True Friends

Friday, November 30

Sydney Swans

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
Proverbs 18:24 (The Message)


Recommended Reading
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12


At one time, the Sydney Swans were the laughing stock of the Australian Rules football league because they had the worst record, the worst players, the worst coach, and the worst fans. Needless to say, most of their games were played in front of empty stands. But something strange happened. The team got a new coach and a few new players and began winning. Suddenly, everyone was a Swans fan, and the stands were filled to capacity at nearly every game. On one such occasion, as TV cameras captured the joy and excitement of the crowd, one zoomed in on a man holding up a homemade sign that read, I WAS HERE WHEN NOBODY ELSE WAS!

Scripture tells us that "A friend loves at all times," setting the standard by which we should choose our relationships (Proverbs 17:17a). Fair-weather friends are easy to come by, but those relationships that are built on agape love are a rare find and a treasure to be sure; they will stick with you through thick and thin, not just during a winning season.


In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.
John Churton Collins

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Timothy 4:1 - 6:21

Turning Point Online

Word Of God Speak

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

- Mercy Me

Word of God Speak - Mercy Me

The Masquerade of Jihadists & Activists

I was originally going to add this to my News Roundup post. But it deserves it's own blog post because of the fact that it is so important for people to read.

I was listening to the Michael Savage radio show yesterday and heard a discussion between Michael and a Canadian Free Press writer name Selwyn Duke. You can read his bio here

His article entitled Moslem Group Attacks Michael Savage: The Battle Between Taquiya and Talk Radio" is a must read for all Americans. Yes! It is THAT important!

People...we are being duped by this "CAIR" Muslim group! They are using our laws against us in order to promote their not-so-hidden evil ambitions of jihad against America!

Take a look at this excerpt:

Moreover, reports the website Anti-CAIR,

“Omar Ahmad was captured on FBI surveillance tapes at Hamas meetings in the United States during 1993 explaining that the IAP [Islamic Association for Palestine] could not, for political reasons, admit its support for Hamas, and then discussing how the Hamas agenda could be cloaked and advanced.”

Another CAIR official, Executive Director Nihad Awad, has been more forthcoming. He once said plainly,

“I am in support of the Hamas movement.”

And the above is just a sampling of the damning truth about these jihadists who masquerade as civil rights activists.

To truly grasp the insidiousness of these closet jihadists, one must understand taquiya, a principle that gives Islamists the moral authority to deceive infidels. Taquiya refers to dissimulation, the process of disguising one’s true intentions by erecting a facade pleasing to his victims. Writing at Jihad Watch, Gregory M. Davis explains it like this:

In times when the greater strength of dar al-harb [the House of War – places dominated by infidels] necessitates that the jihad take an indirect approach, the natural attitude of a Muslim to the infidel world must be one of deception and omission. Revealing frankly the ultimate goal of dar al-Islam to conquer and plunder dar al-harb when the latter holds the military trump cards would be strategic idiocy.

Unfortunately, the ones guilty of idiocy here are Westerners, as we blithely ignore how these Islamic interlopers are using our own system to destroy us. CAIR and its fellow travelers have been using intimidation and the courts to silence infidels, great and small, who oppose the jihad. For instance, CAIR sued the organization I cited earlier, Anti-CAIR, for $1.35 million for “libelous defamation.” This is, I suppose, what they call it when you tell the truth about them.

Then there is the case of former terrorist and current critic of Moslem extremism Zachariah Anani. For his sin of exercising his free speech rights, CAIR and other Islamic groups actually pressured the Canadian government to arrest him under the nation’s hate speech laws and deport him.

Doesn't this sound eerily similar to the "hate crimes" laws that homosexuals and their supporters are trying to pass through Congress? Doesn't it remind you of the ENDA legislation that would suppress free speech laws, too?

So, what does CAIR and every radical homosexual agenda group out there have in common?

The desire to silence free speech, freedom of association, and the religious freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution!

Think they are not related in this way?

Think again!

Take a look at gcmWatch's blogpost called Apostate Episcopal Church Threatens Another Bishop.

Unfortunately, that's not the only incident. Read and weep.

When sin runs rampant, evil isn't challenged, and reprobate theology is allowed to creep into the churches, we end up with something as bizarre as finding a gay bishop appearing in gay movie.

Where will such lunacy end??


Back to the The Battle Between Taquiya and Talk Radio:

Mr. Duke concludes:

This brings us back to Michael Savage. There is no one else of his stature who so bravely exposes the Islamist threat. If CAIR destroys him, they will have felled the World Trade Center of critics. Who, then, would be willing to contend with the sword of Islam? Only the small fish would be left to swim against the current from Mecca, and they would be next as CAIR and its minions worked their way down the food chain.

You don’t have to find yourself on Savage’s side of the aisle to find yourself in his corner. All good Americans should be outraged that these fifth-column warriors, these barbarians inside the gate, these vile interlopers, are targeting our countrymen for destruction. If you want free and open debate about one of the most important issues of our time, Islamic Jihad, you should care about CAIR. It is a terrorist-enabling organization that has no place in “dar al-harb.”

I don't expect everyone to agree with everything Michael Savage says. I certainly don't. However, on this issue he has 100% of my support! As the quote above so eloquently reveals:

All good Americans should be outraged that these fifth-column warriors, these barbarians inside the gate, these vile interlopers, are targeting our countrymen for destruction.

*******

Update @ 12:06 p.m. PT

How's this for a bizarre, but totally descriptive title for an "infidel's" punishment for "insulting" Islam?

Sudan Teddy Bear Hate Criminal Convicted

This is what we are in for if groups like CAIR had their way... for such is Islam.

If I was that teacher I'd be so happy to eventually get out of that hellhole anyway.

*******

News Roundup November 29, 2007

This first item may not be news to most people, but today was the first day that I had heard about it. Amazon had launched a gadget called the "Kindle" in 2006. It is their answer to the eBook craze. At $400, it's kinda pricey if you ask me!

I love to read books! Sometimes, I have two or three going at the same time with post-it bookmarks and yellow highlighted sections for easy reference. It makes sections that I want to share on this blog easier to locate. I don't think that the Kindle would work well for my needs. But hey! If it gets more people reading out there, then more power to them!

Fox News had a blurb about the Kindle this morning. Apparently, it also tracks and downloads blogs. Interesting...but too expensive right now. Perhaps as the device grows in popularity, it will come down in price.

A few years ago, my husband bought a Garmin GPS and paid a whopping $700 for it. EEK! Now, they are down to about $250. I love mine. Won't drive with my daughter into L.A. or Hollywood to accompany her for auditions without it!

*******

How about that CNN GOP Youtube debate last night? I tuned in a bit late, so I initially missed the fire-breathing skirmish between Rudy Guiliani and Mitt Romney. However, late last evening, I caught the part that I had previously missed via a CNN re-run. If you saw the debate, what were your thoughts about this incident?

I found some of the choices for debate questions quite weird, actually.

I heard that over 5,000 Youtube questions were submitted by various people for this debate. Isn't it a bit odd that 3 questions had to do with gay issues?

What's that all about?

Plus, the gay general's youtube question regarding his desire to overturn the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy" in the military (which was signed into law by Bill Clinton!!) turned into a bloviating segment when he stood in the audience to spew additional gay agenda propaganda. There are rumors that he was a Hillary Clinton plant, too.

Of course, many of the chosen questions appeared to be hostile towards the participants. Even the guy who held up the Bible and asked, "Do you believe in this Book?" demonstrated ill will through sounding more at enmity and disgusted about it; rather than being genuinely interested in whether or not the men on the stage believed in God's Word.

Then, we had a young man with a confederate flag behind him! Just what was the purpose of asking about a symbol that is viewed as being a racist one by African Americans? Why, out of all of the pressing issues going on in life was this particular question asked?

Even the young woman who asked about abortion did so in an antagonistic way.

