness and cowardice that perpetuates the conflict.
I’ve heard quite a bit of talk lately that commentators (such as yours truly) talk too much about gloom and doom, and write depressing stuff.
I can’t speak for others. What I know is that a presentation of facts allows all of us the opportunity to live in reality, a place from which we can make good decisions.
More than that, I often attempt to pull back a curtain on a glorious future, because even amid all this conflict, we see very clearly that God acts and is acting in history. Most importantly—get this—He will act in history.
Those who love the Jewish people know that the world’s injustice and inversions of the truth are but for a little while. Scripture is soaked with the message that dawn is coming, because God has said quite clearly that He will exact justice for His people.
That’s why a hopelessly skewed perspective, from yet another journalist, is not reality. It is merely pitiful, reflecting the wisdom of the world.
Israel is permanent, if Scripture is to be believed. I’m afraid her current tormenters will not realize that until it’s too late.
jim@prophecymatters.com
http://news.yahoo.com/israels-self-defense-argument-against-hamas-holds-no-153705349--politics.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Settling the Land of Israel
I met Ron Nachman once, during my first trip to Israel. David Lewis took me to the city of Ariel to visit with his old friend. Nachman was a fixture in Israeli life, having been born in Tel Aviv and then later becoming a semi-famous mayor of Ariel, the largest of Israel’s “West Bank” communities. The world called him a settler.
Today, he was buried in the land of Israel. He succumbed to cancer last week, and Israel lost a visionary leader.
In his Ariel office, Nachman rolled a cigar in his mouth and chatted easily. He liked evangelicals. He said with some force—not to us, but to the enemies of the Jewish state—that when the U.S. gave back Texas, Israel would talk about giving back land won in the Six Day War.
It was a good point.
For 10 years after the Six Day War, Israel attempted to negotiate with the Arabs, but were always rebuffed by the gang leader, Yasser Arafat, and his handlers. So, in 1977, led by Ariel Sharon, the Israelis began populating the largely barren territory in the country’s heartland with adventurous Jewish pioneers. Today, more than 300,000 of them live there, a fulfillment of, among other prophecies, the one we read in Amos 9:15. Truly, according to the Lord, they will never be uprooted again.
I remember how striking Ariel was on that first visit. Gleaming buildings, streets, civic centers, schools. Neat and orderly. Quite a contrast to the portrait painted by opponents of the Zionist dream. Wherever they go, the Israelis improve the local environment.
Sanctioned in the 1970s by then-Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Nachman recalled how Ariel and Lilly Sharon arrived and:
“Ariel and Lilly Sharon showed up and told us the Americans had given the green light to create six security outposts. Sharon banged on the table and said, ‘Go up there in uniform, go in civies, go naked, but go!”
Although a fellow like Sharon (and Dayan) would not have thought first that they were fulfilling prophecy, they certainly were the catalysts for that reality, in the modern era.
On a recent trip to Israel, I drove through the whole breadth of the country and marveled at what the Jews have done—Jews like Ron Nachman.
The world hated him and he didn’t care. He was loyal first and last to his people.
I admired him very much.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
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For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Israel…Independently Wealthy!
Beginning about 1930, and going on into the ‘60s, my grandfather worked in the oil business. He managed wells all through the Southwest. He often told my dad that the country that was energy independent had no enemies. He meant that they had both independence from foreign oil and could therefore defend itself, and that the nation could also sell oil to others. He had a point.
But he never met Israel.
News came last week that work has commenced on the gigantic natural gas field off Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Discovered a couple years ago, estimates are that it could be worth one trillion dollars, and could provide energy for Israel up to a hundred years.
The discovery predictably upset Israel’s neighbors, who will no doubt covet the energy prize. One can only imagine what a country, say to the far north, thinks about it all.
Leviathan, the aptly named project, is an economic zone comprising a huge gas and oil field. By next year, the field will go online for local consumption and reserve storage. A 30-inch “trunk” line is being put down in the Haifa region now, with pipes being welded and set up. It is estimated that foreign sales could commence in 2015 (although to which nations it hasn’t been determined. One can hardly envision Israel’s Arab neighbors being able to bring themselves to buy from the Jewish state).
By April of this year, the TAMAR gas field will come online, with high-pressure, 16-inch pipes. The infrastructure has been tested.
Significantly, these developments will allow Israeli electric power stations to operate on natural gas. Industrial sites will follow soon. Consumers will be next in line.
Israel, already a giant in the technology industry, will add this vast energy wealth to its coffers. Normally, this would be a time of rejoicing all around, but for those of us who follow Bible prophecy, it’s obvious these developments can prove problematic.
I was reminded of this in recent days, as I read the latest blockbuster book from my friend, Bill Salus. Titled Psalm 83: The Missing Prophecy Revealed, the book is rich with information on last days’ conflict between Israel and her Arab neighbors. I consider Bill to be the best researcher around, and he doesn’t disappoint in this latest effort. The gas field Israel is now in possession of relates directly to what I consider to be the Psalm 83 prophecy.
Further to Israel’s potential trouble is a USA Today report this past week, on the heels of Israel’s election. Benjamin Netanyahu drew enough support for a new four-year term, but it came with a surprise showing by a new centrist party, which will make it harder for Netanyahu to govern.
Ominously, an Israeli journalist (admittedly, this comes from left-leaning Akiva Eldar) sees the settlement issue front-and-center now:
“From the day Obama gets sick of us, all he has to do is to instruct the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. to absent himself from the vote.” Eldar thinks Obama will use his influence with European governments to turn the screws on Israel, “to teach Netanyahu who is stronger.”
This is all ominous, of course. Obama’s punk play in diplomacy is disturbing, to say the least (another disturbing trend is for evangelicals to begin to criticize those who bring Obama’s true nature to light). It all adds up to a very interesting 2013!
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb, 4, 2013
Heil, Hagel
The nomination of Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense is just the latest “the sky is blue” piece of evidence that the American president is unlike anything any of us have ever seen. Radio host Mark Levin is one of the few very public people who has the guts to slap people with the truth. On his show this week, Levin said the following:
“Well, the Muslim Brotherhood has infiltrated our government, it's called Barack Obama. No, he's not a formal member, he's a sympathizer. There, I said it. Prove otherwise….What kind of commander-in-chief would nominate somebody like Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense? I'll tell you what kind of commander-in-chief, the kind of commander-in-chief that arms the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamonazi regime in Cairo while he's hollowing out the greatest military force on the face of the earth under his direct command, the United States military -- that's what kind of commander-in-chief. Chuck Hagel, who’s a sympathizer with the most radical elements in the Middle East, and an Israel hater. So why would a president nominate somebody like Chuck Hagel? Because the president is Chuck Hagel. He's a sympathizer with the most radical elements in the Middle East and he's an Israel hater. That's why he nominated Hagel.”
Dude, you’re now on a list!
And, though this is a conversation for another time, contrast Levin’s remarks with those of one Andy Stanley, uber-pastor from Atlanta and poster-boy for the New Evangelicals.
When Stanley caught some flack (but it’s okay, the tide has now turned and the majority of people are with him, so true accountability is just a punch line) for referring to Obama as our “Pastor-in-Chief,” he gave an interview to a safe, friendly source, Christianity Today editor Mark Galli:
“We get to choose our President. So the reason President Obama is the President is because America chose him. There's really no reason to be upset with President Obama. He is who he claimed to be, and he believes what he told us all along he believes. Fifty-one percent of the American people elected him. I think he takes the blame for what the majority of our nation decided was the right thing to do. So [the criticism] is misdirected.”
Galli white-washing Stanley, who was white-washing a truly, obviously radical president is breathtaking. For those of you interested, I invite you to read the entire interview and see for yourself just how clintonian the New Evangelical leaders have become; the spin from Andy Stanley is astonishing:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/january-web-only/andy-stanley-obama-inauguration-pastor-in-chief.html
What does all that have to do with the price of tea in Tel Aviv?
Just that Israel will get no help (but rather opposition) from the highest levels of U.S. political and religious circles the next four years. Think back to the days of Jerry Falwell and Ronald Reagan. The Israelis at least were speaking with people who understood them and valued their friendship.
Obama’s selection of Hagel, who does not like Israel (and, apparently, Jews in general) is deeply disturbing. Levin put the finer point on it.
Let me be clear on something, however: as I have been saying for some time, I am not raising these issues because I fear for Israel. The Lord of History has it under control and while this view would amuse Enlightenment thinkers like Obama and Stanley, I stand by it.
It isn’t Israel that’s in trouble; it’s everybody else that’s in trouble.
Obama’s decisions flow from his worldview, which is Marxist. For Stanley to claim that Obama is “who he claimed to be” reveals either a gasping naiveté, or complicity in the move to transform this nation into another slave to totalitarianism.
You read that correctly.
While there have always been unfriendly elements to Israel in our nation’s capitol (see Weinberger, Cap, or Harry Truman’s cabinet), we are now seeing wholesale sell-out of the Jewish state.
I was interviewed on the Janet Mefferd Show this past week, and we discussed change-agents in the church, such as Stanley. I’m glad some see it.
Hagel will no doubt be confirmed. After all, with an embarrassment in office (Joe Biden) and a Saul Alinsky disciple in office (Obama), what red-lines remain to be obliterated?
On some level, I can understand a politician’s agenda. Craven power grabs are part of it. But when we see America’s leading “Evangelical” lights white-washing evil, we know that, well, night is coming.
And Israel’s glory is ahead of her.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hating the Palestinians
For a few weeks now, Drew Sumrall and I have traded some friendly banter back and forth on Twitter.
Sumrall is the grandson of famed Pentecostal preacher Lester Sumrall (founder of LESEA Broadcasting, headquartered in South Bend, Indiana), and current host of the family network’s “Harvest Show.”
I first learned of Drew when Brian McLaren endorsed him on his blog. I found it interesting that that spiritual change agent and Pied Piper would puff a member of the Sumrall family. I quickly learned, after checking out Drew’s writings, that he is…how shall I say…a progressive Christian. In style and tone, he is 12 million miles from his grandfather. Or is it trillion?
Drew and I like to (apparently) tweak each other on Twitter. He’ll write something and I respond, and then back and forth. I hope I don’t get under his skin.
This past week, he tweeted: “…how are you Jim? Still hating Democrats and Palestinians, I see.”
I’ve always known that leftists fancy themselves as mind readers, but this needs a response, so what follows is my response to Drew.
The apostle John had quite a bit to say about hate, in his letters:
“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” (1 John 2:9)
I am a person who believes in the inerrancy of Scripture. Therefore, I’m not dumb enough to hate anyone. To hate is an offense to God and puts one on extremely thin ice in a very hot place.
It is somewhat disappointing that Drew resorts to the usual (yet clumsy and false) charge that a conservative, Bible-believing Christian is a “hater.” One hears that phrase all the time these days, from the left, from the progressive Christians: “X is a hater. Don’t be a hater.”
In reality, they are not being precise. What they mean is that anyone who does not agree with their worldview “hates.”
It’s an easy tag to put on someone, and in some cases, it is a clever tactic, since it ensnares the “hater” in the ropes of self-defense. After awhile, one’s original point is forgotten, but he must go on defending himself because he has now been marginalized as a “hater.”
It’s sort of like Ken Ham says: the left is tolerant until they are intolerant.
They are intolerant of Bible-believing Christians and their intolerance of us can become hostile and irrational. Thus, the tag of “hate” is more convenient and useful than actually engaging in conversation.
Drew evidently reads my blogs, in which I often discuss the Palestinians. On what basis does he claim that I hate Palestinians? In fact—and I find this almost comical—I don’t have to defend myself and I won’t. The body of my work speaks for itself.
However, this specific issue is most fascinating, because I have of late run into all manner of leftists (many of whom strategically call themselves “evangelicals” so they can burrow into the evangelical world and spread their theological poison) who cannot defend their own positions, so they resort to name-calling.
I’ll give you another example that I think falls into this camp.
When I attempted (several times) to get clarification from Donald Miller, regarding his November 19, 2012 blog charges that Israel abuses the Palestinians of Gaza, I got stonewalled, baby. In correspondence with his director of marketing, I was told that I was saying mean things about Donald (paraphrase).
I hope you get the point. You do, don’t you?
The marketing director was obfuscating. He was cleverly sidestepping my request for documentation of Miller’s odious charges against Israel. When you can’t answer a question, produce a smoke screen. It usually works.
Drew is essentially doing the same thing when he makes the grotesque charge that I hate Palestinians. The burden of proof is on him. Please produce anything I’ve written that indicates hatred of the Palestinians.
