Iran's Interior Ministry announced Saturday that hard-line incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had won 63.29% of the vote in the country's presidential election—hooray, a landslide. But there is one problem: Right before the election, the pro-reform candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi, had a huge lead in opinion polls.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told tens of thousands of people at a Friday prayer service at Tehran University that the balloting had not been rigged, and he sided with Ahmadinejad. If you can't trust the words of a holy man, who can you trust?

Actually, 63 percent is a rather dismal showing for the head of one of George W. Bush's “axis of evil" nations. The other two members, Iraq and North Korea, have done much better. Before being ousted by American-led forces, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein won 100 percent of votes in a 2002 referendum for a new term in office. The following year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il also received 100 percent support when the Supreme People's Assembly voted him back in office. Just this March, Kim was re-elected with yet another 100 percent of the vote.

Perhaps my western bias is blinding me from seeing how Ahmadinejad could pull out such a stunning upset. The fact that there has been massive rioting in the streets of Iran tells me that a large number of people in Iran expected Hossein Mousavi to win. Here are some red flags that help raise suspicion.

The election was run totally by the Interior Ministry. There were no independent election observers in Iran.

Just before voting ended, text-messaging and pro-Mousavi websites were blocked.

Ahmadinejad was declared the winner three hours before some of the polls closed.

All of the ballots were paper. It would be have been impossible to announce a definitive result so soon after the polls closed.

According to official figures, Ahmadinejad handily beat Mousavi in Mousavi's hometown of Tabriz — a shocking result, given the candidate's popularity in his own region.

Ahmadinejad beat Mousavi in the big cities, even though Iran's very limited polling and anecdotal evidence indicate that Mousavi is far more popular than the President in cities.

The number of votes counted in seventy districts was higher than the population in those districts.

Iran's economy is a mess, and people are unhappy about a raft of everyday issues, from the price of food to joblessness.

 

The election in Iran was obviously a sham. What we have here is another demonstration of the demonic arrogance that comes with political power. If Ahmadinejad were a sane man, he would have settled for a narrow margin of victory. Because all autocratic rulers typically have the nature of Satan, he chose to give himself the vast majority of the vote.

I am very encouraged by how the Internet has proven to be a useful tool by the protesters. The Iranian government has completely failed in its effort to block images and reports from being posted and accessed on social networking sites.

Three weeks after his landmark address in Cairo, President Barack Obama finds himself in a bit of conundrum. Having just reached out to Ahmadinejad, Obama now finds himself in danger of legitimizing a government that is clearly based on fraud. If he endorses the opposition, the Iranian hardliners will point to it as the “Great Satan” meddling in Iran’s internal affairs.

Little would change if Mir Hossein Mousavi were to emerge as the winner of this power struggle. The Supreme Leader picks all the candidates, so only conservative and like-minded Islamic fundamentalists can win office. Mousavi may be called the pro-reform candidate, but he still supports Iran's nuclear program and the policy of wiping Israel off the map.

The election crisis could be a huge boom for Bible prophecy. If Ahmadinejad manages to stay in power, he will be looking to distract the Iranian population away from domestic troubles. Few people realize that Ahmadinejad has an apocalyptic death wish where he would gladly sacrifice the lives of his fellow citizens to bring about the return of the fabled Twelfth Imam. With thousands of demonstrators marching in the street with signs that read “Down with the Dictator,” he has less reason to be hesitant.

-- Todd  Strandberg

Rapture Ready

        

American society is one that takes political correctness to new heights, as perhaps unlike any other country in the entire modern world. It seems we wear our feelings on our shoulders and become very restless as well as sensitive to criticism or when someone challenges our most cherished traditions, beliefs, history, and social practices. We pride ourselves in our independence, system of justice, rights of freedom of the press and free speech, and moral responsibility; but where are we as a people when it comes to 'sin'? The Wisdom of Solomon says in Proverbs 14: 34, Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.

Of course, the usual response to this important issue is met with scorn, suspicion, and in some instances, violence. It is one of those 'mind your own business' if you know what's good for you social withdrawal mechanisms. No one wants to talk about it, and those who do run the risk of being labeled 'demagogues,' narrow-minded, or accused of fostering hate-speech; which can lead to criminal charges of attempting to promote a "hate crime." Nobody wants to hurt another person's feelings or make them feel ashamed or embarrassed so the topic is essentially VERBOTEN (Ger. 'forbidden'). Maybe this is why the 'OBITUARY' section in most newspapers is written in such a way where all the deceased are treated with dignity and respect, even though some of them might have been quite the rascal and hell-raiser when they were alive.

Has the Christian Church abdicated her responsibility to take a firm stand against behaviors (not individuals) which are contrary to God's commandments? Of course, taking on this potentially controversial subject might just make the community of faith a religious 'pariah.' So then, appeasement is the more prudent course of action than face the sobering reality of the effect of sin on families, communities, and the entire nation. Sin is a spiritual condition and not a moral malaise or social aberration that the APA, JAMA, and AMA can merely just explain away based upon clinical studies and scientific research.

