GOSPEL and PROPHECY

Olympic Fire

2012-02-14T12:32:00.000+03:00

Fire.

Stolen from the gods by Prometheus. Brought down from Mount Olympus and given to the land of mortals, against the wishes of the enraged deities.

Or so the old Grecian myth goes.

The Olympic flame is traditionally carried in a relay from runner to runner to the site of the Olympic games—a nod to the fanciful legend of Greece, where the Olympics originated.

Today, when the last runner enters the stadium in Vancouver to light the Olympic cauldron, the flame will have completed a 106-day journey across Canada. The fire that remains burning for the duration of the games will trace its beginning all the way back to Greece, where it was ignited at the site of what was once the temple of Hera.

One continuous fire, burning across different torches, different countries, different continents. Though subjected to an ever-changing array of new vistas and environments, the fire, where it began and where it is going remain the same.

Two thousand years ago, another fire ignited. In the city of Jerusalem, one hundred and twenty disciples of Jesus Christ were gathered together on the Day of Pentecost when a mighty rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended upon the heads of those there.

Not stolen from the gods, but given freely by the one true God, this fire—God's Holy Spirit—started burning in the hearts of Christ's servants two millennia ago and has remained burning in His Church ever since.

Before His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [the grave] shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18

, NKJV). True to His word, that Church has survived until our present day, and continues to function under His guidance.

Like the Olympic flame, God's Spirit has spread from individual to individual, country to country, continent to continent. It burns without interruption, without change, on its way to a sure and established goal. But unlike the Olympic flame, it enables those who carry it to have a direct, personal connection with their Creator, and to share His character. The Olympic flame is temporary; God's Spirit is eternal. The Olympic flame represents something stolen; God's Spirit represents a gift available to all who truly want it. The flame symbolizes all that is human nature; the Spirit contains all that is God.

Today, the cauldron will be lit, and the games will be underway. In a few more days, they will be finished, along with the Olympic flame. But the Spirit of the living God, carried for centuries by His people, will never be extinguished. They will continue marching toward their ultimate goal—a goal far greater than any Olympic cauldron.

Key to Refresh your Relationship with God

2012-02-12T20:24:00.000+03:00

“And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:3)

Key to a Good Relationship My aunt recently told me the most important quality in a marriage partner: “Amy, look for someone who is teachable, who doesn’t think they know everything.” This surprised me, but then I remembered the words of Jesus: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” What is it that kids have that is so important?

Untainted by Doubt and Pride Kids just believe. They haven’t yet set up boundaries in their mind about what is or isn’t possible; what they will or won’t do because they’re “too mature.” When Jesus told His disciples (who were young men),“Follow Me,” they didn’t first ask, “Well where are we going?” —they just went. This childlike humility is exactly what Jesus loves and is the key to getting into God’s kingdom.

Older, but Not Necessarily Wiser… When I first became a Christian, everything was so new and exciting to me. I knew that I didn’t know much, and so I sought out trusted teachers, devoured the Bible, and was so hungry to hear and talk to God. But as I began to get “older” in my faith, I began to think I knew it all and got prideful. This hindered my growth greatly and cut off what once was my fresh, new relationship with God. Now I want to become like I once was: trusting and believing.

Become a Kid Again Remember as a kid, how you would play on your hands and knees all them time? Now imagine Jesus’ kingdom had an entry gate that was just a little shorter than you, and you have to kneel to get in. The adult in you says, “I don’t get on my hands and knees!” But that childlike faith is all that God asks of us. The Bible says, “’Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ He was even called the friend of God” (James 2:23).

It just starts with believing. To start the process, just pray from your heart, “God, I want to believe You whole-heartedly, like a trusting child. I am sorry for doubting You. Please help me follow You anywhere.” I am in this with you! Let’s walk through this together this week on GodLife Facebook!

The Bible and the Koran: A Fundamental Difference in Approach

2012-02-12T06:49:00.000+03:00

Before the invention of printing made the Christian Bible widely available, certain of the faithful were very adept at memorizing large portions of the Holy Scriptures.

Today we are blessed to have many translations of the Bible along with multiple commentaries, dictionaries and other biblical helps available for studying God's Word as never before in history.

Our study of Scripture involves reason. The human ability to reason, analyze and imagine is a wonderful gift from God, springing from our having been created in His image (see Genesis 1:26-27). Clearly the Bible encourages the proper use of our reasoning powers. "Come and let us reason together, says the Lord" (Isaiah 1:18).

During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ asked His disciples many questions, reasoning with them on a daily basis. On one occasion a non-Israelite woman asked Christ to heal her daughter of demon possession. At first He replied that the children in a household should be fed first—referring to the Jewish people of His day. But she reasoned with Him in a right attitude, and then He gladly complied with her request, praising her faith.

In contrast, the Islamic approach to the Koran differs markedly from the biblical model of reasoning. Author David Burnett states: "In Islam, it is the revelation given by Allah that is all important, not intellectual knowledge by analysis. It is the Qur'an [Koran] that is the embodiment of that revelation and so for the Muslim it is beyond question or reason . . . The importance is not in understanding it, but the significance depends on its own intrinsic power. Thus the Qur'an should be memorized but not necessarily understood. Learning is primarily by rote and not by deductive logic" ( Clash of Worlds, 2002, pp. 116-117, emphasis added).

Our minds matter! Christianity is not a mindless religion. God does not want us to suspend our reasoning powers when clearly confronted with questionable or hopelessly ambiguous information. Our Creator made us with the capacity for rational thought, a divine attribute of the image of God. Of course, we must in humility reason with God's Word and not exalt our human reasoning above His clear revelation (Proverbs 3:5).

In any case, trust in God and His Word is to be a reasoned faith, not a blind faith.

Islam vs. the West: Why the Clash of Civilizations?

2012-02-11T09:51:00.000+03:00

To comprehend why Islamic and Western civilization conflict so sharply requires studying the basic differences between their underlying philosophies. Make no mistake: The bare facts reveal that the West now finds itself in very serious jeopardy.

Author Samuel Huntington stated in his book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order that "religion is a central defining characteristic of civilizations" (1998, p. 47). He's correct, of course. Most world religions are associated with one or more of our present civilizations.

Today we live in a multipolar age of multiple civilizations. We'll narrow our focus here to just two—Western Christian civilization and its Islamic counterpart. What sets them apart, and why are they at odds?

Crucial differences between Christianity and Islam

The Christian religion draws its teaching and values from a large number of books, written over a 1,500-year period, that collectively form the Bible. The Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles wrote down, while divinely inspired, the content of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures.

In contrast, while Islam teaches that the Bible is revealed Scripture, it also claims that the Bible has been corrupted and superceded by the Koran (or Quran, meaning "Recitation"). This book, which is about the size of the New Testament, is supposedly based on divine communication to Islam's founder, Muhammad (A.D. 570-632). The Koran is supplemented by the Hadith (or "Report"), a traditional record of other sayings and acts of Muhammad.

While Islam and Christianity claim belief in one God, the God of the Bible and Allah of the Koran are not one and the same. "Islam begins and ends with the concept that there is no God but Allah. Allah is all-powerful, sovereign and unknowable" (David Burnett, Clash of Worlds, 2002, p. 114, emphasis added throughout).

While the Arabic word Allah means "God," the fact that Allah is pictured in the Koran as so distant, abstract and transcendent as to be unknowable helps to show that Allah is not just another name for the Christian God, as some mistakenly believe.

Our Creator has revealed His personhood and merciful, compassionate nature in His Word. In contrast to the Muslim view of Allah, the God of the Bible is knowable! In Jeremiah 9:24 He says, "But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me." Jesus Christ said in His prayer to the Father not long before His suffering and death on behalf of mankind, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

There is also the matter of reliability. For example, the Koran describes four conflicting calls to Muhammad.

Muhammad first stated that Allah appeared to him in the form of a man. Later Muhammad said that he was called by the Holy Spirit. Still later he said that angels (plural) appeared to him and said that Allah had called him to be a prophet. Last of all, he said that the angel Gabriel appeared to him and revealed the Koran to him.

The Koran similarly lumps peoples, places and practices separated by thousands of years and hundreds of miles all together at the same time. For example, it has crucifixion being used at the time of the Exodus, but it didn't come into practice until about a thousand years later.

It has Haman, a Persian official mentioned in the biblical book of Esther, working for the pharaoh in Egypt at the time of the Exodus, when that event took place a thousand years earlier. It claims that Alexander the Great was a Muslim who lived to a ripe old age, when Alexander was a Greek idolater who died in his early 30s.

These are only a few of the many conflicts not only between the Koran and the Bible, but between the Koran and historical fact.

Over the centuries these and other fundamental differences have produced profound clashes between the two disparate civilizations.

Relationships to worldly governments differ sharply

Western civilization, largely rooted in Christianity, has always recognized that practical conflicts between citizens need resolution sooner or later. It also understands that national political authorities are in place to maintain the social order.

According to the Bible, the state deserves respect and basic compliance from its citizens. Jesus Christ clearly stated, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).

Two of Christ's apostles elaborated on this basic principle. Paul wrote, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1). Peter wrote: "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's [Christ's] sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors . . . Honor all people. Love the brotherhood [members of the Church]. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:13-14, 17).

In sharp contrast, the ultimate goal of Islam is to bring all nations under its Islamic religious law (Sharia) now during this age of man—even if it means bringing down existing governments. Radical Islamic fundamentalists use suicide bombing and other gruesome forms of terrorism to accomplish this goal.

Wrote British author Roger Scruton: "The Muslim conception of holy law, pointing the unique way to salvation, and applying to every area of human life, involves a confiscation of the political. Those matters which, in Western societies, are resolved by negotiation, compromise, and the laborious work of offices and committees are [under Islamic rule] the object of immovable and eternal decrees, either laid down explicitly in the holy book [the Koran], or discerned there by some religious figurehead" ( The West and the Rest , 2002, p. 91, emphasis in original).

By contrast, true Christians await their soon-to-return King of Kings to supernaturally usher in the divine Kingdom of God to rule all nations—at last bringing peace and prosperity to this chaotic world (Revelation 11:15; 20:4-6).

Two radically different ways of life

The devastating 9/11 attacks on the United States revealed a world divided into two sharply different spheres—the Western democracies and populations propelled by radical religious fundamentalism. Islamists actually see a two-fold division of the nations— dar al-Islam (the "Abode of Submission") and dar al-harb (the "Abode of War").

To devout Muslims, only those countries predominantly controlled by the Islamic religion constitute the Abode of Submission ( Islam means "submission"). The rest face infiltration, oppression and attacks by Islamic believers until they are coerced into submission. Until then, these non-Islamic nations are part of dar al-harb, the Abode of War.

In non-Muslim lands with a minority Islamic population, the basic strategy is to appear outwardly peaceful and cooperative. And many Muslims may well be. Yet radicals work covertly underground in carrying out subversive designs. And as their proportion of the population grows, particularly in Western nations, Muslims in increasing numbers become more assertive in demanding their "rights," using Western freedoms to advance their cause at the expense of others.

Then, if and when the demographic tipping point arrives, the tactics switch to various types of coercion and force, using the fresh powers of a recently acquired Muslim plurality or majority. Any activity becomes permissible as long as it serves the overall end result—the advance of Islam.

But first those countries outside of the realm of Islam are usually asked to convert. If they refuse conversion, then the radicals feel free to use whatever means are necessary to bring these countries into the Islamic fold.

Twin assaults on Western civilization

Not only are the radical fundamentalist elements of Islam actively working to destroy the West, but our own civilization paradoxically finds many of its political and cultural leaders and movements actually undermining resistance to these foreign influences that would destroy Western civilization.

By choosing political correctness over facing the hard facts of reality, we willingly participate in our own downfall. We simply don't want to confront the moral cancers that are primarily responsible for our current civilizational and cultural decline.

Daily Mail columnist Melanie Phillips explains: "Our [Western] culture has been upended by moral and cultural relativism, the doctrine that denies any hierarchy of values but is doctrinaire in its own enforcement. Faced with an onslaught from the Islamic world that correctly recognizes Western culture as decadent, we no longer know what it is we want to defend.

"We tell ourselves that we stand for human rights, freedom, democracy, tolerance—and yet we also tell ourselves that we cannot uphold these rights because to prefer one culture over another is racist or xenophobic, even if the culture so preferred is one's own. So a liberal society by definition cannot defend itself but, in the interests of equality, must apparently accept its own obliteration" ( The World Turned Upside Down, 2010, pp. 281-282).

"Right and wrong" becomes a matter of adhering to one's own personal standards, based on whatever culture we currently embrace—whether liberal secular, nominally Christian or any other. Anciently, King Solomon warned us that the way of life that may seem so right to us will end up in our own spiritual destruction and death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).

As in the days of Israel of old, many men and women today are thinking and doing what is right in their own eyes and choosing wrongly (see Judges 17:6; 21:25). Biblical standards are first ridiculed and then largely abandoned.

Abortion and euthanasia have gained acceptance by this misguided liberal thinking. Too many justify the murder of those not yet born and even encourage the premature death of the old and infirm among us. Marriage and family—the glue that holds society together—are redefined or discarded to meet people's personal whims.

Islam's gains paralleled by the West's decline

Unlike Islam, the West has lost faith in its own traditional religious values. Mainstream churches have endured decades of disturbing decline. Attendance is often in near freefall. The teachings of the Bible are impugned, and even God's existence is seriously questioned in religious quarters. Western clergy now includes so-called "Christian atheists."

Note Melanie Phillips again: "The loss of religious belief has meant the West has replaced reason and truth with ideology and prejudice, which it embraces in the manner of a secular inquisition. The result has been a kind of mass derangement, as truth and lies, right and wrong, victim and aggressor are all turned upside down.

"In medieval-style witch-hunts, scientists who are skeptical of global warming are hounded from their posts; Israel is ferociously demonized; and the United States is vilified over the war on terror— all on the basis of falsehoods and propaganda that are believed as truth" ( The World Turned Upside Down, inside front cover).

The Hebrew prophet Isaiah foresaw this aspect of our tragic human condition today: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness . . ." (Isaiah 5:20

). Our Creator God makes His own views known through His Word of truth and judgments, which endure forever (Psalm 119:160).

God built the principle of cause and effect into the very fabric of our world. A simple biblical example: "For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing of the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife" (Proverbs 30:33). So the simple principle of cause and effect produces these trends among various civilizations.

We see one end result all around us: Islam grows in numbers and strength while the West continues to decline. The adherents of Islam do not question Allah or the teachings of the Koran, however contradictory we Westerners feel that they are. But we in the supposedly Christian West are cavalier about foolishly and disrespectfully questioning God and the Bible.

God laments: "Has a nation [ever] changed its gods, which are not [even] gods? But My people have changed their Glory [the true God] for what does not profit" (Jeremiah 2:11).

What should the West do?

The ideal reaction of Western civilization would be to follow the advice offered by Melanie Phillips in the Daily Mail: "If ever there was a time for the religious guardians of Western civilization to stand as its rock-solid defenders through their conspicuous moral clarity, surely this is it" ("Paralysis and Moral Confusion on Piazza Mahatma Gandhi (Otherwise Known as St Paul's)," Nov. 8, 2011).

But the likelihood of this seems very remote. So it comes down to your personal choices.

Your relationship with God must be at the very heart of your existence. Jesus Christ tells you exactly how to approach these end-time trends and events:

"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:34-36, emphasis added throughout).

The alluring deceits of this age with its ungodly entertainment, its focus on gratifying the self and its multiple distractions will entice you to follow its false ways. The apostle John warns God's people: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17).

In pursuit of the global restoration of His righteous ways (Acts 3:19-21), God is in the process of bringing this evil age of man to a close. Jesus Christ instructs us to pray, "Thy kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10, King James Version). Our Creator will answer that prayer!

But first He will teach the nations some very hard lessons. As Jesus said of the events leading up to His return, "For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written [in the prophecies of the Bible] may be fulfilled" (Luke 21:22).

This will be a time of traumatic reckoning. Jesus also said of that time: "It will be a time of great distress, such as there has never been before since the beginning of the world, and will never be again. If that time of troubles were not cut short, no living thing could survive" (Matthew 24:21:22, Revised English Bible).

As the end of this age draws closer, it is high time for us to shift the focus of our lives onto God and His marvelous plan for mankind!

Follow Me... An Invitation to Eternity

2012-02-10T07:13:00.000+03:00

"Follow Me." What does this invitation from Jesus Christ involve? What does it require? Are you willing to join Him on the journey?

Nearly 2,000 years ago a couple of fishermen were going about their own business casting nets into the Sea of Galilee in hopes of their next big catch.

Today, like every day, Andrew and Peter were steadily plying their trade, as did their ancestors before them. The rhythm of life, just like the steady lapping of the waves on the shore, was slow, steady and assuring.

Their life was not complex, but it was nonetheless demanding. They knew the best times to come to the shore and launch their boats. The men cast their nets with an expertise developed since childhood and would pull them in with patience and precision.

Next, the catch for the day had to be separated. Then, their sturdy hands would turn the boat's rudder towards shore. Once on shore they would clean their nets and hang them out to dry. These nets were precious—being the ultimate tool of their trade on which their survival depended. Practically speaking, the nets meant everything!

Last, but not least, would come the grunt work of hauling the fish to market. Their day was almost done—or at least they thought so, but little could they know that the familiar rhythm of life was about to abruptly change.

An invitation and an immediate response

A man of Galilee that they had known and spoken with before was standing by the shore. He used the acoustics of the still water to send one simple, yet direct, message to these two burly fishermen.

The words were a curious blend of invitation and command— "Follow Me." He went on to declare that He would make them "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).

Indeed, these two initial words would not only alter two lives but, along with others, alter the course of history.

The book of Matthew describes their response by stating, "They immediately left their nets and followed Him" (verse 20). The power of the moment is the reality that they dropped their nets and handed over their past, present and future to the man on the shore.

The first recorded words of Jesus Christ to Peter were "Follow Me." Peter would hear these words more than once. Little could he realize where the journey would lead and what Christ would have in store for this son of Galilee.

After years of following Jesus of Nazareth over the roads of Galilee, Judah and Samaria and even into the challenging environs of Jerusalem, Peter would have to come to fully face himself and further let go of the "nets" of life.

Peter receives a repeat invitation

Jesus would have one last recorded conversation with His beloved fisherman. It was after Jesus' death and resurrection, in those last few days before He ascended to heaven, that the echo of those first two words of personal engagement would be visited once more on Peter's ears. It would occur where it had all started—on those same shores by the same sea.

Often life is a circle, and God brings us right back to the initial classroom of life to get the lesson! As a preamble to hearing the invitation one more time, the apostle John in his Gospel account points out Peter's consternation and bewilderment over Christ's words regarding the future of John and himself.

Jesus' words indicated that Peter would suffer a challenging martyrdom while John's life would apparently travel a different road (John 21:18-24). It is here that Jesus said to Peter, "If I want him [John] to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me" (verse 22, New International Version).

It's within these first and last recorded comments of Christ to Peter that we discover the ever-present echo of Jesus' invitation to disciples for all times—an invitation that simply stated, "Follow Me." This is where His conversation always begins and never ends with those chosen by Him (John 15:16).

Are you willing to go the same way?

"Follow Me" is the ever-present guiding echo that encases the journey of a Christian pilgrim as he or she navigates the challenges of a world that's turned from God. Akolou-theo, the root Greek word translated "follow," brings forth a variety of definitions that convey companionship based on union or likeness. Thus it gives the sense of "one going in the same way" ( Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, New Testament Section, "Follow").

In the Gospels this word is used 77 times of following Christ. It's been said that if God says something once it's important. What then is the significance when the concept of "following" Jesus is given 77 times?

Of course, the command for this spiritual journey is easy to read, but it's challenging to undertake. And it's intended to be just that— challenging.

In contemplating the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, we realize that it's humanly impossible to abide by its tenets without supernatural help. Christ lifted the bar so high it cannot be raised higher. A full and honest read of Jesus' words reminds all that He never said it would be easy, but rather that it would be worth it. But it comes at a cost! God still expects us each of us to "leave our nets."

Excuses to avoid the invitation

After his initial conversation with Peter, Jesus would further explain to others what it meant to "follow Me." The formula never changes as the account in Luke 9:57-62 bears witness: "Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, 'Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.'"

It is here that Jesus engages the earnest would-be disciple to fully consider what demands the future might bring and to prepare for a life quite unlike the one he's been living.

"Then He said to another, 'Follow Me.' But he said, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.'"

This man was not talking about attending a funeral right then. He seems to have had either unfinished business at home with an ailing aged parent who was not yet deceased or, if the parent had actually died, perhaps a complicated inheritance that would take time to sort out. (Or it could be a reference to the year-long Jewish mourning period of that day, after which bones of the deceased were reinterred in an ossuary or bone box.)

In any case, Jesus was not demeaning the dead or genuine responsibility to one's family duties. Rather, He was making a demand statement on the would-be follower to hand over his present life into the care of God's providence.

"And another also said, 'Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.' But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'"

This third individual was not talking about a quick trip back to say goodbye to some guests who'd just stopped by. Instead, while considering a life of following Christ, he wanted to take time to visit his past associates and cuddle up to a known world of companions he would be required to put behind him.

It is right here, among three would-be followers, that Jesus offers a profound and gripping message to those who would be granted the gift of eternal life by our Heavenly Father and follow Christ into eternity.

As the stunned followers begin to understand the depth of His challenge and invitation, we can almost read Jesus' lips in discerning what He was basically saying: "The bottom line of My message is this: When My call comes, you are to drop your nets immediately just like My friends Peter and Andrew. As you do, understand that My desire and prerequisite for companionship with Me is surrendering your past, present and future and handing it over to Me in faith and confidence that My perfection is always going to trump your human best."

The apostle John recorded Jesus' expectations in these terms: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

Will you drop nets or drop anchor?

Allow me to speak plainly: Some of you reading this column may be related in mind-set (at least for the moment) to the individuals we just read about in Luke 9.

Let's fully understand that Jesus' call to "Follow Me" is not isolated to the confines of the Middle East. This call comes every day, in unique ways, all over the world—into factories, schools, offices and homes just like yours.

You may have heard God's call for years now, just as much as Andrew and Peter heard the voice of Christ come over the water. But instead of coming to the proverbial shore and immediately dropping your nets, you have dropped anchor where you are, at a safe distance from commitment to Someone offering something far greater than yourself.

Again, let me make it very plain: There is a profound difference between simply knowing who Jesus Christ is while safely viewing Him from a distance and walking step by step with Him towards eternity.

This new column in The Good News, titled "Follow Me," is designed not only to guide you to open the pages of your Bible, but to encourage you to open the doors of your heart to "get out of the boat" and prepare to "drop your own personal nets," whatever issues they may be, and follow Jesus Christ without reservation—walking with Him wherever He chooses to guide.

Yes, heed His call with all your heart and leave to Him the consequences of your obedience. And yes, when we stumble and lose our way, remember the reverberating echo of God's love is always present—"Follow Me!" We are going to trace our Master's walk through the imprint of His perfect life, His challenging death and glorious resurrection to fuel our commitment to follow Him in every aspect of our lives.

Perhaps the voice of "Follow Me" is best heard in the story of a man whose plane crashed in a deep jungle. There he was stuck in the bush until he came on a hut in a clearing. A native man appeared from out of the hut. The forlorn pilot asked if he could get him out of there, and the native man confidently responded, "Yes."

Thus, they began the journey. Hours went by as the native man forged ahead, slashing away with his machete at the tangled brush in front of them. Finally, the anguished pilot frustratingly cried out to the man, "You said you knew the path out of here to rescue. Where is it?"

The guide slowly turned around. And with a smile on his face and a piercing gaze into the pilot's eyes, he proclaimed, "I am the path."

With this story in mind, may this and future columns help us in our journey to always look to and heed Jesus' call of "Follow Me." As we remember, He never said it would be easy, but He did say it would be worth it. We must always trust in Him to lead us. The same One tells you this very moment in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

How to Get the Most out of Your Prayers

2012-02-07T19:42:00.000+03:00

“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' Then you can tell them, 'They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD's Covenant went across.' These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever" (Joshua 4:6,7)

If your answered prayer was like a loaf of bread, how many people could it feed? Just you? Your family? What about thousands? This month, we learned a recipe for answered prayer (combining your desires with God’s will; adding the powerful ingredient of faith; and keeping it in the prayer oven until God answers). Now how will you use that bread when you get it?

Jesus’ followers faced the same issue. At the end of a long day of teaching and healing, His disciples wanted to send the crowds away to find their own food. But Jesus said: “’They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them here to me,’ He said” (Matthew 14:16-18). Jesus then took the disciples’ small bit of food and caused it to feed 5,000 people.

The loaf of your answered prayer can feed thousands too. Just like the Bible gives a recipe for answered prayer, it also gives “serving suggestions” for that finished loaf. Here’s what to do when you get that answered prayer:

Eat it: You prayed for it, now enjoy it! Paul said, “"You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." And in another place, "Those who work deserve their pay!" (I Timothy 5:18). Use the gift God has given you to glorify Him, and thank Him for it! But there are more uses than just eating it all right away…
Save it: There will be times that you feel hungry, waiting for God to answer your prayers and not sure if He will. Use the bread you have from the past to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness! That’s what the Israelites did when God did something great. They set up stones to remember God’s faithfulness so that their kids would know how powerful God is. Tell yourself, “I know God will come through for me this time, because He came through for me last time.
Share it: This is what the disciples did, and it fed 5,000. Your answers to prayer are not only for you—they are for the encouragement of others! How many times have you been encouraged by someone else’s story of God’s faithfulness? You can do the same for many others by sharing how God was faithful to you. Every time I get down, my mom tells me of all the times God has come through for her, and it strengthens me. Your one answer to prayer can feed so many people, just like the disciples’ few loaves!

