Worldwide bad news getting worse!

Dear friends and readers,

Peace and grace to you in Jesus name!

You know, it seems these days that no matter who you talk to, people KNOW that something big is happening to the world! Even the secular news people are speculating DAILY about things like Financial crash theories, wars that keep popping up everywhere, new sickness or plague that no one has heard of before and of course, the dreaded "A" word!

ARMAGEDDON!!!

But before I weigh in on todays discussion, please allow me to thank new readers in the countries of Lithuania, Slovakia, Pakistan, Congo, Poland, Syria and Sweden. That brings us to readership in exactly 71 countries and I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for referring my articles to your friends and family. I realize that my last article was posted some time ago on August 10th under the title of "ISRAEL'S SADDEST DAY"! Believe me we have not been idling away the time fruitlessly. In fact the Lord has blessed us with an entirely new (to us) office complex which has taken several weeks to get up and running.

We have rapidly expanded our ministry to provide more information, articles and people to process answers for all those theological questions that sometime come my way. We are also now within range of beginning our YouTube productions on a wide variety of Biblical subjects. Of course we also perform field missions work in our home country plus schedule pastoral conferences and training sessions. It is a busy life and once again in behalf of all of our staff, thank you for your patience.

When my wife and I put on conferences or speak in churches, I ask the folks, "hold up your hand if you think the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back soon"? Well, hands begin flying up everywhere! Reactions range from ""Come back quickly Lord Jesus" to "I am really afraid I will not have the chance to get married and have a baby"! That may sound strange but for our younger generation of believers, it is very natural I think for them to want to enjoy a normal full life's experience while at the same time having a desire for the Lord to come quickly for His people.

Throughout the world, fear is permeating everything these days and perhaps for good reason. Bad stuff is happening---and often to good people. We can simply no longer explain away the Biblical prophecies such as Jesus speaking in matthew chapter 24:4-14. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes and all the things we cannot escape every single time we turn on the television news.

I have long believed that we are living exactly in the center of verse 8 which says, "All these things are the beginnings of sorrows"! I for one believe that we (including the entire world) are balancing on the very cusp of time and that the next year or two may well signal things happening that are scary but wonderful all at the same time. Frankly scary for unbelievers and wonderful for those who DO believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Not that we as believers want to see bad things happening in the world but we also cannot escape the realization that we have a job to do and now is definitely the time to get started doing it.

Do you realize that in the past two thousand years, NO OTHER generation of believers has been given the awesome responsibility for nearly 7 BILLION people, alive on the of the face of the planet at the very same time? Would you agree that those numbers add an entirely new level of immediacy to the Great Commission? Matthew 28:18-20 " Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you---!"

Todays world is an ever increasing mess. Nearly every country is experiencing massive problems ranging from near financial bankruptcy to armed clashes between the citizenry and military forces. Last nights news reported that demonstrations are being held in about 1500 cities worldwide and increasing daily. Violence is increasing at an alarming rate and entire regimes are in danger of being toppled. In some cases that may be a good thing when you consider the wholesale slaughter and human rights violations that are happening. On the other hand, history tells us repeatedly that when revolution is responsible for changing governments, the replacement officials are frequently worse than the originals.

I am reminded of just one example out of thousands of times in the history of mankind that this cycle has been repeated. My apologies in advance to our Russian readers for using your history as an example. But the events of January 22nd 1905 are a stellar example of what can happen when ordinary people are mistreated by Government authorities who have become so powerful that they loose track of why they are in authority in the first place.

At the time, the huge nation of Russia was controlled by Tsar Nicholas II. This was an autocratic form of government in which the Tsar was basically isolated from his people. A peaceful demonstration was held on January 22nd of that year that could never be described as either violent political or social unrest.

This was the statement presented to Tsar Nicholas in behalf of the people; " Oh Sire, we are working men and inhabitants of St. Petersburg. Our wives, our children, our parents, helpless and aged men and women have come to you, our ruler, in search of justice and protection. We are beggars, we are oppressed and overburdened with work. We are insulted, we are not looked on as human beings, but as slaves. The moment has come for us when death would be better than the prolongation of our intolerable sufferings. We are seeking here our last salvation. Do not refuse to help your people. Destroy the wall between yourself and your people"!

No one knows exactly why or who gave the command to fire! But fire they did. The military began shooting at these peaceful demonstrators and many were killed. This was later called "BLOODY SUNDAY". No one really knows for certain how many were slain but this one incident began the downfall of a monarchy that had lasted for centuries.

The American consul stationed in Odessa Russia sent the following message; "The present ruler has lost absolutely the affection of the Russian people and whatever the future may have in store for the Dynasty, the present Tsar will never again be safe in the midst of his people"!

And thus began the heady days of a nationwide bloody revolution later engineered by the teachings of men like Vladimir Lenin and leaders like Joseph Stalin who spoke and acted like saviors for the common folk. Oh, how easily we can become duped by men seeking power.

What rural mother Russia became in short order was a huge communistic

Soviet bloc that militarily gobbled up nearly all the countries of Eastern Europe, murdered nearly 20 MILLION people and threatened the entire world for the next 70 years including with nuclear weapons.

Oh and did I neglect to mention that the new leadership decided and announced to the world that there is no God?

