Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:58:40 -0800WeeblyTue, 07 Feb 2012 11:19:02 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2012/02/not-just-israel-at-risk-from-irans-nuclear-aspirations.htmlIn a somewhat bizarre turn of events, an explosion that is widely considered to be the work of Israeli intelligence has yielded information that makes Iran much more of a threat than we previously thought.

Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister, Moshe Yaalon, disclosed that a large blast about 30 miles outside of Tehran last November was responsible for destroying a missile factory.  This was not news to many, but what was news is that there is credible evidence now that this factory was in the process of making a new missile system with a range of 6000 miles, which is capable of targeting the United States with a Nuclear tipped missile.  Previously, Iran only had missile systems capable of hitting targets 1500 miles away.  This endangered Israel and parts of Europe, but fell far short of reaching the United States. 

There is also other disturbing information about Iran’s nuclear capabilities according to a Debka File report.  Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Major General Aviv Kochavi reported on February 2nd that currently Iran has 100 kilos of 20-pc enriched uranium, which is enough to make four or five nukes.  This information runs counter to U.S. intelligence estimates.  A recent report by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper stated that a nuclear threat from Iran is very unlikely and that they were much farther from having a nuclear weapon.  His concern was from attacks on U.S. soil through terrorist strikes – even as high as at the presidential level.  This was due to the intelligence gained from the foiled attack on the Saudi Arabian ambassador last year. 

Considering the pitiful intelligence that caught us off guard regarding the North Korean nuclear program, we would do better to trust the Israeli reports than many of our own.  But what does all this mean in the prophetic world?

This will not be Armageddon.  But it can be the event that triggers the Gog-Magog war that happens in Ezekiel 37-38.  That battle involves an astounding number of nations that have pledged to support and be in alliance with Iran in case of an Israeli pre-emptive strike.  One scenario that could work out is that after Israel strikes to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, these nations, which are a who’s who of the Gog-Magog coalition, will rise up and take their place in an attack on Israel from the North.  On that we will have to wait and see.  But one thing that is for certain is this . . . no longer is Iran just a threat to the little Satan (their name for Israel).  With this information we clearly see that the big Satan (their name for the United States) is now clearly at risk as well.  

]]>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:23:56 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2012/01/dude-wheres-my-constitution.htmlGod speaks of the blessing of those who live godly lives.  In a contrast He also speaks of the lawless - and never does so in any kind of glowing terms.  Therefore we should realize that there is a blessing to a land that abides by its laws - and a potential disaster looming for those who ignore the rule of law.  What we are facing  more and more is a president who refuses and even flaunts the fact that he is not going to abide by the law of the land.  In the last 3 years President Obama has trampled the Constitution again and again.  He has a blatant disregard for our founding document - acting as if he is a law unto himself.  This does not bode well for our nation - and if he is not confronted soon - for our future freedom.

Whether we are referencing the federal government forcing people to buy health insurance or the most recent appointment of government officials without the consent of the Senate, this president thinks he can do whatever he wants.  So far, because we have a Congress without the backbone to oppose him and bring him to court for his offences - he can.  Our recourse in these matters is to call the president's bluff and force a Constitutional crisis.  That crisis would involve the courts determining if the president has acted outside the laws of our land.  What is sad is that even the most casual perusal of the Constitution should lead to the conclusion that our president is out of control.  But no one has the guts to call his bluff.  They probably fear being called a partisan or even worse a racist - as that is often the way that this administration deals those who oppose it.  But I care little what race a man is or what party he is from - either we have a governing document by which we determine law, or our president can make up whatever laws he chooses.  

Consider that our president began his term in office by appointing a host of so-called czars that were never received the advice and consent of Congress.  Consider that they still rule on matters without any congressional oversight.  Consider that recently the Congress itself violated the Constitution by making it legal for American citizens to be arrested and held without charges indefinitely.  Consider that our government can now use the Armed Forces against its own people.  Consider that there is an FCC law working its way through the system that will allow an unelected official to remove any website from the internet he or she wants.  The attacks against our free speech are staggering - and too often the one recourse we have, the Supreme Court, will either not hear the cases brought up or will completely ignore our Constitution in its rulings.  We are sliding down a slippery slope at a speed that very soon will not be able to be stopped.

You might ask why this matters to someone who is writing a "prophecy/news update."  It is because I believe we are watching Scripture fulfilled with this situation.  My concern is both patriotic as well as spiritual.  As a patriot I find it glaringly arrogant that the Constitution, our governing document is being treated like little more than toilet paper by a man who put his hand on a Bible and swore to uphold and defend it against all enemies foreign and domestic.  If he fulfilled this oath, he would need to resign the presidency immediately - because he, more than any other elected official is denigrating it horrifically each day he continues this unconstitutional path upon which he is currently governing.  I use the word "governing" lightly - because he acts more and more like a dictator than a president every day.  