I'm sure that I'm missing many of the other inhospitable questions that were presented, but let's sum up just these four:

1. Hostile to the GOP candidates with the gay issues questions.
2. Hostile to the GOP candidates with the Bible question.
3. Hostile to the GOP candidates implying racism through asking a totally unnecessary confederate flag issue question.
4. Hostile to the GOP candidates regarding the abortion issues questions.

Want to know what all of this reminded me of?

Go watch this video starring my blogging friend Doug!

Hilarious!!


I thought that Mike Huckabee did the best in the debate. He hit a home run with his great answer to the Bible question and his wit shined through, too.

This one was priceless! [Note: click on link and scroll down or read below]

(CNN) — Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee outlined one special plan he'd consider for NASA's exploration of space.

"Maybe Hillary can be on the first rocket to Mars," he said, referring to the Democratic presidential frontrunner.

The Republican presidential candidate responded to a question asking if more money would be put into space exploration. His witty response about Clinton generated cheers from the St. Petersburg audience and followed his description of the earthly benefits of NASA's programs.

"Whether it's the medical technologies that saved many of our lives and the lives of our families, it's the direct result from the space program," he said. "We need to put more money into space and technology exploration."

The question, posed by Steve Nielson of Denver, Colorado, asked if the candidates would commit to sending Americans to Mars by the year 2020.

Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado disagreed with Huckabee's promise and would not commit to sending anyone to Mars because, "We can't afford some things, and going to Mars is one of them."

– CNN's Adam P. Levy

Hat tips:

CNN, CNN Political Ticker blog, Townhall.com, WorldNetDaily, NPR, The Powers that Be

*******

Update @ 8:48 a.m. PT

CNN Transcript of Youtube GOP Debate

*******
Update @ 8:57 a.m. PT
Huckabee's Bible question response (from WND article):

The only other candidate presented with the question was former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister.

"It's the Word of revelation to us from God Himself," Huckabee said. "The fact is when people ask if you believe all of it, you either believe it or you don't believe it."

"As the only person here probably on this stage with a theology degree, there are parts of it I don't fully comprehend and understand, but I'm not supposed to. Because the Bible is the revelation of an infinite God, and no finite person is ever gonna fully understand it. If they do, their God is too small."

When asked what would Jesus do concerning the death penalty, Huckabee quipped, "Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office, Anderson. That's what Jesus would do."

*******

Islamic attacks on Savage target advertisers - Talk show trend-setter continues highlighting Muslim agenda

Excerpt:

"If CAIR can succeed in this effort to silence Michael Savage, consider the chilling effect this will have on every talk radio host in America," wrote Brigitte Gabriel in the alert.

CAIR, which pursues such an aggressive campaign it has prompted the organization of Anti-Cair-Net, has criticized Savage for expressing his opinions about Islam, and Muslims.

However, his website this week featured headlines, "Muslim Terrorists using burqas; cross-dressing a favorite trick," and "Muslims burn library shoot police in Paris; press buries true nature of criminals."

Just weeks earlier, Savage came under attack in San Francisco. The board of supervisors there condemned him for "hate speech."

It was the board's second attempt at a resolution to condemn Savage for his criticism of illegal aliens in the U.S.

In August, a single vote by a member whose grandfather emigrated from China seven decades ago halted a similar resolution in its tracks.

The previous vote was 9-1, with third generation San Franciscan Ed Jew turning in the veto vote, after getting up and affirming Savage's First Amendment right to express his opinion.

Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval had introduced the resolution in August to condemn the radio talker. After the vote, he called for the tally to be rescinded and the proposal sent to committee, which essentially is a polite way of letting the issue die.

"For the record, I do not agree with comments allegedly made by Mr. Savage, but the First Amendment gives him the right to make those comments," Jew said.

"This is a dry run against free speech in America by the Islamists and the illegal aliens who are now becoming one and the same," said Savage in August. "It's the same organizational structure. … I am the target of this dry run. They want to see how far they can get in silencing a voice of freedom in the United States of America. They want to see which, if any, governmental agencies will stop them."

So, what does this boil down to? Just another group using "hate" as an excuse to silence free speech!!

Don't let them get away with it!!

*******

Update @ 1:02 p.m. PT

More details about the liberal democrat plants in a Glenn Beck interview with Michele Malkin

Did they really think that they wouldn't be found out??

Shunning, Angry People in a Schism

There goes the image of evangelical Christians being "Shiny Happy People Holding Hands." Some have turned into Shunning Angry People in a Schism!

My reaction? Pat Robertson is just one man! I'm certain that many people who happen to watch the 700 Club will do exactly what James Dobson has done....silently reject Rudy Guiliani for the Republican nominee for president. Those who choose to vote in the primary along with Robertson? They will have to bear the burden of their consciences.

When I first read the Newsmax headline to the article which reads: Pat Robertson Endorsement Sparks Backlash, I immediately thought that it was going to discuss Mike Huckabee's surge in the polls. To me, that represents a genuine backlash...against Rudy and his liberal ethics. But I was disappointed that the article only discussed the inevitable schism currently going on between Christian evangelicals.

On the one hand, I agree with many who feel that they cannot, with good conscience, vote for Rudy Guiliani due to his promotion of immoral ethics. I can't imagine why he doesn't see his pro-death to babies position as nothing less than the murder of innocent children in the womb. I can't understand why he supports the relentless propaganda machine known as the homosexual agenda, which is just another satanic, immoral deception. Both of these immoral issues are slowly destroying our nation from within. However, with his recent down surge in the political polls, perhaps many believers are sitting up, taking notice, and intending to vote for a different choice.

Mitt Romney has his individual problems now, too. I think that Mike Huckabee just might become the Republican nominee. We shall see.

For me, if push comes to shove, I will vote for any of the Republican candidates who becomes the nominee (except that loon Ron Paul) over Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. I guess you could say that the lesser of two evils would play a part in my vote. If Rudy does end up as the Republican nominee, my first concern (the war against terrorism) will motivate me to pull the lever to vote for him. Then I will go to the Lord in prayer and ask for forgiveness.

No man is a perfect choice, but I hope and pray that Mike Huckabee (Hunter or Tancredo would be my second and third choices) does become the Republican Nominee. Then I could pull that lever in the voting booth with a good conscience.

*******
Update @ 7:28 a.m. PT

Apparently, Paul Weyrich seems to think that Huckabee is peaking to soon in the polls. I disagree. Obviously, Weyrich doesn't endorse Huckabee. So, despite Mike's newfound real contender status in Iowa, such a development doesn't appeal to him. Therefore, Weyrich's ideology would motivate him to write such an opinion about Huckabee.

*******
Update @ 9:10 a.m. PT

Rudy has been sinking in the polls...

Oh my....

Perhaps one reason is because this Youtube video has been getting around!

*******
Update @ 9:22 a.m. PT

Also see my blogging friend Doug's recent post over at The Powers That Be He makes some excellent points.

Prophecy Continually Being Fulfilled

The news today surrounding the Annapolis Summit between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and President Bush could be another historic step in revealed biblical prophecy regarding the Holy Land of Israel.

Before I get to the details, I want to mention the fact that there are protests going on in the West Bank amongst the Palestinians (violent ones...how typical...). In Israel, there are protests and prayer vigils. Religious Orthodox Jews have gathered by the thousands to peacefully pray at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

The reasons for the discontent? They are very different when you compare the reasons of the Palestinians motives verses the reasons for turning to God by the Orthodox Jews.

There is no doubt that the risks are great at this Annapolis Conference.

For some reason, this WND article title puts chills down my spine:


Arabs at conference called 'step forward' 'President is pleased so many countries are coming'


The Palestinian extremists (President Bush's politically-correct label) don't want peace.

Period!!

They are into their jihadist brainwashed mindset and don't want anything to do with the "Road map to Peace." They don't want a "road map"! They want Israel and the Jewish people wiped off the map!!

