Israel On Trial 05/31/2024
As reported in the May 13, 2024 on‐line edition of the Jerusalem Post, Rashida Tlaib, (a U.S. congresswoman; also affiliated with the group known as the Squad), called on the ICC (International Criminal Court) to issue arrest warrants for Israel′s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. Ms. Tlaib is, according to her Congressional website, “the proud daughter of Palestinian immigrant parents”. On many occasions, she has been out spoken with negative remarks about Israel, its leadership and the United States′ support of Israel. Like many around the world, the Michigan congresswoman believes the Israeli government is solely responsible for the current events between Israel and Gaza. Check out our 04/05/2024 blog entitled, “The World Wants Peace, But Nobody Is Listening” if you are not familiar with the events of October 7, 2023, the Hamas invasion of Israel. But, Ms Tlaib is not the only person within the U.S. government to be unhappy with Israel′s leadership. It would appear that most of the members of the Democratic Party, and some Republicans, are currently speaking against Israel. And those negative sympathies flow right to the top—to the Oval Office with President Joe Biden.
President Biden′s administration appears to be under the impression that the leadership and government of the current Israeli cabinet must be retired (or removed) in order that an effective U.S. policy and a shift to a new regional order can emerge. What is that new order? It would include a two-state solution. However, in a Stanford Report of Dec 5, 2023, reflecting an Arab Barometer poll of 1,189 Palestinians, (ages 18 and older living in the West Bank and Gaza, taken before October 7th, 2023), found that only about half of those polled were in favor of a two state solution with the 1967 borders. If you have any question of what those borders look like, it is pretty much what it looks like today—Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. So why do we have a peace problem? For one thing, the governing authority of Gaza (Hamas) will not recognize Israel′s right to exist. Remember the chant, “From the ocean to the sea, Palestine will be free”? Many believe this is a call for the annihilation of the state of Israel. Furthermore, Gaza is plagued by poverty, but Hamas has no shortage of cash. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the people polled felt that the country′s economic situation is the most important challenge, followed by instability and corruption—they do not trust the current leadership in Gaza nor in the West Bank. With estimates of Hamas′ annual military budget range from $100 million to $350 million, the obvious question is, where does all this money come from? And why are the citizens of Gaza so poverty stricken? It would appear that some of the money that comes into Gaza is from sources approved by the Israeli government to help Hamas serve the Palestinians—however, there is little evidence that the people of Gaza have benefited from these funds. Besides the monies Hamas receives from international aid, there are also overt and covert injections of cash from Iran (and others who have the same ideologies regarding Israel), cryptocurrency (by using cryptocurrency they can mask many transactions), and taxes. Yes, Hamas levies taxes on the businesses and residents of Gaza further burdening the people they are suppose to be aiding. And, according to current and former U.S. officials and regional experts, there is also extortion and smuggling activities that contribute to the Hamas treasury; plus, real estate and other investments Hamas has around the globe, despite international restrictions. All totaled, it can accumulate to a yearly income of up to $450 million according to an article by nbcnews.com. Although Hamas rarely shares it profits with the citizens of Gaza, they do provide a substantial amount of money to those young Palestinians who will tape explosives to their bodies and commit terror on Israelis who are blown to pieces. This clearly does not seem a gesture for peace.
To date, the chief prosecutor for the ICC, Karim Khan, has announced that he did indeed want to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The charges are crimes against humanity in the Gaza war. They accuse the Israel government of not allowing food to get to the Palestinians. Since the war an article from the Times of Israel, (a harsh critic of the Prime Minister and his cabinet), dated May 24, 2024, said, “A group of highly respected academics and public health officials who authored a working paper on the amount of food entering the Gaza Strip during the war have concluded that the supply from January through April is sufficient for the population′s daily energy and protein needs.” The article continues to point out that, “The study′s analysis demonstrated that 3,211 kcal per person per day had been transferred into Gaza through Israel′s goods crossings from January through April.” You can find that article here if you are interested (https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-study-finds-food-supply-to-gaza-more-than-sufficient-for-populations-needs/).