God will answer your prayer, if you keep praying and trusting! And when He does, use your loaf to feed yourself in times of waiting and to feed others who need encouragement. In this way, there is no limit to how far your loaf of bread can stretch!

My Prayer for You: I pray God would reignite your hope in Him, that you would give your life afresh to Him and watch Him bless and love you in surprising ways. If you have gone astray, I pray that God would bring you back to His house and throw a party for you, like the prodigal son.

Share some of your loaf today! Let others know on the Prayer Wall how God has helped you in the past! Who knows, your story might be the encouragement someone needs to keep going!

Work: It's More Than Just a Job

2012-02-03T18:47:00.000+03:00

In and outside the home, work is a critical part of life. But for whom are we really working, and what is the ultimate purpose of work?

I remember it well. It was a beautiful late summer afternoon in 1960, and my dad had just returned home from work with a recent issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Opening the magazine he said, "John, take a look at this."

He then pointed to an advertisement showing a photo of a shiny new bicycle. The caption read, "Sell just 10 subscriptions to The Saturday Evening Post and receive this beautiful bicycle!"

My dad then said, "John, this would be a great opportunity; I'm sure you could sell these subscriptions." But he promptly added, "It will take some quick work because it's only six weeks to the deadline."

At age 11, the prospect of owning a brand-new bike instantly captivated me. So the very next day I eagerly began knocking on neighbor's doors in an effort to find subscribers. I quickly learned, however, that earning my bicycle would be harder to accomplish than I had expected—partly because the $10 subscription price was a hefty outlay in 1960, equaling about $70 today.

Nevertheless, during the succeeding days I spent hours canvassing farther and farther away from our neighborhood, knocking on many doors in a search of potential buyers. It was hard work, but each time I signed up a subscriber I felt motivated and energized because I knew I was getting closer to my goal. Nevertheless, my zeal was tempered by the worry that I might not make the deadline!

In fact, as the closing date loomed I was still three subscriptions short. Mercifully, my dad came to my rescue with the remaining subscriptions from relatives and a business acquaintance. We immediately mailed in the 10 names, addresses and payment, and within a month my new bike arrived in a big box on a big truck. As I rode my new bicycle down the driveway for the first time, I realized that all the hard work and anxious concern had paid off handsomely!

From that important experience as a young boy, I found that much satisfaction and personal fulfillment comes from working hard to accomplish a goal. Even so, there were important things I didn't yet understand about work, and it would take several years before I learned them. I'll cover more about that a little later.

Work, no matter how simple or ordinary, in or outside the home, is an important part of life. This is true for everyone, including those who endure physical disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment or who are retired from regular daily employment.

So just what is our attitude toward work? Does our work have purpose and meaning? Is the work we do simply a means of earning a living? Do we find fulfillment in our daily labor? And an even bigger question: Just why is work so important, and for whom are we really working?

The all-important subject of work

The bicycle I worked so hard to obtain with the aid of my dad helped me discover much about myself and what it would take to be successful later in the adult world of employment.

Beginning in those early years, I did all kinds of work. At home, my parents assigned my seven brothers and sisters and me regular daily chores. In addition, I often worked with my dad in various cleaning, painting and mechanical projects. From age 12 to 16 I had a daily paper route.

Throughout high school I held various part-time and summer jobs. And working my way through college, I drove trucks, washed windows, repaired equipment, tarred roofs, painted buildings and laid concrete—along with a number of other jobs.

Thinking back on all those jobs, I realize I learned many key work habits—including punctuality, loyalty, the ability to follow instructions, the capacity to work for long periods without supervision, and many others.

How about you? If you have worked for any length of time, you too have likely acquired many valuable work habits. Our personal work opportunities and performance can indeed teach us much, but God's Word reveals and explains the ultimate purpose for work.

The Scriptures explain that work, along with the values it instills, is a critical ingredient in God's long-range plan of character development for every human being. Our Creator certainly desires that we experience the joy of working and take pleasure in the fruits of our labors, but He also wants us to understand the vital, great purpose of work.

Through the biblical record, let's learn what God has to say on this critical subject.

God's words about work

God Himself is a worker. Jesus Christ said, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" (John 5:17). And God obtains great satisfaction and enjoyment from working. When He shaped and fashioned this beautiful world for human habitation, He was delighted that His efforts produced exceptional results: "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Genesis 1:31, emphasis added throughout).

God worked six days and rested on the seventh day to reflect on and appreciate His labors, establishing the weekly Sabbath (Genesis 2:1–3). He desires that we follow His example by working hard each week and keeping the Sabbath as He did, so we can rest and be rejuvenated both physically and spiritually (Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:4, 9-10).

When Jesus walked the earth as a human being, He set a vigorous example of one who works, as we just saw, and who enjoys doing so. In John 4:34 Jesus said, "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work" (New Living Translation). Christ's work was not a burden to Him, and neither should our work be to us. And it won't be if we approach it properly from a godly perspective.

Fulfillment and satisfaction through work is part of the good life that God desires for everyone. Ecclesiastes 3:13 tells us that "every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God."

God desires that all people prosper, thrive and flourish physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But there is a way to bring this about and a way not to. Jesus explains that there is a petulant thief in our midst who works hard to obscure and impede the only real path to an abundant, meaningful life. Contrasting this thief, Satan the devil, with Himself, Jesus said: "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10, NLT).

The results of choosing the wrong way

God wanted the first human beings Adam and Eve and their children to have "life in all its fullness." He gave them the challenge of working to maintain the strikingly beautiful Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15) and to follow the way of living that would guarantee their continuing prosperity and contentment. Regrettably, however, they sinned and rejected God's aspirations for them, bringing on man's work the curse of drudgery and hardship (Genesis 3:17-19).

Most of mankind has followed a similar pattern. By declining to pursue God's ways and His laws, history shows that most of humanity has struggled in sorrow and distress. As a result, many people have found their work unfulfilling and unsatisfactory. A poll by the Gallup organization found that only about half of American workers are satisfied with their jobs.

But why is there so much dissatisfaction? As already mentioned, God imposed a curse on man's labor. Yet this curse is not dependent on God's direct action in many cases. Rather, man's own wrong choices automatically bring their own consequences. And being cut off from God, subject to their own lack of wisdom and to Satan's deceptions, people have made many terrible choices.

Indeed, the systems, methods and practices of this age and society are not of God's formation or design. The devil has cleverly succeeded in deceiving the whole world into following his fraudulent, bankrupt way and rejecting God's ideal path (Revelation 12:9). The apostle Paul called today's troublesome, unhappy period of Satan's influence "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4). Is it any wonder then that the attitude some people have toward work is negative, gloomy and dismal?

Thankfully, we don't have to be mired in this bad news. There is also good news!

Working for God

Although we must live amid the societal problems of this world, we can boldly reject the world's often sour attitudes toward work. But how? By working for God! This is one of the critical principles I didn't understand in the early days of my working career. But thankfully I was able to discover it later in life by learning it from God through His Scriptures.

Even the most insignificant job can have great purpose and meaning if we bear in mind for whom we really work! How, then, should we approach everything we do—including our daily work as a student, homemaker, employee, self-employed individual or retiree?

The apostle Paul gave important instructions to Christians who were in bondage as slaves, but the principles apply equally as well to our own particular work environment today. He told them to consider their service to human masters as being to our spiritual Master or Lord—Jesus Christ:

"Slaves, always obey your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you, as if you had but to please men, but giving them ungrudging service, in your reverence for the Master. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if working for the Master and not for men, since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your recompense. You are serving Christ, the Master" (Colossians 3:22-24, Twentieth Century New Testament).

Paul further stated in Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."

Our work takes on even greater meaning when we realize that we're not doing it merely for a salary or for our own personal fulfillment, but that we're working to honor the great God of the universe! As a result, we can bring an attitude of enthusiasm and cheer to our workplace (Proverbs 15:13).

Having a positive work attitude

If we are truly working for God, what are some ways we can cultivate a healthy, positive attitude in our place of employment? The website Career-Success-For-Newbies.com offers some guidelines:

1. Be a "can do" person. When faced with setbacks on the job, we should not give up but rather work at finding a way to successfully complete our tasks. Instead of saying, "No, this can't be done," we can say, "It looks tough, but let me see what I can do." The effort and determination we demonstrate will pay off regardless of the success of a project. Such an attitude is valuable for both fellow employees and superiors who see and appreciate it.

2. Don't complain. Nothing positive comes from simply complaining about a matter. Instead, it's better to discuss a particular problem with a superior if we feel it's directly affecting our job function or performance. When we do, it leaves the door open for something to be done to correct a negative situation.

3. Work hard. The popular expression "Work smarter, not harder" is misinterpreted by some to mean that we can forego hard work. The real meaning is that our efforts should be put to the best use (compare Ecclesiastes 10:10). We still need to exert effort, always doing the best we can. As Scripture says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

4. Be organized. Being organized means we can be more efficient, which allows our superior to consider giving us better assignments. This is because he or she knows we can complete a task efficiently and on time.

But how can we work for God and be energetic in our labors if we have a super-visor who is difficult to work with or seems insensitive and uncaring? Paul explains what to do: "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully" (1 Peter 2:18-19).

Of course, employees are not slaves, and no one should endure mistreatment endlessly. But it's good to remember that, even though we are working for God as our ultimate employer, there is no perfect human work environment. So when we face difficulties on the job, we should exercise the wisdom found in these words: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Indeed, God wants us to recognize our need for His help and to ask Him for it. Considering this, I reflect on the assistance my dad graciously gave me when I was short those three Saturday Evening Post subscriptions. If we are obedient to God, relying on His help while doing what we can, He will take care of the rest.

What if you are unemployed?

But what if you happen to be unemployed? It's no secret that finding employment in today's difficult job market involves using creativity, ingenuity and regular, steady effort. In other words, these are the very same qualities needed to perform soundly once you secure employment. You can use the same biblical principles of diligence, initiative and tenacity by making a job out of finding a job.

Just as you would in any other occupation, you can spend 40 or more hours a week working at securing employment. Putting pressure on yourself to reach as many potential employers as possible each day will be motivational and encouraging in confronting feelings of inadequacy and dejection that sometimes accompany unemployment.

Networking with people who might be able to help you in your job search is also a valuable tool. Reading books and articles on how to search for employment more effectively can boost your job-hunting, resume-preparing and interviewing skills.

Furthermore, you can ask God for His powerful help in finding the right job. As 1 John 3:22 explains, "Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."

The ultimate purpose of work

As I mentioned earlier, God desires that we find pleasure even in the simplest of tasks and that we enjoy the fruit of our labors. But He also wants us to understand the ultimate purpose of work.

Just what is that great purpose? As incredible as it may seem, God's people in this age are preparing for working and serving alongside Jesus Christ as kings and priests when He establishes the Kingdom of God on earth (Revelation 2:26; 5:10). Jesus spoke about giving His Spirit-born, faithful followers authority over cities (Luke 19:17, 19).

And in the end, all of mankind will be offered a place in God's Kingdom, which is ultimately His eternal, divine family. Those who accept God's offer will inherit the entire universe, being coheirs with Christ of all things (Romans 8:17, 32). And we will be engaged in rewarding accomplishment for eternity to come.

But just how we can we be training for such amazing work in God's future government on the earth and ultimately over the entire universe if we have spent our career as a truck driver, homemaker, computer technician or in another profession? Well, perhaps we won't use the specific technical skills we learned in those occupations, but we can certainly apply the positive work habits we developed.

Work habits that we've learned during this physical life, such as punctuality, determination, reliability, patience, organization, thoughtfulness, cooperation and teamwork, will suit us well in the awesome future that awaits us.

God looks very closely at our performance and attitude in whatever work we do now as a critical sign as to how we will carry out our responsibilities for all eternity (Luke 16:10-12).

Little did I know when I worked to earn my new bike at age 11 that I was building vital work habits and character to help me prepare for working and serving in God's future Kingdom for eternity to come. The same is true for you! So let us profoundly appreciate God's great ultimate purpose for work and understand for whom we are really working. To be sure, work is more than just a job!

The Vatican Pushes for a Global Political and Economic Authority

2012-02-02T19:00:00.000+03:00

According to Bible prophecy, in the last days a centrally controlled global economic system, like the one the Vatican proposes, will be dominated by a great false religion and its leader. Could this document serve as the blueprint?

The Vatican recently renewed its call for creation of a "world political authority" with broad powers to regulate financial markets and rein in the "inequalities and distortions of capitalist development" ("Vatican Document Calls for 'Supranational' Reform, America: The National Catholic Weekly, Nov. 7, 2011).

The 41-page document, titled "Toward Reforming the International Financial and Monetary Systems in the Context of Global Public Authority," was prepared by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. It says a "supranational authority" is needed to place the common good at the center of international economic activity.

The document cites the teachings of popes over the last 40 years on the need for a universal public authority that would transcend national interests. And it urges implementation because of the growing disparity between the rich and poor and the global economic crisis. One major step, it said, should be to reform the international monetary system in a way that involves developing countries.

The document encourages the creation of a "central world bank" that would regulate the flow of monetary exchanges. It also suggests taxation on financial transactions, a "world reserve fund," recapitalization of banks with public funds, rewarding "virtuous" behavior, and broad management over countries and "shadow markets" (ibid.). As the Reuters news agency reports, it further urges "a gradual, balanced transfer of a part of each nation's powers to a world authority and to regional authorities" (quoted by Philip Pullella, "Vatican Urges Economic Reforms, Condemns Collective Greed," Oct. 24, 2011).

"'In a world on its way to rapid globalization, the reference to a world authority becomes the only horizon compatible with the new realities of our time and the needs of humankind,' it said. 'Helping to usher in this new society is a duty for everyone, especially for Christians'" (James Martin, "Vatican Issues Major Document on Global Financial Reform," Catholic News Service, October 24, 2011).

The Reuters report cites a section of the document explaining why the Vatican feels the reform of the global economy is essential: "'In economic and financial matters, the most significant difficulties come from the lack of an effective set of structures that can guarantee, in addition to a system of governance, a system of government for the economy and international finance,' it said . . .

"The world needed a 'minimum shared body of rules to manage the global financial market' and 'some form of global monetary management.'

"'In fact, one can see an emerging requirement for a body that will carry out the functions of a kind of 'central world bank' that regulates the flow and system of monetary exchanges similar to the national central banks,' it said."

The Vatican's call to establish a "global public authority" and "central world bank" with "supra-national authority" is reminiscent of the Bible's prophecies of just such a system being established.

It will be influenced by a major world religious leader called "the false prophet" in Revelation 19:20. Another figure mentioned here and in Revelation 13 is "the beast," a political leader and system in cooperation with the religious leader and system. The religious leader and system are also characterized as a beast: "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon [seemingly Christian but actually of the devil]. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence" (Revelation 13:11-12).

And notice verse 16-17: "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

Just as the Vatican recommends, this centrally controlled economic system will have worldwide scope and "universal jurisdiction." It will siphon from nations some national authority for itself.

It will reward "virtuous" behavior—and severely punish those not in line with its decrees who try to do business in any "shadow markets." All will be forced to be part of and identified with this system to be able to buy or sell.

Perhaps some groundwork is now being laid for what is to come.

A great deliverance is coming

2012-02-01T20:41:00.001+03:00

In no way do we wish to minimize or underestimate the troubles prophesied to come on the world. Yet each one of the dark biblical passages quoted at the beginning of this feature has an encouraging conclusion.

• "And it is the time of Jacob's trouble. But he shall be saved out of it" (Jeremiah 30:7).

• "And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered" (Daniel 12:1).

• "And then there will be great tribulation, such as not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened [stopped from running their course], no flesh would be saved [alive]; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened" (Matthew 24:21-22).

Jesus Christ Himself guarantees human survival!

For true Christians the news is even better. Zephaniah 2:3

proclaims, "Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger." And Isaiah 26:20-21 tells us what to do then: "Come My people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself, as it were, for a moment, until the indignation is past. For behold the Lord, comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity" (Isaiah 26:20-21).

The key is how we choose to react to God's warnings. May we all choose wisely.

Catastrophic conditions presage the end of an age

2012-01-30T20:09:00.001+03:00

Scriptural prophecies of a time of unparalleled severity have gone unfulfilled for around 2,000 and more years. Deeply troubling world events now require us to face them squarely.

• "Alas, for that day is great, so that none is like it, and it is the time of Jacob's [Israel's] trouble..." (Jeremiah 30:7, emphasis added throughout; compare Ezekiel 5, especially verse 9).

• "And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time..." (Daniel 12:1).

• "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be... " (Matthew 24:21; see also Mark 13:19).

While we're not there yet, current events should remind us this time is coming. The news of just this past year reflected frightening trends. These disturbing developments should cause us the soberest contemplation. Events like the radical reshaping of Europe, German domination of the European Union (EU), the clash between Western and Islamic civilizations, Islamic hatred of Israel, the Iranian nuclear threat, the rapid rise of China and the continuing decline of American influence demand the deepest introspection.

Above all, we desperately need to keep our heads out of the sand, for we live in a unique time of signs that herald the end of the age (see Matthew 16:2-3; Luke 12:54-56; 21:11, 25). Truly, Christians are duty bound to watch world events in the light of Bible prophecy (see Luke 21:24-36; Mark 13:32-37).

Where are the events of 2012 leading the world? Will the year ahead simply bring a further intensifying of political forces already well in motion?

Cooking Instructions for Answered Prayer

2012-01-29T20:22:00.001+03:00

“So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up” (Galatians 6:9)

If praying was like a baking a loaf of bread, what is the cook time? 10 minutes? 30? The answer: Until it’s done. One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up:

“There was a judge in a certain city,” He said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” (Luke 18:1-5)

God is a good Father, not an unjust judge. How much more will He grant your request! But He really likes persistence. Here is an acronym to remember, PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens. My mom (we call her the “persistent widow”) is proof. She started praying for the failed marriage of my best friend’s parents 20 years ago. Year after year, she just kept praying—telling the wife, “God can repair your marriage.” We thought she was crazy. But 20 years later, Eric and Lisa remarried, with their 4 kids crying tears of joy at the wedding. They both told my mom, “Thank you so much for never giving up praying.”

What amazing story is on the other end of your persistent prayer? Who knows what God will do if you continue to ask! As with baking bread, you’ve got to keep the heat steady until the loaf is done. The “heat” of your prayer is your faith: you keep the oven warm by steadfastly believing God for an answer. The Bible says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16). Earnest means “intense, strong, and heartfelt.” That is what God wants from you.

I want to encourage you: Keep your prayer in the oven, a little bit longer. Jesus is telling you today to: “Always pray and never give up.” God sees your desires and hears your prayers—keep praying!

The downside of the Arab Spring

2012-01-28T09:54:00.001+03:00

The Arab Spring brought the prospects for democratic development, but also the very real risks of Islamic ascension, political and economic chaos, humanitarian disaster and the persecution of Christians.

The performance of the Islamist party Ennahda in the October 23 Tunisian elections, in which it won 41.5 percent of the seats, raised eyebrows in the West.

Nearly a month and a half later a special report from Cairo to USA Today carried the headline "Muslim Brotherhood Wins in Egyptian Elections" (Dec. 6, 2011). The article drophead stated: "Parties' ambitions to spread Islamic law concern some." In the elections, "the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party topped winners with 37% of the nearly 10 million valid ballots cast for party lists in the first of three electoral rounds for the Egyptian parliament."

For the state of Israel looking around at neighboring enemies, Egypt had been a bright spot. No more. It's hard to imagine anything but a future cooling in Israeli-Egyptian relations. The Syrian-based Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, which rules Gaza, is returning to its Brotherhood roots ("Hamas Joins Global Muslim Brotherhood," Ynet News, Dec. 10, 2011). Several reports show that it's even been contemplating moving its headquarters from Syria to Egypt.

Even if the Islamists do not completely dominate the emerging governments in the region, one thing is sure: The Arab world is undergoing seismic and irreversible change. As more and more dictatorial leaders fall (is Syria's Assad next?) and the masses rise up, so do the chances for internal and external conflicts. The deep-seated hostility toward Israel is growing in openness and intensity, making the prospects for peace in the Middle East very dim.

This Element Will Make or Break your Prayers

2012-01-23T06:14:00.000+03:00

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1)

Have you ever tried to make bread without yeast? It will not rise. That’s how prayer is without faith. The Bible says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). When you come to God, if you do not sincerely believe that God wants to help you, your prayer is going to fall flat, just like bread without yeast.

Take a look at just how powerful Jesus said faith is. “A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of His robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched Me, for I felt healing power go out from Me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of Him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched Him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Did you hear what Jesus said? He said her faith made her well. Imagine you had a house filled with beautiful belongings. All those things are yours, but you can only get in with a key. God has amazing things in store for you, and your faith is the key to access them. Jesus said, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

So how do you get faith? Jesus’ followers asked the same thing. “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Show us how to increase our faith.’ The Lord answered, ‘If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!’” (Luke 17:5,6). Imagine how small a mustard seed is. I think Jesus is trying to tell you: Even if you just have a little, use the faith you’ve got, and it can do great things. Your faith is like a muscle: the more you use it, the bigger it grows. You just have to start somewhere.

The growing preeminence of Germany

2012-01-20T14:23:00.003+03:00

As just noted, many see the latest developments in the European Union as pushing Germany to greater dominance over the other member states.

"'For the first time in the history of the EU, the Germans are now in charge. But they are also more isolated than before [with other nations resentful of German austerity demands],' said Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform thinktank. 'The British are certainly more marginal than before. Their influence has never been lower in my lifetime'" (Ian Traynor, "As the Dust Settles, a Cold New Europe With Germany in Charge Will Emerge," Dec. 13, 2011).

Of course, the leaders of the EU are more typically deemed to be Germany and France, with Britain often seen as obstructionist.

For several decades following World War II, Germany appeared content to let France largely assume the reins of leadership, particularly with regard to European Union affairs. But in recent years their partnership has been more equal, and the pendulum now even swings toward the Fatherland.

Philip Stevens, a leading columnist for the Financial Times, wrote: "Germany will have to learn leadership, and France followship...The rules of the European game changed forever with the reunification of Germany. It has taken the euro crisis to spell out the brutal implications" ("Now the Franco-German Question," Dec. 9, 2011).

As was stated in The New York Times, "'The Germans had a strategic insight or advantage to let the crisis get to the threshold within the European Union necessary for France to be willing to hand over the kind of sovereignty the country has always resisted,' said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard of the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. 'You could say that the crisis has either been the wake-up call or the tool that Germany has used to beat them into submission'" (Nicholas Kulish, "Euro Crisis Pits Germany and U.S. in Tactical Fight," Dec. 11, 2011).

It could even be said that Germany decided to, in the words of other political leaders, not let a serious crisis go to waste: "'This is the breakthrough to the stability union,' German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. 'We are using the crisis as an opportunity for a renewal'" ("Europe Forges Fiscal Union, Sees Way Out of Crisis," Associated Press, Dec. 9).

Just where are all these confusing events in Europe really headed? Biblical prophecy shows that leaders of 10 nations (or groups of nations) will give power to a ruthless but charismatic dictatorial leader—the Bible referring to him and the empire he rules over as "the beast" ( Revelation 17:12-13). His authority and influence will be global ( Revelation 13:7).

The Right Ingredients for Answered Prayer

2012-01-15T19:26:00.000+03:00

“Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine" (Luke 22:42)

God’s Recipe for Answered Prayer God really, really wants to answer your prayers. That’s why the Bible contains a recipe for effective prayer. Imagine baking bread. The result rides on the right balance of water to flour. That’s how it is with prayer. Your desire is the water, and God’s will is the flour. The proper combination creates the perfect recipe for answered prayer.

First Add Water What do you want in life? Helping people, creating art, building a family? God has put inside of you unique desires that will build His kingdom and bring you fulfillment. He wants you to get in touch with them so He can lead you in your purpose. How do you get in touch with your desires? Ask God to show you what He made you for. The Bible promises, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Next Add Flour The second ingredient is God’s will for your life. Here’s an equation to help you figure out what that is: God’s Word=God’s Will. God wrote the Bible so you could know about His plans and desires. The more you read, the more you will know God’s will. You can wake up each morning and learn a little bit more about His will for you that day by reading the Bible. It’s exciting and it will give you peace!

Now Mix Have you ever had mushy bread? Too much water, not enough flour. That’s what happens when you come to God with only your own concerns in mind, and never His. If you’re ever in doubt, add more flour. That’s what Jesus did when He was facing crucifixion. His desire, naturally, was to not be crucified, but He added more flour: “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine" (Luke 22:42).

Let’s Get Cooking God wants to give you a great-tasting loaf of bread. So this week, let’s practice mixing His ingredients: your desires plus His will. But keep in mind: what you want right now may not be quite as good as what God has in store for you. For example, I used to want to be a hairdresser, but then I realized that God had an even better plan. He says to you today, “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Ask Him this week to show you your true desires and His will for you. Then start to pray…

The rise of the Chinese dragon

2012-01-14T21:42:00.001+03:00

China is pursuing an enormous military buildup on both land and sea.

"There has been much discussion and speculation in recent commentary over China's rapid maritime rise and strategy for dominating large swaths of the Pacific...China's naval buildup will soon give Beijing the means to use military force to back up its expansive territorial claims to essentially the entire Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea" (Robert O'Brien, "Ensuring China's Peaceful Rise," The Diplomat, Nov. 18, 2011).

