Calvin L. Smith: Stephen Sizer as Anti-Replacement Theology Champion?

I just thought I would direct you to a post written by Dr Calvin Smith, a post for all of you who are interested in modern Israel, the Jews and the implications for the Church. In that post he writes about Stephen Sizer, supercessionism and replacement theology which is an ongoing debate within Christendom at the moment. As time goes on — and as Israel and Jerusalem becomes more of a stumbling block in the political world — it will also become a topic that concerns the Church more and more.

Here’s a snippet of the post to whet your appetite…

I note Stephen Sizer will be speaking at Bethlehem Bible College’s Christ at the Checkpoint conference (March 2010), aimed at promoting a reading and reflection upon Scripture from a distinctly Palestinian perspective. The title of Sizer’s paper is "Israel and the Church: Challenging Zionism, Anti-Semitism and Replacement Theology."

Anyway, the notion of Stephen challenging replacement theology appears somewhat incongruous. In the past, several other supercessionists have tried (not very successfully) to distance themselves from the label "replacement theology". You see, ditching punitive supercessionism while holding to variations of either economic or structural supercessionism (see R. Kendall Soulen’s useful book The God of Israel and Christian Theology for definitions of the terminology) doesn’t qualify as having eschewed replacement theology. True, there are technical differences between these variations of supercessionism, nonetheless all mean the same thing semantically and theologically[…]

If you want to weigh in on the debate, I know that Calvin would be all to willing and happy to answer any questions about this ongoing issue regarding The Jews, Modern Israel and the New Supercessionism that we see today.

Please direct any queries and comments to this link: Calvin L. Smith: Stephen Sizer as Anti-Replacement Theology Champion?

Filed under: Christian Pragmatism, Christianity, Israel, Middle East, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Political/Christian, Religion, Theology, discernment

More Books and Things…: Cycle Theory Series – The Convergence

This morning I posted something about 2012 and a video from an Astrobiologist who answers the questions regarding 2012 and the end of the world through catastrophic change. If you didn’t see that post you can find it HERE.

Anyway, Carla [hat-tip: More Books and Things] has found three very important articles that speak about “Cycle Theory”. You can find her post here: More Books and Things…: Cycle Theory Series – The Convergence.

But just to blurb about it…

The hype surrounding 2012 provides a backdrop to explain what is happening on a “spiritual level” in conjunction with the ancient civilizations as well as keep an apocalyptic fear of dis-aster at the forefront of our thoughts. It is imperative that we maintain situational awareness in our personal lives—that we not accept a spirit of fear, allow the deception to creep into our thoughts, and become part of the “community.”

Biblically speaking, what makes this convergence of cycles so different from those observed in history? Israel is in the land—in unbelief as foretold by the prophets. We are operating on God’s time clock now. Truth is that point where word and deed meet. What lays on our horizon is that point where God’s Word and His deeds become one and prophecy is fulfilled. All indications point to a time of unprecedented upheaval to life as we know it. But then again, we’ve read the Book and we know the ending. [The Convergence of 2012 Part 3]

If you want to know how Mary Miller came to the above observation about ‘Cycle Theory’ read:

• The Convergence of 2012 Part 1
• The Convergence of 2012 Part 2
• The Convergence of 2012 Part 3

Filed under: Christianity, Dominionism, Ecumenicalism, Globalism, History, Israel, New World Order, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Post-modernism, Prophecy, Religion, The Strange, discernment

Stop Hypocrisy at the United Nations

I have been getting quite a few emails in regards to the corrupt U.N. Security Council lately…

The United Nations Human Rights Council spends a great deal of its time condemning Israel while ignoring real human rights abuses. Recently, the Council approved a resolution endorsing the one-sided, biased report of Judge Richard Goldstone and accusing Israel of “War Crimes.” This resolution will now be considered by the U.N. Security Council. Please sign the petition at the end of this short video that will be sent to President Obama and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council urging them to veto this biased resolution.

http://www.honestreporting.com/a/UNHypocrisy.asp

Filed under: Freedom of Speech, Globalism, Islam, Israel, Middle East, New World Order, News, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Religion, discernment