Now let's fast forward to the problems we are facing today.

We see with our own eyes what is happening country by country. But somehow we seem to think that all this revolution in the Middle East today will result in brand new DEMOCRATIC nations in which everyone will enjoy equal opportunity, human rights, financial blessings and a common vote???

PLEEEEEASE! Are we really that naive?

At this very moment, all the following countries are going through a very basic form of exactly what happened to Russia in 1905. Dictatorships, extreme forms of human rights violations, poverty and governmental oppression are ripping apart the very fabric of Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Bahrain, Algeria, Afghanistan and (still) in Iraq.

Both the Jordanian and Saudi Arabian Monarchies are shaking in their boots because they are in very real danger of loosing their Kingdoms. In the meantime Russia (once again) is trying for world dominance and cozying up to both Iran (ancient Persia) and Turkey, who by the way has recently announced that it is doubling the size of it's military which is already one of the largest in the region. Some commentators are speculating that Turkey is having visions of reconstituting the old Ottoman Empire which at one time held sway over the entire Middle East.

Then of course we have Iran that may go nuclear and has announced to the entire world that it has the goal of totally destroying both Israel and the United States. In the meantime, Syria is killing it's citizens by the hundreds and threatening to destroy Tel Aviv (Israel) if ANYONE including Turkey, The United Stated or either NATO or the United Nations tries to intervene in this attempted partial Genocide of Syrian citizens.

If that is not enough, ISRAEL has also announced that if Syria sends missiles toward Tel Aviv, then the Israeli's will completely destroy the ancient Syrian capitol of Damascus. In other words we now have retaliatory threats against a city of 2 1/2 million people, the destruction of which is Biblically prophesied in Isaiah chapter 17.

???

DAMASCUS, SYRIA

When you couple all of that with what could well become worldwide financial doom---anyone noticed what is happening in the European Union these days? And how about all those riots and both political and social protests in at least 1500 cities SIMULTANEOUSLY worldwide? Then there are the huge drug cartels doing a great job toward the destruction of Mexico, The United States on the brink of financial collapse and NO ONE with any answers-------well, are we about to see several and various repeats of the events in Russia of 1905? What do you think?

As a Biblical teacher, I can tell you that NO ONE likes to hear about this stuff. But sticking our respective heads in the sand like an ostrich will not change the truth of our circumstances. Would you agree with that at least?

So let's get back to Matthew chapter 24 for a moment. I told you earlier that I believe we are right now in the exact middle of verse 8 "for all these are the beginnings of sorrows"! So let us regroup for just a moment and remember what ALL THESE THINGS ARE! 1). Nation rising against nation. 2). Kingdom against kingdom. 3). Famines 4). Pestilences (plagues). 5). Earth quakes in various places.

Do all those things sound RECENTLY familiar to you?

Well, frankly beginning in verse 9 through 12 the news gets much worse and should give us cause for pause! Some within the church will be martyred (already happening in many countries), Christians will be hated for Christ's name sake (Already happening in even more countries), Many will betray and hate one another (Have you noticed in your neck of the woods that finger pointing is definitely on the rise and LOYALTY among professing friends is now subject to circumstance)?

Verse 11 tells us that false prophets will arise. WOW, I could write an entire book about that one. There is some really really strange theology barging it's way into some churches these days and way too many people carrying business cards that proclaim themselves to be PROPHETS and even APOSTLES! Oh, my goodness, I could go on a major rant here! There are so many emails hitting my screen seemingly daily, identifying the latest PROPHECY by PROPHET so and so. But you know what, none of these so called prophecies seem to be happening. Perhaps that should give us a clue!

Just a note for the record: I firmly believe in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 11-13. Jesus Himself "gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers". But, the problem the way I see it is as follows: These positions were not granted to gain personal notoriety. Verses 12 and 13 go on to tell us what we should be looking for in these people.

They are here for "The equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for edifying (ENCOURAGING---my emphasis added) of the body of Christ. We will go on in a minute but first let me pose a question for you to think about; Are you being EQUIPPED and ENCOURAGED by your church or spiritual leadership? If so then my advice is for you to stay right where you are and get busy. But if you come away from your church fellowship DISCOURAGED, and not understanding what your job (or opportunities are) in the body of Christ? Well then perhaps you should go back and check out verse 13.

The reason that the Lord gives us leadership is to do a very simple thing. "Till (Until) we ALL come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the SON OF GOD, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"! (14) "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, (15) but speaking the TRUTH--------------"!

So my second question for you is simply this. Who is being glorified in your fellowship? Is it the SON OF GOD? Well, of course you say, why else would I go to church? And on another note, some seem to believe that 'TILL WE ALL COME INTO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH", means that all denominations must cease to exist and every church on the corner world wide spend their time on a conference call singing "KUMBAYA"!

While I do not see a scriptural basis for denominations, it is clear that the Lord has allowed them. We have vastly different cultures, different languages, church ceremony and other things that separate us that range from robes (or no robes) to worship style. No, the "coming together in the unity of the faith is self explanatory in the context of these scriptures. That means that our unity is found in "our unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the SON OF GOD---and that in so doing, our common concern is for each of us to become the fulness of Christ.

Which leads me to my central theme of all Biblical teachings: 2 Timothy 3:16 "ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work"!