My concern spiritually has been that God is using this president as a form of discipline and judgement upon our nation.  Jesus said that if the salt has lost its savor - it is good for nothing any longer except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.  The church has departed from God in the United States.  For decades we have been watching the spiritual fervor and evangelistic zeal of God's people and God's shepherds subside.  We have watched as the moral underpinnings of the church have come loose.  We are now a nation that has the unfortunate responsibility of over 40,000,000 deaths by abortion upon us.  The blood of these children, as well as the 4000 plus additional ones put to death each and every day cries out for God's judgment.  We seem to no longer address the issue of heterosexual immorality and drunkenness that run rampant in our land.  Our college campuses turn into drunken orgies on the weekends - and many are so addicted to alcohol that by the time they finish college they are drinking almost every day to cope.  Homosexuality is arguably no longer considered a vice, but is trumpeted as a viable, acceptable alternative lifestyle.  All this continues to grow in our land - while the lethargy of the churches is palpable.  What do we expect God to do in a situation like ours?  Do we expect Him to bless America?  President Barak Obama is an instrument in the hand of God to judge our land - and he is doing his job by ignoring our Constitution and doing whatever he wants.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ . . . I do not write these words out of anger and recrimination against our president, but I write them as a warning to us all.  I could as easily bring charges against 8 years of the presidency of George W. Bush - because he did little or nothing to stand against the tsunami of immorality that has crashed against our shores with ever-increasing ferocity.  We've listened to the lie that this is about the economy - but the truth is that unless we repent and return to the Lord - our economy is the least of our problems.  

Let me finish by answering my own question, "Dude, where's my Constitution?"  Our governing document has gone the way of God's Law in our land.  We have decided that we cannot tolerate the 10 commandments any longer in America.  Long before that decision was codified, our nation was trampling on it by their moral decay.  Yet we would be amiss if we did not lay a certain amount of responsibility at the foot of the church in America.  We've lost our moral fortitude.  We've lost our boldness to speak.  We've tolerated prophetic charlatans in our pulpits who preach, "Peace, Peace!" when there is no peace.  One of our most prolific preachers refuses to speak of sin - and focuses mostly on how we can be rich and healthy and have our best life now.  In a word - we've lost our savor.  We are not salty with the gospel or the truth - and now we are being systematically being thrown out and trampled under the foot of a growing dictatorship.  That is how it has always happened historically - and that is how it is happening today.  Oh, that we would awake out of our slumber and realize that November 3, 2012 is not the day of our potential deliverance.  It will matter little who is elected in November if we do not do much before then to repent, fall to our knees, and cry for God's mercy on our MORAL FAILURE.  The trampling of the Law of God is always followed by the historic trampling of the rule of law in a nation.  That, dear saints, is usually followed by the systematic destruction of the visibility of the true church . . . and then . . . the complete discarding of any governing document and the rise of a dictator who rules by his own tyranny.

[AFTERTHOUGHT . . . May God restore us and make His face to shine upon us!  May God grant us broken repentance and return to Him and to the joy of seeking His face and walking in His ways!  May our greatest concern in the days ahead be His glory rather than our comfort within a decaying political system.  May we act with the same kind of passion in our prayers for revival in the church that we do with the positioning of ourselves to attain political victory this coming Fall.]   ]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:30:28 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/12/tebow-mania-and-gods-involvement-with-the-broncos-winning-streak.htmlFirst off I would like to say that I love watching Tim Tebow play football.  The reason for this is because of how he plays with all his heart.  I love watching a competitor give his all in what he does.  There is a blessing that will come to anyone who plays a sport like this – with passion and sportsmanship.  I also enjoy watching Tebow represent Jesus Christ as well.  I have not seen every interview he has done recently, but in those I have seen I appreciate a quarterback who is humble about his own accomplishments, and who takes the time to give credit to the rest of his team for their hard work and dedicated play.  And believe me, I appreciate a young man who gives glory to God for the abilities and opportunities God has given him.

The reason why I am writing about Tebow and the Bronco’s winning streak is because there are too many Christians who think God is behind all this.  Some even think God is making the Denver Broncos win games because they have a Christian quarterback who openly voices his faith.  I do not know whether God has involved Himself with who wins or loses in the NFL.  There is no Scripture passage that tells us whether He does this or not.  I just find it a little disconcerting that many are putting so much emphasis on the outcome of a game – and equating it to God’s favor on what appears to be a very godly young man who is the quarterback of that team.  Give me a few moments, if you will to voice my thoughts on this. 

God is sovereign over all things.  This is biblical truth.  Therefore God is sovereign, even over NFL football games.  Some say God is too busy to concern Himself with such things.  The God of the Bible is NEVER too busy.  He is infinite and eternal – knowing every thought, intent, and action of every human being on the planet.  He does this without needing a break – or a vacation so that He can unwind.  Having said this, I do want to say as well that God has given His primary attention in Scripture to the praise of His glory as the gospel changes and transforms those whom He saves.  Much of what we “make much of” is considered trivial and secondary to God.  We place our focus on the final score of the game – while I believe our God places his focus on the character of those who play it.  In this regard I LOVE to watch Tim Tebow because he glorifies God by the character he shows while playing football for the Denver Broncos.  Does this mean that God therefore owes Tim Tebow victories due to his faithfulness and desire to honor God?  That is something we should probably examine further.