If one wants to engage in dialogue about another’s views of, say, the Palestinians…great! I’m here all day long and can be reached. I watch a lot of old movies and pet my dog. Sometimes I muse. Often I keep myself busy. But I’ve got time to talk to anyone, anytime about the Arab-Israeli conflict.
I just wish the other side were as forthcoming. I wish they lived in the world of ideas and dialogue, and not…name-calling.
And mind reading.
There is a terrible war going on now—enmity, really—between Christian Zionists and their opponents in the Church. The other side is growing in strength and influence, which amazes me because their arguments are so poor.
Yet that’s the world we live in now: up is down, right is wrong, truth is a lie. “Evangelicals” who now aggressively support the “Peace Now” perspective and lambast Israel actually serve to keep the conflict simmering/boiling in the Middle East.
The Palestinians deserve better.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dupes: Part 786
As another example of social media harming Israel, I happened upon a Twitter message from Rick Love this past week:
“I am locked away for the next two days working on the final stages of editing my book on peacemaking. Appreciate your prayers. Thanks!”
With the transformation of the evangelical church today in America, we see a definite center-left trend among the leadership. “Peacemaking” is a noble challenge, but one must remember that even basic language today comes loaded with extra meaning. In evangelical circles today, a “peacemaker” more than likely follows high-profile leaders like Shane Claiborne, Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis, etc. If one can understand that folks like this are leftists—not liberals—then one can begin to understand how one component of peacemaking involves—ironically—putting Israel in great danger.
On his website, Love has a paper, “Following Jesus in a Glocalized World,” using terminology presumably developed by Bob Roberts Jr., pastor of Northwood Church in Texas. Roberts, you’ll remember, gushed over his meeting in New York with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood chieftain Muhammad Morsi. Roberts also doesn’t like questions about his associations with Muslims, and the implications that has for Israel—hence his decline of my interview request(s) and subsequent block on Twitter.
I digress.
Rick Love, I have no doubt, is very sincere in his efforts to build bridges with Muslims. I found it incredibly interesting though to check out whom he “follows” on Twitter. A sampling:
Porter Speakman Jr. (director of the Christian Zionist-mocking film “With God on Our Side”
; David Neff (editorial vice-president for Christianity Today); The Economist (left-leaning European news magazine); Catalyst; Cameron Strang; Mark Driscoll; NPR News; Al Zazeera English; Alan Hirsch; Joshua Dubois (who until recently headed Obama’s Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Parterships); Rob Bell; Lynne Hybels; World Vision; John Ortberg; Rachel Held Evans; Gabe Lyons; Christ at the Checkpoint; Tony Campolo; Ed Stetzer; Shane Claiborne; Donald Miller.The list goes painfully on, but you get the idea. Each of the people/organizations listed above would either be overtly hostile to Israel, or they hobnob with those who are. Hence, Rick Love’s view of Israel is, I can safely presume, similar to that of Mahmoud Abbas.
That is, Middle East peace would flourish were it not for the “occupation,” etc.
Let me add another element to this discussion of Rick Love’s Twitter friends. It’s important to show you the networking and similarity in thought among those who have decided that traditional Christianity needs new pr (to paraphrase Andy Stanley and Matthew Paul Turner). This marketing makeover—please get this—has as a linchpin belief the desire to overturn evangelical support for Israel.
Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, regular books, e-books, YouTube videos, or another medium, the cunning of the Palestinians and their advocates is breathtaking. They are taking down the Goliath of pro Israel support world-wide: American Evangelicals. Witness a recent book, Red Letter Revolution.
Red Letter Revolution (currently ranked 10, 322 on Amazon: it’s selling well), which was released by Thomas Nelson Publishers in October, 2012, was produced by pro Palestinians Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne. They describe themselves as evangelicals, which is incredibly clever. Where I come from, an evangelical—generally speaking—is a Bible-believing, conservative Christian committed to pure evangelism.
The New “Evangelicals,” however, have co-opted the word out of necessity. So long as they were on the outside looking in, for example, from within a mainline church denomination, evangelicals understood they were left-wing and an “unequal yoking,” as it were.
But when those leftists were given their marching orders to infiltrate evangelicalism, they went right into evangelical churches and pronounced themselves of like-mind.
This is why Brian McLaren self-identifies as an evangelical.
This is how they get books like Red Letter Revolution into Family Christian Stores, ostensibly an evangelical bookstore chain.
(By the way, Thomas Nelson Publishers will publish what sells. That’s why their backlist and frontlist contain books by conservative authors and books by leftists. The bottom line is what matters, and these publishers are heat-seeking missiles for affluent demographics.)
Among the endorsers for Red Letter Revolution are: Bono, Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu, Elias Chacour, Eugene Peterson, Phyllis Tickle, Michael Lerner, Rob Bell, and Brian McLaren.
Do you know what will/is happening? This book and others like it are being absorbed by young people, eager to make a difference in the world. The problem is, they do not understand that the hand at the end of the rope pulling them up to greatness and relevance is evil.
It’s documented history that Yasser Arafat was schooled by his Soviet handlers to undermine Western support for Israel. The Soviets themselves had been engaged in social attacks on America for decades.
The current attempts to pry evangelicals away from the Jewish state come directly from this line of attack.
One of the results of this amazingly successful strategy has been to turn truth on its head. In today’s world, evangelical leaders in America think the Palestinian Authority is a genuine partner for peace. At the same time, they think Benjamin Netanyahu is a blood-thirsty ogre.
This is why a Middle East neophyte/rube like Donald Miller can make baseless, grotesque charges against Israel (see his November 19, 2012 blog at www.storylineblog.com) and get away with it. My many attempts to get Miller to provide documentation for charging Israel with war crimes has gone completely unheard! This is Evangelical America, 2013.
If you read Red Letter Revolution—and I advocate doing so in order to understand one’s enemy—please keep an airsickness bag handy.
In Chapter 22 of Red Letter Revolution (“Dialogue on the Middle East”
, Campolo and Claiborne have a chat about the threats to Mideast peace. The villains are the usual suspects: Israel and her evangelical supporters. Campolo and Claiborne do acknowledge Hamas rockets flying into Israel, but they regard Hamas as “angry.” They also make the following mind-boggling statement:
“Since Jews and Arabs would be mixed up together [they are now] living side by side, Hamas would probably have to give up lobbing rockets into Israeli territory because by doing so they would be just as likely to kill their own people as their ‘enemies.’”
My goodness, where to start.
Are Campolo and Claiborne (& numerous Friends) aware that Hamas regularly uses human (Palestinian) shields? Are they aware that Hamas has no regard whatsoever for human life? And who is putting “enemies” in quotes? Campolo and Claiborne. For Hamas surely views Jews as their enemies. That’s why their charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state.
Further, Hamas murders Palestinian converts to Christianity. Have you ever heard a member of the Religious Left in American address this?
This chapter in Red Letter Revolution is so flatly wrong, one is tempted to give up the hope of ever getting through to people who do not see reality when it comes to the Middle East.
And that’s why Rick Love’s associations are so interesting and important.
Some people who admit to being dupes, willingly, say that’s it’s for a greater good. It’s a variation of the theme “being a fool for Christ.”
That’s a valid point. No doubt many, many evangelicals willing to go far in building bridges with Muslim leaders would say that they don’t care who thinks they are the “useful idiots” Lenin cultivated.
Well, then I say to them: go on and try to build your bridges, though I am certain it is a bridge too far.
For the rest of us, reality demands that we tell the world the truth about Israel, her Arab neighbors, and those of us who see the Jewish state as a true peacemaker.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feb, 25, 2013
Calling All Pentecostals!
In the drive to transform the Evangelical Church in America into just one more member of the global spirituality crowd, the change agents who work 24/7 are, in the immortal words of Charlie Sheen, “Winning!”
Increasingly, I see it as my duty here at Israel Watch to inform you, the reader, about this breathtaking sea-change taking place—of course in the context of how it all affects Israel. While the overall agenda to change the Church has many legs, a major weight-bearing leg is the view of Israel and Bible prophecy.
I am now fielding phone calls and emails from people who want to know more, so for a time, our reportage here will reflect this growing need.
Recently, this space revealed the drift by Drew Sumrall, grandson of famed Pentecostal preacher Lester E. Sumrall. Not surprisingly, “New Spirituality” guru Brian McLaren alerted his wide readership to young Mr. Sumrall some weeks back. It isn’t the first time McLaren—among other things, the bestselling author never misses an opportunity to criticize Israel and her Christian supporters—has championed a Pentecostal.
It should go without saying (but I’ll do it anyway) that if McLaren greets you “warmly,” you should be very worried…if you care about your own denomination’s orthodoxy, and your own credibility with Bible-believing Christians.
In other words, cultivating relationships with new leadership in conservative Christian circles is a tactic. It is part of a broader agenda to sweep away the last vestiges of biblical thought from the American Church. It is a tactic, pure and simple. It’s similar to Fuller Theological Seminary employing the unorthodox Tony Jones, who has announced that he no longer believes in Original Sin. This fits well with Jones’ other hobbies, such as writing about Biola’s “Queer Underground.”
Stunned yet?
Naturally, among the pet projects of these change agents is a deconstruction of what I’d call Zionist Theology, or a Jewish Theology of History. They seek to isolate Israel politically, culturally, militarily, and especially, religiously. Keeping up with their various initiatives to this end would make an ice skater dizzy. Yet we need to be aware of what they are up to.
In an October 19, 2011 Brian McLaren blog, the Naked Spirituality author noted a blog by his good friend, Samuel Lee, a Pentecostal pastor. But Lee is a “new breed” Pentecostal, and the point I want to make here is that a major effort is underway—as we speak—to hijack pro Israel support among every major American denomination.
I would go so far as to suggest to you that in 10 years’ time, you will no longer recognize the Southern Baptist Convention. As it too strides toward liberal theology and a dance with ecumenism that would cause its founders to spin in their graves, the SBC will also fall in line with the new thinking on Israel, both theologically and geopolitically.
I say this as a member of the SBC.
Obviously, folks associate with those of like-mind, and as we see Millennials, their leadership, and their mentors emphasizing social gospel initiatives, ecumenism, and shifting theology, it follows that whole denominations will fall into line with the New Thinking. We can already see this happening where Israel is concerned.
And McLaren isn’t the only liberal/leftist worming his way into the heart of evangelicalism. Palestinian Christian lecturer and networker Sami Awad is now a mainstay in the WillowCreek Association, and is also becoming friendlier by the week with various Christian leaders in the U.S. Bob Roberts Jr. (notice how many Baptist pastors network with the “Glocal” leader) is now claiming to be “pro Israel,” while at the same time helping to mainstream terrorists like Egypt’s Muhammad Morsi.
Let me be very clear: one cannot be “pro Israel” and at the same time mainstream jihadists. It is common for folks like Lynne Hybels to claim to be pro Israel, pro “Palestine,” pro Jesus, etc. In this arena, one can’t have her cake and eat it, too.
Back to the Pentecostals.
A year ago, in Virginia Beach, the Society for Pentecostal Studies co-sponsored a conference at Regent University, in which Awad spoke and his “Little Town of Bethlehem” film was screened for various Pentecostal leaders, including Assemblies of God General Superintendent George O. Wood. All this is an effort by Mart Green and his friends to mainstream Awad and his Palestinian narrative.
Green is the president of Hobby Lobby and while he shuns the spotlight, he is quite a mover behind-the-scenes, financing the filming of “Little Town of Bethlehem,” a visually impressive achievement that is, however, nothing more than Palestinian propaganda. It could be a training film for the PLO.
Paul Alexander, president of the Society for Pentecostal Studies and professor of social ethics and public policy at Eastern University, is also co-founder of Pentecostals & Charismatics for Peace & Justice. Alexander, among other things, promotes the “With Love from Palestine” documentary. Alexander is an example of the younger, energetic leadership that is transforming support for Israel into support for “Palestine.”
Alexander also serves on the board of Sojourners, the leftist publication headed by Jim Wallis. The latter is another key figure cultivating relationships with evangelical, especially young ones and those in leadership. Wallis’s Sojourners is an opponent of the state of Israel (although they would dispute that, of course). One has only to look through Sojourners to see the leftist tilt and the constant criticism of Israel.
So today what we have is a spiritual stew consisting of traditional enemies of Israel in the mainline churches, and a rapidly growing force among evangelical Millennials.
Sadly, just as evangelical pastoral leadership has failed the country in adequately warning about leftist political forces now in control of our government; they are also largely silent in the face of growing hostility to Israel.
If one looks at the network a typical mega-church pastor enjoys, one will see a plethora of anti-Israel elements. For example, a single pastor might not have Israel on his radar (other than taking the typical Christian tour of the Holy Land), but his friends do. Just as I endorse my friends, many times simply by association, so too do these pastors endorse these infiltrators who are fomenting hostility to Israel.