In todays thoroughly endangered world, the ONLY safety that we as Christians have is to stick to the word of God and read and study it for what it really is. It is not an allegory unless specifically stated to be so within the word itself. That leaves us with the absolute knowledge that the Bible is Holy and without fault. For those who claim that the Bible is full of mistakes, I suggest that you read it some more. There are no faults, just misunderstandings by the men and women who study it.

When the pure word of God is taught, you will not find false doctrine invading your fellowship. When you concentrate all your efforts on insuring that it is Jesus Christ, the SON OF GOD, who is center of your worship, then you will not fall prey to false prophets.

I want to leave you today with a couple of things to consider; 1). I quoted part of the Great Commission to you earlier from Matthew 28:18-20. However the remainder of those verses give us a promise that if taken seriously will strengthen us in our walks with the Lord no matter what else may be going on in the world. Those famous words are a promise that no one on this earth has unless they have sincerely repented for their sins and sincerely embraced Jesus Christ as the Son Of God. Jesus says to His followers, "And lo, I will be with you always, even to the end of the age"!

Well speaking only for myself, that is good enough for me. How about you?

Second, and finally, I want to exhort all who are reading this. I believe with all my heart that we are witnessing a separation within the church worldwide. On the one side are those pastors and congregations who steadfastly stick to the Word of God, teach it accordingly and do not bow to political correctness.

On the other side are those churches and pastors who are ever more increasingly questioning the truth of Biblical scripture. They foist upon their sheep, polluted and counterfeit manifestations of the "HOLY SPIRIT". Those things that simply cannot be found in scripture, under the guise of "God doing a new thing". Then they undermine traditional family values, condone sinful sexual relationships, think it is no longer politically correct to talk about the blood of Christ and tell people that all they have to do is "ACKNOWLEDGE" their sins but actual repentance is no longer necessary.

SPECIAL NOTE: I believe in and actively teach all the gifts of the Holy Spirit as recorded in 1 Corinthians chapter 12: 1-11 and Romans chapter 12:6-8. However both Corinthians and Romans follow the things of the Spirit with admonitions regarding LOVE and it's ultimate importance in the walk of all believers. I do not believe in "extra Biblical manifestations of the Holy Spirit" as are being taught by so many false teachers today. The Bible is a complete document and if God wanted us to participate in other forms of "spiritual experience" he would have said so in His Holy Word. While practicing those gifts of the Spirit that are enumerated in Corinthians and Romans, we should always remember the admonition of 1 Corinthians 14:40 "LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER"!

You know folks, God gave us a Bible for a reason. Without it and the truth that it imparts, we are left with a broken and shattered moral compass. What was written for the benefit of all mankind thousands of years ago is still new and fresh today for those who are seeking the truth.

So if you are not attending a church, I suggest that you find one quickly and make sure that what is being taught is exactly what God wrote in HIS BIBLE. If you are attending a church that is teaching any form of a perverted Biblical doctrine, GET OUT FAST!!! And remember that in doing so you are in 100% accord with the teachings of the Apostle Paul as he was writing to the church of Galatia in approximately 50 A.D.

He said to them (chapter 1 verses 6-8), "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him (CHRIST---my emphasis added) who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; But there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED"!

Although the world---and parts of the church---are truly experiencing rack and ruin today, that does not have to ruin your day as a believer. Nehemiah chapter 8 verse 10: "----Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength"!

God bless you all,

Pastor Rance.

This is a picture of our Sukkot celebration last week.

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you as you seek to walk in His ways and His Word!

Israels saddest day!!!