When we honor God with our obedience to Him – we are blessed.  When we choose to rely on Him and turn to His Word for how we live and the character we choose in every situation – we are blessed.  When we walk in our chosen field of endeavor in a way that glorifies God – we are blessed.  But to say that such conduct and such choices require God to make us successful and winners in all we do – is inaccurate – and spiritually dangerous. 

The blessing we receive as we live for God and His glory is . . . that God is glorified.  More than anything else this should be our focus.  There are times when God is glorified in giving us overt blessings that are plain for all to see.  The Lord blessed David with great victories in battle.  He blessed Moses by splitting the Red Sea and crushing Pharaoh’s army underneath tons of water as it returned to its natural state.  But there were also times when God was glorified by things that didn’t look so good on the outside.  Job endured tremendous difficulties both physical and emotional as he endured a time of intense testing and trial for God’s glory.  David may have seen great victories – but he was also the recipient of almost 10 years of running for his life while Saul tried to hunt him down and kill him.  It is a dangerous thing to think that if we obey and walk in God’s way, we deserve the best – and only the best to happen to us.  That thinking is what led Job’s three friends to think that because he was facing physical illness and emotional and spiritual upheavals that it was due to sin in his life.  There are times when God is most glorified when we are obedient and blessed – but others when we are obedient and . . . not so blessed.  The key is knowing that God deserves our obedience and the glory from it – no matter what our physical, emotional, or spiritual condition.  No matter what happens in our lives – God is still good – and still worthy of praise, glory, and honor. 

What happens WHEN Tim Tebow loses a game?  Does that mean he is sinful and no longer worthy of blessing?  He must have been a sinner his senior year at Florida because he didn’t win a national championship that year – and on top of that wasn’t awarded the Heisman Trophy.  This is where the “blessed if you do” and “sinful if you’re not blessed” kind of theology takes us.  And let’s step away from Mr. Tebow and consider others – brothers and sisters in persecuted lands like China, East Timor, and a host of Islamic nations.  Is their lack of outward blessing a sign of sin in their midst.  Be careful how you answer – for these are some of God’s most choice saints.  They endure hardship and persecution with the godliest character that brings much glory to their Father in heaven.  Are we in financially blessed America the godliest saints on earth because of our physical blessings?  Oh, be careful how you answer again – for many times a nation that has everything it wants – is far more judged than blessed.  They may be blessed in physical and financial things – but too often they are full of themselves and filled with the sins that excess brings.  They will find that their fall will be hard when God matches their physical state with what they truly are spiritually. 

We can only judge and examine things by wise, discerning, Scriptural judgment.  God is far more interested in what character we manifest in the game – than in the outcome of the final score of the game.  God is far more interested in the quality of our devotion and dedication to Him than He is in our prowess in some sport or other field of endeavor.  God is far more interested in Tim Tebow’s heart before, during, and well after the game – than He is in his stats during it.  And we would do much better to hope that Tim’s witness and walk is worthy of the gospel than whether the Broncos win their division and the Super Bowl. 

From what I can see and hear (which is very little in the scope of things) Tim Tebow is doing a wonderful job representing Jesus Christ on and off the football field.  That is very difficult considering the manner in which this young man is being scrutinized by those cheering for his demise.  My concern for him is that God continues to give him both strength and grace as he seeks to glorify God, not only as a quarterback for the Denver Broncos – but much more importantly as a brother in Christ who desires to please God long after he hangs up his cleats.  
]]>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:39:03 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/11/the-coming-european-financial-meltdown-and-its-consequences.htmlThere are a couple of things we should be aware of in our world.  They are not necessarily encouraging things, unless you are looking for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The reason it is an encouraging thing for the return of Christ is because what is happening will help to usher in the kind of world systems that will be around in the time of the antichrist.  This is especially the case when it comes to the financial systems that rule our world.

Remember this acrostic - P.I.I.G.S.  This is an easy way to identify the five nation states that will soon be imploding because of their debt crises.  The letters stand for Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain.  These five countries are all drowning in debt that has been growing due to their penchant for socialism and all that a government can buy before their spending binges come to an end.  Currently, Italy seems to be leading the pack, with an interest payment of over 200 billion dollars due soon - which it cannot pay.  This is causing a panic in the European financial world because either someone bails Italy out of their mess - or they default on their loan and the nation basically goes bankrupt.  The problem grows worse when you learn that all the other nations in this acrostic are in the same boat.  They have accumulated debt to such a level that they cannot pay it back.  Thus when one of these nations falls - the others are not far behind.  It is a house of cards - and when one falls - the others will eventually follow suit.  This brings us to see other problems as well.

