Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Why The US Won't Aid Israel During Ezekiel 38-39 - By Ronda Lane - https://www.raptureready.com/2018/08/28/us-wont-aid-israel-ezekiel-38-39-ronda-lane/
Over the years, many Bible believers have pondered over how and why the US won't help Israel, nor come to her defense when the Ezekiel 38-39 war commences. Scripture clearly shows that no nation will come to Israel's defense during that war (Ez. 38:23 and 39:21-29 proclaim why). Many of us hope that it will be the rapture which devastates the US and precludes the US from coming to Israel's defense. And while that still is a viable option (and I intend to cover that later on in this article thoroughly), there is another we need to consider. Before we delve into this, I'll forewarn that this is not 'light reading material' and it's also going to be lengthy. We have so many scriptural things to discuss that are all interwoven. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in. I'd thought about breaking this up into two parts, but decided instead to leave it intact as a full document if possible since so many key parts are intertwined. If you find it's too lengthy, please read half now and half later. Thank you! Now let's jump right in... There is some very important news that most of us have missed this past week. Caroline Glick's recent Breitbart article (an interview with John Bolton) is sourced at the end of this article (Source A). US Ambassador John Bolton claims that the US has NOT recognized Israel's claim to the Golan! Nor does the US have any plans to do so in the immediate future. The meat of this topic is found about midway into Caroline Glick's article. First we see that Russia (at the Helsinki meeting with Trump) brought up Resolution 338 (regarding the Golan and Israel's claim to it). Here's what the article said about it: "Putin's allusion to Resolution 338 raised concerns that he would use his position as a powerbroker in Syria to try to coerce Israel into negotiating over its continued control over the Golan Heights." That almost sounded comforting, as if Bolton (and the US) is concerned over Russia's stance pertaining to the Golan. But wait a minute and read on... Here are two more very important quotes from Bolton pertaining to the Golan: "Obviously we understand the Israeli claim that it has annexed the Golan Heights. We understand their position - but there's no change in the U.S. position for now." Speaking to Breitbart Wednesday, Bolton made it clear that the administration's position is not final, noting, "U.S. recognition of Israel's annexation of the Golan is not on the table, for now." See that? The US will not formally recognize Israel's right to the Golan. As Bolton said, it's not even on the table right now! Those of us who study God's word know exactly how important a statement this is. When Russia, Iran, Turkey (et al) invade them (Ez. 38-39), of course the US won't stop them. The US position is that Israel doesn't own the Golan! Before I am accused of "Trump-bashing," I'm doing no such thing. I am simply stating both the US' historic and current position regarding ownership of the Golan. The US has never formally recognized the Golan as belonging to Israel; and according to Bolton, that stance hasn't changed even with the current Trump administration. But it doesn't surprise me; it shouldn't surprise any of us. Why? Even though Pres. Trump has been a friend to Israel thus far, it's not possible for him to negotiate certain factors just yet (or for anyone to do so until after Ez. 38-39 which we will soon go into detail about). And it also shouldn't surprise us because Ezekiel chapters 38-39 foretell that Iran, Russia, Turkey (et al) will invade Israel on the Golan (see Ezekiel 39:2-5 for precise details about the Golan invasion). Think about this... If the Ez. 38-39 coalition were to invade or attack Israel in any other part of Israel, the US would be obligated (as an Israeli ally) to defend her. But since the US doesn't recognize Israel's right of ownership to the Golan, they will refuse to get involved. And it's no surprise. It aligns with scripture perfectly. Nevertheless, even though NO nations will come to Israel's defense when this invasion into Israel on the Golan happens, Israel will be victorious when God Himself intervenes. Can we not all see how very precise God's word is? He foretold that no nation would come to Israel's defense in the Ez. 38-39 war; and now we see not just one, but two reasons why this is true (even though we already knew God's word to be true). The rapture could still play a vital role in this as well. Here is why I fully believe that the rapture will occur simultaneously with the Ezekiel 38-39 war. Please excuse the length, but there is much scripture to discuss, and many key points to cover: First, Ezekiel 38-39 doesn't appear to be a long war, but rather a short war due to the rapidity in which Israel's enemies will be defeated. However, it will take some time (maybe a matter of days, maybe months or longer) for the Russian, Iranian, Turkish (et al) coalition to get as many troops inside the border on the Golan as Ezekiel 39:2-5 foretells. The wording (specific to the KJ version, as it isn't in some other versions if you are looking for it) proclaims that God will leave only 1/6th of the enemies troops alive. "And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel" (Ez. 39:2). In order to fulfill that, I believe that there will have to be a massive amount of Russian, Iranian, and Turkish (et al) troops inside Israel's Golan border. Now, some would disagree with me because this specific wording isn't in their preferred version of the Bible. And before I ruffle any feathers, I am not demanding that YOU use only the KJV, nor am I criticizing any other version (that is a decision left up to the discernment of each and every believer, between themselves and the Lord). I am simply telling you where I get this information, and that I fully believe it to be the word of God. We also see that there must be a massive amount of enemy troops slain (at God's hands) during this Ez. 38-39 war - not just from Ez. 39, verse 2, but from verses 2-20 as well as Ez. 38:9 and 15-16 - so much carnage that "the house of Israel" will spend 7 months burying the bodies of the slain enemy (Ez. 39:11-16). There will be so many dead bodies of the slain enemies that Israel will "sever out men of continual employment" to perform the task of both flagging and burying the bodies. That