Much more on this in the coming weeks.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
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Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Glocal
Bob Roberts Jr., pastor of NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas, is a man blessed with a big skill-set. Besides pastoring a large church, he is a master networker and his blog, “Glocalnet,” is a clever concept: Christians should be engaged both at the local and global levels.
Roberts certainly is.
One of the more intriguing efforts Roberts engages in is his attempt at rapprochement with Muslims. And not any Muslims. Roberts rubs elbows with jihadists.
Witness his chance (?) meeting in New York City, which he blogged about on September 25, 2012. You can read about it here: http://www.glocal.net/blog/comments/my-meeting-with-president-morsi-of-egypt-last-night/
Deep into the blog, Roberts wrote this:
“I then asked him, ‘Would you be willing to connect and build a relationship between our peoples?’ He said yes. I then asked, ‘so as President, what are you doing to protect the religious freedom of the Copts and others that are Christians?’ He told me there were incidents, but it isn’t like what is portrayed on the news. He once again told me to come and see for myself. He told me being the President requires him to do so and being a good Muslim does as well. He said he wouldn’t be a good President if he didn’t. He seemed passionate in his answer. I thanked him for committing to protect Christians - I asked him how I could help him as well.”
Look, I have no personal beef with Roberts, but I think his approach—sincere as he may be—is dangerous.
Certainly, Morsi wants to build bridges with the American people, particularly young evangelical leaders. It’s a tactic and strategy of war. It is especially a vital link for Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood. Keep in mind, the Brotherhood, started in Egypt in 1928, is the ideological forefather of Al Qaida.
The Muslim Brotherhood now controls Egypt. That is a fact. Morsi is but one member of this clever, visibly urbane group that still wants to destroy the West.
No one that I’m aware of questions Bob Roberts’ sincerity. I do question his methods—vigorously—but here is an item I want you to meditate on:
My numerous requests for an interview have been stonewalled by Roberts’ “people.” I have also been blocked from his Twitter account.
We have a right to question when a member of the evangelical community reaches out to men like Morsi and purports to speak for many of us. Of course, Roberts would say that he didn’t speak for others, but we all know that leaders like Morsi recognize very clearly that Christian leaders in America hold sway over, as Roberts likes to say, their “tribe.”
I would not have been invited to meet Morsi in New York City. That is a high-level meeting and not by chance. The question we need to ask is, why was Bob Roberts Jr. invited? I will give you my humble opinion: the Muslim Brotherhood, like the PLO, knows a dupe when they see one.
Roberts would probably answer (I’m admittedly reaching here, but have to speculate because he refuses to clarify his statements) that he doesn’t mind, as a Christian leader, being a fool for Christ. That, however, would not be my point.
My question is why Roberts would reach out to a sworn enemy of the United States? Why are we seeing growing efforts by American Christian leaders to reach out to Muslims and at the same time marginalize Israel?
To date, Mart Green (president of Hobby Lobby), Bob Roberts Jr., and Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz author) have specifically refused a conversation with me. Perhaps some of you can have better luck.
When I shared my concerns about Roberts’ Muslim outreach with a mega-church pastor included in his network, I was politely told to drop dead and stand-down.
We have certainly a fascinating “Glocal” situation regarding how the Church today sees Israel and her history. Included in this is how these change-agent evangelical leaders view Bible prophecy.
(I mention Bible prophecy because—for my secular readers, or those of another faith who find this weird—denigrating the Bible’s predictive prophecy, which is so thoroughly Jewish, helps mightily in prying-away the next generation of evangelical leaders from Israel’s side.)
What I mean by this is, we see international leaders like Desmond Tutu, Stephen Sizer, Ben White and Sami Awad changing perceptions about the Jewish state. When you factor-in a network of American leaders like Gary DeMar, Gary Burge, Richard Mouw, Mart Green, Lynne Hybels and many others…it’s easy to see what the future looks like for pro Israel support.
In conclusion for this week, let me give you one more example of the labyrinthian network set up by the Palestinians to take-down Israel’s evangelical support. Unfortunately, there are almost countless other examples, but here goes:
Brad Lomenick, director of Catalyst (Mr. Lomenick also refused to answer my question about why the organization would invite a leftist like Cornel West to speak), each month selects his list of “Young Influencers.”
For February, Jarrod McKenna made the list.
On his Twitter page, McKenna describes himself as (among other things) an “[eco]evangelist.” While Israel might not be the top thing on McKenna’s list, he is still an influencer among Millennials, and we need to understand the breadth of his network.
For example, McKenna (who could pass for Shane Claiborne’s twin) is endorsed by Brian McLaren and Rob Bell. Those on the left who McKenna follows on Twitter include: Paul Raushenbush (editor, Huffington Post); World Vision Australia; Naomi Klein; Jay Bakker; Sojourners; and Cornel West.
Several of those people are no friends of Israel.
Naomi Klein, on her website, wrote a May 21, 2003 blog post about Rachel Corrie:
“When that Israeli bulldozer driver looked at Corrie's orange jacket and pressed the accelerator, her strategy failed. It turns out that the lives of some US citizens — even beautiful, young, white women — are valued more than others. And nothing demonstrates this more starkly than the opposing responses to Rachel Corrie and Private Jessica Lynch.”
Rachel Corrie of course has become a martyr of the left. She placed herself in danger by standing in front of a bulldozer during a home demolition. Corrie was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).
Notice that Klein accuses the bulldozer operator of murder in the first degree. She also has not a shred of evidence for this.
I cite all this to show you the vast network linking overtly hostile anti-Israel leaders with readily acceptable American evangelicals.
While Shane Claiborne and his friends are currently and literally making guns into “plowshares” at the Justice Conference in Philadelphia (I find that level of gullibility breathtaking), Muhammad Morsi and his minions are licking their chops in advance of a frontal assault on America.
Consider yourselves warned.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In Arabic, Please
Last week, when I spoke at a conference in the Midwest, including a visit to a Big Ten campus to talk to students, I watched a fascinating exchange between an Egyptian Muslim convert to Christianity and a Syrian Muslim.
At issue was what the Koran actually says about the “infidel” (that’s you and me). The Syrian gentleman insisted—upon reading a certain passage on his phone—that the Koran does not sanction the killing of the infidel for not believing in Islam.
But, said the Egyptian, holding up another translation of the Koran, “It does say to kill the infidel…in Arabic.”
That’s the whole point, you see. The Syrian was reading an English translation on his iPhone.
Jihadists, even ones wearing suits, insist to gullible Westerners that Islam is a religion of peace and that even the word “jihad” means something like personal struggle.
It means, slaughter the infidel. This is obvious, as we’ve seen sweeping terror attacks globally since 9/11. That’s what 9/11 was.
I was somewhat surprised to see the Syrian gentleman, in the final analysis, acknowledge the fact that the Koran sanctions murder. Of course, he was saying this from the friendly confines of an American university, but still…
This little exchange came to my mind today as I noted a Twitter photo sent by a member of a “fact-finding” tour of a place called Israel/”Palestine.” Organized by Todd Deatherage’s Telos Group, the pilgrims—no doubt sincere in their efforts to engage in peacemaking—are treated to huge helpings of Palestinian propaganda. One piece of propaganda also involves language.
A poster, purportedly painted by Palestinian children, urges the use of non-violence to achieve “justice.” The photo was tweeted by one of these sincere Americans who just want the Israelis and the Palestinians to get along, darn it.
Sadly, though, the photo itself is a dead giveaway: it’s written in English.
If the sign were written in Arabic, we might be getting somewhere. The fact is, though, Palestinian children in the PA territories are steeped in murderous rhetoric that blossoms into full-scale terror attacks. They’ve been “treated” to this reality for a full two decades, ever since Yasser Arafat first put his blood-soaked hands around a child’s flower bouquet.
If you talk to these American peace activists—and I have and do—you’ll notice their apparent sincerity. But they have their talking points, passed from folks like Naim Ateek and Alex Awad, down to Sami Awad, to Lynne Hybels, Gabe Lyons, etc. That’s how American writers like Donald Miller regurgitate insane claptrap such as the Israelis controlling the diet of Gazans. Yet, recently, for example, Hamas terror chief Ismail Haniyeh was photographed buying Israeli grapes…in Gaza. Regular Gazans know this; why don’t the Americans?
Shane Claiborne can tweet about the 19th anniversary of a rare act of Palestinian murder at the hands of a lone Israeli Jew. Yet he can’t be bothered by the second anniversary of the slaughter of the Fogel family of Itamar. Three-month-old baby Hadas Fogel was virtually decapitated.
Why doesn’t Shane Claiborne tweet about that?
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mar 25, 2013
Are U.S. Churches Pro Israel?
Recently, a friend of mine with some influence in the pro Israel community contacted another friend of mine at a huge church in the Bible Belt. When I say huge, I mean one of the very largest congregations in the country.
Friend A asked Friend B to help set up an Israel event at the church. A couple weeks later, the latter sadly reported that the leadership wasn’t onboard, and beyond that, he could only get about two dozen people interested in showing up for the event!
This little story leaves me dismayed, because I suspect it’s not really “little,” but signals a big change in the landscape. A generation ago, thousands would have shown up for such an event.
Twenty-four people?
Look, I believe in being realistic, and also being upfront about this issue. That it leaves our ideological opponents in the church giddy does not deter me from reporting on the fact. I can accept lack of results we hope for; I cannot accept lack of effort to understand and combat this reality.
As I’ve been writing for some time, a seismic shift in attitudes about Israel hit our shores sometime back. We are only just now feeling the shockwaves and the high-point of impact is probably still to come. In short, American evangelical support for Israel is slipping.
Shane Claiborne, the leftist leader of the Simple Way, and buddy of long-time Palestinian advocate Tony Campolo, has been tweeting lately rare instances of Jewish violence towards Palestinians (or their duped friends, such as activist Rachel Corrie). Last month he tweeted about the 19th anniversary of the Baruch Goldstein-led massacre of Arabs in Hebron.
The real context of this story though is the shocking lack of cases of Jewish violence towards Arabs and its reverse: Arab Palestinian violence towards Jews is ubiquitous, gruesome, coordinated, relentless, and fiendish.
And that’s just for starters.
Why, for example, would Claiborne not tweet about the second anniversary of the slaughter of the Fogel family from Itamar? The Fogel’s youngest child was nearly decapitated by two Palestinian murderers.
Shane! Calling Shane Claiborne! I’ve asked via Twitter why he doesn’t send out these anniversary remembrances, but so far…silence.
Claiborne is but one cog in the wheel of the giant propaganda machine that is turning American Christians away from Israel. There are dozens more leaders engaged in this unholy agenda, and many thousands of operatives working behind the scenes.
Last summer I interviewed Eagles’ Wings director Robert Stearns, who has been engaged in pro Israel work for years. His organization works with churches that are pro Israel. He indicated, though, that he is also aware of this slippage in support that I mentioned.
How did this happen? A generation ago, of course, you could toss a rock and hit a pro Israel church. Today, one is virtually threatened with stoning for dreaming of such a scenario.
One of the many problems “our side” has is the lack of coordination and effort. What do I mean by this? Nothing disparaging, I can assure you.
Shane Claiborne and Lynne Hybels and Gabe Lyons and Donald Miller and Cameron Strang and John Ortberg do this for a living. They are part of organizations that have the resources to keep them pushing Palestinian propaganda. Lynne Hybels’ husband, Bill, is head of one of the largest religious organizations in all of history. That’s not hyperbole. Willow Creek Association is gigantic and entrenched.
If Lynne Hybels wants to travel to Israel (and another, mythical place called “Palestine”
, she just books the trip, or an assistant does it for her. Same with those other folks. They then absorb whatever the Palestinian Authority/PLO wants them to hear, and they return to America and promote the living daylights out of it.What are you doing? Raising a family, struggling to pay bills and taxes squeezed out of you by a government forcing you to fund the destruction of the country, and getting up the next day to do it all over again. A vacation for you is a couple nights at the Days Inn in the next county. Every few years. In general—and let me be clear again: I’m generalizing here—Bible-believing folks in the United States are working so hard to earn a living, they don’t have time for advocacy for Israel. Our opponents on the other hand have plenty of time and money.
This is their career.
While you are fighting rush-hour traffic, or taking on an extra job to send tax dollars to the Marxist Palestinian Authority, Shane Claiborne is being flown to the so-called “Christ at the Checkpoint”/Hate Israel palooza in Bethlehem.
When you add to this the fact that seminaries churn-out unbelieving pastors and youth workers, one can begin to see why churches today aren’t interested in Israel and the Jews. (As just one example, Rob Bell graduated from both Wheaton and Fuller, and when Ed Dobson hired him at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Dobson told the board that Bell didn’t know much Bible!)