The nations who hold the loans for these countries will suffer financial devastation as well.  When Italy, Greece, or Spain (these three seem to be leading the pack for who defaults on their loans first) fails - these nations will be on the hook for their debt.  They will lose billions of dollars.  In Europe - Germany is the fall guy for most of this debt currently.  But, there are also other players - the United States and China.  Both of these countries will pay dearly for the defaults in Europe.  China will fare much better because their economy is solvent.  Our economy will most likely either collapse entirely or, will be pushed into another recession or depression.  

What does this mean for all of us?  I would like a comment on a couple of things.  First - it means that this current financial world is bankrupt and is headed for a worldwide crash.  Currently there is a situation that merits watching on this front.  It is the fact that bank screens are reading 00.000 both for buying and selling all major currencies around the world.  This is costing banks billions as they cannot do international transfers of money.  Some believe that we are on the verge of a currency re-set that may pump potential trillions of dollars into the financial systems of the world.  The problem is that this will not solve the financial problems the world is currently experiencing.  The countries who are in deep debt are continuing on a path of socialism - where all problems are supposedly solved by the government spending their way out of them.  All this had led to is governments spending themselves into financial crisis and ruin.  The problem is spending - and unless socialism is renounced as a way of governing - we will simply spend through this infusion of cash - and wind up in the same situation again in a year or two - possibly even less.  

The second thing I see is that this situation is building for a possible scenario that would fit the end-times.  When there is worldwide financial crisis - it leads to worldwide political crisis as well.  The source of wars according to James 4 is that we want and cannot get - so we fight and kill one another.  It is easy to see that all the things that describe the great Tribulation period can be aided by a worldwide financial collapse.  This will lead to wars, famines, and tumultuous times worldwide.  Thus, we may be being set up for a time unlike any other in history.

The third thing I see is the rise of totalitarianism in the United States.  When a country has financial devastation - it leads to political unrest.  We already see some of this with the Occupy Wall Street movement.  Currently, this group would have ceased unless the Democrat Party and the Mainstream Media had not propped it up and supported it.  Amazing to me is the lack of reporting about rapes, murder, general lawlessness that runs rampant in this movement.  Yet useful idiots are always helpful when a political overthrow is in the making.  Already this current administration has trashed the Constitution as a governing document.  The number of impeachment proceedings that should have already happened surpass all those previously carried out in history - yet they are not even being mentioned.  The reason is because we are no longer a people governed by law - and we are also a people grossly ignorant of our own Constitution.  This lack of knowledge is destroying our government as those who hold office routinely trample the Constitution without rebuke govern our land however they choose.  What this will lead to is an eventual decent into totalitarian rule.  I have begun to seriously wonder if we will vote again in a national election.  All the laws are passed to prevent one from happening this fall.  All that is necessary is an act of terrorism that leads our ruling class to decide that marshal law is needed.  I do believe that if this happens - we will not recognize our nation as what she was previously (a Constitutional Republic) again.

What is a Christian to do in the midst of all this mess?  Let me give you a list of things below that I would suggest in light of the current place we are in history.

1)  Draw near to God - This is always the first thing on any REAL biblical list.  Repent if necessary - return to the Lord with all your heart - and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Scripture reminds us of this in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Matthew 6:33-34.  We are told not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough trouble of its own.  The question is this - have you sought the Lord and walked with Jesus today?  Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?  Are you living for eternity and the glory of God?

2)  Move toward getting out of debt - If you can, be debt free (except the debt of loving one another).  We are about to enter into a time where it will be very difficult to maintain much debt.  

3)  Cultivate relationships in the body of Christ - When push comes to shove - people are going to turn on one another in this world.  That is why we need to have intimate relationships with the rest of the church.  Build these relationships and seek to have them founded on biblical principles.  You will need your brothers and sisters in Christ to make it through this time (geez, you'll need them to make it through ANY time in history).  If you do not meet with a small group of believers in a local setting - START NOW!  We may be facing a world in which movement over long distances will be restricted.  You may need brothers and sisters nearby to fellowship with to maintain fellowship at all with fellow Christians.  

4)  Prepare for a financial collapse - Here is where some may think I've lost my mind.  If a financial collapse of national proportion happens - you will see banks close left and right.  Even though your money is insured by the FDIC - know this - even the FDIC will be bankrupt.  That is why I would encourage you to eventually build up a week or two worth of funds to have on hand in such a situation.  Some even counsel that we get physical gold and silver for this purpose.  Another thing to do is to have a weeks worth of food in some kind of "freeze-dried" or other preserved kind of state.  It also would not be too unwise of a thing to have some kind of tablets where you can purify water as well.   I am not advising hoarding.  This is just an emergency supply.  (In all honesty such a kit is wise for no other reason than we live in a major earthquake zone). 