A Financial Times piece titled "A Show of Force" was summarized in the table of contents in these words: "Beijing's assertive policing of its sphere of influence is fuelling fears of a growing hold over foreign policy of a hawkish and increasingly well-equipped army" (Sept. 29, 2011). A few months earlier, another Financial Times piece addressed increasing military and infrastructural cooperation between China and Pakistan. As the drophead stated, "Concerns are growing about the extent of Beijing's influence on Islamabad" ("China and Pakistan: An Alliance Is Built," June 30, 2011). This development comes at a time when America's influence on Pakistan is sharply declining.

How will these events play out in the end time? The "beast" power and ruler (mentioned earlier in this feature), supported by 10 European nations or groups of nations, is also referred to in Scripture as the "king of the North" (Daniel 11:40). After vanquishing the "king of the South," "news from the east and the north" troubles the king of the North.

Revelation 9:13-16 depicts an eastern army of 200 million people that unleashes great devastation on mankind. Later we read of "the kings [leaders] from the east" crossing the Euphrates River en route to Armageddon (the area of Megiddo) in the land of Israel (Revelation 16:12, 16). The greater part of this massive army may come from the Far East, most likely from China, India and other Asian nations.

These end-time prophecies are all part of the climactic events leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Syria's Assad Threatens to Rain Missiles on Tel Aviv

2012-01-12T05:38:00.000+03:00

Bashar al-Assad tightens his grip on his power, threatening attacks on Israel if outside intervention is taken to stop him.

With the death of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, things have gotten terribly uncomfortable for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad—and his worry has led to serious threats.

Gaddafi was the latest Middle East dictator to fall in the wave of the Arab Spring. Fighting against his own people helped to bring NATO forces in to support the revolutionaries. Assad, who has violently clamped down on his own nation, fears similar intervention in Syria.

In early October, the Syrian leader threatened to set fire to the Middle East by striking Israel, stating in a meeting with the foreign minister of Turkey, a NATO member, “If a crazy measure is taken against Damascus, I will need no more than six hours to transfer hundreds of rockets and missiles to the Golan Heights to fire them at Tel Aviv” (quoted in “Report: Assad Threatens to Attack Tel Aviv in Case of NATO Strike,” Ynet News, Oct. 4, 2011).

He further “stressed that Damascus will also call on Hezbollah in Lebanon to launch a fierce rocket and missile attack on Israel, one that Israeli intelligence could never imagine. ‘All these events will happen in three hours, but in the second three hours, Iran will attack US warships in the Persian Gulf as American and European interests will be targeted simultaneously,’ Assad reportedly said” (ibid.).

According to the intelligence and security news service DEBKA file: “Israel reacted with a warning of its own: If a single Syrian missile explodes in Tel Aviv, Damascus will be first to pay the price, and if the missile offensive persists, one Syrian town after another will be destroyed. The Israeli message to Assad cited the warnings Defense Minister Ehud Barak and other government members addressed in the past year to Hizballah, that if Tel Aviv comes under attack from its missiles, not only Beirut but all of Lebanon would go up in flames. Assad was given to understand that Syria would go the same way as Lebanon if it engaged in missile belligerence against Israel” (“Turkish Military Exercise on Syrian Border. Assad Threatens Tel Aviv if Attacked,” Oct. 4, 2011).

Some see the building tensions as leading up to the fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah 17:1

: “Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap” (Isaiah 17:1

). The fulfillment of this prophecy is clearly yet future, as Damascus, while it has been overthrown in the past, has never ceased from being a city. (In fact, it’s reputedly the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.)

But the timing and cause of this destruction are not clear. While it could conceivably result from an Israeli retaliatory strike, there are reasons from other prophecies to place the destruction of Damascus in the same context as the judgment on others of Israel’s neighbors during the period of the Day of the Lord, just prior to Christ’s return.

In any case, a massive attack on Tel Aviv would certainly set the Middle East on fire—a fire that could well devastate Damascus and the rest of Syria.

The Perfect Recipe for Answered Prayer

2012-01-11T01:50:00.000+03:00

“Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1).

What if God really answered your prayers? Close your eyes right now and imagine what that would look like. Many of us don’t pray because we don’t know how or we don’t think God will answer. But not only does God want to answer your prayers, He has given you tips on how to get answers to your prayers. Think of it like your favorite recipe: 2 parts sugar, 1 part flour, etc. The great news is that you have all the ingredients for answered prayer in your heart. Jesus repeatedly taught that what God cares about is the genuineness of your heart, not religious rituals or words. Listen to this story He told to prove it:

Two Very Different Men: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This month, let’s practice cooking with God’s recipe for answered prayer. Just like the tax collector, God isn’t waiting for you to be perfect to answer your prayers; He just wants you to be humble and honest. This is His promise to us: “Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). George from Facebook said, “I battled for several years to stop taking alcohol to no avail, but at the end of this year, I prayed and fasted and the urge for addiction has vanished.” God wants to answer your requests, just like He did for George!

Year of the Lord's Favor

2012-01-01T11:53:00.000+03:00

“He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come” (Isaiah 61:2)

Are you broken-hearted, held captive, or depressed? Then this word from God is for you:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory (Isaiah 61:1-3)

2012 can be a year of hope, not of failing. 2011 might have dealt you some blows—it did for the whole world—but God is the God of rebuilding. What is it in your life that needs rebuilding? Maybe it’s a past wound you can’t get over; a relationship that left you on the floor; or a worrisome situation so scary that it keeps you up at night. For me it has been feeling not good enough and worrying about my future. These things are like jailers that keep us captive, locked up from experiencing the vibrant life God has for us.

Imagine Jesus as the hero with the key to let you out of your jail. He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Many of the things you have gone through have been a purposeful attempt to steal from you—rob you of joy, confidence, and love—but Jesus came to restore it all back to you. Where love was stolen from you, He wants to give it back; where depression has held you down, He wants to help you up; and where addictions have kept you in shame, He wants to free you.

You just have to reach up and ask. God said, “If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me” (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s a promise. He doesn’t hide Himself from anyone, and He’s sending this message to you today to give you a glimpse of a better life. So please begin this New Year with hope from God. He has come to set you free.

Let’s take a moment and ask God that:

2012 will truly be the Year of the Lord’s Favor
He would help us look to Him for the great things He has for us
Global Media Outreach would help bring freedom to the captive this year

Begin the Year of the Lord’s Favor with the rest of the GodLife Community on Facebook We will send you inspiring promises from God, encouragement from other believers, and amazing stories of how God can work in people’s lives. Join by clicking “Like”!

The Hal Lindsey Report - The Specter of Persecution

2011-12-30T19:40:00.000+03:00

Of all nations on earth, the United States of America seemed to be the last place where the persecution of Christians would be a problem. But it's no longer such a far-fetched idea.

I believe we are seeing a crescendo of events and changing attitudes -- political, cultural, spiritual, and economic -- that will soon coalesce to put evangelical Christians in the cross-hairs of our society. Many of you are already facing some of these challenges at work, at school (or your child's school), or among your neighbors or family members. "Political correctness" is even now a problem, but I don't believe it will be too long before being "politically incorrect" will land you a fine or a jail term. When that happens, we will be faced with a choice: be "politically correct" or stand boldly and speak out for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters are already facing that dilemma. Some are even paying for their boldness with their lives!

This week, I want to share with you the story of a man who faced that moment and stood tall. In fact, two of the 28 chapters in the Book of Acts are dedicated to "A Man Called Stephen." His defense of the Gospel before the Sanhedrin was so brilliant, powerful, and Spirit-directed that he drove the council of learned scholars into a frenzy. They mobbed him. Then they took him out and stoned him to death.

Now, you're probably thinking that it doesn't sound like Stephen offered a very effective defense if it resulted in his death. Consider this, though. He was an ordinary Israelite who allowed himself to be so completely used by the Holy Spirit that he literally confounded the most educated religious leaders of his day. When they finally realized they were guilty of the grievous charges with which Stephen accused them, they gnashed their teeth and killed him. Yet during the inquisition, the power of the Holy Spirit was so strong upon Stephen that "his face was like the face of an angel." And when he fell asleep, the Bible implies that Jesus Christ Himself stood in honor of Stephen's obedience!

Not only did this ordinary believer, who allowed himself to be used by the Spirit, so please Jesus that He stood to welcome him home, but his example no doubt inspired one of the young rabbis who witnessed the entire ordeal. Saul of Tarsus would later become history's greatest evangelist: Paul the Apostle.

So, don't despair that days of persecution may lie ahead. Jesus Himself promised that He would give us the words to say when that moment comes. And rather than our darkest hours, those moments may be our brightest.

What to Do when Your Gift Arrives

2011-12-25T18:38:00.000+03:00

“Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Jesus, Luke 17:18)

Have you ever had a gift you wanted so badly for so long, but once you got it, you didn’t even care? That’s how people can be sometimes. The day I got a new iPad, I was the happiest girl in the world. I thought my life had changed. Then days later, it was at the bottom of a pile in my room. I wasn’t that thankful.

God doesn’t want us to be like that. He is looking for people that will come back and thank Him when they get their long-awaited gift. Listen to this story of ten lepers who Jesus healed:

As He entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for what He had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you” (Luke 17:12-19)

10 were healed, but only 1 said thank you. Which one will you be? You can decide to be thankful in advance, actually—even before your gift comes. Mary and Elizabeth, the mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist are great examples. While they were still pregnant, they both glorified God, thanking Him for what was promised to them. Here’s what they said:

Mary: “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:47,48)

Elizabeth: “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children” (Luke 1:25)

They didn’t even have their promise totally fulfilled yet, but they both praised the Lord and were deeply thankful in advance. I want to be like that, and I want you to be like that too. It just takes some planning and mind-setting while we wait. As we celebrate the birth of our long-awaited Savior, can we also set our hearts to be grateful to God for what’s to come? Let’s be like Mary and Elizabeth, who glorified God while the baby was still in their womb. God has great plans for us in 2012.

So this Christmas week, let’s pray together that:

We will rest in peace and glorify God for what He will bring us in 2012
We will be deeply grateful when our gifts finally do come
Global Media Outreach would rejoice in the great things God is doing

Merry Christmas! God loves you!

Discover the Power of Expectation

2011-12-23T08:52:00.001+03:00

“’Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?’ says the LORD. ‘Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?’ says your God” (Isaiah 66:9)

“Are you expecting?” That’s what people ask a pregnant woman. There are 9 months between the conception and long-awaited birth of a child, and God did it that way on purpose. Why would He make a woman wait through 9 months of pregnancy? It might be the same reason He makes you wait from the conception of your promise and the time when it finally arrives…

Expectancy Prepares the Way for the Promise. It is the graciousness of God that a woman does not have a crying baby on her hands right after conception. Can you imagine? Whaaaaaa! cries the baby, begging to be fed and nurtured by a woman totally unprepared. But during those 9 months, she has the time to plan what kind of mother she’ll be and rearrange her life for her unborn baby. Could it be that God has given you this waiting period to develop into the person who can handle His coming promise?

The Greatest Birth Right before Jesus came to give salvation, the world was pregnant with the hope of a Savior that God had promised thousands of years earlier. And this is what God told the people during their time of expectation:

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 40:3-5)

What is the terrain of your heart? Mountains might be prideful areas that cause you not to see; valleys might be weaknesses you think you can’t get past. But God is working in your life to smooth out the road of your heart to receive the amazing things He has for you! “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Corinthians 2:9). Take this time He is giving you to prepare your heart for His promise—so that it will bring Him glory and you joy.

For Example Say you believe God has promised you to be very successful in business. What are you going to do with all your wealth when it comes? Hoard it, or use it to build His kingdom? You decide now how you will be and can prepare by being generous with whatever you have. Or say you are waiting for God to give you a spouse. You can decide now what kind of spouse you will be (a loving, selfless one or a selfish, brittle one) and dedicate your future marriage to the Lord. What is your example? Take a moment and think about it.

God has NOT forgotten you. Listen to what He says to you today: “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change his mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19). He wants you to be well-prepared for His promise. You can use this time He has given you to prepare for the amazing future He has for you!

So this week, let’s all pray together that:

We would be prepared for the great promises God has for us
We would not get discouraged, but know that God WILL perform what He has promised
Global Media Outreach would get prepared for the great things God has for us to do

We care deeply for you and your issues! We want GodLife.com to be a place of hope and healing for you. Respond to this e-mail if you need prayer or help with troubles in your life! Get daily encouragement by becoming a GodLife fan God loves you so much!

The Hal Lindsey Report - Stealth UAV

2011-12-18T10:24:00.000+03:00

Last week, the Pentagon announced that one of its high-tech, high-value stealth unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) had disappeared in Afghanistan on December 4. The presumption was that it had crashed.

However, a few days later, the RQ-170 Sentinel drone showed up intact - on Iranian television.

The Iranians said they had snatched control of the UAV away from its American pilot (probably operating the craft from a facility in Nevada) and safely landed it in Iran. Observers are debating that assertion. Some think it crashed in Afghanistan and was recovered and transported to Iran by the Taliban. Others say that Russia and/or China gave Iran the technology to seize control of the aircraft.

The bottom line, though, is that the Iranians now have our most valuable stealth technology, and we have only their word for how they got it.

President Obama asked Iran to return the drone. Not surprisingly, the Iranians refused. The White House decided not to try to recover it or destroy it for fear of escalating tensions with Iran. Apparently the President prefers a more relaxed relationship even if Iran knows our secrets!

But not just Iran. Already, teams of experts from Russia and China are in Iran taking a look at the UAV. They're drooling to get their hands on the technology. That puts the Iranians in the driver's seat. They've already let it be known that the drone is available to the highest bidder, but the starting bid needs to include advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges, solid-fuel missile technology, and the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system.

Meanwhile, with Iran on the verge of securing the latest in weapons technology, Israel's leaders may be turning back to the basics. This week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he was re-establishing a weekly Bible study at the Prime Minister's official residence.

I say "re-establishing" because Mr. Netanyahu explained that he intended to follow in the footsteps of former Prime Ministers David Ben-Gurion and Menachem Begin. They also conducted weekly studies of the Old Testament during their tenures. Netanyahu said that he wanted to promote a love of the Scriptures among government leaders and, through them, the rest of Israel.

It's interesting to note that some of Israel's most influential leaders were great students of the ancient prophets and their predictions, Ben-Gurion and Begin included. It is also said that Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, though a Muslim, was a student of the Bible. I sometimes wonder if the courage shown by both Sadat and Begin to sign a peace treaty that has endured for more than three decades may have been, in some way, a result of their knowledge and appreciation of the ancient prophecies.

The Hal Lindsey Report - World Economy

2011-12-16T23:13:00.000+03:00

Do you remember how I've often told you that the march toward the rise of the Antichrist will mostly be slow, but inexorable? Remember, too, how I've said that each new development that paves the way in the end times scenario will seem imminently logical, rational, even necessary at the moment? In other words, conditions on the ground will make the decisions taken almost irresistible.

A recent example of this is the economic chaos currently enveloping our world. As nation after nation faces fiscal collapse, the calls for a centralized system to control the chaos are growing. For many -- even some of the smartest among us -- a single world authority to control the interlocked global economy seems to be the only solution. Now, the ancient prophets didn't specify exactly why otherwise sensible and intelligent people would accept the total authority of a single man in the last days, they just said that they would. Well, now we can begin to clearly see how that could happen. And when it does, it will be thought to be totally logical, rational, even necessary.

Another example of this inexorable move toward the control of the populace that will be necessary to implement a one-world government occurred right here in the United States just last week. When all is said and done, it may not stand as law, but just the fact that it happened is important.

The U.S. Senate last week passed S.1867 by a vote of 93-7. That bill, known as The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, authorizes the budget authority of the Defense Department for 2012. Whether or not you agree with the fiscal make-up or future implications of that budget, here's the critical part. At the last moment, an amendment, drafted in secret by Senators Carl Levin and John McCain, was added to the bill. That amendment authorizes the use of the US military to arrest and detain people -- including American citizens -- suspected of terrorist activities. Here's where it gets alarming. For the first time, it authorizes the use of US armed forces for domestic law enforcement within the United States! Further, it allows the military to hold detainees in military facilities for indefinite periods, without charges, and without due process.

It's possible that the reasoning followed this line: One of the greatest weapons that Islamic terrorists -- especially homegrown or newly radicalized ones -- use against the United States is America's tradition of domestic liberty and freedom of movement and association. Now before you fist pump and yell, "Atta boy! Arrest those terrorists wherever you find them!", consider this: Who determines who's a "terrorist?" In this amendment, apparently the White House gets to make that call.

Uh-oh. If you take just a quick look at the Department of Homeland Security's list of potential terrorists, you'll find Christian extremists, Jewish extremists, anti-immigration extremists, anti-abortion extremists, tax resisters, members of the alternative media, gun owners, former members of the military, and people who stockpile gold or silver. I don't think the "Tea Party" is listed, but it someday might be. Just this week in England, for instance, the government designated some members of the "Occupy London" movement as domestic terrorists.

Hopefully, the media exposure and public outcry will get this provision removed from the final bill, but it nonetheless illustrates how easily these kinds of repressive measures can be implemented. It must have seemed "logical, rational, even necessary" since 93 of our 100 senators voted in favor of it.

How God Wants to Help You Receive Your Promise

2011-12-12T06:47:00.000+03:00

“By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them” (Hebrews 11:33)

Just Keep Swimming. When I was little, my parents made me go to swimming lessons. I was so afraid that I got sick to my stomach every time I stood in front of the pool. But I had a nice coach who wanted to give me the accomplishment of swimming the entire pool. It was so long! There was no way I thought I could do it, but here’s what he would do: He would stand in the shallow-end of the pool and invite me in. “Just swim to me,” he said. Ok, that I can do. But then he would move back a little farther. “Just keep swimming, Amy. Don’t stop paddling.” I swam a little more. He kept doing this until suddenly I was at the end. I was so amazed—I never dreamed I could do that! He helped me the entire way with his closeness, the promise of his reach to save me, his encouraging voice saying, “Just keep swimming.”

That’s what faith is. It is the continual reach to get something great. Try this with me now, even though it seems a little silly: Reach out your hand as far as it will go, as if for something just at the edge of your grasp. I want you to remember that feeling as we read about one unlikely woman’s amazing reach of faith:

As Jesus went with him, He was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of His robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against You.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched Me, for I felt healing power go out from Me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of Him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched Him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Jesus said it was her faiththat made her well, showing how much God values faith. Imagine this woman’s obstacles: all the crowds, the larger men, the people who disdained her because of her sickness, and the countless disappointments of failed cures. But to push through the crowds, bear the shame, and reach out to Jesus, she had to believe that what was on the end of her reach was worth it: that Jesus had the power no one else had. This is the essence of faith. “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Maybe you’ve been treading water awhile in the pool of your promise. You haven’t quite given up, but you don’t feel you have the strength to keep paddling. God wants to help you today. Just like my swim coach was there to help me if I got tired or scared, God is near you to uphold you and encourage you to keep going. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful— for He cannot deny Himself.”

God wants you to know today that He is faithful when you are faithless, and He wants to help get you to the other side to receive your promise. Reach out today and tell Him, “Help! I want to keep kicking. Please give me Your strength.”

So this week, let’s all pray together—for ourselves and each other—that:

God would renew the vision of the promise He has given us
We would reach out to God to receive His strength to keep going in faith
Global Media Outreach would reach those we haven’t been able to reach before

Why don’t you post about the promise you are believing for at the GodLife Prayer Wall? We can all pray for each other and see God help us as a united group get to the other side

Your Friends at GodLife.com

How to Win the Waiting Game

2011-12-09T17:04:00.000+03:00

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3,4)

They say, “A watched pot never boils”—meaning, if you impatiently obsess over what you’re waiting for, it’s going to take forever. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever had something you wanted SO bad that it was all you could think about—and it almost drove you crazy? I know I have.

There is a way to not only survive the waiting game, but to win it. You win by making THE MOST of your wait. Imagine waiting for that pot of water to boil. You could either stand tapping your foot in front of the stove, getting more impatient by the minute. OR, you could realize that the pot will whistle when it’s ready and find something productive or fun to do in the meantime, like clean the kitchen or read a book. Not only will the time go by faster, but you will have accomplished much while you waited!

The Bible confirms this secret to maximizing our wait in Psalm 37:3,4; Look for the 2 key words:

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness”

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart”

Did you see the 2 keys? Faithfulness and Delight. Faithfulness is when you’re tempted to give up but you keep holding onto God in trust and doing what He wants you to do. And delight is just enjoying your relationship with God, regardless of your circumstances. Let’s look at Joseph for a perfect example:

Joseph had dreamt early on that he would be a great leader. But then his brothers sold him into slavery, and on top of that, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison! Talk about the opposite of his dreams! But instead of giving up or cursing God, Joseph served God faithfully, no matter where he was. “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed” (Genesis 39:21-23).

Even in the terrible wait, Joseph was faithful and delighted in God. What Joseph didn’t know was that he would be promoted from the prison to Pharoah’s palace and manage all of Egypt’s land. God was preparing him for this responsibility while he was waiting in slavery and prison. What if Joseph had given up early? What if he had denied God in the hardship?

Now let’s talk about you. What’s your dream? Maybe it’s been a long time coming and you’ve almost given up hope. Don’t! God is preparing you to do the great works He has called you to. I Corinthians 2:9 says, “"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." But you have to wait for His perfect timing. You can come out on the other side by doing what God wants and enjoying Him while you wait. Like Jospeh, you will be so thankful that He prepared you so well when it comes!

Let’s wait for God’s dreams for us together! Find support for your dreams at the GodLife Facebook Community!

So this week, let’s pray together that:

We would make the most of our waiting time
We would continue to enjoy God and be faithful to Him
Global Media Outreach would expand to the right and the left

We here at Global Media Outreach love you SO much!

The Key to Living your Dream Life

2011-12-05T13:24:00.000+03:00

“Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character” (Psalm 105:19)

What is your dream life? When you close your eyes and think about the life that would bring you the most peace and deep joy, what do you see? Take a minute right now. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and ask God to show you His dreams for you. What did you see? Anything? Don’t worry if you don’t know your dreams yet; God will show them to you with time. He says, “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come” (Jeremiah 33:3). But if you DO know your dreams, what is the key to fulfilling your dream life?

You know, MANY people in the Bible had to wait for their dream. Abraham waited decades to have a baby; Moses had to endure Pharoah’s intimidation and 10 plagues until God’s people were released; and David had to run for years in the wilderness until he was made king. These are just a few examples! But the greatest wait in the Bible was for Jesus, the Messiah. God promised Him thousands of years in advance, and only a few were still waiting for Him when He finally came.

One of them was Simeon. “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of your people Israel!’” (Luke 2:25-32).

Simeon WAITED for his promise, and that’s the KEY for you too. Waiting isn’t glamorous. In fact, it’s really hard. But it’s the key to obtaining your promise from God. Maybe He has promised you healing, maybe a great marriage, or maybe your kids serving the Lord. Whatever it is, it’s going to take patience. That’s just the way God is. He uses the waiting period to make us better, to make us ready for the promise. “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character” (Psalm 105:19).

While You Wait In the meantime, what is the best thing to do while you wait? The Bible gives you several tips, and that’s what we are going to talk about this next month, while we wait to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Together, we are going to learn from the Bible on how to wait effectively and obtain our promises, because I am right alongside you in this! I have many things I am waiting on, and sometimes it gets hard to keep believing! But God wants us to renew our faith and wait in great expectation. “Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3). Let’s do it together.

So this week, let’s pray together that:

God would show us the dreams He has for us
We would have the patience to wait for His promises
Global Media Outreach would see the dreams God has for us

We LOVE you so much and want to PRAY for and HEAR about YOUR dreams!Get prayer by responding to the GodLife community your dreams at the GodLife facebook page

Europe's Troubles: Setting the Stage for Prophecy's Fulfillment

2011-12-03T12:23:00.000+03:00

In 1933 Winston Churchill chillingly warned, "No one can watch the events which are taking place in Germany without increasing anxiety about what their outcome will be." With an economic crisis now plaguing the eurozone, will Berlin's troubled history repeat itself? What is Germany's destiny? Does Bible prophecy give us any indication of where events in Europe are leading?

The late British author John Stott summed up the mindset of many this way: "Most of us feel demoralized by the heart-rending tragedy of this chaotic world. Our very survival is in doubt. The ordinary citizen often feels a helpless victim of the tangled web of politics, or a faceless unit in the machine of modern society" (Basic Christianity, 2008, p. 152).

The apostle Paul foretold that conditions would be like this during the last days of this age of man (2 Timothy:3:1-5). That's why our articles about regional and world trends ultimately focus on the good news guaranteed by the prophecies of the Bible.

But the Bible itself makes it very plain that the wonderful world to come will first be preceded by devastating conditions of a magnitude never before seen by the human race (see Matthew:24:21-22; Daniel:12:1; Jeremiah:30:7). The state of the world will be so dire that human survival will be at stake!

Our news headlines show that prophecies written in the Bible many centuries ago are now beginning to be fulfilled in a major way. Nowhere is this truer than in Central Europe and the Middle East.

What does Bible prophecy tell us about the future of Europe? The biblical books of Daniel and Revelation both show that a new and dictatorial superpower will emerge at the time of the end, centered in Europe. In this article we'll see how the stage is apparently being set for the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Europe as a unified entity

Europe is a key player in the global economy. In spite of all the talk about the economies of the United States and China, the European Union (EU) is the world's largest and wealthiest economic power bloc.

Europe has also been the battleground for countless wars over the millennia and the flashpoint for two devastating world wars in the first half of the 1900s. At the heart of those two world wars for control of Europe was Germany, now politically and economically immersed with other European nations in seeking a United States of Europe.