Tisha B'AV Dear friends and readers, Peace and grace to you in Jesus name! Out there in the highways and byways of the church world, there is lurking just below the surface, a polarizing effect that can only be described as ISRAEL!!! Believers either love or hate this tiny country. The question is WHY? Why are there more news reporters stationed in Israel (per capita) than any other country on the planet? Why is the tiniest scrap of news from Jerusalem, WORLDWIDE news within minutes? And is there really any valid correlation between the events being played out upon the world stage---and ISRAEL? Todays article will set the record straight and hopefully clarify some key issues that many Christians do not understand. First, a huge thank you to new readers in the countries of Jamaica, Bulgaria, Albania, Puerto Rico, Uganda, Norway, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Japan. I sincerely hope you enjoy the articles and if I may ask a favor? Please do forward my link to all your friends and relatives. Our combined totals of followers are climbing with each article and the Lord has now blessed me with readers in 64 countries. Now regarding Israel: What a surprise, you mean you could guess that I would write more and more about Israel? The reason I spend so much time on this tiny nation is because it is mentioned in the Bible 2563 times beginning in Genesis 32:28 and ending in Revelation 21:12. As much as I love my home country try and guess how many times the Bible mentions the United States? "0" Or Canada "0" or Great Britain "0" or,or, or? So let's take something with a smaller number: Jerusalem for example, a mere 811 times. Temple 204, Jews 290, HOLY 611. In contrast, JERUSALEM is not mentioned even 1 time in the Muslim Koran! Are we beginning to see a snap shot of what is important to God here? I should probably give equal time to the other inhabitants of the area which contains the nation of Israel: Palestinian 0 Palestine 1 Palestina 3 Arab 1 Arabian 4 Arabia 8 Arabians 6 It should also be noted that the terms "PALESTINA" (KJV) and "PHILISTIA" (NKJV) are transliterated from the Hebrew word "PELESHETH"into English (Strongs exhaustive concordance word #6429). They have absolutely no correlation to the modern landscape of the Middle East or any people group living in that area today. "PELESHETH" is the ancient word used for the area of the PHILISTINE people going all the way back to the Israelite King Saul and beyond. They were a non-semitic people who were systematically destroyed and became totally extinct in millennia past. So, removing "PALESTINA" from the list we have the following: GRAND TOTALS: JEWS mentioned in the Bible 290 times. PALESTINIANS or ARABS 23. Now please know that my mentioning these facts are not intended to be a slight to the Arab or so called "Palestinian" people of today any more than mentioning that AMERICA, MEXICO or TONGA are not mentioned even one time in the Bible. Also very honestly, God did not pick Israel or the Jewish people as His chosen ones because they were perfect. The reason(s) he chose them is fodder for another article. But it is an established Biblical fact that He DID make that choice. No matter how many mere human beings may not like that, it was and still is a Divine decision. The Bible describes the Jewish people as a stubborn and stiff necked lot! 2 Chronicles 30:8 warns "Now do not be stiff necked, as your fathers were but yield yourselves to the Lord"! Sometimes the Jewish people walked with the lord and sometimes they did not. Sometimes they were punished by God and sometimes they were rewarded. None of that mitigates or cancels the Divine promises and Covenants that were given to the Jewish people through Abraham, his son Isaac and then confirmed to his son Jacob, who's name was changed by God Himself to ISRAEL! I am not going to give you a litany of the covenants today because we have discussed them many times in the past. As far as being stubborn and stiff necked is concerned--a word to my fellow Christians worldwide who at this very moment may be tempted to look upon our Jewish brethren as any less than God decreed them to be. Having been a pastor for 25 years I can tell you first hand that there is no other people group on the planet more difficult to deal with than a stubborn Christian who repeats the same mistakes for years on end. Bottom line, we are all unfortunately still shackled with a sin nature that wants to rebel against God at every turn. Let us not be pointed the finger and clucking the tongue at anyone let alone the chosen ones of God! During all these thousands of years of Jewish history in the Biblical land of Israel, a number of events have stood out involving Gods chosen people, that draw some sharp conclusions. I have reported in past articles about several key--world changing events that centered around Biblically appointed days and feasts that God gave to the early Hebrews and declared that they should be celebrated or observed in perpetuity. In the Spring of the year, these appointed times included Passover, Unleavened Bread, First fruits and Pentecost. As reported many times, Jesus Christ (Hebrew name--Yeshua Ha Mashiach), is the long awaited Messiah of Israel. The Bible reports that He will come to earth twice. Once as the slain Lamb of God Isaiah chapter 53), giving his life for the sins of mankind. Then He was resurrected from the grave (Matthew 28:2-6). Then the Holy Spirit was sent into the believers who recognized Jesus as the Son of God (Acts chapter 2). At His second coming to earth---future time that no one knows for sure---! He will come as the LION of Tribe of Judah. Trust me, there is a huge difference between Christ's role as a Lamb than His role as a Lion. But that is a subject for another day. But here is the amazing thing: Jesus died precisely on Passover! Not one minute later and not one minute earlier (Matthew 27:50). Jesus was buried precisely on Unleavened Bread (Matthew 27:60). Jesus was resurrected from the grave precisely on First Fruits (Matthew 28:2-6). The Holy Spirit was sent to the followers of Jesus precisely on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Coincidence? I think not! Then in the Fall of the year, there are the Biblically appointed times of 1). Trumpets (Rosh Hashana--Jewish New Year) 2). Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). 3). Tabernacles (Sukkot). Many theologians world wide believe that the future second coming of Christ may well coincide with these feast as follows: Trumpets=Rapture of the church. Day of atonement=Second coming of Christ. Tabernacles=Beginning of the thousand year reign of Christ on this earth. NOTE---CAUTION!!! This is great coffee time speculation and I myself believe that it is a distinct possibility. BUT, no one should build their theology surrounding events that have not yet occurred. AND for goodness sake pleeeeease stop the attempted date setting!!! There is another in a long line of important calendar days that has profound implications for the world---certainly in the past and quit possibly in the future. That day is the 9th of Av on the Hebrew calendar. It is also called "TISHA B'AV" which is known among our Jewish brethren as "THE SADDEST DAY IN JEWISH HISTORY"! It is also a day that has been often extremely sad for the entire world. This year Tisha B'Av fell just two days ago on August 9 on our modern Gregorian calendar. I am writing this specific article for those who somehow believe or have been taught that Israel is inconsequential to the final outcomes of this world. I cannot stress to you enough that exactly the opposite is true! Following is a partial list of the vents that have happened over the years precisely on Tisha B'Av.

