Dec 28, 2020

The Gospel of Racism is Harming the True Gospel Message

Racial strife in America has reached such dangerous levels, we are likely headed to an uproar that will rival this summer’s Black Lives Matter riots. There are now millions of people who are so delusional about racism, they think we are living in the most oppressive time in our nation’s history.

They fail to comprehend that there was a time when people were legally defined as property, there were cities and places you could not enter if you were of the wrong race, and you could get lynched for saying the wrong thing to the wrong person.

Today, things are somehow worse because of the erroneous claims that Trump is the most racist president to occupy the White House. The media spotlighting of every time a cop kills a black person is an ongoing explanation of out-of-control racism. The greatest danger to the life of a Black male in America is from another Black male. The murder rate in many cities is at record levels.

I think Black Lives Matter is a demonic joke straight out of the pit of hell. Black lives only matter if white people are involved. If 60 black youths are killed during a July 4th weekend, the world’s media don’t care. If some celebrity was found to pose in black-face 30 years ago, the press would circle them like sharks.

I’ve been dumbfounded by the level of dingbats gaining political office. When Chicago elected a lesbian as mayor, I guess people didn’t realize that her sexuality would heavily factor in the coming decisions she would make.

Democratic New York Congressman-elect Jamaal Bowman is a black man with very unique views on life. He believes the U.S. system of capitalism is a form of slavery.

“We’ve moved from physical chattel enslavement and physical racial segregation to a plantation economic system. One that keeps the majority of Americans unemployed, or underemployed and struggling just to survive, while the power elite continues to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few, and allow large corporations to pretty much run the world as multinational corporations,” said Bowman.

“The pandemic has revealed it. With almost 300,000 dead from the pandemic, disproportionately Black and brown, and Jeff Bezos is the first $200 billionaire. In the next six years, he might become the first trillionaire. That’s slavery by another name. It’s a system that’s not working, so we need a new system,” again said Bowman.

The fixation with racism has heavily invaded the churches. The Rev. Ralph West, founder and senior pastor of The Church Without Walls in Houston, Texas, recently said he is cutting ties with the Southern Baptist Convention over a recent statement from the denomination’s Council of Seminary Presidents denouncing critical race theory and intersectionality as incompatible with their beliefs.

West, who ministers to more than 24,000 families in three locations each week, made the announcement in an op-ed published in the Baptist Standard, which called on the seminary presidents to repent for bringing “division and confusion to the body of Christ” with their statement.

“The statement on critical race theory and intersectionality has soiled that good faith. I cannot maintain my affiliation any longer and therefore am withdrawing from Southwestern Seminary. Nor will I associate with the SBC any longer,” West said.

“What the SBC seminary presidents have done has brought division and confusion to the body of Christ. They must repent and seek reconciliation with those who can properly inform them of the wrong they have done. They must ask the Lord to open their hearts to hear the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how Jesus’ reign truly should impact our society,” he added.

I listened to several of West’s sermons from the last few months, and I can clearly say that he is gifted at appealing to the emotions of any crowd. He offers soothing words to people who are still on their way to hell. They don’t know the gospel’s message because Rev. West has been feeding them with a bastardized version of biblical texts for several years.

If you think Jesus came down to earth just to save mankind from the racist Roman Empire, you are immune to the true gospel message. Jesus came to die for all people who are equally lost in sin.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

— Todd


At the Heart of End-Times Prophecy

We are all too familiar with the angst and agony over the 2020 presidential election fraud, the overblown COVID-19 perpetration (in my opinion), and the satanic globalist rage that threatens to bring on life worse than that under the Nazi regime. But there is something even more profound in terms of where we stand on God’s prophetic timeline.

It has been going on for years—decades, really. We see it going on at the moment, even under the auspices of the president we here hold to be a true champion of Israel, thus one of the most God-directed of all of American history’s chief executives.

The actions taken by the US State Department and other agencies in this regard date back to Israel’s reestablishment as a nation in 1948 under President Harry Truman. The efforts, however, got seriously underway in later administrations, with the efforts becoming more pronounced in the most recent decades.

I refer here to the incessant attempts to bring Israel into peace arrangements with its blood-vowed enemies. More specifically, the heart of end-times prophecy—as referenced in the article’s title—involves the attempts made at dividing God’s Promised Land given to His chosen people, the Jews.