Jerusalem – the stumbling block, yet again…

Just quickly…

Here we go again. As Jews celebrate in their tens of thousands the festival of Booths, Succot, religious extremists like Sheikh Raed Salah incite Palestinian masses to recapture Jerusalem with “blood and fire.” Not to be outdone, the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah rushed in to pour fuel on the fire as it protests a “plan by Jews to perform religious rituals” on the Temple Mount,’ and called on the international community to “force Israel to put off its attempts to take over Jerusalem.” In The Days: Current news events in the light of biblical prophecy » Like it or not, the Temple Mount is key to Israeli-Palestinian peace

Filed under: Islam, Israel, Middle East, News, Political, Prophecy, Religion, discernment

Biblical Prophecy – it’s cyclical…

I have been learning from Jacob Prasch of Moriel Ministries for over ten years now. The one thing that I’m forever grateful is for the teaching on Midrash and its applications. You can see cyclical biblical patterns and glean from them and see that they foreshadow what will happen before Christ comes again.

The first time I ever went to see Jacob Prasch speak I was introduced to this and I was absolutely floored! I basically had a light bulb moment right there sitting in this old inner city Church of about 20 or so people. Now, whenever I read my bible I completely understand that it is truly the living word even for us today.  Understanding patterns and typology has opened a whole new dimension for me and the depth of this is quite staggering.

Jacob Prasch points out that if you want to know what happens in the ‘last days’ Church then read what happened to the first Church outlined in the New Testament. He also said that certain biblical prophecy has been fulfilled yet it recapitulates towards the ultimate fulfillment. Using this type of methodology you can actually be a preterist and a futurist at the same time.

The article that I read today deals with the topic of Christ before His first coming which actually shows us what to expect and how to recognise the signs of His second coming…

One of the repeated teachings at Moriel is that prophecy is not so much about the fulfillment of specific events at a specific pre-set date and time as much as it is really patterns which repeat themselves, growing ever stronger until their last, ultimate fulfillment. That is why a lot of what we understand about Christ’s Second Coming is foreshadowed – a pattern – revealed during His First Coming. Learning as much as we can about His First Coming teaches a great deal about how things will ultimately take place at His Second Coming. And I have a very strong suspicion that we are seeing some of these things taking place right now. The religious authorities of the day knew Scripture so well that without hesitation they answered the Magis’ question about the Messiah, but like many today, they were completely blind to actually seeing it take place. Moriel Archive » Blog Archive » Witnessing History Repeat Itself

Filed under: Apostasy, Christianity, Church History, Dominionism, Emergent Church, Emerging Church, History, Israel, Midrash, Philosophy & Religion, Political/Christian, Prophecy, Theology, discernment

Is Israel God’s unfinished business?

Not sure if you know this, but Calvin L Smith has his own personal blog and has been busily putting together many posts on the subject that interests him at the moment. That interest is about Israel and her prophetic role for today. He also does an excellent job in discussing the New Supersessionists in his book which you can find HERE.

Anyway, he has written quite a few posts on this often heated debate regarding Israel and is just itching for some feedback!

In this particular post he starts with the historical Church and her reaction to 2nd century Judaism…

The Church’s reaction to anti-Christian Judaism in the second century caused it to emphasise some aspects of the canonical narrative at the expense of others. In short, the New Testament was elevated and the Old Testament relegated. Naturally, this demotion of the Jewish Scriptures also downgraded the theological importance of Israel, which features so prominently in the Old Testament. Soulen refers to this relegation of Israel as “structural supercessionism” (supercessionism, also known as replacement theology, is the theological position which argues that the Church has superceded Israel as the people of God). Soulen also identifies other forms of supercessionism (economic and punitive) in his book.

[…]My own position focuses on and traces the Jewish people as a biblical theology theme, rather than the land. As such, this focus on people not land permits me, theoretically at least, to entertain the possibility of exchanging some land for peace. [source]

I have been over to his site to comment that is waiting for approval, but I have to ask him…

So, I am wondering if you [Calvin] think that the current gathering of Jews into Israel the land is not currently fulfilling biblical prophecy? Or are they being gathered in unbelief ready to be judged because of their unbelief?

The way I see it, they have been returning to their promised land for a purpose, not because they deserve it. Perhaps that purpose is to drive them back to Mosaic Judaism which in turn will teach them about the fulfilment found only in their Messiah Jesus. The judgement of their unbelief is outlined in Zech 13:

Zec 13:7  "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me," declares the LORD of hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.
Zec 13:8  In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive.
Zec 13:9  And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’"

On a side note in verse 7 the ESV says that God will turn His hand against the little ones… yet in other translations it says "upon" a big difference depending on how you read it.

