As we pray for the peace of
Jerusalem
Prophetic News and Commentary
Weekend Edition,
Weekend Ending July 29, 2007
Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet….
Isaiah 62:6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O
Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make
mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
V:7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise
in the earth.
Psalms
122:6 Pray for the peace of
Disclaimer:
The opinions shared in the comments section of each article are the opinions of
the commentator and belong to the commentator alone. They are not
necessarily representative of any other commentator's views nor that of the
management, owners or Advisory Board of Millennium Weekend Ministries.
Furthermore, the comments are not meant to be an exact end-all answer to the study and
interpretation of end-times events and how it relates to biblical
prophecy. Much of the interpretation of biblical prophecy is subjective and open to many different
viewpoints; until such time as God reveals how perfectly His Word will be
fulfilled. What we wish to accomplish in these reports is to
encourage the reader to be as the Bereans and search
the scriptures to see if these things are so (see Acts 17:10-11)
________________________________________________________________________
Note: Due to copyright concerns entire News Reports will not be posted on this page. Please refer to the link for the full report. Fair Use allows for partial posting of news reports where the report has significance to the purpose for which we are posting - in our case where news reports have potential prophetic impact.
The following articles are compiled
by:
David Hilling
State to help same-sex couples adopt
Source: Ynet News.com
The Welfare Ministry has decided to facilitate the process of child adoption for same-sex couples and single-parent families in Israel, and has recently granted 30 lesbian couples permission to adopt a child together, or to adopt their partner's child.
Until recently, same-sex and single-parent families have suffered legal discrimination, as the law in Israel permits only "normative" households, namely those composed of a man and a woman, to adopt in Israel.
However, a committee founded by Welfare Minister Isaac Herzog to review the issue has formulated a new plan that would enable gays and singles to adopt children in the country. Those wishing to do so would be required to undergo routine tests to evaluate their parenting abilities, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Comments: In these days of worrying over air and water pollution, no one seems to care about moral pollution. Israel is willing to embrace Sodomites in their land. This comes on the heels of the “gay pride” parade. God will only tolerate this sort of thing foe so long. God will certainly chasten Israel for this breaking of His moral commandments. God sets a very high priority on sexual purity, and Israel is throwing this directly in his face.
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:24-32)
________________________________________________________________________
Knesset panel votes to revoke benefits from top officials convicted of moral turpitude
Source: Haaretz.com
By Zvi Zrahiya, Haaretz Correspondent
The Knesset Finance Committee on Monday voted to revoke state benefits for presidents and prime ministers who have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude.
The committee's decision will also affect former ministers and judges, including former president Moshe Katsav, should he be convicted of a crime of moral turpitude in accordance with a plea bargain struck in June.
According to the agreement, which is awaiting High Court of Justice approval, Katsav will be convicted of sexual harassment, forcible indecent assault and harassing a witness.
Comments: Second verse, same as the first. The leaders of God’s people should be above moral reproach, but this does not seem to be the case. Even if convicted, Katsav would still keep his substantial pension and his health insurance. He should be stripped of all benefits and do jail time, but this will not be the case. Katsav should emulate King David and repent of his sins, but this seems unlikely in view of this slap on the wrist.
________________________________________________________________________
PA Prime Minister: Resistance against Israel is legitimate
Source: Jerusalem Post
Palestinians have a legitimate right to resist the Israeli "occupation", even if the term, "resistance" does not appear in the new Palestinian Authority platform, PA Prime Minister Salaam Fayad said during a press conference in Cairo on Monday.
Fayad, who is representing the Palestinian Authority during an Arab League conference in Egypt, explained that the term "resistance" was excluded from the platform because it was too often associated with "armed struggle."
"What is the essence of resistance, especially in light of the current occupation?" Fayad asked. "Does is not begin with all possible efforts to strengthen the permanence of the Palestinian citizens on their land? That is precisely the government's agenda."
Fayad's government came under heavy criticism over the weekend from Hamas and other radical groups for failing to mention the "armed resistance" in its platform.
One group threatened to kill the "traitor" Fayad and his colleagues in Ramallah, while another said it would step up its efforts to bring down his government.
The threats against Fayad are the worst since he was appointed as prime minister last month.
Comments: The only resistance the Palestinians will accept is armed resistance. Their demands are non-negotiable. It will take another Mid-East War and the covenant with many of Daniel 9:27 to secure a temporary peace, which will be shattered by the Gog-Magog war when the Lord Himself will fight for Israel.
Time is growing very short. If you do not know Jesus, remember: (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)
________________________________________________________________________
Reports: Iran to buy jets from Russia
Source: The Jerusalem Post
Israel is looking into reports that Russia plans to sell 250 advanced long-range Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to Iran in an unprecedented billion-dollar deal.
According to reports, in addition to the fighter jets, Teheran also plans to purchase a number of aerial fuel tankers that are compatible with the Sukhoi and capable of extending its range by thousands of kilometers. Defense officials said the Sukhoi sale would grant Iran long-range offensive capabilities.
