Articles

(My Patreon page is growing. Consider joining our community and get a fresh perspective on Israel and Bible prophecy, which is proof that God exists. It is also the most hopeful message in an age of Hopelessness. Check out The God That Answers! The link is at the bottom.)

A Confused Church

As Israel grinds through month 2 in a war Hamas started, it’s disappointing but not surprising to see where the Church in America sits on this.

I know I write about this all the time, but few others do so I’m trying to keep you informed—a massive drop-off in support for Israel among American churches represents I believe another front in the wars against the Jews.

I read this week the results of a LifeWay poll, in which Christians were asked about Israel’s war with Hamas. The results weren’t surprising, but something jumped out at me that isn’t readily apparent. Nowhere did I read the context for the war, not really. Not a single detail about the demonic atrocities.

(I have not yet watched the infamous 47-minute video about the atrocities. I’ve read about two or three of them and they are so beyond the pale, it’s a struggle to process the evil.)

It was all presented as an effort to “subdue” Hamas. No real mention that more than 1,200 people were horrifically tortured and butchered. Men, women, children. The elderly. Pregnant mothers. Young women maimed in the most intimate ways possible.

A post on X this week is relevant:

“I just did something I was on the fence about. I watched the 47 minute video Nothing other than the complete elimination “by any means necessary” of hamas along with the “innocent civilians” in Gaza will prevent something this horrific from ever happening again. There were no innocent civilians in Gaza on October 7^th”

Correct. Correct.

Correct.

I first saw the Lifeway poll in Christianity Today, which, in my view, is an anti-Israel publication. Language matters and words are key, and the Left (including CT) knows how to manipulate language. Hence the absence of real discussion about what actually happened on October 7. Gang rapes, murdered babies cut from their mothers, beheadings, maiming…this and more is what really happened.

I encourage you to read the results for yourself. Most of the results are horrifying, indicating either that American Christians by and large are almost totally ignorant of the conflict and/or they just don’t care. I will always stand by my contention that the percentage of authentic pro-Israel Christians in this country is shockingly low. I don’t include Christians that are primarily interested in “getting blessed” by supporting Israel, or Christians that see a moral equivalence between Israel and the Palestinians. These are not serious people.

By the way, I’ve come up with my own definition of “pro-Israel,” after lo these many years of advocating for them. It is the person that supports unconditionally the physical safety of the Jews, wherever they are. Unconditional is the key term here.

Of course, no one knows the actual numbers of authentically pro-Israel Christians in this country. My best guess is it’s some tens of thousands, perhaps up to a couple million. CUFI touts 10 million or so, but I see no evidence of this across the country. The Lifeway poll, though odious, is probably a fair pulse of the support out there.

One bit of nuance in the polling is this:

“Respondents were screened to include those who identified as Catholic/Roman Catholic, Protestant/non-denominational, or Orthodox Christians.”

Orthodox Christians are by and large anti-Israel. Catholics historically have not been pro-Jew, but there have also been important inroads made in dialogue between the two groups, since World War 2. These religious communities are known entities.

Where I think the problems come in is with evangelical communities. Most people in this group are squeamish about taking any kind of stand about anything.

Which brings us to another tough issue. What should be the outcome of the Hamas War?

I am probably in the minority, but I agree with the X poster above. I am more in the Ze’ev Jabotinsky camp, even Meir Kahane, who is a pariah in most circles.

But I ask this question: Why is even one Jewish murder tolerated?

Because that’s what our society has been doing. Yes, a couple presidents came to Israel’s aid in a moment of crisis. Yes, Jews were safer in our society than in others; emphasis on “were.” Yes, there are significant numbers of authentically pro-Israel Christians in this country.

But when is enough enough?

I share the view that there are very few if any good people in Gaza. The children are raised as psychopaths, sent to summer camps where they learn about death and murdering Jews. Arab women that do not know God are some of the most vicious people on the planet. Parents encourage their children to “become martyrs for Allah.”

So, then. My personal view is that, apart from the squishy, squeamish group polled by Lifeway, Gaza post-war should be uninhabited. No one lives there. Israel should control the area long-term. Years. Not a leaf blows without them knowing it. No more terrorists. No more citizens that support Hamas.

Empty.

This view is considered harsh and mean. Maybe even evil. We have to continue sending aid to the Palestinians, right? Show humanitarian support?

They hate our guts. They hate Israelis to the point of murdering them and torturing them. Worse, the glee they feel over the psychological damage done to Israelis is demonic.

They must be erased.

Israel won’t do this. They will attempt some middle-ground model, in which Gaza will be rebuilt, but the IDF controls the whole Strip. 1.5 million Jew-haters will still live there, seething, not at Hamas, but at the Jews. At America.

To wrap-up, maybe I was wrong about the title of this piece. Maybe the Church in America isn’t confused. Maybe they know all too well what they believe. They just don’t support Israel, generally.

