IRANIAN PASTOR SENTENCED TO DEATH

Pastor Youcif Nardarkhani

I would like to thank Bill Carpenter for sending me this story.  According to the Voice of the Martyrs’ website, Pastor Nardarkhani has been imprisoned for over a year.  The following information and image were taken from the VOM webpage (below).  Please pray for this brave man of God and his family. – CR

Recently, Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani was reportedly sentenced to death for apostasy. VOM contacts confirm that the pastor’s trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of The Assize Court of the province of Gilan.

Pastor Youcef is one of several members of his church who have been imprisoned. In the past, the Iranian government has also imprisoned and released his wife. Pastor Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Quran.
Media reports suggest that Pastor Youcef was transferred to Lakan prison, which is supervised by the Political Police of the Islamic Republic. If a death sentence is officially handed down by the court and Pastor Youcef is executed, his would be the first judicial execution of a Christian in Iran in two decades.
Pastor Youcef is a leader in the Full Gospel “Church of Iran” network, a group that stands apart from most house church groups in Iran.

Source:

http://www.be-a-voice.net/share/pa/myspace/206.html

The Latest on this story from Sue:

http://sueliz1.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/urgent-breaking-news-iran-court-%E2%80%98pastor-to-be-executed-by-hanging%E2%80%99-bosnewslife-exclusive

HAPPY NEW YEAR ISRAEL

First, I would like to give a brief history of what this day means.

Second, I would like to share a few reasons why I don’t think it’s a very happy new year in Israel.

Third, I would like to share a little about the future of Israel.

Yom Kippur begins today in Israel.  The “Day of Atonement,” it is perhaps the most important holiday of the Jewish year.

Many Jews will take off work and fast for this holy and most solemn day of repentance and reconciliation.

It was on this day – the only day – that the High Priest was able to enter the Holy of Holies, and then only after elaborate ceremonial washings, offerings, and associated rituals. This was also the day that two goats were selected, one for an offering and one as the “scapegoat.” As many aspects of the feasts were prophetic, the scapegoat is also Messianic. The ceremonial acts that were to be carried out by the High Priest on Yom Kippur are described in Leviticus 16 (see also Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27-31, 25:9; Numbers 29:7-11). Since the loss of the Temple in 70 A.D., the God-centered observances of the Torah have tragically been replaced with a man-centered, good works system of appeasement through prayer, charity, and penitence. (1)

“Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.”
- Leviticus 23:27-28

Why is this New Year not a happy one?

Anyone remotely aware of the events surrounding Israel can see that their enemies are tightening the noose.

In the news just today,

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov

Russia plans to go ahead with the sale of anti-ship missiles to Syria. The United States and Israel are opposed to the sale, agreed in 2007, fearing the weapons could fall into the hands of the radical Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. (2)

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov confirmed in Washington that Russia would supply Syria with P-800 Yakhont cruise missiles, Russian news agencies reported Friday (today). (3)

Russia has signed deals with Syria under which it will sell it warplanes, antitank weapons and air defense systems, Itar-Tass news agency quoted a senior Russian arms trader.  This was back in May. (4)

Anyone who is not aware that Syria is a puppet of Iran…well, now you know it.

Iran, whose leader has repeatedly talked of destroying the “Zionists,” continues to ignore any kind of sanctions in its desire to obtain powerful weapons of mass destruction.  They already have missiles capable of reaching Europe and they are very close to having a powerful weapon.  Concerned countries are watching their seismographs in an attempt to identify a weapons test.

At this point, the “answer” to the huge Iranian threat is to work on putting a missile defense system in place to “cover” Europe. The Russians haven’t yet approved of such a system. (5)

I wonder how Israel feels about protecting Europe?  They may be happy for Europe but…

European Missile Defence System

And what is the U.S doing?

Visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton “appealed” to the Israeli leader to continue the freeze (on settlement building), even just for a “limited time,” saying it would be “extremely useful” if he would agree. (6)

Now, that’s a strong solution to the problem (that’s sarcasm).  In her defense, the only real solution is to bomb the facilities where the manufacturing of the weaponry is occurring.  That’s not something that I want to publicly endorse, but their enemies keep painting Israel into a smaller corner.

I could add a hundred other items that make this New Year’s Day one of concern for those living in Israel.

So, what’s going to happen and when?  No one can say specifically for certain.  But there are a few things that, I think, are certainties based on scriptures from the Bible.

There will eventually be a war.  Their are many references to war, but the one with the most specifics is in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

Ezekiel 38:8 says”

“After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel whih had been a continual wast; but its people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them.”

This is speaking to those who will attack Israel.  Surprise…Persia (Iran) is listed as one of the nations.

The next verse describes the attack:

“And you will go up, you will come like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all you troops, and many peoples with you.” (v.9)

Verses 19-22 tell the results of the battle.