Why has Tisha B'av been the saddest day? 1,312 BC: (Jewish year 2449 from Adam): On the 9th of the fifth month of Av, after the 12 spies gave their false report YHVH decreed that Israel would wander in the desert for 40 years, because of their UNBELIEF in His promise to give them the land of Canaan. Numbers 13 & 14. 586 BC: (Jewish year 3338, Talmud (Taanit 4:6) On the 9th of the fifth month of Av , King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the First Temple, Solomon's Temple. 2 Kings 25:8-9; Jeremiah 52:12-13 70 AD: On the 9th of the fifth month of Av, the Roman Emperor destroyed the Second Temple, the one where Messiah Yeshua preached from and prophesized its destruction in Matthew 24:2 132 AD: the Romans crushed Bar Kokhba's revolt and destroyed the city of Betar, killing 100,000 Jews. 133 AD: Following the Roman siege of Jerusalem, Roman commander Turnus Rufus plowed the Temple site and surrounding area. 134 AD:On the 9th of the fifth month of Av (Bar Kochba rebellion, fell to the Romans on the 9th of Av of the year 3893 (133 CE) after a three-year siege. 580,000 Jews died by starvation or the sword, including Bar Kochba, the leader of the rebellion. 1095 AD: On the 9th of the fifth month of Av the First Crusade was declared by Pope Urban II in, killing 10,000 Jews in its first month and destroying Jewish communities in France and the Rhineland. 1290 AD: On the 9th of the fifth month Av the Jews of England were expelled by King Edward I. 1492 AD: On the 9th of the fifth month Av the Jews of Spain were expelled by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. 1914 AD: On the 9th of the fifth month of Av (August 1, 1914), World War I broke out, causing unprecedented devastation across Europe and set the stage for World War II and the Holocaust. 1942 AD , On the 9th of the fifth month of Av the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka death camp (Holocaust). 1994 The bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires killing 86 and wounding 300 others. 2005 AD - On the 9th of the fifth month Av signified the events of the Disengagement from the Gaza Strip which were completed on August 22, and from northern Samaria on August 23, 2005. As the Lord has promised the ones that bless Israel will be blessed but the ones that curse Israel will be cursed. The two main players in the division of the land, taking Gaza Israelis paid dire consequences... The USA had the worst economical natural disaster in history: Hurricane Katerina slapping New Orleans on August 29, 2005... a few months later, on January 4th 2006 the Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke, and has been in permanent vegetative state since then, maintained alive artificially. This is serious stuff folks. I want to recommend a book to you that can be purchased or ordered from your local Christian book store or Amazon. When it first came out it was one of those books that was received in three vastly different ways by Christians. 1). This is ridiculous---can't be! 2). This is far too scary for me to finish. 3). We serve a good and loving God and He would never do such terrible things! The name of the book is "EYE TO EYE" by author William Koenig. It has a picture of George W. Bush on the cover but believe me when I tell you that this is NOT a political book. This book is well written and researched. It chronicles major world events all the way back to 1917 and correlates these events with events surrounding Israel. It speaks of catastrophes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and many other natural HUGE disasters that occurred nearly immediately (within a day or two) of announcements made (or actions taken) by Government leaders to force Israel to give up land for peace etc. No one wants to think about a just and loving God who would intentionally inflict damage to the planet or cause hardship for countries or people. But I want you to think about something for a minute. If two people look at the very same coin but from different sides, you will get two very different descriptions of that same coin. God is like a two sided coin. One the one side is an infinite distance, every inch or second of which includes Love Grace and Mercy. On the other side of God's coin however is a just and righteous God who cannot look upon sin. He is extremely explicit in His Holy Bible regarding many things that He does not like, not the least of which is the way the world treats Israel. You may not like the way God looks at things but in the end---since he is an all powerful God---it is His way or no way. It is extremely counter to productive to shake your fist in God's face and say "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME". In September 2011, the world is talking about dividing Israel one more time and what we have seen happened with the Gaza strip will be nothing in comparison to what will happen if they take away the land of Samaria and Judea from Israel...Is something going to happen on the 9th of Av next year? Or, even IMMEDIATELY AFTER the United Nations---with the backing of the United States and several other countries, try and force Israel once again to give up land for peace, not to mention part of the Holy City of Jerusalem? How fool hardy can anyone become to believe that they are somehow immune from Divine judgement---after being warned by God Himself REPEATEDLY in His news paper article to the world, the Holy Bible! God bless you all, Pastor Rance. Leviticus 25: 23 'The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me. P.S. For my fellow Christians: Peace 430 times. Grace 170 times. Mercy (in its various forms) 362 times. Love 310 times. Saved 104 times. Salvation 164 times. JESUS 981 times.

Israel--the Apple of God's eye! June 17, 2011

Dear friends and readers,

Peace and grace to each of you in Jesus name!

Last week I said that this article would introduce you to our next tour to Israel. We have yet to receive the final itinerary and pricing for our next trip which is tentatively scheduled for February 2012. Hopefully we will have that information soon. In the meantime we have a new reader(s) in the Island Nation of Saint Kits and Nevis. It is located in the Caribbean south east of Puerto Rico. Welcome to you new friends, may the peace of the Lord comfort you always!

I am beginning two new blogs. The one you are currently reading will still be published on a regular basis. The next one in line is called BACK TO LIFE BASICS and will include shorter and more frequent articles. My purpose is something that seems to be on many minds these days; Quite simply---well, quite SIMPLY! Stay tuned as we talk about ways of getting rid of the "rat race" stress that effects us all.