will be a massive amount of bodies! Next, we see that those who "dwell in the cities of Israel" will spend 7 years destroying the weaponry left behind (Ez. 39:9-10). I also must mention that some have attempted to claim that the Ezekiel 38-39 war (and the subsequent cleanup) cannot happen within the 7-year timeframe of the tribulation. They base this on the fact that the Jews themselves will be fleeing by the 3.5-year midpoint of the tribulation. And while it's true that Israel will flee at the 3.5 year midpoint (as per Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15-22; Rev.12:6, 12:14), there is also something I believe these folks may have missed in scripture! Very specific wording! The "house of Israel" (v.12) and "they that dwell in the cities of Israel" (v.9) are not necessarily the same people group. What do I mean? In Ezekiel 39:12 we see that it is the "House of Israel" who will be burying the dead bodies of the slain. This is surely the Jewish people in Israel. However, when we read about those who will be destroying the weaponry for 7 years, we do not see the same wording! What do we see there? "They that dwell in the cities of Israel." Does anyone else catch that subtle but important distinction in scriptural wording? Those who simply "dwell in the cities of Israel" are not necessarily the "house of Israel." So we know for a fact (God's word) that the "house of Israel" will bury the bodies, but it's NOT necessarily the "house of Israel" that destroys the weaponry left behind for those seven years. The Jews may well start the process; and after the Jews have fled (at the midpoint of the tribulation), then whoever remains and dwells in the cities of Israel will finish the job. Now, some would contend on this, but I believe every word in scripture is so very precise for a reason. While some would claim they believe there has to be a gap between the rapture and the tribulation, I do not think there has to be more than a few days gap, if any - especially if the rapture occurs simultaneously with Ezekiel 38-39 (which I believe may well be the case as we will soon delve into). There would not need to be a gap if the "house of Israel" (Jews) begins the process of destroying the weaponry left behind, and yet only "they that dwell in the cities of Israel" (not Jews) finish the job. What kicks off the actual seven-year tribulation countdown? The confirming of the covenant (Dan. 9:27). When this covenant is confirmed, the seven-year countdown commences. We know for certain that we (grace/church-age believers) will have been raptured up before that occurs (See 2 Thes. 2). We will not be here to see the antichrist revealed. Sadly, some have come up with new theories about this future covenant that need to be compared with scripture as well. Most of these newer theories I've seen floated about (and sadly, even in some sermons as well as videos and articles) have concentrated only on the (false) 'peace' aspect of the future covenant. But let's take a look at scripture and see what else the covenant must entail. "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Dan. 9:27). First, we know the one "week" to mean a period of seven years, as per the seventy "weeks" prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27). I suggest that if you have never thoroughly studied the Daniel 9:24-28 prophecy, that you study and comprehend Sir Robert Anderson's excellent summation found at this link. This prophecy is vital to comprehend in order to see not only that the "week" means seven years, but also what the covenant entails. Next, the false peace covenant isn't only about (false) peace. It's also about giving Israel (mankind's and the antichrist's) permission to both rebuild the temple and to re-institute animal sacrifice. Yet these aspects aren't generally even considered in some of the modern-day teachings, sadly. The building of the temple and re-institution of animal sacrifice will be major components of this future covenant (as per Dan. 9:27). It isn't merely the peace component which proves to be false, but the antichrist will break the covenant at the midpoint (3.5 years in) by causing "the sacrifice and oblation to cease." Furthermore, he will overspread the altar (of the temple) with "abominations" and make it "desolate" (Dan. 9:27, Matt. 24:15, 2 Thes. 2:4). It's clear as day in scripture that the covenant will permit the Jews to build the temple and to perform animal sacrifice. It is this very issue whereby the antichrist breaks the covenant. Let's think about this rationally: "Come now, and let us reason together...." Is Israel currently in position to bargain for the temple and/or the re-institution of animal sacrifices? No, of course not. Jews aren't even permitted to PRAY on the Temple Mount currently! Much less are they in a position to bargain for a temple on the mount or the sacrifices to be re-established at the present time. So what will put Israel in position to build the tribulation temple and re-institute (animal) sacrifice? Nothing short of an extremely victorious war, wherein the Islamic and non-Islamic powers that side with them in the region are no longer an issue. Right after the Ezekiel 38-39 war, Israel will be in just such a position to negotiate for those things without worry of Russia, Iran, Turkey (et al) interfering. I cannot fathom any other scenario wherein they would be in such a position of being both respected and feared enough to be able to build the temple, etc. Can you? Next, I've seen various teachings which attempt to claim that "confirm" means "re-confirm," or in other words, they claim that Israel and the antichrist will enter into an agreement that has supposedly previously been inked, and then basically re-confirmed. I respectfully disagree. I do not believe that to be the case, and here's why: According to Dan. 9:27, both the building of the temple and the re-institution of (animal) sacrifice will be part of the covenant (as we just covered). Have we EVER seen such a treaty or covenant in modern history? No! We have not. None of the former treaties even touched upon the Temple Mount, much less the building of a temple and/or sacrifices. No, not the Balfour Declaration, and no, not the British Mandate. I had intended to go into depth about both (and others), but this article is already lengthy (as it must be in order to cover the aspects). If you aren't familiar with either of those treaties (and any others since), please do your due diligence and search out the