The global intelligence firm Strategic Forecasting, Inc., better known as Stratfor, is highly respected for its analysis of global and regional trends. Months ago it noted that "the future of Europe [is] bound to the decision-making process in Germany" and that "Europe cannot function as a unified entity unless someone is in control."

It went on to explain that "at present, Germany is the only country with a large enough economy and population to achieve that control" ("Germany's Choice: Part 2," July 26, 2011, emphasis added throughout). In recent months we have seen this demonstrated again and again as Germany has positioned itself—sometimes openly, sometimes behind the scenes—to take the lead in the future direction of Europe.

Currently two basic scenarios exist for the future of Europe. One view, the most popular, holds that the present generation of Germans have become staunch defenders of freedom and democracy, being fully aware of the dangers of repeating Berlin's troubled history during the first half of the 20th century—when its ambitions twice led to world wars.

A second view is that a long-lingering euro crisis, initially spurred by runaway Greek debt but then spreading steadily to other troubled European economies, will eventually result in the emergence of an economic powerhouse that can step in and resolve the crisis—a new German-led empire.

Proponents of this projection of current trends believe that the nations of southern Europe are slated to come under Berlin's thumb and that, in the long run, even the enormous bailouts by Germany will be well worth the huge costs incurred. In other words, Germany will be successful at attaining through its economic might what it was unsuccessful at attaining through military might twice in the last century.

Do history and the Bible indicate which view will eventually prevail?

"It's all about Germany"

The two world wars started by Germany have often dominated the anxious postwar thoughts of other European countries. In 1997, then French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing cautioned that a failure of efforts to integrate Europe economically (leading to today's euro) would lead to "a preponderant influence of Germany" in European affairs (Celestine Bohlen, "Euro Unity? It's Germany That Matters," The New York Times, March 9, 2010).

A basic rationale by other European nations in recent decades was to encase Germany well inside the European Union to prevent its previously notorious nationalistic tendencies from threatening their sovereignty and territorial integrity. This was a powerful motivator behind the steady drive for European integration into an eventual united Europe.

But is this strategy really going to work out as hoped in the long run, considering Europe's disparate peoples and cultures? With Europe confronting a painful and divisive economic crisis, will Berlin eventually wind up virtually directing the activities of the EU anyway?

It appears the answer is now becoming clearer. The article cited above states: "Ten years after the euro, it's still all about Germany, which isn't the way it was supposed to be. . . President Nicolas Sarkozy of France can come and pledge all the support to Greece he wants, but in the end, it's Germany that matters" (ibid).

Newsweek magazine recently pointed out: "Who is the greatest beneficiary of the existence of the euro? The answer is Germany. . . The rest of the euro zone absorb[s] 40 percent of German exports. . ." (John Eatwell, "Euro Vision," Sept. 5, 2011).

The Stratfor report cited earlier also noted: "Despite its flaws, the system that currently manages Europe has granted Germany economic wealth of global reach without costing a single German life. Given the horrors of World War II, this was not something to be breezily discarded. No country in Europe has benefited more from the eurozone than Germany. For the German elite, the eurozone was an easy means of making Germany matter on a global stage without the sort of military revitalization that would have spawned panic across Europe and the former Soviet Union. And it also made the Germans rich."

Moving to exert control

Germany is clearly taking steps to exert control in the current economic crisis. The Stratfor report also noted that Germany was for a long time content to take a backseat in the European leadership arena, but no longer.

With the economic crisis spreading among the countries of southern Europe, Germany is the only European power with enough financial muscle to bail them out—and has quietly maneuvered behind the scenes to put themselves in the driver's seat.

Germany has created a new bailout mechanism that, as Strafor observes, "takes its orders from the Germans. The mechanism is not enshrined in EU treaties; it is instead a private bank, the director of which is German. . . In order to get the money, distressed states merely have to do whatever Germany—the manager of the fund—wants. . .

"Accepting EFSF [European Financial Security Facility] assistance means accepting a surrender of financial autonomy to the German commanders of the EFSF. For now, that means accepting German-designed austerity programs, but there is nothing that forces the Germans to limit their conditions to the purely financial/fiscal.

"For all practical purposes, the next chapter of history has now opened in Europe. Regardless of intentions, Germany has just experienced an important development in its ability to influence fellow EU member states—particularly those experiencing financial troubles. It can now easily usurp huge amounts of national sovereignty.

"Rather than constraining Germany's geopolitical potential, the European Union now enhances it; Germany is on the verge of once again becoming a great power. This hardly means that a regeneration of the Wehrmacht [military force] is imminent, but Germany's re-emergence does force a radical rethinking of the European and Eurasian architectures."

"A real opportunity to achieve a political union in Europe"

The British newsmagazine The Economist recently observed: "All of a sudden . . . Berlin is abuzz with talk of remaking the European Union: issuing joint eurobonds, renegotiating the EU's treaties, even creating a federal Europe" ("Germany's Euro Question," Sept. 10, 2011).

Redesigning the European Union's institutions has suddenly become all the rage in Germany!

Of particular interest is the revival of federalism. The Economist piece continued: "German Euro-federalists have woken up after a long slumber. It is no surprise that Joschka Fischer, the Greens' elder statesman [who served as foreign minister and vice chancellor under former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder], should call for the 'United States of Europe.'"

According to a Sept. 4, 2011, Reuters article, Schroeder himself also called for the creation of a "United States of Europe," stating: "The current crisis makes it relentlessly clear that we cannot have a common currency zone without a common fiscal, economic and social policy. . . We will have to give up national sovereignty. . . And that means the United States of Europe...In the crisis lies a real opportunity to achieve a political union in Europe."

Strengths and weaknesses in eurozone nations

According to The Wall Street Journal: "The Greek statistical office reported that the economy shrank 7.3% in the second quarter, down from an initial estimate of 6.9% contraction last month. The Greek economy has been contracting for three years" ("Greece Slips Further," Sept. 9-11, 2011).

Recently Athens has been only weeks from running out of euros and facing a critical debt default. In response the Greek government has promised to levy a property tax to address a 2 billion euro revenue shortfall. But will this measure send yet more Greek citizens to the streets, demonstrating and rioting in protest? Some observers still feel that a Greek default is inevitable.

Discussions with EU and International Monetary Fund officials recently broke down over the terms of loans Greece desperately needs to avoid economic collapse. Several other southern European nations are only slightly better off than Greece.

How is it that, as the Newsweek article cited above states, "the entire national debts of Greece, Portugal, and Ireland amount to less than 5 percent of euro-zone debt," and yet the entire eurozone can be seriously shaken by their debt problems? This clearly points to major structural flaws in the way the euro was originally constructed as a new currency beginning in early 1999.

This probably has some bearing on why, just prior to the establishment of Jesus Christ's future rule on earth, the Bible speaks of a future European-centered superpower where the component countries are symbolically described as iron mixed with clay, "partly strong and partly fragile" (see Daniel:2:40-44).

The troubling future of Europe

Hitler's Nazi regime (1933-1945) was made possible only by a severe economic crisis in Germany during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Under normal economic conditions the Nazis could never have come to power. Of course, the details are different today. So far it's not Berlin that's experiencing economic crisis, but other eurozone nations, principally in southern Europe. Germany remains the principal paymaster of Europe. But there may yet be financial consequences for Germany.

Today the European Union countries are experiencing serious political differences and a troubling degree of divisiveness and disunity due in significant measure to severe economic problems. Bible prophecy indicates that the European Union will not continue in its current form.

Some members may opt out of the EU, or perhaps even be forced out as the prophesied end-time entity takes shape (Britain, for instance, has often been at odds with the European Union almost from its inception in 1958).

Ultimately a new and powerful European superstate, labeled in symbol as "the Beast," will astonish a largely unsuspecting world. An imposing bloc of nations will coalesce as one final revival of the ancient Roman Empire (Revelation:13:1-8; 17:8-18; Daniel:2:37-45; 7:15-27).

Ten member nations (or groups of nations) will relinquish their own national sovereignty to become part of this astonishing end-time superpower. "These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast" (Revelation:17:13).

These disturbing events will affect the whole world—including setting the stage for the devastatingly dangerous times in which human extinction would happen without God's intervention (Matthew:24:21-22). Since all that Bible prophecy foretells is sure to happen, we should all heed the words of the apostle Peter. He asked in light of the impermanence of the world around us: "What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" (2 Peter:3:11).

Seeing the stage set for the fulfillment of end-time prophecies should motivate each of us to examine our spiritual condition in the light of God's Word. An understanding of prophecy ought to lead us to repentance and to dedicate our lives to seeking God and serving Him. Mere academic Bible knowledge is far from enough!

Jesus Christ plainly tells us in Luke:21:36: "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man"!

The Hal Lindsey Report - Damascus

2011-12-03T00:35:00.002+03:00

The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Last week, the Arab League voted to suspend Syria's membership until Bashar al-Assad either steps down or stops his government's crackdown on protesters. The United Nations estimates that more than 3,500 have died in the continuing violence.

The economic sanctions imposed by the League will be a blow to Syria's economy, which is already weakened. But the suspension is an even bigger blow to Syria's pride. It has long considered itself a bulwark of Arab nationalism.

Syria's belligerent response -- not to mention Iran's and Hezbollah's moves to strengthen their ally's position -- has caused seven of Syria's neighbors to place their armed forces on high alert.

To further heighten the tension in the region, Russia has dispatched three warships to its naval maintenance base at Tartus, Syria. Its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is headed for Syrian waters, too. Although Russia denies it, its naval presence in the region is widely considered a response to the fact that the United States has moved its carrier USS George H.W. Bush and part of the Sixth Fleet to lie off the Syrian coast.

Russia has already let it be known that it will not allow to happen to Bashar al-Assad what happened to Muammar Gadaffi in Libya. This, however, is not necessarily a stand Russia is taking on principle. Libya was one of Russia's prime customers for a variety of goods and services, arms included. Syria is also a major client state of the Russians. They've lost one good customer, they don't intend to lose another.

This will be the first military standoff between the two superpowers since the end of the Cold War two decades ago.

Some have asked if this might be the lead-up to the Bible's Psalm 83 war or the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel 38 and 39. At this point, it doesn't appear to be developing as such. However, Isaiah's unfulfilled chapter 17 prophecy of the total and almost instantaneous destruction of Damascus makes any movement toward armed conflict with Syria worth watching. Especially since Syria has threatened Israel with attacks utilizing weapons of mass destruction. Israel has already made clear that if that happens, it will respond quickly and with overwhelming force. And Israel has the capability to make good on its threats. The only weapon that could cause the sudden and total destruction of Damascus -- as Isaiah predicted -- would be nuclear.

Folks, it's time to get ready for Christ's return. The utter destruction of Damascus is an important benchmark in God's "last days" scenario.

How to be a CAUSE for Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T08:34:00.000+03:00

“When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father” (John 15:8)

Did you know that one small act from you could CHANGE someone’s LIFE? When I was a teenager, hard-hearted toward God, a Christian told me he was praying for me and that God had a great plan for my life. I had thought God wanted nothing to do with me, and that man told me it couldn’t be further from the truth. That small seed of hope grew into a tree of faith that completely changed my life. I am so thankful to Mark Coffin for showing me Jesus’ love.

When you show God’s love to someone, you are planting a seed in their life—and the potential is tremendous. Jesus said His kingdom is “like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants” (Mark 4:31,32). Like Mark with me, your small act of kindness could change someone’s eternal destiny. Take a moment to think about someone who needs encouragement and how you could show God’s love to them.

Unimaginable Impact. Now, imagine you were not alone in showing Jesus’ love, but joined with Christians all around the world. It’s the difference between one person planting a fruit tree in their yard and a person on every street doing it. If we all joined together, the world could be full of life.

What if we could link the 1-2 billion Christians to do united acts of God’s love to those around us, everyday? That is the vision behind JET: Jesus, Everywhere, Together. Through Facebook and Twitter (each hotlinks), we will be sending you JET moments. It might be a call to pray for your neighbor, or a prompt to tell someone about Jesus’ love. We will join together all around the world to do them and update each other on our stories. Jesus said to us, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Imagine how much light in the world we can produce if we all band together!

How to be Involved:

Join our Facebook Community: We will post JET moments and you can tell the GodLife community how you have participated and share the moment with others. We will post the exciting stories you share in this newsletter.

Get Informed through Twitter: Stay up-to-date with the latest JET moments by receiving GodLife tweets right to your phone or computer.

Invite your Friends: Know someone who would like to be part of the JET group? Forward this e-mail to them. The goal is to unite the body of Christ. The more people, the more light we produce!

Thank you for joining together to share Jesus’ love with the world. I am so thankful for how Mark changed my life; and I know you can be a cause of thanksgiving for many others too.

We love and care about you. If you have any prayer requests, please reply to this e-mail and we will be glad to pray with you. God loves you so much!

Let’s pray together this week that:

We could join together as Jesus’ body and show His love to the world
God would give us creative ideas to reach others around us
www.GodLife.com http: would be a place of refuge and healing for people

Your Friends at GodLife.com

Are You Breaking the Law?

2011-11-27T13:49:00.000+03:00

“Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Mark 4:25)

Have you ever thrown money away? Sometimes I see small coins lying around the house and want to throw them away, just for a cleaning quick-fix. However, I recently found out that it is illegal to permanently discard or destroy money!

Did you know it’s illegal in God’s Kingdom too? But your currency isn’t paper bills or coins: it’s your gifts and abilities. Jesus told a story about three servants who were given different amounts of money by their master. The two with the most invested it and gained more, but the one with the least hid it in the ground out of fear. When the master returned, he congratulated and promoted the two profitable servants, but said about the scared servant, “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Matthew 25:28,29).

What talents do you have? And are you hiding them out of fear? No matter what, God has given you something—and He wants you to use it! “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). The greatest use of any gift is to bring glory to God so that others will want to know Him. Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Here are some possible talents He might have given you: * Exhortation * Giving * Leadership * Mercy * Prophecy * Service * Teaching * Your gifts could also be in the form of art, music, communication, education, or connections.

Do you need help figuring out how to use your gift? First of all, ask God because He wants to help you. But secondly, we want to help you too! Respond to this e-mail and ask for guidance from an Online Missionary on how to use your gifts. The goal is that, at the end of days, Jesus would say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” The world is waiting for you to give your gifts—don’t bury them!

So, this week, let’s pray that:

We would know how God has gifted us individually
We would have courage to step out and use our gifts
Global Media Outreach would use our gifts to benefit the world

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

The Hal Lindsey Report - Money in the last days

2011-11-25T22:17:00.000+03:00

A couple of weeks ago, a viewer wrote to me and asked if James 5:1-8 had any prophetic significance. To be candid, I had never carefully studied the passage in that light before. I was surprised to discover that its message really does apply to these times.

To give you just a glimpse of what the Apostle James had to say, he begins, "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted.... Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you.... You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed, the wages of the laborers who have mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of [Hosts]." And James says even more, much of it condemning of a certain kind of "rich person" or system, the kind who come from a long line of those who became wealthy by defrauding the laborers of their wages.

Now, it's important to make a distinction. The Bible does not condemn everyone who is rich. It's not a sin to have money. It's a sin for money to have you. The Bible teaches, "For the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil...."

But it appears that the Apostle James predicts that in the last days there will be some extremely rich people who gained their wealth by defrauding the vast majority of those who do the labor for the economy. Yet the Lord will cause their wealth to become a snare to them, because the world's economy will collapse around everyone, both the rich and the poor. And, apparently, the greed of the rich will cause them to steal so much that the entire world economy will collapse.

No, I've not joined the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. I believe those kids (read that, the labor unions and "community organizers" who are running the show) are targeting the wrong people. I'm closer to the Tea Party because I think those people got it right. It's not Big Business doing the damage, it's Big Government. But not just the politicians. You see, in the past, the politicians did the heavy lifting for the ones that Abraham Lincoln called the "money power."

Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Andrew Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln specifically warned against letting the "money power" get its way. But Woodrow Wilson ignored those warnings and crawled into bed with these guys.

As a result, the world's economies are teetering on the verge of collapse. We are literally standing on the precipice of global economic chaos. And all because one hundred years ago we let a few shadowy -- mostly non-American -- wealthy families take control of our nation's money supply, then treasury. Since then, they have plundered America's wealth, literally stolen from its citizens, and driven us into economic bondage -- from which we cannot and will not ever emerge.

Indeed, as James says, "You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you."

But, remember, James also warned, "Your gold and silver will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire."

If you have watched this program very long, you know that I have a huge distrust of and disdain for the Federal Reserve System. As Representative Louis T. McFadden of Pennsylvania said on the floor of Congress in June, 1934, "...the truth is, the Federal Reserve Board has usurped the government of the United States.... It controls everything here.... No man, and no body of men is more entrenched in power than the arrogant credit monopoly which operates the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Banks. These evildoers have robbed the country of more than enough money to pay the national debt."

I don't believe the Apostle James was referring specifically to the Federal Reserve, or even the world's central banks, in 5:1-8, but I do believe he foresaw that in the last days a small group of ruthless, heartless, greedy, and, yes, evil people would control the economy of the world. And the only thing that can result from the work of ruthless, heartless, greedy, and evil people is heartache, despair, destruction, and chaos. Exactly the setting needed to encourage the people of the world to turn to someone -- anyone -- who has an answer and can save them from disaster. And we know who that "someone" will be: the Antichrist.

The Hal Lindsey Report - Iranian Explosion

2011-11-18T19:59:00.000+03:00

Speculation is flying. Was last week's mysterious explosion at an Iranian military depot near Tehran truly an accident? The blast killed 17 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including a Brigadier General.

The government said the accident occurred when soldiers were moving various munitions inside the depot. However, Western observers think they may have been attempting to mount a nuclear or chemical warhead onto a Shahab-3 missile. The Iranians immediately and specifically denied that charge. In politics, the speed and vehemence of the denial often indicates the presence of truth.

This blast eerily resembles an explosion that occurred at a Syrian facility in 2007. That accident happened when the Syrians were mounting a chemical warhead onto a SCUD missile. Many were killed, including several Iranian advisers. The area around the facility was hastily evacuated. So, too, the area around the facility in Iran.

There is also speculation that outsiders may have had something to do with the explosion. Some are even pointing the finger at Israel. Up to now, though, Iran has not accused another nation of attacking its facility outside Tehran. Of course, to do so would admit to a high degree of vulnerability -- something Iran's leaders cannot afford to do.

The Greatest Gift You Can Give God

2011-11-11T17:33:00.000+03:00

“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (Psalm 51:16,17

So: God has saved you from Hell, freed you from judgment for all your sins, given His wonderful Spirit to live inside of you, and is preparing a place for you in Heaven. This probably makes you want to say “Thank you!” However…

What do you get for the person who has everything? If you’ve ever tried to find a gift for someone who already has it all, you know how hard it can be. Now what about for God? He said, “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). All the cattle on a thousand hills—that’s hard to beat!

But this reminds me of when I was a little girl.There was nothing of any material value I could give my dad to show my love; I didn’t have any money! So I gave what I could: cards telling him how much I love him; pictures I painted for him; “coupons” to spend time with me; and kindness to my brother. These things meant more to him than anything I could ever buy. In fact, to this day, he still has some of the things I made him, and when asked what he wants for his birthday, he says, “Peace at home.”

God is the same way. King David said to God, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (Psalm 51:16,17). What He really wants is heartfelt love from you and care for others. Just like my handmade cards and pictures, here are gifts that God loves:

Tell Him how much You Love and Appreciate Him: God said, “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me” (Psalm 50:23). That’s what I was doing when I drew my dad little cards expressing my love.
Spend Time with Him: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God wants to spend time with you just like my dad loves to spend time with me!
Do What He Asks: Jesus said, “If you love Me, obey My commandments” (John 14:15). Would you believe your friend loved you if you always did things that he hated?
Care for Others: Jesus said, “The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me'” (Matthew 25:40). When you do something kind for someone else, it’s like you’re doing it for Jesus.
Live in Peace with Others: “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (Philippians 2:2). Just like my dad wants peace at home, God wants peace amongst His children. Show Him your love by being kind and forgiving towards others.

These are just a few ways to show God how much you love and appreciate Him What’s your way? Just like my dad loved my little pictures and gifts, God loves the unique way you show Him your love. Let us know how you show your love to God!

So, this week, let’s pray that:

We would truly realize how much God has done for us
We would show Him our love for Him and bring Him happiness
Global Media Outreach would be full of gratitude for what God has done for us

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

Find Where You Belong

2011-11-06T17:47:00.000+03:00

“And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are His heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you” (Galatians 3:29)

Now that you believe in Jesus, where do you belong? Think about the difference between a sports fan and an actual player on the team. The fan gets to cheer from the sidelines, but a player gets to experience the game. He trains with the team, gets deep camaraderie, and feels the amazing joy of winning. When the first believers put their faith in Jesus, they formed an incredible community, much like a team: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

God has a place for you to belong on the team. He wants you to experience the fulfillment of deep friendship with other believers, the training from spiritual coaches, and the joy of winning as a team. I remember how intensely my life changed when I became a part of a church: I went from being a casual believer on the sidelines to being a full participant in the game, and my joy level went from 0 to 100. Now I want the same for you!

Here are some ways that you can belong and experience the amazing joy of being on a team:

Join a Church:Meeting with a local group of believers will give you the amazing benefits of a spiritual family. “I found a home away from home through the church” (Dena)

Join a Bible Study: Study the Bible, ask questions, and pray together in an online small group. “I have actually gained a more intimate relationship with God” (Joe)

Join our Chapel:Join with other believers anytime to worship and learn about Jesus. Inspiring worship music, great preaching, and live prayer. “I love God Life family chapel” (Odame)

Join our Facebook Community: Hear from other believers like yourself! Share testimonies, pray for each other, and get our latest content. “FB Godlife is great for us Christians. I strongly recommend it for all” (Bello)

Hopefully these opportunities are helpful to you!You can try them all if you want! Let us know how we can pray for you by responding to this e-mail.

So this week, let’s pray together that:

We would find other Christians to join together with
We would help newer believers grow in their faith in God
www.GodLife.com will be a safe, healthy place for Christians to grow in their faith

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

The Hal Lindsey Report - Saint Malachy's predictions

2011-11-04T18:57:00.000+03:00

Almost 900 years ago, Pope Innocent II summoned the Bishop of Armagh, in what is now Northern Ireland, to come to Rome. While there, this Bishop purportedly experienced a vision in which he saw the popes from that time until the end of the Roman Catholic church. He recorded his impression of each of the remaining 112 popes in a series of cryptic phrases.

Today, Saint Malachy's vision is called "The Prophecy of the Popes." Written in 1139, it was rediscovered in the Vatican's archives in 1590.

I do not believe Saint Malachy's predictions rise to the level of the Bible's prophecies in either their detail or accuracy. However, his predictions have been remarkable in their own way and bear relevance to the times in which we live.

You see, Saint Malachy's prophecy seems to predict that the current pope, Benedict XVI, will be the next to last pope of the Roman church. After him will come a pope called Petrus Romanus, or Peter the Roman. Malachy appears to indicate that he will be the one who cooperates with the Antichrist, then will be turned upon and destroyed by the leader of the confederacy that rises out of the old Roman Empire.

When you consider the fact that Benedict XVI is 85 years old, the world might not have to wait very long to learn if Saint Malachy's final prediction comes true.

And if that's not interesting enough, stir this into the mix. The European Union is virtually teetering on the edge of collapse. I'm sure you've been hearing all the talk about Greece in the news. As I write this, the G20 is meeting to discuss how to rescue Greece from total bankruptcy. Germany is leading the effort to bail out the Greeks because if they fall chances are several other EU nations will follow in short order.

It's gotten so dodgy that some European leaders have turned to China for help.

Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve System, recently told CNBC that the European Union is too big (27 members) to succeed. He noted that the divide, both culturally and economically, between the northern and southern countries of the EU is just too great. He thinks that the only way divergent nations can successfully lump their currencies together is if they are culturally close, like Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. Otherwise, he said, it just can't work.

Wow, that means the northern nations of the EU should not be tied, currency-wise, to the southern nations of the EU. That could cause a problem since, essentially, it's the northern nations that are having to bail out the southern members. And the citizens of those northern nations are none too happy about that.

Bottom line, of course, is that if the EU can't make it work (and the futility of previous bailouts of several of the EU nations seems to indicate it will not), then there is every chance that the European Union may collapse. Or, it may turn to someone who has the ideas and the leadership to make it work. Or, at least, make a revised form of it work.

Now, consider, too, the fact that the Vatican just recently published a report by the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace. It calls for the establishment of a "global authority" and a "central world bank" to rule over the world's diverse financial institutions. Although this body does not speak directly for Pope Benedict, it carries his authority because the report quotes him extensively.

In fact, in 2009 Pope Benedict issued an encyclical called "Caritas in Veritate." In it, the Pope denounced the capitalist mentality as responsible for the global financial meltdown. He also stated that the world's nations need to transfer part of their powers to a world authority. Then he argued that "there is an urgent need for a true world political authority."

To recap: We have an ancient prophecy -- issued by a Catholic Bishop -- that predicts Pope Benedict XVI will be the next to last pope. It also indicates that the pontiff which follows him will cooperate with the Antichrist, which, in turn will result in "the city of seven hills" being destroyed.

Then, we have the current Pope and leadership of the Roman Catholic church advocating for a global authority to rule over the world's financial institutions. Further, the Pope suggests that there needs to be a single world political authority.

At precisely the same time, the vaunted European Union -- which essentially springs from the residue of the old Roman Empire -- is facing the possibility of imminent collapse. If that were to happen, it would result in either it disappearing from the pages of history or finding new leadership, retooling itself, and rising again to take charge of the chaos enveloping the world in the wake of its first failure.