And that will be a permanent stain on the history of the American Church.

Jim1fletcher@yahoo.com

Jimfletcher761@gmail.com

www.patreon.com/TheGodThatAnswers

In 1967, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan attacked Israel in what is called the 1967 War.

Israel captured the Golan Heights in 1967 and annexed them in 1981; Jews are living there today, and they are growing crops on them.

On Mar. 25, 2019, Pres. Trump recognized the Golan Heights as sovereign Israeli territory.

In June of 2019, to honor Pres. Trump for recognizing the Golan Heights as sovereign Israeli territory, Israel announced plans to build a community on the mountains and name it Trump Heights.

One year later, Israel budgeted the equivalent of about $2.3 million to build infrastructure and homes at Trump Heights.

Many nations (Syria, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and others) refused to recognize that the Golan Heights are part of Israel.

Their objection will probably play a role in the destruction of Damascus in one night (Isaiah 17) and the defeat of Russia, Turkey, Iran, and others in the Battle of Gog and Magog in the latter days and latter years (Ezek. 38-39).

The Bible says the nations around Israel will claim the mountains of Israel, slander Israel, and make God angry at the end of the age (Ezek. 36:4-12).

God added that He will be on Israel’s side; Israel will possess the mountains and grow crops on them.

On Nov. 27, 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling upon Israel to withdraw from the Syrian Golan Heights.

The problem that the UN, Syria, and all the others have is that God said the mountains are His (not Syria’s), and He will give them to Israel at the end of the age.

The world cannot liberate them because God has already liberated them and given them to Israel.

Who owns the Golan Heights?

The issue has been settled in heaven, and Israel’s enemies would be wise to accept what the Bible says.

Here are some recent reports that seem to relate to Bible prophecy.

One, concerning world government, a digital ID, and tracking everyone: on Dec. 6, 2023, Worthy Brief reported:

That the UN and some of its wealthy contributors hope to have everyone on earth in a digital ID system by 2030.
That Australia hopes to start enrolling its 26 million citizens in a digital ID system by the middle of 2024.
That Switzerland officials have approved a digital ID bill that they want to put into place in 2026.
That digital ID plans are progressing in many other nations.

Two, concerning pestilence at the end of the age and a population reduction: on Dec. 2, 2023, it was reported that a New Zealand government whistleblower has produced evidence that shows that more than 20% of New Zealand’s citizens have died since receiving Covid mRNA vaccinations.

Three, at some point following the Rapture, the Antichrist will confirm (strengthen) a peace treaty with many for seven years of peace in the Middle East (Dan. 9:27).

When the Antichrist confirms (strengthens) that covenant, world leaders will declare “peace and safety” (some translations say “peace and security”), and then sudden destruction (the Tribulation Period will come (I Thess. 5:1-3).

“Peace and safety” and “peace and security” are the same thing.

Many world leaders and prophecy teachers know that the Iranians and Palestinians have tried to thwart a peace treaty, and the Arabs have refused to negotiate a peace treaty until Israel meets the demands of the Palestinians.

Anyway, on Dec. 6, 2023, UN Sec. Gen. Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, which allows him to ask the UN Security Council to restore the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas because the war is threatening “peace and security” on earth.

The UN Security Council met on Dec. 8, 2023, to discuss Mr. Guterres’ request, and the U.S. vetoed it.

(My opinion: A demand from the UN Security Council might bring a declaration of “peace and security” at some point in the future, but if it does, it will not produce peace and security on earth.)

Four, concerning a covenant of peace in the Middle East: on Dec. 8, 2023, officials from Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia went to Washington to try to get the U.S. to push a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

While there, they urged the U.S. and the international community to accelerate the two-state solution (a peace treaty to divide Israel and give East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount to the Palestinians) in the Middle East.

They want a peace treaty or an agreement to sign a peace treaty in one year.

Incidentally, it may or may not be significant, but most of these nations are mentioned in Psalm 83.

(My opinion: Israel is no longer seeking a peace treaty with the Palestinians. Israel is looking to establish a security zone in Gaza and to influence who governs Palestine.)

Five, concerning perilous times and wars and rumors of wars at the end of the age: on Dec. 10, 2023:

Israel and Hamas are fighting in Gaza.
Israel is striking Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria almost daily.
Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen are constantly attacking ships in the Red Sea.
Hezbollah is firing rockets into Israel from Lebanon almost daily.
Iranian-backed terrorists have attacked U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq 92 times since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, 2023.
Turkey and Iran have said they will not let Israel defeat Hamas.
Russia and Ukraine are fighting.
China is threatening Taiwan.

(More: On Dec. 12, 2023, Netanyahu said the PA is helping Hamas attack Jews in the West Bank of Israel, so Israel is now preparing for the possibility of war with the PA. If PA troops want to fight on the side of Hamas, Israel may go after the PA troops.)