You should read these verses yourself.  I’ll summarize it: Earthquakes and a torrential rain of hailstones, fire and brimstone will rain on Israel’s enemies.

“For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them in order to cleanse the land.” (Ezekiel 39:12)

Israel will not be destroyed.

And what will happen to the U.S.?

The Bible says that those who bless Israel will be blessed.

There is not clear mention of the U.S. in Bible prophecy but, based on the last sentence, I think some of the U.S. outcome will be a result of our support of Israel.

What will happen after the war that’s coming?

I’ll save my opinion on that for an upcoming post.

Happy New Year Israel!!!

Chris Reimers

Jews in Arkansas will be lighting candles at 6:56 this evening.

(1)http://hearkenthewatchmen.com/article.asp?id=328

(2)http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1585218.php/Russia-to-go-ahead-with-anti-ship-missile-sale-to-Syria

(3)http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-3955589,00.html

(4)http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3889572,00.html

(5)http://en.rian.ru/world/20100917/160618084.html

(6)http://www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com/israelinews/israel/israeli-news/906-the-war-this-yom-kippur-.html

To find out when Jews around the world will be lighting candles today, go to:

http://www.chabadisraeli.info/calendar/location.htm

Rob Bowen posted this song by Steve McConnell called “Yom Kippur” on Facebook.  It’s definitely turning to Fall in the Northern Hemisphere and these pics are beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXCMILKzzm4

PEACE SUMMIT AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY

I’ve read more than a few articles about the peace talks “surrounding” Israel.  I never like to be a “negative Nelly,” but I’m, sadly, in agreement with the title above. -CR

Friday, September 3, 2010

By Dr. James M. Hutchens
The Jerusalem Connection

Israel’s Interior Minister Eli Yishai said: “The shootings only prove that peace talks will lead to nowhere, because Hamas is the ruler on the ground, and won’t let the Palestinian Authority reach an agreement.”… “Let’s say [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas] makes an agreement with us, where we make painful sacrifices. Hamas and all the other terror organizations will start attacking again – so what did we do? We must stand up for our principles and never give up on them: Stop terror, recognize Israel as a Jewish state, stop provoking violence, and start negotiations without conditions.”

God says: “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem a unmovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. … On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume right and left all the surrounding peoples, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.” [Zachariah 12:2-3, 6].

The Jerusalem Connection says: All presidents since Harry Truman have sought the major foreign policy achievement of being the architect of a mid-east peace settlement. All have failed. The present peace Summit must likewise be seen as an exercise in futility. The sons of Isaac will be reconciled to the sons of Ishmael only when the Messiah comes. On-going peace summits are merely speed bumps that slow the march to the inevitable conflagration that the prophets foretold. The best that can be hoped for in the meantime is the defeat, containment and dismantling of the terrorist infrastructure of Israel’s Jihadist foes. The visceral hate of Palestinians for Jews is embedded in their DNA. No peace summit will ever change that. Only the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ can change that. For believers however, we should pray what Jesus told us to pray, with the expectation that if he said pray for it, he intends to answer the prayer: “Be always on the watch and pray that you may have the power to escape all that is about to happen and that you may stand before the Son of Man.” [Luke 21:36].

http://www.bible-prophecy-today.com/2010/09/peace-summit-exercise-in-futility.html

THE JOYS OF MUSLIM WOMEN

This is the second time a post has appeared here with this title.  An email from Barbara gives us a snapshot of the life of one Muslim woman and information about Shariah law. – CR

Does she know what it says? Is it held out of fear?

…Nonie Darwish was born in Egypt as a Muslim.

In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child, consummating the marriage by 9. The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) for the purchase of her private parts. Even though a woman is abused, she cannot obtain a divorce. To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses. Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry.  The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives at will and no explanation is necessary. The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.

The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman. In the Western World (including America) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife cannot obtain a divorce. Thus, he can have full and complete control of her.  It is amazing and alarming how many are attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law. By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.

“Ripping the West in Two”

Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two. She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.

Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel.  He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza . When he died, he was considered a “shahid,” a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.

But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing.. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television. In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law – what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries. For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed.

Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual.  Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world. Peace and prosperity for one’s children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world. While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics – one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others. While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism. It’s hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed.

Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation. While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere. (In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves! … You can look at how they have taken over several towns in the USA … Dearborn Mich. is one example. Or, look at Europe and see the communities where local police are not even welcome in their own areas of jurisdiction. IF  we allow these folks to immigrate here, we need to be sure they are willing to assimilate, not form sub-cultures and communities within our society.

While America is getting rid of Christianity from all public sites and erasing God from the lives of children the Muslims are planning a great jihad on America …

ALARMING VIDEO: OBAMA AND ISRAEL

…………It is amazing what can be done over the internet.  I spent some time with Christian friends in a chat room yesterday.  They live in Holland, Italy, and England.  Part of our “discussion” centered around the move of Islam in Europe.  They are very concerned.

