Israel: Current Issues and Answers

The issues addressed concerning Israel, the land of Palestine, and the "Road Map to Peace" are of utmost importance. They are not only important in regard to the present day crisis in the Middle East and the role the United States plays in these matters. They are also relevant to what the Sovereign God of the universe and His scriptures (the Holy Bible) have to say about these things. Regardless of what man has to say and what he plans to do, the Word of the Living God must have, and will have, the final say.

Destination Middle East
Through a series of events which took place, I went to Washington D.C. and was introduced to a retired U.S. Congressman who was a born-again, spirit filled believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. Although retired from public office, he still carries great influence in D.C. and around the world. During this two year period, God has knit our hearts together and shown us that we are to become a team in reaching both the Jews and Muslims with the gospel of Jesus Christ, our primary target being the Middle East.

Aerodynamics and the Laws of Faith
Sitting in an airplane in Dallas, I looked out the window and watched the runway as the pilot began to throttle forward and set the plane in motion. The engines roared, and the plane started to move. I enjoy take offs because when the plane is on the ground the speed is more easily perceived, and it is quite a thrill to roll along at 100+ mph. I tried to guess the speed of the plane as the pavement moved faster and faster underneath us; 50, 60, 80, 100.

Is the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ Biblical?
One thing the Bible makes very clear is that Jesus Christ is going to return to earth and set up His kingdom out of Jerusalem, Israel. I believe we are living in the last of the last days before He returns. The signs are everywhere, as biblical prophecy is being fulfilled at an accelerated rate. The Word of God refers to His coming 1,845 times--1,527 in the Tenach (Old Testament) and 318 times in the New Testament. His Second Coming is mentioned eight times more than His First Coming. Jesus' return is mentioned in 23 of the 27 books of the New Testament. Over 50 times the Bible tells us to be ready for His return.

Parallels of Truth
We have just witnessed one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of our nation in Katrina. Winds of up to 165 miles per hour, torrential rains and ocean surges wiped out thousands of homes, flooded cities and killed numerous people, leaving multitudes homeless. The price of oil has jumped to over $70 per barrel, and gasoline prices have soared, all of this is taking its toll on our nation and its economy. It is most interesting that hurricane Katrina hit southern Florida first, causing millions of dollars in damage.

Are These the Last Days?
God's Word makes one thing absolutely clear. Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth and set up His earthly kingdom in Jerusalem, Israel. There are 1,845 references to His return in the Bible, with 1,527 of those being in the Tanach (Old Testament) and 318 in the New Testament. For every reference to His atonement, there are two references to His Second Coming. If we knew that the Messiah was coming tomorrow, wouldn't we be living our lives differently today? What are we living for? Is this life all there is?

President Bush - The Iraq War
On March 20, 2003, the United States went to war in Iraq for the second time for the purpose of destroying the weapons of mass destruction, purported to be held by Saddam Hussein, to bring down Saddam's empire, and to establish a democracy in order to stabilize that part of the Middle East. It has now been over four years, and the war continues to this day, causing a great uproar in our nation. There are those who say that President Bush made a mistake by invading Iraq.

The Blood of Decision
It is 11:20 PM, Monday evening July 3, 2006 as I begin to write this letter. Tomorrow, we celebrate another year of Independence for our country. There will be picnics, fireworks, bands playing, and great celebrations all over our nation. I am truly grateful to be living in a country that is still free. There is no greater nation on earth than the United States of America. Every time I go abroad and return home, I am so thankful that it was in God’s plan for me to be born a U.S. citizen and to spend the greater part of my life here. Yet, as I write to you, my heart is burdened for our nation as it slides deeper and deeper into immorality and godlessness.

United States in Danger
On September 13, 1993, I sat before my television set and watched two world leaders, President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister of Israel Yizkak Rabin, shake hands with Yassar Arafat, the world's leading terrorist. This meeting culminated the Oslo Accord. The agreement was suppose to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians. As I watched this take place, I was troubled and asked the Holy Spirit what He thought of it. Immediately, II Kings 8:11,12 came into my mind. In this scripture, Hazael, who would soon become king in Syria, stood before the Jewish prophet Elisha who fixed his gaze upon Hazael until he was embarrassed.

The Coming Peace
The United Nations, with the help of the United States and Europe, has drafted a new resolution (Resolution #1701) to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been agreed to by Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah. But does it mean anything? Will the conflict really cease, or will it continue now or sometime in the future? I personally think that it will continue for several reasons. First, U.N. Resolution 1559, which promised Israel safety from attacks in the north, never worked, nor was it ever enforced, so why should we believe this new Resolution will be any different? Second, the goal of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas and other Islamic terrorists groups is to completely destroy Israel.

The Next Move of God
As we look at the world around us, the signs of the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ are everywhere. Jesus said "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it also be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man." What were the days of Noah like? Iniquity and sin abounded, especially sexual perversion, materialism, satanism, violence, and hatred of God. Today, these things are running rampant throughout the world. The computer age and satellite transmission are two other signs of His return. Never before in the history of man have we been able to communicate worldwide as we can today. That is rapidly leading us toward Revelation 13 and the Mark of the Beast.