Gods Holy Word

Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (New King James Version)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 (New King James Version)

1 Peter 5:8 here it is: " Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Courage is fear prayed for.

Everyone feels afraid many times during life. However, when the Bible instructs us to "fear not," it doesn't mean not to feel afraid; rather, it means to decide to press on even in the face of fear.

Several times, the Israelites were instructed to "be strong and courageous." For example, in Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses commanded Israel: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Even in the face of fear, we too must "be strong and courageous."

Indeed, we are encouraged in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to be men of courage; be strong. So, next time you feel afraid, overcome your feelings through prayer so that you can "be strong and courageous."

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 13:3 (New King James Version)

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who "will render to each one according to his deeds". Romans 2:5-6 (N.K.J.V.)

A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

Proverbs 15:5 (New King James Version)

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Ephesians 5:3-5 (New King James Version)

The Book of Revelation: Is It Relevant Today?

Many people believe the book of Revelation is all about bad news. Although it reveals where our actions and decisions will take us, it also shows how mankind will finally experience a world of peace.

Is the book of Revelation relevant today? Is it possible for us to understand it? Can we know to whom it was written—and why? What are the meanings of its mysterious symbols?

The name of the book, Revelation, is a translation of the title in the original New Testament Greek, Apocalypsis —the origin of the other name by which the book is now known, the Apocalypse. The Greek term denotes an unveiling or uncovering—thus, a revelation. It here signifies an opening up of hidden knowledge to understanding.

This book has perplexed readers for almost 2,000 years. Over the centuries it has been one of the world's most misunderstood and misinterpreted books. Yet it need not be so.

The fundamental message of the book of Revelation is simple. It promises that God will institute universal peace, prosperity and cooperation over all the earth immediately after the return of Jesus Christ. It reveals how this wonderful new world will be established and why it will never be destroyed or superseded by any other way of life or social order.

The book of Revelation also describes an incredibly deceptive alliance of internationally powerful political and religious entities attempting to prevent Jesus' reign from ever being established. Their opposition to Him and His saints will result in a time of international turmoil and suffering unlike anything the world has ever seen.

The terrifying weapons developed and manufactured using modern technology are an indication that the terrible time of trouble may be much nearer than we think. Nations have already stockpiled more than enough weapons to annihilate all human life from the face of the earth. Rogue nations increasingly gain the ability to produce and use horrifying weapons of mass destruction.

Even more frightful are terrorist groups, unable to attain their goals by conventional arms or diplomacy, that now have access to such deadly weapons. Respected advisers on international security warn that the danger of nuclear weapons being used by rogue nations or terrorist groups grows ever higher. Nuclear weapons are only one of several means of mass destruction available to unscrupulous leaders and terrorists bent on achieving their ends by any means, including mass carnage.

The book of Revelation presents us with good news and bad news about the future, giving us both aspects of the picture. On the one hand it describes the terrifying tools of destruction our advanced technology will produce —and a deceived humanity will use—at the end of this age. But it also reveals how the living God, the Creator of the universe, will intervene to prevent the annihilation of humankind. It further reveals the wonderful time of peace and a transformed world that will follow those horrible days.

You need to understand God's description of what lies ahead—and what it means to you. You need to understand how you can be a part of the good news He reveals about the future. Once you grasp the message of Revelation, you, too, will see that it contains the most remarkable message of hope ever written. Its fundamental message is plain and its conclusion certain.

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 [ N.K.J.V. )

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (New King James Version)

Turkey and the EU

Where will it end?

Date: 3/26/2009

The relationship between the European Union and Turkey can often seem like two thirteen year-old kids at a junior-high dance: they know they're supposed to be dancing, but it’s painfully awkward, and frankly, someone’s going to get their toes stepped on. Like all dances, the original idea sounded like a good one, as by joining the EU Turkey was supposed to become a shining example of a Muslim nation that is also a western style democracy, ideally situated on the edge of the Middle East. But as time has progressed it would appear that the matter may end disappointingly.

When visiting Istanbul one can have the impression that indeed Turkey does deserve admittance to a club of western, modern democracies. However, if you get out of the posh sections of Taksim or the tourist areas of Sultanahmet, and venture into the poorer, western sections of the city, the contrasts between Europe and Turkey become quite stark. Headscarves and full body coverings for the women are the norm in those areas, men too are in traditional garb and the levels of poverty are noticeably higher. This is just Istanbul, however, which is widely seen as the most progressive area of Turkey. The interior of Anatolia is known to be home to a much more conservative population which means that the differences between Europe and Turkey become even more pronounced there.

It is these more conservative elements of society which have lent their support to the strongest political movement in Turkey, the AK or Justice and Development Party. Led by Recip Erdogan, the AK party presents itself as a moderate, but still conservative party which appeals to the Islamic sensibilities of the population. As prime-minister for Turkey, Mr. Erdogan has developed an image of a well intentioned reformer. However, his recent history paints a different story, one of a more radical, and Islamicist politician who once proclaimed in a public speech, “The Islamic nation is waiting for the rise of the Muslim Turkish nation. We will. This rebellion will start”. Mr. Erdogan was also sentenced to a jail term for what were considered actions that subverted the Turkish secular state in 1998.

The ties between the AK party and past Islamic extremists are well known. It has its roots in what was previously known as the Welfare Party, a now banned Islamic political party which was declared illegal in 1998. The Welfare Party was forced out of government in the late 90s under pressure by the one institution within Turkish society which acts as the ultimate bulwark against Islamic radicalization, the Turkish military. The military’s objection to Welfare’s government arose due to what were then perceived as attempts by the party to turn the country in a radical, Islamic direction. Turkey’s generals see themselves as the guardians of the legacy of modern Turkey’s founder, Attaturk, who instituted numerous reforms within the nation geared towards limiting Islamic influence and instigating modernity. There is no doubt today, that the Turkish officer corps is the major reason why the AK Party is cautious in regard to its fundamentalist ideals.