Get your mind around this: in Christian ministry today in America, there are plenty of Jew-haters. They smile, they talk about Jesus, they “do” church and ministry. And they are as clueless about the specialness of the Jews as a kindergarten teacher or plumber in 1938 Hamburg.
Is your church pro Israel? Is your pastor pro Israel? If so, I’d really like to hear from you (jim@prophecymatters.com). I’d like to get a sense of how many churches out there understand the specialness of the Jews and Israel in history. If you know of a church that is pro Israel, please let me know who they are. Send me contact info.
The silence of Shane Claiborne and Donald Miller and their friends who bash Israel is a coordinated effort to fool evangelicals, until they are clueless about Israel. This is done by promoting Palestinian stories that present Israel as an aggressor, murderer of Arabs, and colonialist power—the latter description laughable to anyone who can read a map.
In order to stem the tide of anti-Israel fervor in our churches, we are going to have to get active. You can do your part. With all the urgency I can muster, please let me hear from you.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 8, 2013
Nothing to Worry About
The view from the sloping hill, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, is—of course—breathtaking. The flowers, trees, grasses…all a carpet for the slope that ends at the waters of the Sea of Galilee…look exactly like a postcard.
When one takes in this scene, it is afterwards a bit jarring to look north and see the Golan Heights, where before 1967 Syrian shells rained-down on Israeli farms. Over the years, the Assad crime syndicate of Syria has demanded a return of the Golan—down to the shores of the Gailee(!)—in return for recognition of Israel and “peace.”
Imagine if the Israelis had reached an agreement with the Assad regime, which will eventually give way to the jihadists.
I was reminded of all this today, while reading a report that Mahmoud Abbas has “demanded” a map from Benjamin Netanyahu. A map that would delineate the borders of a Palestinian state.
At the same time, Hamas “deputy foreign minister” Ghazi Hamad (almost) comically stated that while the terrorist group will agree to a state within the 1967 borders, “some” members of Hamas do not accept the framework of a final status agreement (a Palestinian state, Jerusalem as the capitol, a return of refugees), yet “all factions in the movement agree to this and are prepared to accept it.”
Hamad went on to say that Hamas still does not accept Israel.
Huh?
Against the backdrop of this loathsome muddle, a hallmark of Arab “negotiating” style, some are under the delusion that Barack Obama has modified his stance on Israel. His recent trip to the country saw Israeli young people cheer his speeches, and some polls indicate the Israeli public feels better about Obama.
And against the backdrop of the muddled thinking from Foggy Bottom comes word that the EU is once again reluctant to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
As usual, folks write to me and ask what is going to happen to Israel, amid all this terror and python-like pressure. My answer is always the same.
Israel is going to win.
While at the Mid-America Prophecy Conference in Tulsa, we learned that Dave Hunt has passed into eternity. This on the heels of Jack Kinsella’s sudden passing, and that of Ron Graham. There were many RaptureReady folks in Tulsa, and we lamented the deaths of these prophecy teaching giants. And yet…
Listening to “new” speakers like Paul Wilkinson, and gifted and godly speakers like Al Gist, one was reminded again of the great biblical truths, which should allow all of us to clearly understand that while the word dithers about terrorists, God is watching and in control.
Through the consistent preservation of the Jewish people, a miracle each and every day, we should know that the nefarious plans of the Arabs will come to nothing.
I enjoyed being in Tulsa, seeing old friends like Todd Strandberg and Terry James, and my friend Thomas Sharp, who publishes prophecy and pro Israel books at a time when most publishers are cowards and compromisers.
A growing number of Christian leaders do not understand the threat of the jihadists, and they do not understand the specialness of the Jewish people and Israel.
But the rest of us should be happy and content knowing that the Bible is true, and while men and kingdoms in history come against the people of God, they do not last.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 15, 2013
The Muslim Brotherhood in America
This week, I want to highlight the work of Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for Security Policy. I had the opportunity two nights ago to hear Gaffney speak at Fairview Baptist Church, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Gaffney’s work highlights a huge problem for America, one that Israel has been battling for decades:
The Muslim Brotherhood.
First, though, a word about Fairview’s pastor, Paul Blair. Paul is a former NFL offensive lineman, and he brings that fearlessness to his position as a leader among conservative, Bible-believing pastors. Paul and his church stand against the evil infiltrating our society, including the agenda of the jihadists. Check out more information at www.paulkblair.com.
It was remarkable that on a Thursday night in the Midwest, a packed auditorium was the venue for a man who worked in the Defense Department under President Reagan. Gaffney is at the front of the frontline in the defense against jihad. His 50-minute presentation was sobering, challenging, and chilling.
If you remember nothing else of this week’s “Israel Watch,” take note of this:
www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org
Go there, often, and consider contributing to their work, including making others aware. This is important, folks.
Gaffney has worked, along with others like Robert Spencer, Pam Geller, Steve Emerson, and Sarah Stern, to expose the diabolical plots that the Muslim Brotherhood has in store for the West.
As Paul said when he introduced Gaffney, “There can only be one rule of law,” referring to efforts by Muslims to promote sharia law. Much of Gaffney’s talk was about this rule of law that aims to do away with our own Constitution.
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Gaffney’s presentation was the infiltration that’s taken place in the White House, even since 9/11.
“Many Muslims do not practice their faith in accordance with sharia and are not the problem,” said Gaffney. “The ones who do are.” He went on to explain exactly what sharia is about:
“Sharia is a supremacist doctrine. It is fundamentally about power, not faith.”
I will have a more detailed report on Gaffney’s appearance in Oklahoma at www.prophecymatters.com.
I know how many people read “Israel Watch” each week and if readers will make themselves aware of the important work of Frank Gaffney and the Center for Security Policy, we will all be safer.
The Muslim Brotherhood is here, and they want to steal our way of life. We are standing against secularists, political forces, the entertainment industry, the media, and sadly, many influential members of the Christian community.
Educate yourself about this fiendish plot to impose Islam on the United States of America.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 22, 2013
Unraveling
Well, in the wake of the Boston jihad, it seems we are all locked-in to a period of extreme danger. Societal structure is coming apart faster than a Bill Clinton intern story.
Which brings me to a background story that explains much of what we are experiencing today.
When tiny Israel defended herself in June, 1967, a newspaper editorial put it this way:
“If that [moderation from the radicalized Arab states] happens the way could be cleared for a political settlement that eventually could bring peace to the Middle East and a greater measure of security for the world.”
We were naïve then, too.
Few can argue that the jihadists’ top two targets are the Jewish state and her friend, the U.S. Whether jihadists are motivated by political power or religious fervor, the fact remains that when a cold-blooded killer looks at a child he’s about to blow up, we are faced with an existential threat the likes of which the world has rarely if ever known.
And the media spin and Muslim apologists have kicked in to high gear. We will hear a lot in the coming weeks about the “why” along with soul-searching as we try to “understand” why Muslims hate us. As Frank Gaffney said recently (I’m paraphrasing), if so many rank-and-file Muslims don’t support terrorism…where are they? The silence is deafening, and the jihadists are also helped immeasurably by dupes in the West.
I am struck by the fact that two Southern Baptist presidents, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, were among the worst offenders in refusing to see Islam for what it is. They threw Israel under the bus and endangered the rest of us in the process. Clinton knew what Yasser Arafat was (serial killer/mass murderer) yet invited him to the White House 13 times and empowered the PLO.
Before the Boy from Hope, though, we had the Man from Plains. In his odious 2006 book, Palestine Peace Not Apartheid, the mendacious Carter makes the following startling statement:
“The PLO was out of diplomatic bounds for me, still officially classified by the United States as a terrorist organization. Despite this restraint, I sought through unofficial channels to induce Arafat to accept the key U.N. resolutions so that the PLO could join in peace efforts, but he refused.”
A page later, Carter—astoundingly—discusses the threats to Egypt’s Anwar Sadat, who determined for pragmatic reasons to engage the Israelis in peace negotiations:
“High officials in Damascus, Baghdad, Tripoli, and the PLO called for Sadat’s assassination.”
You see, don’t you?
Carter’s new best friend Arafat was trying to kill the only Muslim leader in the world willing to sit down with the Israelis. And Carter hugged Arafat until the day he died.
Does this strike anyone as outrageous? Do you see how dangerous Carter’s worldview was and is? He still thinks Israel is the bad guy and his personal dislike of Jews is almost unfathomable, given his Christian upbringing.
However…
For some time, I’ve been investigating at the leadership level the worldview regarding both Israel and the Arab world. I can say unequivocally that American evangelical leadership is mainstreaming some of the world’s most dangerous people.
Almost as an aside, I can assure you that the vast majority of the “New Evangelicals” do not remotely have a biblical view of Israel and the Jews. That is a key element in the unfolding drama.
No sooner had the child-killer from Boston been nabbed by authorities than evangelical leaders began a social media campaign to advocate for Islam. Kirsten Powers, a FOX news analyst and friend to Millennial evangelical leaders (like Jonathan Merritt) tweeted this week:
“Just b/c the bombing suspects were Muslim, that doesn’t make it ‘terrorism’ any more than a crazy abortion clinic bomber is a terrorist.’”
As a matter of fact, Kirsten, yes it does.
I want you to think about this, in light of what Powers’ tweet stated: the bombing suspects are Muslim, and they committed an act of terror. This makes it terrorism.
What we have here is a dangerous debate of the obvious. In the world inhabited by Kirsten Powers, if I say, “The sky is blue,” she might respond that no, it isn’t blue and in fact, we can’t be sure that’s the sky.
This mindset, in the context of the global jihad war, is problematic.
And when you couple this with the fact that evangelical leadership is being flooded with leftist thinkers, I must settle on warning those who have ears to hear.
While authorities were combing Boston for a jihadist child killer, Bob Roberts Jr. tweeted the following:
“Google MUSLIMS CONDEMN BOSTON BOMBINGS – 15 pages & counting – couldn’t be more clear than that”
That was followed by:
“You are building an impression of what a Jesus follower is to Arabs, Muslims, immigrants right now - be driven by his love & not your fear”
Now, not surprisingly, Ed Stetzer (lead pastor of Grace Church in Hendersonville, TN, and President of the SBC’s LifeWay Research) tweeted:
“Saddened by anti-Muslim hate spewed by some self-identified Xians online. Jesus told us NOT to respond like the world.”
A friend of Roberts is John Esposito, professor of International Affairs and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. This particular Middle East studies program, like most, is funded by the Saudis. Esposito will be a headline speaker at Roberts’ Global Faith Forum in November. If you care to check out the lineup of speakers Roberts has invited (www.globalfaithforum.com), prepare to be scared.
But then, of course, Roberts and his friend Stetzer claim that many of us are motivated by fear, right?
When one considers that a dangerously myopic view about jihad now lies at the very heart of evangelicalism in America, one can see how many gains the jihadists have made. For example, Roberts touts that “Muslims condemn” bombings. Yet he seems clueless that the Koran (and the Muslim Brotherhood uses this tactic, along with an insidious plan to “build bridges” through interfaith dialogue, wishing only to capture new converts) actively encourages Muslims to lie when it serves a tactical purpose.
It might interest you to know, too, that both Roberts and Stetzer (along with Rick Warren) have blocked me from their Twitter accounts. I suppose because I ask questions they don’t want to answer. So much for tolerance from these tie-dyed peaceniks. I’ve discovered that they are very friendly to anyone who isn’t a conservative Christian who questions their various initiatives.
Now, one more thing that is relevant to this discussion.
Growing up in the SBC, I assumed the denomination was largely “pro Israel.” Certainly, even now, there are many local congregations and pastors who are just that, genuinely.
However, the gatekeepers at all levels of the (still) largest Protestant denomination are not that.
For example, a trip to any LifeWay Christian bookstore reveals a diverse stew of authors and themes. From a map of “Palestine in the time of Jesus” (even though “Palestine” didn’t exist in the first century), to books by change agents like Margaret Feinberg and, yes, Jimmy Carter, you can be crystal clear that a genuine, biblical (and otherwise) understanding of Israel will be missing.
Feinberg, a rapidly rising star among authors, wrote a piece for Catalyst Space, in which she followed the leftist line about Israel (http://juicyecumenism.com/2013/02/18/evangelical-left-voices-and-israel/).
(By the way, after I reported this story, which appeared on the Catalyst website, the Feinberg piece disappeared. Perhaps it is still there, but the website has undergone a facelift.)
The thing is, the radicalized Arab states are not going to become moderate. Yet our leftist thinkers in the Evangelical world—who have already permanently hijacked the movement—think accommodation can be made with Muslims. They also think the Arab-Israeli conflict is Israel’s fault.