Even moral reasoning or rationalization is nothing new because Proverbs 21: 2a states: "Every way of man is right in his own eyes." But the folly of it is also captured in Proverbs 14: 12"There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death." Our weakness and reluctance to challenge sin in the body of Christ is appalling, and consequently we tolerate, or more accurately, approve the appointment of clergy and other officials to minister 'spiritual' things to the flock who themselves are guilty of shameful deeds or thoughts.

The question is: from what perspective should 'sin' be viewed?
Romans 3: 23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

And now, how does all this relate to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 9: 26b, 27
But now, once at the end of the ages, He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the Judgment.

John 7: 24
Therefore I say to you that you will die in your sins, for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

Acts 4: 12
Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven among men by which we must be saved.

NOTE: Salvation does not come from being a disciple of Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Wayne Dyer, J.Z. Knight (RAMTHA), Madame Helen Blavatsky, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Rav Michael Berg, the CHANGE-YOUR-LIFE Church of "O," and a host of others.

Some might reason that the Biblical pronouncements of doom and gloom are from a more religiously suspicious, less enlightened age because surely the God who is 'Love' would not pronounce such a dire fate as eternal torment upon broken, imperfect, weak, and flawed humanity.

John 5: 40; 6: 46
"But you are not willing to come to me that you might have 'Life.' Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has Everlasting Life."

II Thessalonians 1: 7b-9
The Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of is power.

Hebrews 10: 31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.

I Corinthians 5: 10-11b
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.

And what of those individuals who may consider themselves charitable, socially conscientious, morally excellent, religious, and there are even some who appear to have special spiritual gifts? Well, Jesus answers them in Matthew 7: 21-23
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. "Many will say to me in the day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!"

One of the overriding admonitions spoken by Jesus is in the warning of His sudden appearing as 'A thief in the night,' which is echoed throughout all the books of the entire New Testament; in one way or another. It seems that many people aren't too bothered or concerned and go about their daily routine as to not give it a second thought. The few that have a slight touch of conscience will justify their actions based upon the circumstances at the time and deal with the consequences later; still others deem themselves 'untouchable' and sin with impunity.

II Peter 3: 3-4, 9
Knowing this first: that, scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.' The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The assurance of Jesus' return is underscored in the following:
John 5: 28-29
"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation."

The final words of prophesy from the Lord Jesus to humanity is found in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 20: 11-15
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before the throne of God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the 'Book of Life'. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged each according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.

There are those few Christian apologists who explain that REVELATION is a book of symbols and is one of the most Jewish books in the New Testament along with, not surprisingly, HEBREWS. And like most literature, certain writing techniques such as metaphor and simile are intended to convey a message that is not always apparent to the reader. Within the body of this work are elements of the Prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel and certainly the Gospels; which should reinforce the need for everyone to examine themselves and ask, when the Lord returns, will they be ready to meet Him?

pbks@hotmail.com
http://choirboy51.blogspot.com

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I know I haven’t posted anything that I have written myself in a while, so I thought I had better let everybody know what I have been up to.  The task is finally completed and I now have a bit more time to get caught up again while doing other tasks that need my attention not related to Christian Political View. 

Shopping for a vehicle can be challenging for anyone trying to get a good buy on a used vehicle. This is especially true if one has a husband that thinks his savoir-faire tactics about getting the best car deal, is sure to snag the best possible deal.  My husband in particular thinks any used late-model vehicle should be half price of the original sticker price.  Regardless if has only three thousand miles and all the bells and whistles, top of the line or bottom of the line automobile.

He portentously enlightens the car salesman that he has done his homework when it comes to automobile shopping. Meaning, that his wife, yours truly, checked CARFAX and Consumer Reports, but forgot to check Kelly Blue Book.  He gets himself ready for the battle of haggling by role-playing with himself. With the short drive from our house to the dealerships, he manages to negotiate between the sticker price verses what he is willing to pay; with such finesse that is sure to impress any Middle-Eastern camel dealers.

He tells me not to get too excited about any vehicle because they won’t come down on the price, which I agree there and the biggie we are just looking.  Hey,  don’t worry,  I know after all these years never get my heart set on anything,  I consider myself lucky if I get to pick out  the color. 

We debate trading in or selling the old vehicle, but never relays one way or the other to me, which he wants to do; when the salesperson inquires, hubby turns to ask me, naturally I say the wrong thing.  By the next dealership, oh no you aren’t  putting me in that position again.  I refuse to answer. We look at different SUVs, various small vehicles where ground clearance is so low I would be praying that the car won’t get hung over on a speed bumps, potholes, traffic lane reflectors, a frog that happens to hop in the way or various other common road hazards.