Now, how can anyone look at this convergence of remarkable circumstances and say that Bible prophecy is just so much hooey? Only a spiritually blind and deaf person could conceivably argue that these are not exciting times in which to live. Especially if you're a believer!

But Europe's not the only place in the world witnessing major movement among end-times players. In the last 10 months, the "Arab Spring" has resulted in a geopolitical shift that has brought the Bible's prophecies concerning the "King of the South" into sharp relief -- no -- into concrete reality. The nations that span northern Africa and extend down the Arabian peninsula are now formally Islamic states or soon will be. They all lie to the 'south' of Israel and, I believe, form the entity that the prophets called the "King of the South" -- referring to one of the four spheres of power that will be involved in the war of Armageddon.

Once again, these remarkable events prove the veracity of God's Word. And that Word also says that before things get too nasty, Jesus Christ will return to receive all true believers unto Himself. And when He calls us up to join Him in the air, He'll be removing from this earth the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit. And, friends, that's when -- literally -- all hell will break loose upon this world. You do not want to be here when that happens.

Don't wait. If you've never believed and accepted the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ; if you've never received the pardon that He died to purchase for you, do it right now. Accept His free gift of pardon and welcome Him into your life. Trust me. You will never regret it.

Vatican Pope: A New World Order, One World Religion & Central Bank NWO 2011

2011-10-31T12:57:00.000+03:00

Take Up Your Mat and Walk

2011-10-29T13:42:00.000+03:00

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11-12)

Have you ever had a friend say sorry to you over and over, even after you’ve already forgiven them? It’s insulting. In repeatedly apologizing, they’re saying, “I’m not sure if you’ve really forgiven me; I still feel guilty.” In essence, they’re doubting your word.

Imagine how much more insulting it is to God! Psalm 103:12 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Just think how far the east is from the west. It’s basically infinity—the two can never meet. So, imagine for a moment, you and your sins bound together. Then God comes and separates the two of you, sending your sin traveling to the west and you to the east. But maybe you haven’t truly let go of your guilt.

Look what Jesus did: “Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven.’ But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, ‘That’s blasphemy! Does He think He’s God?’ Jesus knew what they were thinking, so He asked them, ‘Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.’ Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!’ And the man jumped up and went home!” (Matthew 9:2-7).

Now, say the newly-healed man went home with his mat and laid on it, continuing to live like he was still paralyzed. That’s what you might be doing with your sins! Jesus has said to you, “My child, be encouraged! Your sins are forgiven! Now get up and experience life in freedom!” But you can’t fully believe it, so you lay back down on your mat of paralysis and depression, missing out on what God has for you. I have been like that. But God is making this verse real to me: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36).

And He wants to make it real for you. Ask Him right now to help you truly know that your sins are forgiven. Ask Him to help you take up your mat and walk in the fulfilling life He has for you. There is so much He has planned for you to do! Today is the day for you to take up your mat and walk.

So, this week, let’s pray that:

We would experience true separation from our past
We would take up our mat and walk in God’s great will
Global Media Outreach begin to run with the vision God has given us

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

The Great White Throne Judgment: A Biblical Mystery Explained

2011-10-23T10:47:00.000+03:00

The book of Revelation describes a resurrection in which billions will be judged. How will Jesus Christ judge them? Will He consign them to an ever-burning hellfire or instead give them their first real opportunity for salvation?

A wise man said many times, "The Bible is like a jigsaw puzzle." One has to piece together God's Word properly. Each passage has its proper role in enabling us to correctly understand biblical doctrine. The apostle Paul aptly described our part in this process as "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy:2:15, emphasis added throughout). More modern translations usually render the phrase "correctly handling."

Another way of understanding this important principle is reflected by the biblical saying, "Here a little, there a little" (Isaiah:28:10, 13). Clearly one scriptural passage of and by itself usually does not fully convey the complete truth about any specific biblical teaching. Normally, it should be carefully compared with other passages dealing with the same topic.

Neglected, misunderstood and misinterpreted

Few passages in the entire Bible, if any, have been more neglected, misunderstood and misinterpreted than Revelation:20:11-15, which refers to what is commonly known as the Great White Throne Judgment. Here misinterpretation happens principally because a crucial principle of Bible study (mentioned above) has been carelessly overlooked by theologians whose understanding has been darkened by erroneous doctrinal beliefs.

The timeline of Revelation 20 summarizes a number of crucial occurrences in the latter part of God's overall plan for saving mankind. We may gain essential supplementary details from other scriptures. But first let's look at Revelation:20:11-15 in its entirety:

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books [plural] were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life [not death]. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades [the grave] delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one, according to his works.

"Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

An erroneous doctrinal assumption

Mainstream Christianity wrongly assumes that the White Throne Judgment described here consists of condemning many millions who never converted to Christianity during their lifetimes to an ever-burning hellfire. Yet vast numbers of those who died in past ages never even heard of Jesus Christ. They had no real opportunity to experience Christian conversion or to be saved.

Wholesale condemnation of many millions would be directly contrary to God's very nature. The apostle Paul states in 1 Timothy:2:3-4, "For this is right and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (New Revised Standard Version).

We should also recognize that most everyone who died in past ages—even those who did hear of Christ—never truly knew or really understood biblical truth, or ever had the opportunity to do so. And if they never had an opportunity for salvation in the past, would not a just God give them an opportunity in the future?

Although Revelation:20:14-15 clearly demonstrates that there is indeed a lake of fire for the punishment of incorrigible sinners, this passage does not indicate an ever-burning hellfire. The apostle Paul plainly tells us that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans:6:23)—not an eternal existence of interminable suffering in hellfire.

Contrary to those who teach that death merely means separation from God, death in fact means a complete cessation of consciousness (Ecclesiastes:9:5, 10). (For a much more complete explanation, request or download our free booklet Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach?)

Now let's consider what our Savior actually taught concerning Revelation:20:11-15.

What did Christ personally teach?

Who is the actual author of the great resurrection just prior to the White Throne Judgment period? John plainly tells us in his gospel account that Jesus said, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in their graves will hear His [Christ's] voice" (John:5:28).

Several scriptures show that God the Father has committed all judgment of human beings to His Son (verses 22, 30). So Jesus Christ Himself is the one who will exercise judgment during the time described in Revelation:20:11-13. The Father remains in heaven until that time arrives for Him to usher in the glorious, everlasting panorama of joyful never-ending existence described later in the last two chapters of the Bible.

Few realize that important collateral passages—clearly explaining events that will occur during the White Throne Judgment—are found in Matthew's gospel account. Consider carefully what Christ actually taught: "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! [These were cities of His day.] For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon [earlier cities], they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you" (Matthew:11:21-22).

Consider this remarkable statement for a moment. Jesus talks about a future judgment in which the people of His day and age will be judged alongside those of the long-dead cities of Tyre and Sidon, destroyed centuries earlier!

And how will they be judged? Revelation 20 clearly states that those resurrected will be judged "according to their works," the things they actually did coupled with the opportunities they had to know and understand God's truth. But again, will God condemn these ancient peoples who never once had the opportunity to know or respond to God's truth?

During this future judgment period they will have a sufficient period of time to sincerely repent of past deeds, be baptized and receive God's Holy Spirit. Ultimately, those who do prove obedient to their Creator will inherit eternal life in His Kingdom. In sharp contrast, those who continue to reject God's truth and stubbornly refuse to repent will be sentenced to suffer "the second death" (verses 14-15)—again, it is a death, not an eternal existence in a lake of fire.

The ultimately encouraging fate of Sodom

Let's continue in Matthew's account: "And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades [the grave]; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day" (Matthew:11:23).

Can we grasp what Christ is really saying here? Firstly, recall the unlawful deeds of these ancient peoples: "But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord" (Genesis:13:13). Yet during His human life Jesus Christ told a prominent city in Galilee that it came up short even when compared with ancient Sodom!

Jesus continued: "But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment than for you" (Matthew:11:24). Again, Christ spoke of a future judgment, comparingthese ancient peoples of Sodom with the citizens of Capernaum during His generation.

The only conclusion one can reach is that the resurrected men and women of Sodom, who had died almost 2,000 years earlier, will be given an opportunity for salvation during this future period of judgment!

God is merciful toward all those who are willing to really repent. Christ said that the men of ancient Sodom would have repented during their previous lifetime had He done the great miracles there that He performed in Capernaum many generations later. So why didn't He do those works for those of Sodom? Because it was not yet time for them to be offered salvation.

A resurrection of people from different periods in history

Jesus Christ's next statement is even clearer and more specific. Notice it: "The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here" (Matthew:12:41). The ancient Ninevites and Jonah had lived and died more than eight centuries earlier. Yet Jesus plainly states that they will rise up in the future with those of His generation!

Jesus then alters the focus of his comparison to just one well-known individual of ancient times. "The queen of the South [i.e., the Queen of Sheba] will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it [by comparison with her own], for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and indeed a greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew:12:42). The Queen of Sheba and Solomon lived almost a thousand years earlier. But again, Jesus says she will rise with those who lived in Jesus' day and heard His words!

Clearly Jesus is describing a resurrection in which people who lived and died centuries apart will rise from the grave together, learn God's truth for the first time and have the opportunity at last to repent and receive God's gift of salvation! What a remarkable and little-understood truth!

In these passages Christ referred primarily to ancient gentile (or non-Israelite) countries. But what about the peoples of Israel—past, present and future? Can they be saved?

The apostle Paul answers, "And so all Israel will be saved" (Romans:11:26). But again, how can that happen when so many of them never even had the opportunity to hear God's truth?

The prophet Ezekiel explains what will happen. "The whole house of Israel" will be part of a great resurrection in the future occurring just after the close of Christ's millennial reign. Read about this resurrection of physical bodies brought back to life in Ezekiel's remarkable vision recorded in Ezekiel 37. The participants will then be given an opportunity for salvation during the White Throne Judgment period.

The surprising truth about the resurrections

But a thousand years beforehand, at the time of Christ's second coming, true Christians will be resurrected to eternal spirit life as the firstfruits of God's salvation. They will then assist Jesus Christ in ruling the nations during the 1,000-year Millennium and the White Throne Judgment period to follow (1 Thessalonians:4:16; 1 Corinthians:15:51-52; Revelation:5:10; 20:4-6; Romans:8:18-19, 23).

As important as Revelation 20 remains in helping depict God's overall plan for humankind, this crucial chapter cannot be fully understood without clarifying and supporting passages in other parts of the Bible.

The great mercy of God defies the limits of our imaginations. Paul wrote: "Blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles shall come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer [Jesus Christ] shall come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob [Israel]; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins'" (Romans:11:25-27).

Hebrews:13:8 tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Today He remains deeply concerned for the salvation of all peoples. He is the Captain of their salvation and the Author and Finisher of their faith (Hebrews:2:10; 12:2). And as we have seen, He will personally carry out an important part of the latter phase of God's plan for the salvation of humanity during the Great White Throne Judgment period!

What Beats Cause and Effect?

2011-10-21T03:43:00.000+03:00

“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8)

They say “What comes around goes around.” That describes the law of Cause and Effect. The Bible says it another way: “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). What have you been sowing? Peace, love, and kindness—all of the time? If so, you’re in luck. But if not, what fate awaits you? This is a tricky one, for the biblical principle of sowing and reaping still stands. However, there is a higher law.

Forgiveness trumps Cause and Effect—every time. When Jesus was hanging on the cross—mid-crucifixion—He said to God on your behalf, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). Can you believe it? It’s hard enough for me to forgive someone after they’ve hurt me, let alone while they are doing it. But in the middle of crucifixion, being tortured and killed as the Son of God for coming to save His own people, Jesus stands in the gap and tells God: I’m asking you not to hold it against them; they don’t know what they’re doing.

If you’re banking on your deeds to save you or condemn you, think again: The fact is, you have not done more good than bad: quite the opposite. And if you’re hoping your good deeds are going to set you up for a good afterlife, guess again. Concerning Cause and Effect, we all deserve Hell. That is the proper application of “What comes around goes around.” But there’s a higher law—Jesus’ law of love and forgiveness. The Bible says, “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When He died for you, His sacrifice stretched over your sins and covered them completely, like a thick blanket.

Jesus completely absorbed your punishment. In doing so He wasn’t saying, “Oh, no more sowing and reaping; that rule is getting tossed out.” Instead, He said, “I’m going to take their punishment. They’re going to get the positive consequences for my perfect actions (Heaven) and I’m going to take the dreadful consequences for their actions (crucifixion).” He took your Cause and Effect and gave you His instead.

Now, who do you need to forgive? Jesus said it plainly, “But if you do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins” (Mark 11:26). By holding on to a grudge, you’re disqualifying yourself from Jesus’ forgiveness. Instead of holding a grudge, let someone have the grace Jesus gave you. Say, “Father forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing, just as I don’t. Thank you so much for forgiving me.”

Forgiveness is the greatest need in the world. Today, receive God’s gift of forgiveness to you and give it to someone else.

So this week, let’s pray together that:

We would truly understand how forgiven we are
We would truly forgive others from the heart
Global Media Outreach would help many others experience Jesus’ forgiveness

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

The Hal Lindsey Report - October 14th, 2011

2011-10-15T13:20:00.000+03:00

You would think after a half-century of studying Bible prophecy, teaching it, writing about it, and producing a weekly television program on the subject for the last 15 years, nothing would surprise me. Not so. I am continually amazed by how precisely the predictions of the ancient prophets are unfolding in the news.

How's this for prophetic precision? Last week, Iran's Fars news service reported that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad threatened to unleash a missile attack on Tel Aviv if NATO or Turkey dared interfere in Syria's affairs.

This wasn't an off-the-cuff, rash remark made in a fit of anger. He's issued this threat before. On August 9th, Assad told the Turkish Foreign Minister that "it would take only six hours for Syria to devastate Tel Aviv and ignite the Middle East."

Now, as ominous as that sounds, it's not the part of the story that raises the red flag for prophecy watchers. Middle Eastern hotheads have been threatening to wipe out Israel for decades.

Here's the critical part. Debkafile.com reports that after the first threat, Israel sent Syria a warning. In part, the message said, "If a single missile explodes in Tel Aviv, Damascus will be the first to pay the price.."

That raises the goosebumps, doesn't it?

This is the exact scenario foretold by the prophet Isaiah thousands of years ago. He said that a showdown would take place between Syria and Israel, like two gunfighters facing off in the dusty street of an old western town, complete with the townspeople clearing out to hide in the saloon and the stores. According to Isaiah, the rest of the world "will flee far away, and be chased like chaff in the mountains before the wind, or like the whirling dust before a gale."

Then Syria will draw, but before it can clear leather, Israel will strike and Damascus will cease to exist. Here's how Isaiah described it: "And at evening time, behold, there is terror! Before morning they are no more."

Isaiah predicted that Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world - which has never been destroyed - will disappear in one night. Before today, that would not have been even technically possible. With nuclear weapons, it won't take an evening.

And now the threat has been publicly made and the counter-threat has been delivered. I'm not saying when this will happen, but once an embattled dictator publicly suggests the possibility, I believe the chances of someone choosing that option increase considerably. And the possibility has to be considered that one of Syria's allies (Iran? Hezbollah? Hamas?) may actually be the one to pull the trigger.

Need I say it again? Get ready! Christ's coming cannot be far away.

Middle East Update 10/8/2011 - Iran, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Hezbolla, Terrorist, War

2011-10-13T22:32:00.001+03:00

What's your Worst-case Scenario?

2011-10-10T13:12:00.000+03:00

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

Today I want you to think about the worst thing that could happen in your life. Is it sickness? Bankruptcy? Loneliness? Normally I like to talk about nice things, but I want to share with you how God has been helping me with my worry. You see, I worry a lot. And most of my worries never come true.

But say the worst of the worst happened, whatever that is for you. There are a few things you can know will never be affected, no matter what goes wrong:

God will still be glorified: “’As surely as I live,' says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to Me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God'" (Romans 14:11)
God will never leave you: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)
Jesus will never stop loving you: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39)

So I’d like you to do this exercise with me. Fill in the blank with your worst worry and say out loud: “If God wants to glorify Himself through _______________, then so be it. He will never leave me, abandon me, or take His love away from me. And I will arrive at the End of Days with Jesus in Heaven.”

Because that is the ultimate worst-case scenario: that you would arrive at the Day of Judgment and not be admitted into Heaven. But Jesus has promised you: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me” (John 10:27,28).

What are you worrying about today? Give it to God. This is how I do it: I imagine my worry as a ball that I throw to God for Him to deal with. I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Sometimes I have to throw my worry ball to Him just once; sometimes once an hour. But He always gives me His peace in exchange. And He will do the same for you.

So let’s pray together this week that:

We would completely give all our worries over to God and receive His peace
We would rest in the knowledge that He will ultimately be glorified
Global Media Outreach would completely give God all our worries

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

America After 9/11: On the Hinge of History

2011-10-08T11:12:00.000+03:00

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, shook the entire world. The world had changed, though exactly how wouldn't be known for some time. Now, 10 years later, it's evident we may be on a hinge of history.

Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001, when America was attacked by al-Qaeda terrorists? What ran through your mind as you watched the unfolding tragedy?

That Tuesday morning in September, the United States suffered the worst loss of life on its soil since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. What have Americans learned since that day? What is the state of the country and the world? Do we understand the most important lessons from this event?

Every generation has its defining moments. For the World War II generation, it was the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. For another it was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. In our present time it was the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington that plunged the nation into a global war on terror.

An event that defined the last decade

The 9/11 attacks have defined more than a decade of American experience. Every year on its anniversary, memorials are conducted, the dead are remembered and the country takes note of what that event has meant.

I well remember the day. Like millions of others I watched the television screen in disbelief. The collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The gaping hole left in the walls of the Pentagon in Washington. And the remains of United Flight 93 in the Pennsylvania field where it crashed—a moving testimony to the brave passengers who prevented the terrorists from killing more innocent people.

It was a surreal day that defied belief even as the world watched it unfold.

In the aftermath, most of the world came together for one brief shining moment. World leaders pledged their support to track down and find the leaders of the attack. Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, was among the first to call President George Bush.

Americans from across the nation rallied to New York with support ranging from condolences and prayers to technical support to comb the wreckage of the Trade Center looking for any survivors. New York has not often been a target of sympathy—but on that day its citizens were embraced by all Americans.

On the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, senators and congressmen stood together that night and sang "God Bless America." On that day partisan politics took a back seat to the anguish of the nation.

Listening for words that didn't come

A few days after the attack a prayer service was held in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The nation's leadership, both political and military, prayed and sang in remembrance. You could see on the faces of the soldiers the plans for the attacks that would come on the enemy. Prayers were offered by every major denomination—including Islam.

I watched the service on television. I listened carefully. I was looking for something very important, what I knew would be the real key to the whole national drama we were experiencing.

I listened to hear a call to repentance—a clear call for the nation to admit its shortcomings, its moral, ethical and spiritual sins. I listened for a defining call to turn, to use this national calamity as a wakeup call and to cry out to God for forgiveness.

I listened, but it did not come. There were words of comfort, but no clear call for repentance. Only one religious leader used the word and called for a changing of our ways. But it was only a passing reference—nothing more.

Here was a moment in history—an opportunity for a people to fall on their knees before the God of heaven and seek His divine guidance and deliverance. But it did not happen. Oh, there was a brief resurgence of religious observance. Church attendance went up in the weeks following 9/11. But it just as quickly went back to the same historically low levels as before the event—and has continued about the same to this day.

We did not learn the lesson God wants us to learn from this event. The singular lesson is repentance.

A lesson from 2,000 years ago

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ mentioned two major tragedies of His day that shocked everyone.

Notice the lesson He drew from these: "There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices [that is, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate ordered them massacred when they came to offer sacrifices, likely to put down some resistance].

"And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish'" (Luke:13:1-5).

Those workers at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were in the right place, but at the wrong time. Time and chance in an evil world caught them in a final moment. The firefighters and police workers were brave men and women responding to an emergency and trying to save lives. They too were caught in a snare set by evil men bent on killing as many Americans as possible.

Christ's words are directed to everyone: "Unless you repent you will all likewise perish." His words are more important today than ever before.

We face a time of mounting crisis everywhere we look in the world. Some are starting to openly talk about the end of an age—a time of transition in world events. There is talk of a new order that will bring something completely different than what we have always known. It is a time of uncertainty.

Living at a "hinge of history"

The truth is, we are watching a momentous period in history develop before our eyes. We are living at what historians sometimes call a "hinge of history," when events happen that can change the course of the world.

Today we are seeing among nations a time of massive change impacting our everyday life. We see it happening, yet we don't understand why it's happening.

Let's look at what we've seen since 9/11.

America since 9/11 has been mired in four wars with no conclusive results. In Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen (which was secret until recently) and now Libya, American incursions have cost billions while sapping much of the strength and vitality of the nation in areas where its results are questionable. Its military has been stretched abroad to near the breaking point. It is on the verge of withdrawal from Iraq, and will do so in the coming months in a manner that does not ensure that any gains of the last 10 years will hold.

Since 9/11 the West, and America in particular, has suffered the worst recession in more than 60 years. It was centered on Wall Street and involved the near collapse of the mortgage market. On a September weekend in 2008, the entire American financial system came close to gridlock and collapse. World markets rallied to keep the system propped up.

Along with this has come a prolonged decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against other world currencies , accompanied recently by an unprecedented downgrade of the nation's credit rating. There are increasing demands for the world to abandon the dollar as the reserve, or primary, currency in world financial markets. For many reasons this has not yet happened. But when, not if, it happens, Americans will face a great reduction in their standard of living.

America's debt is bringing the nation to the brink of serfdom. It could become an economic captive of its creditors. Debt is strangling the future vitality and security of several nations. Nations are like individuals in certain respects of becoming financially overextended. They go broke slowly over a long period of time by living beyond their income. Then suddenly it's all over, and bankruptcy occurs. America is at that point.

Presently, the world's nations are demanding corrective action on a scale that's beyond the capacities of national leaders.

What is the true source of blessings?

Now let me tell you something. The Good News is rooted in the Bible as its source of authority and guidance. We don't make economic or political predictions. But this we state with confidence: America and the major English-speaking nations will not collapse or lose all their power until God allows it to happen. That our nations have endured all that they have in recent years and still dominate in the way they do is by the grace of God.

It is not by national power or might or wisdom or exceptional abilities. God is the power behind these peoples. He has blessed these countries beyond any other people, nation or tribe in world history. They enjoy the good life they do because the God of heaven honored His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—the biblical patriarchs and their descendants. It is one of the most important and fascinating stories in history, one you need to know more about.

America, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are great because of God's blessing. They have walked the high places of the world during the past two centuries because God placed them in that position. God made them great. He gave them their vast wealth, power and prestige. It is ironic that our forefathers acknowledged this while today's leaders have forgotten. But God is patient and merciful.

America will not fade from its world position until God allows it to happen. But could it be that He is offering one more opportunity to repent—to admit we have forgotten our roots and amend our ways before it is too late?

At a turning point?

Are America and the world at a turning point in history? Are we watching a pivotal moment when biblical prophecy and world events coincide?

The Bible shows us that such times occur. God determines the times and the boundaries of nations, their appointed times of power and prominence. He ultimately decides what kings, presidents and rulers are in authority, and He alone sets the course of history (Daniel:2:21; 4:17; Psalm:75:6-7; Isaiah:46:9-11; Acts:17:26).

When God begins to move His plan to the next phase, He lets His servants understand what is happening (see Amos:3:7).

In Habbakuk 1:5 we read: "Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you."

God tells us to watch among the nations—to understand what and why the wars and shifting of powers and influence among nations. Are we seeing such a time as this now, in our day?

Look at our world today.

Across the Middle East, from Tunisia to Iraq, a wave of change has rolled. Long-standing governments have been toppled. Others may yet fall. Egypt saw the removal of President Hosni Mubarak after nearly 30 years in power. Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan and Syria have experienced riots against leadership. The unrest and instability across the region could redraw the geopolitical map. Such change has not been seen since the end of World War I when statesmen gathered at the Palace of Versailles and created the countries of the modern Middle East.

Add to this mix the threat of a nuclear Iran and the potential to destabilize the flow of oil from that region to the world. The festering, unsolvable Palestinian refugee crisis is another unstable mix of people and events.

Bible prophecy centers on key events in the Middle East that bring the nations to a crisis in the days prior to the coming of Jesus Christ. We are seeing massive shifts impact the region, setting the stage for the next phase of prophecy.

China is a growing power and influence in the world. Various predictions are made about China overtaking America as the world's foremost economic power. Such predictions miss a larger truth: The United States will lose its position unless fundamental spiritual changes are made. One point is certain: China and other nations hold large amounts of American debt. They will require a reckoning at some point. It is inevitable.

And then there is Europe. We have written many times about the changing role of Europe in world affairs. Bible prophecy has a great deal to tell us about the rise of a European-dominated power at the time of the end.

Europe is going through a financial crisis like America. Yet the Bible foretells that they will survive this period. They may reinvent themselves and suddenly become the "indispensable" power that keeps the world from descending into another "dark age." Political and religious leadership will appear on the stage that will bring some kind of order to a time of disruption.

There are repeated calls for a United States of Europe to solve the monetary problems of nations like Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Ireland. For Europe to exist as a unified state, one national power would have to rise and dominate the continent as a financial and political leader. This will happen.

Europe will not dissolve and crumble—even if there is some fragmentation or even partial collapse in the short term. Rather, Europe will eventually become a larger world power than we see today. We have been saying this for years.