Anyway, I think that the Hand of God is "upon" these little ones, perhaps referring to those who are the true Israel, the remnant.

Not sure?

After the fire and persecution/judgement it does say that they will call upon God’s name and they will be His people and He will be their God.

This is when All Israel will be saved, right?

I can’t wait for him to answer and perhaps then I can try and understand the prophetic time table more!

Have your own say, and make sure you read his post to find exactly where Calvin is coming from. Here’s his post called: Consulation Paper: A Christian View of Israel

Cheers

Vee

Filed under: Christian Pragmatism, Christianity, Church History, History, Islam, Israel, Judaism, Middle East, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Political/Christian, Prophecy, Religion, Theology, discernment

Luke 21:24 – Has it REALLY been fulfilled???

Calvin Smith has a new, personal blog! You can find it HERE. It is one that you simply must go and check out and blogroll!!!I will be adding his blog to my blogroll.

I know Calvin personally, and he is probably one of the most intelligent people I have ever had the pleasure to meet and work with. He has this knack of being able to ask the big questions for great discussion without it becoming a slanging match – especially when it comes to the topic of Israel, Palestine, Christian Zionism and Supersessionism.

When he argues a point he doesn’t use polemical and polarised views which is very important for theological and eschatological discussion. He really is open to Constructive debate about many issues.

The post I am linking to is about the well known verse found in Luke:

Luk 21:24  They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

He has a simple question to ask you…

All I am asking is this: can Bible-believing Christians say with certainty Luke 21:24 has been fulfilled and we are indeed in the last times?

Go over to his post called “Beware an overly dogmatic interpretation of Luke 21:24”, give it a read and some careful consideration and see if you agree or disagree with him. I dare you!!!

One thing for sure, it will challenge you!

Filed under: Christian Pragmatism, Christianity, Church History, History, Islam, Israel, Middle East, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Political/Christian, Religion, Theology, discernment

Moriel — The Campus War Against Israel and the Jews: Students For Justice in Palestine

 

Anti-Semitism at its worst in the US…

SJP is less about justice than hatred.  It reviles Israel and Jews. In addition to denouncing what they call the “Israeli-controlled concentration camps” wherein Palestinians are purportedly forced to live, SJP members commonly harass Jewish students emerging  from campus synagogues. In one incident at San Francisco State University, SJP supporters surrounded a small group of Jewish students and incited violence while shouting such epithets as, “Too bad Hitler didn’t finish the job!”

On April 9, 2002 (Holocaust Remembrance Day), pro-Palestinian groups on the San Francisco State campus protested Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and then circulated posters that depicted Jews devouring Christian babies. That same day, SJP members held a rally and a sit-in on the Berkeley campus, resulting in 79 arrests. A few months later, Yale University’s chapter of the SJP set up a mock Israeli checkpoint on campus, harassing Jewish students trying to pass with cardboard rifles.

Read the rest – Moriel Archive » Blog Archive » The Campus War Against Israel and the Jews: Students For Justice in Palestine

Filed under: Israel, New World Order, Political, discernment

The Great Return of the Remnant…

Scott Brisk has put together an important “Be Alert” which shows us that biblical prophecy is being fulfilled right before our very eyes. He has found so many articles and links showing that the Jewish people are being drawn together.

But we have to realise that the purpose of them being drawn together is so that they will believe their Messiah in whom they have long awaited for is in fact Yeshua/Jesus Christ.

Before this happens though, they must be brought back into their land to be judged. That time is called Jacob’s trouble…

Isa 11:10-12  And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; and his resting-place shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord will set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, that shall remain, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Jer 30:3-9  For, lo, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will turn again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith Jehovah; and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it. And these are the words that Jehovah spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah. For thus saith Jehovah: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child: wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondman; but they shall serve Jehovah their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

So, you may want to check out all of what Scott has brought together. To do so see HERE.

Here’s just a little bit of Scott’s intro to the “Alert”…

The title of this alert comes from a commentary by Nick Cohen published back in February called “Hatred is turning me into a Jew”. This commentary appears about half way down this edition of Be Alert!
What struck me immediately when reading this is how The Word of The LORD is coming true and so few know or understand it. Through the worldwide hatred of the Jewish People, God is drawing them together, back to their heritage and back to their land. God prophesied all this thousands of years ago in intricate details. Now more Jewish People are coming to believe in their Messiah Yeshua than ever before. Indeed, they need to before the time of Jacob’s trouble when the Bible tells us that two thirds of all Jewish people will be killed before Christ returns. This is terrible but the truth that must be told.
Indeed His return is very near.
Additionally, our president, our country and increasingly much of the church are turning against Israel. This is something the Lord does not take lightly and judgment has always come upon those who have turned against Israel.