5)  Build Your Trust in the Lord / Prayer - Ultimately God is the One we will turn to if the world begins to crumble financially.  I had the honor and joy of pastoring a small group of farmers who were in their 70-80's when I started being a pastor.  I would talk with them and hear stories of the Great Depression of the 1930's.  Their stories would focus on extreme need - and how God met their need.  The one common theme in all this was that they knew the Lord - trusted in Him - and prayed for His provision.  Are you living such a life now?  Are you ready to lead your family in this way?  Too many of us (myself included) are living more like the "American dream" than we are the "Bible Reality."  We live a consumer lifestyle where we are living to consume - and do so often beyond our means.  We need to return to a "biblical" lifestyle where our greatest teacher and example is Scripture.  The life we live needs to be based on biblical principles - which will focus us on a life that trusts God - and seeks Him in prayer.  This, more than anything else I've said previously, is what will prepare us to live in ANY TIME in history.  

May God give us wisdom to see the writing on the wall - without Him having to write it in the midst of a party that precedes our downfall.  These things ARE COMING.  The true question therefore is are we ready for them - and ready to take the gospel to our culture in the midst of them?  

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:35:25 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/11/primer-for-prophecy-update-2012.htmlIt is once again that time of year . . . when the leaves are falling from the trees . . . when it is getting colder . . . and when I begin in earnest to study for what will be the Prophecy Update message(s) for 2012.  This is going to be a year unlike any I've ever seen before.  The reason for this is because there is more worldwide unrest and upheaval than in any I've known in my lifetime.  Soooo . . . I thought I'd give a little preview of where I'm going in regard to my early studies and reading.

First, there is the financial upheaval that is going on everywhere in the world.  The uncontrolled spending that has dominated the western world is coming to a close.  The experiment with various aspects of Socialism is coming home to roost.  Our governing officials are running out of other people's money to spend - and that is making for some very interesting developments now - and even more fascinating ones that are coming possibly as early as next year.  What I want to explore though, is how these events may be working toward scenarios put forth for us in the prophecy writings of the Bible.

Second, there is the Arab Spring.  We have watched Egypt and Libya go through revolutions that have removed dictators.  We are watching Syria presently on the verge of revolution.  There is rampant unrest throughout the Middle East in the "street."  Who is going to fill the vacuum left by the departure of these leaders and their regimes?  Will it be an Arab Spring that will follow - or - something far more sinister resembling an Arab "dark ages" instead?  

Third, there is the specter of a nuclear Iran - and what Israel is going to do about that development.  This one may happen before January 1st.  There are several reports from intelligence gathering groups that point to an Israeli strike that will take out Iran's nuclear capabilities.  What will this lead to in the future?  Could this event be the "starting line" for a series of events that could lead to the Gog-Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38-39?  Could this even be a convergence of events that could be when the rapture of the church takes place?  

Fourth, there is Israel.  Since the 7 year tribulation period involves God's work with Israel, it is always helpful to see what kind of developments are taking place among God's chosen people.  There is always a great deal that swirls around this little nation.  We will look at recent developments in the peace process - in the threats that continue to surround Israel - and the way that anti-semitism in on the rise in our nation and around the world.

Fifth, there are the Occupy Wall-Street protesters and the unrest that is growing in our own nation.  What is all this protesting about - and where could it lead us?  Along with this area of study I am going to address how these events play into America's role in the last days.  Where is the United States in all that is going to happen?  What can we expect as the day of our Lord's return draws ever nearer?


Finally, I will also be looking into developments concerning hot-button issues like, "Who is the Antichrist?"  "What about the mark of the beast?"  "What is happening that might factor into the various judgments (Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl) that are going to happen?"  All these may have had some kind of development that bears scrutiny as to how they may happen in the future.

I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into the deep-end of these studies.  This usually involves reading 100's of pages of information - various updates in the financial realm, the political realm, the military realm, and the spiritual realm.  I need God's wisdom to discern truth from error - and fact from hype.  As always I want the Scriptures to dominate how I look at things.  Honestly, I'm excited about this year because of all the developments going on in the world.  But I am also concerned that I not get caught up in any false hype or misinterpretation of the events that are happening today.
]]>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:33:02 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/11/who-controls-the-airwaves.htmlThere is a test that is happening today that should deeply concern every single citizen of the United States.  The concern should not be because of the stated purpose of the test.  The concern should be the power grab that it represents – and worse – the power that now is in the hands of an unelected official who serves at the behest of the president of the United States. 

The first amendment to the United States Constitution states that there is the freedom of speech and of the press.  That is a right that should not be infringed upon by our government.  But a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on November 9th at 1:00 CST will give federal authorities a power that has never existed before in our country.  On this day there will be the first ever test of the EAS on a national level.  For three minutes this test will allow the Director of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority) to effectively shut down all television, radio, cable television, satellite radio and television and wireline video broadcasters.  Why is this viewed as such a serious thing?  This is being done to make sure that in an emergency one message can be sent to people about what the emergency is.  Why all the fuss?