A couple of weeks ago when he told me how much he wanted to spend on a new car, which he has cut back several thousand dollars since we first started looking. I informed him that he couldn’t buy a new car anything for that amount.  I now have a hard time finding a used vehicle for that amount in decent condition that isn’t over 10 years old, vehicle history shows that a law enforcement agency reported a vehicle crash or Consumer Reports advises to avoid this vehicle model like the bubonic plague.  This led up to me making a joke about going out a buying a Rolls-Royce if that is all he wanted to spend.  We could drive it to his favorite store, Dollar Tree, and to his favorite restaurant, that offers half off coupons, not to forget the thrift stores and yard sales.  Yes, anybody that is anybody drives their Rolls always having a jar of Gray Poupon just in case of emergency.

Using a handy-dandy search for vehicles, they did have Rolls Royce to sell, new ones a tad over the limit by $240,000 dollars.  Used the magic price range gizmo for a used vehicle search and several popped up.  When Rolls-Royce built this car, Jimmy Carter was president. We tried to see the vehicle as the price and the fact that it is a Rolls, piqued my husband’s interest. Made an appointment to see the vehicle but the owner was a no show. The owner did call, apologized, and asked that we call him back. My husband wants to wait him out thinking he will drop the price.  Strange, I wasn’t disappointed; truthfully, I really didn’t feel anything that the Rolls slipped out of our fingers for the second time.  Sorry to disappoint anyone but, I did not have a Lucy Ricardo-style crying jag over not getting the Blue Rolls-Royce.

He made offers on vehicles a couple of times before  would ask me if I thought we just bought the vehicle. Once I said yes, they will take the deal and they did, thankfully I did not have to settle for the lavender colored SUV. A couple of weeks ago he made an offer and he asked me if we made the deal, this time I said no.  We left the dealership without the vehicle, which I didn’t want to begin with.  Whoever owned this vehicle before was an oblivious fan of a certain rival college football team.  Perhaps that is why they wouldn’t come down on the price because so many fans live in the area.  Or maybe just maybe he had the Rolls in the back of his mind.

It’s back to square one, at least the amount he says he wants to spend has come up a bit.  Good, I can find plenty of gently used “cheap” vehicles that are manual transmission but Consumer Reports says to stay away from like a toxic waste dump.  Things are improving. Using Consumer Reports as a guide I find plenty of the right make model and price, but alas the wrong year and again way too many miles. Finally, finally, I found a vehicle right everything, Consumer Reports approved, price right on target, just one minor little detail it had a manual transmission. 

Ah, the plot has thickened; the Rolls didn’t sell so the owner has sent me an email for us to contact him. Hubby wants to think about this while at work. While vehicle shopping he keeps muttering the Rolls-Royce is a better buy. Now the opportunity has come back again. How do I compare this feeling? It’s a big decision. The vehicle is a huge gas-guzzling hog a whopping 10 miles per gallon highway, won’t be taking too many long trips in the Rolls.  Cost of major repairs could be staggering. However, insurance is very reasonable, better than our two teenaged vehicles now.  So I do I compare the decision of buying an even older Rolls-Royce to?  Getting married?  Perhaps, buying a house that is a handy-man special. The Rolls doesn’t need any work, but if it did . . . .

Hubby finally decided that if we got the Rolls would cost us too much for gasoline. Sent a message to the guy to let him know that we were no longer interested in the vehicle.  Finally! Hubby agreed that to get the year and the mileage to where he wants he is going to payout some more money. At last! I do a quick search and found 3 vehicles,  two Nissan Xterras, used  2008 and two 2009s, 2 Toyota Rav4s new 2008 and one 2010 Pontiac Vibe. The price on the Xterras were less than the other new vehicles. Great he agreed to go see the Xterras.  This time I checked Kelly Blue Book and the vehicles are at a very good price.

 A very nice young man who showed us an Xterra, but not one of the models advertised on the internet.  Things aren’t going well, hubby wants “cheap cheap cheap” again. The salesman showed us a 2006 model, again miles were too high and so was the price. The sales man then showed us another model, older but less expensive. Hubby thought the price was still a little high and the sales man had us come inside, it was horribly hot anyway and checked the Internet special price. It was the price he wanted to pay, but the age and the miles were still a little high, but acceptable.  What we went home with is a vehicle too old, mileage too high but it was the price he intended to pay.  

Candace Clark

Christian Political View

        

Every person has been touched by this countries economic disaster in one way or another. Truth is our paychecks, if you even have one, does not go as far as it used to. The choices and decisions we now make as Americans in our spending practices are more crucial than ever before.
 
For many years I have often remarked to my husband that the more self-sufficient we are the better off we will be when
the party is over. By this I meant that one day life as we know it will end and it has. The carefree days are gone and
many people have lost their jobs, their homes, their savings and in some cases their lives due to this economic tragedy
we face . Survival is what people seek, no one is immune.