I don’t think the man who is interviewed here is a Christian.  He is a Jewish man with a list of accomplishments.  His words mirror those that I have read and heard in many places.

After the video post, I have noted why I think this issue is so important.  After that, I have posted two links, one for the second time that contains a short video on the truth about Israel, and a second about the Iranian President’s reaction to our latest sanctions.  Note that Mr. Obama wasn’t the originator of the sanctions.

Chris Reimers

An man who knows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNlaQEYw0q4

The reason it is important:

To Whom Did God Give The Land of Israel?

To Abraham

* “On that day the Lord made a COVENANT with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
Genesis 15:18

* “And I will establish my COVENANT between me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an evelasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, ALL THE LAND OF CANAAN as an EVERLASTING possession; and I will be their God.”
Genesis 17:7-8

Then to Abraham’s son Isaac:

* “And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and thou shalt call his name ISAAC; and I will establish my covenant with him for an EVERLASTING COVENANT, and with his seed after him.”
Genesis 17:19

* “But I will establish my covenant with ISAAC, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year.”
Genesis 17:21

* “…for IN ISAAC SHALL YOUR SEED BE CALLED.”
Genesis 21:12

And then to Isaac’s son Jacob:

* “Remember his marvelous works which He has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth, O seed of Abraham his servant, you children of JACOB, his chosen ones!”
1st Chronicles 16:12-13

* “Then Jacob said to Joseph: ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land TO YOUR DESCENDANTS after you as an everlasting possession.’”
Genesis 48:3-4

He Repeats To Make It Clear:

* “O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of JACOB, his chosen ones! He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant which he made with ABRAHAM, and his oath to ISAAC, and confirmed it to JACOB for a statute, to ISRAEL for an everlasting covenant, saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance…’”
Psalms 105:6-11

Jacob’s Name Changed To Israel:

*And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel

Genesis 32:28

God Told Moses His Covenant Is With Israel:

* “Then the Lord spoke to Moses that very same day, saying: ‘Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, across from Jericho; view the land of Canaan, which I give TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL as a possession…’”

The Borders of The Covenant Land:

* “On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.”
Genesis 15:18

“The Real Truth About Jerusalem:”

http://israels-covenant.blogspot.com

“Ahmadinejad says the latest sanctions are ‘Pathetic:’”

http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=180308

Here is the most important section of the Jerusalem Post article:

“The measure was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate and House last week ahead of the July 4 recess. Sponsors described it as the toughest yet to target Iran.

Though the Obama administration had expressed reservations about the details of the legislation, its main concern was that the move would disrupt its own efforts to get a new sanctions resolution through the UN Security Council.”

In other words, the interview posted at the top of this post is backed up by the Obama administration’s latest move. – CR

Here’s the Latest:

Obama OKs arms sales to Arab League states on eve of Netanyahu visit

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_military0608_07_05.asp

WE SEE IN A MIRROR DIMLY

Before I discuss the content intended for this post, I must make a statement about you.  Those of you who get emails from me are a wonderful lot.  How do I know this?  I have been “on the edge” lately and not one of you has emailed me and asked me to remove you from my list.  This statement is not an effort to keep you on my email list.  It is a statement of appreciation.  I made a mistake by omission in a recent post and none of you who read it got on my case.  It speaks highly of you.  Only God is perfect, and we all know that I’m not Him.

I did get an accusation from someone who is not on my email list.  I don’t know how he found my blog, but he thought I might be inciting others to arson.  If you would like to see the conversation, go to the post called, “AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH,” and go below the article to view it.

http://chrisreimersblog.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/as-it-was-in-the-days-of-noah

It should be obvious to you that I do NOT consider myself a prophet.  Those who take the description are treading on holy ground.  There is no room for error for the prophet of God.

The title of this article comes from a verse in 1 Corinthians that explains humanity’s current situation; the total truth is not now in full focus.  The same verse (12) goes on to say that some day we will “know fully.”  I think this is a great description of our understanding of God’s word.  There are some things in the Bible that are very clear.  An example of a clear item is that there is one God.  Other things we know something of, but the full truth remains a mystery. An example of something “dim” is the day that Jesus will return.

Last Monday, June 7^th, I posted an article called “WAR OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS SOON.” I also posted an article called “TWO CHOICES.”  More people read this blog that day than any previous day.

The “TWO CHOICES” post hasn’t been changed and if you haven’t read it, you should.

The “WAR OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS SOON” post has been changed.  The title and one line in the article have been changed.  The title now states: “WAR OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS MAY COME SOON.”  I originally made a mistake on that one.  The words “may come” are a very important inclusion.  The other title was a bit presumptuous of me.

