The Name Most Hated Above All Names

In the wake of all the recent violence in Egypt, have you considered that there are things we are NOT being told?  Or if we are being told what's really going on, it has been minimized and ignored, and another reason tops the headlines?

All too often, we are spoon fed the political aspects of these kinds of events by both our government and our mainstream media, instead of being fully informed of all that's actually occurring.  It doesn't take a political science major or a Middle East expert to know that what we receive in the way of explanations has been cleverly written by our own leaders to not only keep us content that our government has a close eye on the problem and a genuine understanding of and concern for the implications, but also to keep us complacent and apathetic and more politically correct about Muslims and the religion they practice.  

That became obvious when the Egyptian people flooded Tahrir Square last year and we were inundated with talking heads on the news, giving their "expert" opinions and celebrating how wonderful it was that the people were rising up for democracy.   The stark images of millions rising to denounce their government were astounding. 

However, within one short year and the arrival of the latest uprising, new talking points were quickly written and dispersed to those talking heads, and "Plan B" was put into place because that short-lived, so-called "freedom" rally failed in a big way.  If it weren't for the internet and instantaneous news and images, we would remain in the dark about most subjects.  The "experts" also probably figured that they wouldn't appear so foolish, and more important, ignorant of the reality of the situation by revising their positions.

When it came to the players in what it appeared to be a game of politics, they were most ignorant over the Muslim Brotherhood.

The fact of the entire matter is that the Muslim Brotherhood, which portrayed itself as Egypt's salvation and was covertly placed into power following the removal of Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak, is one of many  fanatical Islamist factions bent upon destruction and domination of the world.  Their history and belief system was foolishly glossed over and blatantly ignored, with some even going so far to say that the Muslim Brotherhood has a true desire for "civil democracy" and has done much good for the nation of Egypt.  Any trouble that came out of their organization was blamed on a small portion of members within their ranks.  Their official English website paints a rosy picture of peaceful protests, tolerance and altruism, a desire for democracy, and their membership as the victims and martyrs.  But if you have your eyes and ears open, and look objectively at that organization and its presence in the Middle East, including what Islam represents and their affiliation with other terror groups, like Al Qaeda, and their collusion with Hamas during the 2011 revolution, they are unable to pull the wool over your eyes.

What these "experts" are failing to mention is that the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood isn't focused only on Egypt, but the entire Middle East and points beyond and recently, our government, much to their chagrin - and, I might add, shame - actually supported their rise to power.  Oh, the Democrats and the Obama administration, and even conservative politicians we thought had more sense, tried to make us believe that they were unbiased regarding the revolt, but failed to convince some of us.   It would be a hard task to get them to admit that now, however.  Politicians and news pundits have very short memories, especially if they're caught in contradictions and errors.  And our President is now back-pedaling and denying he had anything to do with supporting their insurrection, while still attempting to convince Congress to "give them another chance."

In spite of the collateral damage in Egypt - i.e., 51 innocent children being killed in the initial military crackdown, and whose parents are the truly guilty ones for placing their children in the line of danger, a common practice among Islamists and Muslim terrorists -  it's my contention that the Egyptian Army may have a legitimate reason for what they are doing.  Although our President, for political and military strategic reasons, refuses to call the latest skirmish a "military coup," it just may not be one.  When a nation of people is so clearly divided and takes to the streets with weapons and is bent on killing and destruction, even placing their children on the front line, what other option is left but to send in the military to quell the violence?

It becomes a matter of the strongest over the weakest, and what if the strongest are those who would do the most damage if allowed to take over the government?  If, God forbid, Americans finally reached the point of revolt over what they see happening in the United States that is clearly threatening their freedoms and their nation's sovereignty, and rose up in massive numbers to storm Washington D.C., the front lawn of the White House would become a battlefield with our military and police forces shooting back at citizens, including the children who are present, in an attempt to restore peace.  Can anyone deny that?

From a secular standpoint, answers are clearly needed for why men behave the way they do.  But, sadly, the wrong answers are being given, and what's going on with the Egyptian people is a good example.