(More: On Dec. 12, 2023, Israel told the U.S. that Hezbollah has stepped up its unprovoked attacks on Israel from Lebanon, so Israel has no choice but to step up its attacks on Hezbollah.)

(My opinion: It seems like the world needs a man with a plan, but according to the Bible, he will go forth conquering and to conquer, and things will get a lot worse.)

Here are some daily updates on Israel’s war with Hamas.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 (Day 61): The sixth day of the resumed war.

Israeli troops have the home of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar surrounded, but he appears to be trying to hide himself.
Netanyahu said history has shown that UN forces do not demilitarize areas that are hostile to Israel, and the only force that will demilitarize an area that opposes Israel is the Israeli military.
Israeli forces have broken through the defenses of Shejaiya, Jbalia, and Khan Younis; Israel is destroying tunnels; Hamas is coming out to fight; and Israel is eliminating them.
Israel’s Defense Min. told Israelis who have evacuated their homes along Israel’s border with Lebanon that they will be allowed to return home “after Hezbollah forces are removed to the north of the Litani River, either through diplomatic means according to UN resolution 1701, or by force.” In my words, if the UN does not demilitarize the area according to resolution 1701, there will be another war, and Israel will do it.

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 (Day 62): The seventh day of the resumed war.

Fatah, the political party of PA Pres. Abbas (who is 88 yrs. old) is weak, divided, and unpopular with most Palestinians.
Israel has captured an abundance of detailed information on Hamas (their battle plans; the location of Hamas facilities and tunnels; tons of cell phones, pictures, and videos; maps and computers, etc.) that is being sent to Israeli troops on the battlefield and resulting in a lot of Hamas losses.
When a Hezbollah anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon killed an Israeli citizen, Netanyahu said, “If Hezbollah makes a mistake, it will turn Beirut and South Lebanon into Gaza and Khan Younis.”
Israel has completed the installation of five pumps, each one capable of pumping thousands of cubic meters of water per hour, from the Mediterranean Sea into tunnels in northern Gaza.
Hamas is stealing fuel and humanitarian aid that Israel allowed into Gaza to help the Palestinians.

Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 (Day 63): The eighth day of the resumed war.

Dozens of Hamas fighters have surrendered to Israeli troops.
Officials from Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia went to Washington to try to get the U.S. to push a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Israel tried to rescue some hostages, but two Israeli soldiers were killed, several were injured, one of the hostages was killed, and the attempt was called off.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 (Day 64): The ninth day of the resumed war.

Hamas troops fired on Israeli troops from inside a mosque and a UN-run school.
Russia said it will be a blatant war crime if Israel pumps seawater into the tunnels.
Israeli intelligence reported that there is a widespread feeling among captured Hamas troops that the Hamas leadership underground does not care about the public in Gaza who are above ground.
In response to the U.S. veto of a UN resolution demanding a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war, Turkey’s Pres. Erdogan said the UN must be reformed.
Hezbollah fired several rockets from Lebanon into Israel from a position that was about 20 meters (65 feet) from a UN base.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 (Day 65): The tenth day of the resumed war.

Hamas said no hostages will leave Gaza alive if their demands are not met (Hamas is still holding 137 hostages).
When one of the Hamas commanders was killed on Dec. 2, 2023, his deputy commander replaced him (he was killed on Dec. 10).
Netanyahu urged Hamas troops to surrender to Israel before they die with Yahya Sinwar.
Israel demanded that Russia cut ties with Iran because Iran sponsors most of the terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 (Day 66): The eleventh day of the resumed war.

Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza.
Hamas fired more rockets into Israel, including at Tel Aviv (Israel targeted the source of these rockets).
Israel said its troops are closing in on full control of northern Gaza.
France, Germany, and Italy sent a letter to the EU urging the prompt implementation of special sanctions against Hamas and its supporters. Their letter claims that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their aspirations.
Israel notified the U.S. that the international community must act against Lebanon to stop Hezbollah’s aggression against Israel. Otherwise, Israel is preparing for war with Hezbollah.

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 (Day 67): The twelfth day of the resumed war.

The U.S. asked the UN to condemn Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
The UN General Assembly was asked to approve a resolution calling for: 1) An immediate humanitarian ceasefire; 2) for all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably regarding the protection of civilians; and 3) for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access.
The UN General Assembly resolution passed, but the UN General Assembly vote is non-binding, so there is no guarantee that Israel or Hamas will abide by it.
Netanyahu said when the war is over, he will not allow anyone who teaches, supports, or finances terrorism to run the government of Gaza.
Israel has started pumping seawater into some of the tunnels in Gaza.
Terrorists in Gaza have fired more than 11,500 rockets into Israel since their Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 (Day 68): The thirteenth day of the resumed war.

A poll of Palestinians in Gaza found that 90% want PA president Mahmoud Abbas to resign.
Israel said its war with Hamas will continue with or without international support.

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com

18 Dec 2023

Who Owns The Golan Heights? :: By Daymond Duck