ISRAEL UPDATEJuly 25, 2004 - There has been much discussion, debate, and distress over the amount of money spent by the United States in its war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.
However, there are terrorism experts advising us that the nation of Iran is spending $70 million a month just in Iraq alone.
If this does not cause you distress, it should, for multiple reasons.
First, Iran is a nation of primarily Shi’ite Muslims who are extremely fundamental in their belief and support of Islam, making it very anti-Israel and anti-United States, collectively.
Second, Iran, being Shi’ite, will be able to use their advantage with the Shi’ites of Iraq enabling them to very easily destroy any establishment of democracy.
A third factor is the tie between Syria and Iran - namely the radical terrorist group Hezbollah - who have wreaked havoc in Lebanon, once a sovereign democratic nation.
Thus, the problem of Iran's interaction in Iraq is more than just political, but financial and religious as well.
A takeover by Iranian insurgents will not only destabilize the region, but pose a huge threat to America, and Israel as well.
Their shrewd, calculated, and slow but steady movement into the Iraqi scenario shows cunning and subtlety, while at the same time shows great force and tenacity.
Should America take the war on terror to foreign soil, or wait for another 9-11 scenario? Time will tell, but by then it will be too late. . .
July 25, 2004 – Within Christianity there is much theological debate over literal verses allegorical interpretation of the Scriptures. Topics like speaking in tongues, miracles ceasing with the Apostles, once saved - always saved, sanctification, a one time act, or an ongoing process, to name a few.
Besides these and many others, frankly we can understand that there would be questions. However, the one that is most difficult to comprehend is the belief of Jesus only, or the Oneness doctrine.
It is clearly recorded in the Gospels that during the baptism of Jesus all three members of the G-dhead were present… just as it was at the Creation in Genesis chapter 1.
One of my personal favorites is the passage found in Acts 4:26, “The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the L-rd, and against his Christ.”
This bold declaration of the Gospel by the Apostles early in the church history identifies a sovereign L-rd and against His (possessive) Christ.
The early Church knew and completely accepted the concept of a Holy G-d sending His only begotten Son to the world to redeem mankind from their sins.
Unfortunately, false doctrine is usually built on one or two passages, such as the Oneness doctrine (Isaiah 9:6), and not on the whole council of G-d's word.
The Apostle Paul wrote that he desired the believers to be sanctified in spirit, soul, and body. I Thessalonians 5:10 Why? Because the triune G-d created man in His image… a triune G-d and a triune nature in man to be ministered to by the Holy manifestations of G-d. The early Church understood and believed it - so should we. . .
To be continued . . .