Before we leave this topic, I also need to alert you to the sad news that the Assemblies of God also has this same strain of Israelphobia, coupled with a disturbing form of leftist ideology that would make a 60s prof at Berkeley clap and blush.
A few days ago, Jeff Walton of the Institute on Religion & Democracy (www.ird.org) broke a huge story, detailing remarks by Dr. Paul Alexander (out-going president of the Society for Pentecostal Studies) at a meeting at Seattle Pacific University.
You can read the account here (http://juicyecumenism.com/2013/04/08/race-sex-and-liberation-pentecostal-studies-president-steers-society-in-new-direction/) and please notice the photo used with the story; it shows Alexander at some sort of pro Palestinian demonstration, and he is flanked by Israeli soldiers. Alexander is a leading Palestinian apologist among those who identify as evangelicals. The above-mentioned story covers much more than his pro Palestinian activism, and represents a shocking shift in ideology, deep within the AG.
I will be reporting much more on that story in the coming weeks.
Suffice to say that if our current religious leaders are taking left turns this extreme, it remains for the rank-and-file to educate themselves and resolve to tough-it-out in a shifting religious-culture climate.
I urge readers to avail themselves of the following information and button-up as the Church unravels.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 29, 2013
And It Drones On
The Israeli Air Force this week shot down a Hezbollah drone off the coast of Haifa. Added to the drama was the fact that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s helicopter (in the north to visit a Druze village) had to put down when the drone was discovered.
The most interesting feature of the Hezbolla drone strike, though, is the realization that terrorists have a global reach. A drone means an escalation of technology and innovation. And when one considers that the Europeans now believe Hezbollah was behind a 2012 bombing in Bulgaria, we can see that Israel deals with a dizzying array of security issues each second of each day.
From a Jerusalem Post report:
“The Bulgarian probe led to renewed calls for the European Union to join the United States, Israel, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in classifying Hezbollah as a terrorist group. According to various insider accounts, some EU countries including Germany and France are reluctant to take this step because it may harm their relations with Lebanon, where Hezbollah is part of the government.”
This reluctance from too many at the leadership to stand up to terrorists presents a very troubling outlook. The Israelis seem almost unruffled by it all, even as they deal with drone and terrorist strikes, and a hostile American government.
John Kerry has asked Israel to release terrorist prisoners, and Barack Obama’s empty “promise” to deal with Syria should Bashar Assad use chemical weapons—he called the bluff—has left a new threat on Israel’s northern border.
As we’ve said before in this space, the Iranian threat will be neutralized in some way, and we look for something unusual. Bottom line: Israel will win and Iran will lose.
A perhaps greater concern is the entrance of accelerated technology (drones) to invade a very tiny country. Certainly, Hezbollah’s missile arsenals are also troublesome. Not to mention the fellows on the southern border.
I remember a friend told me 20 years ago that Hosni Mubarak would one day break the treaty with Israel and invade. That was obviously a failed prediction, as Mubarak’s own comforts and ultimate survival were more important than bringing a new caliphate to Jerusalem.
However, the Muslim Brotherhood will have no such restrictions and will surely at some point seek to do battle with the Israelis once again. The old, old struggle with Egypt is still a reality for Israel.
There are other threats that drone on, as well. This week (April 22), on her blog, Lynne Hybels recommended a new book by Dale Hanson Bourke, The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, that will no doubt be another leftist view of said conflict. As I’ve said for some time, I consider the propaganda war over Israel, raging in the American Church, to be a very serious threat not only to Israel, but to her supporters.
At the upcoming Catalyst conference in Dallas, among the speakers will be Mark Driscoll and Lynne Hybels. Although Driscoll usually doesn’t address the Israel issue (but is Reformed theology tells me where he lands on it), he recently blogged about the critics of Rick Warren, even calling discernment ministries “extremist.”
That kind of outrageous, hateful, and unacceptable language I mention because it is representative of the tone used to defame and marginalize Bible-believing Christians, many of whom love and defend Israel.
This is the culture being cultivated at Catalyst, a mainstream evangelical leadership think-tank and network. There are leftist views of Israel within this kind of community that is identical to the Europeans who can’t muster up the moral courage to recognize Hezbollah for what it is.
Israel’s enemies drone on.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
Our New Website URL
http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com
Facebook Page Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum: Please Check it out
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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May 6, 2013
Calvary Chapel Breached
Near the summit at Masada, one can see the place where the Romans breached the defenses of the 1,000 Jewish men, women, and children who’d fled after the destruction of Jerusalem some two years earlier. It is on the western side and serves as a stark reminder that since forever, enemies of the Jews have sought to do them harm.
Masada ended badly for those Jews, and while they are not always threatened first physically, they are always threatened.
This week, Sami Awad, a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem (and director of the Holy Land Trust), announced on Facebook that he will be speaking at several churches on the West Coast this month. The May 10th date caught my eye and leaves me dismayed.
May 10 San Diego, CA. North Coast Calvary Church. 7-9 p.m.
In a two-week stretch, from Seattle to San Diego, Awad will speak at more than two-dozen churches. Most of them will be churches friendly to his pro Palestinian message.
That’s why the May 10th engagement is so stunning, and so dismaying.
For 40 years, Calvary Chapels have been a stronghold of biblical thought. The verse-by-verse teaching style from the pulpits is a blessing to the American Church, now awash in false teachings and outrageous personalities.
It was a matter of time before leftist thought was mainstream enough to contemplate infiltrating Calvary Chapel.
That’s now happened.
Awad, whose family is well-known in certain circles, has been partnering with American evangelical friends Lynne Hybels, Todd Deatherage, and now Gabe Lyons to promote what he describes as a “non-violent” approach to peacemaking. In brief, Awad and his friends portray Israel as a lamentable occupier of Palestinian land and the usual narrative also includes discussion of the big “open-air prison” forced on the downtrodden Palestinians by Israel’s “apartheid wall” (security fence to realists).
I get concerned when I hear information that is skewed. For example, the so-called Christian Palestinianists allege that the fence completely encircles Bethlehem.
That is a lie.
For some time, a full campaign—well-financed, organized, and choreographed—has been underway to marginalize Israel to evangelical audiences. Typically, the approach of Sami Awad has been to portray Israel as a harsh occupier in need of tough love. End the occupation, allow the right of return, and establish a Palestinian state.
Who is Sami Awad? A March 15, 2008 article in the British paper The Guardian gives us a clue:
“Outside Betlehem's Nativity Church, Christians yesterday queued not to celebrate the birth they believe happened here but to mourn a death - that of a Palestinian militant with close links to neighbouring Lebanon's Islamic militia, Hizbollah.
“Mohammed Shehadeh was one of four Palestinians shot in an Israeli undercover ambush here last week, killings that have fuelled support for Hizbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, among Christians and Muslims alike.
“School principals, teachers and students from the Bethlehem School, the Catholic School and the Greek Orthodox School paraded to the mourning tent outside the church chanting and waving placards praising the Palestinian 'martyr'.
“'People admired Shehadeh's ability to stand up to the Israelis,' said Sami Awad, Christian executive director of the Holy Land Trust, dedicated to promoting non-violent action against Israel's occupation. 'There's a lot of admiration for the charisma that Nasrallah has and the way he speaks and presents his views in public.'”
Unfortunately, later in the article, Awad’s view doesn’t sound any better:
“'The reason he was popular was because he presented a symbol of those individuals who were engaging in resistance,' Awad said. 'People are seeing that Hizbollah has done what others have failed to do either by military operations or negotiations. If Fatah had been able to achieve real steps through negotiations, people would be following that [process] and be feeling more proud of it and more supportive of it.’”
I frankly wouldn’t trust anyone who wouldn’t unequivocally denounce anything Hezbollah stood for, past or present. Let’s not forget their murder of American Marines in Beirut in 1983.
Whether it’s Fatah, Hezbollah, Hamas or any other murderous organization, the view that Israel is at fault is false.
Occupation. Land-for-peace. Right-of-return. Carving-up tiny Israel.
Interestingly, this “cure” for the Arab-Israeli conflict is the same as that of the PA/PLO. When one hears a presentation from Awad & Friends, as I have, one is struck by the extreme one-sidedness.
This is what North Coast Calvary Chapel will be treated to on May 10. Awad will be joined by Lynne Hybels and Mae Cannon (of World Vision).
World Vision!
The basic MO of these presentations is that Israel took Palestinian land in aggressive wars. Cleverly, in fine-tuning their presentations, these influential speakers are now talking in terms of being “Pro Israel, Pro Palestinian, Pro Peace, and Pro Jesus.”
Who could argue with that?
Again, it’s a cleverly worded attempt to sound even-handed, tolerant, and peace-loving. I think it’s anything but.
By the way, anyone who thinks peace can be achieved by caving-in to Palestinian demands is either uninformed, deluded, or malicious.
“Pro Israel and Pro Palestinian,” in the context of Sami Awad & Friends, is grossly naïve. Every single thing we know about the Palestinians in the last two decades since Oslo underscores a compelling case that a Palestinian state would be a lethal threat to Israel.
So we can’t have our peace cake and eat it, too.
Although there are people involved in these activities who are genuinely looking for peaceful solutions, many are not. When one considers that the basic story line is that Israel is at fault—and when Palestinian terrorism and murder of Jews is rarely if ever discussed—one can legitimately wonder whether this whole endeavor springs from efforts at peacemaking or…malice.
jim@prophecymatters.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
Thank you for visiting Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum!
Please add us to your favorites!
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May 13, 2013
When Good Men Do Something
Most of us are familiar with Edmund Burke’s famous quote:
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
The norm today seems to be today that this circumstance is all-too-common. Principled men and women at least seem to be in short supply, for both big and small issues.
That was not the case last week within the Calvary Chapel family.
In this space last week, I discussed the World Vision-sponsored “Hope for the Holy Land” event held at North Coast Calvary Chapel, in California. The headline for last week’s “Israel Watch” was:
“Calvary Chapel Breached”
Happily, though the event took place as schedule, many people were aware of it and the attempt to infiltrate the Calvary Chapel movement has, so far as I know, been squashed. I will have a full report this week on the events that transpired on Friday evening, and the days leading up to it.
As background, World Vision brought together activists Sami Awad, Lynne Hybels, and Mae Cannon to discuss their perspectives on the Arab-Israel conflict.
I knew Israel would be blamed for the conflict, because that’s what the left does. I’d heard these presentations before. What made the story potentially explosive was the fact that apparently for the first time, “a” Calvary Chapel was hosting such a symposium.
And you know that no Likudnik or Christian Zionist would be invited to speak and take part in the discussion. The point of groups like “Hope for the Holy Land” is that they present the Palestinian narrative. This gigantic story has been going on for some time, but it seems that just now, many pro Israel supporters are becoming aware of it.
That’s good.
What’s better is that the Calvary Chapel leadership stepped up to confront this agenda, and I’m not aware of this kind of bold leadership from any other denomination, association, or whatever you want to call it. Chuck Smith publicly denounced it, and others made it clear that Homey Don’t Play That, at least in Calvary Chapel circles.
Some took me to task for the wording of the headline. I understand the point, although from my perspective, the wording was precise. It is exactly because the Christian Palestinianists have sought to burrow-into conservative circles that the North Coast decision was so newsworthy. That’s the agenda: infiltrate the traditionally strong groups of pro Israel support, among them to varying degrees CC, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Assemblies of God. At the risk of confusing or angering some, I believe the latter two are going to eventually swallow the Palestinian line. There are reasons to believe that’s already taking place.
Calvary Chapel won’t be, however.
I heard from many people in the Calvary Chapel movement who assured me that CC is staunchly pro Israel. I already knew that and in fact that has always been a “distinctive” if you will of CC. I was aware that the event at North Coast was an anomaly; that’s why the story was big.
Several wrote as soon as last week’s “Israel Watch” was posted that I surely was wrong about the location, that it just couldn’t be a CC congregation, and some questioned whether the event itself was some sort of mirage. It might interest you to know the following:
If I hadn’t seen Sami Awad’s itinerary posted on Facebook (via Twitter), I’d never have known about the event. A person at North Coast Calvary Chapel then confirmed to me that the event was taking place at their location.
That’s how I became aware that “Calvary Chapel” had been breached. Some thought I meant that the whole movement was somehow infected, or had been moving in this direction. Again, I’ll be precise:
One of the hallmarks of Calvary Chapel is its staunch support of Israel. If we know that when Bill Clinton once famously said that if necessary (alert: Clinton clause immediately in your rear-view mirror), he’d get in a ditch and fight and die for Israel—and that’s obviously false—Calvary Chapel pastors really would.