The Orthodox Jews fear that the concessions that President Abbas is asking for at this Summit (e.g. his demand for total control of East Jerusalem) could negatively affect the ability to rebuild the Temple Mount.

Whenever new developments come about regarding Israel and peace talks with the Palestinians, I get out the book written by Grant R. Jeffrey called The Next World War - What Prophecy Reveals About Extreme Islam and the West.

Dr. Tim LaHaye, coauthor of the Left Behind series, had this to say about Jeffrey's book:

"A must read for anyone who cares about what is next on God's prophetic calendar."

I highly recommend this book to any Christian believer who would like to see the great work that Grant Jeffrey has done in discussing world events in light of ancient prophecies.

I guarantee that if you read this book, you will gain much greater understanding over the reasons for the global turmoil that we face today.

To whet your appetite and possibly inspire you to purchase and read this book, take a look at the table of contents. It gives you an idea of all that you could learn from Jeffrey's writings:

Part I: The Ancient Beginning of the Last Days
Genesis and the Future

1. The Roots of Arab Muslim Hatred
Enmity Between Ishmael and Isaac Has Come Home to Roost

2. God Brings His People Back to the Holy Land
Who Has the Legitimate Claim to Palestine?

3. Koranic Prophecies of Islam's Defeat
Amazingly, the Muslim Scriptures Predict the Return of Christ

Part II: The Origins of Islamic Terrorism
Why It's Necessary to Understand Islam Before Studying Terrorism

4. The Warrior Prophet
Muhammad and His Strategy of Conversion by Conquest

5. The Sixth Pillar of Islam - Jihad
How Holy War Gained Unrivaled Prominence

6. Osama bin Laden Declares War on the West
The Military Threat from Radical Islam

7. Al Qaeda's Strategies and Resources
Weaponry, Communications, and Plans for Warfare

Part III: The Deeper Significance of Global Terror
Extreme Islam's Declaration of War Is Foretold in Prophecy

8. Islam's War Against All Perceived Enemies
The Militant Justification for Violence Against Non-Muslims

9. Iraq's Terror Connection
Evidence of Saddam Hussein's Support of al Qaeda

10. The Deeper Threat of Terrorism
The Terrorists' True Goals and How the Media Get It Wrong

Part IV: Our Generation Has Entered The Last Days
Clear Signs of the Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy

11. The Arab War Against Israel
Overwhelming Evidence of the Commitment to Eliminate the Jews from Palestine

12. Will This War Signal the Last Days?
Signs of the Coming War of Gog and Magog

13. A New Temple for the Last Days
Developments That Will Set the Stage for the Antichrist

14. Peace Between Arabs and Jews
How God Will Bring About a Final Reconciliation

Now that I have included a written commercial encouraging readers here to buy Jeffrey's book, perhaps the author won't mind if I quote him extensively in my post? :-)

Just the chapter headings gives you a good idea about how thoroughly the author has researched this subject. What I want to concentrate on is chapter 13 - A New Temple for the Last Days.

As I mentioned previously, the Orthodox Jews in Israel are praying for the failure of this latest Summit between Olmert, Abbas, and President Bush. Why? Precisely because they fear that the concessions being discussed will be very detrimental to Israel's ability to keep all of Jerusalem as it's capital city. Plus, there is the fear that such concessions will lead to the relinquishment of the spot where the Third Temple could be rebuilt on the Temple Mount.

Jeffrey writes:

Since the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel has controlled the entire city of Jerusalem for the first time in nineteen hundred years. Israel allows Muslim authorities to control religious activities and to police (without firearms) the Temple Mount with its Muslim shrine, the Dome of the Rock. Religious Jews don't worship in the area of the dome because the chief rabbis warn they might inadvertently trespass on the site of the Holy of Holies. Muslim control of the Temple Mount is thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Luke 21:24 that "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."

While Israel has demonstrated her willingness to allow Arabs full legal rights as citizen with access to all the sacred sties, the Arabs are adamant that the Jews and Christians will not have similar freedom to worship in Palestinian-controlled areas.

(bold mine)

Read that last sentence again. It is one of the reasons why both Christians and Orthodox Jews are upset with the "Road map to Peace." Every so-called "peace" treaty has led first to concessions by the Israelis, then more bloodshed because the Arab terrorist groups continue to send rocket bombs into Israel and suicide bombers into Israel in order to kill as many of the Jews as they can. The term "peace" is a farce to these terrorists!! Concessions do not lead to peace! They lead to a weakened Israeli State, more violence from the enemies that surround Her, and more bloodshed on both sides.

The concessions that are on the table today is reminiscent of what Moshe Dayan did after the dramatic Jewish victory over the Arab armies in the Six-Day War in June 1967. To paraphrase Jeffrey, what happened was Dayan met with the Supreme Muslim Council and established Israel's religious and political policy concerning the Temple Mount. This policy has not changed. Dayan, a nonreligious Jew did not understand the significance of the sacred Temple Mount for Israel, so he relinquished control of the area to the Arabs in the vain hope that his generous gesture would be appreciated.

Jeffrey:

Unfortunately, despite the victory of the Six-Day War, the Muslim Arabs interpreted Dayan's surrender of the most sacred site of the Jews as an indication of Israel's weakness of resolve.

Doesn't this sound very familiar to the current situation between Olmert and Abbas? Again, we have a non-religious Jewish leader ready to give huge portions of land, and, if Abbas gets his way, a portion of the city of Jerusalem!

This is very tragic, people! The fact that many of Israel's past political and military leaders think that the Temple Mount only represents historical significance, has led them into a long series of decisions that relinquished vital territory and religious rights.

When Dayan made this concession back in 1967, it is unbelievable that he agreed to the administrative control of the Muslim Council which would only allow limited access to the mount (by Jews) but prayer by Jews and Christians were strictly prohibited!

In the "Discerning the Signs of the Times" blog post (link below), we read:

4. REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE, RESTORATION OF TEMPLE WORSHIP AND ANIMAL SACRIFICES IN JERUSALEM

For several end time prophecies to be fulfilled, the temple will have to be rebuilt.

Revelation 11:2 "Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months."

Some archeaologists believe that the temple mount is actually 340 feet south of the Dome of the Rock site, putting the Dome of the Rock within the Court of the Gentiles. This may be the court outside the temple that is left out.

There are many groups already working on preparations for the new temple. The blueprints are already done, the temple garments have been made, and there have already been attempts to lay the cornerstone of the temple. The only thing standing in the way of the construction of the new temple is Islam's third holiest site, the Dome of the Rock and government support for such an undertaking. Some possible scenarios for the rebuilding of the temple are as follows:

1. The persuasion and performing of miracles by the Antichrist and False Prophet convinces the Islamic world to approve the rebuilding.

2. The United Nations will negotiate the rebuilding of the temple following a war with the armies from the North (Russia and Islamic forces). This assumes that the war with the armies from the North is not the battle of Armageddon as some feel and that this attack occurs before the rapture or tribulation period begins. The supernatural destruction of the Russian army and Islamic forces will cause an outpouring of Christian worship and zeal amongst the Jewish people who will reconstruct the temple.

3. It is determined that the site of the first two temples is actually south of the Dome of the Rock, and the court of the gentiles (Dome of the Rock) will be left out of the 3rd temple.

A group in Israel called the Temple Mount Faithful have obtained most of the clothing, instruments and other equipment required for temple worship and are actively preparing for the laying of the third temple's cornerstone.

Grant Jeffrey has come to a similar conclusion regarding the Dome of the Rock and where the Third Temple would be built.

Jeffrey:

...the Third Temple could be rebuilt on the original site, and the Dome of the Rock could remain in the Court of the Gentiles more than 150 feet to the south of the rebuilt Temple, as indicated in John's prophecy (see Revelation 11:1-2)

The calculation of the distance of the location for the Third Temple may be a bit different (Jeffrey: 150 feet; Discerning times essay: 340 feet), but the fact that the original location of the First (Solomon's) and Second Temples (both destroyed on the 9th day of August in 587 BC and in AD 70, respectively) are not under the Dome of the Rock location, brings additional Bible prophecy alive and fulfilled!