God reigns in the lives of  His children, giving a strong foundation to rely on. He is our strength and will
remain so no matter what the world around us looks like.

Our country was founded with a strong belief in God. I think of the portrait of George Washington kneeling in prayer
next to his white horse in the snow. Over these many years since the founding of America what has man chosen to do
with God? If Americans believe in God at all, where is He in this world of economic disaster? I believe that God is
right where man wants Him to be, in their back pocket, to be trotted out on Sunday mornings to say, look at us we are
religious. I am a Christian, although I am not religious. I think of myself as a spiritual person who believes in God, one
who believes the Bible is the word of God cover to cover. I believe man has twisted and turned God to fit the lifestyle
they want, that is the choice they have made.

I love God, I pray, I walk with Him as my guide in all things, most of all I trust Him to pour into my life what is best
for me. During this time of economic disaster as I call it, God will not leave His children.. We will continue
to be blessed by the hand of God. Whether you believe in the same God I do or not is a choice you make and you alone.

Meanwhile I have a few tips that may, I pray, help you through this difficult time
.
1. Money isn't everything, learn to barter and trade for what you need. The trading of goods and services is a blast for me. What is it that you have that someone else needs? What does someone else have that you need? Let me give you a couple of examples;

    Our son, to my way of thinking, is a computer wiz, but has never pursued any education for computers further than     high school, in other words he has no documentation of how good he is with computers. Like most kids he has borrowed money form his Dad and I. Due to our economy it is almost impossible for him to pay us back the money he owes us. My husband and I both needed websites, so we trade. Our son builds our websites, we clear his debt to us, everybody is happy.

2. I love doing crafts, not the usual ones perhaps, but still being creative is fun and can come in handy at times. I was given twenty-two, six pane windows from an older home whose windows were being replaced. I broke the glass out of them, which was great fun for me, left the original paint on them, sanded them, added eye bolts for the rusty barbed wire for hanging the window, then I added grapevine from our property, as was the rusty barbed wire, then I added wooden words like welcome, faith, etc. that I found at an area dollar store. I decorated some of the windows by adding ribbon to the grapevine or seasonal items. My neighbor sews like you wouldn't believe. I don't sew much any more because of a visual disorder I have as a result of some surgery. My neighbor made me a beautiful apron, I'm a messy cook and had worn numerous holes in my current apron. To buy a new one was something I couldn't afford to do. I love the apron she made me and she loves the window I gave her, which actually came from the home she now lives in. She bakes bread, I bake cinnamon roles and on and on. We trade all the time like neighbors used to, there are a million ways to barter and trade for what a person needs; the fun is searching them out. It is better than shopping at the mall for me
.

3. Take simple pleasures from life. If you have the space, plant a garden or some herbs. There is nothing for me quite like walking out to our garden to pick fresh from the vine vegetables for a meal, the taste of the vegetables  is amazing. I love to cook using fresh ingredients whenever possible. What is fresher than picking vegetables from your own garden? We plant, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, potatoes, various squash, peas, beets, sometimes cantaloupe, corn, carrots or pumpkins. We also have raspberry bushes, our neighbors have blackberry bushes and we have already agreed to trade berries this coming summer. Last year we planted three hundred Gladiola bulbs, my idea, I love flowers and have numerous varieties on our property. We blessed many people last summer with a bouquet of fresh gladiolas. I think my husband and I were just as thrilled as was the person receiving the flowers. If you have no space for a garden, do not despair, you may have something to trade for fresh vegetables. Since I no longer hold a full time paying job because of my past illness and was told I was ineligible for disability, the only income for us has been my husband's paycheck. We have already learned what many of you are just now learning.

4. Now let's talk about a clothing budget, in our home we have none. I used to make a lot of my clothes, but as I mentioned earlier in this article I no longer sew much due to a visual disorder s a result of surgery, so my creativity has kicked in. Years ago prior to surgery, I helped out with the emergency relief committee in our area. I especially loved sorting the donated clothing for the clothing walk-in. The clothing walk-in is a place where people donate clothing they no longer want. Also shoes, pocketbooks, baby items, toys, most item within reason. The walk-in is cared for by the communities churches, donated items are sorted and placed in the appropriate rooms, women's clothing in the women's room and so on. At appointed times once a month, except summer months, anyone can go to the walk-in and purchase clothing for ten cents an item, ten cents! I have purchase some amazing items there. One year a friend of mine brought in a bunch of teenagers who wanted to go to the school prom but had nothing to wear; they found some great clothing and their dream of attending the prom became a reality for them. All of the money collected from the sale of clothing goes to the community's food pantry; this is a wonderful example of people helping people.

 Let your creativity flow during these difficult economic times look around, pray, learn to trade and bargain and most of all be unafraid.

