Prophecy/News Update
What is the Prophecy/News Update?
At Calvary Chapel, we believe that history is moving toward fulfilling God's plans and purposes. Ephesians chapter one states that God is moving these things so that all things might be summed up in Christ. There are also additional passages throughout the New Testament that warn us to be ready for His appearing and coming. In an effort to help us be prepared for His appearing - and also to chronicle news items you just won't see in the national media - this page is devoted to sharing those items and their possible significance to the return of Christ.
It is not our desire to cover the sensational - or to try to make predictions. Instead, we will do our best to share relevant news items with biblical commentary as well. There will be a decided emphasis on what is happening in Israel, since they are God's chosen people - and He will be working to see them turn to their Messiah, Jesus Christ.
We hope these items will be a blessing to you. We also hope that they will encourage you to live in the light of the coming of Christ. In speaking of the way the world would come to its end, Peter said, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! (2 Peter 3:11-12, NASB) It is our sincere desire that these brief articles will help you to strive in Christ toward being that holy and godly people, awaiting the coming of your Lord.
It is not our desire to cover the sensational - or to try to make predictions. Instead, we will do our best to share relevant news items with biblical commentary as well. There will be a decided emphasis on what is happening in Israel, since they are God's chosen people - and He will be working to see them turn to their Messiah, Jesus Christ.
We hope these items will be a blessing to you. We also hope that they will encourage you to live in the light of the coming of Christ. In speaking of the way the world would come to its end, Peter said, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! (2 Peter 3:11-12, NASB) It is our sincere desire that these brief articles will help you to strive in Christ toward being that holy and godly people, awaiting the coming of your Lord.
Middle East Heating Up . . . Prelude to War?
For the past couple of weeks things have been heating up in Israel and among her surrounding neighbors. First, we have new comments from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his great affection for Israel and the United States when he recently said that Arabs would usher in a Middle East, "without Zionists and without Colonists." These words were meant to be a warning to Israel (Zionists) and the United States (Colonists).
It looks like Iran's efforts to convince the neighbor's of Israel to attack her are an effort to set the region on fire in response to any kind of sanctions coming from the international community. These efforts include fomenting hatred in Syria, Palestine (among Hamas) and Lebanon (where in the south Hezbollah is in control). The winds of war are growing stronger as the efforts of Ahmadinejad continue.
Another ominous development is the growing antagonism coming from Syria toward Israel. The United States has been trying to court Syria's favor - but both Syria and Iran are doing everything possible to see that this effort fails. Ahmadinejad's response to these efforts was as follows, "
"(The Americans) want to dominate the region but they feel Iran and Syria are preventing that," Ahmadinejad said during a news conference with Assad. "We tell them that instead of interfering in the region's affairs, to pack their things and leave."
In addition to this, President Assad also stated that the next conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, will also include Syria as well. This was a first statement acknowledging that the next conflict will be one that will set the entire area on fire. There is a slow encircling of Israel that is taking place that eerily resembles the 7 days war that took place in the 1960's.
All this in addition to the growing Iranian threat of nuclear proliferation and destruction is making the area more unstabilized than it has been in a long time. We need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem - but also be ready for the area to erupt into a conflict that has the potential of setting far more than just the Middle East on fire.
It looks like Iran's efforts to convince the neighbor's of Israel to attack her are an effort to set the region on fire in response to any kind of sanctions coming from the international community. These efforts include fomenting hatred in Syria, Palestine (among Hamas) and Lebanon (where in the south Hezbollah is in control). The winds of war are growing stronger as the efforts of Ahmadinejad continue.
Another ominous development is the growing antagonism coming from Syria toward Israel. The United States has been trying to court Syria's favor - but both Syria and Iran are doing everything possible to see that this effort fails. Ahmadinejad's response to these efforts was as follows, "
"(The Americans) want to dominate the region but they feel Iran and Syria are preventing that," Ahmadinejad said during a news conference with Assad. "We tell them that instead of interfering in the region's affairs, to pack their things and leave."
In addition to this, President Assad also stated that the next conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, will also include Syria as well. This was a first statement acknowledging that the next conflict will be one that will set the entire area on fire. There is a slow encircling of Israel that is taking place that eerily resembles the 7 days war that took place in the 1960's.
All this in addition to the growing Iranian threat of nuclear proliferation and destruction is making the area more unstabilized than it has been in a long time. We need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem - but also be ready for the area to erupt into a conflict that has the potential of setting far more than just the Middle East on fire.
Center for American Progress States Neutral Interim Group Should Govern Jerusalem, Not Israel
A recent CAP (Center for American Progress) report states that an interim "neutral" governing authority should take control of Jerusalem. This "think-tank" believes that Israel should not have control of the old city, but that a third-party administrator, appointed by both Israel and the upcoming new Palestinian state should govern it.