information yourself. Neither of those declarations/treaties dealt with the temple nor animal sacrifice! Nor do any other past treaties in modern history. Nor do I believe that President Trump will come up with a precursor to it, for these two reasons: I cannot imagine him (even as bold as he is) daring to bring up the Temple Mount, much less the building of the temple or sacrifices. And secondly, there isn't enough time remaining to do so. Too much Bible prophecy is aligned, and already the birth pains are increasing in magnitude and frequency. As we saw from the Glick-Bolton interview (Source A below), this administration isn't even willing to formally profess Israel's right to the Golan, much less delve into the temple conundrum or permit animal sacrifice. It's just not possible yet. No, I can't see the Dan. 9:27 covenant happening until after the Ezekiel 38-39 war, simply from a logistics standpoint. I can't see how it could be possible to even put forth a prospective or precursory covenant pertaining to the building of the temple until after the Ezekiel 38-39 war. The temple mount itself is simply too much of a hot-button issue currently. We've gone on a bit of a rabbit trail, even though those things needed addressing to help us further understand the timing of both Ezekiel 38-39 and the rapture. Let's resume our discussion as to why it's very likely that the rapture may occur either simultaneously with the Ez. 38-39 war or just prior to it. As we study Ezekiel 39:20-29, we see that God will begin to open Israel's eyes by the end of that war. Once God begins opening Israel's eyes, this world will no longer be in the current dispensation of grace/ church age. Why? Romans 11:25-26 tells us that Israel is currently "blind in part" during this current time period (dispensation). However, that changes once the "fullness of the Gentiles be come in." When that event occurs, when the last Gentile in this dispensation has come to Christ for salvation, then we grace/church-age believers will be taken out of the way (as 1 Cor. 15:40-53 and 1 Thes. 4:16-18 foretell, and as 1 Thes. 1:10, Rom. 5:9, 1 Thes. 5:9 also promise). It's only after this dispensation ends that Israel's eyes will be opened. They will no longer be "blind in part" after the rapture and end of this current church/grace-age. With that in mind, I can't see how it would be possible for grace/church-age believers to still be here at the end of the Ezekiel 38-39 war. Both of these things: God opening Israel's eyes as well as bringing the remnant Jews through the time of Jacob's trouble (Rom. 11:25-26, Jer. 30:7, Zech. 13:8-9, et al) are specific to Israel. They have no part of the church/grace-age. The church won't be here for either of those events. It may well be that the rapture (as many of us have long believed) is the reason why the US is incapable of helping Israel at the time of Ez. 38-39 commencing. But as we can see from Caroline Glick's article, it certainly doesn't have to be only the rapture, since the US' current position is one of not even recognizing that the Golan belongs to Israel! Even more, I believe it could be for both reasons - the rapture occurring simultaneously with Ezekiel 38-39. Now let's delve into why the rapture may occur simultaneously with the Ezekiel 38-39 war. First: the occurrence of a great earthquake (Ez. 38:18-20). Why is this important to note? Because we saw the same thing at the cross. When we study Matt. 27:51-53, we find that not only was there a great earthquake, but that many saints resurrected then (and were seen about Jerusalem as well). Since we've seen this in scripture occurring previously (Matt. 27:51-53), with earthquakes occurring simultaneously with those resurrections, it may be that resurrections themselves cause electromagnetic disturbances (which, if large enough, an EMD causes earthquakes as we see even with strong solar storms). If that were to be the case, imagine how great an electromagnetic disturbance would be, caused by the rapture of all grace/church-age saints (as described in 1 Cor. 15:49-53, 1 Thes. 4:13-18). When the dead in Christ (over the last almost 2,000 years) rise first, they will be resurrected; and we who are alive and remain will meet them in the air and instantaneously (in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye) also receive our glorified and incorruptible body just like Jesus' own! (Phil. 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2). If this earthquake/resurrection theory holds true, that would cause quite an electromagnetic disturbance/earthquakes - not just in Israel, but around the globe. We must remember that it's not just us (we grace/church-age believers who are alive at the time the rapture takes place) that will be taken up, but also the resurrection of all those who have died (in Christ) over the last (almost) 2,000 years. And those millions (or more) of believers will have been from all over the world. A global event. Let's also consider that earthquakes will continue to be prevalent throughout the entire 7-year tribulation as shown in Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11; Rev. 6:12, 8:5, 11:13, 11:19, 16:18; Zech. 14:4; Isaiah 24:18-19; Joel 2:10; Nahum 1:5-6; Job 9:5-6; Job 38:13; Isaiah 2:19-21, 13:13; Ez. 38:20; Joel 3:16; Haggai 2:6-7; Matt. 24:29; Heb. 12:26, and others. Yes there will be a LOT of earthquakes as scripture proves out; and we are already seeing an increase of them during the initial birth pains, as Jesus Himself foretold would be the case. Imagine also that the electromagnetic disturbance (if caused by the rapture itself at the hand of the Lord) causes electronic and computerized warfare weaponry systems to go haywire as well. We see proof of this on a smaller scale with solar storms causing electronics to go haywire; and larger and widespread EMP's or massive EMD's would surely cause all computerized devices to go haywire for a time. Maybe this theory seems too fantastic to consider? I do admit this is clearly just a theory (yet would fit within the confines of scripture). I'd respectfully ask you to research this for yourselves. I've spent a good deal of time researching articles and videos pertaining to the connection between electromagnetic disturbances and earthquakes. Please do so yourself if you care to learn more. I've included just one source video and one source article, which sum up succinctly the connection (Source B and C at the bottom) between electromagnetic disturbances and earthquakes. But