When things like this occur in other parts of the world, specifically in the Middle East, our first thought is that it's all politically based.  A despot has been in power for decades and ruled with an iron, and often cruel, fist, until a generation of people rise up and drag him from his throne, usually leaving a wake of death and destruction in their path.  Celebrating their new-found illusion of freedom, they rush into placing another leader into power who has wooed them with fine-sounding promises of democracy, free elections, equality and economic and religious freedom and prosperity, foolishly thinking that, at last, they will have the government they desire.  Far too many struggling nations have fallen into that trap, and Egypt is only the latest.

However, the problem lies in the fact that the people in the Middle East have no real understanding of the concept of democracy, nor will they ever understand it.  They see it being practiced in western nations yet, because of their Islamic religion, which constitutes and demands a mixture of religion with politics and outright hatred for capitalism and religious freedom, are unable to correctly and effectively implement it.  Factor in that they can't have their democracy cake and eat it with Sharia Law as a side dish.  The two are as opposed to each other as the east is from the west or, as in this case, Islam from Christianity.  (As is obvious in most nations they have immigrated to, they quickly demand that side dish, and it usually involves more violence until they get what they want.)  It's not long before those who celebrated the overthrow of a oppressive government with jubilation in the city square find themselves regretting being so quick to replace it.

The Muslim Brotherhood led a successful campaign in making it appear that they were a peaceful and equitable arm of Islam.  At least, they were able to convince the secular portion of the world who are ignorant regarding the truth behind this religion and what their real agenda is, including our own President Barrack Hussein Obama.  That is, if he truly is that ignorant.  But not so much with those of us who have discernment and an understanding of the role that the sons of Ishmael (Gen 17:18-21; Gen 21:8-21; Psalm 83) and Esau (Gen 25:21-34; Gen 27; Mal 1:2-5; Heb 12:1-17) will play in the end of times scenario.  Following the ouster of Mubarak and the successful placement of the Muslim Brotherhood into the Egyptian government, it took a while for their true character to rear its ugly face.  Within just a few months, Egypt's newly elected President, Mohamed Morsi, began revealing his intentions and implementing his previous unspoken commitment to the Muslim Brotherhood and its agenda.

Let's get to the meat and potatoes of what I view to be the cause of this mess, shall we?

Take a moment and consider the escalation of persecution against the Egyptian Coptic Church as one possible reason for the Egyptian army's intervention.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which was established 2,000 years ago and believes the "Patriarchate of Alexandria" was founded by Mark the Evangelist around 33 A.D., is modeled after the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), even venerating a Pope of their own.  Like the RCC, it is in error over many doctrinal issues.  In short, they believe in seven sacraments: baptism, including baptism of babies, confirmation, confession (penance), Eucharist (communion), matrimony, ordination, unction of the sick, and teaches salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Copts practice fasting, in which 210 days of the year are considered fast days.  Like the RCC, they rely heavily on tradition, celebrate mass, and teach that works earn merit.  Although worship of saints is forbidden, they do teach that dead saints intervene for the faithful, and they also venerate icons (Gen 20:1-4).

It's not that the Coptic Church is necessarily a true Christ- and Gospel-centered church that drives the Muslim Brotherhood to expel them from Egypt with whatever method is necessary, even through extreme persecution.  It's the fact that the name of Jesus Christ is associated with the church.  That's what compels them to hatred and violence.  Their motivation to kill is urged on by their utter hatred and lack of understanding true Christianity and the One True God Jesus Christ who is sovereign and hates the worship of false gods like Allah, the god of Islam.  They see and hear the Name that is above all names being proclaimed - that Jesus alone is worthy to be worshiped, and that He is the only way to true salvation - and that fuels their vehement and complete prejudiced hostility for Him that spills out upon any one church or group that elevates Jesus Christ above all other false religions, including their own, Islam, which is the predominate religion causing all the trouble in the current state of world affairs. 

This linked article, depicting a Christian orphanage that was recently burned by Morsi supporters, is only the latest in a stream of violence that has been perpetuated against Coptic Christians in Egypt.