I live in upstate NY with my husband and two dogs. We have 1 son and 1 grandson.
 I have survived a life-threatening illness, a brain hemorrage,  brain anerysm, a craniotomy and much more.
 You can read more about me on my website, www.heartsafieldministry.com
Most of all I love God!

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The stock market has been up each of the past three months, but I don't look for any long-term economic recovery. A mass of dark clouds on the horizon is headed our way.

Sometime this week, General Motors will likely file for Chapter 11. It will be the largest bankruptcy in American history. Taxpayers will eventually own nearly three-quarters of GM, with a total government commitment of nearly $50 billion.

California is next in line for a bailout. The not-so Golden State is asking for Washington to act as a sort of co-signer on the state's borrowing, to be backed up with money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program. California is looking to get $30 billion to help keep it from insolvency.

All this money is not coming out of some giant cookie jar. It is the result of a mountain of IOUs that will someday have to be paid or rolled over.

America's debt burden has reached staggering levels. In 2008, the government took on $6.8 trillion in new obligations, pushing the total owed to a record $63.8 trillion. This current fiscal year will likely see the tab climb all the more higher. Federal obligations are now at a record $546,668 per household. That's quadruple what the average U.S. household owes for all mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and other debt combined. This number includes everything from Medicare to military pensions.

Russia's Pravda newspaper featured an article this week that warns of American's economic doom. It states: "The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe."

Our debt situation is made all the worse by the fact that there has been a huge decline in tax revenues. Federal tax income plunged $138 billion, or 34 percent, in April versus a year ago. It was the biggest decline in twenty-seven years. The lack of income could mean that the projected $1.8 trillion dollar deficit for 2009 is too low.

The dollar has been in a nosedive the past week. Sterling approached $1.62, almost an eight-month high. The euro has been rising steadily against the greenback as investors worry about our nation's debt load.

The U.S. bond market has had an equally rocky road. The ten-year Treasury note has seen a 1.4-percentage-point rise in yield this year. Treasuries have lost 5.1 percent in their worst annual start since Merrill Lynch & Co. began its Treasury Master Index in 1977. As interest rates rise, the government's cost of operation rises too.

The fate of the U.S. economy may ultimately be decided in Beijing. The Chinese government's purchase of U.S. Treasuries has been critical in the ability of our government to fund its debt obligations. As old debts come due and new Treasury notes come up for auction, the Chinese may finally say, “Thank you, we've had enough.”

In interview with C-SPAN, President Obama made a rather surprising statement when asked about the government’s ability to spend more money. He said, "Well, we are out of money now." Any fool can tell you we never had money in the first place. It is rather chilling to have one of the most liberal, spend-happy politicians in Washington admitting we lack the ability to generate new cash.

Terry and I have debated several times the question, “Will America have some spectacular collapse ahead of the pre-tribulation Rapture?” We both agree that it doesn't seem likely that there would be a time of great financial unrest at the time Jesus comes for the church.

The time of our Lord’s return is described as being relatively calm. Jesus used the example of Noah to warn how He will catch the world completely off guard.

"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37-39).

I sometimes wonder if it would be best if there were an economic calamity ahead of the Rapture. It would do wonders to shock people out of their comfort zone and force them to focus on what is coming our way.

Whatever scenario we're facing, it will soon play out before our eyes. I ask all my fellow believers to take an inventory of their lives by asking if you have a mindset that is focused on being ready for our Lord's return.

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).

-- Todd Strandberg

Rapture Ready

        

Stage setting for fulfillment of Bible prophecy is in fast forward. It is easy for the Christian who views daily headlines through the prism of God’s prophetic Word to become all but totally immersed in the shock and awe of the prolific signals bursting hourly around us. As a matter of fact, because of the overwhelming signs of the times, one can become desensitized to some aspects of the end-times stage setting. For example, we’ve for so long been watching peace overtures in the Middle East–overtures with Israel smack in the center of the process—that even the most attentive watchman can forget just how profound is the matter.

Many of us watched Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and his “shuttle diplomacy,” then secretaries of state under Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton, and Bush 2 work for peace between Israel and her blood-vowed enemies. We have, in some cases, become numb to the astonishing fact that here we are, just where God’s prophetic Word says the end-times generation will be. Israel is at the center of fears that thermonuclear war might be triggered at any moment. The world of diplomacy is crying “peace and safety,” the very thing that will bring Antichrist to the forefront and destruction that will surely follow.

To reiterate, we’ve become so used to talk of war and peace stemming from the hatreds surrounding Israel that even we who “watch” can have a sometimes ho-hum attitude about these truly prophetic developments. This commentary, then, is meant for the edification of and exhortation to the Christian who is doing what Jesus told us to do: “What I say unto one, I say unto all. Watch” (Mark 13:37).

As important as that order to be watchful given by our Lord is, another is even more important. We all–including yours truly—have on occasion been guilty of being so immersed in “watching” that we have taken our spiritual eyes, even if briefly, off of the supreme purpose of being here on this planet at this most exciting time in human history.