Guys like Jack Hibbs would not compromise principles, and that’s one reason the attempt by the Christian Palestinianists to infiltrate CC was stopped at the doors of North Coast Calvary Chapel.
The Calvary Chapel’s leadership is a huge story nationally, because one would be hard-pressed to find like-minded leadership in other evangelical circles. By rebuffing the alleged peacemaking and “non-violent” approach of the Christian Palestininiasts, CC sent a message that there is no beachhead for Sami Awad.
By the way, readers should know that I credit British scholar Paul Wilkinson with coining the phrase “Christian Palestinianists. Others like Walid Shoebat and Dexter Van Zile have been writing about this issue. I heard Paul speak about this subject a few years ago and began my own investigations. It is a story that his huge in its implications, and as I’ve been saying, I predict that Awad, Hybels, Cannon & Friends will continue to make inroads.
They just won’t be at a Calvary Chapel.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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May 20, 2013
Student Body Right, Student Body Left
My spirits are greatly lifted these past two weeks; Israel’s enemies are not as strong as I thought they were.
First, the extraordinary response by the leadership of Calvary Chapel—unequivocally rejecting a presentation by Christian Palestinianists at a California church—shows what happens when the Palestinian (PLO/PN) narrative gets punched in the mouth.
It goes down.
When the World Vision-sponsored “Hope for the Holy Land” tour scheduled a stop at North Coast Calvary Chapel, pro Israel activists, and representatives from CC’s Costa Mesa-based headquarters made it clear that attacks on Israel—however subtle—would not be tolerated. Reports are that only about 50 people showed up for the event, which featured Sami Awad, Lynne Hybels, and Mae Cannon. Several pro Israel attendees challenged the speakers, and I believe the strategy of the Christian Palestinianists to infiltrate CC has failed.
An illustration from the sports world is appropriate here, I think. Often, when a football team’s offense begins to gain momentum, an offensive lineman will actually tell his opponent where the next play is coming from. This usually unnerves the defense, and sure enough, the next running play sees a tailback charge through a whole blown open by the big grunts upfront.
So, the CC fallout is similar. The Palestinian narrative has an Achilles’ heel, and that weakness is the challenge to the narrative itself. In this battle, truth very much does matter, and when pro Israel activists ask questions that can’t be answered, Israel wins.
I won’t tell the other side all the issues we will challenge—though there are many!—but I will tell them this:
The next play, and the play after that and the play after that are coming over your side. Israel’s defenders are coming into your gap, so stop them if you can. And this will happen for the duration, I can assure you.
I received in the past two weeks so many impassioned declarations for Israel, from Calvary Chapel pastors, that I now believe the other side is losing. Before, I said they were winning. The Calvary Chapel response is a model of what pushback does.
Just like USC’s “Student Body Right, Student Body Left” approach to offense (running waves of tailbacks behind a big, mobile, and mean offensive line) wore down opponents, so too will pro Israel activism pulverize the Palestinian narrative.
The other thing that buoyed my spirits recently was a trip to visit with David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI). I’ve known David for several years, and have somewhat followed CUFI’s agenda.
Now I’m keeping a cooler of CUFI KoolAid nearby at all times. I cannot emphasize how impressed I am by their operation. They are a Heisman Trophy type tailback, a franchise player, running at the opposition.
I encourage you to check out their website—www.cufi.org—and see how you could be involved in advocating for Israel. I’ll have more to say about CUFI in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, just know that effective strategies for combatting the Palestinian narrative are coming.
And they are coming in waves.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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May 27, 2013
Project Yoni
Having watched the PLO propaganda pieces “Little Town of Bethlehem” and “With God on Our Side” (which, by the way, one Christian Palestinianist privately told me he no longer recommends because of its one-sided nature—thank you at least for that admission), I have often thought that Israel needs its own presentation of narrative.
If the Palestinians are making hay with their gauzy, David Lean-type narrative…why can’t the Israelis tell their true story in much more dramatic fashion?
Well, they can, as it turns out.
I’ve written before about the modern Israeli/Israelite warrior-legend Jonathan Netanyahu. The oldest brother of the current prime minister, “Yoni” served for 13 years in the IDF, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
He planned the assault of Entebbe Airport, in remote Uganda, in the summer of 1976, as head of the elite counter-terrorism unit, Sayeret Matkal.
But he didn’t have to lead it. At his rank, Yoni could have sat back in Israel, or at best kept abreast of the operation from a command center near one of the rescue planes.
Yet there he was, literally out front of his men, urging them on, when a bullet struck him in the chest, just after midnight, July 4, 1976.
The raid itself was a colossal success, with almost all the 105 hostages rescued and taken back to safety in Israel. The strike force lost only one member (after Rabin’s cabinet calculated they would take 20 percent casualties, or around 40 troops):
Jonathan Netanyahu.
There were films, such as the one starring Charles Bronson. There were books, including my all-time favorite, Entebbe, written by the youngest Netanyahu brother, Iddo.
Audiences have been overwhelmed by the film’s power. With interviews of such subjects as Yoni’s wife, the remaining brothers, his father, and, perhaps most compelling, the men who went with him to Entebbe…well, I can tell you from personal experience that “Follow Me” is a game-changer.
Aside from presenting Jews and Israelis as moral and noble, the film also captures the heart and essence of a warrior who very much seems to be carried along by the mists and winds of history. That Yoni felt a kinship with Joshua and his mates there can be no doubt.
What kind of man would plan and execute an acutely dangerous rescue mission, then put himself at the tip of the spear?
I’ve spoken with two of those commandos, and the years have not dimmed their memories of that night, nor their affection for their fallen leader.
Now there is a film that tells the story of that remarkable night. It also tells Yoni’s story.
Well there’s more, this past month the Israeli Consulate General’s Office have reached out to the producers of the film and my good friend Thomas Sharp of Balfour Books & the Balfour Post for a nationwide push to screen the film in churches. We need your help!
If you would like to participate in the Project Yoni campaign and book a screening in your church or community venue; please email me at the email below. You won’t be sorry.
In fact, you’ll be thrilled.
jim@balfourpost.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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Jun 3, 2013
Turkey on Rye; Hold Everything
If life teaches us anything, it’s that events and circumstances are temporary and even unpredictable. Take Turkey, for example. Now squeezed in a sandwich of Middle East turmoil, the large Muslim country that stands between Europe and the Arab World is forced to deal with its own problems and saber rattling from others.
This after a state of belligerence between Ankara and Jerusalem has existed for a few years because of the bellicose nature of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Many Israel watchers in the church have speculated that the famed Gog-Magog War, outlined in Ezekiel 38-39, is about to erupt. Email exchanges between Bible prophecy teachers and students have been burnin’ it up in recent weeks, and now comes word that Turkey herself has some tough issues to deal with. That’s a nice change of pace, frankly, since the Turks/Erdogan have been posturing like Mussolini whenever they look south to the Jewish state.
Now, a whole raft of anti-government protests are rocking Turkey and, perhaps even more interestingly, the same types of protests are happening across the Middle East. Groups this week called for the resignation of Jordan’s King Abdullah, and of course, the now two-year bloodbath in Syria rolls on as the world watches.
Yet notice: what do Muslim regimes do when the locals start asking too many questions of the dictators?
Blame Israel.
A “global march to Jerusalem” is planned for June 7, by the GMJ (Global March to Jerusalem). Various Jordanian trade unions have announced they will participate, and the event—such as it might be—will take place near Suweima, in the Jordan Valley.
No doubt Abdullah loves these kinds of things, since it takes focus off his own corrupt regime.
Look for the Turks, too, to create some problem with Israel. The Syrians are certainly doing it. As Bashar Assad continues slaughtering his own people, the dictator has been using his proxy terrorist forces in Lebanon to threaten the Golan (and beyond). Recent reports are that Hezbollah’s rockets can reach anywhere in Israel.
Yet what do the Israelis do? They are as humanitarian in nature as their neighbors are sociopathic.
This past week, Benjamin Netanyahu told the IDF to extend the fishing area of Palestinians in Gaza. Rocket fire had restricted the area to three miles, but the Israelis will now extend it to six miles.
What will Hamas do, however, in response? Spin this gesture by Jerusalem and again blame Israel for the misery of the Gazans.
These are all typical responses and tactics of Middle East warlords, but so far, Jerusalem has expertly navigated the turmoil going on around the Middle East.
We all know, however, that one day, her enemies will manage to put aside their own Hatfield and McCoys feuds, and turn their attention fully to Jerusalem.
Until then, we must continue to advocate for the only sane country in the region, and our permanent friend.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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Jun 10, 2013
(Be sure and read Jim's new article on Bible prophecy in this month's issue of Charisma magazine: http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/prophecy/17715-can-prophecy-be-saved)
Speaking Truth to Power
As usual, the validity of Bible prophecy is constantly questioned and mocked—increasingly, in the evangelical church—but it continues to project as the only reality of these “latter times.”
What I mean this week is that we see two interesting developments with regard to Israel…that line-up with details given in Scripture.
First, Russia’s Vladimir Putin “offered” to deploy troops to the Golan Heights! The Russians of course have been flirting with the region for decades, but one wonders if news of Israel’s new, gigantic gas fields has heightened Uncle Vladimir’s interest in the Jewish state.
The Austrian peacekeeper force now in place will pull out due to fighting on the Syrian border.
According to a Reuters report:
“Given the complicated situation in the Golan Heights, we could replace the leaving Austrian contingent in this region on the border between Israeli troops and the Syrian army,” Putin said at a televised meeting with Russian military officers.
“But this will happen, of course, only if the regional powers show interest, and if the UN secretary general asks us to do so,” he said.
The UN Security Council is meeting to discuss the offer.
Additionally, a very intriguing headline appeared at Frontpage magazine this week:
“Obama to Appoint Samantha ‘Invade Israel’ Power as UN Ambassador”
Power is part of Obama’s middle-finger strategy for answering his growing legion of critics:
A White House official says President Barack Obama will name former aide Samantha Power as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Power will replace Susan Rice, who will take over as Obama’s national security adviser.
Get a load of Power’s worldview regarding Israel:
“The chair of President Obama’s new Atrocities Prevention Board once called for the United States to force troops into Israeli-controlled territory in order to end abuses she said were being committed by both sides in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
“Having placed Israel’s leader on par with Yasser Arafat, she called for massive military intervention on behalf of the Palestinians, to impose a solution in defiance of Israel and its American supporters. Billions of dollars would be shifted from Israel’s security to the upkeep of a ‘mammoth protection force’ and a Palestinian state—all in the name of our ‘principles.’”
So, we have Putin asserting Russia’s intentions in the region (Ezekiel 38 & 39), and Samantha Power as an advocate of invading Israel (Zechariah).
As I keep reporting, American Christian leadership is making every effort to marginalize the teaching of Bible prophecy, at precisely the moment it is proving itself astonishingly accurate.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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Jun 17, 2013
A Settlement
Traveling through Israel is always a delight. I especially love seeing gleaming Jewish homes in the very heartland. I love this for various reasons.
The famous Ma’ale Adumim, on the eastern edge of Jerusalem, is beautiful. Pretty buildings, immaculate streets, no trash. It is one more example of Israeli ingenuity and accomplishment.
Would that the rest of the world felt the same way.
For decades, loathing of Israeli settlement of the Disputed Territories has steadily increased, and the issues are quite obvious. However, one tactic of the left is to muddy the waters. What do I mean by this?
It is a documented fact that the Arab countries of the Middle East have cultivated the plight of those who fled Israel after the establishment of the state, and after the Six Day War. Without question, Israel has literally been threatened with annihilation by its neighbors for now 65 years. Added to this reality is the fact that Israeli ingenuity has not only benefitted the entire world, it has provided countless jobs and a better way of life for Palestinians.
Conversely, whenever the Palestinians have been provided opportunities to better themselves and show the world they can contribute to society, they fail in spectacular fashion.
But here is how international voices muddy the waters: they don’t care about Israeli contributions and Palestinian failures because they are infected with Jew-hatred that causes them to rage at the Jewish state and pat the hand of the Palestinians.
Witness this week the comments from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (from the Jerusalem Post):
“United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon remains ‘deeply concerned’ over plans to construct hundreds of new housing units in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, his spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.
"’These are unhelpful decisions that undermine progress towards the two-state solution,’ the statement reads. ‘They constitute a deeply worrisome trend at a moment of ongoing efforts to re-launch peace negotiations.’”
The statement specifically refers to the Israeli community of Itamar (where Palestinian savages slaughtered the Fogel family two years ago—little comment followed from the international community, with so far as I know total silence from the Christian Palestinianists in the U.S.), “deep into the West Bank.”
The truth is, it doesn’t matter how much good Israel does, or how much fiendish behavior emanates from the Palestinian community. I have come to believe that no amount of mendacity from the Palestinians towards the Jews will reach the moral sensibilities of the West.