In a National Review Online article dated August 14th, reporter, Raymond Ibrahim, reports that the level of violence against Egyptian Christians "has reached unprecedented levels in the modern era."  However, regarding the Egyptian army's perceived violations, he writes:

While Western media, following the lead of pro-Brotherhood Al Jazeera, continue demonizing the Egyptian military’s attempts to neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood terror bases – where people have been tortured, raped, and killed, all according to Islamist fatwas (yes, including the rape, more on this later) the media portray them as “sit ins” where Islamists are “holding vigil” only to be slaughtered by the military – the Western media has been incredibly silent about the terrors being visited on Egypt’s Coptic Christians, the nation’s original inhabitants, by the very same people in the “sit ins.”

For starters, and as CBN’s Gary Lane just put it, “What do Muslim Brotherhood members do when Egyptian Security Forces launch a forewarned operation to clear them from Cairo tent cities? Attack Christians. That’s right. Morsi supporters responded with a monumental attack — unprecedented in modern times — on churches throughout Egypt. The torching and destruction of churches occurred within six hours of the start of the military crackdown.”

Mr. Ibrahim continues to verify that the persecution of Coptic Christians didn't begin with this latest military crackdown.  He cites numerous examples of arrests and sentences being handed out against them by Morsi's government, verifying that the Muslim Brotherhood's long arm of Islamic justice against those who would dare to blaspheme their "prophet" and their religion played a very important role in the first year of this newly elected government.

As Mr. Ibrahim concludes, he could fill pages of his article (as well as myself on this blog) with examples of severe persecution that has been perpetrated by the Muslim Brotherhood, its spread across all of Egypt, and the world turning a blind eye to the slaughter occurring there.  He calls for "the full, ugly truth about Muslim persecution of Christians [to be made] known – and acted upon."  I join him in this cry out to the world.  And I do so with a better understanding of who the enemy actually is that is perpetuating the violence and brutality.   But with the unwillingness of the secular media to report the truth, and the world's populace cowering in fear of this vile and disgusting "religion" and what they are capable of doling out if they offend them, it will only get worse.

The violence we're seeing against Christians in Egypt didn't begin after Morsi's ouster.  As another article from the Christian Science Monitor describes, Christians were marked for persecution long before this latest uprising began.  It states, "Christian homes and shops [were marked] with red graffiti, vowing to protect Morsi's electoral legitimacy with 'blood.' ”

 It is also common knowledge (or should be) that Egypt hasn't been particularly fond of the protestant and evangelical Christian faith.   In 1980, Islam was established as the state religion and Sharia Law was instituted as their primary source of legislation, prohibiting any religious practices that conflicted with Sharia.  However, in the past, the Egyptian government didn't see a conflict with Judeo/Christian practices and those of Islam, and the non-Muslim minority were free to worship without legal constraints.  I am confident that if the Muslim Brotherhood had been successful in pushing forward their agenda, it would have become a conflict and their laws would have changed to strictly forbid the practice of any form of Christianity.

It hasn't been as easy as it sounds for Egyptian Christians.  The current Egyptian government strictly requires building permits for constructing church buildings, but the process is still subject to security authorities and the approval process has been found to be so lengthy and insufficiently responsive that most protestant Christians use private buildings and homes for their religious services.  I have also heard that open evangelism is viewed as an insult to Islam and strongly discouraged.

With a population of nearly 83 million people, 80 million Egyptians are considered to be Muslim, which comprises almost 95% of the citizenry.  Approximately 7.2 million people, or 95% of the Christian population, are Coptic Christians.  The remaining 27,000 Christians are a mixture of 19 other varying denominations of Christianity, which range from Greek Orthodox to pentecostal, but with no recognizable mainstream western churches in the mix.   However there are western evangelical missionaries established in the nation.  It has also been noticed that the persecution against the Coptic church is due to an increase in it returning to its missionary roots, not only in Egypt, but in all parts of the Middle East and northern Africa where their presence is known.

It is apparent that there is much of God's work to be done and that the harvest field in Egypt is ripe for the picking.  But only if the violence that's escalating and spilling over throughout the entire Middle East doesn't close off that region forever from hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We need to be in constant prayer that those whom God has chosen for His Son are quickly drawn and receive salvation.