You may be asking, what prophecy does this fulfill?

Jeffrey writes:

Many Israelis today feel that allowing Muslim authorities to exercise administrative control over the Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount was a tremendous error in political judgment. However, even this decision was the fulfillment of a nineteen-hundred-year-old prophecy made by John in the book of Revelation. In a vision of the final Tribulation period of three and a half years leading up to the battle of Armageddon, John is told by the angel, "Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months" (Revelation 11:1-2).

John predicts that there will be a period after the rebuilding of the Temple and the sacrificial altar in which a large part of the Temple Mount known as the Court of the Gentiles (the court that is outside the Temple) will remain under the control of the Gentiles (Arab Muslims) for forty-two months, until Christ returns to set up His millennial kingdom.

There are so many details that I would like to share from Jeffrey's book. Perhaps I can add them in updates to this post.

Jeffrey:

God has promised repeatedly in Scripture that the Temple will be rebuilt in the last days. These prophecies include predictions by Amos (750 BC) (see Amos 9:11), Micah (740 BC) (see Micah 4:1); and Haggai (520 BC) (see Haggai 2:9).

Daniel prophesied twenty-five hundred years ago that the Temple would be rebuilt and would serve as the center of Israel's worship and sacrifice in the generation when the Messiah would return. In Daniel's famous vision of the seventy weeks (see Daniel 9:24-27), he predicted that the last great world dictator would arise from the revived Roman Empire and would conclude a seven-year peace treaty with Israel. After only three and a half years, the world leader would arbitrarily violate the seven-year treaty; at that time he would enter the rebuilt Temple and "he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" (Daniel 9:27).

Before Daniel's prophecy can be fulfilled, the Jews must reinstate the ancient Levitical sacrificial system on the altar on the Temple Mount.

For now, I want to share a speculation that Jeffrey wrote about regarding the rebuilding of the Third Temple.

In the near future, a dramatic change must occur in the political and religious leadership of Israel to allow the rebuilding of the Temple. What would motivate modern-day Israel to overcome the many significant obstacles to rebuilding the Temple? I believe it will be Israel's recognition of the defeat of extreme Islam through the supernatural act of God in the coming War of Gog and Magog. [Note: this is discussed extensively in chapters 11 and 12.] In addition, the recovery of the long-lost ark of the covenant would provide a powerful incentive since the original purpose of both the Tabernacle and the Temple was to provide a sacred house for the holy ark. Jeremiah 3:16 suggests that when the Messiah returns, Israel will stop visiting the ark of the covenant. This prophecy strongly suggests that at some point prior to Christ's return, the ark will be restored to Israel and will be a focus of the people's worship. But once Jesus rules from the throne of David in Jerusalem, the ark will no longer be the major focus of worship, as Christ will rule as King of kings.

I have read the books of several prophecy experts (LaHaye, Jeffrey, Hagee, Hindson) and every one of them has concluded that the U.S. will not be involved in the battle of Gog and Magog. Reasons and speculations may abound, but I must ask - does anyone think that a possible reason why the U.S. administration (at that time in the future) may feel that they can't get involved because they are the brokers of the "Road map to Peace" deal?

Again, I admit that this may only be additional speculation on my part, but does anyone else out there think it could possibly end up being one possible reason?

Please know that I am not attempting to be "prophetic" here. I simply mentioned this as a possible reason why the U.S. may not be involved in that prophetic war. I recall that Ed Hindson mentioned several other possible reasons why the U.S. might be prevented from entering into that war.

*******
Added on at 3:53 p.m. PT -

One prophecy expert mentioned the possibility that the reason we would not come to Israel's aid in the Gog and Magog war might be because a liberal Democrat is president.

Eeek!!!

Gasp!!!

Horrors!!!!

Remember that when you enter the voting booth in 2008!

Sorry...couldn't resist.

I realize that I need to be praying without ceasing about this upcoming election! I need to be prayerful about the direction our country is headed in and when it comes to praying for the next person to occupy the Oval Office of the Presidency. We all need to keep this in prayer.

However, when I think about the Democratic choice who ultimately wins the nomination, I need to pray ever so much more fervently that the Republican nominee wins!!

Please know that it's not about the person...it's about the ideology. All of the current democratic nominees are too far left for my taste. When it comes down to the Democrat nominee being president, I have to pray....God forbid!!

*******to be continued*******
Check back for future updates to this post!

Quotes from: The Next World War - What Prophecy Reveals About Extreme Islam and the West by Grant Jeffrey. Published by WaterBrook Press, 2006 pp. 154-164

HT: WorldNetDaily

Fox News

Related Blog posts:

We Are Witnessing Biblical Prophecy

Jerusalem Countdown

David's Incredible Prophecy of Israel's Enemies Today

Zechariah's Warning to Bush and Condi

Discerning Signs of the Times

The Hopelessness of Life Without Christ

In this thread, I asked a commenter named David:

What's your destiny, David?

November 20, 2007 4:03:00 PM PST

His reply:

You're curious about my "destiny" are you? Well, Christine, my destiny is exactly the same as yours. We are both biological animals created by evolutionary processes that are well-explained, and proven, using science and logic. This evolutionary history explains not only our moral and social development but also explains the advent of religion. Religion as a cultural institution, was created by natural evolutionary processes to address our fear of death. Without this fear of death, we would likely not have survived as a species -- it gives us a distinct evolutionary advantage. It has also motivated us to build communities, start agriculture, and eventually create civilization. I understand that your fear of death is so consuming you will suspend logic and reason to believe in mythological beings such as "God". But no matter how much you try, you will someday die just like the rest of us. And when we die, that is it. We no longer exist. Our time on this planet has expired to make room for other evolutionary life to flourish. Some of us, namely atheists, have a more advanced moral development and do not live our lives in fear of death.

I'm sure in response you will try to tell me how wrong I am and how these mythological characters from a 3,000 year old book will try to punish me (a book, btw, written by slave-owning polygamists). I hate to disappoint you, however, as I have as much fear of "God" as I do the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, or the Tooth Fairy.

We are now quickly approaching a time in human history where religion has accepted defeat against truth and science. It is a war that religion has been loosing for 300 years now. You and your children represent the last Christian generation that will enjoy majority status. Only about 10-30% of American children are choosing Christianity as adults. A new study (search Religion News Service for details) of Americans age 18-29 demonstrated that 91% view Christianity as "anti-gay" and another 85% view it as hypocritical. Christians are doing an EXCELLENT job of ensuring their future irrelevancy. And this atheist couldn't be happier about it.
Happy Thanksgiving!! ;)

November 20, 2007 6:40:00 PM PST

David,

You have placed your faith in Darwinism and appear to have a certainty regarding your final destiny.

Evolution cannot address the reality of our eternal souls.

The Bible, Jesus Christ, and Christian faith informs us of the fact that there is life after death. Depending upon whom one places their faith (in your case, Darwin) in this life determines the ultimate destiny of the soul in eternity.

Perhaps you might be familiar with the humanist Bertrand Russell. In his book Why I Am Not a Christian, Russell writes:

Man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving,...his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs are but the outcome of accidental connocations of atoms,...no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling can preserve an individual life beyond the grave, and...all the labor of the ages, all the devotion, all of the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system. The whole temple of man's achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins. All these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain that no philosophy that rejects them can hope to stand. Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair can the soul's habitation henceforth be safely built.

Now...that's a rant on hopelessness and utter despair if I've ever read one!