We are indeed living in those days that Christ spoke about, just before His return. Let us keep close to His Word, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem and that His ancient people receive their Yeshua  as their Messiah.

Just quickly, for any Jewish people who have come across this site, I have a couple of excellent links for you to read through…

• One Messiah: Two Comings

and…

• “Five Questions If You’re a Jew” by James Jacob Prasch

Filed under: Apostasy, Catholicism, Christian Persecution, Christianity, Dominionism, Ecumenicalism, Emergent Church, Emerging Church, Globalism, Gnosticism, Hebrew, Israel, Judaism, Middle East, Midrash, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Political/Christian, Prophecy, Religion, Theology, discernment

About Radio Free Church

I have had quite a few search requests to my blog about “Radio Free Church” lately. So, I just wanted to make a post about where you can find “Radio Free Church” which has an abundance of good biblical teaching from well known scholars.

Here is a little bit about the outreach…

Radio Free Church is an online resource for listening and viewing the exposition of God’s Word on demand anywhere in the world

Speakers
Speakers include David Hocking, Jacob Prasch, Roger Oakland, Bill Koenig, Rick Oliver, Dave Hunt, John Higgins, and many others. We want to take advantage of the available technology and reach the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

We’re in the Last Days
The time is fast approaching where true believers may be forced underground to avoid persecution; nations will attempt to restrict the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, but “The Word of God is not bound.”—2 Timothy 2:9.

Ears to Hear
Radio Free Church  is for all that have ears to hear, and that love the Truth. We believe the day of the Lord will come in this generation. Therefore, we are inspired to cry out for the Truth. God’s Word is truth. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”—John 17:17
As in the days past, just proceeding judgement and in this day the Lords coming there are those who would cry out. We cry out for the truth.
Jeremiah cried out to his generation, “And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.” —Jeremiah 4:2
“But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.” —Jeremiah 7:28
“And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.” —Jeremiah 9:3

If that has piqued your interest then go to “Radio Free Church”. I certainly enjoy it.

In fact I have just finished watching John Higgins speak about Daniel chapter 9. He speaks about Israel and her Diaspora and why that actually happened. I will give you a hint… Israel broke two very important commandments. It’s quite an in depth study and one has to know the bible pretty well to be able to follow that particular sermon. Other sermons are not so in depth but are edifying to say the least.

One of my favourites in particular is by Jacob Prasch called “The book of Ruth”… in fact I love that book! If you are a gentile believer, listening to this sermon will give you a special insight [midrash] as to what this particular book really says to the Church today. Love that one!!!

Anyway… I have to go, Oliver, my grandson is getting sick of being in his jolly jumper and he needs some TLC!

Filed under: Christianity, Church History, Israel, Midrash, Philosophy & Religion, Prophecy, Theology, discernment

What???

Obama Backs Iran Over Israel

The United States under President Barack Obama has switched sides and is now joining Russia in opposing international economic sanctions against Iran.

While…

IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER URGES MUSLIMS TO MOBILIZE AGAINST U.S. AND ISRAEL TO PREPARE FOR MESSIAH’S ARRIVAL

Iran’s Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called on Muslims in neighboring countries this week to intensify preparations for the coming of the Islamic Messiah known as the Mahdi or the “Twelfth Imam.” He specifically urged Muslims to mobilize forces to defeat the United States and Israel.

Go figure? Does Obama know this???

Filed under: Israel, Middle East, News

A Muslim wants to rebuild the 3rd Temple – Huh?

This is just too important not to blog about. I am even going to RED FLAG this post!!!

A Muslim whose name is Adnan Oktar, who uses the pen name of Harun Yahya, is a controversial but highly influential Muslim intellectual and author with over 65 million of his books in circulation worldwide. Oktar recently met with three representatives from the re-established Jewish Sanhedrin, a group of 71 Orthodox rabbis and scholars from Israel, to discuss how religious Muslims, Jews and Christians can work together.