It has been reported by many, who closely follow the progress of spreading the Gospel in the Middle East, that multitudes are coming to Christ.  Forsaking their prior beliefs, their families, their jobs, and even their safety, Muslims are hearing the Name they once hated and being given a new life and new hope, then taking that Name out to their own villages, towns, and cities so that others may know Him.  We have seen the results of their courage and boldness.  What they can expect to experience in the way of persecution is far greater than anything we in the United States can even begin to imagine.  Our witness can be met with debate, maybe harsh profanity, or a complete lack of interest and rejection.  But theirs is often met with ostracism, isolation, utter hatred, and violence.

Jesus Christ: the Name most hated above all names.  He warned His disciples that this hatred for everyone who put their trust in Him would continue to the end of time as we know it.  "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."  (John 15:18-19)  We are seeing played out on the world's stage a continuance of that hatred in the form of Islam and what it represents.

The explanation Jesus gave for the persecution that would come following His departure and until His second coming should be understood and embraced by all Christians.  More important, it should be applied as the only reason when we see hatred and violence spilling out on all parts of the world, including our own.  The ignorance of not knowing the One True God, and the total depravity of man and his willingness to subvert, subject, and enforce a false and destructive world view upon others through persecution, can only be explained as utter and complete hatred for our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 

"But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know Him who sent Me.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.  Whoever hates Me hates my Father also.  If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both Me and my Father.  But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'They hated Me without a cause.’ "  (John 15:21-25; Psalm 35:19; 69:4)

The violence we are now seeing is only the beginning of greater persecution to come.   As the end draws nearer, the hatred for Jesus Christ will grow beyond anything the world has yet seen.  While preaching to His disciples, they "...came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'  And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.   For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.   All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.   And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.   And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.   And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.   But the one who endures to the end will be saved.   And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.' "

Jesus was preparing His disciples for the hatred that would eventually break out against everyone who believed in His Name and the Gospel He brought them, and that, to this day, continues to be broadcast across the world through His faithful servants.  And we should also be prepared for it.  Satan knows his time is short and will use any means he has available to him to destroy as many souls as he can.  It has already grown obvious that, as our nation draws further from God, extreme persecution is on the very near horizon.

While we wait for the glorious return of our long anticipated King, we must always keep in mind the things we witness are a culmination of hatred for Jesus that has propelled the secular and unbelieving world into wars and death throughout the world's brief history.  And throughout this tumultuous history, many have succumbed to Satan's wiles and have falsely used the Name of Jesus Christ to deceive the masses and subject them to their cruelty.  Even in this present day we often hear politicians and world leaders invoke the Name of Jesus in order to convince Christians they are righteous men and gain what their wicked hearts desire.  Man may be the recipient of the evil that permeates every society, but the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, is the cause (1Peter 2:7-8).  For genuine Christians, to proclaim His Name, to worship His Name, to know that His Name is written upon the hearts of every true believer, and to offer His Name to the lost will bring more terror, more destruction, and more death as the history of this world draws to a close.

Recently, Pastor John MacArthur stated in a free CD set he offered to his subscribers, "How To Think and Act In Evil Days," (I was unable to find a link to this sermon) that the increase of persecution will reveal those who truly belong to Jesus Christ.  When persecution like those in Egypt and other parts of the world are experiencing comes to America, the truth will be revealed as many who have professed Him abandon and deny Him, as most did while He walked this earth (John 6:66-69).

When it reaches the point described in Scripture where untold persecution is inflicted upon those who proclaim the Name most hated above all names, the depth of love we hold in our hearts for Jesus Christ and His Gospel will determine whether or not we are true believers.