Besides nutrition, the UN is also concerned regarding the count of Palestinian causalities; although no organization or head of government can, with certainty, give a correct number, it is assumed, by most, that civilian causalities are high. However, the reason for many of the causalities is in question, not all may be due to the war. As the ICC prosecutor Mr Khan, continues his threats toward Israel′s leaders, Israel′s Attorney General, Gali Baharav‐Miara, reminds the U.N. Prosecutor that according to the ICC′s charter, “…the ICC cannot accept a case if the state in question (Israel) is willing and able to investigate alleged wrongdoing”. She further explained, “We do not shy away from enforcing the law against any person, even the heads of the military and the state, if there are well‐founded suspicions of violations of the law. We…will examine thoroughly suspicions of illegal actions. We don’t need outside help to clarify suspected criminal activity.” The Israeli military is also currently conducting criminal investigations regarding possible violations of the law during the war in Gaza. The attorney general also reminded everyone that, “‘any intelligent person who looks directly at reality knows that the challenges of fighting Hamas are unprecedented,’ and asserted that the terror organization not only violates international law but also ‘abuses in a manipulative manner Israel′s commitment to those rules.’” This is from an article by msn.com, date May 27, 2024. Baharav‐Miara insisted that the IDF is operating in accordance with the laws of war.
The ICC chief prosecutor also wants warrants for Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif, as they need to release either the hostages or the remains of the 128 hostages taken to Gaza on October 7th attack on Israel. No acknowledgment of their crimes against the Israelis was ever mentioned. The warrants will be decided on with a vote from the ICC′s pretrial chamber. To date, many nations have started a band wagon calling for a Palestinian state. It seems daily countries are siding with the Palestinians and against Israel. Would Israel be interested in a two state solution? Perhaps the real question to ask is, are there any Palestinians leaders that truly desire to live at peace with Israel?
How does this all relate to Bible Prophecy? As we see the events of nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places, we know that these things will happen as birth pangs at the time of the end as recorded in the Bible‐ref Mt 24:9—including world opinion turning against Israel. We also realize that world opinion turning against Israel makes for a strong argument for the Jews willingness to make an agreement with the Anti‐Christ, as reference in Isa 28:15. And, we know the feast of Trumpets is fast approaching. It comes in October this year. In case you are unaware, there are seven feasts in God′s time table. Check out this link if you would like to learn more. The feast of Trumpets is important as it is the day when many believe the Rapture will happen. So, we know the day, but not the year. We need to watch world events and make ourselves ready for His return. If you are saying, “The Bible says we can not know the day of the Rapture”, check out this link.
After the Rapture, Anti‐Christ will befriend the Israeli government and promise them security—a security the Israelis desire, but Anti‐Christs′ security will be like a man in a bed that is too short to stretch in‐ref Is 28:20. Israel will make that deal for peace and most will be saying, “Peace, peace”, but then sudden destruction will come‐ref Thes 5:3.
It is unfortunate that most people, (those who have known the ways of God and then rejected those ways), have forgotten the things that were written for our learning. They have altered biblical history, and followed opposing arguments to all that is true and factual‐ref 1 Tim 6:20 (EXB). They, therefore, have no direction that leads toward a hopeful future because of forsaking God′s will and God′s ways. It is written, Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways !‐Ps 81:13. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My ways: Unto whom I sware in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest ‐Ps 95:10,11. Do you walk in God′s ways, or do you think your ways are just fine and you will get to heaven because you are a good person? It is written, Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts‐Pr 21:2. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death‐Pr 14:12; 16:25. 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?‐Ezk 33:11.
Sources: jpost.com; tlaib.house.gov; politico.com; brookings.edu; britannica.com-Arab Israeli Wars; britannica.com-Palestine; extremismterms.adl.org; jpost.com; stanford.edu; outsidethebeltway.com; abc.net.au-A Tin Of Sardines Falls From The Sky; abc.net.au-Australia Joins 12 Other Democracies Urging Israel ; businessinsider.com; timesofisrael.com; nbcnews.com; poynter.org; msn.com.