As I have stated on the “Israel Watch” radio program, I spoke to liberal Christian Shane Claiborne—a fixture in the Christian Palestinianist community—about his bizarre statement in the book Red-Letter Revolution that each Jewish “settler” has three bodyguards.
That makes almost one million bodyguards in a country of a little less than eight million people. It is a ridiculous assertion that Thomas Nelson publishers should never have allowed into one of their books.
Claiborne told me that “someone in Hebron” told him those figures. Of course they did. The PLO spoons-out propaganda just like the Soviets did.
Yet—yet—no one seems to care. Not only is their zero defense of Israel at the national U.S. Christian leadership level over such issues, but they actually contribute to the cause.
When Donald Miller, in a November 19, 2012 blog post, accused IDF troops of cold-blooded murder of Palestinian women, no one said a thing in rebuttal. He also accused Israel of controlling the caloric intake of Gazans, another whopper that is breathtaking in its scope.
I have asked Miller’s assistant (Miller himself cannot be reached) repeatedly to document these war-crimes charges.
They now don’t answer at all. Total silence. The mendacity that permeates this community is such that the tactic of not answering actually advances their cause. So long as they are not held accountable, the implicit message is that all Israel is fair game. This is how the Christian Palestinianists are helping the secular international community demonize and marginalize Israel.
This is why the views of Ban Ki-moon are identical to those of American evangelical leaders, on this subject.
Let me say it clearly: deep, very deep, within the American evangelical leadership is a hatred of Israel and her Christian Zionist supporters. You have no idea.
This is why prayer is so vital, and vigilance and perseverance in genuine support of Israel is so needed.
I have settled for supporting Israel come what may.
I can feel the hot breath of Israel’s enemy on my neck.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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Jul 1, 2013
Keep Calm and Carry a Big Sword
I spoke this week with Sandy Rios, vice-president of Family-Pac Federal, radio host, and writer. She’d participated in a “bloggers’ tour” of Israel, sponsored by the America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL).
Sandy is one of the most astute observers of our culture. We spoke of her impressions after seeing how the Israelis cope with terror. She said that it is amazing to watch them go about their daily lives in the face of terror.
I agree.
I also saw a beautiful photo on Facebook, an image of Jerusalem’s famed outdoor mall on Ben Yehuda St. In the 1990s, it was the scene of ghastly homicide bomber attacks. I like to visit the Steimatzky bookshop at the end of the street, and enjoy a great bagel while people-watching.
One can learn a lot from watching Israelis live life. One of the biggest questions I get from folks thinking about visiting the country is, But is it safe?
It is, and that’s one reason why the Jewish state is so needed, especially for Jews. It’s the one place in the world where Jews can be safe—a seeming contradiction due to its hostile neighbors.
Witness this week, however, the brutal murder of student Andrew Prochter as he watched the government protests in Egypt. Any non-Muslim is vulnerable in Egypt, but Jews and Christians are especially in danger. Yet our own government continues to literally fund the Muslim Brotherhood.
Prochter seems to have been one of those idealistic young people who want to help change the world for the better. It is doubly sad then that his life ended when a protester plunged a knife into his chest.
Life is cheap in the Muslim world. Life is also cheap in the Obama administration.
The Israelis, however, go to any lengths to protest their own people. Rios was delighted to see the use of the Iron Dome, which repels rocket attacks.
“I’d heard of it, but hadn’t seen it. To see how it operates, and creates a situation where Israelis can have some measure of comfort and enjoy their lives and not be as worried by rocket attacks…it was very encouraging.”
While visiting Israel during the Second Intifada, in November, 2002, I felt quite safe walking even in east Jerusalem. Why? The presence of the IDF.
So long as Israel continues valuing human life, those who live there and visit the country will continue to enjoy a level of safety sadly lacking in other parts of the world. Even the “civilized” worlds of Cairo and Washington D.C.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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Jul 8, 2013
The Pastor Who Wasn’t There
I visited a mega-church this morning. By definition, it’s a church that has a vested interest in developing and maintaining groupthink. By that I mean, the Rick Warren model of demanding consensus. The pastor—who addressed the congregation via video—is part of a large denomination that has traditionally been “conservative.”
That is changing.
It was disconcerting watching the pastor from a satellite location, but that isn’t the point of today’s discussion. The point is that the type of consensus-building running rampant through evangelical churches today bodes ill for Israel.
To give you an idea just how choreographed and monolithic the Purpose Driven model is in our churches today, you might find it interesting that the pastor whose church I attended (but he didn’t) highly recommended a new book by Thom Rainer, who is CEO of LifeWay, the Southern Baptist curriculum resource. The book, I Am a Church Member, outlines how a congregant should behave in the modern American church.
Dissension, what some of us might call checks and balances, is not only strongly discouraged—it is in effect outlawed. Rainer makes the point that “unity” is the end goal. If you question the Purpose Driven model (as my friend Noah Hutchings explained to me, after receiving hundreds of letters from the “dissenters” who were shown the door) you will eventually be asked to leave the church.
Rainer’s pastor friend, helping him market the book, told the congregation that the following Sunday, they’d all receive a copy of the book, due to a generous donor. He also said (I thought somewhat chillingly) that the entire staff not only was required to read it, but discuss at the Monday meeting.
What does this have to do with the price of bagels in Tel Aviv?
Just that the entire leadership culture of the American evangelical community is moving away from supporting Israel. Stories like the one I’m relating here are part of the problem.
Before the service, I stopped by the church’s bookstore, a LifeWay store, of course. There I found books by Rick Warren, N.T. Wright, John Ortberg, John Piper, Bill Hybels, and Steven Furtick.
Warren is no friend of Israel—though he might protest that; doublespeak is another skillset required of mega-leaders today—John Ortberg speaks at Christ at the Checkpoint; John Piper tweets bizarre messages, such as when he asked Who is a Jew?; Hybels and his wife, Lynne, are solidly in the Palestinian narrative camp; and young Mr. Furtick, while not overtly anti-Israel, has chosen to carve-out his own ministry niche by, among other things, appropriating OT stories about the Israelites (Joshua, Elisha) and turning them into his own Christian self-help messages…books included.
There is a culture in mega-churches. The culture is set by the senior pastor of course. The senior pastors of this country are in turn influenced by Warren, Hybels, and a handful of other change agents who are transforming the American church into a syncretic hotbed of left-wing ideology. Think I’m too alarmist, or just plain crazy? Keep this blog post handy and let’s compare notes in 2018. Seriously.
Look, are there sincere people doing good things in mega-churches? Of course there are. There are also good, sincere pastors who have a heart for people and for advancing the Gospel, which is their job.
But on the whole, churches like the one I visited help market an ideology and philosophy demanded by Warren, Andy Stanley, and a few of their friends. By the way, and this is mentioned merely to put flesh on the skeleton of this story, outside this particular church there are Boze speakers planted in the manicured lawn. Inside, in the lobbies, are new “Giving Kiosks.” I find all this loathsome.
I also object to the weak “support” for Israel from pastors like this. He goes on “Holy Land” tours, visits Christian sites, then comes home and allows his bookstore to be stocked with titles from N.T. Wright & Friends.
He then has the audacity to say from the pulpit that the church rigidly proclaims biblical truth. Not when you carry books by Leonard Sweet, Erwin McManus, and Bill Hybels.
Add to this fact my recent experience trying to get Dr. Russell Moore to comment on his support or lack of support for Israel, and one begins to get the picture. Moore, newly installed president of the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, has been described in an article at WorldView Weekend as having less-than-stellar feelings for Israel. When I asked him to elaborate, his assistant told me he declined.
The Big-Tent philosophy demanded by the mega-church monster naturally puts a damper on pro Israel support, because a huge congregation that necessarily has to keep the cash flowing in cannot afford to offend United Methodists, Lutherans, non-denominationals, etc., who find their way to that particular locale. There are too many coming from other denominations that dislike Israel and Jews to risk strong support for Israel.
An additional failure is the almost complete lack of teaching of Bible prophecy in these churches. To their great, eternal shame, they rigidly avoid it (except to throw a sop to the oldest generations). One will not see a prophecy speaker address the youth, or student ministries. Why? Believe it or not, primarily because Rick Warren denigrates it and directly tells thousands of pastors not to bother with teaching prophecy!
Let me be clear: the failure of American churches to teach the specialness of the Jews, and to reveal through teaching predictive prophecy the power and majesty of the living God…is killing American Christianity. There are still large churches that teach well, and many small ones that do. But the trend is toward decline and finally, whimpering extinction. This is the opposite of the grand view of the future church presented by Rick Warren.
The Boze speaker startled me at first, stuck there in the sod. The giving kiosk reeked of naked greed. The pastor was literally somewhere else.
So what we have at this level is a pastor who really isn’t there for the flock. This includes teaching them the truth about biblical history, the whole counsel of God, and the gigantic story of Israel in our day.
I see the endgame in view.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
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Jul 15, 2013
The Rockets’ Red Glare
Visiting the Golan, and the area immediately to the south is invigorating. Here, one can see the remarkable progress Israel has made in terms of agriculture and tourism. The Sea of Galilee is tranquil, and the cattle, crops, and wine produced here visitors find especially extraordinary, given the fact that the country was a wasteland for so long.
There’s always a “however,” however. In this case, all the above is true, yet the Israelis now live under threat of rocket attack from Lebanon and Syria. Since the pullout from Lebanon in the past decade, Israel is aware that Hezbollah has stockpiled tens of thousands of lethal ballistic missiles.
With a stockpile of 60,000 rockets, Hezbollah can strike anywhere in Israel. Shockingly, the missiles can even reach Eilat. In the 2006 Lebanon War, clumsily directed by then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the terror group fired 4,000 rockets at Israel. Needless to say, UN Resolution 1701, which called for Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon, was a drastic failure. Israeli intelligence estimates that Hezbollah has built 1,000 military installations, along with 550 weapons bunkers, and 300 underground facilities.
Now, the chaotic events unfolding in the Middle East—moving so rapidly that even experts have trouble keeping up—make it clear, chillingly, that the Obama administration has sinister plans for propping-up jihadists. One can come to no other conclusion. From supporting “rebels” in Syria, to its consternation over the demise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the administration is bound-and-determined to aid the jihadists. Hezbollah is a key player in that drama.
The Obama administration now holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, and issued a “presidential statement” which was supposed to outline the situation in Lebanon. Instead, there was not one word about Hezbollah! As has been said, this is how Obama treats reality: he doesn’t. The foreign diplomacy as practiced in Washington is geared around not acknowledging that Muslims are behind the global terror war.
Fortunately, the Israelis do not depend upon Washington for their security. As the world waits for the inevitable showdown between Israel and Hezbollah, most feel the Jewish state is in peril.
We’ll see. They’ve beaten much longer odds.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
Thank you for visiting Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum!
Please add us to your favorites!
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Jul 22, 2013
Is Jewish Life Cheap?
In my continuing efforts to get Christian Palestinianists to acknowledge the simple fact that Israel’s security fence keeps Palestinians from murdering Jews (I’ll let you know when one from the leadership does acknowledge it), it is not surprising that the wider view is similar.
That is, Secretary of State John Kerry, ignoring the carnage in Egypt and Syria, focuses his attention on securing a meaningless agreement between Israel and the PLO/Hamas. One wonders whether this results from myopia, self-delusion, or mendacity. I vote for 3.
There is no other explanation. For 20 long years, the Oslo framework has been held-up as an actual workable plan. It was, of course, a failure from the start, because one side pushed forward an unrepentant terrorist (hint: “See Arafat, Yasser”
who had been a “revolutionary” since his student days in Egypt in the ‘50s, surrounded by the Muslim Brotherhood and various other radicals.Word comes this week that two Palestinian negotiators claim Kerry told them that new talks would be based on the infamous “’67 Borders” model, meaning Israel would give up all territory it won in the June War. This was never the meaning of U.N. Resolution 242, but modern critics/vicious enemies of Israel count on the short attention span of the collective. And they get it.
Which is why they can peddle the lie that Israel must return all the territory. Very few people realize that Israel has already returned 90 percent of that territory, turned over blocs of the West Bank to the PLO, pulled out of Lebanon, pulled out of Gaza, etc. They returned the Sinai to Egypt.
None of that makes any difference to the international community. That is why even major evangelical leaders in the U.S. will not acknowledge that Israel’s security fence is necessary, at least for the time being. Might a reasonable Palestinian leadership arise in a couple generations? It’s possible, theoretically, although they still have to overcome the hurdle of the Jew-hating curriculum they’ve been raised on. Every U.S. secretary of state in the last 20 years (and boy, have there been some mediocre ones!) have given lip-service to Israel’s demands that the PA/PLO remove the hater curriculum.