there are literally thousands of videos and articles pertaining to the connection. And we do know that Matt. 27 already connected the dots between earthquakes and resurrections, as a starting point. And we may also want to consider the ground vibrations themselves that would occur when the 2,000 years of grace/church-age believers are resurrected from their graves. And what of the shout - the voice of the archangel and trump of God itself making a noise so loud that the vibration would set off an earthquake, or series of earthquakes? I've included one more source video (D) to show the connection between sonic waves (from loud sounds) and ELF-frequency waves causing earthquakes. But again, you can find much more information yourselves should you care to. Let's go back to our original scripture at hand. We pick up in Ezekiel 38:18-20 where we read about a massive earthquake. Next we see (v. 21-23) where the evil coalition that comes against Israel will be confused and confounded. The Ez. 38-39 coalition will then be fighting each other instead of Israel! (Ez. 38:21 and Ez. 39:3). It's possible that their computerized weapons systems (which they now rely on heavily) will malfunction and have them so confused that they won't know which direction to fight when an earthquake and electromagnetic disturbances disrupt their systems. It could even be that their computerized equipment shows the incoming fire (falsely) originating from their coalition partners, which would ironically cause them to counter-fire upon each other (for example: Russia firing upon Iranian troops, etc). We read about massive carnage. Many people think it could be nuclear due to the wording of Ez. 38:22 and Ez. 39:2-5 and the fact that the dead bodies are flagged much like nuclear-contaminated bodies are (Ez. 39:14-16). There are other scriptural reasons for this theory (too lengthy to get into here). Yet this is merely a theory (based on scriptural exegesis). And even though I am rather fond of this theory, it must be stated that God Himself doesn't have to use a massive electromagnetic disturbance. He is all powerful, and He can use any means He desires to use. However, this theory fits within the confines of scripture. We do know there will be a great earthquake then as per Ez.38, and we also saw past precedence of resurrections and earthquakes being connected (Matt. 27). Since scripture is our final authority, all sound theories must fit within scriptural boundaries. Sadly, I've heard some very unscriptural theories, and folks want to argue them. I'm willing to consider any theory as long as it meshes soundly with scripture. If not, I won't consider it (neither should any believer). However, God is omnipotent. He doesn't have to use electromagnetic disturbances to cause earthquakes. It could be that the rapture won't cause electromagnetic disturbances. But it could be that it does. It could be that those millions of grace/church-age saints being resurrected from their graves will cause so much ground disturbance and sonic vibrations that this also contributes to the magnitude of earthquakes. Or maybe not. We aren't even positive that the graves will physically be opened when the grace-age saints are called up with us. We may often have pictured this scenario in our minds, open mawing holes in the ground in cemeteries around the globe... But 1 Cor. 15:49-53 and 1 Thes. 4:13-18 don't give us specific information about this part of the event. So we are left wondering which way it will occur. Will their spirits be resurrected and then be changed and given a glorified body without disturbing the ground they are buried under? Or will their physical human bodies come forth out of the grave (leaving cemeteries and locations of burial places around the globe with dirt displaced) and then be changed and receive a glorified body? Either way... we can only imagine right now. But we will soon find out. God, who fulfills His promises, and knows the end from the beginning... will be faithful to fulfill every word very soon. He gave us Bible prophecy to prepare us, not to scare us. There is no area of Bible prophecy dealing with end-time eschatology that isn't aligned. Even many of the technologies required for events that are to transpire during the mid and second half of the tribulation are possible now. Even though I (personally) believe that Isaiah 17 will likely transpire just prior to (and segue into) Ezekiel 38-39 (for numerous scriptural reasons too vast to discuss in this article), it doesn't have to happen that way. So if Ezekiel 38-39 were to occur tomorrow and the rapture as well... (I am not setting a date, mind you, just giving an example)... then we can easily see how Israel would (immediately afterwards) be in a position to make a covenant for not just the (false) peace, but also for the building of the temple and re-institution of animal sacrifice. Then we can see just how easily Revelation chapter 6 and the seals would commence immediately following. It's all ready to happen! I can't think of how it could be more aligned than it already is. There are at least a dozen other things I'd thought to bring forth in this study pertaining to these events, but there isn't room in this article. Even if you aren't interested in the electromagnetic and sonic boom information, please do read Caroline's article. I found it amazing that it had nothing to do with the name of her article; this information was buried in the middle of her article (and I feel sure many missed it). I was even more dismayed to realize that she didn't seem to understand the Biblical prophetic implications of the US stance on the Golan as it relates to Ezekiel 38-39. But then again... what else would I expect currently? As Rom. 11:25 tells us, Israel is "blind in part" right now. Yet we know that many Jews have come to Christ during the church/grace-age (and we are so thankful for this). I pray often for Caroline. She is adamant that she doesn't want to hear what she considers to be "proselytizing" from Christians; she'd made that clear on several of her personal social media posts. She even wrote a JPost article about it. Yet, I still pray for her and many more Jews to come to Christ in these last hours of this current age of grace. Nevertheless, we know that once the church is taken up, then Israel's eyes will be opened, and He will take them through the time of Jacob's trouble. I can't help but wonder if Caroline will be part of the 1/3 remnant Jews spoken of in Zech. 13:8-9? We will have