Take Heed That Ye Be Not Deceived? 05/03/2024
The disciples of Jesus asked Him, “…what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no man deceive you.”
In the April 2024 edition of Decision magazine, a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, an article by Aaron Edwards expresses his view of today′s church by entitling his work, When the Church Shrinks Back. Mr Edwards, a college theological professor, was released from his theological professorship last year at a Methodist school in Derbyshire, England. Why? For expressing views he believed to be Bible based—however, according to many on‐line news outlets, the college felt his tweets did “not represent either the views or the ethos, of Cliff College”. Ethos is defined as, “…the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society”. Whether you believe Mr Edwards′ tweet was biblically sound or not, it is clear there is a distancing of main stream religions toward traditional Biblical doctrines.
Case in point, the April 26, 2024 on‐line article from churchleaders.com, reports that the United Methodist Church leaders have decided to divide the denomination into four equal regions—Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the United States. For what purpose? Perhaps two‐fold. One, they believe, “regionalization has been framed as an undertaking of decolonization. Born of an 18th‐century movement begun in England by John and Charles Wesley, the Methodist movement through its various schisms and realignments has always been centered in the United States. This new regionalization, if it is approved, will decentralize the church.” Two, “ the regionalization plan is also an acknowledgment that cultural and theological differences are driving Methodists apart, especially regarding sexuality. Many church leaders believe the only way Methodists around the world can live under one umbrella is if they have leeway to differ on matters of same‐sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ people.”
But, it is not only mainstream denominations, many evangelical and nondenominational pastors are opting to trade traditional Bible teachings for newer techniques—call it contemporary preaching. These can range from a number of teaching styles and doctrines that do not feed the flock of God with good quality milk or solid meat. The prosperity doctrine is a good example. Who doesn′t want to prosper? Doesn′t the Bible say, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper?‐ref 3 Jn 2. Yes, but by reading the whole verse and applying the whole Gospel message, you begin to think as Paul who said, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content‐Phil 4:11. Matthew Henry′s commentary reflects on this verse. The author writes, “The apostle′s good opinion of his friend, that his soul prospered. There is such a thing as soul prosperity—the greatest blessing on this side heaven. This supposes regeneration, and an inward fund (supply) of spiritual life; this stock (a quantity of something accumulated) is increasing, and, while spiritual treasures are advancing, the soul is in a fair way to the kingdom of glory. His good wish for his friend that his body may prosper and be in health as well as his soul. Grace and health are two rich companions; grace will improve health, health will employ grace”. It is written, Let the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing your own selves, in Psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with a grace in your hearts to the Lord‐Col 3:16 (1599 Geneva Bible). If you would like to learn more about grace check out this link. But there is down side to prosperity in earthly riches.
The Daily Wire′s, Megan Basham, puts forth a question in her new book, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. She ask the reader to consider, has your pastor been bought? She is not referring to the blood of Christ, but bought by the root of all evil—cold hard cash. Are you, all of a sudden, listening to sermons that, at first, sound alarming, but after listening you feel your eyes have been opened? You've been awoken, yes, awoken. Her research warrants a reflection upon what you are being fed from the pulpit and how that lines up with the Bible. Jesus warned, be not deceived.
But, what is a church to do while traditional church attendance is slipping? They say the Bible is just not popular, nor is it relevant to day′s issues—hence, the rise of the Mega Church. Since the Bible is not entertaining enough, these Mega Churches ring out Sundays′ call to worship at their basketball courts, bowling allies, skateboard parks, pool halls, coffee bars and snack shops—not to forget the wickedly good entertainment and sermons that tickle the ear of the hearers, to capture the young and disillusioned adults for Christ—but what Christ are they presenting. What Jesus do they serve?
Are you able, by the Word of God, to decipher misleading words that come from men who use their pulpits as divisive spring boards? Or, do you delight in the bright lights of the stage where gifted musicians and entertainers use those God given gifts for money and prestige—not necessarily for God′s glory.