It is impossible for me to watch what is going on in the world and not make comparisons to the “days of Noah.”  As a Christian, I am continually seeing things like this:

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix/lgbt/2010

This is on the U.S. Department of State web page?  How can I not make the association to the disobedience of Noah’s day?

“Be on the alert for you do not know which day the Lord is coming.”  These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 24.   What an incredible statement.  It articulates the balanced view that the Bible teaches.  We are to be on the alert.  We don’t know the hour.

My recent posts about things relating to the second coming of Jesus Christ are not meant to scare.  I am a Christian.  I am not only concerned about the events occurring in the world today, I am enthusiastic about the future.  As a Christian, I view things from an eternal standpoint.

One day the disciples asked Jesus this question: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

That is a pretty straight question, and Jesus gave them a straight answer.  If you want to know the answer, read the 24^th and 25^th chapters of Matthew.

You should read  it yourself,  but one quote from Jesus’ answer is: “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.”

It is very easy to find out what it was like in the “days of Noah.”  Genesis, chapter 6, describes the “scene.”

Verse 5 says:  “Then the Lord saw the wickedness of man was great on the earth..”

Verse 11 says:  “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence.”

Many will say that things have always been this way.  Yes, man has always been sinful. In my own lifetime, however, I have seen a huge moral decline.

Also, there are Bible passages that refer to recent events.  Old Bible prophecies are clear.  They state that the Jews will be gathered from many places and will be returned to the land that God gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Some of you were alive when that happened.  I was alive when the Jews won Jerusalem.  At the time I was too young to know how important the event was.

By the way if you want to know “The Real Truth about Israel and Jerusalem,” click here and scroll down to the 6 minute video.  In six minutes, you will know the truth about the Palestinian/Israel issue:

http://israels-covenant.blogspot.com

One of the reasons for this post is an email that I received from an acquaintance just last week.  Its contents must be alarming to those who  believe them.  I don’t believe them.  I think “visions” like the one below are designed to control.

Here is a portion:

EXTREME ALERT — Gulf Coast Evacuation Contingency
Plans Soon to Go Operational: The operational name for the Gulf Coast
Evacuation is “Swift Fox.” Yesterday morning at around 8:30 Mountain
time, I received information that specific towns, in Tennessee,
Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and Georgia were having hotel
rooms rented in mass by different named “Societies” using Federal
government credit cards. The block hotel room rentals are for half the
available rooms in hotels with a minimum of 120 rooms. Specific
conversations were “overheard” that would indicate that the planned
Gulf Coast evacuation is soon to be implemented. The only scenario I
hear that may force the government to evacuate the coast is a multiple
plume situation. Apparently, the unmitigated oil spilling has caused a
pressure flux which, ironically, has caused a spider web network of
Gulf seabed fissures, which has caused at least one other confirmed
oil plume. NOAA is searching for two more suspected ones.” This quote
is from an insider who is really concerned as he should be. Here’s
additional info he provided. His comments in the following quote: “I
know FEMA has already scoped out FEMA camp locations, i.e. vacant lots
and swaths of land that can be leased temporarily in Texas and
Georgia.”
The inside guy said it is up to the President to give the go-signal.
There is an evacuation plan drafted and in place, ready for execution
only *if* the administration deems it necessary. That can happen two
ways. FEMA makes an emergency declaration with recommendation to POTUS
(President of the US) for an evacuation or 2/3 of the Gulf States
request federal help for an evacuation. States can individually
declare an evacuation of their Gulf residents, but that would be a
state action only, not FEMA/Federal.
One week ago I was given a “vision of bread” while praying for wisdom.
I saw a piece of bread being ripped apart as you would tear apart a
sandwich from the bottom up. Imagine holding a sandwich in both hands
and pressing your thumbs through the center of the bread and then
tearing the bread, ripping it apart into two sections!
My interpretation of this is the Body of Christ (for we are one loaf)
will be divided throughout the country in FEMA camps.  They will be
separated from their local fellowships and scattered among other
believers, in some cases in these camps, which in many cases will be a
good thing to get them out of their false religious clicks so they can
seek God for themselves. If any of you see my brethren there tell them
how big God is.

This email came from someone who spends a great deal of time around folks who call themselves “Christians” but believe in lies.  It comes from a cult, in other words.  The “vision of bread” did not come from God.

These types of statements are being made in many places today and I want no part of them.

This false prophecy, however, is a good example of what NOT to do.  It is imperative to be very careful when discussing future events.  There is nothing wrong with giving an opinion.  Making a declaration of fact that does not line up with the Bible, however, can be dangerous and deceiving.

The words of the Biblical prophets are 100% accurate.  They may cause anxiety to some.  For me, they are golden words.  The fulfillment of Biblical prophecy leads to promise.  There will be a happy ending.

Specific visions from a man that cause fear and confusion are, in kind words, unreliable and unethical.