Do not rely totally on what you hear about the future of Europe in most current media analysis. Commentators do not apply biblical understanding to world news reporting. All they have is a secular, often anti-biblical, view of history that does not account for the spiritual dimension.

The Good News provides that missing dimension. We strive to keep our analysis rooted in sound biblical teaching and understanding.

America is caught in the midst of these changes in the worst possible condition. The nation faces an economic crisis of historic proportions. It is a debtor to other nations who, frankly, hold its future in their hands.

What lies ahead for America and other English-speaking nations?

Different voices are speaking to America today. Some are very anxious, worried for the future of the country. Others see the best days of America in the future. Which view is correct?

Now, 10 years after 9/11, which voice should the United States, and all the English-speaking peoples, heed?

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God gave a warning message to the people of ancient Judah that resonates down to our day. Jeremiah's message speaks to us today. He described unrepentant human nature. He described people and conditions that are the same as ours today.

Notice what he said and judge whether it fits today: "For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge" (Jeremiah:4:22).

Does this not describe popular culture and political leadership today?

The prophet was further inspired to write: "But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; they have revolted and departed. They do not say in their heart, 'Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain . . . in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.' Your iniquities have turned these things away, and your sins have withheld good from you" (Jeremiah:5:23-25).

Why aren't the answers to our big problems easily found? Jeremiah's answer is that it is because of sin. Because a people, the Americans and others of British descent, do not obey and put first the law of God and the knowledge of His way.

Jeremiah delivered his message at a time of great upheaval in the world of his day. It was a message intended for a people who had been blessed as a nation by God. God honored His promise to the descendants of Abraham, the tribes of Israel, and made a great nation of them. But they did not obey as their father Abraham had obeyed. They abandoned God and the true faith for a false set of gods and idols. It led to their ruin. The end result was national decline and captivity.

America and the other English-speaking nations have been blessed in our modern day by the same God for the same reason. God gave to our peoples in modern times the greatest blessing ever given to any group of people. The story of the last 250 years has been that of Great Britain, the United States and their brother nations. There is no other way to legitimately explain the great national wealth and power of these nations.

But like ancient Israel, these nations have abandoned the true God and His laws and are now approaching the twilight of their day. Unless they come to a deep change of heart, their fate will be that of others—decline and defeat.

It's not too late for a course correction

But Jeremiah was an optimist—and so was Jesus Christ. Remember the scripture we read where Christ warned people that unless they repented they would perish as others did? He is saying that it's not too late for people, even nations, to change, receive forgiveness and be set back on the track to true righteousness.

Does God care for America? You bet He does.

Does He care for all nations? Absolutely!

The God of heaven sees and knows what is happening to this nation today, and it affects Him deeply. God does not wish that any should perish or suffer. But our sins have created our national problems and cut us off from Him (Isaiah:59:2-14), and only a deep heartfelt repentance can turn around the present distress.

Notice God's answer to the prayer of Solomon about the nation of Israel: "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles:7:13-14).

It is the same for every nation. As God says in Jeremiah:18:7-8, "The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it."

It is not too late to turn around this great nation and its people. The same is true for Britain and other English-speaking countries—and, in fact, for all nations. What would it take for you to hear God's call to change, repent and seek Him as never before? To admit you have not known Him, loved Him, obeyed Him? Oh, it would be a big change in your life, no doubt. But the result would be a new and transformed life, different beyond your imagination.

To experience God at this level would be a memorable and wondrous experience. Why not pray for God to grant this repentance to you? Why not pray for this to come upon the nation at this hinge point in history—before it is too late?

We are living in a period of change and transition. God is doing something hard to believe. We—and you—need a spiritual renewal before it is too late!

The Hal Lindsey Report - October 10th, 2011

2011-10-07T17:59:00.000+03:00

Last week, an unmanned Predator drone, hovering around 10,000 feet, locked its sights on a car speeding down a highway in Yemen. The weapons officer -- sitting in a facility in New Mexico, half a world away -- pressed a trigger and the drone fired a "Hellfire" missile at the vehicle and its unsuspecting passengers. It was dead on target. And so were the occupants of the automobile: Anwar al-Awlaki, the notorious American-born imam and al-Qaeda recruiter, Samir Khan, a naturalized American born in Saudi Arabia who was editor of al-Qaeda's English-language webzine, "Inspire," and two other men.

Al-Awlaki was sometimes called the "Bin-Laden of the internet" because he was skillful at communicating the militant Islamic ideology of al-Qaeda. As a result, he has been linked to -- and reportedly inspired -- at least two of the 9/11 hijackers, the alleged Fort Hood shooter Major Nidal Hassan, the unsuccessful "underwear bomber," and the also-unsuccessful "Times Square bomber." He was arguably al-Qaeda's most successful recruiter and had a large, worldwide following.

He's also constantly referred to as "American born al-Awlaki" (I did it earlier). That's because he was. Al-Awlaki was born in New Mexico while his Yemeni father studied at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces in 1971.

Now, although there's no doubt that al-Awlaki deserved to be dealt with as an "enemy" of America, his targeted killing does raise some interesting questions. Since he was an American citizen, the Constitution declares that he had the right to "due process of law" before he could be deprived of those rights -- including the right to life. And I suppose that same protection would extend to the other, lesser known American passenger in the car, Samir Khan.

It's ironic that the Obama administration has tried mightily to grant those same rights -- though undeserved -- to foreign-born enemy combatants detained at Guantanamo Bay. They even wanted to bring Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the 9/11 mastermind, to New York City for a civilian trial with all its legal protections. Yet, the men who actually had a valid claim to Constitutional protection were taken out without a second thought.

Once again, I've got no problem with dealing with a dangerous enemy with authority and finality, but this action has many wondering what kind of precedent it sets. If the government can kill an American citizen without due process for religious speech it claims incites terror, then maybe the precedent is set for killing other Americans without due process for religious speech the government claims incites terror. Today, the number one terrorist religion is Islam, but Christianity is already being treated by our government as a promoter of hate speech. What's to stop some future administration from designating Christianity a terrorist philosophy, therefore justifying extra-judicial action?

I'm not saying that this is happening now or definitely will happen in the future. It is arguable, however, that the precedent has been set.

Speaking of precedents, Iran continues to fulfill our lowest expectations. Once again, news reaches us of fellow Christians who have been detained by Iranian authorities, imprisoned for their faith, and even sentenced to death for "apostasy" against Islam. UK-based Elam Ministries says that several hundred Christians were arrested in Iran between June 2010 and January 2011. When the new year turned, at least 33 Christians were still languishing in Iranian prisons simply for being Christians.

Last week, though, Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was scheduled to be hanged for apostasy against Islam. The judge had given the Christian pastor three chances to deny his faith in Christ and return to Islam. Nadarkhani refused. His defense -- that he had never been a practicing Muslim, so how could he have become an apostate when he embraced Christianity at the age of 19 -- fell on deaf ears until his case reached Iran's Supreme Court. The highest court rejected the death sentence and returned the case to the lower court for review. Rather than release Nadarkhani, his hometown court changed the charge to rape and extortion and re-imposed the death sentence. When that failed to hold water in the international press, the court once again changed the charge. Now, he's convicted of being a Zionist spy!

At last, the world is beginning to wake up to what's happening. There have been many protests filed with the Iranian government. The White House and the State Department even stirred enough to express America's outrage. So, for the moment, Pastor Nadarkhani may be safe from the hangman. But this is Iran we're talking about. Contrary to what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says, Iran is not the home of "total religious freedom," it's the home of the Islamic Revolution. Nadarkhani may not be facing the executioner tomorrow, but he is still in prison and may be for some time to come. By the way, he's been in prison since October 2009 -- two years now -- for refusing to deny Christ. That makes the life of a Christian in the United States seem pretty sweet, doesn't it?

Friends, please pray continually for our brothers and sisters in Christ across this world who are literally suffering daily for their faith. We Christians in the West are blessed beyond measure with the tremendous freedoms and liberties we take for granted. Don't be deceived. I believe our time is coming and we will face the same decision Pastor Nadarkhani and thousands of others have faced: to deny our faith in Christ or bear the consequences.

Also on this week's program, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is apparently no longer Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's fair-haired boy. In fact, while Ahmadinejad was in New York speaking at the UN, Khamenei was taking steps to destroy the president's base of support in Iran. Many of the hardline Ayatollahs have felt for some time that Ahmadinejad was getting too big for his britches. And in Iran, it's not a good thing when the Mullahs get you in their sights!

However, Ahmadinejad and Khamenei came together once more for old times' sake. They held a conference in Tehran last week. The conference theme was, "Palestine: a land only for Palestinians." At least they both agreed on this one thing: the land from the river (Jordan) to the sea (Mediterranean) belongs to the Palestinians and no Jew is welcome.

Finally, as I watch our economy continue to convulse beneath an increasing tax burden, a smothering national debt, and stifling new administrative regulations, I marvel at how deep the deception runs. Though we think of our nation as the land of entrepreneurship, capitalism, and free markets, there's nothing "free" about it today. Our entire financial system is owned and controlled, lock, stock, and barrel, by a shadowy, private, global financial cabal. Its front in America is The Federal Reserve System. Texas governor Rick Perry thinks the Fed's actions may be "treasonous." I think he may be on to something.

Nonetheless, there is a movement stirring in the halls of government to, once and for all, undertake a thorough audit of the Federal Reserve. An abbreviated one was conducted within the last year or so and the results were jaw-dropping. I'm not certain there's enough courage in Washington to actually get it done, but it may be our nation's last chance to regain control of our financial destiny.

I think it would be a good idea to uphold in prayer ANYONE who challenges the Federal Reserve. They will certainly need it and deserve it. Let's pray that the truth will be revealed about this dangerous and destructive organization.

God Wants to Renew His Vows

2011-10-02T20:03:00.000+03:00

“’For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,’ says the LORD, who has mercy on you” (Isaiah 54:10).

Have you ever seen a married couple renew their vows? It’s so beautiful. After years of hardships, things not going the way they thought, and weird traits they didn’t know about, they still say: I’d do it all over again. I’d marry you a million times over.

That’s what God says to you today. He knows all the sins you’ve committed—and all the ones you’re going to commit. He knows all the things you didn’t do just how He wanted and how you will resent and misunderstand Him at times. And He still says to you: I love you today like I did yesterday. And I’d die for you all over again. I don’t regret it one bit. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love; with unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself” (Jeremiah 31:3).

I was the person Jesus was talking to when He said, “You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:17,18).

And now He wants to hear it from you. Think how much a person wants to hear “I love you too” when they confess their own love. Would you tell Him that you would do it all over again—even though things haven’t gone the way you planned, and maybe He hasn’t answered your every prayer just how you wanted? Maybe even God is different than you imagined Him…would you still commit your whole life to Him again today? In fact, will you do it today?

Renew your Vows with God today. Maybe circumstances have caused you to drift from God. It’s not to late to return. He says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). No matter what has happened in your past, God has a wonderful plan for your future. Right after He said, “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love; with unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself”, He said, “I will rebuild you, My virgin Israel. You will again be happy and dance merrily with your tambourines” (Jeremiah 31:4).

God wants to rebuild you and your relationship with Him. He renews His vows with you today and is waiting for you to do the same. He longs to hear from you, “God, I’d do it all over again. I love you today and I will never take back my commitment to you.”

So this week, let us pray that:

We would understand and feel God’s great love for us
We would get a fresh love and passion for God
Global Media Outreach would hear what God wants us to do

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

The Hal Lindsey Report - 30th September 2011

2011-10-01T00:49:00.000+03:00

Last week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas made good on his threat. He tore up the Oslo Accords and threw them in the trash. Oddly enough, though, he still claims to be the only one of the two peace partners genuinely seeking peace in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Now some of you are saying as you read this, "Come on, Hal, isn't that being overly dramatic? He didn't tear up Oslo." One of the basic tenets of the Oslo Accords -- to which both parties agreed and Abbas himself personally signed -- is that neither party would take any unilateral steps to change the status of any disputed territory until there was a negotiated settlement. I would say that asking the United Nations to recognize the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as an independent, sovereign nation is definitely a "unilateral" step! Wouldn't you?

Of course, none of this should surprise anyone. The Oslo Accords are essentially just wasted words on paper that gives the international community something to cling to -- and bludgeon Israel with -- in the absence of the nerve to stand up to the Arab-Muslim world's demands. The Palestinians have never fulfilled even the simplest, most basic obligations to which they agreed. The entire process has simply been a stalling effort to give them time to wear Israel down and chip away at the West's integrity.

And it appears to be working.

However, all was not lost last week. President Obama got some good political bounce out of the event. Addressing the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, he is generally credited with giving a speech that was surprisingly "supportive" of Israel. The President did mention that Israel is surrounded by enemies that have tried to destroy her in the past. And he did suggest that Palestine's statehood could not be attained through unilateral declaration at the UN, but needed to be achieved through negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis. He was right on both counts and I give him credit for that.

The problem lies, though, in what he did not say. He never said that the US would veto the statehood resolution in the Security Council (which he should have flatly stated months ago and ended all this frantic politicking). He did not mention the PA's refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. He said nothing about the PA's use of its education system to inculcate hatred of the Jews in each generation. He said nothing about the PA's support for terror.

Obama's speech totally ignored the fact that on May 16, in a New York Times editorial, Mahmoud Abbas had written: "Palestine's admission to the United Nations would pave the way for the internationalization of the conflict as a legal matter, not only a political one. It would also pave the way for us to pursue claims against Israel at the United Nations, human rights treaty bodies and the International Court of Justice." In other words, the statehood bid is not about peace and the Palestinians' right to political self-determination. It's about leverage!

President Obama also failed to mention that certain PLO officials had publicly implied that the new state of Palestine would be "Jew-free." It's odd to me that the world continues to accuse Israel of "ethnic cleansing" when more than one million Arabs/Palestinians live in Israel, most of them as Israeli citizens. Yet the world says nothing when the Palestinians publicly declare their intention to drive every Jew from their new state.

The speech also failed to criticize assertions made publicly by high-ranking PLO officials that even after Palestine becomes a nation, about half of the Palestinian "refugees" currently in the West Bank and Gaza will continue to be held in refugee camps. Further, it will be Israel's and the United Nations' obligation to continue caring for them. And who gives the UN the money to do this? American and European taxpayers!

Yet the world, and many in Israel, were effusive in their praise for President Obama's newfound support for Israel. (Credit Bob Turner's victory in NY-9 for that turnaround.) Of course, we're now seeing that that support may be short-lived. Already this week, the Administration has sharply criticized Israel for approving the construction of some new apartments in East Jerusalem. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she's disappointed that Israel would do something so "counterproductive" and "provocative" just when peace was obviously within our grasp! The Quartet has sung that song before.

And, by the way, that pesky Palestinian bid for statehood has yet to be decided. Wednesday, the Security Council referred the matter to committee for further consideration. It may be weeks or months before the resolution actually gets voted on by the Council. And vetoed by the US? In the meantime, Israel had better mind its p's and q's and keep its nose clean. Don't risk irritating the United States or that "promised" veto might just get lost in the mail!

By now, you can probably venture an educated guess about what I'll be discussing on this week's program. But this isn't all. I'll also have a few words about "Durban III" and the return of Vladimir Putin to the presidency of Russia. As Gomer Pyle used to say, "Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!"

Finally, I'll spend a few minutes delivering what I call "A Watchman Warning." Folks, despite the frustration I obviously feel as I watch the unbelievable displays of blind ignorance and rank arrogance by many of the world's leaders and their minions in the mainstream media, I never lose sight of what it all actually means. It means that we are in the final stages of our time here on this earth. Events are accelerating palpably. Daily we are witnessing Bible prophecy spring to life. Conditions and alignments inconceivable when the prophets wrote of them thousands of years ago are coming into sharp focus. And it's no longer taking millennia or centuries. Now, things change in months, weeks, days, even hours.

Our departure from this earth is growing closer as I type these words. Are you ready? Is your family ready? Don't delay. Accept the gift of pardon that Jesus Christ died in your place to purchase for you.

Trust me. You will never regret it.

If your House was Robbed Today...

2011-09-25T12:07:00.000+03:00

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is the gift of God, not by works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9)

I want you to imagine that your house is being robbed, but you put your most valuable asset in a safe. What is that asset? It might be expensive jewelry, family photos, or the deed to your land. You can rest assured that even if you are robbed, your most valuable asset will stay safe.

Think about it spiritually now. What is your most valuable spiritual asset? For a while, I had everything backwards. I thought my prayer life, Bible reading, and church attendance gave me my value as a Christian. But I thought very little about Jesus’ sacrifice for me and how He gave me righteousness I could never get otherwise. It was as if I was appraising my home and put high value on all of the insignificant items like vases and pictures and minimal value on the important things like the walls and foundation.

I was the person Jesus was talking to when He said, “You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:17,18).

Jesus’ righteousness is the most valuable item I have. And it’s the most valuable item you have. He paid for it with His life and gave it to you free of charge. And God has locked it in your spiritual safe; He will never take it away. Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me” (John 10:28). Your Bible knowledge, service at church, or your good deeds can fade away; but no one can take Jesus’ righteousness from you. And it is the only thing you need. It will carry you through this life and into Heaven.

Paul said, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:31). Do this with me right now: Close your eyes and imagine a bar of gold (representing Jesus’ righteousness) locked in your safe. Pray aloud, “Thank you Jesus that all I have is Your righteousness, and no one can take it from me.”

So this week, let us pray that:

We would know the value of Christ’ sacrifice for us
We would put our confidence in the fact Jesus will never abandon us
Global Media Outreach would put Jesus at the top so everyone can glorify Him

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

Your Friends at GodLife.com

The Hal Lindsey Report - Palestine

2011-09-24T11:55:00.000+03:00

As the 66th session of the United Nations convened this week, the number one topic of speculation has been the Palestinian bid for UN recognition. US diplomats have burned up the sidelines of the gathering in a mad scramble to convince the Palestinians to drop their request and avert an international crisis.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas wants the United Nations to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state with borders based on a UN resolution passed 64 years ago! It's a resolution the Jews accepted back in 1947, but the Arabs rejected!

Abbas has been adamant in his determination to submit a formal request to the Security Council. The PA says it will also ask the General Assembly to extend recognition. That will be a slam dunk there, since the majority of nations are Muslim or Muslim-sympathetic. Observers expect about 130 of the 191 members will vote in favor of the Palestinian state.

Of course, the GA carries no legal weight. Only Security Council votes bear the authority of international law. But recognition by the General Assembly will still complicate things immeasurably for Israel. The US has announced it will veto the request at the Security Council and President Obama essentially confirmed that in his speech to the UN on Wednesday.

But whether or not the Palestinian Authority actually carries through with its threat at this session, all of this just goes to show that the world is growing ever closer to forcing Israel to accept a failed terrorist state within its borders. The events of the last few weeks illustrate perfectly what the ancient prophets predicted: in the last days the entire world will line up against Israel.

This week, I'm going to study in depth the legal foundation on which the claims of the modern state of Israel are based. And, contrary to the conventional narrative, it's not UN Resolution 181, known as the "1947 Partition Plan." Israel's legitimacy as a modern nation is rooted in the same League of Nations actions, taken decades earlier, that provide legitimacy for Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, and other Arab nations in the Middle East.

The bottom line is if those nations are legitimate, then so is Israel. If Israel has no legitimacy as a nation, then neither do the other nations of the Middle East. You can't have it both ways.

Beyond the historical aspects of the Palestinian statehood farce, I'll also examine the dysfunctional state of Palestinian governance that makes even the thought of autonomous statehood seem like the premise for a bizarre movie comedy. Yet world leaders and governments fall all over themselves to support, and press, this ludicrous scheme. Why? It can only be supernatural. It makes no human sense whatsoever.

Further, it's an open secret that the Palestinians want their new state to be "Judenrein." That's the sign the Nazis posted in areas that had been ethnically cleansed of all Jews. It means simply, "Jew free." And yet the 'enlightened' nations of the world apparently find this acceptable. Why? Once again, it can only be supernatural. Supernatural in the sense that it defies common sense and flies in the face of historical experience.

But, then, almost all Bible prophecy, when originally uttered or written, defied common sense. That's how we know the Bible is true and unerring. The outlandish events and conditions predicted by the prophets thousands of years ago have come to pass precisely as they prophesied.

And we are eyewitnesses as these exciting events unfold daily.

Folks, forgive me if I sound like a broken record, but time is growing short. Please make sure you and your family and friends are ready to go when Jesus Christ returns for His bride. It could be any day now.

How Qualified are You?

2011-09-18T11:11:00.000+03:00

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Have you ever been to a job interview where they ask you, “What qualifies you for this position?” You might go on and on about what makes you the best employee they could ever have, desperately hoping for the position.

However, we often do the opposite with God. He comes to you and says, “I have a great plan for your life. I want you to reach many people with My love and display My glory.” And you say, “Not me, God. I can’t do that. I have too much sin, too many weaknesses. You have the wrong person. Pick him over there…he never makes the mistakes I do.”

You’re not alone. Moses did the same thing. God gave him the awesome privilege of delivering His people from slavery. But Moses pleaded with the Lord, "O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been, and I'm not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled" (Exodus 4:10). But it wasn’t like God didn’t know about Moses’ inadequacies. He knew exactly who He was dealing with—and He chose him anyway.

And God has chosen you anyway. He knows your weakness, that sin that always trips you up, every sin you’ve committed so far, and every reason why you shouldn’t get the job. If it were really a matter of qualifications, you’re right: you’re not qualified! But God looks past all of those things and says, “I’ve called you anyways. I love you. I know your weaknesses and I’m going to help you overcome them. I’m not giving up on you. And I have great things for you to do.”

That’s God’s beauty. He chooses the foolish things to confuse the smart, and the humble things to bring down the proud. What is a foolish thing in your life? Your past? Lack of education? Fear of people? God can turn it into a strength. Think about it—what story shows the greatness of a coach more: a strong, talented kid who the coach helped to make a great player? Or a short, fumbling kid who the coach turned into a star? You may feel like the runt of the team, but God plans to turn you into a success story in His kingdom.

What has He called you to?You’re not disqualified for the job just because of your past failings or current weaknesses. God says to you today, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God made fearful Moses into a national deliverer. And He can make you into whatever He wants.

So this week, let us pray that:

We would have confidence in God’s plan
We would stop listening to the lies of condemnation
Global Media Outreach will fulfill the great plan God has us

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

Your Friends at GodLife.com

Action: Ask God about His plan for your life. Trust that He can use you greatly, no matter your current circumstances. Share with us what you feel God has called you to at our GodLife Facebook page!

The Hal Lindsey Report - The Middle East and Isreal

2011-09-17T09:43:00.000+03:00

Our attention is riveted on Israel this week. Seldom have we seen a nation face -- at one moment -- so many lethal threats to its very existence.

Last Friday, after being incited during a demonstration in Tahrir Square, thousands of angry Egyptians marched to the Israeli embassy in Cairo. Hundreds of them attacked the building, tore down the concrete walls, and breached the consulate. They looted files, trashed the offices, burned the Israeli flag, and came within moments of lynching the six Israeli security guards who remained behind after the entire diplomatic staff and their families were evacuated to Israel.

Only after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu telephoned President Obama and convinced him to intervene, did Egypt's ruling military junta send security forces to rescue the Israeli guards. Later, the police had to battle the rioters to break up the demonstration. Hundreds were injured and a few died.

I shudder to think what may have resulted if President Obama had not placed that phone call and the Israeli guards had opened fire on the protesters in self-defense. Need we a clearer indication that Egypt's military leaders will not have the will or courage to defy the Muslim Brotherhood and maintain the 1979 Camp David Accords with Israel?

That means that Israel will have something it's not had in more than 30 years: a powerful and hostile enemy on its southern border.

But that may be the least of Israel's worries.

As of now, the Palestinian Authority, egged on by the OIC, the Arab League, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and some members of the European Union (among many others) plans to formally ask the United Nations at the opening of its 66th session next week to recognize the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as the sovereign nation of Palestine -- based on the pre-1967 borders. It's a slam dunk in the General Assembly since Arab and Muslim nations and their sympathizers hold a voting majority, but a vote in the GA has no legal weight until ratified by the Security Council.

The Obama administration has indicated that it will veto the resolution -- though it uses veiled threats to withhold its veto to pressure Israel to do its bidding. But President Obama is hoping it won't reach that point. A US veto will put him in an awkward position since he has promised a state to the Palestinians and assured the Muslim world that if anyone could get it done, it would be him. They believed him and are now publicly and loudly using his own words against him.

But think for just a moment about the predicament that formal United Nations recognition of Palestine would create for Israel. For instance, those lines, which were the reality before the Six Day War of 1967, would mean that Israel would only be nine miles wide at one critical point. It would mean that from the hills of the West Bank (Palestine) the terrorists can physically see Tel Aviv. That would be child's play for the rockets and missiles of the terrorists or the national military of the new state.

Further, Israel would no longer have the recognized right to enter Judea or Samaria (the West Bank) or East Jerusalem to protect Jewish settlers, tourists, or any of the Jewish or Christian holy sites. They could no longer enter those areas or Gaza to destroy missile and rocket launch sites operated by the Palestinians. To do so would be seen as an invasion of sovereign territory and give cause to Palestine's "allies" to rush to its aid.

Revered Israeli statesman, Abba Eban, once referred to those indefensible borders as the "Auschwitz borders" because of the danger they posed to Israel.

And those are just two simple considerations. There are many more.

But that's not all.