We must stand firmly upon the foundation that has been set before us (1Cor 10:12; 16:13-14; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10-13;  never wavering, never faltering, always faithful to the One who secured our salvation, and proclaiming as we go forward, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 10:7)

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene ^... But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.' " (2Tim 2:14, 15, 19)

Repent, seek forgiveness, and believe in the Name of our LORD Jesus Christ and what He has done for you, trusting Him in all things.  For His glory and honor.  Amen 

Remembering the Reason Behind 9/11

One of the most often asked questions following the tragedy of 9/11 was how God could allow it to happen.  This question drove Americans to fill church pews in record numbers the Sunday following the terrorist attack, hoping that an answer would be provided.  It goes without saying that if they had occupied the right church, they would have heard the right answer.

We find ourselves a decade after what is now seen as the most brutal attack on American soil, preparing to hold homage to those whose lives were cut short that day.  The saddest part, however, is that many have forgotten what they heard from those faithful men who stood behind the church pulpits, and the pews have emptied of those who sought solace there.

The  truth behind what brought this to our soil has been replaced by political correctness in its worst form: denial of the historical and Biblical facts surrounding those who carried out the attack and what God says must come next.

The following sermon was given by Pastor John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, in Sun Valley, California, on September 16, 2001.  It can be said with all sincerity that his congregation heard the truth that day and if they were listening and truly wanting to hear why God would allow the attack on 9/11, they would never forget it.

I hope you will take the time to listen to both parts of the sermon.  God's truth and His warnings are contained within it.  May it bless you.  But, more importantly, may it return your focus back onto Him, His nation Israel, and His desire for all men.

In Christ,

Karen

When the Wrong Use Of a Word Becomes a Lie

The wrong terminology can have devastating effects, especially when used by political factions with an agenda.  If the incorrect usage of a word is intentionally perpetuated, it's not long before people everywhere are indoctrinated to believe it's application is correct.   It becomes a form of brainwashing with the intent of convincing the masses to think and move in a particular direction.  And there's always someone or something that is adversely affected - like Israel.

When I Googled the phrase and image "occupied territory," the results were staggering but not surprising.  First and foremost, Israel and its "occupation" of the West Bank and Gaza Strip glaringly stood out at the top of the long lists of websites and definitions.  One such site, Wikipedia, defines the phrase in the following way:

Occupied territory is territory under military occupation. Occupation is a term of art in international law; in accordance with Article 42 of the Laws and Customs of War on Land (Fourth Hague Convention); October 18, 1907,^[1] territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the hostile army. The occupation extends only to the territory where such authority has been established and can be exercised. At the end of a war, usually the victorious side is in possession of territory previously possessed by another state. This territory is known as occupied territory. Acquisition of occupied territory is incidental to a war, where the military forces of the occupying power come into the possession of territory previously held by another state. Occupation is usually temporary; and under the subsequent articles of the Hague convention (articles 43, 44, and etc.), and the Fourth Geneva Convention the status quo must be maintained pending the signing of a peace treaty, the resolution of specific conditions outlined in a peace treaty, or the formation of a new civilian government.^[2] 

^{Wikipedia follows this definition up on another of its sites by describing the "Israeli-occupied territories" on its borders, citing the United Nations' (UN) Security Counsel Resolution 242 following the Six Day War in 1967, and demanding that Israel withdraw from the territories it has "occupied" and initiate "termination of all claims or states of belligerency."  Wikipedia further adds that the UN demanded Israel  show "respect for the right of every state in the area to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries." (emph. mine)}

^{To this day, the on-going so-called "peace process" that has consumed American Presidencies since Jimmy Carter (whose writings, actions, and speech have revealed his true feelings for Israel and the Jews, and is an embarrassment to our nation) has remained stagnant with no equitable solution in sight.  All of the posturing in front of the cameras and hand-shaking between Israel and the Arab world, with each succeeding President standing between them, are merely a front to give the impression that "respect for the right of EVERY state in the area to live in peace" is not a possibility, but a pipe dream.} 

^{The so-called "Palestinians" are seen as the victims and Israel is seen as the aggressor, keeping the Arabs living among them subjected to poverty with no state of their own.  Forget the fact that Israel, which is the size of the state of New Jersey, is bombarded on a daily basis with the terror of incoming rockets into her towns and cities, suicide bombings, and the vitriolic hatred of the world.  Because of the perpetuation of a single phrase and the indoctrination of the world's population into believing it, when the wrong use of a word or phrase becomes a lie, the world will not recognize it as such.}