In relation to the European Union, however, the AK Party has been enthusiastically pushing for entry to the club. It at first may seem strange for a traditionalist party with ties to Islamic fundamentalism to be desiring entry to what, for all intents and purposes, appears to be a grouping of largely “Christian” or secular nations. On the other hand this policy might serve to actually cause Turkey to move away from ties to the west and towards a more Islamic orientation. There are at least two reasons for this.

First, Turkey cannot enter the European Union without proving-up its democratic credentials. It is inconceivable for a member state in the European Union to allow the military to have a role in political affairs. Therefore, entry into the Union will mean that the Turkish state must be reformed so that the military is forced out of politics completely. While this may enhance Turkey’s democratic credentials in the short term, it also removes the one institution within the country which has prevented the rise of pro-Islamic parties in the past. The current government, whose members have a history of antagonism towards the secular military establishment,could bring about changes which would limit the military's influence under the guise of preparing the nation to join the EU.

Second, rejected lovers are notoriously resentful, and while Turkey may be enthusiastic to join the EU, the affection does not run both ways. Germany for one and France for another, are two, big countries within Europe which range from being lukewarm about Turkey to dead-set against membership. The other member states of the EU are hardly enthusiastic about the idea, and recent polls put opinion on the European street at even lower levels. The chances do not look good for a Turkish bid for EU membership, which means that rejection is likely. One can only imagine how such an insult would play on the streets of Istanbul. Certainly a “No” from Europe would undermine any sense of Turkish solidarity with the secular nations of Europe; sentiments which play into the hands of those who wish to push Turkey towards Islamic extremism.

The EU is unenthusiastic about Turkey becoming a member, but nevertheless, the invitation to negotiate has been extended. The Turkish government has thus been in ongoing talks since the early 1990s with Brussels, meanwhile nations which are arguably less well-off economically, like Bulgaria and Romania, have been rushed into the club ahead of it. If indeed the dance continues to what would appear to be a surely inglorious end, then we may well see Turkey limp off the floor with its smarting toes, insulted, and intent on charting a different course for itself away from Europe altogether, and towards a more Islamic and extreme self-identification.

Israel Alone

Many in Israel, including those in leadership positions, are beginning to experience that “sinking feeling”. It’s the feeling that comes when you look up at the horizon and see dark storm clouds gathering en masse.

The new administration in Washington, and the European Union, are putting pressure on the new Israeli government to agree to a 2-state solution in efforts to solve the never-ending Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The two-state solution envisions two separate sovereign countries within the borders of present day Israel. The state of Israel would continue to be governed by the Jews. The other state – the yet-to-be formed Palestinian state – would be governed by Muslim Arabs.

Many in Israel fear the two-state solution because they believe a totally sovereign, independent Palestinian nation would be manipulated by Iran and used as a proxy by the Iranian government to wage war upon Israel. Also, Israeli Jews believe that the terrorist organization Hamas would impose its will on the new Palestinian nation. Hamas’ goal is to drive all Jews from the land of Israel, killing them if necessary. A new Palestinian state would only embolden Hamas – an Hamas that would continually wage war against Israel.

EU Angry with Israel…

Recently, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana made it clear that the EU will only remain on good terms with Israel if Israel agrees to a Palestinian State. Speaking of Israel, Mr. Solana was quoted saying:

"We will be ready to do business as usual, normally with a government in Israel that is prepared to continue talking and working for a two-state solution...Let me say very clearly that the way the European Union will relate to a government that is not committed to a two-state solution will be very, very different."

European leaders are usually careful to hide their anti-Israeli feelings, but some are now losing their patience with Israel and becoming more vocal. Many European leaders believe Israel is the main reason there is no peace in the Middle East. They view Israel as the oppressors of the Palestinian Arab people. It is not just European leaders who are biased against Israel. The European press often bashes Israel whenever they get the chance, painting the Israeli government as bullies and depicting Palestinian Arabs as victims.

It is easy to see the bias in the European press. For example, one high-profile correspondent of a major news company told a Hamas rally that journalists and media organizations are waging a news war, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Palestinian people.

Increasingly, in Europe the average man in the street is growing more and more angry at Israel. A survey done a few years ago found 59 percent of Europeans believe Israel represents the biggest obstacle to Mideast and world peace. In January of this year, when Israel was forced to enter the Gaza strip to stop Hamas from bombing Israeli towns and villages, anti-Israeli protests erupted all over Europe drawing thousands of people.

Many Europeans believe that if only Israel would give over land to the Palestinians, enabling Palestinian Arabs to create their own state, then Palestinians would no longer feel the need to attack Israel—such conclusions are foolish, and naïve at best. Land for peace has not worked in the past and it will not work in the future.

Washington to Pressure Israel

Where does the new administration in Washington stand on the issue of a Palestinian state? Washington along with European leaders appear to be on the same page when it comes to a new country for Palestinian Arabs.

The Obama Administration in Washington has made it clear it will accept no other outcome to the Middle East peace process than the birth of a completely sovereign Palestinian state. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Israel in March and informed reporters that she and President Barack Obama plan to be "vigorously engaged" in bringing about the birth of "Palestine”, asserting that, "there is no time to waste."

President Obama’s Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, will be pushing Israel to cave to Arab demands. Those demands include that Israel give up strategic land-packages as well as give the Palestinians total control over East Jerusalem—the desired location of the new Palestinian capital. Such demands are repulsive to incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insists that the Palestinians have demonstrated they will use such a state to launch attacks against Israel.

The New Prime Minister has not ruled out negotiations with the Palestinians, but he does not believe Israel should concede territory to the Palestinians in advance of negotiations. The Palestinians want total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the West Bank before they will negotiate. Prime Minister Netanyahu believes such a withdrawal in advance of negotiations would only encourage Palestinians to demand more. Mr. Netanyahu believes Israel must insist on retaining 50 percent of the West Bank – the open areas in the Jordan Valley and the Judean Desert that serve as a buffer for Israeli security concerns.