Turkey, who was the second Muslim nation to recognize Israel in 1949 (Iran was the first) and was the only Muslim nation with a formal military alliance with Israel, has renounced that alliance, expelled Israel's ambassador, and recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv. Further, its prime minister, Recip Tayyip Erdogan, has threatened to send Turkish warships to challenge any Israeli naval presence outside Israel's own 12-mile territorial waters.

Ostensibly, this is because Turkey is furious with Israel for interdicting the "Freedom Flotilla" that it sent to bust the Egyptian-Israeli maritime blockade of Gaza in May of 2010. After the passengers of the Mavi Marmara attempted to lynch the Israeli boarding party, a battle ensued and nine Turkish nationals died.

Because the world generally recognized the maritime blockade of Gaza as legal by international standards, Israel has refused to apologize, pay compensation to the families, and dismantle its blockade of Hamas.

Further, at Turkey's insistence, the UN established a formal commission to investigate the incident. The report of that commission, though finished last February, has finally found its way into the press. Though the "Palmer Report" chastises Israel for exerting "excessive" force during the melee, it also affirms Israel's right to pursue the maritime blockade and condemns Turkey for instigating the incident. Of course, that has infuriated Turkey's leaders and they've announced that, for them, the UN report "does not exist."

But I believe that all of the bluster and posturing is simply that: bluster and posturing. Tayyip Erdogan's ulterior motive is to restore Turkey to its pre-World War I status as leader of the Islamic world and the dominant power in the Mediterranean and Middle East. He sees himself as the emerging regional strongman. That's why he's slowly dismantling Turkey's secular government and rebuilding Turkey as an Islamic state. He's touring the Arab and Muslim nations and loudly touting his record of challenging Israel and defying the West. He's aligning Turkey with Iran and Hamas and insinuating himself into the politics of other nations. Though Turkey is prominent member of NATO, which it joined when Russian Communism was the common enemy, Turkey is increasingly withdrawing from the West now that radical Islam is the common enemy.

As I often ask, does this sound familiar? The prophets Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah all prophesy that, in the last days, a reborn nation of Israel will find itself alone and friendless with its back to the sea, surrounded by enemies with no one and nowhere to turn.

Friends, those days are here.

Will the World End in 2012?

2011-09-16T08:52:00.000+03:00

Much has been said about the world ending in the year 2012 - a fact supposedly revealed in the ancient Mayan calendar. Is there any basis or truth to this or in others who predict the end of the world next year? What does the Bible say about the end of the world? Does it tell us whether the world could or will end in the year 2012

Many people would give almost anything to know what the future holds. This has been true as long as human beings have walked the earth.

The apostles of Jesus Christ were no exception. He spoke often to them about His return when He will dwell again on the earth—in the future Kingdom of God, reigning over everything.

Shortly before He died, Jesus was with His 12 disciples in Jerusalem in the area of the splendid Temple Mount. Jesus told them that the temple, in which the Jews of that day took exceptional pride, would one day be razed to the ground (Matthew:24:1-2).

The disciples were likely shocked and surprised at that statement by their Master, and it prompted them to ask the question about which Christians from the first century to this day have earnestly desired to know: "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew:24:3, emphasis added throughout).

This conversation occurred nearly 2,000 years ago. Jesus would not return in the lifetime of those to whom He spoke, although it seems they expected Him to for many years. They all died, still waiting for the return of the King of Kings (Revelation:19:16).

While they were alive, they repeatedly preached the promise of His coming and earnestly longed for His return. One of the 12, Peter, recorded a warning for those of his day that has echoed through time and still speaks today to all who read it. He wrote that some skeptics—"scoffers," he called them—would say, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter:3:4). And he responded in advance, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise" (verse 9).

When Jesus returns, it will be the end of "this present evil age" (Galatians:1:4), the end of the world in which human beings rule.

Human-generated prophecies of the coming apocalypse

When Jesus' disciples asked Him when the end would come, He told them of signs and events that would occur during the intervening period. Yet He also told them, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew:24:36).

Jesus' statement has not dissuaded men from making brazen prophecies. People of every stripe and type have been stricken with prediction addiction. Raymond Hundley's 2010 book Will the World End in 2012? noted one website that "cited 149 different predictions of the apocalypse between AD 44 and 2008" (p. ix).

The predictions of the end of the world did not cease in 2008. If anything, the avalanche has gained momentum. Many of the prophecies even center on a specific day—Dec. 21, 2012.

This has been called the most intriguing date in history. The orientation of those who pinpoint this date is widely varied—some are religious and some are secular. The events they say will trigger the ultimate cataclysm comprise descriptions of a human-contrived cauldron of horror.

But will they come to pass? It's vital for your spiritual safety and peace of mind that you are well-grounded in the truth of the Bible. There are many deceivers in the world; indeed Scripture tells us that Satan "deceives the whole world" (Revelation:12:9). For this reason, Jesus warns His disciples, "Don't let anyone mislead you" (Matthew:24:4, New Living Translation).

Many people are putting forth their own interpretations regarding the future, but the Bible must be our sole guide. It brims with prophecy about the end of the world. We must also be careful about the spin that people put on biblical prophecies about the end.

While we can have a better idea of the general time frame of Christ's return as time goes on and we see prophecy being fulfilled around us, the pages of history are strewn with erroneous dates on which some predicted or expected the end to come.

As Mark Hitchcock notes in his book 2012: The Bible and the End of the World: "The oldest surviving prediction of the world's imminent demise was found inscribed upon an Assyrian clay tablet which stated, 'Our earth is degenerate in these latter days. There are signs that the world is speedily coming to an end. Bribery and corruption are common'" (2009, p. 102).

We will be wise if we stick to what the Bible says rather than pay heed to self-proclaimed prophets. What do some gloom-and-doom prophets do? "The Bible is consulted and considered reliable when they believe it supports their 2012 theory, but when it contradicts and challenges their beliefs it is rejected and in some cases even ridiculed" (p. 92).

The anticipated day: Dec. 21, 2012

Why has Dec. 21, 2012, been selected by many as the day of catastrophe? It is due in large part to calculations on the calendars of the ancient Mayans.

The Mayan people were centered in Central America, the apex of their civilization lasting from around A.D. 250 to 900. The Mayan priests devised a calendrical system connected to astronomical observation that some believe to be more accurate than the calendar we use today. This despite the fact that they had no telescopes, using only the naked eye to study the sky.

What was their calendar like?

"Based on their studies in astronomy, the Maya created a calendar system that plotted the history of time starting with the beginning of the current world on August 11, 3114 BC. Using a lunar calendar system, the Maya measured time in units of twenty. Twenty kin (days) made a winal (month); 18 winals made a tun (year); 20 tuns made a katun (20 years); and 20 katuns made a baktun (400 years).

"To designate a specific date, they recorded it in terms of how far away from the start of creation it was . . . The significance of the Mayan calendar is that it appears to predict 13 baktuns as the end time of the present world age. After dating every year from the beginning of time, the calendar abruptly ends at the close of the thirteenth baktun.

"Translating the Mayan calendar date into the Gregorian calendar system used today produces a date of December 21, 2012, as the end-date for the present age" (Hundley, pp. 7-8). This date coincides with the time of the winter solstice.

"The Mayan obsession with time can be seen in the fact that they developed 20 different calendars . . . the Maya relied upon three main time-tracking calendars—three calendars that are most relevant to the 2012 date . . . The third Mayan measure of time is known as the Long Count calendar. It was used to document the 'world age cycles' that repeat over and over.

"This calendar was divided into five units that extend forward and backward from the mythical creation of the Maya, which they believed was August 11, 3114 B.C. . . . The year 2012 is the year that the fifth great cycle is supposed to end. This is the genesis of the belief that the end of days is 2012" (Hitchcock, p. 32-33).

Beliefs not of godly origin

Where did the Mayan people receive the religious and cosmological conceptions related to their calendar? They certainly didn't come from the God of the Bible. In fact, the Mayans practiced abominable religious rites that are strongly condemned in the Bible, such as human sacrifice.

"The Maya practiced human sacrifice as part of their religion, often using children for the ritual in which the Mayan priest cut open the still-alive child's chest and pulled out the heart as a sacrifice to the gods. In fact, to celebrate the beginning of a new year, the Maya 'ripped out the heart of a sacrificial victim . . . and started a flame with a fire drill in his open chest cavity'" (Hundley, p. 5).

As Mark Hitchcock notes, "Much of the barbaric, bloodthirsty 'worship' of the Mayans, including human sacrifices, can be accounted for if we recognize that it was demonically motivated by the real power behind their gods of stone" (p. 41).

The gods of pagan worship are not real, but the devil and his demons are behind much of false religion—sometimes posing as these false gods. The apostle Paul wrote that "the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons" (1 Corinthians:10:20; compare Leviticus:17:7; Deuteronomy:32:17; Psalm:106:35-38).

What do modern Mayans believe?

While many Westerners seize on Dec. 21, 2012, as a date of unparalleled disaster, modern Mayans generally do not see it that way. Don Alejandro, one present-day Mayan leader, has given his opinion on what the time will mean. He presents in poetic terms a time of positive change:

"According to the Maya Long Count Calendar, we are finalizing the 13 Baktun and . . . thus approaching the Year Zero . . . The world is transformed and we enter a period of understanding and harmonious coexistence where there is social justice and equality for all.

"It is a new way of life. With a new social order there comes a time of freedom where we can move like the clouds, without limitations, without borders. We will travel like the birds, without the need for passports. We will travel like the rivers, all heading towards the same point . . . the same objective" (quoted by John Major Jenkins, The 2012 Story, 2009, p. 369).

Another leader, Benito Ramirez Mendota, offered this perspective: "As the elders said, everything is going to change. The world will be changed by that memorable date. Our children will have a different world view. The time will have passed and other beings will inhabit the universe" (p. 371).

World peace and harmony will not come in 2012, but it will come eventually—as we shall see. Both of these "prophecies" contain some elements of truth. But it's worth noting that these Mayans do not share the catastrophic views many people have of next year.

Why accept Mayan prophecy anyway?

Hundley points out regarding the Mayan legend: "It does seem that if December 21, 2012 was an earth shattering prediction for the Maya of the end of the world, it would have been preserved as an important part of the cultural and religious heritage of that civilization, even today. But apparently, such is not the case. Many modern Maya do not affirm that interpretation of their calendar and belief system but complain that Westerners have forced this interpretation on them from their own perspectives and for their own purposes.

"Having said that, even if it could be proven that the Maya predicted the end of the world in 2012, what would qualify them as prophets? Although the Maya were gifted astronomers, that ability does not necessarily mean they were gifted prophets.

"According to the same logic, do we expect present-day astronomers, who have made incredible discoveries through the use of advanced telescopes and space-traveling satellites, to be qualified to provide us with trustworthy, detailed predictions of the future of our planet? Of course not! The idea that those who make remarkable astronomical observations are therefore qualified to be seers, predictors and prophets of future events is unfounded" (p. 17).

We see, then, that the idea that the Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world in 2012 simply lacks credibility. It means nothing, and it's only because our world is in such sad shape that some pay attention to such things.

Other predictions of doom

Pretentious prognosticators prattle about other fearful tales of destruction they say will occur in 2012. They have assembled a catch-all container chock-full of imagined tragedies lurking around the corner!

"Worldwide droughts, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions caused by solar storms, cracks forming in the earth's magnetic field, and mass extinctions brought on by nuclear winter, famine, human disease, wars, economic cataclysm, massive solar flares, polar reversals . . . These have all been predicted to occur in the year 2012" (John Claeys, Apocalypse 2012, 2010, p. 1).

Yes, some of these things are occurring now in various parts of the earth. And the Bible prophesies that some catastrophes will become global in scope before the very end of the age! But the year 2012 is not the time for the worst of the horrors to come.

And yes, some of these threats are very real. One scenario that seems likely to happen eventually is the eruption of a supervolcano. The Geological Society of London has stated that the eruption of a supervolcano "sooner or later" will chill the planet and threaten human civilization.

The gigantic caldera underlying Yellowstone National Park is a distinct possibility. "The magnitude 5 eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 blew out the side of the mountain, destroyed forests for miles around, caused $3 billion worth of damage, and killed fifty-seven people. The U.S. Geological Survey described it as the 'worst volcanic disaster in the recorded history of the United States.' A super eruption at Yellowstone would be a thousand times more powerful" (Greg Breining, Super Volcano, 2007, p. 229).

"But Yellowstone is not the only magma caldera, even in the United States. There is at least one more at Long Valley in California, near Yosemite National Park and the popular ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. Other possible sites are Japan, New Zealand, the Andes, and Indonesia. Yellowstone is the most frequently studied of these caldera . . . It has been noted that the area is continually undergoing seismic activity, and it certainly will erupt again at some point" (Sharan Newman, The Real History of the End of the World, 2010, p. 288).

The scope of such a disaster defies the imagination. Will this happen in 2012? We don't know. But there's nothing that points to 2012 as the time for it to happen. It could just as well happen this year or in 2013—or years after that. Or it may never happen, at least on the anticipated scale, if Christ takes care of the problem when He returns.

Yet Scripture does indicate there will be volcanic eruptions accompanying the return of Christ: "The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth" (Psalm:97:5). "Bow down your heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke" (Psalm:144:5).

What about "Planet X"?

The most cataclysmic of prophesied end-time "natural" disasters is the scenario of a collision or near-miss of another planet with the earth. The mysterious orb that supposedly threatens us has been called "Planet X" or "Planet Nibiru," and some expect it to arrive on Dec. 12, 2012.

But what is the evidence that this will occur? There is no scientific evidence that supports this idea. The idea came "not by radio signals from the cosmos, but [instead has supposedly been] channeled through medium and Zeto envoy Nancy Lieder, who was in contact with . . . altruistic aliens" (Govert Schilling, The Hunt for Planet X, 2009, p. 115).

Who are the Zeto and Nancy Lieder? Here is the story: "Nancy was only nine years old when it happened. What looked like a bright light came from the sky and crashed into the field next to her home. Her parents were out shopping, so Nancy was left alone to investigate the strange event. As she crept near the site of the crash, she was terrified to see what appeared to be a spaceship hovering above the ground. When a door in the ship opened, Nancy fainted.

"When she came to, she was inside the ship, and there were strange beings hovering around her. As she tried to speak, one of the Zetas told her to lie still. A large mechanical arm with a small device at the end of it began to move closer and closer to her head. As the device touched her scalp, she lapsed into unconsciousness again.

"When she awoke, she was inside her home. One of the extraterrestrials was placing her gently into her bed. And then he spoke: 'Nancy, do not be afraid. You have been chosen from all the people on your planet to be our voice on Earth. We are very concerned about what is happening on your planet. The device we placed in your head will enable us to communicate messages to you for all earthlings'" (Hundley, p. 63). This is either a made-up story or an encounter with demons.

Govert Schilling is an internationally acclaimed astronomical writer. He and prominent scientists have debunked the Planet X/Nibiru scheme. Schilling presented this compelling comment about Planet X: "So that means there is plenty to do for the debunkers—the archaeologists and astronomers who take a long and skeptical look at the tidal wave of Nibiru nonsense and explain with scientific precision what is wrong with the cosmic fairy-tale. They will have their work cut out in the next few years.

"And on December 22, 2012 there will be a new pseudoscientific cock-and-bull story doing the rounds and the whole circus will start all over again. Because no matter how many new celestial bodies are found in our solar system, there will always be a need for a mysterious Planet X" (Schilling, p. 117).

What should we expect?

Yes, Dec. 21, 2012, will come and go, Dec. 22 will arrive, and the earth will go on. And so will new theories regarding new exact dates for the end of the world. The cry has been shouted by strident voices for millennia, and you can be sure it will continue.

Sadly, many will take this non-event and other failed predictions as an excuse to dismiss what the Bible foretells is yet ahead. We will no doubt see an even greater increase in scoffers concerning Christ's return, as Peter mentioned. But rest assured: The Bible's actual prophecies are not false predictions like the 2012 hype. What God has revealed in His Word certainly will come to pass. We just don't know exactly when. So what should we do?

Jesus Christ is quite plain: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (verse 44).

His point? We need to be ready at all times for the end of the age. Jesus will return—six times in the book of Revelation He states that He is "coming quickly."

The life of any of us could end today or tomorrow. "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James:4:14). At whatever time we die, Jesus' return will occur for us in our next second of consciousness. If we have lived a life of serving God, we will then be given eternal life and rewarded according to our works (Matthew:16:27).

This is the good news of the Bible! It is priceless truth that can add immeasurable meaning to your life.

For too many, life is vacant and lacking in transcendent purpose. Barton Payne in the Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy sums it up well when he writes: "We live in an uncertain world. Men of today are casting about eagerly, and almost pathetically, in search of meaningfulness. For while we have amassed knowledge, we seem to have missed truth. Indeed, apart from God and from His revealed words that constitute the Bible, mankind and life and time do seem to be essentially purposeless.

"Yet the Lord of grace, who once sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem the world (John:3:16), will some day send Him again to lead this world into its intended goal of glorifying God (Romans:11:36). This is the hope which pervades the whole of Scripture" (1973, p. v).

Jesus Christ's second coming is the most certain prophecy in the Bible that is yet to be fulfilled. More than 500 verses in the Bible comment specifically on various facts and aspects of this monumental, earthshaking event.

While we do not know exactly when Jesus will return, signs around us indicate we are in the end time. Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians:7:31 looms larger each day: "For this world as we know it will soon pass away" (New Living Translation). As we look around us, many of the foundational pillars that provide order to society are in jeopardy. "And the world is passing away and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John:2:17).

People have longed for a better world and a better life since the beginning of human history. And it is coming! The time rapidly approaches when God will shake all nations and "the Desire of All Nations" will come (Haggai:2:7).

You must seek the knowledge of God and not allow it to slip from your grasp! You can know what the future holds. More than one quarter of the Bible is prophecy, and most of it is yet to be fulfilled.

The Bible tells us that the millennial reign of Jesus Christ is coming (Revelation:20:4)—not in the year 2012, but perhaps not much beyond that! All who repent and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and then live a life of obedience to God's commandments will reign with Him during that time in a world of peace. The invitation is extended to you. Now is the time to act!

The Hal Lindsey Report - Syria

2011-09-10T20:44:00.002+03:00

Syria seems to be the last of the nations thrown into upheaval by the "Arab Spring" that is still "in play." The government of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's increasingly isolated strongman, has not yet fallen, but the protests still rage and most of the Western world has turned against him. As the withering attacks and reprisals by Syria's security forces against the opposition continue, the UN, NATO, and the West find it more difficult to explain why they intervened in Libya, yet are turning a blind eye to the atrocities occurring in Syria.

Iran has leapt to Syria's defense, warning the West not to involve itself in Syria's internal affairs. Russia and China have made it known that they will protect Syria against damaging resolutions proposed by the UN's Security Council. Some military and intelligence analysts are worried that Assad may intentionally launch an attack against Israel to force other Arab and Muslim nations to rally around Syria -- and make the West forget their grievances with his regime.

Of course, anyone who is familiar with Bible prophecy knows that would be a mistake of monumental proportions. Isaiah's prophecy concerning Damascus, found in chapter 17 of his book, is yet unfulfilled. So we know it's going to happen. We just don't know when. That's why, when these kinds of circumstances arise and these kinds of threats are evident, those of us who believe what the Bible says sit up and take notice.

This week I'm going to thoroughly review what the Bible predicts about Syria's future.

We know the Syrians already have long-range missiles armed with both chemical and biological warheads aimed directly at Israel. And soon, they may have nuclear warheads, as well. So, as my mother used to say, what does this information have to do with the price of tea in China? Just this: the ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah predicted that in the last days the Syrian capital of Damascus would be utterly annihilated -- overnight. Considering the fact that Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, and has never been destroyed, that means that Isaiah's prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. And considering the fact that only now -- with the use of nuclear weapons -- is it possible to utterly eradicate such a massive city overnight, I'd think twice before buying property in Damascus. Add to that the fact that we know Syria wants to destroy Israel and is apparently taking steps to prepare for that opportunity, I would also say that Syria (with Iran's urging) will someday get cocky -- or maybe desperate -- and force Israel to retaliate. Here's how Isaiah predicted it would happen, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not."

Once that happens, I'd say the world is on the fast track to Armageddon. But what about all the other Arab nations and the Persian-Russian confederacy? This week, I'm also going to share my perspective on how all of that may unfold, including some thoughts on the events described in Psalm 83.

But don't worry, I'm not going to leave you hanging. I'm also going to discuss with you the believers' "unfailing hope." As I see it, there are four elements to our hope for the future, but the imminent prospect of Christ's return is a cornerstone of that hope.

If you're not prepared for the sudden return of Jesus Christ for His bride or if you know someone who isn't, please tune in this week. I'm going to share with you precisely how you can get ready.

Does God Have a Plan?

2011-09-09T10:46:00.000+03:00

The key to understanding what God is doing is a series of festival days found in the Bible.

What is God doing? Is there a way to know? Does He have a plan? If so, what is it?

Good questions. Do you know the answers?

That's one of the purposes of The Good News—to help you discover the answers to the really big questions of life and our existence.

Where is the world headed? That's a big question—and the subject of this issue. Many people are convinced the world will end next year. Sound far-fetched? Just a few months ago thousands of people were convinced the world would end on May 21, but the day came and went like any other.

There is a key to understanding some of these big questions. It's the key to understanding God's plan. It's the key to understanding what God is doing on earth, and the time frame for His acting—or not acting, as the case may be—in human affairs.

That key is a series of festival days found in the Bible. Few people know about them, and far fewer understand them. Most who do know about them assume that they're for the Jewish people, but God plainly says of them, "These are My feasts" and calls them "the feasts of the Lord" (Leviticus:23:2, 4, emphasis added throughout).

So how come we never hear about the Holy Days that are in the Bible, but we do hear a lot about holidays like Easter and Christmas that aren't in the Bible? That's another story, and I digress.

The fact is, the biblical festival days are very much Christian commemorations. The first of these is Passover, which reminds us that Jesus Christ is the sinless "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John:1:29). The apostle Paul wrote that "Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians:5:7).

Immediately following Passover is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, to which Paul referred when he wrote in the next verse, "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

The next of God's holy festivals is one many Christians likely have heard of—Pentecost. It was on this feast, of course, that God founded the Church as recorded in Acts 2.

What about the remaining festivals of the Bible? There are four more, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets. Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul and the apostle John all tell us that great trumpet blasts will accompany Jesus Christ's return to earth (Matthew:24:31; 1 Corinthians:15:52; 1 Thessalonians:4:16; Revelation:11:15).

Might there be a connection between this feast notable for its trumpet blasts and the sounding of trumpet blasts at Jesus Christ's return? If so, what does this tell us?

There are others, too, but I'll let you read about them yourself in the pages of this issue. God does have a plan, and when we understand the significance of His little-known festivals, we can begin to understand that plan. We can begin to understand His timetable. We can begin to understand what He is doing, and why.

What does the future hold for our planet and the human race? These Holy Days help reveal the answers. They show us a future of turmoil and danger, yes, but also a future of incredible hope and promise almost beyond human imagination.

The Hal Lindsey Report - Libya

2011-09-02T16:57:00.000+03:00

Apparently, the end is near for Libya's dictator, Muammar Gaddafi -- or at least the end of his regime. However, the Libyan rebels will not be able to claim complete victory until they have Gaddafi in their custody, either dead or alive. In their own words, until he is captured, he is capable of inflicting "awful damage" with his arsenal of chemical and biological weapons.

As of now, both NATO and the Libyan rebels believe Gaddafi and the forces loyal to him may be holed up in his seaside stronghold of Sirte. That's where the next fighting will take place.

Six months and more than a billion dollars later (and that's just what the United States has spent), mighty NATO has still not finally deposed the lone wolf strongman -- and a physically diminished one, at that.

But that's not the most disturbing aspect of the Libyan war. I think it's the fact that we don't really know for sure who it is that we've been helping. We assume that many of them are honest Libyans wanting to rid their country of a brutal dictator -- one who rivaled Saddam Hussein -- and who, through his sponsorship of the bombing of Pan Am 103, directly attacked America. But we also know that many of them are associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Some of the rebel commanders have told the European press that they either support al-Qaeda or are associated with that group.

So who knows what kind of "government" will emerge from the chaos of the Libyan uprising.

In view of this somewhat uninspiring victory, is it possible that NATO will now turn its attention to deposing another reviled dictator -- Bashar al-Assad of Syria?

Iran has entered the picture by warning the West not to interfere in Syria's affairs. But the continuing brutality of the Assad regime against the Syrians who oppose his dictatorship has finally caught the attention of even the United Nations Human Rights Council. The UNHRC, which has traditionally existed for the sole purpose of trying to destabilize and delegitimize Israel, finally had to acknowledge that all is not right with one of its members -- Syria. So now the UNHRC has decided to condemn Assad's regime and demand his arrest for crimes against humanity.

The troubling aspect of this situation is that, in an act of desperation to deflect attention from his regime, military observers worry that Assad may launch an attack against Israel. It would be calculated to rally the Syrians and the Arab and Muslim nations to Syria's defense. But the prophet Isaiah warns that an action like that would be a serious miscalculation on Syria's part. It may not be now, but Isaiah warns that at some point, Syria will attack Israel. That will bring about the immediate, utter destruction of Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.

The Muslims have done a terrific job of intimidating the rest of the world into silence. No criticism of Islam is tolerated. Even the political cartoons critical of Mohammed a few years ago caused rioting and murder at the hands of Muslims both in the Middle and Far East and in Western Europe. When the Muslims demonstrate in Europe, they often carry signs that say anyone who criticizes Islam should be beheaded. And, sometimes, they follow up on their threats.