The crazy “vision” email helped me.  I must be sure to take a balanced, Biblical approach to my views about the second coming of Jesus.

News items appeared this weekend that relate to the article that I posted last Monday.  They are:

Iranian ships ready to sail to Gaza

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=178266

and

Iranian Marines Set to Escort Flotilla ‘To Teach Israel Lessons’

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138022

These articles tell of Muslims that seems eager to engage Israel in battle.  It seems they are backing Israel into a corner.

I see through a mirror dimly.  I do not know if these efforts to incite the Israelis to fight will lead to a larger conflict that will spark the start of the tribulation mentioned in the Bible.

I do know that the possibilities for real peace in the Middle East are more remote now than ever.

Is Jesus coming soon?  The answer is yes in God’s timetable.  For God, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day.

For us, the term “soon” depends on who you are talking to.

One thing is certain, He is coming.  There is no question that there will eventually be seven years of tribulation.  Whether the church will go through the tribulation or not is something I can’t answer with certainty. It is a sure thing, however, that one day every tear shall be wiped away and all things will become new.

Chris Reimers

WAR OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS MAY COME SOON

Israeli Air Force Fuga aircrafts fly over the Mediterranean coast of Tel Aviv during a special military display for Israel's 60th Independence Day on May 8, 2008

I thought it could happen last summer.  It now seems this summer may be the time.  If either the EU or Iran use military force to aid “aid” ships to Gaza, there will be war.  Bible students know what this war could mean.

Reports state that both Iran and EU reps are saying that the “flotilla” event will not happen the same way again.

Israel is saying that it will defend itself.

It appears that many are pushing the little land that God gave the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, into war.

How much verbiage is rhetoric and how much gets acted upon remains.

I have a Christian friend who knows of a believer who is living and ministering in Israel.  The ministry is called “Love Without Boarders” and was started by one lady.  She is on the ground in Israel, so I would consider this information a primary source.  It is true that she is getting her information locally so one has to view it accordingly.  The information is dated June 6^th.  I have put the intro at the end because a rearrangement puts material relating to my headline at the top.

Ron Kunath is the name of my Christian friend.  His email stated:

“This is a Prayer Letter from a dear Missionary friend I worked with for many years. Check out the Gaza Flotilla Video below…God bless….RK”

You can receive the ministry’s newsletter by going here:

http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1103080520028

Here is the Latest new “flotilla” info:

A great post by Gary Stearman of Prophecy in the News:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeIrfT-VFW8

This one is written from “their” view but is very informative.

http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=60058

I hope you find this as interesting as I did.  There is documentation at the very end.

Chris Reimers

Christian Friends of Israel,

Beginning of Gog and Magog? – Concerning the incident this week which is

trying to give Israel bad publicity the Rabbinical Council issued an unusual

statement “We are at the beginning of Gog and Magog process where the world

is against us at first, but which ends with the third and final redemption.”

Gaza Tunnels – An estimated 1,000 tunnels are in use to smuggle various

black market goods as well as drugs and weapons. Several thousand young men

and boys are employed in the tunnels. Workers are paid $20 a day, according

to Arab media. Some tunnel operators say children are more likely than

adults to work hard even for the lower wage.

Israeli Sub deployed – Israel has allegedly deployed a permanent submarine

presence in the Persian Gulf to keep an eye on Iran, according to  media

reports published Sunday. The three German-built submarines are reportedly

equipped with nuclear cruise missiles.

Syria Supports Hizbulla – Hizbullah terrorists are running weapons to

Lebanon from secret arms depots in Syria where the terrorists have been

accorded their own living quarters, arms storage site and a fleet of trucks,

Palestinians Boycott Israel – The Israel boycott by the Palestinian

Authority took on wider dimensions when Arabs burned two Arab stores for

allegedly doing business with Jews.

Hamas Refuses Flotilla Humanitarian Aid – Hamas continues to prevent the

transfer of the humanitarian aid which has been unloaded at the Kerem Shalom

crossing. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories

(COGAT) will continue to work closely with international bodies and the

Palestinian Authority in order to organize the transfer of the goods into

the Gaza Strip.

More Gas and Possibly Oil found in Israel – According to the Globes

financial journal, the field has been discovered to be even larger than

previously thought. The field’s estimated size has grown several times as

more surveys are conducted.  Last year  Teshuva, originally said the gas

reserves could allow Israel to be self-sufficient in energy for two decades,

but now it seems that was a conservative estimate.  “The results indicate

that in addition to the gas, there are signs of oil at a greater depth. We

have turned Israel into a great energy power. Today is a holiday for every

citizen of Israel. It’s a day of joy,”  The offshore platform will be imported from the gulf of Mexico.