The saddest of all the naysayers are those pastors who do not encourage their congregations to read the Bible—nor do they study it themselves. How tragic when men of faith (our spiritual founding fathers) went to great pains, persecution and death to put the words of God in print so anyone could read them. Other saints of God, throughout the ages, have sacrificed, even to the laying down of their life, just for the opportunity to read the words of God for themselves, and teach it to their children.
What does this have to do with Bible Prophecy? Because, Jesus warned, at the time of the end, that we should be careful that no man deceive us. Deceit will be a problem in the latter days, and whether you recognize it or not, deceit, in the pulpit, is far more common than probably most recognize. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus told the church of the Laodicean′s (this church age), “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” He continues to reveal that they “sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” This church age is considered by most Bible Prophecy scholars as being the last church age before the Rapture. That means the Laodicean Church is the church age we are now living.
You may wonder, how do I know if a person is of God? It is written, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 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‐1 Jn 4:1‐3. The Scriptures also tell us we will recognize people by their fruits‐ref Mt 5:16. Do you know the difference between good fruit and bad fruit according to Scripture?
St. Peter warns, But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction‐2 Pe 2:1. And St. Paul warns, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple‐Rom 16:17,18. Thomas Scott, author of the Thomas Scott Commentary Bible explained Rom 16:17,18 in the following statement. “…that he (Paul) might warn Christians at Rome, to ‘note’ and carefully guard against the persons, whose conduct, doctrine, or insinuations tended to make divisions in the church, or to stumble or mislead inquirers: and to avoid them, as they would persons, who were infected with some contagious disease. For, whatever they professed, they ‘did not serve Christ,’ or seek His glory in what they did: but they rather sought the indulgences of their appetites; and advanced, or zealously contended for, their peculiar opinions, in order to support themselves, and live in plenty, without labor. Thus, by their benevolent and flattering language, and plausible harangues (a long pompous speech), they imposed upon the judgment, and insinuated themselves into the affections, of those persons, who were favorably disposed to hear the gospel, but were unsuspecting and undiscerning. Men of this character had done great mischief at Corinth…”
Back to Revelation chapter 3, we looked at how this church age thinks of itself: rich, increased with goods, and having need of nothing. However, Jesus describes this church age as wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked‐ref Rev 3:17. But in His love and mercy he gives us a remedy to our poor condition. Jesus says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent”‐Rev 3: 18,19.
Matthew Henry, who lived from 1662‐1714, believed that religion is so much the business of our lives, and the worship of God so much the business of our religion…that it is certain those that live without prayer, live without God in the world. He dedicated his life to the study of God′s Word, and had completed a commentary on the Bible from Genesis to Acts upon his death. Acts to Revelation, was completed by some friends with the help of Matthew Henry′s notes—hence producing the Matthew Henry Commentary of the Bible. The following is a reflection, in an abbreviated state of Rev 3:15‐19 from his commentary.
- The heavy charge drawn up against this church (the Laodicean Church), ministers and people, by one (the Lord Jesus) who knew them better than they knew themselves.
- If religion is worth any thing, it is worth every thing; an indifference here is inexcusable: Why halt you between two opinions?...Thou art neither cold nor hot, but worse than either; I would thou wert cold or hot...Lukewarmness or indifference in religion is the worst temper (temperature) in the world... Christ expects that men should declare themselves in earnest either for him or against him....
- A severe punishment threatened: I will spue thee out of my mouth...He (the Lord Jesus) is sick of them, and cannot long bear them. They may call their lukewarmness charity, meekness, moderation, and a largeness of soul; it is nauseous to Christ, and makes those so that allow themselves in it. They shall be rejected.
- They thought they were very well already, and therefore they were very indifferent whether they grew better or no.
- Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods. Here observe, What a difference there was between the thoughts they had of themselves and the thoughts that Christ had of them. The high thoughts they had of themselves: Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, rich, and growing richer, and increased to such a degree as to be above all want or possibility of wanting. Perhaps they were well provided for as to their bodies, and this made them overlook the necessities of their souls. How careful should we be not to put the cheat upon our own souls! Doubtless there are many in hell that once thought themselves to be in the way to heaven. Let us daily beg of God that we may not be left to flatter and deceive ourselves in the concerns of our souls.