When a pastor in Florida burned a Koran a few months ago, hardly anyone in the world noticed. However, radical imams in a remote part of Afghanistan seized on the event and whipped up a crowd to storm a UN building in their city. Several UN workers and Afghans died. Everyone blamed the US pastor, but no one condemned Afghan President Hamid Karzai for seeming to publicly encourage retaliation or the three radical imams for leading the rioters to the UN outpost. That sounds like a double standard to me.

Which brings me to the recent news about Iran's burgeoning Bible-burning industry. In one incident alone, 6,500 Bibles were burned in northern Iran. Everybody in the Mainstream Media yawned. No howls of condemnation. Yet reports are suggesting that Bible burnings and other orchestrated programs of intimidation and persecution are increasingly being pursued by the government of Iran and the Mullahs who run the place.

Interestingly, there have been thousands of Bibles burned, churches and relics desecrated, Muslim converts to Christianity imprisoned and sentenced to death, yet no vast, violent protests by Christians. No Ayatollahs or Mohammeds burned in effigy. No imams or commentators hunted down and murdered by Christians.

I guess this is a perfect illustration of how followers of Mohammed value death while followers of Christ value life. Islam is a religion which may preach peace, but practices intolerance, subjugation, and violence. Christians preach love and tolerance and practice it by allowing those who oppose Christianity to do so openly and safely in their midst -- something Islam never has and never will do.

Why are You a Christian?

2011-08-28T16:14:00.000+03:00

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

If someone asked you, “Are you a Christian?”, what would you say? Probably “Yes.” But what if they asked, “Why?”

That’s where a lot of us have problems. I could be stumped if someone asked me that and tempted to say something like, “Well, my parents raised me as a Christian” or even, “Because I believe in God.” But lots of people believe in God, and what if my parents had raised me wrong? No, that is not the reason I am a Christian. When it really comes down to it, what would I say? What would you say?

The True Definition of a Christian. The reason you are a Christian is not because you do good things like go to church or read the Bible. It is not because you were raised in a “Christian” home or nation. It’s not even because you believe in the concept of God. It is because you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the King that will reign for eternity. Your faith in Jesus is what makes you a Christian—pure and simple.

The Proof. Look at this contrast of two men as proof. Jesus was hanging on the cross between two criminals. Can you picture them? Neither of these men were “good” people, but they had very different attitudes toward Jesus. The one made fun of Jesus, saying, “Aren’t you supposed to be the Messiah? Prove it!” But the other one was deeply humble and replied, “We deserve to die; this man doesn’t.” Then he turned and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). That’s the clincher: He truly believed that Jesus was the Son of God. And Jesus’ response is the proof that salvation is by faith alone: “I assure you today, you will be with Me in paradise’" (Luke 23:43).

Let It Sink In. Your salvation—eternal life when you die and the complete forgiveness of your sins—is not a matter of good deeds, family heritage, or general belief in God. It is founded on your belief that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He will come back to bring you into His great kingdom. Let this simple fact be the answer to those who ask you why you are a Christian and give you great peace.

Apply It: Explain to someone this week the true definition of a Christian.

So this week, let us pray that:

We would understand the true definition of a Christian
We would be able to share it with someone else
Global Media Outreach would look to Jesus for its direction and example

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

The Hal Lindsey Report - Israel

2011-08-26T19:15:00.000+03:00

You may be tired of hearing me say it, but it's the truth. Israel is in more danger today than any time in her recent history. And each time I've said it in the past, it's been true, then, too. Of course, if you're familiar with the prophetic scenario for the final days of this Age, this information comes as no surprise for you.

In September, the Arab League and the Palestinians plan to ask the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem (including the Temple Mount) as the sovereign nation of Palestine. You talk about Pandora's Box or, at least, a can of worms! The General Assembly has no standing to make such a declaration legal, but it will still complicate Israel's affairs immensely.

The Palestinians also want to ask the Security Council -- which is the real United Nations and does have some legal teeth -- to formally recognize Palestine. President Obama has stated that the US will veto such a resolution, but then he and his administration turn around and use the possibility of a non-veto to bludgeon Israel into following his dictates.

One of those dictates is that Israel must apologize to Turkey for interdicting the blockade-busting "humanitarian flotilla" in June, 2010. If you recall, when the Israelis boarded the Mavi Marmara, they were attacked by Turkish thugs and hired mercenaries. Though the Israeli commandos were armed mostly with non-lethal weapons, in the ensuing battle, nine members of the flotilla were killed.

Although the United Nations and the West eventually confirmed that the Israeli-Egyptian naval blockade of Gaza was legal and the Israelis acted within their rights, President Obama is siding with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in demanding that Israel apologize. Of course, it cannot. To do so would be tantamount to an admission of guilt. But that's what Erdogan wants so he can use it to further delegitimize Israel in the eyes of the world and enhance his own standing in the Arab/Muslim world.

And guess what. The American administration is publicly hinting that if Israel doesn't apologize, then, according to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the White House might suddenly "find itself unable to continue building opposition to a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood at the UN...."

With friends like us....

On top of those onrushing worries, last Thursday Israel was shaken to its core. As many as two dozen Palestinian terrorists left Gaza and traveled down the Sinai to a point just above the Israeli seaside resort of Eilat. Once there, they moved across the open border between Egypt and Israel and launched a two-hour attack that left 8 Israelis dead and more than 40 wounded.

In the battle between Israeli security forces and the escaping terrorists that followed the attacks, three Egyptian policemen were killed. When Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak suggested that Egypt had lost control of the Sinai (which it has), the Egyptian government (the military junta) went ballistic. It immediately threatened to withdraw Egypt's ambassador to Israel and flood the Sinai with Egyptian troops. Since that action would violate the 30-year-old Israeli-Egyptian peace deal, that would mean that it's probably over. And that means that Israel now has a third front to worry about.

After profuse apologies from Barak, the Egyptian government appears to have backed-off a little and is now only "considering" removing its ambassador until an investigation of the incident is completed and further profuse apologies are received.

But that's not all. Over the weekend -- ostensibly in retaliation for Israel eliminating the leadership of the terrorists responsible for the Eilat massacre -- Hamas and its associates started firing missiles and rockets into southern Israel again.

More than 100 rockets were fired over the weekend alone. At least 2 Israelis were killed, several critically injured, and many homes, schools, businesses, and automobiles were damaged. Imagine going about your daily business always wondering whether a rocket -- filled with nails, ball bearings, and shrapnel -- is going to drop out of the sky onto the road ahead of you, or even through the roof of your home and into your bedroom, or your child's bedroom.

That's how Israelis in the Negev live each day.

Finally, so many of the economies in the European Union are on the verge of crashing and burning, that Angela Merkel of Germany and Nicolas Sarkozy of France feel compelled to make public statements about their "absolute will to defend the Euro." Sarkozy is even calling for a "true European economic government." But the citizens of some of the European nations that are being bankrupted to bail out the financial institutions that have bailed out the socialist-welfare states, are saying "no more."

Yet, despite the will of their people, the leaders seem determined to do whatever is necessary to salvage the corrupt welfare states of the EU. Why? I think it's supernatural. The Bible says that in the last days, men will not even be able to think in their own best interests.

The emerging reality is that there may quickly come a point where the nations of the European Union will have to decide whether to break-up and go their separate ways by returning to their sovereign currencies and identities, or surrender their national independence and treasure and submit themselves to a single, European government. I'm betting on the latter.

Now, there are some out there who dismiss this idea because they do not believe the EU, which has morphed and warped its shape and identity in various ways over the last 50 years, will have a leading role in the last days' prophetic picture. And that's their privilege. I personally think we're seeing the prophetic pieces falling into place.

The One Cure for Loneliness

2011-08-24T00:14:00.000+03:00

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls'" (Matthew 11:28,29).

You ever feel lonely? I do. It’s amazing how you can still be lonely even if you are surrounded by people. It proves that the hole is only filled from feeling truly understood and accepted: from being unconditionally loved. So often I—and maybe you—try to fill the gap with things that do not fill at all. It’s like pouring water in your car’s gas tank and expecting it to go. Maybe you’ve been trying to fill the gap with success or relationships. But you still can’t shake the loneliness.

Jesus wants to fill that gap. The Bible talks about the concept of “a friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). The picture is of a friend who is committed to you through thick and thin. Imagine going through a really hard time where everyone leaves you, but your one friend stands by your side and says, “I love you. I’m committed to you ‘til the end, and I’m never going to leave.” That’s the kind of friendship Jesus offers you.

Jesus never leaves His friends. When people criticized his disciples, He stood up for them. When they did stupid things, He was patient with them. Even when they abandoned Him at His death, He came back to show them He was resurrected. But the greatest act of His friendship was taking on the worst death possible to save their lives. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Did you know that you are one His friends if you believe in Him? Jesus is the one that is never going to leave you, criticize you, or misunderstand you—and He wants to be your best friend.

Just starting talking to Him today. Tell Him how you feel. Tell Him what you need help with. Ask Him your questions. If you call out to Him, He will answer you. His friendship is the gasoline that will truly fill your tank.

So this week, let us pray that:

Jesus will become your best friend
We will be good friends to others
God will pour out His Spirit on all those coming to the Global Media Outreach sites

THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you!

May God bless you.

What to Do When You're Doubting

2011-08-20T03:13:00.000+03:00

When in Doubt… There are a million different endings to that phrase, but God’s message to you is When in Doubt, Don’t Fear. Joshua was a guy in the Old Testament who had just inherited the nation of Israel from Moses, and his task was to get about a million people to cross over the desert and into their promised land. Also, there were giant warriors in the land that he would have to defeat—and everybody was to afraid to go. Talk about a time when you would be kept up at night and want to turn back! But God’s message to Joshua over and over again is: “This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

When You Are Afraid The uncertainty of life can be very scary sometimes. Mortgages, family problems, health issues: they all cause us stress. In addition, normally the things God asks you to do are outside of the lines of what you think you can do. They are too big. But that gives Him a chance to show how He can do anything, despite all of your weaknesses. He didn’t tell Joshua, “Don’t be afraid, because I have made you a great leader.” Or, “Don’t be afraid, because the enemy is weak.” No, He said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Basically, Don’t be afraid, because I have it under control.

So your mainstay is not your abilities, but God’s presence. What are you facing? Foreclosure? Divorce? Kids going astray? Job or relationship difficulties? If you just depend on yourself, stress is inevitable, because everyone deep down doesn’t believe they have what it takes. And you don’t! But with God, He can supply what you need. Paul said, “And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Take a moment right now and release your doubt to God. Let it go like the tide of the ocean goes back into the sea. And in its place, take in the security that God is completely by your side. Remember, He promises: “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). When in doubt, don’t fear.

So, this week, let us pray and ask God to

Help us not to fear, but to trust Him with our lives
Let us be a true example of Jesus to others
Give Global Media Outreach creative ideas to reach more people

THANK YOU so much for your prayers.

May God bless you.

The Hal Lindsey Report - Lawlessness

2011-08-19T20:09:00.000+03:00

If you're like me, you were appalled as you watched televised images of the mayhem exploding in various neighborhoods of greater London last week. This was England, birthplace of the Magna Carta, fount of modern civilization. In fact, as most of us were growing up, we had images of Great Britain as being the most "civilized" nation on earth. You know, "a fine old English gentleman" image.

Yet here were pictures of young, hooded thugs and ruffians -- boys and girls, men and women, black and white and brown and Asian -- smashing shop windows, kicking down locked doors, plundering, looting, and setting fire to businesses and automobiles. All, seemingly, under the helpless gaze of the local police.

This was no protest over perceived police brutality. This was nothing more than greed, insolence, and disdain for societal order and the rights of others. This was a breakdown of law and order. This was absolute "lawlessness."

So, too, were the instances of "flash mob" violence and thievery which broke out over the last few weeks in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Maryland. Groups of bored, self-absorbed young people who apparently feel they're owed something by the rest of society, just burst into a business, overwhelm the staff, and take what they want. Though none of those "flash mobs" burned whole neighborhoods to the ground (yet), they, too, are graphic examples of the encroaching breakdown of society. In short, "lawlessness."

I remember the late '60's and early '70's on the college campuses. We thought we were living in the "outlaw years." Young rebels called policemen "pigs" and demonstrated their displeasure with the "establishment" over the Vietnam war and other issues. There was rioting and limited incidents of "terrorism." At the time, it felt like America was coming apart at the seams.

But, of course, in the last couple of decades we've experienced "terrorism" on steroids. Our world has moved from the minor to the major leagues in that regard. And all just as the prophets, and Jesus, predicted. But here in America, we've witnessed a dramatic increase in the general attitude of "lawlessness," from the flash mobs in the street to the highest reaches of government. The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days, "perilous times will come."

But lawlessness isn't the only recent development that lets us know we're living in the final days of this Age of Grace.

Two researchers associated with the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and Northwestern University reported a startling invention in a recent issue of the journal, "Science." They announced the development of a "patch" which is thinner than a human hair. It feels as "soft as human skin" and can draw power from light or ambient electromagnetic radiation. It adheres to the skin without glue or sticky material. It is practically weightless and, because of its incredible nanotechnology, can be used to monitor brain, heart, and muscle tissue activity. When placed on the throat, it allows the wearer to operate voice-activated devices. Coincidentally, the device, which they say "blurs the distinction between electronics and biology," can also be used to digitize the wearer's identity and banking records, thus making it possible to conduct financial transactions by simply scanning the easily applied electronic "tattoo."

Now, I'm not saying that this is the "mark of the Beast" described in Revelation 13:16-18, but there's no denying that it is an eye-popping example of how technology is racing toward providing the coming Antichrist with the ability to control the financial transactions of every person in the world. But technology alone won't be sufficient to cause most of the world to accept his leadership and even worship him as god. It will take massive calamities and economic crises to convince the nations of the world to submit themselves to his rule. And, frankly, when I look at what's happening in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even here in America, that doesn't require a huge leap of imagination!

Finally, this week I'm going to answer a question from some of our program's viewers in New Zealand. They're Catholic believers who wonder about the Bible's references to "mystery Babylon" and its connection to a religious system associated with Rome. They want to know what I'm sure millions of sincere Catholic believers want to know: where do they fit in the end-time scenario as described in the Bible.

The answer is so simple, it may surprise you.

The Hal Lindsey Report - Sir Isaac Newton

2011-08-14T01:50:00.000+03:00

His famous monograph, "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica," was published in 1687. It is credited with laying the groundwork for classical mechanics. In the three volume set he also developed Newton's laws of motion and stated Newton's laws of gravitation. Besides inventing the first practical reflecting telescope, he advanced other theories that became foundational to modern physics, calculus, and science in general -- most of which I can't even begin to understand, much less communicate.

Briefly referred to as "Principia," Newton's signature treatise is rightly considered one of the most important works in the history of science.

He is acknowledged as one of the most brilliant men of all time. Yet most people don't know that Sir Isaac Newton was highly religious and a bit of a theologian. He actually wrote more on Bible hermeneutics than on science and mathematics. That's why something he wrote more than 300 years ago is especially important today.

Sir Isaac observed: "About the time of the end, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the Prophecies, and insist upon their literal interpretation, in the midst of much clamor and opposition."

Sure enough, in the last century or so, there has arisen a group of scholars, theologians, and teachers who have done exactly what Newton predicted -- insist upon the literal interpretation of the Bible's prophecies amid "much clamor and opposition."

We owe a debt of gratitude to men such as Anderson, Chafer, Pentecost, Walvoord, and others who withstood the criticism and, sometimes, condemnation of their peers to bring the Bible's predictions of these last days to the attention of the Church.

Even so, in 1969, when I wrote "The Late Great Planet Earth," there wasn't much general interest in Bible prophecy. With that book, I hoped to attract non-Christians to the claims of Christ and help believers understand the wonder of Bible prophecy.

This week, I'm going to take a look at how some of the predictions I made in that book are shaping up 40 years later. And "shaping up" they are. From the decline of the US dollar to the global war on drugs to the efforts to convert to a global electronic currency to the beginnings of world food shortages. Things are falling into place in the end-times scenario faster than schoolchildren into a lunch line.

All of which means -- as I say week after week -- that it's time to get ready for Christ's soon, sudden return for the believers. Though things are looking bleak on the financial and political horizons, just lift your eyes a little higher and soon we'll see Jesus coming back for us in the clouds of glory. So don't despair -- prepare!

The old has gone, the new has come!

2011-08-13T02:06:00.001+03:00

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever seen someone with a radical transformation? You might see before-and-after photos of a person who has gone through a huge change. Or maybe you hadn’t seen a friend in a while and when you do, they have totally changed for the better. “What did you do?!” you ask. “Well let me tell you…” they reply.

That is the kind of testimony people are looking for about Jesus Christ. You can preach do’s and don’ts until you’re blue in the face, but until someone sees a truly changed life, they may not listen. But if they see your life radically changed by Jesus, they will definitely want to know what happened to you. And then you can tell them. Have you heard about Jesus? He has absolutely saved my life.

But sometimes we get scared and keep it to ourselves. How mean would it be if you ran into a friend with health issues and, just having figured out to solve your own, you refused to tell her the secret? But that’s what some of us do with Jesus. He is the one who has greatly changed our lives—and not ourselves—but we see others in need and don’t tell them the cure. Psalm 107:2 says, “Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.” In the Proverbs, God gives us this warning: “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve” (Proverbs 24:11,12).

What You Can Say? Just tell the truth. I once was this way, and now I am not. And the only change is that I accepted Jesus as my Savior and He has turned my life around. It’s the truth, and it’s not that hard to say. They will be so attracted to your changed life that they will consider your claims of Jesus. And if they are willing, you can tell them of this promise in the Bible: “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:13). And you can lead them in the life change that you experienced.

Don’t be afraid to let people see your before-and-after photos. Your testimony is one of the greatest things you have. Don’t hide the before or the after. Ask God to help you use it for His glory.

So, this week, let us pray and ask God to

Help us reach more people for Jesus Christ
Give you and each of us more boldness to tell others about Christ
Bless your friends and family

THANK YOU so much for your prayers! God loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life.

May God bless you.

The Hal Lindsey Report - Turkey

2011-08-12T11:46:00.002+03:00

When I wrote "The Late Great Planet Earth" in 1969, I was roundly criticized for my predictions about the roles of Iran and Turkey in the 'last days' scenario. Many of those critics have now fallen silent. It doesn't take a prophecy scholar to see that, indeed, Iran and Turkey are moving into the positions foretold by the ancient prophets.

This week, we're going to take a little trip through history. I want to properly set the stage so you will understand the importance of events that have taken place in the last few weeks in Turkey. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, Kemal Attaturk founded the modern Turkish Republic. It was built on democratic principles and pointedly constructed as a "secular" government. It intentionally and constitutionally isolated itself from Islamic influence and charged the nation's military with enforcing that separation.

Turkey's military has found it necessary to seize the government several times since its founding. Each time, Islamic forces have been curtailed and the government returned to secular civilian rule. But since the rise of the Justice Party, an Islamic-leaning political party also known as AKP, the Turkish military has seen its role as the guarantor of Turkey's constitution slowly eroded.

In fact, the ranks of Turkey's military officers' corps have been thinned considerably by hundreds of arrests in the last several months. The officers have been charged with conspiracy to stage a coup d'etat in 2003! Oddly enough, that's precisely the military's job when it sees Islam becoming too strong an influence on the state.

Last month, dozens of senior officers -- generals and admirals -- were arrested on conspiracy charges. Last week, the Turkish military Chief of Staff and the heads of all the services resigned abruptly. They were replaced by officers more sympathetic to the cause of Islam.

What makes these developments noteworthy is the fact that Turkey has been a solid Western ally for more than half a century. In fact, it became the only majority-Muslim member of NATO in 1952. The United States even has military bases in Turkey. And for many years, Turkey has been Israel's only Islamic military ally. So when Turkey begins to pull away from the West, turn on Israel (as we've seen in recent years), cozy up to Iran and other Islamic nations, and start drifting into Russia's sphere of influence, it bears prophetic significance.

Of course, I was also taken to task by other critics who belittled the importance I placed on Russia and the European Union back in 1969. I'm not sure where those detractors are now, because, true to Bible prophecy, Russia has risen from the ashes of the fallen Soviet Union. Likewise, the European Union, though currently gripped in the throes of economic upheaval, is still moving forward to solidify its role in the final days of this Age. In fact, on July 1, 2011, a major milestone was quietly passed in the evolution of that body.

Remember Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of an image constructed of various metals? Remember his description of the final kingdom consisting of "ten kings?" Remember hearing that this could not be the EU because it has 27 members? Well, on July 1, the EU formally invested certain critical powers always reserved to the core group known as the "Western European Union," in a new 'Permanent Council.' By its own choice and in its own official documents, that group is hereinafter to be known as "The Ten."

Eerily familiar, isn't it?

In fact, there is a lot we read in today's headlines and see in each day's newscast that is eerily familiar, especially to those who seriously study the Bible's prophecies for the final days of the Age of Grace.

Each time I review those prophecies and each day when I watch the news, I'm reminded that our time on this earth is growing short. If you have not received the free gift of pardon that Jesus Christ died to purchase for you, do it now. Today is the only day we're promised. Today is the day of salvation.

What sin won't Jesus forgive?

2011-08-11T14:02:00.000+03:00

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

The Ultimate Stain-Remover Have you ever gotten a stain on your shirt that you thought would never come out? I’ll never be able to wear this again, you think. But then you use a stain remover, and it miraculously comes out. That is a small picture of the power of Jesus’ blood to cover your sins. Ephesians 1:7 says, “He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.” No matter what you have done, your life is not ruined if you let Jesus forgive you entirely.

Because that’s what He wants to do. The problem is many people do not believe this deep down. Maybe you think that there are things you have done that are just too bad for God to forgive. You come to God with a sin-stain on your shirt and say, “There’s just no way You can get this out.” But Jesus takes one look at that stain and it as if He says, “You have no idea how powerful My blood is.” He told us His guarantee in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Notice the words faithful and all. Faithful means He will forgive you every time you ask, and all means He will make you completely clean.

A Worst-Case Scenario Have you ever seen how on TV, stain-remover commercials show the worst-case scenarios? Paul was a worst-case scenario for God’s forgiveness. He went around helping to kill Christians—God’s own children. But God not only forgave Paul completely, He gave him one of the greatest callings on earth: telling the Gentiles about Jesus and launching the Christian Church. If you wonder if God can forgive you and still use you for His glory, Paul is proof. Paul later wrote of God’s incredible love and forgiveness, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

What stain do you have that you think Jesus can’t cover? Take it to Him today and ask Him to forgive you. He shed His blood so that He can cover your sin and make you completely clean.

So, this week, let us pray and

Confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive those sins in the name and power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Ask God to touch one person in our lives -- and give us boldness to tell them of the forgiveness they can receive in Jesus Christ!
Ask God to protect our staff at Global Media Outreach and help us reach even more people for Jesus Christ

THANK YOU so much for your prayers for our ministry.

May God bless you.

The Hal Lindsey Report - Norway

2011-08-10T05:19:00.000+03:00

We all gasped in disbelief when news of the attacks in Norway began to filter in through the news services. First, a massive bomb explodes outside the offices of Norway's Prime Minister. Video from the scene showed gaping holes in office buildings surrounding the plaza in Oslo.

Then, word came of gunmen on a nearby lake island randomly firing on young people attending a summer youth camp.

Details were sketchy. The death toll at the bombing site seemed amazingly low -- seven dead -- and at the island site, unbelievably high. How could a gunman or gunmen continue to shoot unabated for almost an hour and a half? Was there no security? Where were the police? Was this another Mumbai-style attack staged by teams of terrorists? At first report, the Norwegian police said the death toll on the island was approaching 100!

Soon enough, more than one Islamic group claimed responsibility for the attacks. Yet, news coverage seemed rather lacking, both in information and intensity.

When the Oslo police finally reached the lake island, the lone gunman almost eagerly laid down his weapon and peacefully surrendered to the first policemen who approached him. To their surprise, he was a blond-haired, blue-eyed Norwegian. Apparently not a Muslim terrorist.

As details began to emerge, we learned that, indeed, eight had died in the bombing. The death toll on the island dropped to 68, with some still missing. In all, one man took the lives of at least 75 innocent Norwegians and one Dane. The senselessness of this tragedy is undeniable and almost overwhelming.

In a macabre way, though, the thing that seemed most important to the international press was that the suspect was not Islamic. Rather, they gleefully reported that he was a right-wing nut job. And, of course, in the press, "right-wing" also translates "Christian."

So, that's what the media around the world began to breathlessly report: that the unspeakable tragedy had been perpetrated by a "Christian fundamentalist."

In reality, though, despite the international headlines, the one thing that's missing from Anders Breivik's profile is any direct connection with Christianity. But that's a minor detail as far as the global media is concerned.

In case you have some doubts, the very foundations of Christianity preclude the possibility of any such thing as 'Christian fundamentalist terrorism.' I'll tell you why this week.

But the Oslo massacres are just one incident in an ever-growing catalog of evil that is engulfing our planet. The Apostle Paul warned that these days would come and he described them in remarkable detail. The fact that evil men and seducers continue to grow worse and worse -- despite man's efforts to stem the tide -- is proof positive that man didn't author the Bible. God did. And it confirms the veracity of the Bible's prophecies.

In case you didn't know, I spent a decade of my early ministry working on American college campuses with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC). Some of you have written to ask what I think about CCC's recent decision to change its public name to "Cru." After some reflection, I decided to respond on the show this week with a story entitled, "What's in a Name?"

By the way, don't forget in these last days that there IS power in a name -- the name of Jesus! Don't be afraid to call upon that Name or to proclaim that Name to others. It is the only Name by which we are saved.