(I tried everything to increase the size of the next section to no avail. Use your control + and control – buttons, at the same time, to enlarge and decrease in size. -CR)

Media
_ZQ==> Video – In regards the flotilla which was meant to bring humanitarian Aid to
Gaza, the following 5 minute video will give the explanation which most
people already know here in Israel.    Gaza Flotilla
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103457750586&s=996&e=001F8Tzv6JRSL8B6CbcICRsR
LIxt3FLM65_GTAt3nUxKdn1NaWT_uRNv2U1oPTfsFj6M9236je5Uy7rXWQ_Uc_B_gH9_yAV3FEQ8
L6h8iIS_ElgIrPVsxsF0MGTgnjO23YnBKqnwHwdwaY=>     Unfortunately, many people
in the West listen to their local media and believe what they are told.  The
Bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved.  If we want to know the
truth we have to search for it and not just believe someone’s opinion.
Israel is in a Media and Public Relations war.  They have been attacked and
I have been attacked in standing for Israel.  After living here 11 years, I
have plenty to complain about concerning my treatment by people here in
Israel.  As a matter of fact I can’t even drive my car because of laws that
restrict foreigners, it’s unfair.  Though my natural instinct would be to
jump on the band wagon and criticize Israel, I have to look at all the
evidence and weigh out the matter fairly.  When I do that, I have no choice
but to tell you that Israel is doing what it can under intense scrutiny of
the World to protect it’s nation and people.  Again you don’t have to
believe what I or anyone else tells you, but before you judge please make
sure you have all the facts.  If you know the facts you should join us in
fighting the lies with the truth.  Our desire and prayer is that the truth
will prevail.

Radio – This week I interviewed Avi Lipkin who has written several books
concerning Israel’s situation and Islam.  His wife monitors Arab media and
thus exposes what is really happening that we in the West do not hear about.
To listen to the radio interview, please click here:  Avi Lipkin Interview
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103457750586&s=996&e=001F8Tzv6JRSL-q1c06cqRYi
WaO_MQcUM2Q1mwLVtqD8CqnNzhqWhjWBP3uNr7CwMJRBcqfmCfW8mSt3olQ4T_emXqhnlBhdEe3A
VKyqpZB2nEbr5vUkmANzY4RAZPUan98rkH6nYKoOlMUzl6ExK7
Lizzy helping with distribution

The number of Believers are growing in the Land due to the Love of Christ
being shown through the Body.  A local organization donated clothing to help
the poor in a Muslim village and we were the distributors.  We took material
such as the Jesus film and Bibles and with support money I bought food for 6
families. Thanks for being a part! We truly are workers together with
Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:9

A family of local Believers had their house burn down this week.  They had
no clothes for the kids so part of your donations went to help this family.
We will continue to help as we can.
Thank you for being a blessing!

News

Christians Helping Israel – Christian Friends of Israel had their 25th
Anniversary in Jerusalem.  This brought in over 600 visitors from 40
nations.  Directors Sharon and Ray Sanders continue to serve Israel and
invite volunteers to serve along with them.  www.cfijerusalem.org

Conference <http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs020/1103080520028/img/19.jpg>

Israel Update #12
Love Without Borders

June 6, 2010

Shalom!

Thanks for your prayers, the Lord answered and one of my co-workers returned
to Israel to continue helping with the work.

I met with the Ministry of Tourism this week to share some information and
thoughts so that Christians who are wanting to come to Israel can learn
more, meet the people and serve during their tour.  It was a productive
meeting and he invited me to take a desk at the Ministry of Tourism and work
from their office.  It would not be practical for me, but it was an honor to
be invited.  I will continue to work with him and others on staff so that we
can build a better understanding between Israel and Christians from abroad.

Israel is certainly a land of opportunity, but it is also a land of
opposition.  I guess that’s why we are told in 2 Timothy 2:3 You therefore
endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  We are in a battle,
wherever we are, but soldiers don’t quit in the middle of a battle.  (I
learned that from my dad who fought in both Korea and Viet Nam.) I believe
the Lord wants us to be doers of the Word, pray for one anther and continue

to move forward following and serving Him.

Related headlines:

Hamas welcomes EU proposal to monitor crossings

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=290085

‘ Iranian ships won’t reach Gaza

http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177777

If you need additional documentation, Google:

“Hamas leader Salah Al-Bardawil welcomed statements by Spanish Minster of Foreign Affairs Miguel Ángel Moratinos“

WHAT AN S-300 IS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Russian S-300 missile-air defense system

Mr. Obama is scheduled to meet today (May 24) with Lebanese President Saad Hariri.  The US is stating “grave concerns” over Hezbollah’s buildup of arms in Southern Lebanon.  It is likely to be a topic during today’s discussion.  The following headline appeared yesterday:

Hizbullah arms of ‘grave concern’

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?ID=176129

The Israelis are sure to doubt any “grave concerns” because of  recent U.S. decisions.  The change of position on the S-300 is one of several Obama Administration policy changes that have caused the people of Israel to question American support.