The Iranian Concern

No doubt both the Europeans and Americans will be pressuring Israel to give up land for peace. What a tragedy. It is yet to be seen whether or not the new Israeli government will cave to the pressure. And on top of the Palestinian concern is the Iranian nuclear threat. It looks as if Iran could have a nuclear device within the next 12-18 months.

The Obama Administration favors negotiations rather than military action when it comes to Iran. But as some Europeans are now saying, “We have been negotiating with the Iranians for years and nothing has changed.” Years of negotiations with Iran have only allowed Iran to work more diligently on their nuclear program. Israel is very concerned and cannot sit by indefinitely in a passive attitude while negotiations drag on and on.

On March 16th Israeli army chief Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi told his American counterparts that while diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program should move forward, Israel has no choice but to prepare for military action. In meetings with special US envoy to the Persian Gulf, Dennis Ross, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ashkenazi said that Israel wants a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the crisis but cannot under any circumstances tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. Washington does not want to hear such blunt talk.

Israel’s problems are many, and they are great; it looks as if she can only expect a thin veneer of support from the U.S. and even less support from the EU. Increasingly, there are whispers heard in Israel that—Israel stands alone.

Bible prophecy tell us that those who meddle with Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem, at the end-time will come to regret their meddling:

"Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it" (Zechariah 12:2-3)

Human solutions will be futile. Only Jesus Christ and his return to this earth can solve once and for all the problems that continually plague the Middle East.

From the Desk of Steven LeBlanc

Three Days and Three Nights

On one of the many occasions when Jesus was challenged by Scribes and Pharisees, He was asked to offer them proof of His Messiahship: they wanted him to show them a miraculous sign. Answering His critics, Jesus first chastised them, pointing out they were part of “an evil and adulterous generation” that required signs, and then He turned to them and said:

“ …no sign will be given to it (the present generation) except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so too will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the Earth.” (Matthew 12:39-40)

This was the sign Christ was willing to give the recalcitrant Pharisees: the sign involving His death, which they were seeking, and His resurrection, which was something they would later deny. It was the true sign He was the Messiah, their Savior. The miraculous healings they had already witnessed could be reasoned away, but His resurrection from the dead after three days and three nights in the tomb? Never! This was ultimately the proof Christ would offer to those who doubted Him, and it was the evidence countless generations of Christians would point to as proof of His divinity.

Given the importance of the miracle of His resurrection, Christ prophesied using a precise timetable showing when He would rise from the dead. Strange as it may seem, however, modern Christianity commemorates this event on a day when it could not have happened, EASTER SUNDAY! In their ignorance, Christians deny the very sign He gave them as evidence that He is their Messiah. They do not understand Christ could not have been resurrected on their popular holiday.

How long was Christ in the tomb?

No human witnessed Christ’s resurrection. The only record we have of it is the one contained in the Bible. Thus the answer to when Christ was resurrected must come from inspired scripture. Otherwise we are simply speculating. A close look at Jonah’s confinement in the belly of the great fish should give us the answer.

Most would agree that the three days and three nights Jonah spent in the fish’s belly constitute a period of seventy-two hours. The daytime period is generally understood to mean a twelve hour period of light, as confirmed by Christ in John 11:9-10:

John 11:9-10: 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." NKJV

If we accept that Christ was working from the principle of a day being twelve hours, and a night being twelve hours, then three days and three nights constitute a seventy-two hour period.

If one needs to find further evidence for this point, the account of Genesis 1:4-13 provides it. Here we see again that God divided the day into two halves:

"[God] divided the light from darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening [darkness] and the morning [light] were the first day ....And the evening [darkness] and the morning [light] were the second day .... And the evening [now three periods of darkness called night-- three nights] and the morning [now three periods of light called day -- three days] were the third day" (Gen. 1:4-13)

From the text above one can see that three full days are equal to three night (darkness) periods and three daytime (light) periods, constituting a full seventy-two hours.

It may seem a bit trivial to spend so much time defining a day and a night; nevertheless, proponents of an Easter resurrection have based the accuracy of their timeline on numerous and “innovative” ways of counting. The truth is, the three days and three nights Christ gave as evidence of His Messiahship are exactly what any rational person would believe them to be, a period of seventy-two hours.

Good Friday to Easter Sunday

Since Christ was to be in the grave for seventy-two hours, it becomes immediately apparent that the Good Friday to Easter Sunday timeline celebrated by most Christians today is flawed. If Christ was killed in the afternoon of “Good Friday” as most Christians believe, there is no way he could have risen on the morning of Easter Sunday. It is impossible to squeeze seventy-two hours into that scenario. Here is what scripture has to say on the subject:

"And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and AFTER three days rise again.” (Mark 8:16)

Any way you count it, Sunday morning cannot be three full days from Friday afternoon, unless you want to redefine a day and a night as “parts of three days and three nights”, which does not square at all with Christ’s clear teaching. However, this is the explanation and justification for celebrating Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday morning given by most theologians today.

When was Christ crucified?

In order to get this whole matter straightened out, it is perhaps best to begin first by determining when Christ was crucified. Scripture tells us that the crucifixion took place on the day referred to as the “preparation" day. According to Jewish practice this was the day preceding a "Sabbath" (Matt. 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54). As we know already, a day in the Bible is counted from sunset to sunset (Lev. 23:32, Genesis 1:19), not from midnight to midnight as is common today.