As an aside, just to give you an example of where evangelical leadership in America is going on this issue and anything else to do with Israel and the Palestinians, look at Pastor Jonathan Martin of Renovatus Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read the dude’s blog. Where he speaks of this conflict, he is clearly pro Palestinian. A young, articulate graduate of Duke Divinity School, he is mainstream evangelical.
Further, Martin is good friends with such rising stars as Steven Furtick of Elevation Church (and protégé of Rick Warren and Bill Hybels). While Furtick doesn’t weigh-in on the Arab-Israeli conflict (he’s too busy with his weird mash of self-help teaching), all these people move in the same circles and plausibly believe whatever any of the rest of them believes about any subject. And with Warren and Hybels setting the bar for these guys, where do you think Israel support among evangelicals will be in a generation?
Gone, baby, gone.
This is why to date I have been unable to get any of them to acknowledge that Israel’s security is indeed the priority. Beware someone who gives lip-service to Israel’s security but then endorses a Palestinian state based on ’67.
They are lying about supporting Israel’s right to defense. There are various reasons for this, but just one is the deeply embedded belief that the Jews killed Christ. You would be shocked if you knew the real levels of anti-Semitic belief among American evangelical leadership.
So at the end of the day, we live in a dismaying time in which American Christian leadership shares the same worldview as that of the dysfunctional State Department.
Israeli officials of course denied that any such guarantee was given to the PLO by Kerry, but you know what? As an American, I can believe that my secretary of state most certainly did tell Abbas that in Ramallah. Why wouldn’t he? He and his bosses in Washington are masters of double-speak, and hasn’t Barack Obama already given his personal view on the borders, in 2011?
Israel’s famous, late, eloquent Foreign Minister Abba Eban once famously said that if Israel were to return to the 1967 borders, they would be in effect “Auschwitz Borders,” meaning they would be indefensible.
The Jews held the Nazis off in the Warsaw Ghetto for a long time before being murdered. They fought like Joshuas.
As I’ve said before, I’ve seen Israel’s narrow waist were the ’67 borders to be imposed. Driving north and passing the Palestinian village of Tulkharm (where homicide bombers have emerged), I looked then to the left and saw Netanya and the coast, a mere nine miles away.
This is Plano to Dallas. Chicago neighborhoods to Wrigley Field. My hometown to the next town down the highway.
Why on earth would anyone expect the Jewish state to agree to such borders.
Because Jewish life is cheap to them. They don’t care.
Well, it isn’t cheap to me. And it isn’t cheap to Israel’s supporters.
Israel will not be destroyed. The Jews are not going to another Holocaust.
Never.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
Thank you for visiting Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum!
Please add us to your favorites!
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Aug 5, 2013
Prophecy Matters: The God Who Answers by Fire
From time to time, people either directly tell me or hint that I must be an unhappy person. Their reasoning is that I write negative things and sometimes appear angry.
Well, I’m probably one of the happiest guys you’d ever meet. When I get the occasional email lamenting the fact that I’m lamenting about something, I just turn to my dog and ask her, “Big Lovin’, am I depressing to be around?” She usually yawns and licks my hand, which I take to mean that no, we are pretty happy.
To be more precise, I’m content. It’s a great lesson learned from the writings of the apostle Paul. People who have influenced me and who invested in my life were content because they chose to embrace God’s Word. There is joy in recognizing that, despite the horrors in our sad old world, glory is coming.
That isn’t some pie-in-the-sky delusion we tell ourselves just in case we don’t numb the pain with alcohol or drugs, or some other vice. It comes from an assurance that the Bible is true, that our Creator chose to communicate with us this way.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the startling prophecies in which Israel is the central theme. In other words, God is “proving” Himself to us by telling us what will happen before it happens.
No one else can do this.
As we watch the culture disintegrate, and watch an astonishingly menacing president dismantle the only global beacon of freedom the world has ever known…we must check ourselves. Are our present circumstances too much? Can we endure mocking and persecution? Will our individual troubles engulf us?
No. Yes. No.
The Christian life is joy. The truth that an all-powerful being would not only create an astonishing universe and at the same time love each person completely is pure joy.
This is why I believe life is a rich blessing. This is why I’m not a malcontent. This is why we are living-out our faith in real-time, watching events unfold as the Bible generally makes known. This is thrilling beyond words.
As my friend Carl Gallups has stated (check out Carl’s new book, The Magic Man in the Sky, available from WorldNetDaily), the single greatest proof of God is…Israel.
That’s why I’m launching a traveling prophecy teaching series this year emphasizing Israel, prophecy, and an overall biblical worldview that teaches people Scripture is sufficient for navigating through life.
Included in this teaching are special programs for youth, who desperately need to know that the God of the Bible is their sole source of peace. The program will also be meant for people from all walks of life: believers, non-believers, and all denominations. I know how to talk to Pentecostals, and I know how to talk to United Methodists.
The teaching will emphasize the basics, and will also be engaging for students of prophecy and the Bible, drawing from my networks and trips to Israel.
If your church would be interested in hosting, let me know at the email addresses below. If you can’t get your church engaged, we have alternate venues to choose from, so let me know that, too.
A friend who has a large speaking ministry recently told me that he won’t speak at a church with less than 500 members. That leaves me dismayed. Our country is full of “small” churches, made up of faithful believers. As a matter of fact—this point itself confirms the prophecies that predict a last-days apostasy—many large churches would host anything but a prophecy conference.
If you want to hear and help your friends and family hear an upbeat message using Bible prophecy, get in touch with me and we will make it happen. You know, a rich irony is that the Power of Positive Thinking’s Robert Schuller has seen the humiliating collapse of his Crystal Cathedral ministry. Schuller built a career out of emphasizing “possibility thinking.”
He would never have hosted a prophecy conference or taught on it. Yet there is nothing more positive than prophecy, for it reveals a God who loves us (Matthew 11:2
and is able to do as He pleases (Isaiah 46:9,10). Almost no major evangelical figure today in America will even whisper the word prophecy. They will not say “Israel” except in exasperation.
That’s why I’m leaning into it.
There is a growing national conversation going on in which church leaders like Dan Kimball, Scot McKnight, Ed Stetzer and many others are asking, How can we stop the exodus of young people from our churches?
One answer they will never, ever consider is to teach them the marvelous truth of the Bible’s predictive prophecy.
Prophecy Matters’ “God Who Answers by Fire” tour will not rely on old models of teaching prophecy (though I respect them and love the giant personalities who paved the way in the last 40-odd years), nor will we water-down the message, which will consist of the Gospel, then the Gospel, and finally, the Gospel.
As the prophet Elijah knew, and the hapless prophets of Baal learned the hard way, the true God is the God of the Bible. He answered by fire in ancient times, and he is answering by fire today, through the awe-inspiring examples of prophecy fulfilled.
It’s a message whose time has come, for such a time as this.
jim@prophecymatters.com
jim1fletcher@yahoo.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven
For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes
Link:http://www.raptureready.com/rap15.html
Note: Before commenting on any posts please make sure you either watch or read each post in it’s entirety. Before, making a comment, if you don’t have the time to watch or read fully please restrain from commenting. When you do this it will help to reduce confusion.
Thank you for visiting Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum!
Please add us to your favorites!
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Aug 19, 2013
Does Bibi Have a Plan?
No head-of-state is in it for the vacations, adulation, and various other perks.
(Oh, wait...)
Managing a country, especially one that constantly sits on the edge of danger, is a rollercoaster of stress and gargantuan decisions.
Nowhere is that more evident than in Israel, where Benjamin Netanyahu has enjoyed a relatively stable political base for a few years now; it is his second go-around as prime minister. In 1996, he defeated Shimon Peres by a razor-thin margin, and then was toppled in 1999 by Ehud Barak.
It is interesting to note that political rivalry in Israel is much different than in other countries. For example, in 1976, Peres was the defense minister who initially approved what would become the famous hostage rescue at Entebbe. Barak was the past chief of Sayeret Matkal, Israel’s elite counter-terrorism unit that freed the hostages. Netanyahu was a member of the Unit, as were his brothers; oldest Jonathan led the raid and was killed.
So they have a history.
That is why whatever is going on publicly is probably somewhat different than the behind-the-scenes machinations. It’s true that Peres was also the Israeli architect of the disastrous Oslo Accords. Barak was prepared to give up the Temple Mount, in an effort to appease Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat. The latter stunned the political genius Clinton by walking away from the negotiating table.
Now, Netanyahu finds himself on the hotseat all the way around for a series of decisions that has, well, made everyone mad at him.
A “painful” decision to release over 100 unrepentant terrorists from Israeli jails has angered the prime minister’s own countrymen. And his famous reluctance to negotiate with the Palestinians has made him an infrequent visitor to the White House. American politicians and diplomats both publicly and privately blame Netanyahu for the failure to bring the Middle East to peace.
He can’t win for losing.
But is he really losing?
Netanyahu was raised on the best kind of Zionism—that espoused by the family patriarch, Benzion. I spent several evenings with the elder Netanyahu in his Jerusalem home, listening to his impassioned (and yes, practical) worldview when it came to Jewish sovereignty in their ancestral homeland. I sat with him at the family dining table, where so many passionate conversations had taken place over the years.
For those who think Bibi has forgotten all that, let me say by way of guessing that I don’t think so.
It is true that releasing 100 murderers is emotionally damaging to the families, and it no doubt angers Israeli troops and counter-intelligence officers who brought them to justice. Remember, these are “pre-Oslo” terrorists, so the significance of their release is met with glee by duplicitous Palestinian negotiators like Saeb Erekat.
And yet…look at what Netanyahu is doing, really. The key thing you must remember is this factoid: there are 500,000 Jews living in the biblical heartland. That is a half-million “settlers” permanently living in the “West Bank,” according to the international community that hates them.
Netanyahu has continued to approve building in the biblical heartland, just as his predecessors did. That’s the only thing that really matters?
All modern Israeli prime ministers have made troubling concessions, including the peerless Menachem Begin.
But they have all been strategic thinkers.
Remember, while we sit in America and moan about this decision or that decision, all those Israeli prime ministers have known their own army intimately. Do not ever underestimate the IDF and its power. They know what they have.
A dear friend of mine recently emailed that her family has moved into a lovely new home in the Golan. Others live in the south, at Efrat. I’ve had Shabbat dinner in their homes and eaten the fruit from the land that has so incredibly been rescued from oblivion and desolation.
All over this remarkable country, Jews live freely. This is an extraordinary moment in history, because for millennia, Jews were not free or welcome. They are in the state of Israel.
If Netanyahu frees prisoners, he is thinking strategically, because he also knows—as his enemies do, on this we can all agree—the West Bank is a fortress for Israel.
It is true that Jewish communities in the captured Sinai were uprooted by Begin and Sharon. It is true that Gaza was evacuated, by Sharon.
But before you Christian Zionists demonize Ariel Sharon, consider this: he was the architect of the settlement of the West Bank. It was Sharon who organized bus tours in the ‘70s and ‘80s, to bring Israelis into the heartland and see the potential. Many of them moved there.
So I do give Israeli prime ministers a pass, usually. I think they know what they are doing.
A recent Israeli poll tells us that almost 80 percent of Israelis do not believe the latest pathetic negotiations will bring peace. Almost 63 percent favored a settlement freeze over the prisoner release, interestingly.
They are united, however, on their own security issues, whether on the right or the left.
One only has to drive through the country, as I have many times, and see what can only be described as a divine security belt. From the Jordan Valley to the sea, from the Golan to Eilat, Jews live and protect the rest of the citizenry from an implacable enemy.
More and more, I feel a need to speak of all this biblically, because it is no accident at all that when an international coalition comes against Israel (as outlined in Zechariah), the IDF will be there. Their God will be there.
Of course, this last view is met with scoffing and derision by the “careful thinkers” in the American church who tell us that those prophecies are past history, metaphor for the Church, or some such other false view.
I don’t care what they think.
What I know is that we were all promised they would come back. They were promised divine protection in their most vulnerable moment. It was said that the whole world would be against them.
Let the Gary Burges of the world really explain this away: that in the very moment in which we find ourselves alive, Israel is back in the land, the object of scorn by the world, and in possession of a fearsome army capable of bringing great violence to her enemies.
There are a half-million Jews living where their ancestors lived. Benjamin Netanyahu is not unaware.
I think he knows what he’s doing.
jim@prophecymatters.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer: Rapture Bible Prophecy Forum, ( http://www.rapturebibleprophecyforum.com ) does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.
If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at
stevensandiego@ymail.com
I will send you a PASSWORD
Ybic
Steven