What this means is that the authority to seize control of all television and civilian communication has been taken by the executive branch of the United States government and handed to a government agency.  The problem is that for the first time in history – the government can absolutely control information and speech in our country.  They can do so with a simple flip of a switch.  Today the switch will only be activated for a 3 minute test.  But that power should never be put into the hands of any one branch of government – without serious precautions and limits to their ability to use it.  There should be very serious laws governing the use of this – and even more serious penalties should it ever be misused for ANY purpose outside of a BRIEF alert of the populace. 

What many are concerned about here is the ability of a partisan entity (of any party or group in existence now or in the future) to suddenly CONTROL the flow of information to the American people.  If anyone decided to misuse this power they could have ABSOLUTE CONTROL over all the information the people of the United States received – with no way to rebut false information.  The power it gives the presidency was NEVER meant to be wielded except in the most extreme of circumstances.  Our founders would be terrified to know that a political entity of any kind, party, or distinction could do this.  They would know that such power is what ultimately destroys a nation – not helps it.

]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:16:16 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/11/food-shortages-food-riots-and-a-black-horse-in-our-future.htmlOne of the things that will happen during the beginning of the seven year tribulation period of Revelation 6 is famine and starvation.  As Americans we do not begin to comprehend either of these things because of the abundance that we have in our country.  But for the rest of the world, especially the horn of Africa, things have been very difficult.  Starvation and famine have been a part of their lifestyle for years.  But over the last couple of years things have gone from bad to worse, due to a drought that has struck the area hard of over the past two to three years. 

This is not that odd for this region.  The horn of Africa is on the edge of the Sahara Desert, which has been expanding for most of the last decade.  But what is worse is that two years of horrific drought conditions have brought about the worst water and crop conditions since the great famine of 1950-51.  It is estimated that about 10 million people in this region are experiencing severe food and water shortages.  If 2012 turns out to be as bad a year agriculturally as the previous two, we will most likely see a famine and food shortage as great as any we’ve known in modern history. 

Let me quote Revelation 6:5-6 at this point of this post.  “When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, ‘Come.’ I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.   And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.’  This passage relates to us a situation in which a black horse is released with its rider.  These two represent a time of severe famine and food shortage.  The scales represent the unbelievably high prices for food staples like wheat, barley, oil, and wine.  It reminds us that the seven year tribulation period will be marked by famine and food shortage. 

It is true that as long as the earth has been under the economic and agricultural conditions of the fall of man, there have been famines.  But the one that seems to be looming in our near future is not quite like any we’ve ever known before.  Currently, global stockpiles of corn, which is the most-consumed grain, are being forecast to fall to 47 days of use.  According to the U.S.D.A there have not been numbers that low since 1974.  Some might think that this is not too bad – and would be normal under cycles that exist in the agricultural world.  The real problem though is that as these inventories continue to decline, demand continues to rise.

Making matters worse is the problems that are occurring all over the world in regard to food production.  This past year we have watched the following problems hit all over the world.  In Russia a record setting heat wave severely hurt their grain crop moving the government to put restrictions on exporting wheat to other countries.  Other countries like China, Brazil, Australia, and Pakistan have had bad flooding in several key agricultural areas.  In the United States we watched the state of Texas fry with drought and heat – while areas of Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois were purposely flooded to avoid unprecedented disaster on the Mississippi River.  By the way, those areas were all farm land.  Their ability to grow crops in these regions was limited greatly.  Worldwide, crop production is either at historic lows – or has been hindered altogether.  Even Europe is seeing near record lows in rain, presenting northern Europe with a drought that has dropped forecasts of agricultural production through the floor. 

These worldwide events have led to extreme rises in the price of food.  The global price of food in general has risen over 35% in the last year.  This caps off a recent report by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization that states that the global price of food has risen 240% since 2004.  Since over half the population of Africa spends approximately 50% of their annual income on food alone – rising prices like these will quickly outstrip their ability to buy food at all.  That is why in Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Uganda, and Egypt there have already been “Food Riots.”  These are gatherings of people who are rioting because of severe shortages of food. 

The United States ships out massive amounts of food each year to the rest of the world.  If there is a financial meltdown in our country, these shipments will be interrupted – if not halted altogether.  If we think it is bad now, have the U.S. cut back or stop their supplies of food to the rest of the world.  That will result in global food shortages – and possibly worldwide famine.  For the first time in modern history, it does not look like the statements made in Revelation 6:5-6 are all that difficult to imagine.  Prepare your hearts dear saints of God – rough times are indeed ahead of us – but so is the coming of our Lord!
]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:22:17 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/10/doofus-of-the-month-richard-dawkins.htmlLately, I’ve been noticing a lot of truly ridiculous statements being made – and not being challenged for the foolishness that they are.  In an effort to expose these statements for what they are, I am going to institute a monthly award to be given out to those who make them.  The name of my award is the “Doofus of the Month” award.  It will go to the person whose statement truly exhibits all the very best (or worst, if you think about it) of doofus thinking.