The Bible further records that Jesus cried out from the stake then died soon after "the ninth hour". This would be three o'clock in the afternoon by modern reference. Also, Christ was crucified on a “preparation day”, but not the preparation day that regularly precedes the weekly (Saturday) Sabbath. Rather the crucifixion took place on the day that preceded an annual High Sabbath that began the festival of Unleavened Bread (Matt. 27:46-50; Mark 15:34-37; Luke 23:44-46), which immediately follows the day of the Passover. By Jewish tradition, all criminals had to be taken down from the stake before the start of the festival – before the sun set signaling the High Day had begun (Matt. 27:57; Luke 23:52-54; John 19:42).

We read in the book of John: "There laid they Jesus…..because of the Jews' preparation day for the sepulcher was nigh at hand”. According to the laws observed by the Jews, all dead bodies had to be buried before the beginning of a Sabbath or festival High Day. Hence Jesus was buried before sunset on the same day He died. It is clear that Christ's body was buried in the late afternoon sometime between 3 p.m. and sunset on the preparation day preceding the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as these scriptures clearly indicate.

Many who know very little about “Judaism” are confused by the reference to a “preparation day”, believing it refers only to Friday when Jews traditionally prepare for the weekly Sabbath observance. Lacking knowledge of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, they do not make distinction between the preparation day of the weekly Sabbath and the preparation day, which precedes a Holy Day or a High Sabbath. It is important to understand the Bible makes reference to two types of Sabbaths. The first is a weekly seventh-day Sabbath, and the second is a Holy Day Sabbath or “High Sabbath” which occurs annually and can fall on any day of the week (See Leviticus 16:31; 23:24, 26-32,39).

The book of John gives us a clear reference to what kind of Sabbath followed the day of Christ’s crucifixion, “Now it was the Preparation day of the Passover” (John 19:14 NKJV) The whole period from Passover through the Festival of Unleavened Bread was referred to as the Passover, but the High Days occur at the beginning and the end of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It was the preparation day before a High Day, not the weekly Sabbath, that Christ was crucified on. Thus the crucifixion did not necessarily take place on a Friday.

Putting the Story Together

What we do know is that Christ was crucified in the late afternoon and buried before the evening began. We also know that Christ had to be in the tomb for seventy-two hours, which is to say, three days and three nights; and thus He must have been resurrected immediately at the end of the seventy-two hours, which would have been at the time of day we would call the late afternoon, before sunset. Finally, we know that the day He died was the day of preparation for the annual “High Day” which could have fallen on any day of the week. If we carefully use these facts, we can clearly understand when Christ was crucified.

The first people to visit Christ’s tomb and report He was resurrected were some of the women disciples including Mary Magdalene who showed up early on the FIRST day of the week, which according to the Jewish calendar would be Sunday (John 20:1). When Mary and the other women arrived, they saw a tomb that had already been opened (Mark 16:2-4). Many Christians today read into this account the false premise that this meant Christ was resurrected Sunday morning, but in fact that is impossible. For Christ to have been resurrected on Sunday, he would have had to rise in the late afternoon in order to complete the seventy-two hour time cycle (Remember, since he was buried just before sunset, he would have to rise at the same time seventy-two hours later). John 20:1 only tells us that by Sunday morning he had already risen:

“Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.” (John 20:1 NKJV)

What Mary Magdelene and the others found was a tomb that was already empty and an angel who appeared to them and told them Jesus had already risen. Since we know Christ had to be resurrected before sunset (72 hours after He was buried), it is clear that the end of the seventy-two hour period came BEFORE Sunday even began, before the sun set on the preceding Sabbath day. This means He rose late Saturday, which fulfilled perfectly the sign He gave the recalcitrant Pharisees: the sign of Jonah’s literal three days and three nights in the belly of the fish!

What day of the week did the crucifixion fall on?

In order to discover the actual day of the week Christ was crucified on, we must count back seventy-two hours from just before the sunset ending the Saturday Sabbath observance. Counting backward we come to Wednesday just before sunset! This means that Christ died on a Wednesday afternoon, the preparation day for that year’s High Sabbath that began the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He was placed in the tomb just before the sun set.

There are numerous other biblical scriptures, even prophetic points, that support this time-line. However, many will wonder why it matters at all. The short answer to this is that the true timeline of Christ’s death shows that the celebration of Good Friday and Easter Sunday do not have any basis in historical fact, and are in no way connected to Christ’s true sacrifice. Moreover, understanding the truth regarding Christ’s resurrection reassures us that His proof of His being the Messiah was true. Christ does not require us to understand complex mathematical formulas or reason around the obvious in order for us to prove who He was. In fact, all we have to do is read the four separate accounts that tell us when and how the crucifixion happened (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), count three days and three nights, and then we see the resurrection occurred when and how Christ told us it would.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Revelation 3:19 (New King James Version)

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16 (New King James)

Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14 (New King James]

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (New King James]

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version)

Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9 (New King James Version)

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 (N.K.JV.]

WAR ON GOD’S WORD IN THE END TIMES

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Psalms 2:1-6).

The war on God’s Word is as old as man. It began in the Garden of Eden, when the Devil said to Eve, “Yea, hath God said,” and, “Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:1-4). The Bible prophesies that the age-old warfare between God and Satan will grow throughout the church age and will come to a head at the end of this age just preceding the return of Christ. Paul described the course of the church age in 2 Timothy 3:13, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” And in His parables, Christ said the leaven of error will increase until “the whole was leavened” (Matthew 13:33).

The bud of rebellion will grow into full bloom, and we see this on every hand. Over the past two centuries rebellion to God’s Word has spread like ivy. It is said that ivy has three stages. It sleeps; it creeps; and it leaps. End-time rebellion slept in the eighteenth century, crept in the nineteenth, and leapt in the twentieth

WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE IS USED IN THIS COLUMN

The massive push by sodomites and lesbians to sell their deviant sexual preferences based on "born that way," must be exposed because it is a lie.