Contrast such a belief with what the great philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote:

...life without an afterlife, like the marathon runner with no finish line, would be an absurd and meaningless joke. It would be, as Shakespeare so eloquently put it, "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Kant reasoned from the point of ethics. Everyone, he says, realizes right and wrong exist. Without ethics, life becomes meaningless and chaotic. Ethics, however, he reasoned, depend ultimately on justice. Why should we do right rather than wrong if there is no such thing as justice? If justice does exist, then there must be a life beyond death, because it's quite obvious that in this world evil people often prosper and the good suffer.

Kant didn't stop with an afterlife. This afterlfe, where justice is dispensed, must be ruled over by a great Judge. This Judge, unlike human judges, must be absolutely perfect in His knowledge. Therefore, He must be omniscient - knowing all facts, circumstances, and motives - if He is to judge justly. Once He has judged, He must also be omnipotent. He must have the power to enforce His ruling. That, of course, sounds very much like the Christian God, doesn't it? Kant said that without all this, life is meaningless. (fn1)


Did you know that you can know for sure that when you die, you will go to heaven? Here is what the Bible says:

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13).

The brilliant scientist, Michael Faraday, the discoverer of magnetism, was asked on his deathbed, "Sir Michael, what speculations do you have about life after death?"

He replied in astonishment, "Speculation! Why, I have no speculations! I'm resting on certainties! 'I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.'" Only in Christianity is there such certainty, and this certainty is based on the veracity of God's Word. (fn2)

I have been studying the Bible for 21 years. Each and every year of study has solidified my certainty that Jesus Christ is whom he claims to be. The Messiah, Son of the living God, Savior, King of kings, and Lord of Lords.

Biblical Christian faith is a reasonable faith, based on an historical person named Jesus Christ whose death, burial and resurrection is a proven fact of history. God's Word points to the coming of the Messiah in the Old Testament, and the New Testament reveals Him. Most of the over 300 prophecies written about the coming Messiah in the OT were fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The rest will be fulfilled at his Second Coming. The odds of one Man fulfilling such a large amount of prophecies is astronomical and the revelation of all of these prophecies is unique only to the Bible.

Jesus performed many miracles (the miracle of the resurrection to life being the point and destiny of his mission) during his three year ministry on earth. Over 500 people saw the risen Lord over the course of 40 (I think) days.

I think that 500 witnesses to someone's resurrection from the dead would stand up in any court testimony no matter how many years ago it happened.

The life of Jesus Christ proves that God exists. Christ also had surprising character witnesses, including, some secular detractors who could not negate the reality of his existence, life, death and resurrection to life eternal. Several wrote about his life after the resurrection.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. He overcame the problem of evil, sin, pain, and death; pointing to life eternal with God in heaven for those who believe in Him. He is the only way to be reconciled back to God the Father.

The question is who needs a savior?

The answer is everyone.

Why?

Because we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. If you are spiritually lost, you need the Savior.

No matter what happens in this world, even when all is dark, it's wonderful to know that my faith is built on historical facts and that those who went before me found the faith to hold up to death itself.

As Christian believers, it is precisely because the Bible is true and because we love and belong to God, that we should all examine our lives and our goals and the way we live. Our foremost goal is to glorify and honor God.

How do Christians do that? D. James Kennedy summed it up when he wrote:

1. Living a life worthy of His high calling, by obedience to His commandments, including the command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love those people God has placed in our lives.

2. Keeping close to the Lord by daily Bible reading and prayer.

3. Striving for holiness, without which no person can honor the Lord.

4. Bearing witness to others and striving to bring them into the kingdom of God.

5. Making disciples, teaching and encouraging and helping our fellow believers.

6. Keeping our spiritual eyes open to see the good deeds He has prepared for us to do, so that in reliance on the Holy Spirit, we may do them to His glory. (fn3)

Such a life as this will be glorifying to God, and so we will then be able to enjoy Him forever in heaven when our lives on this Earth are over. All of this we know through the words of the Bible, which is verified from many different angles. We can know the truth and the truth will set us free.

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31b-32

Footnotes 1,2,3:

Skeptics Answered by D. James Kennedy, 1997 Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

*******
Update:

See Dr. David Jeremiah's Living a Life of Wisdom

Excellent!!

Outline for Study:

LIFE WIDE OPEN

Dr. David Jeremiah

“Living a Life of Wisdom”

Ephesians 5:15-21
Eph 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
Eph 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Eph 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Eph 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.[fn3]



November 25, 2007

I. The Wise Walk Is a Diligent Walk – Ephesians 5:15

A. Walking Diligently Keeps Us from Defection

Psalm 14:1
Romans 1:21-22
Titus 3:3-6

B. Walking Diligently Keeps Us from Disobedience

Galatians 3:1,3

C. Walking Diligently Keeps Us from Destruction

1 Timothy 6:9

II. The Walk in Wisdom Is a Disciplined Walk – Ephesians 5:16

Colossians 4:5
Ephesians 5:15-16
Psalm 90:10
Psalm 103:15-16
James 4:14
1 Chronicles 29:15
Psalm 39:5
Job 7:6
Psalm 102:3
Psalm 39:4-6

III. The Walk in Wisdom Is a Directed Walk – Ephesians 5:17

Psalm 37:4
John 7:17
Psalm 32:8
Psalm 32:9

IV. The Walk in Wisdom Is a Dynamic Walk – Ephesians 5:18-21

A. The Command to Be Filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18

1. Desire to Be filled
2. Denounce Sin in Your Life
I John 1:9
3. Dedicate Yourself Fully to Christ
Romans 12:1-2

*******
Update #2:

At the end of Dr. Jeremiah's sermon, he shares:

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for "wisdom" meant "skill" - used to describe the skill of a craftsman. In the Bible the term wisdom means "the skill of living life successfully".

In the book of Proverbs, the term "wisdom" is used to reveal the moral and spiritual failures in our lives; as well as how to avoid them.

The apostle Paul described Jesus as being the Wisdom of God. By knowing Him, we know the very foundation of wisdom itself.

1Cr 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Internet Anonymity Destructive?

Back in October, I read a post written by Dennis Prager at TownHall.com which discussed his opinion that Internet Anonymity is as Destructive as Internet Porn.

Personally, I think that internet porn is far more destructive and harmful to our society. However, I get Mr. Prager's point that allowing anonymous comments can also be considered quite destructive; especially when the vitriol starts flying.

He makes several good points in his article.

For example:

1. Until the Internet, in the public's best known venue for self-expression -- letters to the editor published in newspapers and magazines -- people either expressed themselves in a civilized manner or they were not published. And overwhelmingly, even those letters that were not published were written in a respectful manner because the letter-writers had to reveal their real names and their addresses (though only names and cities were published).

Being identifiable breeds responsibility; anonymity breeds irresponsibility.

Before my blogging days, I used to write two, 200 word letters-to-the-editor and submit them to our local newspaper. Every Friday, the paper provided a "faith and values" letter section. I always lamented the fact that I was limited both in content and number of times I could submit a published letter. When blogging came along, it gave ordinary people like me a forum to write posts and content as often as I wanted to. My letter writing days seem so pass'e now, in comparison.

2. The Internet practice of giving everyone the ability to express himself anonymously for millions to read has debased public discourse. Cursing, ad hominem attacks and/or the utter absence of logic characterize a large percentage of many websites' "comments" sections. And because people tend to do what society says it is OK to do, many people, especially younger people, are coming to view such primitive forms of self-expression as acceptable.

Some might argue that anonymity enables people to more freely express their thoughts. But this is not true. Anonymity only enables people to more freely express their feelings. Anonymity values feelings over thought, and immediate expression over thoughtful reflection.

This is certainly a concern. The "flower children" of the 60's and 70's baby boom generation (now known as liberal left loonies) and the young people of today's generation who have been indoctrinated by them in schools and colleges are often found to be much more crass wherever and whenever anonymous comments are allowed in a forum. Just check out The Daily Kos. It was recently outed as a hate website.

My comment over at TownHall dealt with both of these concerns.