Government officials voiced concern over the reports. They said Russia could be trying to compete with the United States, which announced over the weekend a billion-dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Comments: The players are in the locker room getting dressed and soon must take the field. That these fighters are to be used against Israel goes without saying. And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: (Ezekiel 38:1-5)
It looks as if Russia (Gog) is providing the shields and helmets for Iran (Persia). Keep looking up. Our redemption draws near.
The following articles are compiled
by:
Leo Wong
'Traditionalist Catholics' demolish another evangelical church in Mexico
Source: www.crosswalk.com
July 27, 2007 -- Chiapas state officials arrested 14 “traditionalist Catholics” following the destruction on Sunday (July 22) of an evangelical church in a community of San Juan Chamula, near San Cristobal de las Casas, in Mexico’s Chiapas state.
State Public Security officers arrested several of the traditionalist Catholics, who practice a blend of traditional Mayan religion and Roman Catholicism, for tearing down Prince of Peace Pentecostal Church in Nishnamtic, evangelical pastor and attorney Esdras Alonso Gonzalez told Compass.
Comments: The persecution of Bible believing Christians by the Roman Catholic Church never seems to end. The Romish Church, while proclaiming primacy as the one true church and sole avenue of salvation does not hesitate to silence those who dare preach the Way, the Truth and the Life in Jesus Christ alone. If Protestant believers are killed in the process of razing their churches, then so be it. In its self-deluded servitude to God, death and destruction justify the end. Convert to Catholicism or die. Ecumenism has gone so far and now it appears to have come to a complete halt. Pope Benedict recently drew a line in the sand. He not only compelled his followers to return to the Latin Mass, but he proclaimed that there’s no other Christian church other than Mother Catholicism (of the Roman brand no less).
The book of Revelation is specific about persecution of true Christians during the 7‑year Tribulation Period. It will be the False Prophet who commands all of Earth’s citizens to bow their knees in worship of the Antichrist. Anyone who doesn’t is beheaded. Increasing persecution is pronounced on this side of the Rapture event and reaches the pinnacle just prior to Jesus’s return to Earth.
________________________________________________________________________
United Methodists help Muslims with joint relief projects worldwide
Source: THE CHRISTIAN POST
July 28, 2007-- The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has announced a new partnership with British-based Muslim Aid, with which it hopes to spend up to $15 million on joint relief projects around the world.
Muslim Aid was founded in the 1980’s with help from former British rock star turned Muslim convert Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam.
UMCOR’s operating budget last year was nearly $90 million, of which $27 million was a grant for Hurricane Katrina relief work from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). Muslim Aid’s expenditures in 2005 were about $17 million.
Then Chief Cabinet Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms presided over the June marriage announcement in London, "No one should underestimate the potential for good that Christians and Muslims (working together) can do in the UK and in the rest of the world," Timms said, according to United Methodist News Service. "This shows what distinctive faiths can achieve when the focus is on shared values."
It is not clear what exactly the “shared values” are between the liberal Methodist relief agency and the Islamic group. Randy Day, who heads UMCOR’s parent group, the New York-based United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, said that "while we come from different theological positions, we have the same humanitarian values to relieve the suffering of those in need, no matter who they are or what they believe."
What is UMCOR’s theology? It is not clear. UMCOR’s website contains no references to God, Jesus Christ or the Bible. Its “our values” section explains that UMCOR’s mission is to “alleviate human suffering,” to honor “cultural differences,” to appreciate human dignity, always to work with partners, and to avoid “ tying the promise of its relief and development activity to any religious or political viewpoint.”
Comments: Another liberal Protestant denomination advancing the social gospel while millions of souls are headed for Hell. Yet another so called Christian organization whose website contains no mention of God, Jesus or the Holy Bible. I can understand the World Council of Churches omitting all that important stuff, but the Methodists? If that’s Christianity, it’s no wonder real Christians are yearning earnestly for the Rapture event. The rapid descent into apostasy is so evident today. No longer preaching the Good News Gospel and contending for the faith and upholding the inerrancy of the Bible, they have drifted into interfaith and inter-religious co-operation. After all, all religions basically lead to Heaven, they wishfully contend. ‘Christians’ can work together with Allah’s Islam to achieve universal brotherhood and along the way, make this planet a better place to live for ourselves and future generations.
It’s all about humanity and its betterment. Sorry to burst their bubble, but this lovey dovey gesture by professing Christians is temporal at best and loathsome to God. Due to their spiritual blindness, they’re unable to see Satan’s agenda for what it is: Get people rooted to this earthly scene to advance Cain’s works based religion and Nimrod’s civilization of rebellious mankind striving to enter Heaven by his own methods.
________________________________________________________________________
Egyptian FM: Israel’s Bibi Netanyahu not opposed to Arab initiative
Source: www.ynetnews.com
July 29, 2007 -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gheit said Saturday that Arab countries were waiting for a clear indication from Israel that it was interested in discussing peace with its neighbors.
in return for a full withdrawal from land occupied during the 1967 Israeli-Arab war was aimed at establishing a Palestinian state through negotiations.
Abul Gheit said opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu told him during talks in Jerusalem earlier this week that he was not opposed to the initiative. Netanyahu was said to be opposed to the Arab peace plan because he redeemed it dangerous to Israel's security.