An S-300 is a Russian made anti-aircraft battery.  It is capable of shooting down sophisticated multi-million dollar warplanes.

The Obama Administration has “made concessions,” agreeing not to ban the sale of Russian anti-aircraft batteries to Tehran.

The New York Times, a source that I can’t remember using previously, is reporting that:

“The concessions are the latest moves in President Obama’s effort to establish a fresh partnership with Russia after years of mutual suspicion.”

It goes on to state:

“The latest moves generated a fresh barrage of criticism from lawmakers and national security experts who said the administration was giving away too much and getting too little in return.”

Here’s the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/22/world/22sanctions.html

I think the headline in the DEBKAfile explains how most Israelis will view this event.  It reads:

Lifting US ban on Russia’s S-300s for Iran blows hole in Israel’s security

The article: http://www.debka.com/article/8802

There is no question that the unease of those living in Israel will intensify after another awful decision by the Obama Administration.  The following quote is no surprise:

“Military sources point out to debkafile, that Washington’s uneven and inconsistent approach to Iran and Syria make naught of the protestations made by President Obama and other US officials of their unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.”

This decision by the Obama Administration has created more instability in a situation that is already way out of control.

Chris Reimers

RELATED STORY:

ISRAEL BEGINS FIVE DAY NATIONWIDE DRILL TO PREPARE FOR WAR

http://www.bible-prophecy-today.com/2010/05/israel-begins-five-day-nationwide-drill.html#axzz0oo37GZnx

THE BEAR IS GROWLING

Medvedev Arrives in Syria

Checking Russian online news sources this morning, it took awhile to find the story. I don’t look at Russian online news very often, but it’s amazing how similar they look to mainline U.S. online news sources.

Once again, the gathering of this information was made easier by Christian news sources.  The secular news doesn’t understand how important these developments are.

Surprisingly, CBS had an online story about this meeting.  Was it was seen in the print or T.V. media?  It’s doubtful.

The CBS post entitled, “Russia Seeks Bigger Mideast Role, Via Syria,” had the following quotes:

“Russian diplomats said the long-stalled Mideast peace process, Iran’s nuclear program and bilateral arms trade between the two countries were expected to be key topics for the two-day visit, the first ever to Syria by any Russian or Soviet head of state.”

“Analysts say Moscow’s influence in the Middle East will in many ways depend on its relations with Syria, an increasingly important regional player with tight ties to Iran, Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has its political headquarters in Damascus.

Russia, with the European Union, the United Nations and the United States, is a member of the international quartet for Middle East peace and has long sought to expand its clout in the region.”

“Medvedev’s visit comes amid reports that he he’ll honor a deal with Damascus for the sale of an advanced anti-aircraft defense system.”

“Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has personally flown to Moscow in the hope of preventing the weapons deal, but Medvedev would only agree to a delay, unwilling to cancel the deal. The Russian leader justified the sale by saying the weapons system is a defensive one, not an offensive one.”

“Syria has insisted that the promise of an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights be a precursor to any renewed peace negotiations between the two countries. Netanyahu has vehemently rejected the notion of a withdrawal.”

The complete article may be seen here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20004526-503543.html

Russian sources reported the following:

“”The situation in the Middle East is getting worse and an increase of tensions would be extremely dangerous,’ Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday during his visit to Syria.
“‘Any future flare-up of the Mideast situation is fraught with the danger of catastrophe,’ Medvedev said during a joint news conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.”

“‘I have personally emphasized that Russia will do everything possible to restore Mideast peace talks under the existing international legal base,’ he added. ‘The situation is deteriorating, becoming more complicated, and it negatively affects the general climate in the Middle East.’”

“The president said Russia was ready to make every effort and hold a Middle East peace conference in Moscow that would achieve “at least some intermediate results.”

“Syria’s main demand within the peace process is the return of the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967.”

“Al-Assad said his country was ready to negotiate on all issues as soon as the occupied territories are returned to Syria.”

“‘Syria cannot agree to a deal under which it gets back only a part of the occupied Syrian land,’ the president said.”

See the article here:

http://en.rian.ru/world/20100511/158972407.html

There you have it.  Neither side will make concessions on the issue of the Golan Heights.  Israel can’t be blamed.  If they were to give up the Heights, they would be giving up one of their most strategic positions.  It helps protect them from the north.  Any military man will tell you that you never give up the high ground.

Articles relating to these events and seen from different angles, can be found at the following site:

http://www.nuggetnetreview.com/main-news1.htm

This story has many implications.  It’s only a matter of time to see what comes of it.