For the record and this column, I do not use the word 'gay' except as used in a media source. Using the word 'gay' to describe those who engage in sodomy is nothing more than clever marketing to distract people from what a homosexual does with another man. The word 'gay' is used to present an uplifting feeling instead of picturing what sodomites and lesbians do between the sheets and openly on the streets. (Warning: graphic photos: sodomites and lesbians.) "Alternative lifestyles" is more clever word smithing to take people's attention away from the act of sodomy and lesbian sex.

This column is not about hate, it's about the truth. As a Christian my entire life, I was taught and strive to live the teaching: hate the sin, love the sinner. Hate what the person is doing to themselves and pray they will stop. This column is about exposing the propaganda that sodomites and lesbians are "born that way." I feel pity for men and women who have been brainwashed into believing such a monstrous lie, putting their immortal soul at jeopardy, not to mention their psychological and physical well being.

The lies via massive, well calculated propaganda has spread to churches where there are now sexual deviants as pastors and ministers. Deceiving and selling the souls of their faithful to justify their own perversions. The Church of Scotland has just appointed its first queer (We're queer, we're here"!) cleric: "The Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland said it was "delighted" with the result. Alyson Thomson, head of communications, said: "The Church of Scotland General Assembly has set out a clear stall – it is a modern church for a modern Scotland.”

A "modern" church for a "modern" Scotland. What does Almighty God have to say about sodomy? Here's just a few examples:

"You shall not lie with a male as those who lie with a female; it is an abomination." -- Leviticus 18:22

"If a man lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination and they shall surely be put to death." -- Leviticus 20:13

"For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions: for their women exchanged the natural use for that which is against nature. And in the same way also the men abandoned the natural use of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error." -- Romans 1:26-27

"Who, knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:32

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Leviticus 18:22

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Leviticus 20:13

God's word is perfect, but those who choose to practice sodomy and lesbian sex chant Bible scripture is misunderstood, not modern enough or taken out of context. None of us can read English or understand such simple words. After all, Jesus was "tolerant."

In 586 BCE, on 9 Av, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, destroyed the city of Jerusalem, including the first Temple. Two thousand five hundred fifty-three years later, on 28 Iyar 5727 (June 7, 1967), during the Six-Day War, Israel regained control of biblical east Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount. Israel, for the first time in more than 2,500 years, was in complete control of the entire city. Unfortunately, within a few days, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan gave control of the Temple Mount to the Moslems. However, he did manage to maintain Israeli sovereignty over the Mount. Thirteen years later, Israel adopted its "Basic Law: Jerusalem", declaring, "Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel".

If the above had happened in any other nation, it wouldn't have received much attention from the rest of the world. But it didn't happen in just any other nation. It happened in the nation of Israel. Because of this, the entire world is in an uproar.

On November 29, 1947 -- six months before the declaration of the State of Israel -- the United Nations passed Resolution 181 (II). One of the main points of this resolution was the establishment of Jerusalem as a corpus separatum ("body of separate covenant"). It means, basically, that the UN separated the city of Jerusalem from the rest of the world and created a separate covenant for it. The impact of this is very significant. This has never been done before in all of history. Eventually, in 1950 the UN adopted the "Statute for the City of Jerusalem." This document set forth the rules and regulations for the administration of the city of Jerusalem by a trusteeship set up by the United Nations. It would be an international city; it would not be linked to or controlled by any nation or government except the United Nations.

Why would the world's leaders be so concerned with an ancient city like Jerusalem? Physically, it's not that special. It's located approximately 27 miles inland from the coast. It has no natural resources. Most of it is built upon the ruins of previous structures. So what is it that makes it so important that the United Nations would deem it necessary to set it apart from any other city or nation in the entire world?

An interesting fact about Jerusalem is that it has never been important to the nations unless it was important to Israel. When the Jewish people began returning to the Land in large numbers during the late 1800's, the nations of the world began to stir. It was just a little more than 50 years later that the UN adopted its "Statute for the City of Jerusalem".

The truth is that the importance of Jerusalem lies in its spiritual aspect, not its physical makeup. It's a city that lives and responds to Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel. Yahweh declared to Ezekiel how He had mercy on Jerusalem, how He blessed her and made a covenant with her (Ezekiel 16.6-14). Jeremiah lamented of her misery and suffering after Yahweh judged her (Lamentations 1.1-22). Yet Yahweh declared that He will not forget Jerusalem; He will establish an everlasting covenant with her (Ezekiel 16.60-63). Jerusalem is the center of the earth, according to the Yahweh (Ezekiel 5.5). Its very existence continually proves that there is a God and that He will judge every man and hold him accountable for his deeds.

Yahweh has declared that Jerusalem is the place from which He will reign: "At that time they shall call Jerusalem 'Throne of Yahweh'" (Jeremiah 3.17a). The Lord said He was "exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem" (Zechariah 1.14). Many of the prophets spoke of Yahweh's return to Jerusalem. Yahweh declared through Zechariah, "'I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it'" (Zechariah 1.16a; see also Zechariah 2.12; 8.3)..

Yet Yahweh also declared that Jerusalem would be a problem for the nations of the world (Zechariah 12.2-3). He also gave warning of His judgment against those who come against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12.9; 14.12).

Jerusalem is important to Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel. It is the place that He has chosen to dwell in the midst of His creation for all of eternity. It is also the place from where He will judge the nations.

In our day literally all of the nations of the world are gathering against Israel. The line has been drawn in the sand. It is the people of Yahweh, the God of Israel, standing against all the nations of the world. Whose side will you be on? This is not the time to be straddling the fence. Now is the time to make a stand. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for through her peace will come the peace of the world. Enter into the battle. Stand and see the salvation of Yahweh.