What is that purpose of preeminence? Jesus gave the marching orders in the following: “And Jesus came and space unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Amen” (Matthew 28:18-19).

Jesus' words just before His ascension are recorded in the gospel of Mark as: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Jesus’ words of instruction to His disciples were further recorded in the Gospel of Luke: “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

What is the gospel that Jesus ordered all who name His name down through the centuries to proclaim? Many of us have known from our childhood that gospel message in its most straightforward form, although the words we memorized might not have sunken in until later in life. It is found in the fourth Gospel, the Gospel of John: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

We who are royal ambassadors in this foreign land called planet earth must never take our concentration off of the preeminent mission God has assigned each of us. We are to witness to the whole world of hell-bound people the message that Jesus Christ is the only Way, Truth, and Eternal Life, and that not one person ever goes to be with God the Father except through His Son, Jesus.

Eschatology, the study of end things, is most important, and, tragically, woefully ignored by most seminaries, pastors, and people in the pews of America. But, things to come, given us through God’s prophetic Word, must always surround the nucleus of the primary mission–getting the gospel to the whole world. Prophecy cannot be consummated, we are told by the Lord himself until the gospel has been preached into the whole world: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).

There will be those who will want to argue that Jesus was talking about a different gospel. He wasn’t, and I’ll just leave it at that, without debate. Sowing the seed that Jesus alone saves the soul is our preeminent duty as we sojourn upon this fallen sphere.

John was told about the link of Bible prophecy to the all-important personage at the heart of the gospel message. The angel of God came to the old prophet, who went prostrate on his face before the angel: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).

Let us who call Jesus our Savior and Lord never stop watching Israel, the humanistic peace overtures that portend destruction, and all other signals of His any-moment coming for us in the Rapture. But, let us never stop witnessing to the redemption and reconciliation found only through the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. We want as many souls as possible to meet the Lord in the air at that rapturous event.

--Terry James

wtjames1@swbell.net

Rapture Ready

        

"Now then we are
ambassadors for Christ"
(2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV)

There will never come a day when Ambassadors for Christ are silenced. It is the duty of an ambassador to vigorously defend and represent their homeland, the country where they hold citizenship, and the government of that land.  As Ambassadors for Christ, our eternal citizenship is in Heaven; though living in a "foreign land" we represent our Homeland and have a duty to vigorously defend our nation and its Constitution as well as the Word of God.
 
We, as Ambassadors for Christ, have a growing dilemma facing us:  How far do we go to stand in defense of our Homeland (the Kingdom of God) and its Constitution?
 
Unlike the kingdoms of this world, the Kingdom of God is universal, not defined by borders or boundaries.  There is not a country on the face of the earth without an Ambassador residing within, representing the Kingdom of God and bound by its Constitution.
 
Paul says in Ephesians 2:19-22
 
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
 
Together, we are fellow-citizens with God's people, a spiritual nation, built on the foundation of faith with Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone.  It is our duty as citizens of such an eternal Kingdom to rightly and honorably represent this spiritual nation.  As Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, certain and unalienable rights are conferred upon us and these rights are protected by the constitution of our own United States government. 
 
The first amendment to the Constitution of the United States says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  While far from understanding all the legal underpinnings of this clause, I understand that this protects certain rights provided to all who are citizens of these United States including our rights as Christians to believe as we choose.
 
What happens when an Ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven serves in the military?  Should that Ambassador surrender his or her spiritual citizenship and be silenced while in active duty?  Is it wrong for an Ambassador to live his or her faith, fulfill the Great Commission, and honorably discharge their duties and responsibilities to the military at the same time?
 
I don't believe so, not according to the Word of God.  While we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, we live in this world.  We are to "occupy till he comes" (Luke 19:13).  In other words, we are to fulfill our obligations in this world while maintaining our heavenly citizenship.  But, that doesn't mean we are to be silenced or that the Great Commission is somehow to be forgotten or ignored while serving in the military. 
 
Soldiers Bible Ministry, a member of the Heart of God International Ministries network, has recently been implicated and its mission misstated and misinterpreted by the secular news media.  The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has used Soldiers Bible Ministry as proof to further their cause to silence the Christian voice in the military.  Every day there is more news coverage on the issue of proselytizing in the military and, while some instances cited may pose a valid concern, Soldiers Bible Ministry and Heart of God International Ministries take a strong position on proselytizing and/or breaking military code in order to force or impose one's religious beliefs on another.
 
The following statement has been issued by Soldiers Bible Ministry:
 
Soldiers Bible Ministry makes the following statement in response to questions that have arisen about the supply of Bibles (English and non-English) in Iraq and Afghanistan:
 
First, it is the purpose and mission of Soldiers Bible Ministry to supply Bibles (the Word of God) to military men and women, whether or not deployed, in response to the overwhelming requests by individuals and/or chaplains. This ministry does NOT in any way, shape or form support, encourage or promote anyone's violation of military code regarding proselytizing. 
 