^{The following video is provided by One Jerusalem, an organization dedicated to retaining the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; no divisions, no compromise.  If you want to know the truth about the phrase "occupied territories" and the true history behind the West Bank, watch it.  After you do, let's all start using the right term in relation to the on-going dispute over the land of Israel and Who really owns it.}

"For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of My people and My heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up My land, and have cast lots for My people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it."  (Joel 3:1-3 ESV)

Yom HaShoah - Day of Remembrance

Are you aware that today (May 1), or the 27th day of Nissan according to the Jewish calendar, is one that bears an importance few of us knew about?  It is Yom HaShoah, or the Day of Remembrance, commemorating  the  victims of the Holocaust of Nazi Germany. I was not aware of it until I received an email last year at this time that spoke about it.   I would like to thank my cousin, Dale Brown, for bringing this very important date to my attention, and for giving me the ability to  once again bring it to yours.

On this day at a particular hour, sirens are blown all over the entire nation of Israel and six candles are lit  symbolizing the 6 million Jews, 1 million of them children, that died during that horrible time in history.  As the people are involved in their regular daily routines, they all stop what they are doing when they hear them.   They pause to remember the persecution and hatred, the cattle cars crammed with bodies, the concentration camps, the starvation, the medical experiments, the gas chambers, the ovens, and the mass graves.  They remember family members who silently went as sheep before the Nazi war machine that was bent on annihilating every Jew from the face of the earth.  To forget these atrocities would dishonor those who died.  To forget the past would place them in jeopardy of a repeat of the same thing in the future.  They remember because their very existence depends upon it.

I find it appalling that we have such short memories.  I am saddened that if it were not for a faithful few, our history books would be wiped clean of the monstrous and evil behavior that occurred and was perpetuated by the Germans and ignored by the world.  I am angered that our current government would forget the not-so-distant past and treat Israel's current leadership with such contempt and hatred over their desire, and right, to defend themselves.  I am disgusted that America is bending to the will of Israel's enemies, and turning a blind eye to the desire by lunatics like Ahmadinejad and other Arab leaders whose goal it is to once again attempt to "wipe them from the face of the earth."

But even more troubling is my confusion over the Christian community who harbor their own  misguided distrust and hatred for Israel, forgetting that they were a chosen people by God whom He would use to reveal Himself to the world.  Why would Christians not join Israel in their moment of remembrance?  Why would our shepherds not teach within the churches the importance of this day so that we could unite with Israel and bring it before God's throne in prayer?  The only answer I am able to arrive at is that there is a disturbing lack of desire within many Christian churches to encourage their congregants to support and defend them, and the importance of their role in God's ultimate plan and victory goes unnoticed or untaught.  I view it as a shameful thing that we so miserably fail in this regard.

From this point forward, there will never be another year that goes by that I will not join with the Jews and acknowledge Yom HaShoah.  There may not be sirens breaking the silence of the still air to remind me, but I will honor them with a moment to remember.  And I will pray for them.

The following video and song vividly, yet disturbingly, refreshed my memory of the horrible crimes that were committed against the Jewish people.  It is the purpose of this video to do so, and I hope it refreshes yours.

Benjamin Netanyahu's Speech

I was a little more than perturbed with the media, including Fox News, for their lack of interest in Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's, speech before the Knesset. Fox had me sitting on the edge of my seat with their "Alerts" on the impending speech. I wanted to hear it. I wanted to know that Netanyahu was still firmly committed to securing Israel's sovereignty, that he was not going to cow tow to Obama's and the world's demands on dividing Jerusalem and giving up the vitally important Gaza Strip. But Fox gave him enough air time to give his introduction, then switched to "talking heads" that offered me nothing but the same old rhetoric.

I am grateful to Joel Rosenberg for posting within his latest "Flash Traffic" newsletter the speech in its entirety. I recommend that everyone read it and consider what is said between the lines. It is apparent that Netanyahu is not wavering. He wants peace, but not under the conditions the world is pressing upon Israel. Perhaps the most telling portion of his speech is his conclusion:

"Let us realize the vision of the prophet Isaiah, who in Jerusalem 2,700 years ago said: 'Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and they shall learn war no more.' With God's help, we will know no more war. We will know peace."