Lee Underwood writes Biblical-based articles and commentaries, which can be found at: http://www.shamar.org. The purpose of the Web site is to spread biblical truth; to correct false teachings and general misunderstandings, and to help those who have suffered spiritual abuse at the hands of false teachers and self-appointed leaders. In addition, he also writes, edits and publishes news of Israel for the

Mr. Ahmadinejad has declared that Israel is a "tumor" that must be "wiped off the map." He also states that the world war 2 Holocaust never happened, roll out another madman who must be totally insane.! Now roll out the coming Islamic Saviour (Mahdi),

"The Guided One." Again Muhammad is deceiving his people with wrongful scripture;

this 12th Imam "al Mahdi" is superior to Christ The Son Of The Living God.! The truth

being in fact that Muhammad is a prophet? it is up to the Muslim peoples to decide what is true or what is false.?

Ahmadinejad And The Islamic Saviour!

By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

1. John 4:13-15 (New King James Version)

"Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." James 3 : 16.

Who Will Be the Next Superpower?

Bible prophecy shows the United States will not be the world’s preeminent power indefinitely. A new superpower is rising to challenge the United States and the other English-speaking nations.

by Melvin Rhodes

For over 60 years, since the end of World War II, the United States has been the world's preeminent power. For four decades it had a rival, the Soviet Union. But since the fall of communism there has been only one global superpower. Nations have risen and fallen throughout history. The United States is no exception. Eventually, inevitably, America will lose its supremacy, just as the British lost theirs to the United States.

Who will replace the United States as the world's global leader?

The candidates

There are plenty of candidates.

Could it be China, which has the biggest population and one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world? Could it be India, with over 1 billion people and a booming economy? Or, perhaps, it's an alliance of Middle Eastern nations, increasingly the recipients of great wealth?

The fact is that the United States has already lost its economic preeminence to a rival superpower in the making.

"At the dawn of the twenty-first century, a geopolitical revolution of historic dimensions is under way across the Atlantic: the unification of Europe. Twenty-five nations have joined together—with another dozen or so on the waiting list—to build a common economy, government, and culture. Europe is a more integrated place today that at any time since the Roman Empire."

So wrote T.R. Reid, former London bureau chief for the Washington Post, in the prologue to his 2004 book The United States of Europe: The New Superpower and the End of American Supremacy.

Continuing, Mr. Reid wrote: "The new United States of Europe—to use Winston Churchill's phrase—has more people, more wealth, and more trade than the United States of America. The New Europe cannot match American military strength (and doesn't want to, for that matter). But it has more votes in every international organization than the United States, and it gives away far more money in development aid. The result is global economic and political clout that makes the European Union exactly what its leaders want it to be: a second superpower that can stand on equal footing with the United States."

In the year that Mr. Reid wrote his book, the EU added 10 new members to make the 25 he mentioned. At that moment in time, the EU surpassed the United States as the world's biggest single market. Less than four years later, with the falling value of the U.S. dollar and the rise in the value of the euro, in the midst of the credit crunch, the 15-nation euro zone overtook the United States.

With the addition of Romania and Bulgaria, the EU now has 27 members, with others trying to qualify for membership. Even stricter rules apply to joining the 15-member euro zone—out of the 12 countries of the EU that do not presently use the euro, nine are in line to join, but their finances are not considered sound enough.

In January 2009 the 27 will have one president over them, prior to the new American president taking office. He may not have as much military clout as his American counterpart, but through Europe's growing economic power, his international influence is likely to be just as great.

Europe is on track to achieve its primary goal, explained in the closing paragraph of Mr. Reid's prologue: "…the leaders and the people of the EU are determined to change a world that had been dominated by Americans. Indeed, that goal has become a powerful motivator for the New Europe—to create a United States of Europe that is not the United States of America. One clear result of the unification of Europe is that the gap between the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean is growing wider every day."

This growing division was highlighted during President George W. Bush's April 2008 visit to Bucharest, Romania, for the NATO summit. The United States, which was accustomed to getting its own way in NATO, found the Europeans this time refusing to go along with American plans for expanding the military alliance.

Washington supported Ukraine and Georgia's request for membership in the world's oldest military alliance, but Germany and France opposed their entry, fearing increased conflict with Russia. Mr. Bush suffered further embarrassment when, after announcing that Croatia, Albania and Macedonia were to be admitted as new members, Greece vetoed Macedonia's membership.

The Europeans are increasingly flexing their muscles—often at American expense.

While their goal is an "ever closer union," as agreed to in the 1957 Treaty of Rome that laid the basis for the present EU, they aren't likely to call themselves the United States of Europe. Their desire is for a distinctly separate identity from the United States—democratic, but with their own style, taking into account historical and geographical realities.

For the fact is that the European Union is composed of nations that have spent much of the last 1,000 years concentrating on living and preserving their separate identities, often having to defend themselves to exist. Now they are voluntarily coming together, giving up aspects of their own sovereignty in order to accomplish the goal of that "ever closer union."

Mr. Reid put it very well when he wrote that "Europe is a more integrated place today than at any time since the Roman Empire."

Indeed, the latest attempt at unifying Europe is one of a number of revivals throughout history that tried to resurrect the Roman Empire. Previous attempts were by conquest. This time it's all voluntary, which means it's coming together more slowly but with far greater support and enthusiasm.

In the past, the military of one power forcibly united the others; now economics is the driving force as Europe and its currency the euro achieve universal supremacy.

Roman Empire prophesied

In the Old Testament book of Daniel we read that God "removes kings and raises up kings" (Daniel 2:21). God is behind the rise and fall of nations.

Daniel saw this for himself. Born in the kingdom of Judah, Daniel was taken captive as a teenager when the mighty Babylonian Empire conquered his nation. Here he spent the better part of 70 years.

Just as Daniel saw the invasion and fall of his home country, he was to live to see the invasion and fall of Babylon. Persia conquered the conquerors in October 539 B.C.

Daniel knew this was going to happen. God had used him to reveal the meaning of a dream King Nebuchadnezzar had. The dream and its interpretation are recorded in chapter 2 of the book of Daniel. In verse 39, Daniel explained that three other great gentile empires would succeed the Babylonian Empire. We see five verses later that these empires would culminate in the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth.