Second, Soldiers Bible Ministry does not ship Bibles randomly but exists to support the weighty task of the chaplaincy to minister to all those under their spiritual care. This often includes providing complete Bibles and Bible Study materials to those who request such material. This ministry has no knowledge of any recipient of Bibles and/or Bible Study material ever breaking the military code regarding proselytizing nor has this ministry ever suggested anyone do so.
 
Third, although Soldiers Bible Ministry is evangelical by nature, it does not force the Bible or evangelical Christian beliefs on anyone, nor does it compel any military or non-military individual to violate anyone's right to religious freedom.
 
Fourth, Soldiers Bible Ministry holds the Chaplaincy of the United States military in the highest of regard with the utmost of respect. Although a Christian ministry, providing the complete Bible (both English and non-English) to military bases and individuals wherever located, Soldiers Bible Ministry acknowledges and respects the work of the United States Chaplaincy to fulfill their duty to men and women of all faiths.

Finally, Soldiers Bible Ministry is privately funded. No government or military funds have ever been or ever will be used to supply Bibles or Bible Study materials to military personnel.

(Dated:  09-May-2009 www.soldiersbibleministry.org)

We believe that evangelical Christian chaplains and service men and women have the right to serve in the military and to live their faith as citizens of an eternal Kingdom.  We also believe that it is possible to live a faith-filled life in the military without breaking the military code regarding proselytizing.  In fact, we believe it is the duty of every Christian in the military to do so.  
 
These rights, protected by the Constitution of our Government, apply not only to evangelical Christian chaplains, but also chaplains of other faiths, including those with whom we may not share the same views and/or beliefs.  However, we heartily support the exercise of their First Amendment rights as well since, the First Amendment protects anyone's right regardless of one's faith (or lack of faith), not excluding evangelical Christians.
 
Although many questions have been asked and the chatter continues to escalate regarding the purpose and intent of Soldiers Bible Ministry, we have had only one direct contact asking for a statement.  When we refused to respond, our purpose and intent was misunderstood or misrepresented by the inquiring party.  However, we continue to defend our right to distribute Bibles (both English and non-English) to anyone who makes such a request. 
 
Soldiers Bible Ministry currently has outstanding requests from Chaplains and other military (active and non-active) personnel for over $700,000 worth of Bibles.  The demand far outweighs the supply at this time.  However, as the funds become available, we will continue to ship Bibles (both English and non-English) to fill these outstanding requests and thus fulfill our part in the Great Commission.
 
Are we right?  We believe so based on the authority of God's Word and our First Amendment Rights.  Being a Christian doesn't preclude anyone from enjoying and/or expressing the freedom of religion or the freedom of speech. 
 
 2009 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
www.soldiersbibleministry.org
www.heartofgodinternational.org

Jan Ross, President of Heart of God International Ministries and co-founder of Soldiers Bible Ministry, is a passionate and outspoken defender of the Word of Truth and the Great Commission.  http://heartofgodinternational.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="www.faithwriters.com? http: www.faithwriters.com"%20originalattribute='"href"%20originalpath=" href?> WRITERS</a>

        

News that, to me, links to the prophet Ezekiel’s foretelling of the Gog-Magog war continues to bring into focus precursor stage setting for that assault on end-times Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the same time, is scheduled to meet with a new U.S. president whose pre-election rhetoric and post-election actions almost certainly lay groundwork that will drive a wedge between America and the people God calls His chosen. The movement away from Israel by the American administration and the international community inflicting a destructive peace process upon Israel is a prescription for disaster.

Russia, the nation to the uttermost north of Jerusalem, is making noises of intention to exert hegemony over all things pertaining to gas and oil energy within its sphere of influence. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made his nation’s intention known in conjunction with the United Nations’ issuing a deadline for countries wanting to make claims for sea bed gas and oil deposits, particularly in the Arctic region.

The Kremlin policy position paper, signed off by Medvedev, addressed Russia's main challenges to national security for the next decade. Russian policy in the area of acquisition and protection of its energy needs will in the next ten years be shaped by battles over energy reserves, the Kremlin document said. The Kremlin paper stated the leadership’s attitude regarding the use of military force in the problem of Russia’s energy resources.

It declared, "Amid competitive struggle for resources, attempts to use military force to solve emerging problems can't be excluded ... The existing balance of forces near the borders of the Russian Federation and its allies can be violated." The document said the Middle East, the Barents Sea, the Arctic, the Caspian Sea, and Central Asia are considered by the Kremlin as at the heart of competing claims for resources.

Meanwhile, adding to current building tensions that have biblically prophetic overtones, King Abdullah of Jordan has called together–astonishingly, in my view—a series of meetings of Arab nations and western powers called the World Economic Forum on Middle East. The meetings opened in Jordan this past Friday (May 15) at a time Israel is celebrating it’s sixty-first birthday into modern times.