This report would not be that important, except that the CAP is the primary organization and "think-tank" from which the current Obama administration gets its information concerning foreign policy about the Middle East. The CAP thinks that this arrangement will help to remove the issues of sovereignty and religion from this current debate. When questioned about the length of such a neutral governing authority, the CAP spokesman stated that although it would be a temporary situation - the arrangement would be almost permanent.
COMMENTARY . . . There are a couple of serious problems with this "think-tank's" views. First, Jerusalem is Israel's historic capitol. Biblically speaking, that is what the Scriptures state. Second, getting Israel and the future Palestinian state to agree to an administrator is just a pipe-dream. There is no Palestinian state - and if there is to be one, it would be governed by those who deny Israel's right to exist! If you think there are problems and disagreements now - imagine these two coming together to choose who will govern or administrate Jerusalem. Third, CAP wants to take the issuses of Politics and religion out of this situation. Although this sounds plausible to those in a "think-tank" sitting around a table, it is ridiculous to conceive of this happening in the "real" world. I can only wonder if these people removed their own religious and political views from their discussions? Two words describe the likelihood of this "think-tank" idea becoming reality . . . FAT CHANCE! (There is actually a way it might happen . . . that is if political power and military coercion, i.e. the UN, are brought to bear upon Israel to force them into this change - and - if the administrator decidedly leans to the Palestinian view of things.)
This report would not be that important, except that the CAP is the primary organization and "think-tank" from which the current Obama administration gets its information concerning foreign policy about the Middle East. The CAP thinks that this arrangement will help to remove the issues of sovereignty and religion from this current debate. When questioned about the length of such a neutral governing authority, the CAP spokesman stated that although it would be a temporary situation - the arrangement would be almost permanent.
COMMENTARY . . . There are a couple of serious problems with this "think-tank's" views. First, Jerusalem is Israel's historic capitol. Biblically speaking, that is what the Scriptures state. Second, getting Israel and the future Palestinian state to agree to an administrator is just a pipe-dream. There is no Palestinian state - and if there is to be one, it would be governed by those who deny Israel's right to exist! If you think there are problems and disagreements now - imagine these two coming together to choose who will govern or administrate Jerusalem. Third, CAP wants to take the issuses of Politics and religion out of this situation. Although this sounds plausible to those in a "think-tank" sitting around a table, it is ridiculous to conceive of this happening in the "real" world. I can only wonder if these people removed their own religious and political views from their discussions? Two words describe the likelihood of this "think-tank" idea becoming reality . . . FAT CHANCE! (There is actually a way it might happen . . . that is if political power and military coercion, i.e. the UN, are brought to bear upon Israel to force them into this change - and - if the administrator decidedly leans to the Palestinian view of things.)
Take THIS Quiz - Called, "What is Your Bravehearted Quotient."
Here is a fascinating quiz from the website, www.braveheartedgospel.com. It is an amazing quiz - funny - but also something that might encourage your heart if your are a conservative, Bible-believeing, Jesus-exalting Christian. Take the quiz at your own risk or encouragement.
You'll find the quiz at http://www.braveheartedgospel.com/Quiz.html
You'll find the quiz at http://www.braveheartedgospel.com/Quiz.html
Interesting IDF Developments . . .
Two interesting Israeli Defense Forces developments have people wondering about how Israel may react to the ongoing Iranian developments in nuclear technology - and the possiblitiy of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Israel has recently begun moving their "Dolphin-class" submarines through the Suez Canal again. A report in the Jerusalem Post indicates a policy to go around the horn of Africa rather than through the canal has been scrapped. The former route involved two refueling stops - and took a great deal more time to get into the Persian gulf area. Since these subs are armed with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles, some military analysts are wondering if this move is a statment that is being made to Iran and others about Israeli resolve concerning this issue.
In another interesting development, Israel is upgrading its F-15 fighter groups with long range fueling capability. This will allow these fighters to reach Iran without refueling.
COMMENTARY . . . These are interesting developments - yet may only be military choices to be ready to defend Israel if things continue toward a nuclear-armed Iran.
Israel has recently begun moving their "Dolphin-class" submarines through the Suez Canal again. A report in the Jerusalem Post indicates a policy to go around the horn of Africa rather than through the canal has been scrapped. The former route involved two refueling stops - and took a great deal more time to get into the Persian gulf area. Since these subs are armed with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles, some military analysts are wondering if this move is a statment that is being made to Iran and others about Israeli resolve concerning this issue.
In another interesting development, Israel is upgrading its F-15 fighter groups with long range fueling capability. This will allow these fighters to reach Iran without refueling.
COMMENTARY . . . These are interesting developments - yet may only be military choices to be ready to defend Israel if things continue toward a nuclear-armed Iran.
Pastor's Commentary: Democracy or Republic?