to wait and watch 'from the balcony' (so to speak). God's word is aligned with preciseness and accuracy. While (for some) this may cause sadness, fear, or panic... for us believers who have studied scripture, it should evoke much comfort and joy. We will soon meet our risen Savior, our Blessed Hope; and shouldn't we all be comforting one another with these things? "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). Rabbi: "UN is Replacement Theology on Steroids" - By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/113161/rabbi-un-replacement-theology-steroids/ When all the nations of the earth gather against her. In that day, I will make Yerushalayim a stone for all the peoples to lift; all who lift it shall injure themselves." Zechariah 12:3 (The Israel Bible™) The United Nations has played a leading role in rewriting history as part of its anti-Israel agenda. A recent editorial in Christian media compared this to replacement theology and one rabbi agreed, noting that pro-Palestinian forces have taken this hated doctrine further than the Church ever had. Brandon Shirkey wrote an opinion article in Charisma News titled "Is This Theology a Serious Threat to God's People?" In the article, Shirkey compared the United Nations treatment of Israel to replacement theology. "The United Nations has seemingly turned a blind eye to the truth of this conflict by absurdly defending the aggressor and condemning the victim," Shirkey wrote. Shirkey's outrage is shared by many Christians who see religious implications in the UN's harsh treatment of Israel in the political arena. Many Christian organizations reacted strongly to a vote last year by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declaring Hebron and the Machpela (Cave of the Patriarchs) an Endangered World Heritage Site in "Palestine." David Parsons, Vice President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), released a statement, condemning the UNESCO vote as a religiously based attack that should concern Christians. "UNESCO's latest resolution on Hebron is yet another misguided attempt to rob the Jewish people of their biblical heritage here in the Land of Israel," he said. "This revered site has been and always will be the resting place of the Hebrew patriarchs and matriarchs, purchased by Abraham, the great Father of the Jewish people. It is hugely disappointing that even traditionally Christian nations are failing to stand up to this deliberate distortion of established sacred history." Rabbi Ken Spiro, historian and Senior Lecturer and Researcher for Aish HaTorah Yeshiva, was intrigued by Shirkey's application of this theological concept to the political arena. "Replacement theology is a Christian doctrine which states that Jews rejected Jesus and caused his death, so God rejected them and the new spiritual Israel is the Church and Jerusalem is Rome," Spiro explained to Breaking Israel News. "So, on that level, the UN is not espousing a theological replacement theology. But on a political level they are definitely practicing replacement theology." Rabbi Spiro explained how this is being played out in the United Nations. "They are writing the Jews out of any connection with Israel," He explained. "They are even trying to erase our peoplehood. The UN has clearly bought into the idea that Judaism is a religion and not a national identity. They have replaced that with the Palestinian claim of national identity originating in Israel. The UN is pushing the claim that the Palestinians are indigenous and that we are the foreign invaders. They are claiming that the Palestinians, actually the Arabs, are the oppressed minority and Israel is the aggressor. Everything they say, the opposite is actually the truth." This historical revisionism has gone mainstream with many believing that Jewish history in Israel going back millennia - once a historical axiom - is now a questionable and baseless theory. In October 2003, Time Magazine called the Temple "an area where the Jews believe Solomon built the Second Temple." The New York Times has also reported, "historical certainty proves elusive at Jerusalem's holiest place." This political debate turned religious for Christians when, in an effort to refute the Jewish claim to the land, attempts are made to discount the validity of the Bible. One such case occurred in 2001, when the University of Chicago Press published an academic book dismissing biblical books as "national historical tale." "What the UN is doing is even further away from the truth than replacement theology," Rabbi Spiro said. "It is replacement theology on steroids. At least replacement theology recognized that Jews once had a place in Israel, that we once were the chosen people, that Jerusalem was the holy city. Catholicism just said that we got replaced. The UN is claiming we were never here. This is more like total negation theology." Spiro described the UN claims about Israel as following in the methods used by Joseph Goebbels, Reich Minister of Propaganda of the Nazi Party. Goebbels was quoted as saying, "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." The rabbi cited a particular Palestinian claim as a prime example. "The Palestinian Authority claims that after 100 years of archaeological research, they can verify that there is no evidence of any Jewish presence in Israel before Zionism," Rabbi Spiro said. "How can they even begin to say that? The Israel Museum and many others are full of with thousands of artifacts that refute this claim. The Palestinian Authority is demanding Israel return the Dead Sea Scrolls even though they are written in Hebrew." As Spiro noted, despite being a science based on facts and physical proof, archaeology in Israel is highly politicized and anti-Israel entities are attempting to rewrite history. Palestinians have recently begun archaeological projects as part of their political agenda. Khaled Nashef, a Palestinian archaeologist at Bir Zeit University and editor of the University's Journal of Palestinian Archaeology, wrote that "for too long the history of Palestine has been written by Christian and Israeli 'biblical archaeologists,' and that Palestinians must themselves rewrite that history, beginning with the archaeological recovery of ancient Palestine." Some of that rewriting has taken the form of destruction of archaeological sites. The Temple Mount Sifting Project was begun in 2004 for the purpose of recovering archaeological artifacts from 400 truckloads of topsoil removed from the Temple Mount by the Waqf during the construction of the underground el-Marwani Mosque from 1996 to 1999. The project has recovered some 500,000 artifacts including flooring from the Second Temple. "The UN's treatment of Israel is an amazing distortion of reality and what is more amazing is to the extent they have succeeded in making people believe it, Rabbi Spiro explained. "They couldn't have gotten away with it if it wasn't for all the anti-Semites who were just waiting for an excuse to attack us. If much of Europe and much of the left-wing didn't already hate us, the UN never would have been able to push this absurd narrative on anyone. Anyone who has the slightest bit of knowledge of history and any level of objectivity would immediately see that the whole claim of Palestinian right to the land and a prior claim to Jerusalem is a lie." It was a rejection of these lies that led the U.S. to leave UNESCO last year. Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN has been a harsh critic of this distortion of the truth by the international organization. The rabbi believes that the UN's actions are a political expression that has religious roots. "On a certain level, it is an anti-God agenda," Rabbi Spiro argued, quoting Sigmund Freud's book Moses and Monotheism. "Christians don't hate Jews for killing Jesus, they hate the Jews for giving them Jesus," the rabbi said. "People who want to push God out of their lives and reject the morality that His existence requires, hate the Jews. We represent God in the world and people who hate God, express it in how they relate to the Jews." Stand Your Ground - Nathele Graham - [email protected] There's no doubt that we are in the final days before God's judgment is poured out on the unbelieving world. The blindness of so many people is astounding. Especially astounding is the blindness of many who claim to be Christians but follow the satanic world rather than our Lord, Jesus Christ. This is a sign of the times, but as we live through this time in history it takes a greater resolve to stand firmly on the solid Rock rather than sink in the devil's quicksand. There has always been persecution against Christians, but that persecution is becoming more open as Christians deny their power through Christ and stand with the world rather than stand with Christ. We can learn much about standing our ground from a certain blind man who received sight from Jesus. The man had been born blind and was doing what he could to make his way in life. Because of his blindness he couldn't work to earn a living, so he begged. Everyone around him accepted his plight and some dropped change into his cup or gave him a bit of food. One day he was sitting outside of the Temple and his life was changed forever. Jesus saw him and blessed him with sight in order that God would be seen in the miracle. Jesus chose a seemingly odd method to heal this man. "When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." John 9:6-7. There's always a reason behind Jesus' methods, and we learn later in the chapter that this event took place on the Sabbath when no work was to be done. The Law said that the Sabbath was a Jewish day of rest but the Pharisees had gone far beyond God's directive and defined what things they considered to be work. Jesus spit, made clay and healed, which were all things the Pharisees said were work. When Jesus told the man to wash in the pool of Siloam he was quick to obey. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so he made his way to the pool of Siloam, washed, and received his sight. Can you imagine the astonishment he felt as the clay fell away and he saw things for the first time in his life? He must have been thrilled. When people noticed him and became aware that he was able to see, they didn't share his joy but began debating the matter. "Isn't this the beggar" they asked and others said it was just someone who looked like him. They were confused but this gave the man an opportunity to give his testimony. "He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight." John 9:11. Sometimes we try to complicate things, but this man was honest and straightforward. He stated the facts and it was up to others to come to grips with the truth. This was a new situation for him to be in, but he spoke boldly. He wasn't a scholar, but he stood his ground and told them what he could. They should have been happy for him, but they just couldn't understand how this man had been healed. People can react to good news in remarkable ways. When the man wasn't able to tell them where Jesus was, they took him to the Pharisees. Rather than seeking Jesus they sought after religion. Big mistake. Religious leaders can sometimes be blind to the works of God and so it was with this miracle. Instead of praising God they judged this situation by the rules of their religion. They questioned the man and he clearly stated his testimony, but the Pharisees were the ones who truly were blind. "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them." John 9:16. Things haven't changed much over time and miracles are still denied if they don't fit religious rules. Had it been any other day of the week they wouldn't have questioned it, but they also declared that Jesus was a sinner so shouldn't be able to do miracles. The fact that the blind man could see was completely beside the point...all they cared about was the rules. Today many denominations claim that the gifts of the Spirit have stopped and some even think that the Sabbath has to be kept, but these people miss out on the freedom we have in Christ. By denying the gifts, the power of the Holy Spirit is stifled. When people tell God what He can and cannot do, or how He can and cannot work, there's a big problem. These religious fanatics didn't stop grilling the man and refused to believe what he said. So, they called his parents in and questioned them. These Pharisees had no desire for truth and were trying to disprove the testimony in every way they could. The parents were questioned as to the blindness of their son and they were honest, but wary. Yes, the man was their son and was born blind. No, they didn't know how his blindness had been cured, but they told the Pharisees that their son was an adult and he should speak for himself. "These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue." John 9:22. For a Jewish person, life centered around the synagogue and if they couldn't participate in life there they would have been cut off from friends, business