- They were poor, really poor, when they said and thought they were rich; they had no provision for their souls to live upon; their souls were starving in the midst of their abundance.
- They were blind; they could not see their state, nor their way, nor their danger; they could not see into themselves; they could not look before them; they were blind, and yet they thought they saw; the very light that was in them was darkness, and then how great must that darkness be!
- They were naked, without clothing and without house and harbour for their souls. They were without clothing, had neither the garment of justification nor that of sanctification. Their nakedness both of guilt and pollution had no covering. They lay always exposed to sin and shame. Their righteousness's were but filthy rags; they were rags, and would not cover them, filthy rags, and would defile them. And they were naked, without house or harbour, for they were without God, and he has been the dwelling place of his people in all ages; in him alone the soul of man can find rest, and safety, and all suitable accommodations.
- The riches of the body will not enrich the soul; the sight of the body will not enlighten the soul; the most convenient house for the body will not afford rest nor safety to the soul. The soul is a different thing from the body, and must have accommodation suitable to its nature, or else in the midst of bodily prosperity it will be wretched and miserable.
- We have good counsel given by Christ to this sinful people, and that is that they drop their vain and false opinion they had of themselves, and endeavour to be that really which they would seem to be: I counsel thee to buy of me...Something indeed must be parted with, but it is nothing of a valuable consideration, it is only to make room for receiving true riches.
- "Part with sin and self-sufficiency, and come to Christ with a sense of your poverty and emptiness, that you may be filled with his hidden treasure."...
- Here is added great and gracious encouragement to this sinful people to take the admonition and advice well that Christ had given them. He tells them, It was given them in true and tender affection: "Whom I love, I rebuke and chasten. You may think I have given you hard words and severe reproofs; it is all out of love to your souls. I would not have thus openly rebuked and corrected your sinful lukewarmness and vain confidence, if I had not been a lover of your souls; had I hated you, I would have let you alone, to go on in sin till it had been your ruin."
- Sinners ought to take the rebukes of God's word and rod as tokens of his good-will to their souls, and should accordingly repent in good earnest, and turn to him that smites them;
- We now come to the conclusion of this epistle; and here we have as before, The promise made to the overcoming believer. It is here implied, That though this church seemed to be wholly overrun and overcome with lukewarmness and self-confidence, yet it was
- possible that by the reproofs and counsels of Christ they might be inspired with fresh zeal and vigour, and might come off conquerors in their spiritual warfare. That, if they did so, all former faults should be forgiven, and they should have a great reward. And what is that reward? They shall sit down with me (Jesus) on my throne, as I also overcame, and have sat down with my Father on his throne.
Jesus warned, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” The only way to do this is by believing the Jesus of the Bible. (Check out this link if you would like to learn who Jesus is. Repent of all known sin. Check out this link if you would like to learn more about repenting. Reading and study the Bible and obeying God′s Word. Check out this link to learn more about Bible reading. From hence forth you can not say, “Nobody ever warned me.”
Sources: decisionmagazine.com; dictionary.com; churchleaders.com; usatoday.com; firstthings.com; baptistpress.com; crosswalk.com; protestia.com; lifeway.com; religionnews.com; thegospelcoalition.org matthewhenry.org; frc.org.
Aaron Edwards, "When The Church Shrinks Back", Decision, April 2024: 16.
CharlieKirk.com, Is Your Church's Pastor "For Sale"?, Podcast, 35:01, interview with Megan Basham, posted April 18, 2024, https://charliekirk.com/podcasts/?ep=28dfe900-f1d9-44b8-a64b-b1550155f70a.
Matthew Henry. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete): Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume VI (Acts to Revelation) .
England, No publisher listed, 1706. Matthew Henry p 1635-1637. https://biblesnet.com/mhc6.pdf.