Christinewjc writes: Monday, October, 29, 2007 10:26 AM
Dennis' idea makes sense
I think that Dennis' idea makes a lot of sense. It is each individual blog owner's choice to allow or disallow anonymous comments at his/her own blog.

I don't see disallowing anonymous comments as a free speech issue. I see it as common sense. In any other form of communication, a person does not have to allow the conversation to continue if an individual is being foul-mouthed or offensive. Free speech does allow the right to "freedom of association" as well.

Personally, I have learned over the past 3 years of blogging at my own TalkWisdom blog (as well as at the blogs of internet friends) that anonymous commenters do not usually add much to the conversation regarding the original blogpost topic. Many only post to disparage or debase what is being discussed. If a commenter is not willing to at least share his/her screen name and register with a legitimate email, then their views are probably not worth reading anyway. That's just the way it is!

Secondly, they are usually trolls who object to what has been written, but don't have the guts to attach their internet "signature," so to speak, to their comments. This way, if they make absolute fools of themselves via their own written words, it dissipates into blogosphere oblivion.

When someone registers at a blog and then writes something stupid, offensive, mean, ugly, debased or even threatening and does not have the ability to erase it later, then they are stuck with their ignorance forever being broadcast to the entire world. That is certainly to their detriment.

There are over 128 comments posted at the original article link with differing opinions on this. What's your opinion?

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Psa 100:1 PSALM 100
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
MAKE a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!

Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.

Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;[fn1]
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Psa 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.


Footnotes:
100:3 Following Kethib, Septuagint, and Vulgate; Qere, many

Hebrew manuscripts, and Targum read we are His.

Let My Lifesong Sing to You, Lord!



Lifesong - Casting Crowns

On This Eve Before Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

On this eve before Thanksgiving, I am most grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my loving husband and my two wonderful grown children. I am so blessed to have both a son and daughter who are smart, filled with God's wisdom and have love for our Lord and our family. I am so happy that my daughter's good friend and roommate from college will be joining us in our celebration this year!

I am also grateful that I now have internet service back! It had been acting up over the past two days. Apparently, the service crashed altogether and it took almost the entire day for our server to repair the problem. Service was restored late today.

I found the following "History of Thanksgiving" in my email box today. I enjoyed reading it and thought that many who visit this blog might enjoy reading it, too.

God's blessings to all this Thanksgiving,
Christine

*******



A History of Thanksgiving in America
Compiled from various sources by Family Policy Network

This report details the history of Thanksgiving in America, from the earliest recorded events to the present day.

1541: Near Canyon, Texas

The first recorded Christian Thanksgiving in America occurred in Texas on May 23, 1541 when Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led 1,500 men in a Thanksgiving celebration at the Palo Duro Canyon.

Coronado's expedition traveled north from Mexico City in 1540 in search of gold. The group camped alongside the canyon, in the modern-day Texas Panhandle, for two weeks in the spring of 1541. The Texas Society Daughters of the American Colonists commemorated the event as the "first Thanksgiving" in 1959.

1564: Near Jacksonville, Florida

Another Thanksgiving service occurred on June 30, 1564 when French Huguenot colonists celebrated in solemn praise and thanksgiving in a settlement near what is now Jacksonville, Florida. The colony was destroyed by a Spanish raiding party in 1565. This "first Thanksgiving," however, was later commemorated at the Fort Carolina Memorial on the St. Johns River.

1607: Monhegan Island, Maine

On August 9, 1607 English settlers led by Captain George Popham joined Abnaki Indians along Maine's Kennebec River for a harvest feast and prayer meeting. The colonists, living under the Plymouth Company charter, established Fort St. George around the same time as the founding of Virginia's Jamestown colony. Unlike Jamestown, however, this site was abandoned a year later.

Here is the account of the Popham Colonial Expedition landing in Maine:

'Sunday, the 9th of August, in the morning, the most part of our whole company of both our ships landed on this island, . . . where the cross standeth, and there we heard a sermon delivered by our preacher, giving God thanks for our happy meeting and safe arrival in the country.'

1619: Charles City, Virginia



On December 4, 1619, a group of 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Plantation in what is now Charles City, Virginia. The group's charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a day of thanksgiving to God. Captain John Woodleaf held the service of thanksgiving. Here is the section of the Charter of Berkley Plantation which specifies the thanksgiving service:

"Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty god."

In addition to 1619, the colonists may have held service in 1620 and 1621. The colony was wiped out in 1622. It was a private event, limited to the Berkeley settlement."

Thus Spanish, French and British colonists held several Thanksgiving services in America before the Pilgrim's celebration in 1621. Most of these early thanksgivings did not involve feasting. They were religious in nature, i.e. worship services of thankfulness to God.

1621: Plymouth, Mass

The following report from "The Federalist" is an account of the famous Pilgrim's Thanksgiving that took place in October of 1621, and the broader tradition's subsequent history in our nation.




The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England on September 6, 1620. They sailed for a new world with the promise of both civil and religious liberty. For almost three months, 102 seafarers braved harsh elements to arrive off the coast of what is now Massachusetts, in late November of 1620. On December 11, prior to disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the "Mayflower Compact," America's original document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

The Puritan Separatists, America's Calvinist Protestants, rejected the institutional Church of England. They believed that the worship of God must originate in the inner man, and that corporate forms of worship prescribed by man interfered with the establishment of a true relationship with God. The Separatists used the term "church" to refer to the people, the Body of Christ, not to a building or institution. As their Pastor John Robinson said, "When two or three are] gathered in the name of Christ by a covenant made to walk in all the way of God known unto them as a church."

Most of what we know about the Pilgrim Thanksgiving of 1621 comes from original accounts of the young colony's leaders, Governor William Bradford and Master Edward Winslow, in their own hand:

"They begane now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings against winter, being well recovered in health & strenght, and had all things in good plenty; for some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, & bass, & other fish, of which yey tooke good store, of which every family had their portion. All ye somer ther was no wante. And now begane to come in store of foule, as winter aproached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degree). And besids water foule, ther was great store of wild Turkies, of which they took many, besids venison, &c. Besids they had aboute a peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, Indean corne to yt proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largly of their plenty hear to their freinds in England, which were not fained, but true reports."
-W.B. (William Bradford)

"Our Corne did proue well, & God be praysed, we had a good increase of Indian Corne, and our Barly indifferent good, but our Pease not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sowne, they came vp very well, and blossomed, but the Sunne parched them in the blossome; our harvest being gotten in, our Governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a more speciall manner reioyce together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labors; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst vs, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoyt, with some nintie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed fiue Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed upon our Governour, and upon the Captaine, and others. And although it be not alwayes so plentifull, as it was at this time with vs, yet by the goodneses of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

-E.W. (Edward Winslow) Plymouth, in New England,
This 11th of December, 1621

The feast included foods suitable for a head table of honored guests, such as the chief men of the colony and Native leaders Massasoit ("Great Leader" also known as Ousamequin "Yellow Feather"), the sachem (chief) of Pokanoket (Pokanoket is the area at the head of Narragansett Bay). Venison, wild fowl, turkeys and Indian corn were the staples of the meal. It likely included other food items known to have been aboard the Mayflower or available in Plymouth such as spices, Dutch cheese, wild grapes, lobster, cod, native melons, pumpkin (pompion) and rabbit."

By the mid-17th century the custom of autumnal Thanksgivings was established throughout New England. One hundred and eighty years after the first day of Thanksgiving, the Founding Fathers thought it important that this tradition be recognized by proclamation. Soon after approving the Bill of Rights, a motion in Congress to initiate the proclamation of a national day of Thanksgiving was approved.

Mr. [Elias] Boudinot (who was the President of Congress during the American Revolution) said he could not think of letting the congressional session pass over without offering an opportunity to all the citizens of the United States of joining with one voice in returning to Almighty God their sincere thanks for the many blessings He had poured down upon them. With this view, therefore, he would propose the following resolution:

"Resolved, that a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God..."