"We presented to him the Arab position. Netanyahu focused on the importance of economic cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians to benefit the Palestinians. We also spoke about the need to revive the peace process," Gheit told al-Ahram.
"In general I can say that Netanyahu does not express opposition to the Arab initiative although he wanted to check some points, especially in relation to the Palestinian refugees. He wanted to know the principles of the initiative. In a general manner he did not rule out the initiative," he added.
"There is a sense in Israel that the peace process should be revived. There is an opportunity that we need to cash in on," he said.
Comments: Bibi Netanyahu is supposedly a man of God, but he doesn't believe in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior nor that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel as foretold in the Old Testament. Of course, only God knows whether a person is saved or not. I strongly believe that there hasn't been one modern Israeli leader (e.g. David Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Monachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir) who had publicly acknowledged Jesus as Saviour, Lord and Messiah. I don't prescribe to Dual Covenant Theology that says Jews have a separate way (due to their specialness) to God aside from faith in Jesus Christ. John 8:[24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM He, ye shall die in your sins. John 10:[30] I and my Father are one.
If you recall way back in 1998, it was Bibi who succumbed to the strong‑willed U.S. President Bill Clinton at the Maryland Wye River Accords which disadvantaged Israel. Bibi may be right-wing, but he tends to fly down the center on many issues. When push comes to shove, he, like all others who face enormous pressures from external sources, will give in. It’s the international community that applies the corkscrew to Israel’s leaders to do this or do that. In politics, the liberal left and the conservative right are two sides of the same coin and they both have a central position when things suit them. Pertaining to Israel, it’s God who dictates future policies and events as they’re played out according to His timeline. Bibi is just a bit player in the scheme of things; he’ll sell out Israel as all Christ rejecters have in the past.
________________________________________________________________________
Evangelicals' letter backs Palestinian state: Pastors sign letter to President Bush backing him
Source: Jerusalem Post
July 29, 2007- Many evangelical Christians throughout the United States support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and seek "justice" for both sides, reads an open letter to US President George W. Bush published in Sunday's New York Times.
The letter, signed by several dozen evangelical clergy and activists, urged the Bush administration not to "grow weary" in its attempt to negotiate a "lasting peace" in the region.
The letter's authors sought to correct what they called a "serious misperception" that all American evangelicals objected to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and said they hoped that the awareness of a large body of evangelical support for a permanent status agreement between Israel and the PA would "embolden" Bush.
Those who love [Israel] are not forced to withhold criticism, the letter argued, adding that "genuine love and blessing" meant promoting one's neighbors well-being.
According to the letter's authors, both Israel and the Palestinians had rights to the land of Israel that stretched back "millennia." Both sides, the letter said, had committed acts of violence.
Only a lasting peace agreement, the letter exhorted, would end bloodshed and ensure that each side had a "viable" state. To this end, the letter's authors expressed their support for the road map peace plan, and endorsed former British prime minister Tony Blair's efforts in his new role as the Quartet's Middle East envoy.
"We renew our prayers and support for your leadership… and justice and peace for all the people in the Holy Land," the letter concluded.
Comments: Much of Christendom has sold Israel down the river. Not believing that Israel is unique and will be much in God’s future plans for this world, it has joined the growing chorus of the unsaved who demand that Israel divide the land in exchange for guaranteed peace and security. This has been the Devil’s plan all along since God made His unconditional promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that He’ll give them the Promised Land for an eternal inheritance. If the Devil can convince Israel to hand over more and more land, eventually, she’ll be so miniscule that her enemies would pounce on her and devour her. No Israel means God’s plans are thwarted, so thinks the Devil. No Israel also means that Jesus Christ cannot return to the Mount of Olives to establish His Messianic Kingdom lasting 1,000 years of peace and righteousness.
The Replacement Theology that’s prevalent within Christendom has the Church replacing Israel for now and forever. The Roman Catholic Church and the vast majority of liberal Protestant denominations prescribe to this false teaching. To witness this letter sent to President Bush by evangelical Christians nearly floored me. ‘Evangelical’ means taking God’s Word and interpreting it literally. In doing that, not every believer holds to dispensationalism and even among dispensationalists, not all are pre-Tribbers, but at least dispensationalists believe this world (including Israel) will go through 7 years of tribulation. Daniel 9:27 specially mentions a 7-year peace deal between the Antichrist, Israel and the many and then the Tribulation Period begins. These prominent evangelicals know about the upcoming Tribulation Period, but nevertheless, they’re urging President Bush to do what he can to forge peace between Israel and the Arabs/Muslims. How do you explain that? Are they trying to hasten the Lord’s return? Sure seems like it. I know of several so called Christian Zionists such as John Hagee, Hal Lindsey, Jack Kinsella, Grant Jeffrey and others who hold to the pre-Tribulation Rapture view but are adamantly opposed to Israel giving away her land. Not only that, but they don’t even want Israel and the Arabs to make peace even if the land issue was not involved. They like the status quo in which Israel is militarily superior to the Arabs/Muslims. Their message: If you love Israel, don’t divide her God given land.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Keep watching (Matt 24:42)!
Shalom!