ISRAEL UPDATEMay 1, 2005 - The modern nation of Israel has fought for her survival for nearly six decades. Even the years prior to Statehood were bloody and unrelenting, to say the least.
Officially, Israel has gone to war in the years 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982, with each war being very costly in human life and misery, plus a tremendous financial cost as well.
On top of that, the Jewish State has fought a continual battle against terror that has gone well beyond what used to be just bands of marauders, terrorist infiltrations across borders, and airline hijackings. In today’s world, they must deal with maniacal suicide bombers, who constantly target civilians.
In essence, from the time the first Jewish immigrants trickled into Israel since 1880, to today – much blood has been spilled, lives have been lost, and a nation has been burdened by troop mobilization and long-term care for the permanently disabled and impaired.
It is ironic that with this history, the more time marches on; the more pressure is put upon her to concede additional land and security. This is done under the guise of peace… if the current trend continues; our President may earn the dubious distinction of cementing a peace pact in place with Israel's enemies.
Pray for our leaders, as this agreement is not something our President, or this nation, should truly welcome, because it will not last. In reality, it will only bring about more death and destruction...
May 1, 2005 - There is much controversy surrounding the Rapture of the Church, since the actual word “rapture” does not appear written in the Scriptures.
However, there are many allusions to this principle in the Scriptures. They speak to us of this hope and belief, and one example is related as early as the Book of Genesis.
“And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: and Enoch walked with G-d: and he was not; for G-d took him “ Genesis 5:23-24
We take great hope and the fact that after a long, fruitful, and productive life on our earth, Enoch was taken by G-d to heaven to receive his reward. It was not due to perfection, but because to his heart and attitude were perfect toward G-d.
There are today what are known as modern faith teachers that it in essence treat Enoch as a “little god,” or in their language, a “celestial being.” They teach that he was elevated because of hyper faith.
However, the principle of Enoch’s translation is found in faithfulness, rather than faith. It serves as a guide to us of how to live, then receive our reward.
One day Jesus will call the Church home, and many with Enoch’s same attitude will hear Jesus say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant…” We will then enter into the joy of the L-rd with all the faithful saints. The word “rapture” may not appear in the Bible, nevertheless, the principle was established long ago…
To be continued…