Some years later, Daniel himself had a similar vision that gave him a deeper understanding of these prophesied events. In his vision, Daniel saw four great beasts (Daniel 7:3), four great gentile empires, "each different from the other."

"The first was like a lion" (verse 4, Babylon); the "second, like a bear" (verse 5 Persia); the third, "like a leopard," depicted Alexander the Great and his Grecian Empire, which would have "four heads," the four generals who were to divide up his empire after his untimely death (verse 6).

"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth…It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns" (verse 7). The successor to Greece was Rome, centuries after Daniel's vision.

But notice the reference to "ten horns" in verse 7. In the following verse, verse 8, we read that "there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots."

A horn is a symbol of aggressive strength, and it is associated with political authority and power. The 10 horns mentioned here, with three to be plucked out by the roots, lead in time to the establishment of the Kingdom of God, as verse 9 shows, "I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated."

As the Kingdom of God has not yet been established on the earth, this is still future.

If the Roman Empire is the last of the four beasts mentioned in Daniel chapters 2 and 7, and the Roman Empire immediately precedes the Kingdom of God, then clearly the 10 horns mentioned here are revivals of the Roman Empire down through history. The final resurrection of the Roman Empire is prophesied in the New Testament book of Revelation, a book dealing specifically with end-time events and the Day of the Lord.

The European Union was founded by the Treaty of Rome. Its expressed intent is to form "an ever closer union." What began as an economic union developed into a monetary union. Now it is becoming a full political union. Out of it will come the nations that form the prophesied Beast power, the final revival of the Roman Empire that leads directly into the Kingdom of God.

Revelation 13:3 shows that the entire world will be astounded when it sees the revived Roman Empire. "And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast." Its power and authority will affect the whole earth.

Other revivals of the Roman Empire have been attempted throughout history. This article begins a series that will examine each of those resurrections helping readers to understand the background to what has become the world's biggest single economic power with a currency to rival the U.S. dollar—the chief economic rival to American supremacy. The EU is not the Beast, but the Beast will likely come out of it as the final revival of the Roman Empire. WNP

Among the lamp stands there was someone like the Son of Man. Revelation 1:13

Then I said to him, What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left? And I answered the second time and said to him, What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, which empty the golden oil from themselves? So he answered me, saying, Do you not know what these are? And I said, No, my lord. Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth. Zechariah 4:11-14

And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. Revelation 11:3-4,7

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (New King James Version)

"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:43-45 (New King James]

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27 (King James Version)

Matthew 7:21-23 (King James Version)

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (King James Version)

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:8 (King James Version)

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:9 (King James Version)

Is love all you need?

In Matthew 28:19, 20, Jesus made a powerful statement that we should consider. In verse 20, He commanded His followers to "[teach] them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." The Greek word for "observe" means "to watch" or "to keep." Did He command us to keep Christmas or Easter? If we follow in His footsteps, we will "keep" what He kept-and Jesus Christ kept the biblical Holy Days.

To keep these days implies we will "watch" the calendar to anticipate and prepare for them, which is exactly what is done by those who observe the Holy Days. There is great joy while we eagerly await each of the festivals.

Some believe we don't need to observe any days, and only need to have love. But how does one "observe" love? Holy Days are observed, but one does not observe love. The way to love God and our neighbor is explained in 1 John 5:2, 3: "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 1 John 2:22 (New King James)

Then, since the purpose of this life is to find god, and that results in love; then the purpose of this life is to create love. Love creates love. Love loves love.

One definition of love I like from eastern religion is: "giving with absolutely no expectation of return."

Paul gives us a wonderful definition of Love:

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited, arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude, unmannerly, and does not act unbecomingly. Love, God's love in us, does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it .

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything.

Love never fails. As for prophecy, the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose, it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

...

And so faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:4-13

All truth passes through three stages:

First, it is ridiculed;

Second, it is violently opposed; an

Third, it is accepted as self-evident.

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860]

ARE WE CLOSER TO 1938 THEN WE REALIZE?

By Dr. Laurie Roth

May 15, 2009

NewsWithViews.com

What is America’s biggest Threat….moral decline, Islamic Fundamentalism, national debt and credit nightmares? To some it is simply the “all powerful and intrusive Jews.” The Jews control all media, our economy, who gets elected President, our entertainment business and moral downfall. Of course we would never dream of turning on the Jews as those pesky Germans did with Hitler at the helm. We are about freedom, civil liberties and equality for everyone aren’t we? We are civilized and certain types of oppression and evil would never enter our heads.

How is it that Germany, one of the most civilized countries on earth in 1938 with the best literacy rate, top scientists, theologians and musical artists, basically culture, pie squared, would end up being complicate in leading, organizing even to the point of body clean up one of the largest and most gruesome mass murders in the history of the world?

What were the elements of this evil within Germany and are there things we should watch for in our own culture and country right now?

Germans in 1938 were depressed about their national identity and esteem. They were still reeling from losing WW I. In addition, their economy was struggling, unemployment was high, and they were looking for a way back to national health and pride. Before Hitler even showed up, Jews were considered peculiar and second-class. Once Hitler showed up he worked the national needs and wounds of the German people. He created the scapegoat that had cultivated all their countries problems, national security, immigration issues, economic struggles, unemployment, and problems with watering down the German blood line, thus potentially destroying the Germans and their future.

Hitler didn’t speak about burning and experimenting on Jewish babies, burning Mom’s in ovens and torturing families. His well-delivered propaganda was the creation of an enemy that was destroying the German people. Thus you saw millions look the other way, even some Pastors turned on the Jews. After all, they were the people who killed Jesus weren’t they? Many justified doing nothing to help the Jews or turning in whole families to the Gestapo.