The third blog deals specifically with Israel and the title will be ISRAELS COVENANT. While that blog is still being designed, the first article for Back to life basics is now ready to read at backtolifebasics.blogspot.com

This weeks article is about Israel and it comes on the heels of much debated speeches by both U.S. President Barack Obama and the Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.For many Americans the subject of continuing support for Israel is a hot button topic with unlimited proponents and detractors on each side of this most volatile of all issues.

For many Israelis, the matter of continuing U.S. support is central to their very survival as a nation. For people of God, both Jew and gentile, regardless of national origin the subject has far greater significance.

For the entire world and every single country therein, the health of Israel as a nation is often misunderstood but none the less one of severe consequence depending upon which side of the issue one aligns themselves with.

If you are a person who does not believe there is a God then this article will make no sense to you. Along that same line, if you are a Christian who has been taught that the Bible should be studied allegorically, then what I am about to say will also make little sense.

If on the other hand, regardless of where in the world you may reside, you DO believe in God and you DO believe that God's Word is Holy-----then this article may clarify key issues for you.

The real issue IS Israel. The incredible importance of Israel and the Jewish people may be simplistic for some of you, but for others reading this article in a variety of Countries, the subject may still be one of mystery. After all what is the big deal about such a tiny patch of dirt and a few million Jews? Why is the entire world seemingly so utterly preoccupied with this tiny nation?

In order to answer these questions, I must take you on a journey so it will all make sense. During this journey a story will unfold that is at the very center of ALL debate over Israel but also the center of the very universe as we know it. Does that sound a trifle melodramatic to you? Well if so, then all I can say is---GOOD! Because it should.

I wound up last weeks article with the following question: "What is the churches responsibility toward Israel during this most dire time of world catastrophe?" "Have some professing, well meaning Christians been duped by pastors who have taught them denominational heresy regarding Israel and the end times, rather than what God says in His Holy Word?"

My statement, which poses the idea that some well meaning Christian people have been taught amiss regarding Israel, may seem to be somewhat "In your face"! Frankly it is intended to be exactly that and I have no regrets about being so blunt.

Many in todays's church have been taught that "THE CHURCH" is the replacement for Israel in the mind and heart of God. This theology is frequently based upon the supposition that Israel was responsible for the death of Christ. Also that modern day Israel is nothing more than an invention of man and in no way related to the will of God.

This idea is called "REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY" or "SUPERSESSIONISM". It is currently espoused by several seminaries and presupposes that God is somehow through with Israel and that the church is now His chosen vessel on this earth.

While I certainly agree that the church is the chosen vessel through which Christ works on the hearts of all mankind, there is absolutely zero evidence in Holy scripture that God has in any way shape or form rejected Israel as His chosen people.

The Apostle Paul, who was himself not only a Jewish man but also a highly trained and educated Pharisee (one religious sect of the ruling Jewish Sanhedrin headed by the High Priest). Paul is abundantly clear in Romans chapter 11 verses 1-2 "I say then, has God cast away His people (the Jews--my emphasis added)? Certainly not! For I am also an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.--------"!

Well you say, that is New Testament. Ok, fair enough, let's take a look at what God has to say in the Old Testament! God made a covenant with Abraham who was the father of Isaac who in turn was the father of Jacob. Jacob's name was changed by God Himself to ISRAEL. Genesis is a very good read so I suggest that you take a moment and refresh yourself with this story.

Psalm 105:7-10 confirms God's covenant. "He is the Lord our God; His judgements are in all the earth. He remembers His covenant forever; The word which He commanded for a thousand generations, the covenant which He made with Abraham, and his oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob (ISRAEL---my emphasis added) for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant"!

God goes on here to tell us that part of His covenant to Israel is the gift of LAND! Then God says something about Israel that our Governments today would be well advised to heed as tremendously good advise. Psalm 105:15 is a Divine warning---warning, warning, warning!!!

God saying "DO NOT TOUCH MY ANOINTED ONES AND DO MY PROPHETS NO HARM"!

Hmmmm? So much for Iran (ancient Persia), Syria, Hamas and Hezbola constantly threatening to destroy Israel.

Then we have the issue as stated by the supersessionists, that God is through with Israel because they killed Christ. Now I will admit that there were ranking members of the Sanhedrin who called for the death of Christ but that was politically motivated and not in the least way representative of the entire Jewish people. First of all we must remember that after the death and resurrection of Christ from the grave, the majority of the fledgling first century church were Jews. Many of the Pharisees themselves became followers of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ.

You may think that is my opinion. Alright once again, fair enough. So how about if we ask Christ Himself? John 10:15 (and then 17-18).----REMEMBER---this is the Lord Himself speaking.

"As the Father knows me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep" (sheep is a Biblical term for the followers of Christ). Then in verse 17-18 Jesus continues by saying "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself-------"! So much for the Jews killing Christ.

And, so much for supersessionism. But you know I can understand how the early church fathers came to the belief that the church was the replacement for Israel. In those early days, Israel had by and large been destroyed by the Romans. Only a remnant of Jews remained in the land. The early church fathers were looking at their Bibles and seeing all the future prophetic statements linked with the word ISRAEL. At the same time, they saw only ruins of what had been the once great and mighty Israelite kingdom. Well obviously since Israel as a kingdom had been destroyed, WE---THE CHURCH, must be what God is referring to as Israel in the future.

