ISRAEL UPDATEMarch 13, 2005 - Afghanistan and Iraq are now considered the models of removing Islamic fundamentalism and replacing it with a democratic system.
Can you picture members of the Taliban or al Qaeda holding the majority of ruling seats in Afghanistan, or Saddam Hussein's supporters doing the same in the newly revised Iraq?
Now we are told there is a new democratic system in the Palestinian controlled areas that is considered a model as well.
At this time, Hamas holds 75 of 118 seats (63.5%) in the local councils. Their group, founded in 1987 solely for the purpose of eradicating the Jewish state, is made up of fundamental radical Islamic terrorists. Fatah, the brainchild of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, won 39 seats. They are also an enemy of Israel.
Apparently, world opinion wants Islamic domination out and democracy in, except in the case of Israel. These terrorists are diligently seeking to destroy the only pro-America democracy in the region.
Arafat could not control Hamas during his tenure, and he allowed Fatah to run loose. . . Mr. Abbas has said he will follow Arafat’s example.
Rest assured, this role model of democracy will only be a “roll” model. I.e., they will attempt to roll over the Jewish state under false pretenses.
The Palestinian government is only a pseudo-democracy… hiding a hideous beast of death and destruction, aimed at the United States and Israel, Judaism and Christianity…
March 13, 2005 - The Pharisees are by far the most misunderstood of the religious groups of Jesus' time, yet they are very indicative of the Church today.
Contrary to popular opinion, not all of the Pharisees were bad. In reality, they understood who Jesus was, and followed him at great cost. Great examples of this are Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus.
Jesus did not totally condemn the Pharisaic movement. In fact, he stated, “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” Matthew 23:3
In principle, they were right. However, they were hung up on the do’s and don’ts, rather than serving G-d. Instead of pleasing Him through service, most of them became self-righteous. Unfortunately, many churches today have that same Pharisaic attitude.
Within what is known as Second Temple Pharisaic practice, there wee seven types of Pharisees. Five of them were very legalistic, these were the G-d fearers - while two were faithful in practice, and these were the G-d lovers.
The world at a glance might stereotype the Christian movement, but like the Pharisees, we have many sects within the ranks of Christendom. “Broad stroking” does a disservice to the whole group, as it is unfair and also misses much truth.
The Essenes and the Sadducees ceased to exist as religious groups with the destruction of the Temple, but not so with the Pharisees… Pharisaic Judaism has evolved into Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity, both of which still flourish today. They are the people that G-d will work through to complete His eternal plan.
To be continued…