The initial winner of the “Doofus of the Month” award is Richard Dawkins.  Recently Dawkins was quoted in an interview with the UK Guardian as making the following statement.  “Jesus was a great moral teacher and I was suggesting that somebody as intelligent as Jesus would have been an atheist if he had known what we know today.”

Let’s look at why Mr. Dawkins deserves this award for his truly amazing “Doofus Thinking.”  First of all, if we are going to take an honest look at Jesus, we can only do so on the basis of the teachings given to us in the Gospels.  It is our original source material on Jesus Christ, what He said, and Who He is.  The gospels assume – and go to great lengths to prove that Jesus is God Himself.  There are numerous statements attributed to Jesus of Nazareth in which He calls Himself God.  Therefore for Jesus Christ to one moment state that He is God – and in the next (at least in Dawkins' thinking) deny even the existence of God at all – would make Jesus Christ one of two things.  He is either a spiritual schizophrenic, or worse, a charlatan of the highest order.  This then pokes serious holes in Dawkin’s statement that Jesus was a great moral teacher.  As C. S. Lewis asserted, if we take Jesus at His Words in the Gospels, we are left with one of three conclusions.  Jesus Christ is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.  If someone is crazy enough to call himself God when he is not - even willing to die a horrendous death on a cross for it - he is not a good moral teacher - he is nuts.  So, Mr. Dawkins, Jesus has to be one of the two - He is either insane or He is Who He says He is - God.  Those of us who are Christians believe that His teachings, His works (miracles), His fulfillment of prophecy, and ultimately His resurrection prove He is the latter.  

The second thing that truly manifests “Doofus Thinking” of the first order is Dawkin’s comments that if Jesus knew what we knew, He would be an atheist.  It is hard to decide if this is more “doofus thinking,” or just arrogance reaching to new heights.  Truly this man sees himself as superior in his scientific thinking than the rest of us lowly unscientific serfs.  Dawkins lifts the current world as superior in knowledge to any that ever existed – and evidently sees himself as high priest of such knowledge.  This is how he can utter such absolutist statements about the intelligence of Jesus – and how it was inferior to our own.  How else could a great moral teacher make such gargantuan blunders in advancing belief in God – when of course the enlightened ones of our current age have made such belief obsolete with their infallible science and its discoveries. 

The God revealed in the Bible is represented by that revelation as omniscient (Mr. Dawkins, that means He is all-knowing).  Jesus manifest that omniscience by knowing what His detractors were thinking.  We learn in Philippians 2 that Jesus, being God of very God, chose to lay aside His attributes.  He emptied Himself and took upon the form of a servant, being made in human form.  He did so to eventually bear the sin of the world – and pay the full measure of punishment and wrath due that sin.  But in no way does that mean Jesus was just too simple-minded and dumb to not realize there wasn’t a God – and He wasn’t Him.  

Mr Dawkins also has a problem with his reasoning - because he asserts that there is a thing such as a "great moral teacher".  That assumes that there is good moral teaching - or at least a set of morals that should be embraced as better than other morals.  Unfortunately for him an atheistic evolutionary view of the world militates against even the existence of morals.  Classic evolutionary theory is founded upon a world that has one moral code.  That code is the advancement of superior species, and the ultimate extinction of inferior ones.  It is even wrong to suggest that this is moral in any way - because this advancement of superior species is totally random and happens only because life is perpetuating itself.  The existence of morals assumes someone who can speak with authority as to why one behavior or choice is superior to another.  In Dawkins' atheistic, evolutionary model no such authority exists.  It would be more consistent for Dawkins to say that Jesus was a bigoted, authoritarian, arrogant man who had the audacity to assume his moral positions were superior to what another person considered their own truth.  If Jesus were a true atheist, the first thing he would shed would be the moral assertions of his own teachings.  He could hold such a moral code for himself - but to assert that others should hold it as superior to their own thoughts and desires would be the height of arrogance and religious bigotry.  Only a "doofus thinker" wants to have it both ways.

Mr. Dawkin’s statement defies any kind of reason in its assertion.  He simply is defining himself as the ultimate authority on God.  His statements lack credibility because, as one who rejects absolute truth, he himself is making absolute statements about God.  In so doing he is making himself “god” in the process (well at least god over all thoughts and belief systems about God).  One has to wonder if one day in the future other, far more enlightened scientists will one day state that if Mr. Dawkins knew what they knew, he would not have held his own views in such high esteem – thus making him an “A-Dawkin-ist.”  Congratulations Mr. Dawkins!  You are our very first "Doofus of the Month!"
]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:09:03 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/10/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-sharia.htmlIt’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Shar’ia, all around the . . . Middle East!  One of the developments that should be catching our eye is the number of countries who are part of the Arab Spring who are now turning into Islamist states.  This should not be too shocking to us since the dominant religious view in all these states is Islam.  But what should get our attention is how these countries are adopting Islamic Shar’ia law as the law of the land. 