Efforts were made to do so during the Johnson and Nixon administrations, to be sure. Jimmy Carter’s presidency made progress in bringing together Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Al-Sadat. This was without serious attempts to add to the mix the division of the land God gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

But it was with the George Herbert Walker Bush presidency that the most profound signal of the very end of the age began shaping in an easily observable fashion. James Baker and the State Department began serious efforts to force the proposal that the land be divided in order to try to bring Israel’s enemy neighbors to the so-called peace table. Bill Clinton’s administration continued the effort, offering PLO leader Yasser Arafat 98 percent of all the PLO wanted, but to no avail, as Arafat walked out on the talks, knowing he would have nothing to complain about if he accepted the sell-out terms.

Then came the truly serious effort to produce the land-for-peace deal. The Roadmap to Peace proposals were carried out by the George W. Bush administration. That effort is still going today, having bridged the Barack Obama administration’s doing as much damage to Israel as possible, while maintaining a solemn face of pseudo-friendship with the Jewish state.

President Trump assigned his Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner, the job of putting together and carrying out the “Deal of the Century.” While Mr. Trump has been an apparent friend to Israel like no other president, nonetheless his administration retained some of the Roadmap to Peace land-division ideas within the “Deal of the Century” blueprint.

The Lord has said plainly that He will not abide the division of the Promised Land.

For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. (Joel 3:1–2)

God says this is in a time He has chosen to deal with all who have been implicit in dealing treacherously with His chosen people. It is the end times—the very end of the age—of which He forewarns.

And it’s not only those outside of Israel who are bringing about the fulfillment of this prophecy. We see growing within Israel’s governing forces a number of people who want to embrace this deadly course with regard to land for peace.

Benny Gantz believes Jerusalem is “spacious” enough for a Palestinian capital whilst still remaining united, according to an interview in a Saudi newspaper.

Gantz who serves as defense minister and alternate prime minister told the Arabic language newspaper Asharq al-Awsat that Jerusalem is a “spacious city that is full of sites which are sacred for all.”

They want and need an entity in which they will live independently. A state or a kingdom, they can call it whatever they like,” Gantz said. “It is in their right to have independence and a capital which will be a solution to all deadlocked issues.”

“I want Palestinians to be part of the peace process. The push for normalization within the Arab world is a great and tangible opportunity,” he said…

While Israel views Jerusalem as its official and undivided capital, while the Palestinians want its eastern part as their own capital under a two-state solution.

A peace plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year placed the Palestinian capital in Abu Dis, a small town near Jerusalem. (Gantz: There will be a place for Palestinian capital in united Jerusalem, Ynetnews, December 19, 2020)

As is often pointed out, despite all the other end-of-the-age signals that are flashing during the course of hourly news cycles, the nation Israel is the prime indicator of where this generation stands on God’s prophetic timeline. And it is the dividing of the land God promised to descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that is at the heart of Bible prophecy on the cusp of being fulfilled—with Armageddon looming.

–Terry

Celebrate Jesus :: By Nathele Graham

Today we have many concerns, and tomorrow is uncertain. We worry about a virus, wars, elections, and many things that can affect life for years to come. Prophecy seems to be running on fast-forward, but no matter what happens tomorrow, an event that happened many centuries ago should bring us peace.

I’m talking about the birth of Jesus Christ. That event changed the course of history, yet many who claim to be Christians have never read the account of His birth from Scripture. When Christmas comes around, we make sure our children believe there’s a guy up in the North Pole who has a workforce of elves making toys, and we see his supposed picture everywhere. Is that what Christmas is really about?

You and I both know that only Jesus Christ is the true meaning of Christmas… God’s gift to us. Let’s take time right now and turn our attention to God. There’s a verse that I quote many times, and it’s probably the best-known verse in Scripture.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Think about that verse, and then think of the way in which God’s Son entered His creation. He was born humbly in a manger. That’s the truth we need to instill in the hearts of our children.

The Gospel of Matthew gives Jesus’ genealogy through His stepfather, Joseph, who was a direct descendent of King David through the royal line of his son Solomon. The Gospel of Luke gives the genealogy of Jesus through His mother Mary, who was also a descendent of King David, but through a different son, Nathan. The Gospel of John also contains the genealogy of Jesus, God incarnate.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5).