But when Israel became a nation once again on May 14, 1948, you would think that the great religious thinkers (many current Christian theologians) would take the mental leap. After all, Israel becoming a reality again after nearly two thousand years is the ONLY nation that has ever returned from the ash heap of history! Not to mention the undisputed fact that this event fulfilled several Biblical prophecies that had been uttered long before Israel was destroyed in the first place.

There are two predominant questions here: First, is Israel itself, which we have already answered. The second involves the identity of the Messiah of Israel. For that answer we must turn to an unalterable statement in John 14:6. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me"! There is simply no other way to spend eternity with God than to have a relationship with His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. In Hebrew Jesus name is Yeshua Ha Mashiach and He is the long awaited Messiah of Israel. The spiritual and physical church that Jesus has been building throughout the past 2000 years is made up of both Jew and gentile believers.

There is an old adage that say's "a truth that is only 99% true---is all lie"! Supersessionism (replacement theology) is the 99% truth and is frankly apostate at it's very core. No Christian regardless of denominational affiliation, can possible read the Bible without an absolute awareness that Jesus Christ is the long awaited Messiah of Israel. To try and separate Jesus from Israel would be like trying to remove the earth as a foundation for the cities of New York, Moscow, Cairo or even Jerusalem. Without the earth nothing physical could exist in this space of the universe. Equally, without Jesus (John chapter 1:1-5) Israel could not exist nor could the very earth that it sits upon.

First of all, Jesus Christ is a Jew and always will be a Jew. He, by Biblical definition is the "Lion from the tribe of Judah"! He will one day sit upon the throne of a decidedly Jewish King David who is the progenitor in human form (several generations removed) of Christ Himself.

The Bible is ONE document spanning 66 books beginning with Genesis and ending with the infamous book of Revelation. It is known as "THE OLD TESTAMENT and the "NEW TESTAMENT" for two important reasons: First, because they are separated in time by an approximately span of 400 years. The portion labeled as the Old Testament ends with the writings of the Prophet Malachi and a period of time in which God chose a few men at various times to proclaim His satisfaction or lack thereof to both Kings and common folks alike. These "special" people were speaking for God with the anointing of His holy Spirit and were called prophets.

The New Testament begins with the book of Matthew, named for it's author, one of Christ's disciples. The central reason that this portion of scripture is termed "NEW", is because it was at this time in history that God the Father chose to step out of eternity in the form of God the Son. He did this because mankind was not capable of atoning for his sin nature. Part of God's overall plan for the redemption of mankind was to provide a blood sacrifice for our sins that we as mankind were not capable of providing for ourselves.

God loves us in ways that we are often not able to understand. Because of this overwhelming level of love, God chose to make this atonement in our behalf so He could enjoy our fellowship in heaven for all of eternity. He did this through the death and resurrection from the grave of Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus clearly stated that His purpose was to lay down His own life---for our benefit---to atone for our sins.

Our responsibility in this is simply to TRULY repent for our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our savior. I could go on a major "preach" here about what true repentance means but that is not the subject of this article.

I told you earlier about the Old Testament prophets were anointed by the Holy Spirit to speak into the lives of other people in behalf of God. However with Jesus now on the scene, ALL repentant believers are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who's job it is (among other things) to guide and teach us as we live out our lives. And that is one of the defining differences between the Old and New Testaments. Remember that having a relationship with Christ does not make us perfect on the moment. We still make mistakes but the atoning blood of Jesus, who once again is the Jewish Messiah, enables us to receive forgiveness for our sins.

Speaking of sins, and getting back to the subject of Israel and replacement theology, there is another absolute truth that we need to examine.

Most Christians today, regardless of denomination would be aghast at the thought that anyone would think them guilty of something called "ANTISEMITISM". For those not familiar with the term, Webster's Dictionary defines it thusly; "Having prejudice against the Jews. Discriminating against or persecuting Jews".

For those who have been taught that God is somehow through with the Jewish people and the church is the replacement for Israel, I recommend that you go back and see what the Word of God has to say about that. You can begin with a quick read through Romans chapter 11 which will set the record straight for you.

TEACHING ON ISRAEL AS THE OLIVE TREE. ROMANS 11.

As Christians, we certainly need to respect spiritual authority. I am a pastor myself and thoroughly understand the pitfalls of spiritual rebellion. However, clearly the Bible also teaches us to read and understand the Word of God for ourselves. When we are taught something that is in conflict with what the Bible says, we have a choice! Do we go with the Bible or the false teaching? I sincerely hope your answer is a resounding, BIBLE!!!

For a Christian to side with those who are enemies of Israel is to be antisemitic. Quite simply it is to set yourself up as an enemy of God Himself. How terrifying is that?

Overstated? Don't agree that Israel is so incredibly important?

Well let's see what the Word says! Shall we? For starters, Zechariah 2:8 (God, speaking of ZION---a word used alternately for ISRAEL, The Jewish People and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem), For thus says, the Lord of Hosts: "He sent Me after glory to the nations which plunder you; For he who touches you touches the Apple of His eye"! So do you replacement theology folks REALLY want to continue poking your finger in God's eye?