"Mr. [Roger] Sherman (a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution) justified the practice of thanksgiving on any signal event not only as a laudable one in itself, but as warranted by a number of precedents in Holy Writ...This example he thought worthy of a Christian imitation on the present occasion; and he would agree with the gentleman who moved the resolution...The question was put on the resolution and it was carried in the affirmative."

This resolution was delivered to President George Washington who readily agreed with its suggestion and put forth the following proclamation by his signature:

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplication to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."

-Given under my hand, at the city of New York,
The 3rd day of October, AD 1789
George Washington

After 1815, prophetically, there were no further annual proclamations of Thanksgiving until the Civil War when Abraham Lincoln declared November 26, 1863, the last Thursday in November, a Day of Thanksgiving:

"No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy... I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens...[it is] announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord...It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people."

- Abraham Lincoln, November 26, 1863

On October 3, 1863, Lincoln's proclamation passed by an Act of Congress. That proclamation was repeated by every subsequent president until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving Day up one week earlier than had been tradition, to appease merchants who wanted more time to feed the growing pre-Christmas consumer frenzy. Folding to Congressional pressure two years later however, Roosevelt signed a resolution returning Thanksgiving to the last Thursday of November.

Roosevelt's inclination to manipulate Thanksgiving for commercial interests, foretold much of the secular nature of "Thanksgiving" to come. But, amid all the oppression of secular materialism in advance of that day in December when we give thanks for the birth of Christ, oppression vastly different but somehow remarkably similar to that of our Pilgrim forefathers, we are still at our core, a nation eternally thankful to God.

On this Day of Thanksgiving, may God rest your heart and mind, may He bless and keep you and your family, and may He extend His blessing upon our nation, guiding us one and all by His calling. Amid the haste, we remember His words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3-10)

Copyright, The Federalist - 1998."The History of Thanksgiving"



NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

"Remember ever, and always, that your country was founded, not by the 'most superficial, the lightest, the most irreflective of all European races,' but by the stern old Puritans who made the deck of the Mayflower an altar of the living God, and whose first act on touching the soil of the new world was to offer on bended knees thanksgiving to Almighty God."

- Former U.S. Senator Henry Wilson (1855-72), and Vice-President under Ulysses S. Grant (1873-75), AMERICA'S GOD AND COUNTRY, William J. Federer, 1994.


HT: Family Policy Network

Self-Love Pride Over God = Sin

A high school pastor conducted the service at our church yesterday. It was the first time that I have heard him preach. He did a really good job. It was presented at a level that appealed to both teens and adults.

The key message was to recognize how prideful self-love over our love for God keeps us in sin. Thus, he reiterated the extreme importance that preachers and teachers continue to use sound Biblical doctrine while sharing the gospel message. He even labeled the concept as "old school is cool."

The following is a general outline with Bible verse references that reiterate the points being made. After the list are some discussion notes and a link to a fellow Christian blogger who wrote an excellent essay about the radical victory of Christ's cross.


1. The pride of self-love over God is the deadly sin that is the foundation which leads to all others. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

This does not mean that we are not to love ourselves. What it is saying, though, is that the pride of self-love over and above our love for God is the deadly sin.

See Genesis 2:16-17. Notice how the desires in Adam and Eve caused them to sin rather than listen to God's admonition to avoid that certain tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

2. God wants ________ (fill in your name) to obey His Word because He loves you and wants to protect you.

3. This country was built on Godly principles because they work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

We often hear non-believers claim that the Bible is "irrelevant" today. However, when we look around at the sinful conditions wreaking havoc upon us in our nation today, the truth is that the Bible is more relevant now than ever! One definition of "relevant" means, "having some bearing on current state of society."

4. God and the Bible is what keeps order in the world.
One analogy is our traffic laws. We have speed limit laws to protect us and help us feel and be safe. What if a sign on the freeway said, "Speed limit - go for it." Would you feel safe?

There are rules in God's Word because He loves us.

5. What in your life confirms that you are madly in love with Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 4:1

This is a personal reflection question that each of us needs to answer.

6. To prevent further decline of Christianity we must prepare ourselves by doing the work of the Lord, through studying and obeying the Word.
2 Timothy 4:2-4

There is no doubt that Christianity is under attack today. What will you do to counter this?

7. As true followers of Christ _______ (fill in your name) must be willing to do whatever it takes to spread the gospel to a lost and deceived world. 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Also see Matthew 5:10-12

The last question is:

Are you madly in love with Jesus Christ?

Do you realize that sin could care less about you? Think about that for a moment. Then, compare it to what God thinks about us and has done for our sakes through Jesus Christ at the cross.

Going back to the traffic analogy. We have signs on the road that say "STOP!" We also may encounter signs that say, "take this detour." Why are they there? For our protection. What happens when we don't obey traffic laws? We end up suffering the consequences.

It is the same with God's Word. There are consequences for disobedience of God's laws in the Word of God just like there are consequences in traffic laws.

Sin?

Remember the point that "sin doesn't care about you?"

It doesn't.

But the person who is trapped in sin is saying that satan's plan is better than God's plan. It's the attitude of "as long as it pleases me" rather than having the proper attitude of desiring to please God.

The Ten Commandments show us what's wrong with our lives. The Old Testament is like a mirror of reflection that identifies our sinful nature. However, like a mirror, it doesn't show you how to fix it.

The purpose of the New Testament is to show us how to fix it.

Jesus mentioned that a man shouldn't even look at a woman with lust. He warned us that we are to guard ourselves against greed.

The sad part is, we don't have the ability and/or desire to keep the Law. That is why Jesus came to save us. When he rescues us, it is the power of the indwelled Holy Spirit that helps us strive towards holiness and righteousness.

Why would we want to strive for holiness and righteousness?

Because we love our Lord!

Jesus told us that we are not to think that he came to abolish the Law and the Prophets. He came to fulfill them. He also told us that if we love him, we will keep his commandments. The Holy Spirit of God guides us to do just that!

[Please see The Cross is a Radical Thing over at Camp On This. It is an excellent essay! Steve Camp's blog has become a daily visit for me.]

Imagine yourself going to the dentist. He points out your problem. He finds that you have a deep cavity that needs to be fixed with a root canal and filling. However, he stops there, lets you get up from the chair and says, "good luck with that."

Would he be considered a good dentist if he just let you go on in your suffering without providing the remedy? Of course not!

It is the same with God. God has provided the remedy for our sin and it is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Again, the Old Testament provides the reasons why we know right and wrong. It is the absolute standard of truth. God disciplines those whom he loves! This is why He gives us parameters in our lives. He wants to save us from the consequences of sin; both in this life and in eternity.

Excerpt from Steve Camp's essay:

Compare the cost of the cross with the cost of sin

A life of sin can leave you naked - stripped of friends, family, dignity, wealth, and reputation. A life of sin can leave you lonely - separated from fellowship with God and other believers, left in despair without much hope. A life of sin can leave you in utter humiliation - waking up in the "pigpen" of your rebellion as the prodigal son sorrowfully discovered (Luke 15:14-16). And last, a life of sin can never bring glory, but only shame on all who embraces it, cover it, and hold it dear (Philippians 3:18-19; Psalm 66:18).

Like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) who wanted heaven on his own terms, people today, are trying to find their own way to God, but Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me (John 14:6 emphasis added)." The cross is truly a radical thing.

Recall that last question in the outline above.

Question: Are you madly in love with Jesus Christ?

Think about what many men are "madly in love with." Take, for example, fanatical football fans. On any given Sunday, we could find fans with their faces painted, no shirts, jumping up and down, screaming, cheering and yelling for their favorite team in 30 degree weather.

For what?

This is something that really has no true relevance in their lives. It's just a game. Yet, they are madly in love with their team and they want them to win!

Why not be madly in love with the Person throughout all eternity who loves you so much that he gave his life for you at the cross?