What was said is absolutely mind boggling…

Oktar has also stated that the Temple of Solomon "will be rebuilt and all believers will worship there in tranquility." During his meeting with the Sanhedrin rabbis, Oktar expressed his belief that the Temple could be rebuilt in one year:

It could be done in a year at most. It could be built to the same perfection and beauty. The Torah says it was built in 13 years, if I remember correctly. It could be rebuilt in a year in its perfect form.

And this too…!!!

The vision of God’s Holy Mountain may not be all that far off. The Obama administration has also suggested that Jerusalem could become an international city that would be shared by peoples from all three Abrahamic faiths.

Even the Knesset is getting in on the discussion. Members of the Israeli Knesset gathered together last week with several Jewish scholars to discuss the role of the Jewish Temple in Jewish life. Referring to those Muslims who do not acknowledge the Jewish history of the Temple Mount, Dr. Mordechai Keidar stated, "The struggle for Jerusalem is not territorial, it is theological. … Do we give in to the Muslim claim that Judaism is no longer relevant?"

Want to see an artistic interpretation of the 3rd temple…

• Check out the painting depicting the 3rd Temple along side the Dome of the Rock! It says the following about the painting…

The artistic image on the enclosed card depicts a rebuilt Jewish Temple in peaceful proximity to the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque and other existing Islamic and Christian shrines in Jerusalem, in fulfillment of the prophecy: “On that day God will be One and His Name One” (Zechariah 14:9)

Want to know about the vision behind it all…

• About the Vision…

This is a vision about transforming the Temple Mount from a place of contention to truly God’s Holy Mountain, a house of prayer for all people (Isaiah 56:7). It represents the prophecy of Zechariah 14:9 of the One God worshipped by the entire world in peace together.

Are you interested in how the Sanhedrin fits into all of this…

• How the Sanhedrin fit into this – in their own words!!!

From June 30 – July 3, 2009, representatives of the Jerusalem Court for Bnei Noah met with Mr. Adnan Oktar, also known as Harun Yahya. Two statements were prepared, one from the Jerusalem Court, one from Mr. Oktar

1) We have come here, at the gracious invitation of Mr. Adnan Oktar, otherwise known as Harun Yahya, to look for leadership in the Islamic community. Over the centuries there have rarely been sincere leaders who fought for truth and understanding and against corruption and disbelief. We have heard that Harun Yahya is leading an intellectual struggle against atheist ideologies to increase belief and end corruption and atheism in the world. We understand that together we are looking forward to the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zephania:
For then will I turn clear language to the Nations, that they may all call upon the name of G-d, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

 

The Bnei Noah rang alarm bells for me big time.

Why?

Because I have already blogged about them a while back and what I found out is almost impossible to believe! The Noahide Laws of the Bnei Noah allows for BEHEADING those who do not follow their seven laws!!! Does this sound vaguely familiar to you???

• Noahide Laws could be Global laws for all citizens of the World! 

…also documented the punishment for not following the Noahide Law, one of which is death by beheading. This is from the official Bnei Noah Site.

I too, have wondered about these laws and have found it interesting that the Temple has to be rebuilt in order for these laws to come into effect. For this to happen there is the problem of the Dome of the Rock. But this is not so much of a problem when you consider that the Dome of the Rock can stay just where it is, and be classed as the court of Gentiles according to Prof. Joseph Patrich who got back to me with an email and said this… It is outside the temple court, but still within the screen barring gentile entrance.

A MUST read alert. Once again coming from Scott Brisk Moriel Ministries.

The following is found on the Sanhedrin’s site:

• Adnan Oktar’s Meeting With Sanhedrin Rabbis (Islamic website) pictures and video
• Adnan Oktar’s "Union of Faiths" (Islamic website)
• Adnan Oktar’s meeting with Jewish Rabbis – Harun Yahya’s statement to Jews (Silentside.net)
• Sanhedrin Meeting With Harun Yahya – Joel’s Trumpet (July 7, 2009)
• Israeli Rabbi (not Sanhedrin) Calls For Turkish Mediation For Middle East Peace – Joel’s Trumpet (July 6, 2009)
• Sanhedrin Makes Link with Turkish Author to Oppose “The Unbelievers” – Bartholomew’s Notes on Religion (critical)

Filed under: Apostasy, Catholicism, Christian Persecution, Christian Pragmatism, Christianity, Creation/Evolution, Dominionism, Ecumenicalism, Emergent Church, Emerging Church, Globalism, Gnosticism, Hebrew, Islam, Israel, Judaism, Middle East, New World Order, News, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Political/Christian, Prophecy, Red Flag Posts, Religion, The Strange, Theology, discernment, mysticism

Concerning Israel – Prophecy being fulfilled!