Are you "Christians" also aware that the events of the first coming of Jesus Christ to this earth were ALL accomplished precisely on Biblical feast days? That the Jewish people were commanded by God to observe these specific days? That Christ, the Lamb of God died precisely on PASSOVER? That He was buried precisely on UNLEAVENED BREAD? That He rose from the grave precisely on FIRST FRUITS?

That the coming of the Holy Spirit to begin the church (Acts chapter 2) was accomplished precisely on the BIBLICAL day of PENTECOST?

Are you aware that God gave the Jewish people an irrevocable covenant in Genesis chapter 12 verse 3 in which He says to Abraham " I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you"? That this covenant was in turn reconfirmed to Abraham's son Isaac and then again to Isaac's son Jacob who's name was changed by God Himself to ISRAEL?

Are you aware that God also spoke to Abraham in Genesis 15:8 saying "Unto your seed (Israel--my emphasis added), have I given this land, from the river (Nile) in Egypt to the great River Euphrates"?

So who does really own the land currently in question in and surrounding Israel? Well let's see, on a current map of the Middle East that could mean that God gave Israel all of the following: A large portion of Egypt. Looking East from that point, the land all the way to the middle of Iraq including ALL of Jordan, part of Syria, a possible wedge of Turkey, all of Lebanon and part of Saudi Arabia.

And so some of you actually believe that it is wise to try and force Israel to give up land for peace? Did that work when they gave up Gaza?

Are you aware that the area called the West Bank is actually ancient Samaria? That this is the very place that contains 4 very important locations where God confirmed these covenants with Israel through the building of altars? Are you aware that these things happened thousands of years before the Muslim Prophet Muhammed walked the earth? There is no disrespect there for our Muslim neighbors. It is simply a statement of fact.

No? Well how about this? God's Word makes it abundantly clear that the time is rapidly approaching in which ALL THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD will turn against Israel. And what will God's response be to that?

Joel chapter 3 verse 1-2 "For behold, in those days and at that time (the time of the end---my emphasis added), when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of JEHOSHAPHAT; And I will enter into judgement with them there on account of My people ISRAEL, whom they have scattered among the nations; They have divided up my land"!

Folks there are at least 85 confirmed ancient Biblical prophecies being fulfilled at this very moment in time in which the Jewish people are being brought back by God into the land of Israel and Jerusalem. By the way, the VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT is also called the"KIDRON VALLEY" which is still located in Israel directly between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives, upon which the Lord Jesus Christ will (perhaps) soon return and set His foot at His second coming to this earth.

Frankly, people who are advocating that Israel should give up land for peace, are not only fooling themselves but also placing themselves directly in the path of Divine judgement!

In closing please allow me to weigh in on JERUSALEM, the Holy City of God. Right now, the United Nations and many Government leaders of the world are pressuring Israel to give up all of East Jerusalem as part of the "NEW NATIONAL HOMELAND OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE"! First of all, are you aware that the League of Nations (precursor to the United Nations) already created the two State solution prior to 1948? Israel was set aside for the Jewish people and the newly created land of TRANS JORDAN was created for the "PALESTINIAN PEOPLE"!

I am all for these folks having their own State but not within the boarders of Israel. TRANS JORDAN was created for them but that area was immediately denied to the Palestinian people and instead became the modern Kingdom of Jordan.

Israel has not denied these people their land. It is the ARAB PEOPLE themselves who have denied them a homeland. Because the Arab nations have refused to cooperate in this process that was decided by the League of Nations, Israel is now being forced to give up her land including one half of Israel's capitol city, Jerusalem.

Do you remember the very first INDIANA JONES movie in which the Arc of the Covenant was discovered in Egypt by the Nazi's? In the end of this film there was a famous scene depicting a French archeologist who dressed up like a Jewish High Priest and opened the Arc. Soon after doing so, this phony High Priest and all the solders with him literally melted while they stood upon their feet.

Did you know that the model for that horrible scene was taken directly from the Bible? It has to do with JERUSALEM, not the Holy Arc.

Remember that the world is now fighting against the united City of Jerusalem remaining the Jewish capitol.

Let's see what God thinks about that shall we. Zechariah 14:12 "And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike ALL THE PEOPLE who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand upon their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths"!

Does it sound to you like I am trying to use scare tactics? Well friends, that is not actually the case. There is an old Biblical saying that says "My people perish for a lack of knowledge". In "country speak" that translates to "A little bit of knowledge can be the most dangerous thing in the world!" So if you are one of those Christians who is coming against Israel, don't you think it a good idea to know how God feels about your actions and attitude?

You may think that these scary scriptures are for some future generation. But if that is NOT the case and YOU who, through public opinion and political pressure, are trying to force Israel into giving up half of Jerusalem, are you somehow immune because you claim the name of Christ?

I sure hope for your sake that you are right! For those of you Christians who have been taught that God is through with Israel and the Jewish people, YOU HAVE BEEN DECEIVED! Your teachers will not be answering for you on the day of judgement. You will be answering for yourself and the very first thing you will be asked by the Divine presence is "Why did you not read your Bible for yourself"?

It is time to call the church back to the pure Word of God.

God bless you all in the name of the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua Ha Mashiach, JESUS CHRIST.

Pastor Rance.