The meeting comes, ostensibly, from the Arab nations’ trepidation about how dangerous is the Iranian regime, led by a man, and by mullahs who believe they can be truly successful only if they bring about the Islamic version of Armageddon. Cynical as the history of the Arabs’ hatred for the Jews has made me, I sense the meetings are much more nefariously based than fear of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and his wanting to bring the mahti from the well to rule over an all Islamic world. I look for there to come from the World Economic Forum on Middle East greatly increased pressure against Israel to agree to a peace initiative yet to be determined.

It can’t be coincident, I’m convinced. While the above things are gyrating in the Middle East, Russia, and Iran, the same man representing Israel as prime minister who so angered U.S. President Bill Clinton when he visited the White House in 1996 that Clinton was said to have had a profanity-laced fit, is about to meet with a president that at every geopolitical turn seems to want to take America farther from the alliance that binds the two nations.

Again, the chief focus of the upcoming Obama-Netanyahu White House meeting, like the focus of the World Economic Forum on Middle East, involves Iran and its threat to introduce yet another nuclear military entity into the volatile region. And, the president has already issued a warning to the leader of our closest ally in that incendiary part of the world.

U.S. President Barack Obama has sent a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that Israel not surprise the U.S. with an Israeli military operation against Iran. The message was conveyed by a senior American official who met in Israel with Netanyahu, ministers and other senior officials…Obama did not wait for his White House meeting with Netanyahu, scheduled for next Monday, to deliver his message, but rather sent it ahead of time with his envoy.

It may be assumed that Obama is disturbed by the positions Netanyahu expressed before his election vis-a-vis Tehran—for example, Netanyahu's statement that “If elected I pledge that Iran will not attain nuclear arms, and that includes whatever is necessary for this statement to be carried out" (“Obama warns Netanyahu: Don't surprise me with Iran strike,” Aluf Benn and Natasha Mozgovaya, Haaretz, Reuters, 5/15/09).

The cameras, lights, and action are turned precisely on the nations and issues God’s Word foretold will be at the center of deteriorating world conditions as the time of Christ’s return approaches. Jesus told the disciples who are alive at the time these things come into view to be watchful (Mark 13:37). Certainly, there is much to watch in these troubling, though exciting days.

--Terry James

        

  According to news sources FOXNews and the Chicago Tribune , Obama has asked U.S. Rep. Steve Israel not to run for U.S. Senate against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand . One would have to wonder why Obama would take an action to narrow the playing field in an upcoming election. Rep. Israel's voting record appears to follow party lines, and would not upset the Democratic strangle hold in Congress.

I don't know why Obama would interject himself into a state election. If someone reading this who lives in New York can shed some light on this, I would be very happy to hear from you.

Why are Sens. Church Schumer (D-NY) and especially Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) asking Obama to get involved in the first place? Asking Obama why he is asking Rep. Israel not to run for Senate is pointless, as i doubt that he would answer the question in a coherent manner.

But the question should be answered? A president should not be running interference with an election. The decision to elect someone or not should be made by the voters, not the person who is currently occupying the Oval Office.

Candace Clark

Christian Political View

        

I was studying the Bible last night and a verse sprang out at me like lightening in a thunderstorm. Cross-referencing passages seemed to send a message that perhaps we are not listening. While most of these verses deal with Israel, I could not help but think the Lord is still speaking to us through these scriptures. If we replace the word Israel, with the United States I think the verses shout loudly enough to those willing to listen. Micah 3:1-3 And I said, Hear, I pray you O heads of "states" and ye princes of the "United States" It is not for you to know justice? Who hate the good, and love the evil, who pluck off their skin from them, and their flesh from their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and like flesh within the cauldron. Here the government has allowed the powerful to pluck the people clean.

Micah 2:1-2Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence, and houses, and take them away; so they oppress a man his house, even a man and his heritage. Our government has bailed out businesses, the CEOs get millions of dollars in bonuses, yet the business either asks for more money or files for bankruptcy. The unemployment rate continues to rise and the economy continues to worsen. Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich shall surely come to want.

Amos 2:6-7 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of "the United States," and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes, That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek, and a man and his father will go into the same maid, to profane my holy name. The Lord points out more than those in seats of power are committing sin, but also to the general population as well. Sin is sin in the eyes of the Lord, he asks people to repent, but they do not. Some people only go through the motions of honoring God with their lips but not their hearts. Amos 5:21-24 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not take delight in your solemn assemblies, Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meal offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take away from me the noise of they song; for I will not hear the melody of thine harps. But let justice run down like waters, and righteousness like a might stream.

Now is the time for true repentance, the warning signs are everywhere. Many people shrug off the warnings. As ancient Israel did not listen, perhaps we are not listening as well.


Candace Clark

Christian Political View