Every week I get an email update from Scott Brisk from Moriel Ministries. His newsletter series is called “Be Alert” and it has some very poignant articles concerning the last days in which we live. So many articles are sent to me that to link them all on this little blog would be very time consuming for me and would lead to one massive post! So I thought it would be good if I just quote what he has written at the start of his newsletter and link you to the online source where you can find all of the articles that he has so diligently put together.

He writes an introduction about his latest newsletter so you can get the gist of what its about. This latest newsletter specifically speaks about Israel and the world’s reaction and reasoning towards this small bit of land…

This topic as most others concerning the end times has become more difficult to follow as events have sped up in recent times as the return of Christ grows closer. As I have stated on many occasions previously, it used to be that incidents of significance happened on a much more limited basis. Now they seem to be happening on a daily if not hourly pace at times. The problem with this is that all we know (at the specific moment) is that all the prophesied players are in place and in a state of motion, but the significance does not immediately come to light.
We can look back at the division of the biblical land of Israel in 1947 by Britain and the UN (by UN resolution 181) before it’s rebirth on May 14, 1948 and see a incredible and direct fulfillment of Joel 3:2, and the rebirth itself was a direct fulfillment of Isaiah 66:8. However, with today’s fast paced events it can be nearly impossible to decipher what is substantial or critical towards understanding biblical prophecy and what is just background noise or worse, outright deception. The cliché comes to mind, ‘you can’t see the forest for the trees’.
I pray this collection of articles will help to keep you abreast of the some of the latest affairs of the Middle East and as always prayerfully go before the Lord as ask Him to guide you by His Spirit with all wisdom and knowledge on how you might minister to others and keep your lamps filled with oil and shinning as the night draws near.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
BE/\LERT!
Scott Brisk

It is clear from the articles posted in the newsletter that Jerusalem really is the stumbling block to all nations. Should this surprise us? NO! God Himself said that all nations will find Jerusalem to be a big problem! And once again, God and His Word is right…

Zechariah 12:2-3 "Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.

This is just one of many prophecies concerning this little piece of real estate.

Scott also makes an astute observation about how many Christians are completely unaware about the prophetic significance that Israel plays today. In fact, as the social/humanitarian gospel marches forward the less Israel is even considered to be important in the prophetic way at all! Which makes sense really… when you think about this world what mankind can do to fix it globally via humanitarian efforts – including the humanitarian Church — Israel is a BIG problem! A thorn in the side so to speak.

But we must remember that the gospel is something that saves us from our sin! The bible outlines the salvific message for mankind. Christ lived and died so that we may have eternal life!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Romans 1:16

Anyway, this post is not about the social/humanitarian gospel and its shortcomings, but concerns itself with Israel and Jerusalem; the stumbling block to the whole world! [I have quite a few posts addressing this issue that can be found HERE]

So back to the newsletter…

This alert is, as much as possible, is a comprehensive overview of recent happenings concerning the most important nation ever in the history of mankind, Israel.
That is not my opinion, but fact because the Word of God declares it. Most of the world, and even more startlingly, most professing Christians deny this. How can this be when the whole context and content of Scripture point to God working through this nation? It is actually not that surprising when this same world and majority of professing ‘Christians’ are blinded from understanding that same Word of God that declares from start to finish the saving gospel of grace by faith in His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man and fully an ethnic Hebrew, also known as Yeshua Ha Mochiach (Jesus the Messiah).

Filed under: Apostasy, Christianity, Ecumenicalism, Globalism, Islam, Israel, Middle East, New World Order, News, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Prophecy, Religion, Theology, discernment

Preparations to build the third temple alter begins!

As you may or may not know, the Temple Institute has already made several items for the Third Temple. Just google it and you will find a wealth of information.

Today I came across some more information about the Third Temple. The Temple Institute has begun to build the alter that will reside inside the Third Temple….

“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.”
Revelation 11:1

Temple Altar Construction Begins on Day of Destruction

reprinted from Arutz 7

Av 9, 5769, 30 July 09

by Yehudah Lev Kay

The Temple Institute began work on the sacrificial altar Thursday, Tisha B’av, the day the Second Temple was destroyed almost 2,000 years ago.