Excerpt from Steve Camp's essay:

Our Lord, having conquered sin and death now gives life-everlasting, the forgiveness of sin, newness of life, securing us with His precious Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our redemption to all those that the Father has drawn and chosen from all eternity to be His own (John 3:16-18; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17,21; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:1-10). What tremendous victories that cause us to glory in our Lord. (Titus 3:4-6).

HT: Camp On This

Warning: Avoid "Dark Materials" Trilogy

In a previous post entitled Hateful - The New Code Word, I included one of the seven satanic deceptions often used as schemes and devices to steer people away from the truth of God's Word which can lead them into a devastatingly error ridden place of existence.

The Bible warns us not to be ignorant of satan's devices.

2Cr 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2Cr 11:13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.


2Cr 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.


2Cr 11:15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The first deception of satan (discussed in that post) was false doctrine.

Within this Baptist Press article, we find that the author Bill Pullman of the "Dark Materials" Trilogy, has fallen for every single one of the seven deceptions.

1. False Doctrine

2. Lust (includes vanity, jealousy, greed & physical lust)

3. Pride, Vanity and Arrogance

4. Lying

5. False dreams, Visions, and Miracles

6. Bitterness

7. Lack of Faith

Oftentimes, the first six errors lead right into #7 - creating a Lack of Faith in the non-believer.

The Baptist Press article is certainly quite revealing. It points out the anti-Christian, anti-God, theme of Pullman's "The Golden Compass" movie. It is the first film in a series of books from Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy.

How ironic is it that within that article, we find similar verbiage to those groups who would call Christians and their beliefs, "hateful."

Excerpt:

The entire series has been dubbed the "anti-Narnia," with Pullman regularly expressing disdain for C.S. Lewis' fictional world and even once calling it "propaganda in the service of a life-hating ideology."

Hmmmm...even an atheist/agnostic/skeptic like Pullman can't seem to resist using such an obvious code word of propaganda against those who adhere to true Christian faith.

The article also shows how hopelessly Pullman has fallen for satan's typical schemes and devices. They are revealed so vividly in all that he writes!

1. False Doctrine

1Jo 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.


1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:


1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Excerpt:

The book and movie gets it name from a golden device that can, according to the books, determine truth itself.

How ironic is it that the author uses a golden device in his stories and makes the outrageous claim the it can "determine truth."

Again, Solomon was correct. There is "nothing new under the sun." Who could not recognize the golden calf comparison here?

2Ti 2:26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2. Lust (includes vanity, jealousy, greed & physical lust)

My. I would need to copy the entire article to cover this one. For now, I will focus on one paragraph.

Excerpt:

-- In one of the final chapters of The Amber Spyglass, an ex-nun named Mary tells Will and Lyra, "The Christian religion is a very powerful and convincing mistake, that's all." Mary also tells them that after she learned there was no God, she soon discovered that "physics was more interesting anyway."

Notice that Mary is an "ex-nun." Obviously, she has renounced her faith in God when she calls it "a very powerful and convincing mistake." She "learned" that there was no God. Just whom is she listening to? She feels that "physics was more interesting anyway." All of these are just additional code words which encompass vanity, jealousy, lust and greed for power over and above God's majesty; as well as rejection of God's Holiness, Righteousness and position of Absolute Truth.

3. Pride, Vanity, and Arrogance

2Cr 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.


2Cr 11:15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.


The article reveals that the author of the "dark materials trilogy" is filled with these traits, as well. Many quotes could be included here. But the following one "takes the cake," so to speak.

Excerpt:

-- In the second book in the trilogy, "The Subtle Knife," one of the main characters, Will, is told he possesses "the one weapon in all the universes" -- a magical knife -- that can "defeat the tyrant." That tyrant, he is told, is "The Authority. God."

This is so ridiculous that it would be laughable, if not so dreadfully prideful, awkward, and tremendously sad.

I can't even think of a good comparative analogy. Here's a thought. Imagine that an ant carrying a crumb of food thinks that it now owns a weapon that would give it the power to toss it at a human being and expect him to be destroyed.

1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.


1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

4. Lying

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

Isa 8:21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.


Isa 8:22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and [they shall be] driven to darkness.



This has to be the biggest blunder that owns Pullman. There are so many lies that could be listed here! I will post the most arrogant ones.

Excerpts:

-- In "The Amber Spyglass," the third and final book of the series, Will is told -- by two fallen, homosexual angels, no less -- that "The Authority" has many names, "God, the Creator, the Lord, Yahweh, El, Adonai, the King, the Father, the Almighty." These were names God "gave himself" even though "he was never the creator." Instead, Will is told, the Authority simply was the first angel formed out of "Dust" and thereafter God proceeded to tell "those who came after him that he had created them."

-- In another scene in The Amber Spyglass, one of the homosexual angels tells Will that churches "tell their believers that they'll live in Heaven, but that's a lie." Instead, believers go to a "prison camp."

Denying the Creator? The ultimate lie.

Homosexual angels? Could there even be such a thing? Just add that to the sexual depravity of the minds of men and list it under the lust deception category.

1Cr 7:2 Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

No other sexual relationship is approved of by God in His Word.

Believers go to a "prison camp?" Wow! Is Pullman going to be surprised if he doesn't repent and enters into eternity without Christ.


Act 5:1 ¶ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,


Act 5:2 And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.


Act 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?


Act 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.


Act 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

5. False dreams, Visions and Miracles

Excerpt:

The trilogy ends with Lyra, Will and their companions killing "God" and then resolving how their own relationship (they're in love) will continue.

"The God he has in his books -- particularly in the last book -- is not the Creator God," Brown said, emphasizing the evil nature of the trilogy's God. "It's just a weak being that is blown away at the very end.... I'm opposed to that view of God and to that view of the church, too."

That has to be the ultimate false dream of an atheist; having the ability to "kill" God? Obviously, Mr. Brown sets it straight (above) in his comment.

6. Bitterness

Jam 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Mr. Pullman is dripping with bitterness!! The entire article could fit under this category.

Excerpt:

"[I]f there is a God and he is as the Christians describe him, then he deserves to be put down and rebelled against," Pullman told the Telegraph newspaper in 2002. "As you look back over the history of the Christian church, it's a record of terrible infamy and cruelty and persecution and tyranny. How they have the bloody nerve to go on [the BBC's] 'Thought for the Day' and tell us all to be good when, given the slightest chance, they'd be hanging the rest of us and flogging the homosexuals and persecuting the witches."

He says, "as Christians describe Him?" What a depraved lie! Pullman reveals his bitter hatred for the God of the Bible and his hatred has turned into utter bitterness. Where does such bitterness lead? Ultimately, it can lead to the unforgiveable sin.

Hbr 12:14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:


Hbr 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;


Hbr 12:16 Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.


Hbr 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

7. Lack of Faith

Rom 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hbr 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Hbr 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Look at what Pullman's deception is causing him to miss out on:

Phl 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.


Phl 4:20 Now unto God and our Father [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 3 (NKJV)
Col 3:1 IF then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Col 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Col 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Col 3:6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

Col 3:7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

Col 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Col 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

Col 3:11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Col 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Col 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Col 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col 3:18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Col 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Col 3:22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

Col 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Col 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[fn1] you serve the Lord Christ.

Col 3:25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.


Footnotes:
3:24 NU-Text omits for.

Last but not least, all we can do is pray for this man who is in such rebellion to God that he desires to take as many people (and children!!) into the doomed dungeon of rebellion with him.

Those who do not trust in Christ:

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

God does not want anyone to perish:

Eze 33:11 Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;


Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Excerpt:

Cedarville University President Bill Brown told BP he hopes the movie will present Christians the opportunity to discuss their faith publicly in the media -- in the same way "The Da Vinci Code" presented such an occasion.

What man has meant for evil, God can turn towards good. May this awful trilogy end up being another chance for Christians to share the Gospel of Hope in Jesus Christ.

Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.


Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.


Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

HT: Baptist Press