Chris Reimers

JEWS IN THE NEWS – AND MOST OF AMERICA HAS NO CLUE

President Medvedev Meets With President Peres Yesterday

One of Yesterday’s headlines reads:

Poll: Obama has Lost Almost Half of his US Jewish Support

Less than a week ago, I wrote that I had always been surprised that 80% of Jewish Americans had voted for Barack Obama (see “comments” under RADICAL ISLAM IS ON THE MOVE). The same folks who discovered these surprising numbers now say that Mr. Obama has the support of only 4 in 10 American Jews.  What a difference in 18 months.

Here’s another headline from yesterday:

US sends Israel smart bombs to match Syrian missiles for Hizballah

Both of these headlines were found in Jewish news sources and were parroted in a few Christian websites.

Anyone who has been watching the Middle East knows that Hezbollah has been re-arming since its last confrontation with Israel in the summer of 2006.  The only difference is that now the terrorist group has more rockets.  Not only are they greater in numbers – U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has said “Hezbollah has more missiles than most governments”- they are reportedly more deadly and they have greater range.  The Israelis have been preparing for chemical attacks.

If the headline is true, if we are going to help Israel defend itself, it may change the way the Jews view Mr. Obama once again.  I’ve read story after story about the disappointment that American supporters of Israel have over certain actions or non-actions of the current American administration.

What would America do if a terrorist group were placing huge numbers of missiles in Mexico?  What if we knew they were aimed at American cities like San Diego and San Antonio and we thought that some of them may contain chemical weapons?

The answer is obvious.  Look at how our media has reacted to the intended car bombing in New York City.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is expected to visit Damascus in Syria today.  I wonder if it will get any coverage.  This is the same Damascus that the Bible predicts will suffer dire consequences some day.  Most of the missiles the terrorists in Southern Lebanon possess came through Syria compliments of the leaders of Iran.  I can’t wait to see how the Medvedev/Assad meeting goes.

Yesterday, Shimon Perez met with Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow.  He was representing Israel at a ceremony recognizing the defeat of the Nazis 65 years ago.

Israel could have sent a lower level dignitary to such an event.  The real reason that President Peres went to Moscow was to, once again, hold out the olive branch to those who are bent on Israel’s destruction.

Mr. Peres, sent a message to the President of Syria, Bashar Assad, stating that Israel did not want a confrontation with Syria.

Unbelievable.  The Israelis are offering peace once again.  It doesn’t take a genius to know the results.  The Syrians and Iranians will continue to support the terrorists.

How many Americans know what you’ve just read?

How many Americans know that the Chinese President and German Chancellor were also in Moscow and met with President Peres?

The answer: very few.

I watched several mainline news programs yesterday and these events were not mentioned.

I didn’t get the local paper, but I checked the Sentinel-Record front page online.  Not there.  Was it anywhere? Page 12A?  Maybe one of you can tell me.

I checked the online issue of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.  Nothing visible enough that anyone would notice.

I googled “Medvedev meets with Peres” and several other possibilities that should have given me news about these events. A few articles about these important events came from two sources in Israel, one that is a very liberal source according to one of the readers of this blog.  The other sources were mostly Christian sources that watch the Middle East anticipating the eventual fulfillment of Biblical prophecies.

Where is the mainstream American media? They are where they normally are.  They are lost. The big story is still the attempted bombing in NYC.  Hillary Clinton talked about the “global threat” on 60 minutes last night in a story that was mostly about her. The interview with our Secretary of State followed a story about the New York City bomb scare.  The “global threat” statement she made neglected to mention Iran or Syria or Hezbollah.

Unbelievable.

Are the conspiracy theorists right?  Is the mainstream media spoon fed by elites who control what we are told?

I think there may be some truth to this because some deliverers of the message are elites themselves. However, it is not the main reason important stories don’t make the front page.

Most of those who report mainstream news do not believe what the Bible says.  To most of the mainstream media, the Bible is a collection of nice stories that attempt to teach us moral behavior.  They think it’s a book of fairy tales.

The Russian President, the Chinese President, the German Chancellor, and the Israeli President were all at the same place at the same time (Moscow) and I can’t find the news easily available anywhere in American mainline media sources.

The American media is self-absorbed.

The second biggest “global threat” is the one developing in the Middle East.  There is only one larger threat, but I can wait until next Monday to post information about it, I think.

Chris Reimers

Late breaking news – The BBC New just posted a report entitled:

First round of Mid-East indirect peace talks completed

This is the story that will probably hit the mainstream American newswires today.  George Mitchell is shuttling between representatives of Israel and the Palestinians.  I think that most people who have followed the relations between the two parties know the minute chances of something permanent coming from talks like these. – CR

The poll:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/137449

U.S. sends missiles:

http://www.debka.com/article/8772

Related articles:

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/peres-in-message-to-syria-israel-does-not-want-war-1.289238

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/the-missiles-are-coming-1.289149

The BBC story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8670726.stm

Christian website coverage of peace talks:

http://www.nuggetnetreview.com/US-to-Hold-Israel,-Palestinians-Accountable-for-any-Undermining-of-Talks.htm