The Temple Institute has already built several of the Temple vessels such as the Ark and the menorah, and has now embarked on an ambitious project to build the altar, which will ultimately measure 3 meters wide by 3 meters long and 2 meters tall.

During Thursday’s ceremony, which took place in Mitzpe Yericho just east of Jerusalem, the Temple Institute laid the cornerstone for the altar and demonstrated how tar will be used to cement the stones together. The Institute plans on bringing the altar to its proper place on the Temple Mount when the Temple is rebuilt.

“Today, Tisha B’av, is not just a time to mourn the destruction of the Temple,” said Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, the head of the Temple Institute. “It is also a time to build.”

Rabbi Ariel thanked the more than 100 people who came to the event despite their fasting for Tisha B’Av, and despite the hot weather. The main force behind the construction of the altar, Yonaton Tzadok, was also on hand to explain why its stones were taken straight from the Dead Sea.

“The altar is supposed to represent going back to our roots, to the time of creation when everything was pure,” he said. “We took rocks from the Dead Sea, where it is likely that they were never touched by human hands.”

During the ceremony, many people who came to watch were surprised when they were invited to take part and pour tar onto the cornerstones. Rabbi Ariel first asked if there were any Kohanim (priests) in the crowd, and asked them start. When a woman requested to join in, Rabbi Ariel said “of course” and emphasized that women are commanded to build the Temple as well.

With the sun setting, Tzadok asked for volunteers to come back another day to help build the altar. “Carrying rocks and pouring tar is a lot of work,” he said. “We could use a few hundred people to help.” More information on the Temple Institute is available at http://www.templeinstitute.org/main.htm. [source]

Filed under: Apostasy, Christianity, Israel, Judaism, Middle East, News, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Prophecy, Religion, Theology, discernment

The Eclipse – Is this a sign of prophetic importance?

I just went over to one of my favourite blogs and Carla from More Books and Things has found some more about this “Solar Eclipse“.

Previously I have given you a source where you could watch a couple of youtubes on this amazing event.

This solar eclipse may even be prophetically significant. But in case you haven’t seen that post check out the two videos which are a must see…

Part 1

Part 2

There is more for you to read. An article called “The Great Total Solar Eclipse of 2009 – It’s coming up on July 22!”

And this…

Four ‘blood-red’ total lunar eclipses will fall on Passover and Sukkot in 2014 and 2015, the same back-to-back occurrences at the time of 1492, 1948 and 1967

Certainly this sign in the sky has eyes looking up and has set tongues wagging!

What do you think???

Filed under: Christianity, Israel, Middle East, News, Philosophy & Religion, Prophecy, Religion, The Strange, Theology, discernment

Temple building — Jewish hopes vs Islamic vow — What does the bible say?

A statement by the Mufti in Jerusalem to thousands of Moslem children that there will never be a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount is contradictory to Bible prophecy for the End Times.

As the controversy over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem intensifies, the Mufti, a high ranking Moslem cleric, Sheik Sabri, told up to ten thousand Moslem children recently gathered on the Temple Mount that they must defend Al Aqsa and never allow the Jews to rebuild their Temple on this sacred site. For the Mufti to tell thousands of Moslem children that the Jews must not be allowed to build a Temple on the Temple Mount is in total contradiction of what God’s Word reveals for the End Times.

Jesus Christ said there would be a Temple on the Temple Mount, Matthew 24:15. Apostles Paul and John said one day a Jewish Temple would be rebuilt in Jerusalem, II Thessalonians 2:4 and Revelation 11:1-2. These passages of Scripture speak of the next Temple to stand in Jerusalem, the Tribulation Temple, and all preparations have been made for that Temple to be erected. The Jews could start construction at any time, but do remember that Zechariah 6:12 tells us that Jesus Himself, will return to the earth and build His Temple which will be there on the Temple Mount forever, Ezekiel 37:26, 28. [source]

Filed under: Audio & Video, Christianity, Hebrew, History, Islam, Israel, Judaism, Middle East, News, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Prophecy, Religion, Theology, discernment

Eclipse — the signs in the sky…

I remember some time ago seeing two videos about these up and coming signs in the sky. In the quote below I have given you the source and then just go to part 1 and part 2 at the end of that post to learn about why these signs in the sky may be of paramount importance for Israel and the world…

There are things of interest this month. First of all, there is a total solar eclipse on the 1st of Av (July 21) that you might want to put on your calendar. I don’t know if you’ll be able to see it or not (I don’t know what latitude it occurs at) but seeing it is not why it’s noteworthy so much. This solar eclipse is the second of three consecutive total solar eclipses on the 1st of Av, beginning last July 08. If you watched Mark Biltz videos I recommended this past week, you’ll understand more of what I’m talking about. [source]

Filed under: Christianity, Israel, Philosophy & Religion, Prophecy, Religion, Theology, discernment

Jerusalem will be a stumbling block…

hmmmm…. I don’t think God will be very happy with this.