Since this is the week we celebrate our founding as a nation, I felt is necessary to comment on the idea that the United States is a pure democracy rather than a democratic republic. Some may feel that this is merely an argument in rhetoric - but there is a radical difference between the two in the practice of the body politic.
Too many today are referring to the United States as a democracy where the people rule. This is true to a point - but a true, pure democracy is a form of government where the people vote and voice their opinion on everything - and their mass decision stands. (It might be wise to comment that there is no such form of government functioning anywhere on the globe presently.) We are a constitutional republic - which means we express our views in voting certain individuals into office where they are charged with making laws in keeping with a written constitution. When they enter office they swear an oath to defend that constitution and operate according to it.
It might come as a surprise to many that our founding fathers stridently opposed a pure democracy. They considered such a thing mob rule. They also saw it as the tool of dictators. Wise men our founders were - and we would do well to listen to them from the grave - and from the wise document they left us called, "The Constitution of the United States of America."
The views of the people are often tossed here and there by public opinion - and thus given to change at the whim of our media and what they desire to promote. We can address our elected officials, but they were put in office so that there would be stability and the rule of law for the long-term. If, at the close of their term, the people are disgusted with their decisions and "law-making," they have the freedom to not elect them again - and elect another who would change the direction of our laws. This allows for a peaceful transfer of power - and allows for the peaceful "rule of law."
We were supposed to be a country based on the rule of law. We are NOT a country based on the whims of the people. We entrust the rule of our country to those whom we elect - and whom we pray will make wise laws that will ensure long-term blessing for our nation. Democracy would degenerate into mob rule in time - with those in powerful positions within the media driving public opinion in whatever direction they desire. It is to the blessing of our nation that we maintain a strong debate in the public square - one in which all sides of issues are given the ability to speak freely. When the mob rules - the mob calls for all who do not hold their view to be silenced. Remember the French Revolution and the atrocities committed in the name of Democracy and the will of the people.
The problem we face in our country today is that the church has not effectively taught the truth or evangelized the lost for a couple of generations. We've allowed ourselves to be lulled to sleep by the sirens of the world and the sirens of success. The result is that first our educational system, then our news outlets, and now our government has become captive to a liberal point of view. What I find fascinating about all of this is that this "so-called" liberal point of view is moving rapidly away from the view of our nation as a Constitutional Republic and toward the view of our nation as a Democracy of public opinion. Some may see this as a good thing - but I can assure you that neither our founders - or the future of our Republic will agree with that assessment. Pure Democracy has led to more dictatorships and oppression than many realize - but that is because they are not students of history or students of our forefather's wisdom.
Too many today are referring to the United States as a democracy where the people rule. This is true to a point - but a true, pure democracy is a form of government where the people vote and voice their opinion on everything - and their mass decision stands. (It might be wise to comment that there is no such form of government functioning anywhere on the globe presently.) We are a constitutional republic - which means we express our views in voting certain individuals into office where they are charged with making laws in keeping with a written constitution. When they enter office they swear an oath to defend that constitution and operate according to it.
It might come as a surprise to many that our founding fathers stridently opposed a pure democracy. They considered such a thing mob rule. They also saw it as the tool of dictators. Wise men our founders were - and we would do well to listen to them from the grave - and from the wise document they left us called, "The Constitution of the United States of America."
The views of the people are often tossed here and there by public opinion - and thus given to change at the whim of our media and what they desire to promote. We can address our elected officials, but they were put in office so that there would be stability and the rule of law for the long-term. If, at the close of their term, the people are disgusted with their decisions and "law-making," they have the freedom to not elect them again - and elect another who would change the direction of our laws. This allows for a peaceful transfer of power - and allows for the peaceful "rule of law."
We were supposed to be a country based on the rule of law. We are NOT a country based on the whims of the people. We entrust the rule of our country to those whom we elect - and whom we pray will make wise laws that will ensure long-term blessing for our nation. Democracy would degenerate into mob rule in time - with those in powerful positions within the media driving public opinion in whatever direction they desire. It is to the blessing of our nation that we maintain a strong debate in the public square - one in which all sides of issues are given the ability to speak freely. When the mob rules - the mob calls for all who do not hold their view to be silenced. Remember the French Revolution and the atrocities committed in the name of Democracy and the will of the people.
The problem we face in our country today is that the church has not effectively taught the truth or evangelized the lost for a couple of generations. We've allowed ourselves to be lulled to sleep by the sirens of the world and the sirens of success. The result is that first our educational system, then our news outlets, and now our government has become captive to a liberal point of view. What I find fascinating about all of this is that this "so-called" liberal point of view is moving rapidly away from the view of our nation as a Constitutional Republic and toward the view of our nation as a Democracy of public opinion. Some may see this as a good thing - but I can assure you that neither our founders - or the future of our Republic will agree with that assessment. Pure Democracy has led to more dictatorships and oppression than many realize - but that is because they are not students of history or students of our forefather's wisdom.