This passage informs us that Jesus existed in the beginning and created everything. Parents, be sure you teach this truth to your children. Evolution is as fictional as Santa Claus, and you’re responsible for teaching your children truth.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

We know that Jesus was born in a manger, but His beginning was long before that event. Actually, He had no beginning but was the beginning of all things.

Instead of reading some fictional story to your children about a jolly fat man coming down the chimney and leaving gifts, read the truth of the birth of God in the flesh. The Gospel of Luke tells us about the virgin birth. Mary was young, but had been betrothed to a man named Joseph; they would not come together as man and wife until after they had been married. In those days, if a woman became pregnant prior to marriage, she could be stoned. God is serious about marriage and families. Her life would soon take a miraculous twist. Her cousin Elizabeth already had a miracle of her own. She was past child- bearing age, but after her husband encountered the angel Gabriel, Elizabeth became pregnant. This child would be known as John the Baptist and fulfilled a prophecy in Isaiah.

“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3).

The miracle that Mary experienced was even more spectacular.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be” (Luke 1:28-29).

It was Gabriel’s words that troubled Mary. The Greek word is diatarasso, which means “to agitate greatly, trouble greatly.” This is the only time this word is used in Scripture. Mary wasn’t terrified of Gabriel, but troubled by his words.

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:30-33).

In 2 Samuel 7:12 et seq, God promised David that his kingdom would be eternal, and Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise.

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:34-35). 

Mary was obedient to God and only wanted to know how this miracle was to be accomplished. If she had any worries over the result of her obedience to God, she didn’t express her doubts. Would Joseph want to marry her? If he didn’t, how could she raise the child alone? It was the husband’s responsibility to provide for the family, and a woman had no way of earning a living. In spite of all the things that could go wrong, Mary trusted God to provide for her.

Whenever we choose to obey God, we run the risk of ridicule from family and friends, but we can learn from Mary. If we’re obedient to God, we can trust Him.

“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:36-37). Be sure your children understand this. God is full of miracles, and nothing is impossible for Him.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38).

Mary seems like a very sweet person, and her obedience to God is an example to all of us.

The Gospel of Matthew tells us how Joseph reacted to this situation. He had no idea of the circumstances of the pregnancy and could only assume Mary had been unfaithful to him.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily” (Matthew 1:18-19).

Joseph didn’t want her stoned, but he couldn’t marry her if she was carrying another man’s child. God knew Joseph was considering releasing Mary from their betrothal, and He put Joseph’s mind at ease.

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:20-23).

The name “Jesus” means Jehovah is salvation, and “Emmanuel” means God with us. Jesus, God incarnate, is our only means of salvation and is with us always.

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS” (Matthew 1:24-25).

Joseph was a God-fearing man who was also obedient. He and Mary were the perfect couple to raise God’s only begotten Son.

There was still more prophecy to be fulfilled. The Messiah had to be born in Bethlehem.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child” (Luke 2:1-5).

This fulfilled Micah 5:2. That journey must have been difficult for Mary, and Joseph must have been very concerned for her and the Baby. Plays and movies usually show them getting to town just as she was about to deliver; Joseph desperately looks for lodging but is forced to take her to a stable. That’s not exactly what Scripture describes. There were many people in Bethlehem for the taxing, so chances of getting a room wasn’t good. Also, if there had been family there, they surely wouldn’t be pleased to take in Mary who wasn’t married, but “great with child.” So, they lodged in a stable. While they were there, Jesus was born.

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7).

I’m sure Mary would have rather given birth to the Son of God in a better place, but if God had wanted that to happen, He would have made a way. As it was, the humble birth of God’s Son is an example of His life. He didn’t come to us in order to be the King of kings; that’s still in the future, but He did come to teach us humility, love, and to serve others. It also allowed the lowliest of people to be the first to worship Him.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:8-9).

The shepherds had a very different reaction to seeing an angel than Mary had. They were truly frightened.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:10-14).

What a sight to see and a sound to hear! The shepherds went immediately and found Jesus, just as the angel said. Then, they shared the Good News.

“And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18).

Shouldn’t we tell everyone the Good News that Jesus Christ was born? Shouldn’t we celebrate Jesus instead of Santa Claus?

Jesus’ birth meant that God had come in the flesh to bridge the chasm of sin that separates humanity from Him. Today and every day, celebrate Jesus… and share the Good News.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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