Religious leaders in Jerusalem launched a new project on Thursday, aimed at fostering peace between Judaism, Islam and Christianity through the sharing of Judaism’s most holy site. The project is headed by the Interfaith Encounter Association, which aspires to promote a vision of peaceful coexistence between the ‘three Abrahamic religions’. [source]

Filed under: Islam, Israel, Middle East, News, Political, Religion, Theology, discernment

False Unity – New World Government, not so new…

I have just received the Moriel newsletter today and in newsletter Scott brings to my attention the tower of Babel and how that system is not too unlike the one that is being brought about today…

Scripture teaches us that there is nothing new under the Sun and there is nothing ‘new’ about this idea [New World Order – Global Government] as it is complete rebellion against God and His command to Noah and his descendants after the flood to "’Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’" (Genesis 9:1) However, man did not listen and sought to congregate on plain in the land of Shinar (Babylon) in defiance of God, led by the first antichrist named Nimrod of which all false religion and religious systems can be traced back to, including his wife Semiramis and father Cush who many consider to be the father of the great apostasy. This is all thoroughly documented in The Two Babylon’s by Alexander Hislop.
At the Tower of Babel, The LORD confused the language of men and created the nations otherwise "’nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.’" (Genesis 11:6) This was actually loving restraint put on us by our maker, yet we men have been trying to return to this original "false unity" ever since God kicked him out.

It just occurred to me that a false unity coupled with political correctness, which therefore gags the salvation message which is only found in Messiah Jesus; this gospel, within this system, would be considered redundant and even irrelevant!

Inside such a system it would be very hard to spread the salvific message if there is false unity where everyone remains unchallenged and seemingly happy walking their own path to their God (or gods) all the while remaining in their sin? 

Just putting it out there!

Filed under: Apostasy, Catholicism, Christian Pragmatism, Christianity, Dominionism, Ecumenicalism, Emergent Church, Emerging Church, Freedom of Speech, Globalism, Gnosticism, Hebrew, History, Israel, Middle East, New World Order, New-Age, Occult, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Political/Christian, Religion, Theology, discernment

Mike’s on fire lately…

Just been over to one of my faves, and Mike [Calvary Chapel Pastor and all-round-cool-guy] has written two posts that are worth reading.

One is about the ludicrous Iranian Government and how the family of a gunned down protester has to pay a bullet-fee of $3000! 

But he doesn’t leave it there. Critical of both the old Bush administration and now Obama’s silence he says…

And still utter, absolute silence from the Obama administration.

Condemn Israel when she tries to defend herself, all the while bending over backwards to limit civilian casualties to the absolute minimum…but zip the lip in condemning a government run by followers of the Religion of Peace.

Bush Part 2 was not a good president; under his watch, all the good done by the Reagan revolution was cheerfully dismantled, and we inherited an even more massive expansion of government than FDR ever could hope to achieve in his wildest dreams.  Even still, I’m quite certain that Bush wouldn’t be sitting very, very still over this, hoping the American public either ignored this whole ugly mess or ignored his utter inaction over it.  He at least had the guts to stand up to the Ayatollah and his guy Ahmadinejad.

What the Iranian government is doing is despicable. What our own government is doing (or, more to the point, very studiously not doing) is utterly unconscionable.

The other post is a pretty good one too!

Let me be very clear: I am a Zionist. Absolutely, unrepentantly, completely behind Israel and the Jewish people. Not only for theological reasons (though those of course are paramount) but for political reasons as well; Israel is the only nation in a very strategic, very volatile region which doesn’t hate our guts and consider us the “Great Satan.” 

So, I am a Christian Zionist. Deal with it.

That being said, as with most things, it’s important to strike a balance between extremes. […]

Mike, you struck a nice balance with that post. Well done! 

Filed under: Christianity, Freedom of Speech, Globalism, History, Islam, Israel, Middle East, News, Philosophy & Religion, Political, Religion, discernment