Is it so much different now with the breaches in moral judgment that would lead parts of Europe and even Canada to accept Sharia law in some courts just to appease the Muslims? Even the Archbishop of Canterbury, representive of the largest Christian denomination in Britain recently was making a case for Sharia law to also be accepted in Britain since they had so many Muslims living there. There are Muslims in this country who push for the same, special treatment in court, rulings under Sharia law. Never mind the small detail that Sharia law talks of beating wives for simply being high handed with a husband, executing husbands or wives for adultery, executing all gays, cutting off hands for robbery and eye for eye vengeance, just to name a few legal and religious principles incorporated into Sharia law. Is this madness a lot different then wiping out those Jewish infidels who have allegedly so persecuted the desperate Palestinians?

Canada and Europe are civilized nations and allies, way past the horror and bloody memories of WW II and the holocaust. Even so they allow Sharia courts peppered here and there simply to appease the out of control Muslim population. Is the growing Islamic fundamentalism through out Europe going to become the new Nazi party, who targets Jews and Christians by getting elected, suing in court battles, intimidated teachers and administrators to rewrite curriculum in schools and setting up Sharia law courts?

The thing that really worries me about so many of our politicians, preachers, teachers and media folks in sheep’s clothing is that they hide behind many real issues of concern for most of us such as illegal immigration, the North American union, our moral down fall and national debt. Where they differ from most of us is how they connect the dots and track accountability. Inevitably as you track the white supremacists and Nazis of our day, it’s only after much seduction and compelling propaganda that Jews are mentioned as the culprits. By that time, the lazy, follower is sucked in just as the gullible Germans were. Don’t be a mindless, hateful fool.

Jews are just one group that gets maligned, but who could be next in our own country given the climate we are in? We don’t have to go very far to know who is in the viewfinder after reading the April release of the Homeland Security Report targeting, VETS, folks who are supportive of our second amendment, pro sovereignty people, pro lifers, those wanting less taxation and less Government….on and on.

Interestingly with the HUGE public outcry against this anti American report, Nepolitano and Homeland security have totally refuted it and said this week that they had pulled back all state wide versions and would never allow a report like that to be released again. WE THE PEOPLE STILL HAVE POWER IN THIS COUNTRY FOLKS EVEN WHEN WE ARE TARGETTED!

In short -- probably not. It is unlikely that Obama is the antichrist, judging by his background and today's events. Though he may be a forerunner -- a "John the Baptist". Clearly, judging by the way the mainstream media and so many public figures and private individuals are fawning over Barack Obama, the American mentality is ripe to worship a charismatic leader; but it is still too early for the appearance of any of the major players of Revelation.

The Beasts: Firstly, a beast in prophecy represents some sort of power: a kingdom, alliance of Kingdoms, or government(s). Horns on beasts represent the kingdom's ruler(s). For instance, Daniel's vision of the Greek Empire was represented by a goat (Daniel 8:5-8) The prominent horn of the goat represents Alexander the Great.

There are three "Beasts" in Revelation.

The First Beast: The beast that rises out of the sea in Revelation 13 has seven heads and ten horns. One of the heads survives a fatal wound, and the dragon gives it power. Prophecy scholars are pretty much unanimous that this beast represents the European Economic Union (EEU). Unless he somehow manages to get empowered in the EEU, Barack Obama does not fit this description.

The Second Beast: This beast rises out of the dry land. He does great wonders and causes people to worship the first Beast.

The Image of the first Beast: The second beast makes an image of the first beast, then brings the image to life. The image he creates of the first beast commands people to take the 666 mark in order to buy or sell.

The Third beast: A scarlet colored beast also with seven heads and ten horns upon which a woman rode who was drunk with the blood of the saints. The seven heads are seven hills. (Bible Scholars will bring to your attention that Rome is the city of seven hills) The Scarlet Beast and the man of lawlessness (below) are probably describing the same person. He is killed, then lives again.

The False Prophet: The false prophet that wrought miracles before the Beast. Not much is said about the false prophet, except that he is thrown alive in the lake of fire, so whatever he does, must be very evil. Unless Obama has something up his sleeve, I doubt Obama is the false prophet.

The Antichrist: So, bottom line, who is "the" Antichrist?

This is probably the "man of lawlessness" from 2 Thessalonians (Also the scarlet beast, above, who is killed and lives again are describing the same person in two different ways)

... For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed--the one who brings destruction... This evil man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction because they refuse to believe the truth that would save them... (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 NLT)

Unless Obama gets killed and comes back to life, I would not expect he is the scarlet beast - or the man of lawlessness. At present, if Obama has supernatural powers, he has not revealed them. And I honestly do not expect him to.

In short, Barack Hussein Obama is probably not "the" antichrist of Bible Prophecy. But keep your eyes open... The real thing will surely be revealed soon.

A.L. Howard is the founder of Modern Christian Issues: A Christian Apologetics Blog which attempt to provide answers to tough questions -- Bible Apologetics for the layman. He is an amateur Bible scholar. He has been studying creation science and Bible prophecy since the early 1980s. Modernchristianissues.org is designed to be a resource of Biblical Apologetics that you do not have to be a scholar to understand. Visit the site to explore Creation Science (creationism), cults, the occult, the 12 steps and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._L._Howard

I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. Deuteronomy 30:16 (King James Version)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (King James Version)

Love Is All You Need.

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Malachi 2:2 (King James Version)

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10 (King James Version)

YOU WILL NOT REMAIN IN THIS STATE OF BEING.!!!

THIS IS GODS PROMISE FOR ALL WHO TRULY LOVE THE LORD THEIR GOD.......................................................!!!

1 Corinthians 13

Life Lessons: Book of 1 Corinthians

By Max Lucado

Love

13Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth [1] not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [2] 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; [3] whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [4] 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought [5] as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; [6] but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Corinthians 13

LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING !!! FOR TRUE LOVE IS OF GOD ALMIGHTY!!! AND HIS LIVING SON !!! JESUS THE CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR. AMEN!!!

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