We’ve watched as countries like Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia have all had revolutions of sorts.  These were hailed by our current president and even by some conservative commentators as the “Arab Spring.”  This name was given to this movement (which also touched many other countries in the Middle East) because they were wrongly interpreted as a yearning for freedom, liberty, and western democracy.  Yet what we are watching in the wake of this Arab Spring is a concerted movement toward Islamic states who are trading their opportunity for western style democracy for states ruled by Shar’ia Islamic Law. 

Anyone who has read anything about Shar’ia Law knows that it does not even slightly look like western democracy.  If you want a look at what these states may become in the future, do not look to the United States – look to Iran.  Iran is an Islamic state that functions under Shar’ia Law.  Rather than being a movement that stimulates freedom of thought – these states will now enforce Islam as its mandatory religion.  What we have seen in Islamic states is a repression of freedom of religion, a repression of freedom of thought, and a repression of freedom of expression.  When Muslims convert to Christianity, they are given a death sentence.  When woman are deemed to be out of line morally by their family – outrageous acts are allowed, even “honor killing.”  Rather than a refreshing breath of spring – this is more like a chilling blast of winter when it comes to freedom and liberty.

But probably the most disturbing thing that is coming due to the so-called Arab Spring is the destabilization of the region and its march toward war.  Demonstrations in both Libya and Egypt have turned dangerously violent when it comes toward the nation of Israel.  In recent months we’ve even watched as riotous crowds have invaded the Israeli Embassy in Cairo.  They stormed the compound and tore down the flag of Israel in defiance.  These problems are only going to increase because an Islamic state that is ruled by Shar’ia Law tends to be a state that is also antagonistic toward Israel’s presence in the Middle East.  They have a very serious problem with Israel being in Jerusalem – which Islam holds as its third most holy place.  In the past year we’ve watched the attitude of Turkey, which was previously a moderate Muslim nation, turn very sour toward Israel.  Turkey even helped to sponsor groups that are trying to break through the blockade that Israel has put around the Palestinian territories to keep advanced military arms from being shipped to their ports.  The weapons that get through in various ways are then used on Israel in rocket attacks and other incursions.  It all adds up to a growing number of Arab “Spring-ed” countries that are turning more radical in their Islamic views. 

What are we to do about these things?  First of all, we need to realize that our current administration really does not have a clue when it comes to what is going on in the Islamic world.  They think that western style democracy is taking hold – when in reality – these states are going to be little more than another Iran in the region.  We need to pray and ask God to give discernment to those in our government – in the State Department as well as the White House.  They need to see what is happening and be willing to say that Islamic states that turn to Shar’ia Law are going to be states that desire the destruction of Israel.  It might also behoove them to see that those who call Israel the little Satan – also refer to the United States as the “great Satan.”  Call it a hunch – but I think that is not a positive designation – nor a friendly one. 

For those of us who understand the Bible, we need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  We also need to be aware that there is a possibility that this current trend may be an alignment for a future prophetic event called the Gog-Magog invasion.  This is a group of nations who will surround Israel – and will seek to destroy her.  When they do this (you can read about it in Ezekiel 37-38) God delivers Israel by a miracle.  In that miraculous deliverance, God destroys the armies – and the nations themselves with an intervention from heaven.  Just for your information, the nations who are presently turning towards a more radical version of Islam and Shar’ia Law are like a who’s who of the nations listed in Ezekiel.  The only nation not moving toward Islam in this group is Russia.  That problem is solved quite easily as Russia has a mutual defense and military pact with several of these nations.  Thus, seeing Russia led into this invasion is not a difficult thing to consider. 

We live in interesting and perilous times.  The world is experiencing upheavals that could be the birth pangs mentioned in Scripture – that are a precursor to the seven year tribulation period and the second coming of Christ.  We may not be able to stop the political forces that are at work, but we can allow their presence and their growing menace to be a reminder to us.  Jesus said that we should work the works of God while it is still day – because the night is coming when no man can work.  Don’t take your freedoms for granted.  Use them to communicate the gospel – and to make disciples of Jesus Christ every day you can.  It may soon be night – when it will be far more difficult to do those works.
]]>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/4/post/2011/10/commentary-on-harold-ive-got-another-new-date-camping-and-october-21-2011.htmlSeveral folks have asked me to weigh in on Harold Camping and his prediction that the world should have ended (or at least the rapture should have come) on October 21, 2011.  The simple fact that this article is dated October 24th SHOULD BE ALL THE COMMENTARY NEEDED.

In case it is not enough - I'll make a plain statement.  Harold Camping is a false prophet who has now wrongly predicted that the world would end in 1994, on May 21st, 2011, and now on October 21st, 2011.  

Also let me remind you that Scripture says that NO MAN KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR of Christ's coming.  That includes Harold Camping or any other prophetic goober who is foolish enough to put a date on that event.  Here is what Scripture says.  First - it is coming soon.  Second - be ready.   ]]>