deals, etc. The parents had to be cautious in what they said because of the Pharisees, but the man would not change his story. He spoke the truth and stuck by it. Still, the Pharisees wouldn't give up. They chose to remain blind and wanted everyone else to remain blind also. Once again they called the man on the carpet and tried to prove him wrong. They told him to give God the glory, but that Jesus was a sinner. That's willful blindness. Jesus was God in the flesh, but the Pharisees did everything they could to prove Him to be just a man. They refused to believe the truth. They met their match with this man who Jesus touched and was no longer blind. He received his sight and he wasn't going to allow the disbelief of others to convince him of a lie. His conviction of the truth gave him confidence and he wasn't shy about how he answered the questions. "He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?" John 9:27. I can just imagine the anger that was building in the Pharisees. Did they want to be Jesus' disciples? No, they wanted to kill Him. The Pharisees continued to try to get the man to believe their lies. This man was just a regular guy and not trained in religion. Instead of rules and rituals he knew the truth and had faith. "The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing." John 9:30-33. Brothers and sisters, do you have the confidence to speak the truth and defend your faith? If you don't you better do some studying and find out who Jesus is and what He has done for you. You never know when you'll be asked to defend your faith. Persecution of Christians has been happening for nearly 2,000 years. The first followers of Christ were Jewish men who had their eyes and hearts opened to the truth and their lives were changed forever. That didn't mean their life would be easy and most of them would be martyred because of their faith. They would lose friends and their families would turn on them, but they would not deny Christ. Jesus never said that following Him would be trouble free. "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father nor me." John 16:1-3. Jesus warned His disciples and in warning them He warns us. The persecution then was great but because they stood their ground they were able to open the eyes of many people to Christ. Because they wouldn't change their testimony they were able to spread the Gospel and their witness comes to us through Scripture. Life on earth is temporary, but life through Jesus is eternal. Stand your ground and don't let anyone badger you into denying the truth. Every Christian today is standing in the place of that man who once was blind. We have been touched by Jesus and our eyes are opened. That means we should put Him first in our life, even if that means people we love turning on us. A very bad attitude held by many Christians is an attitude of keeping one foot in the world while claiming to follow Christ. It isn't judging if you use Scripture to guide your ways and turn away from those lifestyles and attitudes that God's word says is sin. It isn't judgment but discernment. That means to deny your own ways and selfish desires and follow Christ. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24. He never said it would be easy to stand your ground. Be assured that life on earth is temporary, but life through Jesus is eternal. Peter and John faced prison when they taught in the name of Jesus. They had healed a man and angered the Pharisees by giving glory to Jesus. "And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus." Acts 4:18. Does that sound familiar in today's world? Our schools and colleges have become cesspools of satanic lies. "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20. Peter and John stood their ground. Today Satan is controlling many people in government, education, entertainment, and the media. The liberal agenda is growing stronger and if Christians don't stand our ground we will be silenced. Brothers and sisters, don't compromise. Remember to speak in love as you speak out for your faith in Jesus. Stand in love, but stand your ground. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron and Nathele Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Having A Bad Day? - By Grant Phillips - https://www.raptureready.com/2018/08/28/bad-day-grant-phillips/ A minister in the local paper had the following in his weekly commentary: A small town pastor called on one of his older men to pray in a worship service. "Lord, I don't like buttermilk," the old man began. "Lord, I don't like lard; Lord I don't like plain flour. But when they're mixed together and baked in a hot oven, they sure do make tasty biscuits, and I just love biscuits. Please, Lord, help us to realize that, when we face things we don't like in life, we need to wait and see what You're making. After You get finished mixing and baking, it'll probably be something even better than biscuits. Amen." Is this not how life is for the Christian? With all the ups and downs of life, we so often fail to see what God is doing with us and for us. We want the biscuits ... right now. We want there to always be biscuits, but in the kitchen, the ingredients have to be mixed together first, and then heated in the oven. As a Christian, we struggle with the curve balls life throws at us. Most certainly when struggles come upon us and the heat of the hot oven saps our strength, we cry out in despair. We want everything "fixed" post-haste. We want biscuits now. None of us are exempt from trials. The Bible says, "... He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) It is just as true that evil comes upon us all, the just and the unjust. There is so much suffering in the world, and Christians, as I have already stated, are not exempt. Whether it is medical problems, financial problems, addictions, bullying, censorship, divorce, death, persecutions, ridicule, and on and on and on, life has a whole volley of not so nice surprises to throw at us. If we are not having problems, I'm sure we know of several among our own circle of family and friends who are, and there are many of whom we are not aware. Sooner or later, we will join others in having a lousy day. Jesus said to us all when He left this earth that He would send the Comforter. Every Christian has the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, living within them. I am of the opinion that the Holy Spirit is truly a Comforter, in the truest sense of the word. He guides our eyes to look upon Jesus and to glorify Him