God warned Israel of the "prophets and priests alike" that predicted peace rather than addressing their sin: "They dress the wound of My people as though it were not serious. ' Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace." (Jer 6:13-14)

Peace will come to Israel. But not in the way Israel or the world demands it. At the end of Isaiah, the true conclusion to the past and present turmoil is spoken of by God:

"For this is what the LORD says:

'I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.'

When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to His servants, but His fury will be shown to His foes.

See, the LORD is coming with fire, and His chariots are like a whirlwind; He will bring down His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and with His sword the LORD will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by the LORD.

...'(Israel) will proclaim my glory among the nations...'(and) all mankind will come and bow down before Me,' says the LORD." (Isaiah 66:12-16,19b,23b)

Pray for the nation of Israel.


http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1244371096849&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter

Yahweh Shammah - "THE LORD IS THERE"

I just finished watching a video that was linked in an email from One Jerusalem. It was a televised debate on a Israeli news program between Jerusalem Post editorialist, Caroline Glick, and post-Zionist political activist, Dr. Gershon Baskin. To sum up the debate, Caroline Glick is a staunch supporter of Israel's right to sovereignty and Dr. Baskin, an Israeli, is a Palestinian sympathizer in favor of dividing Jerusalem and stopping all settlement building. Ms. Glick spoke unwaveringly and very eloquently opposed Dr. Baskin. To watch the debate yourself, click here.

It goes without saying that my support lies firmly with Caroline Glick's position that Israel has a right to defend itself and that the boundaries which established Israel as a nation should be maintained. Also included in the debate was the threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons and using them against Israel. But God was strangely absent from the differing viewpoints. It was clear that both parties either had no solid understanding of God's will in this turbulent moment in Israel's history, of His will when He made His covenant with Abram (Genesis 12), promising that Abram's seed would forever inherit the land of Israel, or they chose to ignore it. Perhaps the most telling of their ignorance or arrogance is their inability to realize the miracle of their return to their own land. When we consider the stubborn disobedience of God's chosen people throughout their entire history, and the discipline God repeatedly dealt them even into most recent history, we can not help but wonder how a race of people can be so obstinate and ignore this historical fact that is written within their own Scriptures. It is a perilous and destructive behavior to remain so opposed to HaShem's will, and until Israel chooses to accept their Messiah and yield to Him, there will never be true peace there.

We believe that the events unfolding before us are markers pointing to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. And we also believe that when He does step foot on Mount Zion, those who pierced Him will mourn for their actions and unbelief (Rev 1:7) What is now obvious, however, is that Israel remains in disobedience to God's will and is still attempting to have it their way instead of turning to Him for the solution. For all of their debating, pandering, and negotiating, nothing will change until God decides it is time for it to change. Until then, we watch and wait for our Lord to return and reestablish His boundaries and divisions of the Holy Land and reclaim the holy city, Jerusalem. Only then will debate and hatred that is so predominant come to an end.

"And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE." (Ez 48:35)

There are some new additions to the blog that might interest you. Because of the fascination a couple of us have with end times prophecy and the final re-establishment of the Jewish people in their homeland in 1948, I have added links to a few of the most prominent prophecy experts we know of. You can find them in the side-bar under the title "End Times Prophecy". I also would like to highly recommend watching "The Hal Lindsey Report", which you can view on his website. Also, for those who closely watch the events transpiring in Israel over the so-called "Peace" agreement and the attempt to divide Jerusalem, there are several Israeli newspapers for your perusal. You can find them under "Up-To-Date News From Israel and the Middle East", which is also in the side-bar. Posts and comments to both new additions can be found under the Label, "Israel and the Middle East".

I have also added the Label, "Christian Social Issues", and a few websites that specifically address them. If you have one to recommend, let us know!

As we await the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us all continue to pray for our nation, the nation and people of Israel, and for God's will in all that is being played out before us.

In Christ,

Karen