in our lives. He leads us to the Father in prayer, which by the way, has been made possible by Jesus. We, as a child of God, can be comforted in our trials if we allow the Comforter to do in us what He was sent to do. What was He sent to do? He was sent to glorify Jesus Christ through us. When I was in grade school (we called it "grade" school back then) the nurses would come to the schools occasionally to give all the students shots. I never did mind receiving a shot, but I recall a few others that were terrified. There was one girl in particular the nurses had to chase down the hall in order to give her the shot she needed. I quickly discovered that when the nurse gave me my shot, I hardly felt it if I looked at something in the room and concentrated on that object. That same principle holds true for the Christian. There are times in life we are going to get a shot, but if we keep our eyes and our minds fixated upon Jesus, He will help us get through the hard times. I have watched some Christians who seemed to always have a good day, and yet I knew they were suffering. Sadly, I've seen other Christians who were always having a bad day. What is the difference between the two? One kept their eyes on Jesus. The other was watching the needle penetrate their skin. Believe me, I am not making light of anyone's suffering. No sane person desires to suffer from anything. I know I don't like the battering rams of life, but we all must eventually face it. How we face it, will determine how we progress through it. I am convinced by God's Word, the smart ones will be fixated upon Jesus and not the problem. That doesn't mean we ignore it. It doesn't mean it won't hurt. It simply means, "Hey, I've got to get through this hard time, and I need help. How do I get through this?" "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber;" (Psalms 121:2-3) Maybe we should consider the old man's prayer at the beginning of this article. Maybe God wants to take the buttermilk, plain flour and lard of our life and make biscuits. If that is true, they need to be mixed and put in the oven first. Now that oven can get pretty hot, but when those biscuits are finished, "Yummmm, where's the gravy?!" I leave you with a very familiar Scripture, but what comfort it brings to the aching soul. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:28-39) Grant Phillips Email: [email protected] Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com Rapture Ready: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html Daily Jot: The tangled web of deceit - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com There is so much being broadcast and written about the Russian influence of the last presidential election that it can be extremely confusing. There are names like Comey, Ohr, Steele, Page, Strzok, Brennon, Yates, Clinton, Clapper, the secret FISA Court, and the list goes on and on. Everyday there is a new revelation. Everyday, the media reports the new twist and repeats the narrative that President Trump and Russia colluded on manipulating the 2016 Presidential Election. If the new information does not condemn the President, it is swept under the rug or a host of "experts" are used to discredit the information. And so goes the tangled web of deceit about this entire Russian investigation. Amazing to me is how the media ignores, discredits or downplays emerging facts of Democratic National Committee, the past White House, and the Clinton campaign involvement in paying for a false dossier on Trump, using that dossier to get a secret court order to spy on Trump and his campaign, release it to the media, and then use the stories the media writes to try to remove Trump from office. Further shocking, is the depth of people who were and are involved in this conspiracy at many governmental departments, levels within those departments, transcending to willing actors in the news media who refuse one set of facts in deference to a false narrative. It's the repeat of what is called the "Big Lie." As translated from "Mein Kampf," Adolf Hitler wrote: "in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility...For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying." His propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels put the big lie to practice, saying: "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State." What makes the current tangled web of deceit even more powerful is the truth mixed in with the lie. A little bit of truth makes a better lie-politicians know this and live by it. The media knows it and turns a blind eye to it by reporting what these lie-makers say without mentioning the facts-unless, of course, they want to counter news that doesn't fit their narrative. Speaking to the Pharisees in John 8:44, Jesus said, "You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." And so is such with the tangled web of deceit we currently face as a nation. Daily Devotion: The Key to Resisting Temptation - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. -James 1:12 I often overfill the hard drive on my computer because I never throw a photograph away. I have so many pictures of my family, especially my grandkids. I keep them all. Every now and then when I'm trying to open a document, a little message pops up on the screen saying the hard drive is full. I have to empty the trash and delete a few things. Wouldn't it be great if our minds were so full of the Word of God that when the Devil comes with his enticements, he would see a little sign that says the hard drive is full? Temptation generally comes to us in the mind. It comes as a thought. It sort of knocks on the door of the imagination. It has been said that you can't stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop him from building a nest in your hair. The key is to know the Word of God. In fact, it's a great thing to memorize the Word of God. The psalmist said, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11 NKJV). When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus responded by quoting Scripture. He occupied ground that every Christian can occupy. Jesus shows us how to resist temptation-and yes, temptation can be resisted. The Bible says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12 NKJV). Temptation can be resisted. The word blessed used in this verse means "happy." If you want to be a happy person, then guard your mind. Say no to temptation, and say yes to God. 
FROM THE HEART
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